The debate in Congress over the future of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) is coming to a head as the June 30 charter expiration nears - and state leaders across the country are rallying to voice support for an extension.

  • On March 10, the National Association of Counties (NACo) sent a letter to Congress on behalf of the nation's 3,069 counties. They wrote: "The Ex-Im Bank helps American businesses of all sizes export their goods and services abroad to compete in the global market, stimulate job creation and contribute to the growth of local and state economies. We urge you to support legislation that provides for the long-term reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank before its charter expires on June 30, 2015." Last July, NACo issued a resolution in support of Ex-Im reauthorization.
  • On February 25, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) sent a letter to Congress. They wrote: "As mayors of cities that count exports as a crucial contributor to our U.S. economy, we urge you to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) of the United States before its charter expires on June 30, 2015. Without support from the Export-Import Bank, businesses in cities nationwide will face little or no financing alternatives, putting U.S. jobs in jeopardy." Last June, at its 82nd Annual Meeting, the USCM passed a resolution "that the nation's mayors support and call on Congress to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank."
  • On February 23, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) sent a letter to Congress. They wrote, "The usefulness of successful programs such as Ex-Im's City/State Partners Program would be threatened if Ex-Im's authorization or lending authority lapses." The NCSL, as part of their Export Promotion Policy Directive, has standing policy in support of Ex-Im Bank.
  • Our country's governors continue to weigh in as well. In the last month, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Missouri Gov. Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon (D) sent letters in support of the reauthorization. They join more than 30 other governors who sent a letter to Congress last year.

The Ex-Im Bank is one of the most important tools at the disposal of U.S. companies to increase exports and create jobs at home. State leaders from every corner of the country recognize that. We hope Congress is getting the message.

Learn more about the Chamber's efforts to reauthorize Ex-Im here, and support Ex-Im by using the hashtag #ExIm4Jobs on Twitter.

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