Congressman Wittman Joins Effort to Replenish, Fix Restaurant Revitalization Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-Va.) announced he has joined the Entrepreneurs Need Timely Replenishment for Eating Establishments (ENTRÉE) Act as a cosponsor. The ENTRÉE Act, introduced by Republican Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), provides critically needed assistance to American restaurants working tirelessly to serve their employees and communities across the country.

"Restaurants continue to struggle as COVID-19 restrictions return to many parts of the country. House Republicans have consistently pushed for additional Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) funding to ensure restaurant owners weather the storm of COVID-19. Rather than recklessly appropriating additional money, and further contributing to the already exorbitant inflation rate, the ENTRÉE Act utilizes $60 billion of the approximately $1 trillion left unspent from previously appropriated COVID-19 relief packages," said Congressman Wittman. "Through this bill, we responsibly maintain our commitment to small businesses and the families who depend upon them."

Specifically, the ENTRÉE Act will:

• Provide $60 billion to the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) paid for by rescinding money from unspent Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and state and local funds within the American Rescue Plan.
• Increase oversight responsibilities and audit requirements for the SBA to safeguard American taxpayer dollars.
• Eliminate preferential treatment for priority groups.