For many of Utah's small businesses, the end of the 8-week period they have to use their PPP loan is quickly approaching, but they remain closed or far from full capacity as our economy remains paused to fight the spread of COVID-19. Senator Romney and a bipartisan group of colleagues introduced legislation that would double the amount of time a small business has to use its loan, from 8 weeks to 16 weeks. This legislation would help provide employers the flexibility they need to reopen and rehire their employees, without risking their eligibility for loan forgiveness.
This week, the House passed similar legislation, extending the PPP loan spending window to 24 weeks or December 21, whichever comes sooner. The Senate is expected to consider similar measures next week.
Full story by Art Raymond here.
The Paycheck Protection Program was designed by Congress to help struggling small businesses and nonprofit organizations retain their employees. It was not designed to give government funds to politicized, partisan abortion providers. Planned Parenthood knew they were ineligible for these loans, yet applied for and received nearly $80 million. Senator Romney and Senator Lee joined a group of nearly 30 colleagues to urge the Department of Justice to investigate Planned Parenthood for alleged fraud.
Full story by Dennis Romboy here.
One of Senator Romney's first actions in the Senate was co-sponsoring and working to maintain Utah priorities in the public lands package, which included legislation conveying federal land to local entities: 790 acres in Uintah County and 80 acres in Hyde Park to support local needs. With the finalization of this land transfer comes the recognition that our land is best managed by the communities and people closest to it—not federal bureaucrats.
Full story by Brian Maffly here.
Reports indicate Chinese state-owned and directed enterprises are looking to exploit this economic crisis by buying U.S. and foreign companies in distress. As companies backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) approach banks to identify the purchase of companies affected by the pandemic, Senator Romney joined colleagues to urge the U.S. Department of Treasury to protect businesses against the CCP’s predatory economic behavior during the COVID-19 crisis.
Full story by Dennis Romboy here. |