Post by bot on Oct 9, 2015 19:04:46 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on Export-Import Bank Discharge Petition
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after 218 Members signed a discharge petition to force a vote on reopening the Export-Import Bank:
“Today, a majority of Representatives in the House – Democrats and Republicans standing together – signed a discharge petition to bring to the Floor a measure that would reopen the Export-Import Bank. Since the Bank shut down in July, American exporters have been at a disadvantage against foreign competitors, and some businesses have already begun to send American jobs overseas as a result. Congress has a responsibility to work together to ensure that American businesses and their workers have every advantage they need to compete and succeed in the global marketplace, and allowing the Bank to shut down for months has engendered dangerous and unnecessary uncertainty about whether we will meet that responsibility.
“Over the past few weeks, I have worked with Reps. Fincher and Lucas to make this discharge petition strategy a success. Today’s achievement build on an effort I have been leading along with Ranking Member Waters, Ranking Member Moore, and Rep. Heck for months to push for a multi-year reauthorization of the Bank, which the Senate has approved by a strong, bipartisan vote. When, thanks to this discharge petition, the House is able to work its will, I am confident that it will join the Senate in expressing its overwhelming bipartisan support to reopen the Export-Import Bank and restore a level playing field for American businesses and their workers, which will help save and create jobs, restore certainty, and make our economy more competitive.”