Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) urged House and Senate leaders to replenish and reauthorize programs that have served as a lifeline to millions of small businesses.

“Small businesses are a vital part of our communities and the economy but have struggled to keep their doors open through nearly two years of a public health crisis,” wrote Congressman Gomez in his letter. “Due to overwhelming need and insufficient funds, most of these programs have completely exhausted, leaving hundreds of thousands of small business owners without the relief Congress promised them.

“I urge you to support the reauthorization and replenishment of these small business programs so all eligible applicants can receive desperately needed assistance, especially those in hard-to-reach communities,” the letter continued.

In the wake of the pandemic’s widespread, adverse impact on our nation’s economy, Congress authorized several programs to provide small business relief, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG) program. However, these programs have expired or are completely exhausted due to insufficient funding and overwhelming need.

Earlier this year, Congressman Gomez announced that his casework team had helped secure over $11 million in federal small business assistance for over 170 small businesses across the 34th Congressional District.

To read the full letter, click here.