Slouching toward partisanship

There are limits to ideology, practical limits. As the Export-Import Bank, the 80-year-old institution that promotes U.S. exports, slouches toward implosion, hidebound partisans are cheering.

So much for the “sensible center.”

Congress has until Sept. 30 to OK the Ex-Im Bank’s reauthorization. What should be a no-brainer — a boost to manufacturers and workers in trade-dependent states like Washington, and a program that doesn’t whack taxpayers — is a political football (if only Franklin Roosevelt hadn’t left his fingerprints, tea party Republicans might be receptive). Per the gridlocked new normal, reauthorization could come together at the 11th hour, after multiple horse trades, hitched to a bill with zero bearing on exports.

Fasten your seat belts and take your beta blocker.

On Tuesday, freshman U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, D-Olympia, introduced the Protect American Jobs and Exports Act of 2014, which extends the bank’s charter until 2021, and stretches the current cap by $5 billion a year.

“If we abandon this resource, we are allowing China, Russia, and European countries to gain ground in export deals previously made with us, the economic equivalent of forfeiting in the World Cup when we know we have the best team,” Heck said in a statement.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, who shepherded the bill reauthorizing the bank in 2012, noted that, “in my district, the bank supports thousands of jobs at companies of all sizes by helping these businesses sell their products overseas. The bank successfully finances billions of dollars of exports without costing taxpayers a dime.”

Washington’s Congressional delegation appears united, with strong support from Rep. Suzan DelBene, although Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, did not sign a pro-Ex-Im bank letter from 42 House Republicans addressed to the Speaker of the House and the new majority leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy, a tea party conservative, is opposed to the bank, as is the new House whip, Rep. Steve Scalise.

“Failure to reauthorize Ex-Im would amount to unilateral disarmament in the face of other nations’ aggressive efforts to help their exporters,” pro-bank Republicans write with Reagan-esque flourish.

Progressives don’t like helping big business (no matter that the Ex-Em Bank benefits many medium and small-sized exporters in the NW). The tea party prefers the government just keep out. The far right and the far left may succeed in sandbagging the Ex-Im Bank. And we all will be poorer for it.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Important national story missing from Herald

I couldn’t find a report in The Herald that the Trump administration… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s ‘Man-of-Steel’ shtick will make U.S. weaker

Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum will harm allies we need and won’t help industries here.

Comment: AG Bondi’s DEI memo more messaging than lawsuit threat

Talk of criminal investigations is intended to panic corporations into abandoning their DEI programs.

Goldberg: Why Musk, Vance went to bat for self-desribed racist

While a former Trump official is on the outs for doing his job, a proud racist gets his job back.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights

The bill would allow kids as young as 13 to make mental health decisions without notice to parents.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.