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Opinion
Timothy L. O'Brien

‘McCongressman’ Gets a Large Order of PPP

Representative Kevin Hern pushed to make it easier for franchises to get federal loans. A company he controls did just that. So did businesses that operate in buildings owned or controlled by the Trump family. 

“McCongressman” Kevin Hern of Oklahoma.

“McCongressman” Kevin Hern of Oklahoma.

Photographer: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images

It’s almost always an advantage to have a seat at the table.

In March, as Congress wrestled with the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic and debated the contours of what would soon become the largest economic bailout in U.S. history, four legislators pushed hard to make sure that franchise operators received special treatment.