I 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5797 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 20, 2010 Mr. Larsen of Washington introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To expand export promotion activities with respect to small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Small Manufacturers Export Initiative Act.

2.

Global business development and promotion activities of the Department of Commerce

(a)

Increase in employees with responsibility for global business development and promotion activities

(1)

In general

During the 24-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall increase the number of full-time departmental employees (including those employed overseas) whose primary responsibilities involve promoting or facilitating participation by United States businesses in the global marketplace and facilitating the entry into, or expansion of, such participation by United States businesses. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that the cohort of such employees is increased by not less than 80 persons. (2)

Enhanced focus on United States small- and medium-sized manufacturers

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall take such action as may be necessary to ensure that the activities of the Department of Commerce relating to promoting and facilitating participation by United States businesses in the global marketplace include promoting and facilitating such participation by small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States. (3)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the 24-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (b)

Additional funding for global business development and promotion activities of the Department of Commerce

(1)

In general

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for the 24-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, $30,000,000 to promote or facilitate participation by United States businesses in the global marketplace and facilitating the entry into, or expansion of, such participation by United States manufacturers. (2)

Requirements

In obligating and expending the funds authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Commerce shall give preference to activities that— (A)assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States; and (B)the Secretary determines will create or sustain the greatest number of jobs in the United States and obtain the maximum return on investment.

3.

Additional funding for the ExporTech program

(a)

In general

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for the 24-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, $11,000,000 to expand ExporTech, a joint program of the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program and the Export Assistance Centers of the Department of Commerce. (b)

Requirements

In obligating and expending the funds authorized to be appropriated by subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce shall give preference to activities that— (1)assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States; and (2)the Secretary determines will create or sustain the greatest number of jobs in the United States and obtain the maximum return on investment.

4.

Sense of the Congress concerning Federal collaboration with States on export promotion issues

It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Commerce should enhance Federal collaboration with the States on export promotion issues by— (1)providing the necessary training to the staff at State international trade agencies to enable them to assist the United States and Foreign Commercial Service (established by section 2301 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721)) in providing counseling and other export services to businesses in their communities; and (2)entering into agreements with State international trade agencies for those agencies to deliver export promotion services in their local communities in order to extend the outreach of United States and Foreign Commercial Service programs.