Trump signs extension of COVID-relief fund for businesses

President Donald Trump on Saturday signed into law a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses battered by coronavirus. legislation extends June 30 deline for applying for program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created program in March and have modified it twice since, ding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.

About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and or costs such as rent, though demand for Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.

Democratic-controlled House voted on Wednesday to approve extension of program after Republican-controlled Senate did same. Trump h been expected to sign measure.