May 15, 2012

Manchin Votes to Protect U.S. Manufacturing Jobs

Manchin supports Export-Import Bank to help boost exports of American products

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement today after voting for a bipartisan measure to bolster the market for American-made goods in other countries and protect domestic manufacturing jobs. The bill, H.R. 2072, would allow the Export-Import Bank to continue to make loans to organizations that do business with American companies through 2014, as well as gradually increase the bank’s lending authority. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the measure last week. 

“Our job in Congress is to fight to protect each and every job we have, and since 1945, the Export-Import Bank has helped keep U.S. businesses strong and boost the market for American-made goods abroad,” Senator Manchin said. “In fiscal year 2011 alone, it is estimated that financing provided by the Bank supported about 288,000 jobs at more than 3,600 U.S. companies. Democrats and Republicans can all agree that the global playing field needs to be more fair for American businesses, and the Export-Import Bank has a proven track record of making a difference. With support from the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and a number of labor groups, it just makes common sense to work together on this bill.”

Background:

  • The Export-Import Bank is an independent U.S. government agency that helps finance and promote the sale of U.S.-produced products abroad.
  • In West Virginia alone, this institution is responsible for more than $33 million to businesses in our state, and supporting over $133 million in export sales.
  • H.R. 2072 passed the House of Representatives on May 9 by a vote of 330-93.