April 19, 2017

In Letter, Watson Coleman Urges Senators to Oppose Garrett Nomination to ExIm Bank

Garners Support from all Democratic New Jersey Representatives

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, with support from all democratic members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, sent a letter to Senate Major Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging them to oppose the confirmation of Former U.S. Representative Scott Garrett to lead the Export-Import Bank. The letter highlights statements made by Garrett “deems him unfit to assume the role of President and carry forth its mission to facilitate the export of U.S. goods and services and promote job creation across the United States.”

Excerpts from the letter are below and can be read here.

On Garrett’s public statements & congressional record..
“Mr. Garrett’s [opposition to]... EXIM are clear, unambiguous, and far beyond the mainstream. He has referred to EXIM as “corporate welfare,” “crony capitalism,” and categorized it as “a bank that embodies the corruption of the free enterprise system.” Mr. Garrett’s opposition contributed to Congress’s inability to renew EXIM’s charter in 2015, resulting in a 5-month lapse in authorization. The full functions of the agency were finally restored following extraordinary procedural maneuvering in the U.S. House and the successful passage of a discharge petition.”

On Garrett’s opposition of ExIm at the expense of New Jerseyans..
“Since 2012, the bank has facilitated $3 billion in New Jersey exports from 164 companies; 130 of these companies were small businesses. More than a quarter of that export activity — $827 million — was from Mr. Garrett’s former congressional district. Instead of working on behalf of his constituents to support or build upon the outsized benefits that EXIM had provided to his constituents, Mr. Garrett chose to lead a stubborn opposition to the agency's record of job creation.”

 

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