Hoyer Statement on Discharge Petition to Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after House Democrats introduced a discharge petition to force a vote on a multi-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank:

“I was proud to sign a discharge petition today that would force a vote on the Promoting U.S. Jobs Through Exports Act, which would reform and reauthorize the Export-Import Bank for an additional seven years.  If brought to the Floor, a reauthorization bill would pass with strong bipartisan support.  Allowing the Bank’s charter authority to expire on June 30, as some Republican leaders have called for, would be detrimental to small and medium-sized American businesses seeking to boost exports and compete in foreign markets. 

“Over the past twenty-five years, the Bank has enjoyed broad bipartisan support, not only because it helps businesses create private sector jobs in communities across the country, but also because it has returned nearly $7 billion in revenue to the taxpayers.  In order to continue helping American businesses compete on a level playing field with businesses overseas, Congress must take action on a multi-year reauthorization of the Bank without delay.  I will continue to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this effort, and I thank Rep. Denny Heck, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, and Ranking Member Gwen Moore for their determined leadership on this issue.”