the White House is backing a Senate bill that would authorize a $40 billion – a 40% increase - in Ex-Im Bank’s loan limit and a four-year extension of the current authorization, due to expire at the end of May.
However, Delta Air Lines is lobbying hard for that increase to be cut given the bank’s dedication to support aircraft finance for non-US airlines, it says is creating an unlevel playing field in the aviation market.
Last June, the House Financial Services Committee, backed an even bigger $60 billion, four-year expansion on a simple voice vote with no opposition. However, Delta Air Lines has the support of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor who is leading the opposition to the limit increase and has proposed a bill that allows for a one-year extension and a loan cap of $113 billion through fiscal 2013.
The Senate vote is scheduled for Tuesday.