[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REAUTHORIZATION OF EX-IM BANK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 1997

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for 
reauthorizing the U.S. Export-Import Bank. By providing loans and 
guarantees that may otherwise be unavailable, the Ex-Im Bank is an 
invaluable tool to American workers and businesses, 80 percent of which 
are small companies.
  In my home State of Illinois, 288 companies and 125 communities have 
benefited from the Ex-Im Bank in the last 5 years. During this time, 
Ex-Im financing helped to support the $2.2 billion in exports my State 
produces, and the estimated 30,000 jobs that manufacture those exports.
  The Bank is essential to the communities, constituents, and 
businesses in my district. Whether it's in Elgin or Aurora, Batavia, or 
West Chicago, companies and their employees are benefiting.
  I wish to thank my friend from New Jersey, Representative Robert 
Menendez, for joining me in making this a priority. I'm delighted that 
the chief deputy whips from each side of the aisle can come together in 
making this a bipartisan effort.

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