[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     EXPORT-IMPORT REAUTHORIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2002

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I seek recognition to raise a concern I have 
with the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United 
States. Mr. Chairman, I want to make it clear that I support the goals 
and mission of the Export-Import Bank, which is creating American jobs. 
The Bank plays an important role in helping to level the playing field 
for American exporters trying to compete with heavily subsidized 
foreign competition.
  However, I am deeply concerned that Ex-Im is also supporting 
companies that are giving away our national secrets to foreign 
governments. I am troubled by the possibility that Ex-Im may be 
subsidizing the sale of our nation's secrets. I trust that this is a 
concern that Chairman Oxley and the Committee have as well. It would 
please me to hear that this is something that my good friend from Ohio 
has been giving some thought to, because I believe that before we 
finish the Ex-Im reauthorization conference we must look at finding a 
way to make sure that the bank is not rewarding bad behavior that risks 
our national security.
  I want to take a brief minute to raise one example that comes to 
mind, Loral Communications. This company was recently fined millions of 
dollars for allowing sensitive satellite communications to fall into 
the hands of a foreign government. Instead of saying that it is going 
to take a stand and send a message that our national security is a top 
priority for the Export-Import Bank, the bank recently chose to approve 
a loan guarantee for Loral to sell a satellite to a company owned by 
the prime minister of a foreign country.
  The reason this concerns me is that Ex-Im, through a series of deals 
has established a track record of not taking into account our national 
security when considering loans. I want to work with the Chairman to 
find a way to make sure that the Export-Import Bank in its well-
intentioned zeal to support U.S. exporters takes into account our 
national security concerns.
  I had proposed an amendment for H.R. 2871, which would have addressed 
this problem in what I believe was a reasonable manner, however it was 
not made in order for today's consideration. I know that Chairman Oxley 
shares my concern and I hope that he can agree to work with me to find 
a way to solve this problem so that we can make sure that the Export-
Import Bank is able to do its job, but at the same time our national 
security is protected.
  Again, I am glad to hear of your commitment to solving this problem, 
and I look forward to working with him to find a fair solution.

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