Appeals court denies lobbyists' efforts to access small-business loan program

The Hill ^ | 05 26 2020 | Harper Neidig

[yesthatjallen]

A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected an effort by a group of lobbyists and political consultants to obtain access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and its emergency loans for small businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

A three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge's decision not to grant a request by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) for a preliminary injunction against the Small Business Administration (SBA), which oversees the lending program.

In a three-page decision, the panel rejected the group's argument that excluding lobbyists and political consultants from the loans violated the First Amendment.

"Because appellants’ have not demonstrated that they are likely to succeed on their constitutional claims, the district court’s denial of appellants’ motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction was appropriate," the judges said in their order.

Alana Joyce, the AAPC's executive director, said in an email that the group is "reviewing the opinion and considering our options." The decision can be appealed.

Congress has appropriated a total of $670 billion for the PPP and made most small businesses eligible to receive loans from the program. SBA regulations restrict the agency from lending to groups engaged in lobbying or political work.

The AAPC argues that their industry has been severely damaged by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic and that denying political groups and lobbyists loans violates their constitutional rights.

SNIP

[yesthatjallen]

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)- Chum for the sharks.

"The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) is the trade group for the political consulting profession in the United States. Founded in 1969, it is the world's largest organization of political consultants, public affairs professionals and communications specialists. Its "multipartisan" membership consists of political consultants, pollsters, media consultants, campaign managers, corporate public affairs officers, professors, lobbyists, fundraisers, congressional staffers, and vendors. The American Association of Political Consultants maintains a "Code of Professional Ethics" for members.

[JudgemAll]

Screw these people. I smell liberal parasites just by their whiney arguments

[rrrod]

Should be an open season on these scumbags.

[rintintin]

Screw these people. I smell liberal parasites just by their whiney arguments

There are plenty of amoral Republican consultants