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News

NECA Legislative Top Three 5/29/20: PPP Flexibility Act Passes the House

May 29, 2020

1. NECA-Supported PPP Flexibility Act Passes the House  

On May 28, 2020, the House passed the NECA supported bill, H.R. 7010, Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, in a 417-1 vote. This bill fixes many of the technical and administrative issues with the Paycheck Protection program, such as adjusting current restrictions on non-payroll expenses, extending loan forgiveness beyond the 8-week covered period and extending the rehiring deadline for employers. 

 

NECA’s Look Ahead: The Senate is expected to take the bill up early next week. It is unclear if the Senate will make additional revisions to the legislation at this time. NECA’s government affairs team will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through the Senate. 

 

2. House Holds Hearing on Protecting Workers from COVID-19 

On May 28, 2020, the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Federal Government’s Actions to Protect Workers from COVID-19”. This hearing included testimony from OSHA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt. NECA monitored Mrs. Sweatt’s testimony to ensure NECA’s safety guidance was in line with OSHA’s recommendations.  

 

NECA’s look Ahead: NECA will continue to monitor any changes in OSHA guidance as it pertains to COVID-19. We have reached out to the Representatives on the subcommittee as well as OSHA as a resource to ensure NECA contractors’ needs are met. 

 

3. Take Action: Tell Your Representatives NECA’s Requests In Phase IV Legislation  

On May 15, 2020, the HEROES Act passed in the House of Representatives in a 208-199 vote. The Senate is crafting their own Phase IV bill and we are optimistic that many NECA-supported provisions will be included in the final legislation. NECA encourages its members to Take Action and voice our industry’s needs to Congress. NECA remains focused on advocating for our electrical contractors throughout this period to ensure our members’ voices are heard.