WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Banking Committee member, issued the following statement on the introduction of the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability, and Schools (HEALS) Act today: 

“Senate Republicans are putting forward a reasonable proposal with several positive provisions as we head to the negotiating table with our Democratic colleagues. I am glad to see the concept of streamlined Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness for small businesses is included, but I am disappointed in the proposal’s deference to the bureaucracy. The bipartisan bill Senator Menendez and I put forward, with support from 23 of our colleagues, would remove the excessive red tape and bureaucratic requirements placed on small businesses while still ensuring they are held accountable. I hope to see the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act included in the final package.”