Ex-Im bank charter lapse expected; Reid to block GOP spending bills; bipartisan tax raises
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL DYSFUNCTION
Ex-Im Bank charter expected to lapse.
Politico:
“Supporters are beginning to throw up their hands and admit that the agency is very likely to lose its charter after June 30 … the lack of available floor time in the Senate … means the political football will almost certainly be punted until July … Senior GOP officials predict there could be a test vote in June intended to show that there’s support in the Senate for Ex-Im in order to reassure companies …”
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/ex-im-bank-expiration-now-inevitable-amid-2016-gop-fight-118663.html?hp=r3_3
Sen. Harry Reid plans to block all GOP spending bills.
Politico:
“…they’re attempting to force Republicans to the negotiating table and hasten a deal to raise strict spending caps, expanding funds for programs like education and infrastructure … If the GOP refuses to negotiate and a government shutdown occurs, the blame will likely fall to conservatives who control both chambers of Congress.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/senate-democrats-to-block-spending-bills-118641.html?hp=r2_3
“Pressure Rises for Higher Taxes” in both parties
says NYT’s John Harwood:
“The Tea Party push to slash spending has lost steam and generated a backlash. Defense hawks want more money for the Pentagon, while other Republicans seek additional cash for highway projects … Republicans’ growing emphasis on reducing debt and deficits has curbed the appeal of supply-side tax cuts … Lindsey Graham[] says his party needs to back higher taxes as part of a budget deal with Democrats … Jeb Bush refuses to sign the [Norquist] pledge.”
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/us/politics/pressure-rises-for-higher-taxes.html?referrer=
