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Joyce Praises Passage of Paycheck Protection Program Funding

October 6, 2020

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), a member of the House Small Business Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

"After weeks of delay at the hands of Democrats in Congress, the House of Representatives at last approved additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. This temporary assistance already has helped nearly 70,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, saving more than 652,000 jobs. Passage of today's bill means that small businesses will once again be able to access this lifeline, pay their employees, and stay afloat.

"We recognize that the coronavirus outbreak has spurred both a public health crisis and an economic crisis. All of us want to get Americans back to work as soon as possible, and Congress has taken decisive action to maintain our workforce and safeguard the economy during this unprecedented situation.

"Over the past several weeks, I have spoken with hundreds of Pennsylvania workers, small businesses, and farmers that are counting on the Paycheck Protection Program. Our small businesses and farms are not only the backbone of our economy - they are the heart of our community. This additional Paycheck Protection Program funding will help hardworking Pennsylvanians weather this storm."

The Paycheck Protection Program is an important resource for Pennsylvania's farmers, who have suffered a downturn in sales to restaurants and other commercial customers. Dr. Joyce, who serves as the top Republican on the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship, is a steadfast advocate for farmers and agriculture producers.

"We are heartened by today's changes to the PPP and EIDL programs that remove some of the obstacles preventing dairy farmers and other agricultural producers from receiving small-business support," said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. "We thank Congressman Joyce for his significant work securing these improvements, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to provide Pennsylvania dairy producers the support they need during this crisis and beyond."

Earlier this month, Dr. Joyce sent a letter to the Small Business Administration urging the agency to clarify farm and agricultural producer's eligibility for Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Small businesses, including farms, that want to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program should apply as soon as possible. More information and applications are available directly from the Small Business Administration.

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Issues:Economy