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Will Export-Import Bank Get an August Rebound

ByDamian Paletta, The Wall Street Journal

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R., N.C.) said Monday that the Export-Import Bank should be reauthorized because of its support for U.S. jobs, the latest sign of GOP backing for an agency caught in a political tug-of-war.

The Ex-Im Bank has had a rocky month, with new House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) signaling that he wants the agency to wind down its operations and House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R., Texas) blasting out emails that he calls “Egregious Ex-Im Bank Deal of the Day.”

Many of the business groups that want to see Congress act before the Ex-Im Bank’s authorization expires at the end of September are counting on a groundswell of support during the congressional recess, as Messrs. McCarthy and Hensarling create quite the political gantlet.

Perhaps supporters of the bank see some glimmers of hope.

Last week, a bipartisan group of Senate lawmakers introduced a bill that would reauthorize the bank, and the measure is expected to receive a favorable vote when lawmakers return in September.

In the House, several Republicans have started to voice their public backing of the agency. Reps. John Campbell (R., Calif.) and Stephen Fincher (R., Tenn.) have already expressed their backing of a reauthorization of the bank, though they have said “reforms” will likely be necessary to win enough backing in the House.

Last week, Rep. Darrell Issa (R., Calif.), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, told Fox Business Network that the bank should be reauthorized, likely with reforms.

Republican supporters of the Ex-Im Bank have suggested minor to moderate changes, possibly altering the length or scope of financial backing it can extend in exchange for a temporary reauthorization of its charter.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D., Calif.) has said she will negotiate changes to the agency if it might help win reauthorization, so it seems like there is a space for both parties to negotiate in when they return in September.


Read full story at WSJ.com

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