The House of Representatives may move to keep the federal government running as early as Thursday.
With a Sept. 30 fiscal deadline looming and the midterm elections coming in November, the House may quickly take up a bill that includes a short extension of the Export-Import Bank, but no final decisions have been made, according to sources familiar with the talks.
The Export-Import Bank, a federal agency that underwrites loans, has garnered significant GOP opposition, particularly by conservatives who call it a form of corporate welfare shouldered by taxpayers. A chief opponent of the Ex-Im reauthorization is House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas.
A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, declined to comment on the plan.
The fiscal year ends at the end of the month, as does the Ex-Im authorization. Republicans and Democrats are eager to avoid an election-year fight over spending that has in the past prompted a government shutdown or threat of such a closure.
It’s becoming likely they’ll link the two, say those familiar with the talks, even though Republicans oppose Ex-Im reauthorization, because the extension is not for the full five years.
But GOP leaders have not gotten the nod from the Republican rank-and-file, many of whom will balk at a short term extension that does not last until February, when Republicans have a chance of controlling the Senate and more House seats.
The shortened work calendar is pushing the House to act fast.
With just 11 working days left until House lawmakers plans to adjourn Oct. 2 for the campaign season, GOP leaders may introduce the legislation as early as tomorrow, which would allow three days for lawmakers to read the legislation before voting in it.
The plan involves taking up legislation by the end of the week that would keep the government funded at approximately the current spending levels, until about the second week in December.
That’s when lawmakers are expected to be back in session for the post-election “lame duck” session.
The Senate, which adjourns Sept. 23, could then take up the House bill, although Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has declined to comment.
On Monday, the conservative groups Club for Growth and Heritage Action for America sent a letter to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reminding him that he said in June that said he did not support extending the Ex-Im bank, which conservatives have labeled a form of corporate welfare.
“As the new Majority Leader of the House, now is the time for you to provide leadership to the Republican conference and reaffirm your admirable opposition to the Export-Import Bank,” the letter says.
