Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
Sen. Maria Cantwell's
very dubious trade for her "fast track" vote Thursday to allow
the Trade Promotion Authority legislation to go forward. She demanded from leadership, and got, votes in both chambers to extend the Export-Import Bank, the federally backed lender that helps corporations sell products overseas. One upside of Cantwell's deal is that it is at least going to
create a headache for House Republicans.
It gives the bank’s staunchest opponent — House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling of Texas — the opportunity to show his influence in the Capitol. If he musters the votes to shut down the bank, it would end one of the longest-running fights within the Republican Party.
But if Hensarling fails, and Congress keeps the bank’s government-backed loans flowing to buyers of American exports, the issue is sure to continue dividing the GOP—and its leaders. […]
Hensarling will square off against other Republicans, who will offer amendments to reform the bank—but not shut it down. Tennessee Republican Rep. Stephen Fincher will play a key role in the fight. He has penned a plan with what many consider serious reforms to the institution. […]
Idaho Republican Rep. Raúl Labrador argued that Boehner shouldn’t allow a vote on the bank without having it go through committee—which it never will, due to Hensarling’s opposition.
"I don't know if it makes it harder [to kill the bank]," he said of Boehner’s move. "I think he should not be doing that. I think he should allow the chairman of the committee of jurisdiction to work on this issue. What really matters is what the majority of the Republican conference wants. If the majority is not OK with it, it shouldn't be coming to the floor."
If the Republican House isn't going to be actually doing anything important about actually legislating stuff to help the nation, than they might as well be spending their energy on internecine warfare and tearing one another to shreds. And given the general bent of the current congressional majority, we're all probably better off if they're not governing.