Republicans want to "reform" the Export-Import Bank. Uh Oh. Lobbyists pushing this "reform" say helping American companies compete against subsidized foreign-made goods is "corporate welfare." It turns out that a lot of the noise isn't about what the lobbyists say it is about, it is about one company - Delta Airlines - using its clout to gain advantages over its competitors by trying to keep Boeing from getting help selling their planes internationally.

The Export-Import Bank ("Ex-Im") helps American companies export by providing financing and insurance. This helps make up for foreign government subsidies to their companies. Republicans and various lobbyists are trying to keep American manufacturers -- especially Boeing -- from getting this help, while others are trying to get even more assistance.

Airlines?