EXPORT-IMPORT BANK/GOP/NOMINATIONS/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump’s nomination of former Rep. Scott Garrett to lead the Export-Import Bank has opened up yet another front in the Republican Party’s civil war.
Pro-business trade groups, free-market advocates and even social conservatives and gay-rights activists are targeting GOP senators with competing lobbying efforts as they clash over Garrett’s past attempts to shut down the bank and his controversial views on LGBT issues.
The issue could come to a head this fall if Senate Republicans move forward with a hearing and confirmation votes for Garrett. Some of the leading groups opposed to the credit export agency are warning the Senate Banking Committee about the consequences of failing to advance the nomination. Meanwhile, business groups are expected to ratchet up efforts to block Garrett’s appointment.
That has raised the political stakes around the New Jersey Republican’s confirmation and underscored divisions that have contributed to the GOP’s lack of success in pushing major legislation through Congress…
Outside groups are stepping up their efforts as the Trump administration gives Garrett a chance to sell his nomination, which has been under fire since the president announced his pick in April.”
-Zachary Warmbrodt, “GOP divided over Trump’s Ex-Im Bank nomination,” Politico, Aug. 21, 2017 02:30pm