Lobbying blitz yields wins for airlines, corporations, banks, unions

A lobbying blitz on the Senate-passed $2 trillion economic relief package yielded wins for airlines, corporations, banks, unions, hospitals and a slew of other special interests who pressed lawmakers for targeted relief and protections.

The lobbying push by airlines was especially intense, with CEOs calling senators directly and warning of bankruptcy.

One Democratic senator who requested anonymity to discuss the behind-the-scenes frenzy said airlines usually send their lobbyists to speak to staffers to ask for legislative provisions. In this case, one CEO called personally to warn his company would be in “big trouble” without a direct grant. Continue reading.