Labor Joins Business Groups in Opposing Ex-Im Amendments

ICYMI: The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers released a letter today urging Members to oppose Ex-Im Bank related amendments to the highway bill. Take a look at a few key excerpts:

“I write to strongly urge your opposition to any amendment to the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank reauthorization contained in the Highway bill. Any amendment concerning the Ex-Im Bank is an attempt to kill the reauthorization.”

“Last week, the House overcame months of stalling by the leadership of the Financial Services Committee and passed HR 597, which reauthorized the Ex-Im Bank. It is important to note that since the expiration of the Ex-Im Bank’s authorization on June 30, U.S. manufacturers have already begun to lose out to our global competitors:

  • Commercial satellite provider ABS canceled a large satellite contract with Boeing because of uncertainty about the Bank’s future resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. 
  • General Electric, also citing uncertainty about the Bank, announced the closing of an engine plant in Waukesha, WI, which will result in the loss of 350 IAM jobs.” 

“As thousands of American jobs are being lost because of inaction by Congress, the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank is no longer an academic exercise, but, rather, a debacle with serious consequences.”

“A majority of the House members in both the Republican and Democratic caucuses have already voted to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank.We cannot let a powerful engine of economic growth like the Ex-Im Bank to be derailed. I urge you to reject any amendment concerning the Ex-Im Bank during floor consideration of the Highway bill.”

Their statement echoes the National Association of Manufacturers’ “Key Vote Alert” and the Chamber of Commerce’s message to Congress urging opposition to all Ex-Im Bank amendments, as well as a letter that Whip Hoyer, Ranking Member Waters, Rep. Moore, and Rep. Heck sent to House Democrats.

After 313 Members – a majority of Republicans and nearly all Democrats – voted for legislation that would reopen the Bank, it’s time for a minority of Republicans to stop their obstruction and allow Congress to get things done for American businesses and workers. 

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