Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) released the following statement upon Senate passage of the Payment Protection Program legislation late today:

“The bill passed by the Senate today, and expected in the House on Thursday, replenishes the Payment Protection Program—an unprecedented and historic bridge to assist businesses from going bankrupt and firing their employees,” Smith said.

“Secondly, the bill provides additional funds for our overworked, cash-starved hospitals—which have been forced by government to close down their elective surgery units—elective doesn't  mean unnecessary—and results in huge losses of revenue for our hospitals and medical centers. The losses are staggering," he added.

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