Getting Back to the People's Business

The attack on our Capitol last week has highlighted the urgent need for leaders on both sides of the aisle to end the extreme rhetoric, end the political games, and come together to help unite our country. The attack should never have happened, and we must launch a full investigation into the security failure so that we can take appropriate action.

However, this week my Democratic colleagues launched a rushed impeachment process just one week before President Trump’s term ends that will do more to divide our country than unite us. This vote was called without one single hearing in the Judiciary Committee, and in the Senate, a trial will not even begin before President Trump is out of office! This is nothing more than political messaging, and we must get back to conducting the People’s business.

We should be focused on pressing policy issues to help the American people, like growing the economy, creating jobs and defeating COVID-19. In order for the nation to unify and heal after last week’s assault on our Capitol, the best way forward is through a peaceful transfer of power next week, which is why I opposed their impeachment efforts.

Paycheck Protection Program Reopens

Thanks to the most recent COVID-19 relief package passed in Congress in December, this week the Paycheck Protection has reopened in a sequential fashion:

On Monday, January 11^th: PPP reopened for small businesses and other newly eligible entities applying for their first round of funding. Specifically, the Small Business Administration and the Department of the Treasury reserved this opening for Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) to submit PPP loan applications.
On Wednesday, January 13^th: PPP reopened for eligible small businesses and entities interested in receiving a second loan. The SBA and Treasury again reserved this opening period for CFIs to submit applications.
TODAY, Friday, January 15^th: All lenders with $1 billion or less in assets will be allowed to submit applications for First and Second Draw PPP loans.
On Tuesday, January 19^th: PPP will reopen to all lenders, no matter their size.

For more information, the SBA has put together a helpful overview here.

Update on Economic Impact Payments

The second round of Economic Impact Payments are currently being distributed to eligible taxpayers as quickly as possible. The following information is courtesy of the IRS:

Direct deposits. For those who have provided their direct deposit information to the IRS through either their most recent tax returns or through the Get My Payment tool during the first round, continue to watch your bank accounts for a deposit in coming days. The IRS emphasizes that the information taxpayers see in the Get My Payment tool, including account numbers and potential deposit dates, may continue to display unfamiliar account numbers as the IRS continues to work through and update this issue. No action is necessary for taxpayers as this work continues; they do not need to call the IRS, their tax provider or their financial institution.
Mail. Some people will receive their second Economic Impact Payment by mail, either as a paper check or in the form of a debit card. For people in this group, the IRS urges people to carefully watch their mail for either of these during January. Additional information is available on IRS.gov.
Tax returns. While the IRS continues to closely work with industry partners to quickly deliver more Economic Impact Payments, the IRS reminds eligible taxpayers who don't receive a payment – or the full amount– that they can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Taxpayers in this situation are urged to file electronically with direct deposit to ensure their tax refund – and their stimulus payment – reach them as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit the IRS website here.

Voting is the most important tool in which we shape our republic. Too many Americans have lost faith in the integrity of our elections, and it is incumbent on leaders at all levels to work together to implement safeguards to strengthen and restore faith in the process.

That’s why I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Save Democracy Act, legislation that will help to ensure that only legal votes are counted through necessary reforms to registering voters, casting ballots and tabulating ballots.

As always, my office is here to help. You can email me ⇒ HERE, contact any of our offices or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress