Bill Would Ensure Tribes, Tribal Businesses Receive Full Federal Relief

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing legislation to ensure tribal businesses across the country have full access to federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

Many tribal businesses have not received their fair share of funding because multiple separate businesses are often aggregated under one employer identification number (EIN). The Tribal Business Access to PPP Act specifies that a tribal business cannot be disqualified for the sole reason that it has the same EIN as another PPP loan applicant, allowing tribal businesses to receive the full PPP funding and better weather the economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we continue facing the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that tribal businesses receive the full share of federal funding they are due,” Klobuchar said. “Native communities have already been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and we must account for the unique needs of tribal businesses. This legislation will help ensure their Paycheck Protection Program funding is fairly allocated and provides much-needed support to help tribal businesses weather this period of economic crisis.” 

The bill text is available HERE

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