Ex-Im Bank stalemate threatens nuclear projects

(E&E Daily, Washington, 24 May 24 2016) A long-running political standoff over the Export-Import Bank of the United States threatens to delay billions of dollars in loans and other financial guarantees for overseas nuclear energy projects. Congress last year, after months of acrimony, voted to reauthorize Ex-Im. But the bank's foes on Capitol Hill are succeeding in limiting its ability to operate. Senate Democrats are trying to increase pressure on Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) to move forward with voting on bank board nominee Mark McWatters. The five-member board currently lacks a quorum and can't approve any export financing deal over $10 million until it adds a third member. McWatters, nominated in January, would fill that opening.