Advocating for Federal Funding to Elevate LA Highway 1

This week, I had another very positive conversation with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to reiterate the national importance of Louisiana’s LA Highway 1 and to continue advocating for her support of our application for the federal INFRA grant to elevate LA 1. Elevating LA 1 has long been a top priority of mine, and I will continue working with Governor Edwards and other leaders to advance our shared priority of securing federal funding for the LA Highway 1 project. Governor Edwards and I are in complete agreement that elevating LA 1 is a top priority, and the completion of this critical infrastructure project will strengthen Louisiana’s economy while also strengthening America’s energy security.

Discussing LA Highway 1 with Secretary Elaine Chao

A Stronger Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

This week, the House passed H.R. 7010 – the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. The PPP has saved millions of jobs and kept countless small businesses afloat during this pandemic. I am committed to making this program work better for American small businesses, and today’s bill was the latest step toward a stronger PPP.

The new legislation extends the forgiveness period to 24 weeks, replaces the 75/25 rule that requires 75% of the loan to be used on payroll costs and 25% to be used on mortgage interest, rent, and utilities with a 60/40 rule, allows businesses that receive forgiveness to also receive payroll tax deferment, ensures small businesses won’t be penalized by high unemployment benefits, and more.

By extending the duration of the program, increasing loan coverage, and allowing greater flexibility in forgiveness and repayment, this legislation will go a long way in keeping millions more American workers on the payroll and ready to get back to work as soon as possible. Click here for additional details on how this legislation will provide much-needed relief to small business and their employees.

America Must Make a Concerted Effort to Reopen

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis hosted a briefing this week where I emphasized how no relief package can substitute a fully functioning economy, and noted that American cities must make a concerted effort to safely reopen to eliminate the burden of this economic shutdown on our state and local governments and preserve our nation's physical and mental health. Click here to watch my opening remarks. 

Community Updates

• LSU is sending mobile testing vans to small towns and rural parishes across Louisiana to provide free COVID-19 tests.
  
  
• As of May 28, FEMA, HHS, and the private sector combined have coordinated the delivery of or are currently shipping: 92 million N95 respirators, 144.3 million surgical masks, 12.5 million face shields, 31.2 million surgical gowns, and over 1 billion gloves.
  
  
• The IRS continues to periodically update its Frequently Asked Questions document regarding CARES Act Economic Impact Payments.

It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.


God Bless,