Dear Representative:
The AFL-CIO urges you to vote for H. Res. 450, which will provide for consideration of H.R. 597, a bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank). We also urge you to vote for final passage of H.R. 597. The Ex-Im Bank is a vital institution with a decades-long track record of success in supporting United States exports, jobs, and economic competitiveness.
In a highly-globalized economy filled with foreign firms striving to capture market share held by U.S. firms, often with the assistance of targeted public polices, and often acting through state-owned or state-supported enterprises, the Ex-Im Bank helps level the international playing field.
Maintaining and increasing exports of American manufactured products, agricultural goods, and services is a key growth strategy for the U.S. economy. At a time when job growth has been anemic at best, failing to reauthorize the Bank would do irreparable harm to the U.S. economy and would jeopardize the economic future of thousands of American families. The Export-Import Bank is the only trade-focused government agency whose mandate includes U.S. job creation. Its reauthorization is vital.
The activities of the Export-Import Bank support the national interest of the United States, our international competitiveness and the economic well-being of citizens in every state. The U.S. cannot afford to unilaterally disarm by allowing the Ex-Im Bank to expire, while dozens of other nations are not only providing, but increasing, credit to their export industries. The Bank should be reauthorized without delay.
Sincerely,
William Samuel, Director
Government Affairs Department