Greenville, N.C. – Last week, funds for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) officially ran out. The $349 billion small business assistance program is a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. Previously, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a unanimous consent request in the Senate to immediately add $250 billion to the PPP in a clean bill, which was blocked by Democrats.

Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement in response:

“Small businesses in eastern North Carolina are hurting during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. It is completely irresponsible of Democrats to use the livelihoods of Main Street business owners and their employees as a bargaining chip in this process. The PPP has wide bipartisan support. Providing additional funds for this program is commonsense and needed,” said Murphy.

“Have there been challenges with the PPP? By all means. It was a process put together in one week by the Federal government that normally would take years. We must look at policies that can meet greater needs and address some shortcomings. But right now, we must pass a clean bill to replenish these funds immediately and help small businesses, which are the backbone of our great nation. America needs this,” Murphy concluded.