[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H3252-H3256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      EXPORT PROMOTION REFORM ACT

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4041) to amend the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to further 
enhance the promotion of exports of United States goods and services, 
and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4041

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Export Promotion Reform 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. IMPROVED COORDINATION EXPORT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES OF 
                   FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       Section 2312 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 
     (relating to the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee; 15 
     U.S.C. 4727) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) in making the assessments under paragraph (5), review 
     the proposed annual budget of each agency described in 
     paragraph (5), under procedures established by the Committee 
     for such review, before the agency submits that budget to the 
     Office of Management and Budget and the President for 
     inclusion in the budget of the United States submitted to 
     Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States 
     Code; and'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) in conducting the review and developing the plan 
     under paragraph (2), take into account recommendations from a 
     representative number of United States exporters, in 
     particular small businesses and medium-sized businesses, and 
     representatives of United States workers;''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Executive Order and Regulations.--The President shall 
     issue an executive order and such regulations as are 
     necessary to provide the chairperson of the TPCC with the 
     authority to ensure that the TPCC carries out each of its 
     duties under subsection (b) and develops and implements the 
     strategic plan under subsection (c).
       ``(h) Definition.--In this section, the term `small 
     business' means a small business concern as defined under 
     section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).''.

[[Page H3253]]

     SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE 
                   RESOURCES.

       Section 2301(c)(4) of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 
     (relating to the United States and Foreign Commercial 
     Service; 15 U.S.C. 4721(c)(4)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (F) as 
     subparagraphs (C) through (G), respectively; and
       (2) by striking ``(4) Foreign offices.--(A) The Secretary 
     may'' and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Foreign offices.--(A)(i) In consultation with the 
     Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, the Secretary shall 
     conduct a global assessment of overseas markets to determine 
     those with the greatest potential for increasing United 
     States exports, and to deploy the Commercial Service 
     personnel and other resources on the basis of the global 
     assessment.
       ``(ii) The assessment conducted under clause (i) shall take 
     into account recommendations from a representative number of 
     United States exporters, in particular small- and medium-
     sized businesses, and representatives of United States 
     workers.
       ``(iii) Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment 
     of the Export Promotion Reform Act, the Secretary shall 
     submit to Congress results of the global assessment conducted 
     under clause (i) and a plan for deployment of Commercial 
     Service personnel and other resources on the basis of the 
     global assessment.
       ``(iv) The Secretary shall conduct an assessment and 
     deployment described in clause (i) not less than once in 
     every 5-year period.
       ``(B) The Secretary may''.

     SEC. 4. STRENGTHENED U.S. COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY IN SUPPORT OF 
                   U.S. EXPORTS.

       (a) Development of Plan.--Section 207(c) of the Foreign 
     Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3927(c)) is amended by 
     inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, 
     including through the development of a plan, drafted in 
     consultation with the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, 
     for effective diplomacy to remove or reduce obstacles to 
     exports of United States goods and services''.
       (b) Assessments and Promotions.--Section 603(b) of the 
     Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4003(b)) is amended, 
     in the second sentence, by inserting after ``expertise'' the 
     following: ``and (with respect to members of the Service with 
     responsibilities relating to economic affairs) of the 
     effectiveness of efforts to promote the export of United 
     States goods and services in accordance with a commercial 
     diplomacy plan developed pursuant to section 207(c),''.
       (c) Inspector General.--Section 209(b) of the Foreign 
     Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3929(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(5) the effectiveness of commercial diplomacy relating to 
     the promotion of exports of United States goods and services; 
     and''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.

                              {time}  1940


                             General Leave

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend and to submit 
extraneous materials for the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill has been many years in the making and is the 
result of several hearings, including one I held as chairman of the 
House Small Business Committee back in 2006. This is simply a good-
government bill that costs nothing.
  I recognize that market forces play a predominant role in 
international trade. However, export promotion programs can play a 
useful role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises find new 
markets and customers overseas. Several small companies in northern 
Illinois expanded their operations and hired new workers after U.S. 
Commercial Service identified new exporting opportunities.
  Also, according to the National District Export Council, every $1 
spent on export promotion has resulted in $135 in exports. However, 
many of our trade-promotion programs are not fully integrated. This has 
been confirmed in various Government Accountability Office, GAO, and 
Inspector General reports measuring the effectiveness of the Trade 
Promotion Coordinating Committee, which is known as the TPCC. 
Congressional intent behind the legislation this committee passed in 
1992 has not been fulfilled.
  Our trading partners are well organized and effectively market their 
businesses overseas. I recall on one of my trips to China some years 
ago, the CEO of a very large Chinese manufacturing company told me he 
often sees Europeans and Japanese as trade-promotion officials, but he 
had yet to see Americans doing the same thing. And he asked me the 
question: Where are the Americans?
  According to the National District Export Council, while the U.S. 
spends about 21 cents per $1,000 of total exports on trade-promotion 
programs and services, Japan spends 30 cents, France spends 43 cents, 
and Great Britain spends 75 cents. With small businesses offering the 
best prospect to boost export growth, we should make every effort that 
gets the greatest return for any taxpayer money spent on export 
promotion.
  In 2006 and in 2008, I introduced legislation that would reform the 
TPCC and move its responsibilities into the executive office of the 
President. I was pleased in 2010 when the President announced the 
formation of the Export Cabinet and adopted many of the reform ideas 
contained in my legislation, such as instituting measurable benchmarks 
for achieving goals set forth in the annual National Export Strategy 
report.
  However, there is one key reform missing from the President's 
proposal: having an integrated trade budget. Currently, each trade-
promotion agency submits its own budget to the Office of Management and 
Budget and the President on its own without a separate review as to 
whether or not each request fits within the overall trade agenda for 
the U.S. Government.
  The TPCC needs budget-review authority in order to be fully 
effective. In 2010, I was proud to join with our former colleague, 
Representative Gabby Giffords, in introducing legislation to remedy 
this problem. While the bill did not pass in the previous Congress, I 
am proud to join with my good friend, Representative Howard Berman, in 
continuing Ms. Giffords' legacy and support the Export Promotion Reform 
Act.
  While the President issued a subsequent memorandum last February that 
would give the Export Cabinet and the TPCC the ability to make 
recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget for more 
effective use of trade-promotion funds, this bill is needed to codify 
and clarify this role to guarantee that the TPCC will be able to 
influence decisions on the President's budget request prior to its 
submission to Congress.
  Process and good-government reforms oftentimes do not get the 
attention they deserve. However, this bill recognizes their importance. 
I urge my colleagues to support this bill because it will ultimately 
benefit small and medium-sized exporters.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4041, and I 
yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the Export Promotion Reform Act is a bipartisan, 
noncontroversial bill that will help increase the export of American 
goods and services, and in the process create new, high-quality jobs. I 
want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) for working 
with me on this legislation. He has been one of the strongest voices 
for export promotion and export control reform in this Chamber, and 
he's been a great partner to have on this legislation. I also want to 
thank my chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, and her staff for helping to move this through the 
legislative process to this point.
  H.R. 4041 would implement recommendations by the GAO, the Government 
Accountability Office, to make more effective use of our export-
promotion programs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the 
bill doesn't authorize any new programs, nor does it add any new 
spending or impose any new mandates.
  The bill has been endorsed by a number of prominent business 
organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National 
Association of Manufacturers, and the Business Roundtable.
  The Export Promotion Reform Act would make sound, practical 
improvements that would benefit many of the

[[Page H3254]]

Nation's 293,000 exporting firms, more than 97 percent of which are 
small and medium-sized businesses, while exercising fiscal prudence on 
behalf of the American taxpayer.
  American firms have renewed opportunities for growth and increased 
employment through increased sales overseas. However, the competition 
in world trade is fierce, and our export-promotion programs often don't 
measure up to those of our competitors. GAO has told us repeatedly that 
these programs would be more effective with improved coordination. To 
that end, H.R. 4041 would eliminate duplicative activities and improve 
service delivery to exporters; require a global plan to identify and 
target the best growth markets for U.S. goods and services; and require 
our ambassadors to develop country-by-country commercial diplomacy 
plans aimed at increasing U.S. exports, while making the effectiveness 
of their commercial diplomacy efforts part of their annual performance 
review.
  Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that every $1 
billion of U.S. exports supports approximately 5,800 jobs here at home. 
With 95 percent of the world's consumers living overseas, expanding 
U.S. exports in world markets is one of the best ways for American 
business to grow and create jobs.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.

                                                    U.S. Congress,


                                  Congressional Budget Office,

                                   Washington, DC, March 19, 2012.
     Hon. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Madam Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
     prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4041, the Export 
     Promotion Reform Act.
       If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
     pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Sunita 
     D'Monte.
           Sincerely,
                                             Douglas W. Elmendorf.
       Enclosure.
     H.R. 4041--Export Promotion Reform Act
       H.R. 4041 would require the Secretary of Commerce to assess 
     overseas markets, at least once every five years, to 
     determine which markets present the greatest opportunities to 
     increase United States exports. The Secretary would be 
     required to relocate personnel that promote U.S. trade 
     opportunities based on the outcome of the assessment. The 
     bill also would require Chiefs of Missions in foreign 
     countries to use those assessments in promoting United States 
     exports.
       Based on information from the Department of State and the 
     International Trade Administration, the agencies that would 
     administer the bill's provisions, CBO estimates that 
     implementing H.R. 4041 would have discretionary costs of less 
     than $500,000 a year, totaling about $1 million over the 2012 
     2017 period, assuming the availability of appropriated funds.
       Enacting H.R. 4041 would not affect direct spending or 
     revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
       H.R. 4041 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
     mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and 
     would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
       On January 17, 2012, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for 
     H.R. 2987, the American Export Promotion and Job Creation 
     Act, as introduced on September 21, 2011. The language in 
     that bill is similar to that in H.R. 4041 and the estimated 
     costs for the two bills are identical.
       The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Sunita D'Monte. 
     The estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 
     Director for Budget Analysis.
                                  ____

                                        Chamber of Commerce of the


                                     United States of America,

                                  Washington, DC., April 18, 2012.
     Hon. Howard Berman,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Donald Manzullo,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representatives Berman and Manzullo: The U.S. Chamber 
     of Commerce, the world's largest business federation, 
     representing the interests of more than three million 
     businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and 
     region, supports H.R. 4041, the ``Export Promotion Reform 
     Act,'' which would boost exports of goods and services by 
     improving the coordination of U.S. export promotion programs.
       International trade plays a central role in creating 
     American jobs and boosting economic growth at home. More than 
     38 million American jobs already depend on trade, and more 
     than 97% of the 275,000 U.S. companies that export are small 
     and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, this figure 
     represents just one of every 100 U.S. SMEs, underscoring how 
     difficult it is for smaller firms to enter export markets. At 
     virtually no cost, this bill would ensure that the federal 
     government's limited export promotion resources are used 
     efficiently to offer these smaller companies the help they 
     need to break into the international marketplace.
       The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has determined 
     that the 17 federal agencies with export promotion programs 
     could be made more effective through better coordination, 
     elimination of duplicative activities, and better allocation 
     of resources. In particular, GAO found that strengthening the 
     interagency Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee would 
     improve the effectiveness of U.S. export promotion programs. 
     GAO also found that effective export promotion programs can 
     provide significant benefits to SMEs in the competitive 
     global economy.
       H.R. 4041 would put many of the GAO recommendations into 
     effect. It would require the Secretary of Commerce to assess 
     overseas markets at least once every five years to determine 
     which markets present the greatest opportunities for U.S. 
     exporters. The bill also would require U.S. ambassadors 
     abroad to use those assessments as U.S. embassies promote 
     U.S. exports of goods and services.
       The Chamber supports H.R. 4041, which would help more U.S. 
     companies tap export markets and create American jobs, and 
     applauds you for your leadership on this important issue. The 
     Chamber looks forward to working with you on this important 
     legislation.
           Sincerely,
     R. Bruce Josten.
                                  ____

                                           National Association of


                                                Manufacturers,

                                  Washington, DC., April 10, 2012.
     Hon. Howard Berman,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Donald Manzullo
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representatives Berman and Manzullo: The National 
     Association of Manufacturers (NAM) very much appreciates the 
     opportunity to support legislation that will streamline U.S. 
     export promotion activities. We believe that The Export 
     Promotion Reform Act (H.R. 4041) will help increase the 
     export of domestically made goods.
       The NAM is the nation's largest industrial trade 
     association, representing small and large manufacturers in 
     every industrial sector and in all 50 states. The ability of 
     U.S. companies to export has always been a critical issue for 
     the NAM, and exports are increasingly important to the U.S. 
     economy and to the success of American manufacturing.
       Foreign markets, particularly in emerging economies, are 
     growing faster than the mature U.S. domestic market. That 
     means in order to obtain the jobs growth we all want, 
     manufacturers need to turn increasingly to export markets. 
     Unfortunately, the United States is falling behind. We are 
     still the world's largest manufacturer, but we lack the 
     export orientation of our major competitors and have been 
     losing share in world markets. In fact, the United States 
     exports less than half as much of its manufacturing output as 
     the global average. And in comparing the United States with 
     the 15 major manufacturing economies, we rank 13th in the 
     proportion of our manufacturing output that is exported.
       Increasing U.S. exports contributes directly to jobs for 
     American workers. Global trade flows are recovering, and 
     there are increasing opportunities for sales overseas. 
     However, the more than 90 percent of exporters that are small 
     or medium-sized firms need more effective export promotion 
     assistance in order to compete with the support that foreign 
     firms received from their governments. H.R. 4041 can help 
     here.
       According to the GAO, 17 federal agencies have export 
     promotion programs. With improved coordination, these 
     agencies can eliminate duplicative activities and utilize 
     their resources more efficiently. The NAM believes that 
     strengthening the interagency Trade Promotion Coordinating 
     Committee (TPCC), led by the Secretary of Commerce, will 
     improve federal export promotion programs and help the global 
     competitiveness of manufacturers in the United States.
       H.R. 4041 will strengthen the TPCC by requiring it to 
     assess current export promotion programs, outline necessary 
     improvement, and coordinate the implementation of export 
     promotion activities by other agencies. The Export Promotion 
     Reform Act will also improve export promotion and provide 
     much-needed practical help to manufacturers and manufacturing 
     workers by providing for the redeployment of U.S. Commercial 
     Service resources. This will help exporters find more 
     customers and better understand foreign Customs rules and 
     regulations.
       The NAM hopes to see The Export Promotion Reform Act move 
     quickly toward becoming law, and want to express our strong 
     support for its passage as we all work toward the goal of 
     doubling U.S. exports.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Frank Vargo.

[[Page H3255]]

     
                                  ____
                                              Business Roundtable,
                                   Washington, DC, April 17, 2012.
     Hon. Howard Berman,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
     Hon. Donald Manzullo,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Representatives Berman and Manzullo: Business 
     Roundtable supports your bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4041--
     the Export Promotion Reform Act, which will help expand U.S. 
     exports and thereby support U.S. economic growth and jobs.
       In its recent report, Taking Action for America: A CEO Plan 
     for Jobs and Economic Growth, Business Roundtable put forward 
     a comprehensive plan to revitalize U.S. economic growth and 
     job creation. The plan recognizes that expanding 
     international trade and investment is one of several critical 
     areas for action. The facts demonstrate clearly that 
     international trade is an important engine for U.S. economic 
     growth and job creation:
       Over the last two decades, 24 million new trade-related 
     jobs for American workers were created.
       In 2008, more than 38 million jobs in America--more than 
     one in five--depended on international trade--exports and 
     imports.
       In 2009, more than 275,000 U.S. companies exported 
     merchandise to customers abroad.
       Exports support higher-paying jobs. Positions in the 
     manufacturing sector linked to the export of goods pay on 
     average 18 percent more than other jobs.
       H.R. 4041 will put in place policies and reforms needed to 
     make U.S. export promotion programs more efficient and 
     effective and help U.S. exporters compete for sales around 
     the world against our foreign competitors. I understand that 
     H.R. 4041 will accomplish these important objectives at 
     existing funding levels.
       If given the tools, American companies and exporters can 
     increase their share of world trade. H.R. 4041 will give them 
     more of the tools they need to expand U.S. exports.
           Sincerely,
     John Engler.
                                  ____

                                          Coalition for Employment


                                        Through Exports, Inc.,

                                    Washington, DC, April 2, 2012.
     Hon. John A. Boehner,
     Speaker of the House of Representatives,
     Office of the Speaker,
     Capitol Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Boehner: On behalf of its members, the 
     Coalition for Employment through Exports (CEE) writes in 
     support of H.R. 4041, The Export Promotion Reform Act. CEE is 
     comprised of the largest exporters and manufacturers in the 
     country and thus understands the importance of exports to the 
     creation of American jobs and improving the economy. However, 
     with countries all over the world focused on exporting their 
     way out of the economic downturn, it is essential that U.S. 
     companies--large and small--have the necessary tools and 
     support to compete in the global marketplace. H.R. 4041 helps 
     sharpen the focus of U.S. export promotion efforts with 
     special emphasis on small and medium size firms; CEE hopes 
     the House will take up action on this Bill over the next few 
     weeks.
       We are especially pleased with the provisions focused on 
     finding export opportunities, granting the Trade Promotion 
     Coordinating Committee (TPCC) more authority, and seeking the 
     advice of SME exporters. The last item is especially critical 
     as it recognizes the unique needs small businesses have when 
     exporting. It is very difficult for small companies to locate 
     customers, verify the stability of the foreign company and 
     line up financing; this bill will enable export promotion 
     efforts to better target the needs of these exporters. If 
     enacted, CEE believes H.R. 4041 would help mitigate the 
     complications faced by the job-creating American small 
     business.
       CEE urges the Congress to act quickly on this critical 
     bill.
           Sincerely,
     John Hardy, Jr.
                                  ____

                                            National Foreign Trade


                                                Council, Inc.,

                                   Washington, DC, March 19, 2012.
     Hon. John A. Boehner,
     Speaker of the House of Representatives,
     Office of the Speaker,
     Capitol Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Speaker: The National Foreign Trade Council, a 
     business organization advocating for an open, rule-based 
     global trading system and representing over 250 member 
     companies, would like to express our support for H.R. 4041, 
     The Export Promotion Reform Act. We hope this bill will be 
     considered on the House floor soon.
       We believe that the Export Promotion Reform Act would 
     increase the exports of American goods and services, thereby 
     creating more American jobs and spurring more economic 
     growth. It is estimated that one in three manufacturing jobs 
     depends on exports, and, according to the Department of 
     Agriculture, one in three acres on U.S. farmland is planted 
     for consumers abroad. If America is to continue reaching 
     consumers all across the globe, we must actively pursue 
     legislation that promotes American exports.
       The Export Promotion Reform Act amends the Export 
     Enhancement Act of 1988 requiring the Commerce department to 
     assess global markets to identify opportunities for increases 
     in U.S exports. Such actions are critical to addressing 
     America's growing trade deficit. Between 2003 and 2009, the 
     U.S. fell from first to third place behind China and Germany 
     in dollar value of exports. Addressing the prospect of new 
     and untapped markets is crucial if American firms are to 
     increase sales and to continue the trend of job growth.
       Additionally, by enhancing interagency coordination through 
     strengthening the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee and 
     by setting directives for ambassadors to develop country-by-
     country commercial diplomacy, the bill provides a clear and 
     cohesive plan for government agencies to communicate with 
     businesses on U.S. trade promotion.
       Finally, the bill addresses the fact that more than 97% of 
     U.S. export companies are small and medium-sized enterprises 
     (SME's) and account for nearly a third of U.S. merchandise 
     exports. By directing the Commerce Department to seek 
     recommendations for U.S. exporters, specifically SMEs, the 
     bill upholds a standard that all companies should have an 
     opportunity to access new markets.
       The NFTC urges your full support of H.R. 4041, the Export 
     Promotion Reform Act.
           Sincerely,
                                               William A. Reinsch,
                                                        President.

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Berman/Manzullo 
bill to reform how we promote exports. This is a great down payment on 
a whole host of reforms we can make to how the government works with 
U.S. businesses to create jobs by exporting our goods and services.
  We have enormous business opportunities in overseas markets, and we 
have overwhelming data and analysis that shows that other countries 
have been doing a better job at promoting their exports and that we can 
easily do much better.
  Today's bill will focus our export promotions activities and reduce 
obstacles to exporting without spending any more money.
  As you may know, Mr. Reichert and I also have a bill with a couple of 
additional export promotion provisions that also have no cost and are 
uncontroversial.
  Because of a quirk in the tax code we are getting inaccurate data on 
services exports that could be up to one-third wrong. We need to fix 
it. We also need to have a better annual report and plan from the TPCC 
on how the government's overall export work is matching up with the 
needs of U.S. businesses.
  I'd ask the members for their support in continuing to push on this 
bill, to get it through the Senate, and on other measures too, like 
what Mr. Reichert and I have put together--costless improvements we can 
make to improve exports and create jobs.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4041, the 
Export Promotion Reform Act, which will revise the duties of the Trade 
Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to improve the research 
conducted for export promotion efforts. If enacted, this bill will 
increase the effectiveness of the steps that are taken by the TPCC to 
boost international trade. I support the bill because expanding 
America's share of the export market is critical if we are to compete 
and win in the global economy of the 21st century and provide jobs that 
will sustain a middle-class standard of living for our people.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill will require the government to take into 
account the recommendations of small- and medium-sized businesses when 
developing federal trade promotion efforts. This requirement will 
enable policymakers to better understand the environment in which they 
are attempting to promote trade.
  A more focused understanding of the current economic environment can 
help the government create more effective export expansion initiatives. 
By creating targeted initiatives, the Federal Government can help the 
U.S. economy by expanding economic opportunity for local business to 
increase foreign sales, thereby creating more good-paying jobs, and 
economic growth.
  This bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct global 
assessments of overseas markets to determine which markets have the 
greatest export potential, and deploy resources accordingly. This will 
assist U.S. businesses in identifying profitable market opportunities 
abroad, making it easier for them to begin exporting goods and 
services. Additionally, the deployed personnel and other resources will 
help to limit barriers to entry of foreign markets by U.S. businesses.
  I support this bill also because of the strong positive impact that 
an increase in exports will have on the constituents of the 37th 
Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to 
represent. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are major economic 
engines in the Southern California economy, currently providing nearly 
$14.5 billion a year in trade-related wages, and more than $47 billion 
in direct and indirect business sales.
  An increase in international exports will boost these figures and 
create jobs. Additionally, an increase in exports will, provide more 
opportunities for local businesses to thrive by expanding into foreign 
markets.

[[Page H3256]]

  For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 
4041.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 4041, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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