Without new funding, feds halt applications for small business aid
Amid finger pointing in Congress over what type of emergency aid should be funded to help Americans deal with the negative impact of the Coronavirus, the Trump Administration said on Thursday that the Small Business Administration had stopped taking applications for a pair of emergency assistance programs because of a lack of funds.
"The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program based on available appropriations funding," the message read to those looking for help.
The SBA also had a similar message for those trying to get money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, saying the agency is "unable to accept new applications at this time" because of a lack of funding from Congress.
Republicans said Democrats were simply wrong for blocking an infusion of aid in the Congress.
"All it simply takes is for the Democrats to say yes," said House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a call with reporters from his Capitol Hill office, as GOP lawmakers flooded social media with jabs at the other party.
With the #PaycheckProtectionProgram running out of funding & @SpeakerPelosi refusing to act, many small businesses will pay the price. @SBAgov has processed 14 yrs worth of loans in just 14 days. This program is HELPING. And yet, Dems continue to put politics over people.
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) April 16, 2020
Today, businesses are being held hostage by Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and their socialist cadre. Even in a crisis, they won't end their destructive, never-ending political games. This is beyond the pale.#kssen #ksleg https://t.co/1PCd6dSqTP
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) April 16, 2020
The Paycheck Protection Program has officially run out of money.
— Rep. Kevin Brady (@RepKevinBrady) April 16, 2020
Democrats are too concerned with playing politics to work with us to pass more funding.
Because of that, small businesses and workers across the country will be left high and dry.
Democrats say they're in favor of the extra money for the PPP program - but they also wanted to attach more aid money for hospitals and state and local governments.
"As has been clear since last week, Republicans’ bill which fails to address these critical issues cannot get unanimous consent in the House," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
With most lawmakers back at home, there was a limited window for Congress to approve more small business aid, as the Senate had a scheduled session on Thursday afternoon, with the House slated to meet on Friday.
