| Getting Americans Back to Work |
With the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing guidelines causing businesses to halt operations for months, Congress had a responsibility to help American workers and families weather the storm. However, unemployment should always be a temporary program and we must continue to reopen America so we can get people back to work safely.
Nearly 39 million individuals have filed unemployment claims since the spread of the coronavirus began in the U.S. That’s why this week, President Trump signed an executive order that will help slash red tape in order to help workers and revitalize the economy.
Under this new executive order, the President is directing agencies to use all emergency authorities to identify regulations that can be rescinded or temporarily waived to promote job creation. He has also asked agencies to speed up the rulemaking process.
Helping America’s Farmers
Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the creation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new program provides $16 billion in assistance to farmers and producers who have experienced losses as a result of COVID-19, $9.5 billion of which was appropriated in the CARES Act, which I was proud to support in the House.
This week, USDA's Farm Service Agency announced they will be accepting applications starting on May 26th. To learn more about CFAP eligibility and how to apply for direct assistance, click here.
>> Do you have a question about the coronavirus or the response by Congress? Email me!
Testing Update
The White House recently announced that Georgia has been awarded $260 million in federal funding to increase COVID-19 testing. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that additional funding for COVID-19 testing will be provided to rural communities, including $4.8 million for rural health clinics in Georgia.
ICYMI: Over 220 Georgia companies have signed up to help businesses obtain personal protective equipment and health care supplies.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development released a list and interactive map of these businesses, including those in Georgia’s 12th District, which you can find here.
I’m also proud of the work President Trump and Congress have accomplished together to bring PPE to Georgia.
Congratulations 2020 Graduates!
In case you missed it: The White House is holding a Commencement Ceremony today, May 22nd, at 4 p.m. to honor recent graduates who have played a vital role in America’s COVID-19 response. Dr. Rebecca DeCarlo, a 2020 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, is one of only 20 students, and the only medical student, nationwide to be invited.
Planned Parenthood Must Immediately Return PPP Funds
This week, we learned that Planned Parenthood wrongly applied for and received $80 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. This program was designed to help small businesses suffering from the impact of COVID-19 – not the nation’s largest abortion provider.
In April, I joined several of my colleagues in both the House of Representatives and Senate urging the Small Business Administration (SBA) to exclude Planned Parenthood from any loan eligibility through the PPP. They were never eligible - if they knew this and applied anyways they must be held accountable and the funds should be returned immediately. That’s why I recently joined my colleagues in a letter to SBA Administrator Carranza asking for a full investigation into how this happened.
Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!
May we all take time this weekend to honor those who served our country in uniform and never made it back home. We thank those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to serve.
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 |
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