Kerry, Landrieu Push for More Katrina Assistance for Small Business

Senators John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) led the passing of a small business relief package for business affected by Katrina as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bill. Since the House had already considered its version of the bill before Katrina, the additional Katrina relief will have to be resolved in conference between the two houses.

Small business is the lifeblood of the American economy, a point not lost on Kerry:

“It’s outrageous to think that after spending $63 billion, Congress has yet to provide a penny for small business relief. We can't turn our backs on America’s small businesses. Small business owners in the Gulf region have put their hearts and souls into their businesses. We just cannot allow Washington to stand idly by while their hopes and dreams vanish. This is a smart investment that will help speed up the recovery, get people back to work, and jump start the regional economy.”

An estimated 200,000 small businesses have been severely impacted by Katrina.

Related: Hurricane Katrina Disaster Assistance for Small Business Owners