Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling for the federal restaurant fund to be replenished as quickly as possible.

Blumenthal said the nearly $30 billion emergency cash source has helped the restaurant industry survive the pandemic, but now it needs a new round of funding.

He said restaurants big and small form a crucial part of the economy.

"They have an enormous cultural contribution, and they just are wonderful fun for people, especially on Father's Day. But a lot of them are struggling and to keep their doors open and a lot of these restaurants need these federal resources that are now running out for the restaurants to survive. That's why I'm going to be fighting to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund," Blumenthal said.

He added that as the battered restaurant industry starts to regain its footing, this federal funding is more critical than ever.