Sen. John Kennedy today reintroduced his bill to block the U.S. Export-Import Bank from giving loans to companies and individuals that are delinquent on repaying their tax debt.
John Kennedy promises to prevent the U.S. Export-Import Bank from backing tax-delinquent companies and individuals.
Occurrences
Evidence
Sen. John Kennedy reintroduced a bill to block the U.S. Export-Import Bank from giving loans to companies and individuals that are delinquent on repaying their tax debt. The release says EXIM currently requires applicants to self-certify that they do not have delinquent federal debt, but Kennedy cited a 2019 GAO analysis and said the bill would help root out waste, fraud and abuse.
EXIM states that parties delinquent on debt owed to the Federal Government are prohibited from participating in Federal Government programs, including EXIM transactions. The page also says many convicted parties are delinquent on restitution owed to EXIM and therefore cannot participate in federal programs.
Assessments
Kennedy has materially pursued the promise by reintroducing legislation in April 2026 to bar EXIM support for tax-delinquent companies and individuals, but the evidence does not show that his bill became law or that he otherwise completed the promised federal policy change. EXIM already has rules barring parties delinquent on federal debt from participating in federal programs, which partially overlaps with the promised outcome, but the evidence frames Kennedy's proposal as still needed and only self-certification as currently required. This supports partial fulfillment rather than full delivery, with an effort badge for the serious legislative attempt.