Clinton rips Ex-Im criticism: ‘It’s embarrassing’
Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton blasted conservatives for opposing reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank on Friday, calling the opposition “embarrassing” and “absolutely backward.”
Most top-tier Republicans and prospective presidential candidates oppose the bank’s reauthorization, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
{mosads}”They should know better,” Clinton said at a campaign appearance in New Hampshire. “It’s embarrassing.”
She praised the 80-year-old federally backed bank as an institution that helps sustain jobs and criticized Republicans for risking job loss “rather than stand up to the Tea Party and talk radio.”
Republican critics argue that the bank only benefits big businesses like Boeing, opting to finance those as opposed to small businesses.
They’ve sought to portray the bank as an illustration of Washington “corporate welfare,” in which well-connected career politicians can use their political connections to secure financing.
It’s unclear whether the House will vote to extend the bank’s charter, which expires June 30, at which point the bank will no longer be able to finance new projects. It will, however, be able to make good on its commitments — several of which last several years.
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