04.16.20

McConnell Provides Update on Paycheck Protection Program

‘Americans need Democrats to stop blocking emergency paycheck money and let this job-saving program reopen. I hope our colleagues come around soon.’

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the need for additional action regarding the Paycheck Protection Program portion of the CARES Act:

“A very brief update on where we are.

“One week ago, on this floor, I warned that the Paycheck Protection Program was running out of money and tried to a pass clean funding bill. Senate Democrats blocked it.

“Here’s where we are, a week later, with absolutely no progress. This morning, the program ran out of money and shut down, just as I warned a week ago.

“But even now, Senate Democrats are still blocking funding.

“Every Senate Republican was ready to act today, but Democrats would not let us reopen the program.

“It is absolutely surreal to see Democratic leaders treat support for workers and small businesses as something they need to be goaded into supporting.

“This really should be above politics.

“Five million more Americans lost their jobs just last week.

“That makes 20 million layoffs in just one month.

“Americans need Democrats to stop blocking emergency paycheck money and let this job-saving program reopen.

“I hope our colleagues will come around soon.”

Related Issues: Senate Democrats, Small Business, Economy