Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Introduces Legislation to Support Small Businesses During the Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) introduced the Keep Main Street Open Act to establish an emergency stimulus program for small businesses that have been financially impacted by the government shutdown. The program would be run by the Small Business Administration and be available to eligible applicants immediately.

“Northern Virginia’s economy is in jeopardy. Zero-dollar paychecks for federal workers and contractors, the suspension of vital programs like SNAP, and the administration’s backwards economic policies have significantly reduced spending in our community. Small businesses across Northern Virginia are losing traffic and facing potential layoffs or even closures,” said Congressman Subramanyam. “The Keep Main Street Open Act will provide these small businesses with a lifeline during the shutdown and help prevent further damage to our community. Small businesses are a pillar of Northern Virginia and we need to rally behind them during this shutdown.”

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam is an advocate for small businesses and continues to consult small business owners throughout Northern Virginia during the government shutdown. Since the shutdown began, Congressman Subramanyam has introduced and supported several pieces of legislation to support impacted federal workers, contractors, businesses, and families, including: 

• The Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act: Provides and encourages best practices for banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to work flexibly with people impacted by shutdowns.

• The Emergency Relief for Federal Contractors Act: Allows federal contractors affected by a government shutdown to withdraw funds from their retirement savings without being penalized.

View the full bill text here.

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