WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) signed a petition to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses still struggling from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. A remaining balance of $135 billion has been sitting idle in PPP funds since the program expired on August 8, 2020, without any action from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. To force a vote, the Republican-led discharge petition needs 218 signatures from Members of the House.  

"Dozens of small businesses in Eastern Kentucky alone, have relied on PPP funds to keep their doors open and keep employees on the payroll during the pandemic. Since Speaker Pelosi refuses to provide the assistance and security that our families and businesses need throughout these uncertain times, I am joining my colleagues to revive this important program," said Congressman Rogers. "We can't sit back in silence while funding is readily available." 

A new report indicates that as many as 36 percent of small businesses will be forced to lay off workers or reduce hours without assistance from the federal government. 

To learn more about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.