Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Ga-01) continued his fight to protect Georgia jobs and American competitiveness today by urging his colleagues to support reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
Carter noted the threat to American jobs and the irreparable damage expiration of the Export-Import Bank has caused in the First District, the State of Georgia, and the entire nation. While on the floor, Carter said "in the First District of Georgia, the Ex-Im Bank facilitates exports for over 17 companies, more than half of which are small businesses, over $500 million in exports and supports over 3,200 jobs. Around Georgia, these numbers jump to more than $4 billion in exports from 205 companies supporting almost 30,000 jobs. With the recent expiration of the Ex-Im Bank, many of these companies have suffered the loss of millions of dollars in new business growth, market access, and risked thousands of jobs."
Carter also noted the reality that "while we stand here debating the future of the Ex-Im Bank, our competitors are leveraging their own versions of their export-import agencies to increase their market shares abroad."
Full Transcript:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.
In the First District of Georgia, the Ex-Im Bank facilitates exports for over 17 companies, more than half of which are small businesses, over $500 million in exports and supports over 3,200 jobs.
Around Georgia, these numbers jump to more than $4 billion in exports from 205 companies supporting almost 30,000 jobs.
With the recent expiration of the Ex-Im Bank, many of these companies have suffered the loss of millions of dollars in new business growth, market access, and risked thousands of jobs.
While we stand here debating the future of the Ex-Im Bank, our competitors are leveraging their own versions of their export-import agencies to increase their market shares abroad.
While I advocated for reforms that go further than this legislation, it does provide critical reforms necessary to ensure taxpayers are protected while allowing the Bank to do its important work.
Passing this legislation is essential to protecting thousands of jobs and I urge my colleagues to join us in reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank and to let the world know America is open for business.
Click here to view or download Carter's speech on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
