Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) cosponsored H.R. 4568, Entrepreneurs Need Timely Replenishment for Eating Establishments (ENTRÉE) Act, which would support restaurant owners by adding $60 billion to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The funding would come from unspent COVID-19 relief funds and would support the many restaurants in California that have struggled due to government mandated shutdowns and capacity restrictions. This funding would be available to all restaurants rather than just to priority groups. 
 
“Restaurant owners across California and America have suffered immensely due to COVID-19 related lockdowns and mandates. This legislation is a fiscally responsible way to provide aid to our restaurant owners by reallocating unspent COVID-19 relief funds to fill the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Lately, we’ve seen how reckless government spending is causing inflation and as a result the cost of consumer goods to skyrocket. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill that would support our local restaurants and economy without adding to our already monstrous national debt and growing inflation,” said Garcia. 
 
The ENTRÉE Act would:

• Provide $60 billion to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) paid for by rescinding money from unspent Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and state and local funds.
• Increase oversight responsibilities and audit requirements for the SBA to safeguard American taxpayer dollars.
• Eliminate preferential treatment for priority groups.
• Require all applications to be received, reviewed, processed, and disbursed on a first come, first served basis.