Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Jodey Arrington released the following statement after the Trump Administration issued updated guidelines that allow rural hospitals to access the Paycheck Protection Program. Today’s decision comes after Congressional efforts led by Rep. Jodey Arrington, including direct discussions with Vice President Pence and other members of the COVID19 task force:

“This is a huge win for rural America! I’m very pleased with today’s decision by the Trump Administration that not only protects our working families in rural America, but also our food and fuel supply for all Americans,” said Arrington. 

“This is a lifeline for those on the frontlines in the fight against COVID19 and equips healthcare professionals across our prairies and plains with the resources they need to best serve rural Americans. These facilities serve as one of the largest employers in rural communities, including rural hospitals in the Paycheck Protection Program will allow them to remain open and retain employees on the payroll.”

“The National Rural Health Association greatly appreciates Congressman Arrington and other rural health champions who worked tirelessly to correct this grave inequity. These small, governmental hospitals are not-for-profit and provide care to some of the most vulnerable patients in the nation. Without access to the PPP, I fear many of these financially vulnerable facilities would be forced to shutter their doors.” – Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association

“The Texas Organization of Rural Community Hospitals, and all of the rural community hospitals in Texas, are overwhelmed with gratitude for Congressman Arrington’s continued efforts on this critical issue,“ said John Henderson, President and CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH)

Background:

On April 9th, Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-3) sent a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Jovita Carranza to request rural community hospitals and clinics be granted eligibility within the Paycheck Protection Program. This bipartisan letter has the support of 87 Members of Congress.

Earlier this week, representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Jodey Arrington (R-TX) introduced H.R. 6569, the Rural Health Relief Act, to allow rural county and municipal hospitals to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Additionally, Rep. Jodey Arrington penned an oped in the Washington Examiner that highlighted the importance of rural hospitals and the critical need for their inclusion within the Paycheck Protection Program.