Congressional Research Service

Export-import Bank Reauthorization: Frequently Asked Questions (Crs Reports) Congressional Research Service R43671 edition

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U. S. government. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U. S. exports of goods and services to support U. S. employment. The FY2015 continuing resolution (CR; Sec. 147 of P. L. 113-164) extends Ex-Im Bank?s general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, 12 U. S. C. §635 et seq.) through June 30, 2015. Previously, the charter was set to sunset on September 30, 2014 (P. L. 112-122). A sunset in Ex-Im Bank?s authority would mean that the agency?s authority to enter into new obligations generally would cease and a wind-down of operations would be required. (This issue is distinct from an ?authorization of appropriations? expiring, which would not, in and of itself, terminate such authority to operate.) As the new sunset date approaches, Congress is likely to debate whether to renew Ex-Im Bank?s authority; if so, for how long and under what terms; and if not, other policy alternatives. The issue of Ex-Im Bank reauthorization raises a number of frequently asked questions regarding Ex-Im Bank itself and reauthorization policy options. This report addresses many of those questions, including: