Concerted and aggressive lobbying efforts by those supporting the buyout industry have been met with opposition as private equity firms look for ways to prop up their portfolio companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act passed by Congress last month allocates more than $1 trillion in funding for small businesses, local and state governments and some large businesses, a provision within it is preventing some private equity firms from accessing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses that they have turned to in search of support.