Smith Supports President Trump’s Paycheck Protection Program, Votes for Key Funding in COVID-19 Fight

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith released the following statement after voting to pass the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) today. H.R. 266 replenishes funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provides additional monetary assistance for health care providers and hospitals, and expands testing for COVID-19. PPP was created by the CARES Act to keep workers on payroll at businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees which have been impacted by social distancing guidelines.

"Community banks across Nebraska's Third District have been working hard to help their neighbors access over $3 billion from the Paycheck Protection Program already. Small businesses are the lifeblood of rural America and PPP has been critical in keeping them afloat during this pandemic. I appreciate the President's leadership in supporting hardworking Americans in this difficult time so we can get our economy to back on track after this crisis has passed."

President Trump is expected to sign H.R. 266 later today.