WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after signing a discharge petition led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) to bring H.R. 8265, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act, to a vote on the House floor:

“Many businesses in East Tennessee and across our country are still in desperate need of relief to ensure their survival. Freeing up PPP funds is a no-brainer, yet Speaker Pelosi continues stalling negotiations and delaying relief for American workers and small businesses. I’ve heard from countless Tennesseans that the PPP was a lifeline for them. House Democrats should stop delaying and pass the PPP Extension Act to give workers and businesses the relief they need to get back on their feet. I was proud to sign this discharge petition, and I hope Democrats who care more about helping small businesses survive than they do about partisan policies will join us in supporting this commonsense effort.”

Note: A discharge petition is a tool Members can use to try and bring legislation to the floor for a vote absent support from House leadership. To succeed, 218 signatures are needed for the House to consider the legislation. A list of signers of the discharge petition can be found here. H.R. 8265 would extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through the end of 2020, making available $138 billion of unspent PPP funds. This legislation would also allow certain eligible businesses to apply for a second forgivable loan.