Some Senate Democrats have joined a former economic adviser in calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to pass more funding for small businesses after the initial $350 billion loan program ran out of money on Thursday.
“Congress has to act as soon as possible,” President Barack Obama’s small-business chief during his first term, Karen Mills, told Roll Call on Thursday. “No. 1, get the money replenished.”
Senate Democrats have begun to echo a similar sentiment.
“Arizona businesses are counting on us to help them during this emergency” Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema said Thursday. “I’m calling on leadership in both parties to get thru this stalemate ASAP – we can’t wait longer.”
Arizona businesses are counting on us to help them during this emergency. I’m calling on leadership in both parties to get thru this stalemate ASAP – we can’t wait longer. https://t.co/FkzvfixOQg
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) April 16, 2020
“Minnesota small businesses need relief now,” Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith wrote. “I fought hard for this program and am now pressing for additional funds, faster delivery and implementation improvements to help more Minnesotans get assistance ASAP.”
Minnesota small businesses need relief now. I fought hard for this program and am now pressing for additional funds, faster delivery and implementation improvements to help more Minnesotans get assistance ASAP. https://t.co/POKKYaL8OS
— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 16, 2020
“West Virginia small businesses are hurting,” West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin said in a press release Thursday. “It’s time to stop the partisan bickering and come together to fix this. Congress must act in a bipartisan way to quickly invest more funding into the PPP and we need to do so in a way that protects small businesses and healthcare providers like those across rural West Virginia.”
Pelosi has been criticized for failing to come up with a new small-business package that can pass through the House, which is in recess until at least May 4.
“Today people started losing their jobs because of Crazy Nancy Pelosi, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, and the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, who should immediately come back to Washington and approve legislation to help families in America. End your ENDLESS VACATION!” President Trump tweeted Friday.
Today people started losing their jobs because of Crazy Nancy Pelosi, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, and the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, who should immediately come back to Washington and approve legislation to help families in America. End your ENDLESS VACATION!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to pass a bill adding $250 billion more into the program, but Democrats blocked the move. They instead proposed a $500 billion measure that included changes to the program and a restructure providing special funding for vulnerable businesses and underserved communities. They also attempted to infuse money for hospitals, state and local governments, and food stamp programs.
