Lori Trahan: “Every Member of this Chamber has had the privilege of meeting with hardworking small business owners in their districts…”

“Every Member of this Chamber has had the privilege of meeting with hardworking small business owners in their districts who overcame incredible challenges to stay open during the pandemic. The stories that stick with me the most are the ones from family- owned establishments--community staples like Simply Khmer in Lowell and Terra Luna in Lawrence. These businesses accessed relief through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and it helped them keep their doors open and their employees on staff. But for every Simply Khmer and Terra Luna, there are three or four other restaurants who applied but didn't get the relief they needed because the fund ran out of money. And that has left many businesses hanging on by a thread pleading for help. Passing the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act will answer those calls for aid. Madam Speaker, we owe these restaurants and small businesses this legislation. There is simply no reason anyone in Congress should oppose it. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in passing this bill.”