Kilmer Statement on Vote to Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank
Washington, D.C. – Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. The final passage was secured after 62 Republicans joined 184 Democrats in using a procedure to force a vote on reopening the bank. The successful procedure, known as a discharge petition, requires 218 member signatures to move forward and was only the third time they were gathered on the same day.
“I’m glad Democrats and Republicans have taken this historic step to put jobs ahead of partisanship and renew the Export-Import Bank,” said Representative Kilmer. “We are in a global competition and we can’t let our businesses lose this key tool. Discharge petitions are a rare thing and it’s a testament to the hard work of Representative Denny Heck and others to keep the pressure on to get this done. I hope that the Senate follows the House in moving quickly to get a reauthorization of the bank to President Obama’s desk. Turning the lights on again will allow us to help ship American-made goods around the world and support the growth of our local businesses.”
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