Press Releases

Washington, D.C. — House Agriculture Committee Republicans, led by Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (R-TX), sent a letter today to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza to urge her to take key steps to ensure SBA programs work on the ground for farmers, ranchers and rural America.

"America's farmers and ranchers have been rightly declared a vital part of our country's essential infrastructure workforce as we confront COVID-19," said Conaway. "Farmers and ranchers are doing their part to keep food on our table and clothes on our back, and Washington needs to do all that it can to help our producers carry on this important work. Unfortunately, lenders mistakenly believe that farmers and ranchers are not eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It is vital that SBA publicly correct this misperception immediately. 

"I thank Administrator Carranza and her team at SBA for their work to swiftly implement these programs and for our system of lenders who are delivering the loans to adapt to the changes mandated by Congress. I urge SBA to continue their efforts to ensure that our farmers, ranchers, and rural America have the resources they need to get through these extremely challenging times. Addressing the issues in our letter would go a long way."