The U.S. Senate failed to pass a bill last week that would have provided $2 billion in COVID-19 relief to gyms. Another $46 billion would have gone to other small businesses: restaurants, minor league sports teams, border businesses, live venue service providers, exclave businesses and providers of transportation services.
About 25 percent of U.S. gyms have had to permanently close due to COVID-19, according to IHRSA, a trade association for commercial clubs.
The Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022, S.4008, contained a grant program that would have provided $2 billion specifically for the fitness industry. That portion of the bill stemmed from the GYMS Act, which had 30 sponsors in the Senate and 150 in the House of Representatives, according to IHRSA, which lobbies for the industry.
Despite a vote of 52-43 in favor of passage, the bill needed 60 votes to move forward. Five Republican senators, including the bill’s co-sponsor Roger Wicker (R-MS), voted for it along with all voting Democratic senators, including the other co-sponsor Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). Five senators did not vote (three Democrats and two Republicans).
Opponents of the bill said it would have a detrimental effect on the federal deficit and inflation, according to The Hill.
IHRSA shared on its website: “While we are disappointed by the outcome, we are heartened that our industry now has a voice and a seat at the table. We look forward to working with our new champions in the House and Senate to continue strengthening our voice in Washington and work to build a brighter future for the industry.”