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These are difficult times. George Floyd’s family deserves justice and Congress needs to do its part. That’s why I am calling on Speaker Nancy Pelosi and asking her to bring Congress back into session.

Even while Congress is not in session, I have continued my work for the 5th District of Virginia. The health and safety of you and your families will always be my top priority.

Friday, June 5, President Trump signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. I was proud to vote on this law in the House. This new legislation will give businesses greater flexibility in how their Paycheck Protection Program loans are spent. Before the law passed the Senate, I sent a letter to Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging the Senate to consider the legislation.

Thursday, June 4, I cosponsored the Protect our Children from COVID-19 Act. The bill will require the Department of Health and Human Services to study the effects of the COVID-19 virus on children and look at ways to reopen our schools safely this fall.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to participate in a House Financial Services Virtual Subcommittee hearing. I questioned witnesses on how Congress can better serve businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual hearing, entitled Promoting Inclusive Lending During the Pandemic: Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions, featured a wide-ranging discussion on how loans are being issued to businesses to facilitate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I asked witnesses questions on the best ways to help businesses find Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) and Paycheck Protection Program loans.

I sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue asking him to ensure Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments are going to small cattle farmers, including those in the 5th District.

If you need help with a federal agency, please contact my Charlottesville Office at (434) 973-9631. At this time, all Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo, are temporarily closed to the public. Additionally, tours of the White House, US Capitol, FBI, and Library of Congress have been suspended to help contain the outbreak and prevent community spread.

Denver Riggleman represents Lunenburg in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached by visiting https://riggleman.house.gov/ or by phone at (434) 973-9631.