This weekend, there was a major development in our fight to refill the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
A bipartisan group of senators, led by Senator Cardin (D-MD), Senator Wicker (R-MS), and Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY), moved by unanimous consent to add $48 billion to the RRF. Although the attempt was unsuccessful, it is clear that your efforts are working.
These leaders are hearing you. They understand neighborhood restaurants and bars around the country are in crisis. Don’t just take our word for it, read what these Senators said yourself.
This legislation is fair; it is smart; it is right. We will get economic payback over and over and over again from keeping these restaurants going because they employ so many people, contract with so many independent suppliers and others. It just makes such sense. It’s almost cruel to tell these restaurants you’re on your own now. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Congress cannot mistake the hopeful signs of recovery for proof that restaurants are back to where they were before the pandemic. Restaurants nationwide remain buried under more than 18 months of debt and they are struggling to rehire staff and purchase supplies. – Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund provided a lifeline for America’s small and independent restaurants, but the initial amount Congress provided was not enough to meet demand. – Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Make no mistake—this is a positive sign, but we have more work to do. It is crucial that we keep on telling our representatives our story.
Every call, every email, and every action makes a difference. Check out our lobby guide, call your members of Congress at (202) 224-3121, and tell them to refill the RRF.
Whether you are one of the over 177,000 applicants who did not receive relief, one of the fortunate few who received this vital grant, or a diner who wants your favorite local business to survive the pandemic, the message is the same. We must tell Congress to refill the RRF.
