Tampa Republic

Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in a call for additional funding for the Small Business Administration's (SBA) disaster loan program. This request was directed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Speaker Mike Johnson as part of an emergency disaster supplemental package.

The appeal follows the severe impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on Florida's 15th District and other southeastern regions. The disasters have depleted the SBA’s funds, leaving small businesses struggling to recover.

“Small businesses are the job creators in our community and the backbone of Florida's economy. Unfortunately, many of our region's small businesses were significantly impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They desperately need access to the SBA disaster loan program to help get their businesses open and on their feet,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “I am urging Senate and House leadership to include funding for the SBA disaster loan program in their emergency disaster supplemental package to help Main Street in this devastating time.”

Congressman Buchanan echoed these sentiments: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in times of crisis, they need our full support to rebuild and recover. The SBA’s disaster loan program is a lifeline for thousands of small businesses working to recover from recent natural disasters, and without additional funding, many will face an uncertain future. Congress must act swiftly to ensure these critical resources are available so that small businesses can continue to grow, create jobs and drive economic recovery.”

The letter urging action was co-signed by several other representatives including Rick Allen (R-GA), James Baird (R-IN), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jeff Jackson (D-NC), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Richard McCormick (R-GA), Cory Mills (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Zach Nunn(R-IA ), María Elvira Salazar(R-FL ), Adam Schiff(D-CA ), Pete Stauber(R-MN ), Greg Steube(R-FL ), Jeff Van Drew(D-NJ ), Mike Waltz(R-FL )and Randy Weber(R-TX ).

In their letter, lawmakers emphasized the importance of federal support: “While our constituents have been resilient in the face of these catastrophic storms, they require the full support of the federal government to help them get back on their feet and help our communities and economy recover,” they stated.

The group stressed that immediate Congressional action is necessary as victims remain eligible to apply for loans but cannot receive assistance until further appropriations are made.

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