Centrist House members flex muscle, pass Export-Import Bank reauthoriation

By Lynn R. Mitchell

On Tuesday evening, centrist members of the U.S. House flexed some muscle and overwhelmingly cast a bipartisan vote of 313-118 to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (see WSJ’s House votes to reauthorize U.S. Import-Export Bank). Its charter had lapsed on July 15, 2015, after tea party members had targeted it, calling it “corporate cronyism.”

Immediately after the vote, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA 6th CD) posted on Facebook:

Export-Import Bank debate is part of U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The Export-Import Bank is on the docket today as debate continues on reauthorization. Here is today’s U.S. House schedule from Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy….

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Last votes expected: 4:45-5:45 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.R. 1090 – Retail Investor Protection Act, Rules Committee Print (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner / Financial Services Committee)

George Allen: ‘International trade is at the heart of Virginia’s economy’

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Former Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen gets it. America needs jobs and economic growth, and voters are concerned about the lack of both.

In Sunday’s Richmond Times-Dispatch, Governor Allen authored an op-ed about that very issue, a recurring concern of his throughout the years (see Allen: International trade at the heart of Virginia’s economy). He wrote:

A clear message from last month’s elections is that Americans are anxious about the economy. In fact, a look at the Virginia exit polls shows that the economy was the leading issue among half of all voters.

Members of Congress are now deliberating legislation on funding for the rest of the fiscal year — through September 2015 — that has the potential to boost economic growth. As they do, it will be important for them to view investments in international engagement as a way to promote our economic interests around the world and to create jobs at home.

As a longtime champion of Virginia’s economy, I’ve seen firsthand how our economic fate is tied directly to actions and markets around the world.

George Allen in Washington Examiner: Reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank is a no-brainer

By George Allen
The Washington Examiner, April 25, 2014

Today, exports are more important than ever to American businesses, manufacturers, and the overall strength of our nation’s economy. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, many companies can be more successful if they are able to expand and thrive in the global marketplace.