Crapo Statement On Vital Funding For American Paychecks, Small Businesses And Crucial Sectors Of Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today supported the passage of “phase 3.5” of emergency coronavirus legislation, allowing over $480 billion of additional funding to be placed in the hands of the American people and small businesses.

“The additional funding Congress agreed to today will help additional small businesses receive money from the Paycheck Protection Program,” said Crapo.  “This program ensures that employees of small businesses can still keep their jobs and collect a paycheck while this pandemic keeps small businesses shuttered.  Additionally, today’s funding agreement makes sure that we take care of the people on the front lines who are putting their lives on the line to help fellow Americans as we face this crisis.  Finally, the bill provides vital funding for states, localities, tribes and even employers to conduct thorough, accurate and widespread testing.”

Today’s legislation includes additional funding to conserve and support the economic foundations of our nation and to help those on the front lines:

• $321 billion in additional funds for the Paycheck Protection Program;
• $50 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for small businesses;
• $10 billion for Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan grants;
• $75 billion for health care providers; and
• $25 billion for COVID-19 testing, including $11 billion for states to scale-up testing capacity and conduct contact tracing.

“This pandemic is something we have never seen,” said Crapo.  “Congress must continue to work diligently to ensure that the American people reliant on these small business employers--as well as front line workers--have access to critical funding they need during this tough time.  We still have considerable work ahead to minimize this health threat and ensure families and small businesses thrive, and widespread testing will help us effectively combat COVID-19 and get the economy open and back on its feet.  I continue to send my best wishes, prayers and thoughts for all those affected by this devastating virus.”

A summary of the Paycheck Protection Program section HERE.

A summary of hospital and testing portions HERE.

Idahoans can continue to find updated information from Governor Little’s central information portal at https://coronavirus.idaho.gov.  Additional national guidance and information can be found through the CDC website at https://coronavrius.gov.