On the recordMay 10, 2012
Mr. President, I rise in support of H.R. 2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2012. I believe this jobs legislation will help provide U.S. exporters and workers with an important tool to compete in the global marketplace. The Export-Import Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States, and it assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. Following the financial crisis, the bank experienced a dramatic increase in its activities as many companies struggled to find financing in the private market. Last year, the bank committed almost $33 billion in support of U.S. exports, a new record. The bank has been self-funding since 2008, returning nearly $2 billion to the Treasury. In fiscal year 2011 alone, the bank generated $400 million to offset Federal spending and bring down the budget deficit. When other countries are helping their own companies with export financing, we cannot afford to unilaterally disarm in the face of this global competition. The Export-Import Bank's charter directs it to use exports to support American jobs, and last year the Export-Import Bank supported almost 290,000 Americans jobs. These are jobs in cities and towns across the Nation, at large companies as well as small businesses. In fact, last year the Export-Import Bank financed more than $6 billion in exports by small businesses.…





