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Recently (Tuesday, April 21), I voted to pass the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act into law.

This legislation provided an additional $350 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, a fund that provides small businesses with loans to be used to meet payroll, and pay bills, and keep their businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program has helped save 40,000 Virginia small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a huge win for the 5th District. As a small business owner I have been a champion of this program because I know the positive impact these loans can have for small businesses.

The new law also includes funding for rural hospitals and personal protective equipment for our doctors, nurses, hospital workers, and first responders. I am grateful for the work that is being done by our front line workers in the 5th District to help keep all of us safe.

I ask that we all continue to practice social distancing in our local communities. If possible, work from home, avoid crowds, and flatten the curve of this disease. We must all work together to stop the spread of the disease.

On Wednesday (April 24), I held a telephone town hall with the USDA Virginia Executive Director Nivin Elgohary. We discussed the USDA’s roll out of a $19 billion rescue plan Friday for a long list of agriculture sectors that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through supply chains and markets. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers as we battle this virus.

If you need help with a federal agency, please contact my Charlottesville Office at (434) 973-9631. At this time, all Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo, are temporarily closed to the public. Additionally, tours of the White House, U.S. Capitol, FBI, and Library of Congress have been suspended to help contain the outbreak and prevent community spread.

Denver Riggleman represents Charlotte in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached by visiting https://riggleman.house.gov/ or by phone at (434) 973-9631.