Durbin Statement On Failed Vote To Provide Relief To Small Businesses

Durbin Statement On Failed Vote To Provide Relief To Small Businesses

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Senate failed to pass the Small Business COVID Relief Act, legislation that would provide $48 billion in relief to restaurants and other small businesses:

"Illinois small businesses, including restaurants, are the lifeblood of our communities. In the face of an unprecedented pandemic, Illinois small businesses showed resilience while Democrats worked persistently to provide them with the aid they needed. I'm disappointed but not surprised my Republican colleagues blocked this vital relief for our small businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic."

Durbin has been an advocate for small businesses. He previously supported the Small Business Administration's Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), which granted more than $1.4 billion to 4,542 Illinois restaurants and bars. The RRF was created by the American Rescue Plan, which Democrats passed in March 2021. Durbin is a cosponsor of the Continuing Emergency Support for Restaurants Act, which would provide an additional $48 billion for the RRF.

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