NEI: House inaction on Ex-Im Bank renewal threatens U.S. industrial power

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) issued a statement on Thursday warning of the risks posed by the U.S. House's failure to vote on reauthorizing the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) before Congress adjourned for a monthlong summer recess.

"Every day that passes without the bank being reauthorized impacts the ability of U.S. manufacturers and suppliers to compete in international markets," Alex Flint, NEI's senior vice president for government affairs, said . "American companies that export nuclear goods will now find themselves at a disadvantage in global markets, resulting in thousands of lost jobs."

Previous NEI reports have said that without a functioning Ex-Im Bank, U.S. nuclear manufacturers would struggle to maintain strong standing in international nuclear markets.
 
A recent Washington Post article said aircraft maker Boeing, a leading exporter, is considering transferring many portions of its U.S. operation overseas unless the bank is reauthorized.

The Ex-Im Bank's charter expired on June 30. The U.S. Senate passed an amendment, tacked onto a highway funding bill, that would extend the bank's operations until Sept. 30, 2019, but the House did not take the amendment up for a vote.