Press Releases

Today, 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 hospitals and rural health clinics (RHCs) who have facilities owned or operated by state or local governments are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program. This bipartisan letter has the support of 87 Members of Congress. “The heartbeat of our nation is rural America, and the health care providers who service these communities are critical to protecting small town USA and the food, fuel, and fiber they provide for our nation,” said Arrington. “I was proud to lead this letter with my friend and colleague, Rep. Adrian Smith, to ensure rural hospitals on the frontline of this pandemic have access to critical relief programs offered through the Small Business Administration.” “During this pandemic, we cannot forget the millions of Americans who rely on rural hospitals and Rural Health Clinics for their primary care,” said Smith. “We must ensure these lifesaving facilities are all able to stay open to serve rural Americans. In order to do so, county- and community- owned facilities must be included in the programs established by the CARES Act. I thank the administration for its work in this critical effort.” To read the full letter and see the 85 other members who signed on, please click here.