Contributed photo
Contributed photo
U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Dist. 8) supported small businesses and job growth in her district on Tuesday when she voted to renew the charter for the U.S. Export-Import Bank.
Reauthorizing the bank retains the institution’s authority to finance U.S. companies of all sizes, as well as entrepreneurs. The Ex-Im Bank, which supported $27.4 billion in U.S. exports and 164,000 jobs during 2014, expired in July, requiring a congressional vote to resume its operations. Approximately 90 percent of the bank’s transactions go directly to small businesses, which are planning to market and sell their products and services overseas.
“Helping our employers grow and create jobs and opportunity isn’t a partisan issue, and we should be doing everything in our power to rebuild our nation’s manufacturing base and support Illinois workers,” Duckworth said. “That’s why I voted to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank, which has supported more than 40 businesses — like Elk Grove’s BLS Enterprises — and over 1,700 jobs in the Eighth District in recent years without costing taxpayers a dime.”
The congresswoman has been known throughout her tenure as an advocate for Illinois small businesses and entrepreneurs. Duckworth also has spoken in support of Ex-Im on the U.S. House floor and has co-sponsored various legislative measures. Duckworth also signed on to the discharge petition that ultimately forced the House vote on the Ex-Im renewal measure.
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