Providing for Consideration of H.R. 597, Reform Exports and Expand the American Economy Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Mr. Speaker, Members, I would like to thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fincher) for yielding and for his leadership in initiating this very successful discharge petition in order to finally make possible the opportunity to vote to renew the charter of the Export-Import Bank.

For almost 2 years now, as ranking member of the Financial Services Committee, I have been working very hard with Leader Pelosi, Whip Hoyer, and my colleagues Gwen Moore and Denny Heck. We have all been working hard to secure long-term reauthorization of the Bank. And today, after many months of obstruction by a vocal minority of this body, which led to a shutdown of the Ex-Im Bank, this House will finally get the opportunity to vote to do just that.

Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, this discharge petition is not a rejection of regular order. Although rarely used, the discharge petition exists under House rules for the very purpose of ensuring that the will of a determined majority may ultimately prevail over an obstructionist minority, and that is exactly what is happening today.

Republicans and Democrats have come together to support the reauthorization of a proven job creator. We have come together to end the unilateral disarmament that has harmed our exporters, their domestic suppliers, and the many American workers across this country whose jobs are supported by the Bank. We have come together to show that compromise is possible if you are willing to work it.

So, again, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his work. I urge the Members to vote in favor of the motion. We have come together as Members of Congress to do the work of the people. Let's get on with the business of doing it.

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