Press Releases

BOSSIER CITY, La. – U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04), a member of President Trump’s task force to reopen the American economy, today delivered the following statement while on Capitol Hill to support the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The legislation will support American workers and businesses with $310 billion into the Paycheck Protection Program, $10 billion into the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL grants), and $50 billion into the Disaster Loans Program Account. The bills also includes $75 billion for reimbursements to hospitals and health care providers, and $25 billion for COVID-19 testing.

Congressman Johnson released the following statement as delivered:

“Hi everyone. We’re here on Capitol Hill today to authorize additional funding for critical needs in our districts, and of course, to refuel the very popular Paycheck Protection Program. It’s been a critical lifeline for so many people around the nation. It saved millions of American jobs and so many small businesses - a countless number-  but more help is still needed.  

“So far in Louisiana, over 26,635 loans have been approved, totaling over 5.1 billion dollars. That’s a lot of money desperately needed in our state. I do think it’s frankly pretty tragic that some of the House Democrats, some of the leaders here, tried to leverage this national emergency to advance their liberal policies. But, I am glad that even though a week was wasted in that, finally, we are getting this action done today.

“I am honored to serve on the president’s task force to reopen America and I want to echo what he said just a few days ago, that America is just not made for this. We’re not made to have a closed sign in the window and on doors of every business around the country.

“We’re anxious to aggressively advance his 3-phase plan- those recommendations to get the economy open again and to get people back to work. Because that’s so critical for the recovery of all of our communities in our state and around the country.

“Our number one priority is the protection of public health, we have to be clear about that. But we can protect lives and livelihoods at the same time. In fact, we have to. We’re optimistic. We have a very hopeful outlook, and the best days of this country are still yet ahead of us. By God’s grace we will get through all of this very soon.”