A bipartisan group of 19 U.S. senators is voicing support for expanding eligibility in the Paycheck Protection Program to 501(c)(6) trade associations, chambers of commerce and some professional societies, which currently are barred from applying for funds.

PPP provides forgivable loans to small businesses and other organizations facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is administered by the Small Business Administration, and under current rules the agency is prohibited from providing loans to 501(c)(6) groups, although 501(c)(3) groups are eligible.

In a letter to Senate leaders, Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and 17 other senators argue that 501(c)(6) groups should be included for eligibility because they "are major drivers of Main Street economic development," according to a statement issued by Cassidy.

"At this exceptionally difficult time, (these associations) are providing critical guidance on resources to help small business weather the current economic downturn," the senators said in the letter. Unfortunately, just like the small businesses they serve, many of these community leaders are now experiencing their own financial challenges. If these organizations are unable to survive, the path to recovery for our hard-hit Main Street economy will be even more difficult."

The other signatories are Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Angus King (I-Maine), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ariz.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

In a separate statement, ASAE noted 62 members of the House of Representatives had previously voiced support for expanding PPP eligibility. The idea also has the endorsement of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.).

"Just like the industries and professions they serve, associations are struggling to stay afloat during this unprecedented crisis," ASAE CEO Susan Robertson said. "ASAE is so appreciative that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are recognizing the dire circumstances associations find themselves in during this pandemic."

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