On the recordMay 9, 2012
President Reagan taught us you don't negotiate from a position of weakness. There are over 80 foreign government export credit agencies that vigorously support their local companies in winning export sales. We cannot unilaterally disarm our manufacturers by ending Ex-Im. That will only empower our competitors to snatch away export and job opportunities from our companies. Some of these businesses are critical to our defense industrial base and need commercial sales to support their national security work. Reagan recognized this reality. That's why he supported Ex-Im Bank. When I chaired the Small Business Committee, I had the opportunity to establish the small business desk, or division, at the Export-Import Bank. A constituent of mine was able to obtain an $11,000 loan in order to start her exporting business from a very tiny company. So I would urge my colleagues to vote for the reauthorization in order to be a part of helping our manufacturers sell their products abroad. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield 5 minutes to the minority whip, Mr. Hoyer, and thank him again for his leadership on this issue. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
