WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives approved a motion Monday to bring the Export-Import Bank’s revival to a vote, bypassing House Financial Services Committee Jeb Hensarling, who has fought to close the trade lending agency.
The 246-177 vote on the rarely used procedural motion united Democrats and Republicans in support of EXIM. The House later on Monday was set to consider legislation to renew EXIM’s charter, which lapsed at the end of June, causing several large companies to lose export deals and move jobs outside the United States.
In a statement Monday evening, U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine, said, “I will be voting yes on reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, with much needed reforms. These reforms will put the needs of the taxpayers before those of foreign borrowers.
“I will continue to push my reforms to help grow our economy while rooting out corruption,” Poliquin said.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said in a statement that “the Export-Import Bank supports American manufacturing jobs, and shutting it down means shutting down exports for some companies.
“We’ve heard from businesses in Maine and across the country that simply can’t send their products to other countries without a guarantee from EXIM,” Pingree said. “The delay in reauthorizing the bank is inexcusable, and I’m glad we have taken a big step toward putting them back in business.”