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IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER
I want to share with you updates from Washington, updates about the Paycheck Protection Program, important information about Economic Impact Payments, my efforts to protect the unborn, important legislation, and important days of recognition. It is critical we remain vigilant against COVID-19 and continue to practice CDC guidelines. You can always visit the dedicated coronavirus page on my website for additional information.
I enjoy hearing from you and responding to questions from your emails, phone calls and letters. If you would like to share your concerns or opinions with me, or if you have questions about legislation or specific votes, you can send me an email here.
Relief for Small Businesses
The reauthorization of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides much needed and targeted aid to small businesses who are still struggling. I have been personally advocating to allow for a second round of PPP for small businesses with the greatest need, in addition to calling for a fix to ensure expenses paid with forgiven loans remain tax deductible; I am proud to see both provisions included when the PPP was reauthorized. I was also encouraged to see dedicated support for the live events industry included. The PPP has helped thousands of small businesses across Pennsylvania’s Eleventh District support approximately 100,000 jobs. I am thankful this program will continue to support our small business community. To learn more visit the SBA’s website.
Direct Payment Relief
The latest COVID-19 relief package passed at the conclusion of the 116th Congress included an additional $600 in direct payments to the American people. The IRS’s website has answers to commonly asked questions including about the Recovery Rebate Credit, which individuals who did not receive the full economic impact payments they were entitled to may utilize when filing their 2020 taxes.
If you have not yet received your economic impact payment, you can visit the IRS website to check on your payment status.
Reintroduction of Legislation to Bring Local Management to Keystone Line
This week I re-introduced legislation to reform local passenger rail service in south central Pennsylvania. My Keystone Line for the Commonwealth Act would transfer ownership of the Keystone East Line, which runs from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, Amtrak to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The line includes three passenger rail stations in Lancaster County: Lancaster, Mount Joy and Elizabethtown. Below are excerpts from my article on my new legislation that appeared in the January 27, 2021 edition of the Ephrata Review, Elizabethtown Advocate, and the Lititz Review. Read my full article on my website.
The need for reform has become increasingly clear through recent actions by Amtrak, who announced they are eliminating 15 scheduled trains from its weekly operating schedule between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. If you are a commuter who rides one of these trains likely you will be impacted by longer wait times or you may have to find a new mode of transportation to work.
While the COVID-19 pandemic unquestionably has impacted ridership, Congress has provided extraordinary support to Amtrak, including $1 billion in emergency funding provided in December’s relief legislation. Those funds are in addition to another $1 billion Amtrak received from the CARES Act, passed by Congress last March. Beyond these federal funds, Pennsylvania also pays Amtrak approximately $100 million in subsidies annually, with no managerial control of how the funds are spent. This is mismanagement at best and operational control should be relinquished to Pennsylvania.
Read my full article on the Keystone Line for the Commonwealth Act.
Protecting the Unborn
Protecting and advocating for the unborn is something I do proudly. This week I was one of 200 members of the House Republican Conference that signed onto a letter to House and Senate leadership to oppose the Democrats efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment. First passed in 1976, the Hyde Amendment ensures that federal taxpayer dollars are not spent on abortions. Democrats want to eliminate this and allow for the American taxpayer to fund abortions.
I am firmly against the repeal of the Hyde Amendment. Protecting the unborn used to be a bipartisan exercise in Congress and was supported by Presidents of both parties since Jimmy Carter. It was not until 2019, that President Biden, then a candidate for president, changed his position on the Hyde Amendment.
And sadly this shift is not the only effort to remove pro-life protections. President Biden through executive order is eliminating what is known as the “Mexico City Policy” which prevents foreign non-governmental or non-profit organizations which receive funding from the US from providing abortions.
As long as I am in Congress, I will always stand for life. I was proud that my voting record for last Congress received an A+ rating from the Susan B. Anthony List. I am working to advance legislation to codify some of the pro-life protections which were put in effect under President Trump’s Administration.
Continued Appreciation
I want to again thank the brave men and women of the National Guard, Capitol Police and law enforcement officers working to keep the U.S. Capitol safe.
This week I was heartbroken to learn that a third officer has died following the tragic events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Please join me in offering prayers of comfort to Officer Smith’s family.
If you or anyone you know is suffering, please know there are resources available. You can visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website, or call 1-800-273-8255. Additionally, you can visit Prevent Suicide PA. Taking care of your mental health is important and you are not alone.
In addition to the Pennsylvania National Guard, some local law enforcement officers were present at the inauguration to keep everyone safe.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27, 2021 is recognized as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will always remember the atrocities of the Holocaust. We will never forget. We must continue to fight against hate and antisemitism.
School Choice Week
January 24, 2021- January 30, 2021 is recognized as National School Choice Week. This week we are reminded that there is more work to do to empower parents to choose what is right for their child.
Human Trafficking Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Learn more about ways to stop human trafficking and how to spot the signs by visiting the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign.
Here to Help
If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call our district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.
To stay up-to-date on my work in the district and Washington, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check out my YouTube page where there are 100+ videos, many of which are direct responses to your questions.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Smucker
Member of Congress
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