Exports and Manufacturing
A critical aspect of growing our economy is opening up foreign markets to exports from American manufacturers. International trade supports jobs, and over 58,000 jobs in the 10th District are directly supported by exports. One in three manufacturing jobs depend on exports, and 95% of the world's consumers are outside of the United States.
Below are actions I have taken to increase exports and manufacturing:
- Helped local manufacturers and suppliers by advocating for and supporting the passage of the trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama. (H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, H.R. 3080; Status - Signed into law by the President)
- Extended trade preference program that helps U.S. manufacturers who import certain raw materials and products for use in their own production. (H.R. 2832, Status - Signed into law by the President)
- Lead co-sponsor of the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, active supporter of the Bank as they help small businesses in the 10th District and hosted an event with the Bank's Chairman so that small businesses in the 10th District were able to learn about developing new export markets. (H.R. 2072; Status - Introduced in the House of Representatives)
- Promote business travel cards to encourage trade and exports to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation countries. (H.R. 2042; Status - Passed the House of Representatives)
- Hosted an event for local exporters to highlight the Department of Commerce's resources available to assist exporters and held events for local businesses to learn more about how they can expand exports.
- Championed increasing international trade as a member of the House of Representative's Free Trade Working Group and serve as a Member of the House Manufacturing Caucus.
- Promote business travel cards to encourage trade and exports to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation countries. (H.R. 2042; Status - Passed the House of Representatives)
- Introduced legislation to reform America's federal sugar policy that hurts manufacturers in the food production industry. (H.R. 1739; Status - Introduced in the House of Representatives)