Senate Edges Toward Critical Vote on Ex-Im Reauthorization
The Senate endorsed a preliminary vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank on July 26 in a rare weekend session for the chamber. Sixty-seven Senators voted in favor of "cloture," while 26 lawmakers opposed. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., offered the measure…
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as an amendment to HR-22, the unrelated legislative vehicle for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, known commonly as the highway bill. Post-cloture debate will expire late on July 27. Unless lawmakers reach a deal before that time expires, the chamber will hold a final vote on the amendment at roughly 10:00 p.m., said a spokesman for Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he'd oppose reauthorization in comments on the Senate floor before the vote. "Ex-Im is not necessary; at the same time, I understand that many senators on both sides take a different view," said McConnell. "Nearly half my Conference and many Democrats support the Ex-Im Bank’s reauthorization. They're entitled to that view. I don’t see a reason why they shouldn’t be allowed a debate, and then a vote, to sort this out either." The Senate's highway bill would cover a six-year period, but the House still insists on a short-term extension before the August recess.