Policymakers are currently considering the future of the Export-Import Bank, a little-known government agency that provides taxpayer-backed loans and loan guarantees to foreign countries and companies for the purchase of U.S. products.

The bank’s charter expires June 30, and as Congress inches closer to its deadline on whether Ex-Im should be reauthorized, the debate over its future is heating up.

Here’s what you need to know about this 81-year-old agency.

>>> Conservative House Freedom Caucus Comes Out Against Export-Import Bank