#Lawmakers Question Delay in Entertainment Venue Relief Grants

Three members of U.S. Congress—Representatives Roger Williams (R-TX), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)—have sent a new letter to the Small Business Administration questioning the delay in launching the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program that was passed into law on December 27, 2020, as the New York Times reports. Eight weeks after its signing, details on the grant program—including eligibility requirements and timetable—have yet to be announced.

“Each day that goes by without assistance puts the economic future of so many businesses in question,” the letter reads. “We urge the SBA to use all available resources to get this program operational in the timeliest manner so we will not see permanent closures of these business that are cultural staples in their communities.”