James A. Leach: “I would think it very appropriate to point out that the gentleman from New York [Mr. Flake] is not only one of the most…”

“I would think it very appropriate to point out that the gentleman from New York [Mr. Flake] is not only one of the most decent Members I have ever served with, he has a streak of pragmatic practicality that is as large as any Member in this body. I think that is something that is much appreciated by everyone who has ever worked with him. As for the Export-Import Bank, I know of no institution in the U.S. Government that has been more successful and is more supported on a bipartisan basis. Republicans, Democrats, business, labor, all have come to appreciate this particular small institution that helps the American worker and American business to compete in a very sophisticated global environment. Reauthorization of this institution is, thus, highly critical for America's competitive position in the world. Just to give one example, I spoke at an event in East Moline, IL, this spring at the John Deere Co., where business and labor came together to celebrate an Export-Import Bank supported production assembly of hundreds of tractors and combines that were sent to the Ukraine.”