## Will There Be a Second PPP Loan for Small Businesses?
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a lifesaver for many small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided forgivable loans to businesses that kept their employees on the payroll during the economic downturn.
The first round of PPP funding was exhausted in April 2020. Congress passed a second round of PPP funding in December 2020, but the funds were also quickly exhausted.
Since then, there has been some talk of a third round of PPP funding. However, there is no consensus on whether or not Congress will approve additional funding.
### Arguments for a Second PPP Loan
There are several arguments in favor of a second PPP loan.
* **The pandemic is still ongoing.** Many small businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. A second PPP loan could help them to stay afloat and keep their employees on the payroll.
* **The economy is still recovering.** The unemployment rate is still high, and many businesses are operating at reduced capacity. A second PPP loan could help to boost the economy by providing businesses with the funding they need to hire new employees and increase production.
* **Small businesses are a vital part of the economy.** Small businesses create jobs and drive innovation. A second PPP loan could help to protect small businesses and ensure that they can continue to contribute to the economy.
### Arguments Against a Second PPP Loan
There are also some arguments against a second PPP loan.
* **The cost.** The PPP program has already cost taxpayers billions of dollars. Another round of funding would add to the national debt.
* **The potential for fraud.** The first round of PPP funding was plagued by fraud. A second round of funding could create more opportunities for fraudsters to take advantage of the program.
* **The program may not be effective.** The PPP program has not been shown to be effective in stimulating the economy. A second round of funding may not produce any different results.
### Conclusion
It is too early to say whether or not Congress will approve a second round of PPP funding. However, the arguments for and against a second loan are complex and there is no easy answer.
### Additional Resources
* [Small Business Administration: Paycheck Protection Program](https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program)
* [Congressional Research Service: The Paycheck Protection Program: An Overview](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46420)
* [National Bureau of Economic Research: The Economic Impact of the Paycheck Protection Program](https://www.nber.org/papers/w28313)