Rep. Laurel Lee Joins Letter to Schumer, McConnell, Johnson to Request Funds for SBA Disaster Loan Program

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in a letter to Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, and Speaker Johnson to request much-needed funding for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan program in an emergency disaster supplemental package.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused devastating damage to Florida’s 15th District and across the southeast. As a result, the SBA has exhausted its disaster loan program funds, leaving small businesses without the necessary funds to recover.

“Small businesses are the job creators in our community and the backbone of Florida's economy. Unfortunately, many of our regions 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.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in times of crisis, they need our full support to rebuild and recover,” said Congressman Buchanan. “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.”

Read the letter here.

Joining Lee and Buchanan on the letter were Reps. 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).

“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,” said the lawmakers in the letter. “Our constituents are depending on clear Congressional action and cannot afford any extended disruptions in funding for this proven and successful program.”

Read the full text of Congresswoman Lee’s letter to Congressional leaders here or below:

Dear Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries,

As you work to craft an emergency disaster supplemental package, we ask that you include much-needed funding for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan program.

As you are aware, this critical program provides direct, low-interest, long-term loans to  businesses and people affected by disasters, as well as disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes.

While victims remain able to apply for disaster loans and SBA is able to review those applications, we are deeply concerned that SBA has announced it will no longer be able to make offers of assistance until additional funds are appropriated. When our constituents’ applications make it through the weeks-long review process, they must receive offers of assistance without delay.

As our constituents and small business across the country work to recover and rebuild from three devastating hurricanes, along with numerous other natural disasters, they need to know that we have their backs. 

These disaster loans are a vital lifeline for small businesses, providing relief to help them stay afloat, keep employees on the payroll and avoid bankruptcy amidst the disruption from disasters.

Small businesses are truly the backbone of our communities, employing over 61 million Americans and creating over one million new jobs annually. Without additional funding, small businesses will be left without the support they need to recover, rebuild and reopen their doors.

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.

Our constituents are depending on clear Congressional action and cannot afford any extended disruptions in funding for this proven and successful program.

Again, we respectfully request that you provide robust funding for the SBA disaster assistance loan program to ensure small businesses across the country continue to thrive, grow and create more good-paying jobs.