WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement calling for Congressional relief to 501(c)(6) organizations impacted by COVID-19. 

“At this exceptionally difficult time for our Main Street economy, local chambers are providing critical guidance and resources to help small businesses weather the current economic downturn, including urgently-needed assistance in obtaining loans and grant funding from the federal government,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Unfortunately, just like the small businesses they serve, many local chambers are now experiencing their own financial challenges. If these organizations are unable to survive, the path to recovery for our hard-hit Main Street economy will be even more difficult.

“I was proud to support the CARES Act in Congress to provide relief to American small businesses during this time. Unfortunately, local chambers of commerce are ineligible for assistance through the lending programs included in this legislation. Given the severe financial difficulties that many of these organizations are now confronting, I urge Congress to include language in the next coronavirus relief bill to enable local chambers and other 501(c)(6) organizations that support the needs of our local businesses to access direct federal aid, including access to Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program.”

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