A bill to prohibit the Export-Import Bank of the United States from providing financing to persons with seriously delinquent tax debt.
Summary
SB 4308 would amend the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to bar the Export-Import Bank of the United States from providing financing to any person with “seriously delinquent tax debt,” and from financing any project in which a participant has such debt. The bill directs the Bank to make these determinations using information from the System for Award Management and data-analytic methods, in consultation with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
The bill also creates a narrow presidential waiver. The President could override the financing prohibition only if there are urgent and compelling circumstances significantly affecting U.S. interests, and would have to report the rationale and supporting information to the relevant congressional committees within 30 days. The bill defines “seriously delinquent tax debt” by reference to assessed federal tax liabilities that are collectible by levy or court proceeding, while excluding debts under installment agreements, certain pending hearings or relief requests, and certain levies that have been released.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new restriction to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 and limit Ex-Im Bank financing eligibility for borrowers and project participants with qualifying federal tax delinquencies. It would also require the Bank to incorporate federal tax-debt screening into its underwriting or eligibility review process, using federal procurement-style database information and IRS consultation. The practical effect would be to tie access to export financing and related support to tax compliance, while preserving a limited executive waiver for exceptional national-interest cases.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no recorded debate or roll-call sentiment to assess. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to reflect a policy preference for stricter fiscal compliance and taxpayer accountability in federal credit programs. The inclusion of a waiver suggests an effort to balance enforcement with flexibility for urgent U.S. interests.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether denying Ex-Im Bank financing to entities with serious tax debt is an appropriate safeguard or an overly punitive barrier to export promotion. Supporters would likely emphasize accountability, responsible use of federal credit, and consistency with other federal eligibility screens. Opponents may argue that the rule could exclude otherwise viable exporters or project partners, create administrative burdens, and allow tax issues unrelated to the merits of a transaction to block financing. The waiver provision may also draw scrutiny because it gives the President discretion to override the prohibition in undefined “urgent and compelling” circumstances.
No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act This bill prohibits the hiring of additional Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees until the Department of the Treasury publicly certifies in writing that the IRS does not employ any individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt.The bill defines seriously delinquent tax debt as an outstanding tax debt for which a notice of lien is filed in public records, but excluding tax debtsbeing paid pursuant to an installment agreement or offer-in-compromise,for which collection action is suspended because a due process hearing or innocent spouse relief is requested,subject to levy, orreleased from levy due to economic hardship.
No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act This bill prohibits the hiring of additional Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees until the Department of the Treasury publicly issues a written certification that the IRS does not employ any individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt (i.e., an outstanding tax debt for which a notice of lien has been filed in public records).
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