June 03, 2020

Van Hollen Statement on Senate Passage of PPP Fixes

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the Senate passage of legislation to make important fixes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

“As our economy reopens, many of our small businesses and nonprofits are still barely hanging on. They need help they can use – and they need it now. But many have struggled to use the relief that the PPP was originally intended to provide. These fixes are crucial to making relief funds more accessible and workable for those who truly need them. I will continue fighting to provide our local businesses and nonprofits with the support necessary to get through this crisis.” 

Senator Van Hollen has repeatedly urged the Administration and Congress to make necessary changes to improve the PPP, including in a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on April 6, and letters to both SBA Administrator Carranza and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on April 16 and again on May 1. These letters requested changes such as those included in the Senate-passed legislation today. Senator Van Hollen has also announced an innovative proposal utilizing the work share program and grants to further help small businesses and nonprofits weather this storm.