Andrew Harnik / AP
In this Jan. 17, 2019, file photo Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. At least 10 lawmakers and three congressional caucuses have ties to organizations that received federal coronavirus aid, according to government data released this week. A regional casino company led by the husband of Rep. Susie Lee receivedmoney.
By Matthew Daly and Brian Slodysko, Associated Press
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | 6:10 p.m.
WASHINGTON At least a dozen lawmakers have ties to organizations that received federal coronavirus aid, according to newly released government data, highlighting how Washington insiders were both author and beneficiary of one of the biggest government programs in U.S. history.
Under pressure from Congress and outside groups, the Trump administration this week disclosed the names of some loan recipients in the $659 billion Paycheck Protection Program, launched in April to help smaller businesses keep Americans employed during the pandemic. Connections to lawmakers, and the organizations that work to influence them, were quickly apparent.
Among businesses that received money was a California hotel partially owned by the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as a shipping business started by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chaos family. Chao is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Car dealerships owned by Republican Reps. Roger Williams of Texas and Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, and fast-food franchises owned by Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., received money. So, too, did a law firm owned by the husband of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and the former law firm of Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., which employs his wife.
Money also flowed to a farming and equipment business owned by the family of Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., and a regional casino company led by the husband of Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev.
Members of Congress and their families are not barred from receiving loans under the PPP, and there is no evidence they received special treatment. Loans were granted to Democrats and Republicans alike, something President Donald Trump's campaignwas quick to highlightwhen records showed donors to his campaign coffers were among the earliest beneficiaries.
Hundreds of millions of dollars also flowed to political consultants, opposition research shops, law firms, advocacy organizations and trade associations whose work is based around influencing government and politics.
While voting, lobbying and ultimately benefiting from legislation aren't illegal, advocates say the blurred lines risk eroding public trust in the federal pandemic response as Congressbegins debating yet another round of coronavirus relief.
It certainly looks bad and smells bad, said Aaron Scherb, a spokesperson for Common Cause, a watchdog group that was also approved for a loan through the program.
As of June 30, the Treasury Department program had handed out $521 billion to industries including manufacturing, construction, restaurants and hotels.
Treasury identified just a fraction of the total borrowers Monday, naming only companies that got more than $150,000. Those firms made up less than 15% of the nearly 5 million small companies and organizations that received assistance.
Many of the lawmakers connected to loan awards emphasized they weren't part of the application process.
A spokesperson for Pelosi said her husband, Paul, is a minority investor in the company that owns the El Dorado Hotel in the wine-country town of Sonoma, Calif. Paul Pelosi has a 8.1% stake in the company, valued at $250,000 to $500,000, Pelosis office said.
Mr. Pelosi is a minor, passive investor in this company, said the Democratic speakers spokesperson, Drew Hammill. He was not involved in or even aware of this PPP loan. The firm, EDI Associates, is listed as a recipient of a loan between $350,000 and $1 million.
New York-based Foremost Maritime Co., founded by Chao's parents and run by her sister, was cleared for a loan valued between $350,000 and $1 million. McConnell, a Republican seeking reelection in Kentucky, said Tuesday: Neither my wife, nor I, have anything to do with that business and didnt know anything about it.
The Shaheen & Gordon law firm in Dover, N,H., got a loan of $1 million to $2 million. The firm is owned by Jeanne Shaheens husband, William Shaheen. A title company partially owned by William Shaheen got a $160,000 loan and a half dozen companies he partially owns or another relative owns got loans, below $150,000.
Jeanne Shaheen said she "was not involved in any way in applying for those loans nor do I have anything to do with their businesses, and Congress had no role in processing PPP applications.''
Four car dealerships owned by Kelly received $600,000 to $1.4 million. Mike Kelly Automotive Group, Mike Kelly Automotive LP and Mike Kelly Hyundai and Kelly Chevrolet-Cadillac, all near Pittsburgh, received the money. A spokesman for Kelly said he wasn't part of the loan application and isn't involved in the operations of the dealerships, in accordance with ethics rules.
Williams, one of the wealthiest lawmakers with a net worth of over $27 million in 2018, received a loan for his Roger Williams Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in Weatherford, Texas. Williams is president and CEO of JRW Corp. of Fort Worth, which is listed as receiving a loan of $1 million to $2 million. "Like every other company who accepted a small business loan, our business qualified under law and regulation, and today over 100 of our employees are grateful that we did,'' Williams said in a statement.
At least five car dealerships owned by the husband of Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., also received loans, each ranging from $350,000 to $1 million, the data show.
Other lawmakers, while distancing themselves from the loan process, sought to portray the PPP program as a success story.
Herns Tulsa-based KTAK Corp., a management company for several McDonalds restaurants, received $1 million to $2 million. Hern isn't involved in the day-to-day operations, but "he is happy to share that the family business was able to keep all employees either at their current level of employment or move part-time employees to full time, Herns chief of staff, Cameron Foster, said. Four businesses owned by fellow Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., received at least $800,000.
Full House Resorts, a Las Vegas-based casino company led by Lee's husband, Daniel, got two loans totaling $5.6 million, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said the funds would be used to rehire several hundred employees and prepare to reopen two casinos in Indiana and Colorado.
A spokesperson said Tuesday that Lee did not know about the company's intention to apply for a loan when she and other Nevada lawmakers pushed for a rule change to allow small casinos to receive the loans. She had no influence over the application or any aspect of Full Houses business or decision making, spokesperson Jesus Espinoza said.
Two wineries tied to Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and an Iowa farm run by his family received loans worth at least $2 million. The wineries got separate loans worth $1 million to $2 million, and an Iowa dairy farm that is tied to his relatives received $150,000 to $350,000.
Follow this link:
Data: Congress created virus aid, then reaped the benefits - Las Vegas Sun
- Police K-9s in Las Vegas return to duty after being exposed to illegal drugs - NBC Montana - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Las Vegas man sentenced to 20 years in prison for mailing fentanyl, nearly killing Utah man - KLAS - 8 News Now - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Las Vegas-bound Southwest flight grounded due to engine fire - ABC News - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Police K-9s in Las Vegas return to duty after being exposed to illegal drugs - ABC St. Louis - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- The history of the Tropicana Las Vegas, closing after 67 years - The Associated Press - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- This Low-cost Airline Just Launched a New Route to Las Vegas With $57 Flights - Travel + Leisure - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Las Vegas Police make arrest in connection with burglary of UNLV shooting victims home - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Super Bowl 2024: A Guide to Celebrity Parties and Events in Las Vegas - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting breaks out in northwest Las Vegas valley apartment - News3LV - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- A few more thoughts about the proposed Oakland As move to Las Vegas - Bleed Cubbie Blue - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- A's and Las Vegas: Separating Fact From Fiction - Sports Illustrated - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Las Vegas Reddit Bachelor Party Thread Turns Into Chaos - Outkick - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Las Vegas use within limits as water shortage shifts to Tier 1; snowpack lags behind last year - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Read 'Em And Weep: Las Vegas Gets Its Own Nike Air Force 1 - Sneaker News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Kelly Clarkson Guest of Honor Couple Married at Her Las Vegas Show - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 1-2-3 and counting: Las Vegas weddings could hit record on New Year's Eve thanks to date's pattern - The Associated Press - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Man on video attacking Las Vegas judge was granted probation multiple times, once by same judge - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Absolutely Wild Video Shows Felon Assaulting Las Vegas Judge in Flying Leap Over Bench - Yahoo Entertainment - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Man Arrested in Las Vegas After Wife's Body Is Discovered at Pa. Home - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Idaho man arrested for stealing plane in North Las Vegas and flying to Barstow - KABC-TV - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- North Las Vegas woman allegedly shot at neighbors, killing pastor, after they reported her to HOA - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- REPORT: Accused gunman 'fired 71 shots', caused $100K+ in damage to hotel room - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Oregon man fired 71 shots, caused over $100K in damage at Las Vegas hotel on New Years Eve, police say - Fox 12 Oregon - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- WWE Star Shotzi Wrestles in Her Wedding Dress After 'Very Spontaneous' Las Vegas Elopement: 'What a Wild Night!' - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Dad of 7 Killed in Las Vegas Carjacking: 'We Were Supposed to Grow Old Together,' Mourns Widow - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Man accused of shooting near Las Vegas Strip hotel did not appear in court - Yahoo! Voices - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Attorney for Las Vegas 13-year-old arrested in fatal beating of classmate questions murder charge - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Accused Las Vegas New Years Eve shooter to be held on $500,000 bail - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Husband arrested in Las Vegas after wife found shot to death in Uniontown - CBS News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- North Las Vegas police identify participants in deadly New Years Eve officer-involved shooting - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- The Fontainebleau Las Vegas Opens with a Star-Studded Fte SURFACE - Surface Magazine - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Its sad that it happens, Retired Las Vegas judge says courtroom attacks are not far-fetched - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Husband arrested at Las Vegas casino after wife found dead on New Year's Day - Fox News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Arrest report on North Las Vegas plane theft suspect released - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Broncos Notebook: QB Jarrett Stidham 'excited to be back' in Las Vegas, eager to help Broncos earn win vs. former team - DenverBroncos.com - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- North Las Vegas police body cam video of deadly New Year's Eve officer-involved shooting - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- The 17 Best Things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada - Lonely Planet - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- Human remains revealed by shrinking Lake Mead identified half a century ... - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- FBI documents reveal details about Las Vegas mass shooter including possible motive that led to 60 people dying - KLAS - 8 News Now - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- Las Vegas casinos, tourism got a big boost in 2022 - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Actor Nathan Chasing Horse accused of raping, physically abusing multiple girls for years in Las Vegas-based cult - KLAS - 8 News Now - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Woman accused of stealing over $100K in cash, chips, other items from Las Vegas hotel room - News3LV - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Snowy Monday in Las Vegas led to closures and delays, wind advisory in ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Las Vegas weather for Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 | Las Vegas Review-Journal - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Massive Las Vegas Strip Project Faces Another Major Setback - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Nearly 39 million visitors made their way to Las Vegas in 2022 - News3LV - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Driver who killed 9 going 103 mph in Las Vegas-area crash was repeatedly stopped for speeding; on paper, he was a bad parker - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Report: Las Vegas ranked 4th best city for kid-friendly vacations - News3LV - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- New Las Vegas Hotel For Cannabis Lovers Joins Worlds Largest Dispensary - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Man accused of murder after body found in car trunk extradited to Las Vegas - News3LV - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Jennifer Lopez Says Wedding Planning Stress and 'PTSD' Led to Ben Affleck Suggesting Their Las Vegas Wedding - Entertainment Tonight - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Man accused of murdering business partner, leaving body in trunk, returns to Las Vegas - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Las Vegas man hit, tried to stab victim with broken beer bottle in early-morning bar dispute: police - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- You said you killed someone, Las Vegas police find text messages leading to murder suspect in robbery gone wrong - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Las Vegas woman suspected of DUI was headed to methadone clinic when she allegedly struck, killed bicyclist - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Las Vegas police located a man dead from gunshot wound in central valley - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Travelers at Las Vegas airport frustrated by lack of communication during flight delays, cancellations - Fox 5 Las Vegas - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- For the first time in a long time, New Years Eve party threatened by rain - Las Vegas Review-Journal - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Where To Ring in NYE in Las Vegas and Catch Gwen Stefani, Bruno Mars, Kevin Hart, Pitbull and More Performers - Hollywood Reporter - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Things to Do, Restaurants & Maps - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- Non-profit that received scrutiny after bailing out man who shot Chinatown waiter ceases Las Vegas operations - KLAS - 8 News Now - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- A City Within A City, The Resorts World Las Vegas Is Sin Citys Most Elegantly Designed Complex - Forbes - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- Las Vegas woman convicted of killing 5-year-old while babysitting gets life in prison - News3LV - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- 2 women identified, charged in North Las Vegas suspected DUI crash claiming the lives of 2 toddlers - Fox 5 Las Vegas - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- None of this had to happen: 1 family died in a crash. Another is lucky to be alive. - Las Vegas Review-Journal - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- Woman accused of kidnapping, cutting womans face with box cutter at Las Vegas Burger King - Fox 5 Las Vegas - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- Tickets on sale now for new immersive Disney experience coming to Las Vegas Strip - News3LV - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- Las Vegas driver accused of killing a man, and critically injuring his father near busy intersection - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas - November 11th, 2022 [November 11th, 2022]
- Report: Las Vegas ranked 5th most romantic city in the US - News3LV - November 11th, 2022 [November 11th, 2022]
- Las Vegas police: Ex-McDonalds employee fired for fighting customer returned to shoot other employee in head - KLAS - 8 News Now - November 11th, 2022 [November 11th, 2022]
- Harrowing film tells of Las Vegas shooting and its aftermath - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Grasshoppers in Las Vegas; the good, the bad, the weird - KLAS - 8 News Now - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- City of Las Vegas loses third case in battle over Badlands - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Las Vegas dolphin attraction closed after third mammal death - The Guardian US - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- What to do in Las Vegas this week (September 29-October 5 edition) - Las Vegas Weekly - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- City of Las Vegas water crisis averted with new treatment system - KRQE News 13 - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Las Vegas PRIDE events celebrating LGBTQ communities to be held in first week of October - KLAS - 8 News Now - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- California man arrested in connection with threats at Las Vegas bank - Las Vegas Review-Journal - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Las Vegas parolee accused of committing series of burglaries with stolen car - KLAS - 8 News Now - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Raiders Have Never Started 0-3 and Made Playoffs - Sports Illustrated - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]