WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Kay Granger, the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee and a member of the President’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy, made the following statement after being briefed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on the agreement that the Administration and Congressional Republicans are nearing with Democrats on the next coronavirus spending package.

“A deal is finally coming together to provide hundreds of billions of dollars for small businesses, as well as hospitals and healthcare providers. The bill is also expected to support additional testing for the coronavirus so we have better information about where cases are occurring, which is essential to opening up our communities safely and reigniting our record-breaking economy.

“As soon as a final agreement is reached, I will immediately return to Washington to vote for this new package, which will unlock funds to replenish the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and once again give small businesses access to loans to pay their employees during this difficult time.

“There is no reason for Democrats to delay help for our nation’s 30 million small businesses any longer. Our American entrepreneurs and innovators should not have to wait another day for this lifeline.”