House Votes to Reauthorize U.S. Ex-Im Bank for 10 Years

摘要

The House passed legislation Nov. 15 that would reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank through Sept. 30, 2029 and rename it the U.S. Export Finance Agency. The bill (H.R. 4863) passed on a vote of 235-184. But the House-passed version faces an uncertain future in the GOP-controlled Senate as well as a White House threat to veto the bill. The bank would be required to establish an office to promote and increase financing for exports relating to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage. The measure would require that at least 5% of the agency’s annual lending authority be used to finance energy-related projects. Under the bill, sponsored by House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), the bank’s board of directors would have to review, by the end of 2020 and then every three years, procedures and guidelines to ensure requirements for project selection are consistent with limiting greenhouse gas emissions.