On the recordMay 28, 2020
I thank the chairwoman for her leadership with the ranking member, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Roy. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support because 100,000 people are dead. Small businesses are living in the midst of those communities of devastation, but they are trying to keep their doors open so they can help their fellow citizens. I am grateful that we will allow an extended period of time, 24 weeks, for allowing for forgiveness. I am very grateful we have extended the date, for extending the program to December 31, and, of course, the payment, the loan period to 5 years. I know the mom-and-pop barbershops and cosmetology shops and nail shops and restaurants; they are crying out to survive. Some of their very workers have died. They are taking care of families. And so to ensure the full access to payroll tax deferment for business tax, that takes PPP loans. In addition, I support the TRUTH Act because the money that we give must be used right, and transparency on who gets the loans is important. Mr. Speaker, this further relief for small businesses is well placed because they are the anchor of the economy. I say to Houston small businesses: We are coming to help you. We will be speaking to you this week. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and we should move this forward as quickly as possible. They are the anchor of the economy of this Nation.
