On Tuesday, April 8, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, will host a panel discussion on the importance to U.S. workers and economic growth of a timely reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.

Since the announcement of the panel, Committee Republicans have incorrectly asserted that a hearing on this year’s Ex-Im reauthorization took place in June, 2013. However, that hearing was not focused on renewal of the Bank’s charter, but rather on the status of reforms mandated as part of the Bank’s most recent reauthorization in 2012.  Moreover, at that hearing, Chairman Hensarling suggested that it may, in fact, be time for the U.S. to “exit the Ex-Im” Bank. 

The event will be attended by Members of Congress including Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. Customers of the Bank will discuss the crucial role it plays in supporting U.S. jobs by helping American companies compete in the global market for business and customers.  The event is an opportunity to educate policymakers and the public about how the Bank works and its positive, real-life impact on U.S. firms and workers.

Tomorrow’s panel was organized by Ranking Member Waters in an effort to push for a timely renewal of the Bank’s charter, and in light of the fact that the Financial Services Committee has yet to even hold a hearing on Ex-Im Bank’s reauthorization. The Bank’s authorization expires on September 30.

What:      “The Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank: A Panel Discussion on Creating and Sustaining Jobs”

When:     Tuesday April 8, 2014 at 3:30 PM

Where:     U.S. Capitol Visitors’ Center, Room HVC-215 

Participants:      

• Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA)
• Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

Panelists include:

• Mr. Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President of the U.S. Export-Import Bank
• Ms. Nancy Mercolino, President & Owner, Ceilings Plus
• Mr. Michael Boyle, President & CEO, Boyle Energy Services & Technology, Inc. (BES&T)
• Mr. Ray Zuckerman, CEO, ServerLIFT Corporation
• Ms. Jennifer Fulton, CEO, Miss Jenny’s Pickles
• Mr. Cherod Webber, Founder and CEO, Innovative Global Supply, LLC
• Mr. Ted Austell, III, Vice President, Executive, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Boeing Company, Inc.
• Mr. Steven Wilburn, CEO, FirmGreen, Inc.
• Mr. Owen Herrnstadt, Chief of Staff and Director of Trade and Globalization, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

In 2012, efforts to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank faced intense opposition from conservative lawmakers, passing the House only after months of intense pressure and wrangling.  This year, the reauthorization process could be an even greater challenge. The current chairman of the House Financial Services Committee –  which has jurisdiction over the Ex-Im Bank – voted against the 2012 reauthorization, and just last year, suggested that it may be time for the U.S. to “exit the Ex-Im” Bank. 

The Bank has strong support from a coalition of stakeholders, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, the National Small Business Association, as well as labor unions such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.  

NOTE: The panel discussion will be live streamed at http://www.dems.gov/live/

###