United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

My amendment would add language directing the U.S. Export Finance Agency to emphasize outreach to Tribal businesses, including Alaskan Native corporations, that export goods and services.

There is a long history of successful Federal economic development programs leaving--leaving--Indian Country behind.

Ensuring that Tribal businesses are aware of the services and resources that the agency provides is absolutely critical. Companies that increase their exports are able to raise wages, take on additional employees, and further invest in their communities.

Increased economic development in Indian Country means increased economic opportunity, which, in turn, means more self-determination for Tribes and a greater ability to take care of their people as sovereign nations.

The U.S. Export Finance Agency has proven to be an important tool in expanding U.S. exports and creating American jobs, but we need to ensure that it is a tool that benefits all Americans, including Native Americans. And that is exactly what this amendment does.

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Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for his support. There has been a lot of talk around China and zero talk around Indian Country.

All this amendment does is require the agency to conduct outreach-- outreach--to Indian Country to ensure that Tribal export businesses benefit from the same services and resources we offer every other American business.

Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As the new Export Finance Agency works to help American businesses export their products and services, it is critical that we ensure that we are not enriching or empowering the bad actors, especially those involved in drug trafficking, corruption, or human rights violations.

We don't want to help those whose actions are contrary to our American values, and we certainly don't want to help those who act against our best interests.

That is why H.R. 4863 prohibits the Export Finance Agency from doing business with individuals who are subject to U.S. sanctions.

I have offered an amendment to further clarify that this prohibition also extends to individuals who are subject to sanctions related to human rights and violations of free speech. This is especially important given the growing challenges to free speech across the world, including in Hong Kong and in Xinjiang.

Government officials or other entities who are involved in the suppression of free speech should not benefit from the agency's investment, and all of us should agree to that.

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Mrs. TORRES of California. I take issue with the ranking member questioning my hard work. I have spent every year since I came to Congress in 2015 working to address the issues of public corruption in Central America and throughout Latin America. So for this to come up now is, frankly, very disappointing.

My amendment, yes, does build on important provisions that are already in the bill, which prohibit extending credit to individuals who are subject to U.S. sanctions.

These provisions will protect the new agency, uphold American values, and protect our national security.

I urge my colleagues to find a way to see through this fog and understand that this is the right way to go about it. I hope they will support the bill and support my amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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