Senate

Reid: GOP has ‘manufactured crisis’ on Ex-Im Bank

by Jordain Carney - 06/22/15 4:13 PM ET

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Monday accused Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) of creating a “manufactured crisis” over reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, which is set to expire at the end of the month.

“Republicans have resolved to govern by staggering from one crisis to another crisis. One today, one next week,” the Democratic leader said from the Senate floor. “Unless the Republican leader acts in just five days, for example, we’ll see the consequences of another manufactured crisis.”

{mosads}Reid pointed to the June 30 deadline to extend the charter of the Export-Import Bank, with lawmakers expected to leave Washington by Friday for a week-long break.

“Despite the positive benefits the bank provides for our economy and thousands of Americans, Republicans have decided that reauthorization is not a priority,” he added.

Reid’s comments come as Senate Democrats are highlighting the issue in their home states.

On Monday, for example, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) held a roundtable on the issue; Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) hosted Fred Hochberg, the chairman and president of the bank, in New Castle, Del., and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) held a press conference in Philadelphia.

Reid suggested that McConnell’s handling of the Export-Import Bank is the latest example since Republicans took control of Congress of what the Nevada Democrat called “intentionally ignored deadlines.”

“This crisis management could be avoided by not playing dodge ball with issues important to our country,” he added.

Tags Bob Casey Chris Coons Harry Reid Jeanne Shaheen Mitch McConnell