Press Releases

Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) statement on the Biden Administration's major changes to the Paycheck Protection Program

Washington, February 22, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) released the following statement on the Biden Administration's announcement today surrounding major changes to the Paycheck Protection Program.

“As the Biden Administration announces major changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, I am concerned about the potential for further waste, fraud, and abuse within the Small Business Administration’s lending programs. Less than two weeks ago, Committee Republicans offered many substantive budget reconciliation amendments including:

  • Enhancing oversight by increasing funding for the SBA Office of Inspector General;
  • Disallowing direct PPP funds to individuals convicted of nonconsensual sexual felonies, misdemeanors/felony crimes of violence, and misdemeanor/felony assault on a police officer; and
  • Halting PPP funds of up to $10 million in taxpayer dollars for political labor unions.

All of these amendments were rejected by Committee Democrats as they rammed through their entirely partisan agenda, and the new PPP reforms announced today follow that same political strategy. I look forward to receiving further details from the Biden Administration on these substantial changes to the Paycheck Protection Program.”

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