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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) signed onto a discharge petition to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the successful Paycheck Protection Program. Congress authorized the PPP with Congressman Latta’s support in order to help small businesses and their employees during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Despite $128 billion remaining in PPP funds, the program expired on August 8 and small businesses are no longer able to apply for the funding until it’s reauthorized. Democrats in the U.S. Senate blocked coronavirus relief legislation earlier this month and discussions are currently at a standstill.

If a discharge petition reaches 218 votes, the House of Representatives must consider the legislation on the House floor. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to small businesses in order to keep employees on the payroll, pay rent, and other costs. In Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District, the PPP was used by more than 6,000 businesses and supported more than 122,000 jobs. 

“The Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline to countless small businesses and their employees across the country,” said Congressman Latta. “I’ve met with businesses throughout the Fifth District —from restaurants to healthcare facilities and recycling businesses—who each shared with me how they were able to keep their staff on board and cover other necessary costs to stay open thanks to this program. If it weren’t for PPP funding, many of these businesses would be closed today.”

“House Democrats are holding the PPP hostage as they play political games,” continued Congressman Latta. “The reality is, there is bipartisan support to extend the program and make it available to the businesses that need it. This isn’t a game to the American people, and it’s not a game to House Republicans. I am signing this discharge petition on behalf of every American who needs relief. I implore my colleagues to join me in this effort because once this discharge petition reaches 218 signatures, Speaker Pelosi will be forced to put the bill on the floor where it will pass easily.”

Over the past few months, Congressman Latta visited several PPP recipients in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District to learn about how they are using the funding. He had the opportunity to speak with Chris and Belinda Bates of Bates Recycling, Kraig Mackett of the Reset Group, Jennifer Smith of Family Health Care, Sharon von Seggern, owner of three Subways in the district, among others. Each business shared how the PPP allowed them to keep their doors open and staff employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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