Neal Dunn: “I rise against the Sander's Amendment. Washington State has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation. Many…”

“I rise against the Sander's Amendment. Washington State has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation. Many companies in the Northwest have suffered directly and indirectly because of September 11, including Boeing that announced the layoffs of approximately 30,000 workers. I represent over 25,000 commercial Boeing workers and understand the impact of unemployment in my communities. This amendment will not preserve jobs domestically, but actually lead to more unemployment in Washington State. At a time when domestic airlines are struggling, Boeing's only option is to expand commercial aircraft sales overseas. If companies in the Northwest do not have access to the financing resources provided by the Ex-Im Bank, we lose more jobs in the Northwest. Boeing will not only be affected, but the impact will be felt throughout the region. Over 60 percent of the supplies and parts used to manufacture a commercial aircraft are made outside of Boeing. Denying Boeing Ex-Im Bank financing will result in greater unemployment for small companies and their workers that depend on business with Boeing. If we want to protect jobs and stimulate our economy, we must make it easier to sell American products overseas. Simply denying U.S. businesses access to Ex-Im Bank financing because they are laying off workers in unfair. This amendment does not help our workers, but the workers of foreign competitors.”