Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our nation's small businesses. As many of my colleagues are aware, our country's economy is built upon and benefits from the millions of entrepreneurs and innovators who go to work every single day for a small business. Without these small businesses and their employees, the United States would not be the economic hub it is today.

However, Mr. Speaker, these small businesses, along with our entire nation, have been presented with an unprecedented enemy. The 2019 novel coronavirus has wreaked havoc on our health, our economy, and our day- to-day lives. Everyday activities like visiting our loved ones, dining at our favorite restaurants, or cheering on our favorite teams have been placed on hold as we combat this virus. I believe the steps taken by this Administration and governors around the country, including Governor DeWine in my home state, to minimize the destructiveness of the coronavirus should be noted and applauded.

In Congress, we have worked to provide the necessary aid and relief sought by so many. We have extended health benefits--placing public health at the forefront of our battle. We have ramped up our equipment production to levels unseen for nearly 80 years, when we were fighting the Second World War. And perhaps most importantly, we have funded aid programs within the Small Business Administration to lift up America's small businesses.

The bill before us, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, will continue to support these critical efforts through much-needed supplemental funding. Earlier this week, I introduced my own resolution to recognize the enormous strain being placed upon our economy's engine, the small businesses that are the foundation of all our communities. To say that this Congress has come to the aid of small businesses would be fair; but, to say that our job here is done would be far from true. In fact, it is important now more than ever to double down on our support and ensure unwavering commitment to Main Street.

Mr. Speaker, my resolution specifically requests Congress to increase its support for America's small businesses. I am extremely pleased to see that programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program will receive the money needed to continue aiding our nation's small businesses. Of the $349 billion appropriated by Congress in the CARES Act for small business relief programs, my home state of Ohio received over $14 billion. These dollars are going to real businesses and helping communities, both large and small, across my district. I hope even more dollars make their way to Ohio as we get set to pass this relief bill before us.

This week, Congress will pass the fourth aid bill to help Americans. And much like the previous bill, the CARES Act, the bill before us increases funding levels for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, while also ensuring our health care system receives the support it needs.

In addition to providing $370 billion of relief to small businesses, the bill includes $75 billion more for hospitals; the first tranche of this money from the CARES Act's fund has already gone out. Hospitals in my district have let me know how critical it was to receive this support. They have also let me know that more is direly needed. This is why we are here today; to respond to those calls for more help. The PPP and Health Care Enhancement Act also includes $25 billion for testing. I know from Ohio's governor that this is a key piece of the puzzle in safely reopening economic activity.

Congress must not hesitate in its efforts to combat the novel coronavirus. Congress must not hesitate in its appropriation of additional funds to support America's small businesses. It is imperative we use our time here as Representatives of our communities and the full capabilities of the federal government to protect Americans--both in terms of health and economic security. We will defeat this virus and we will emerge from this unprecedented time a stronger, more resilient nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and stand with small businesses and those on the front lines--without which, our nation would most certainly not be the global beacon of opportunity and freedom it is.

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