Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte has taken Democrats to task for attempting to halt the expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program that is part of the recently passed CARES Act.

“It’s outrageous,” said Congressman Gianforte. “Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Senate Democrats are delaying the expansion of a bipartisan program to help small businesses and workers – a program they all voted for in late March. Their partisan obstruction is just outrageous.”

Gianforte said the delays are causing harm to Montana businesses that are depending on the funds from the plan.

“Folks are hurting,” he said. “I hear it from Montana workers and small business owners I talk to everyday. Over the last three weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced more than 67,000 Montanans and nearly 17 million Americans to file for unemployment. The Paycheck Protection Program is working, keeping small businesses operating and making sure workers get their paychecks during these tough times.”

Gianforte said Republicans and Democrats need to stand together to increase the support to Montana and American businesses.

“It’s outrageous that Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Senate Democrats would hijack this critical program that will help restart our economy after our nation overcomes this public health crisis,” he said.  “I hope they’ll come around, support this bipartisan program, and provide much needed relief to help Montanans.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to increase funding for the Paycheck Protection Program by $250 billion by unanimous consent, however, Senate Democrats objected, refusing to allow immediate action on increasing funding for the program, funding that was requested by U. S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

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