Just before midnight last night Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation – the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 – to both fund the continued regular running of the federal government and to provide additional economic help to both individuals and businesses affected by the current pandemic (https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116HR133SA-RCP-116-68.pdf). While the legislation has not been signed into law at the time of this writing, it is expected that the President will sign the Act.

The Act provides for a new round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, makes Sec. 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organizations (Chambers of Commerce, trade associations, etc.) eligible for loans for the first time, offers businesses facing severe revenue reductions the opportunity to apply for a second loan and gives expanded PPP assistance to many hospitality businesses including hotels and restaurants.