Williams calls for health care facilities to receive aide

United States Congressman Roger Williams (R), who serves Texas District 25 (Dripping Springs),  joined over 80 lawmakers in urging U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza to allow rural hospitals and Rural Health Clinics (RHC’s) to be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program and related financial programs in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

In a letter to Mnuchin and Carranza, Williams said, “We have heard concerns SBA is interpreting the CARES Act language in a way which would preclude rural hospitals and RHCs whose facilities are owned or operated in some way by a district or municipality which they serve from being eligible for certain assistance, despite often receiving no direct funding from these government entities.     

 “Should Treasury and SBA interpret the language this way, it would negatively impact numerous rural hospitals and numerous RHCs across the country. Prior to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many of these hospitals and clinics had operating deficits; their cash flow problems have become increasingly dire as rural hospitals and RHCs have been forced to cancel elective procedures, their primary source of revenue.” 

Williams praised the efforts of rural health providers. “Rural hospitals bring lifesaving and essential care to neighborhoods across the 25th District,’ Williams said. “Right now they are facing unprecedented, catastrophic challenges that threaten to leave tens of thousands of patients without critical health services. It is of the utmost importance these rural health providers receive the resources and support necessary to combat the toll of the virus on the front lines. I will continue fighting for our rural communities and partnering with the Administration to ensure these vital facilities can continue to serve Texans.”

Williams supported the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The bill provides relief to taxpayers and businesses across the country through financial assistance from government grants, low interest loans or tax relief. He has been the U.S. Representative for Texas's 25th congressional district since 2013. For more information on Congressman Williams, including contact information, visit https://williams.house.gov .