DeLauro, Commerce Department, Local Business Call for Export-Import Bank Reauthorization

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today called on Republicans who control the House of Representatives to bring up legislation reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank before its charter expires at the end of September. She was joined by Anupam Bhargava, Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Systems Corporation and Anne Evans, District Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Services Division.

“The Export-Import Bank helps companies like Clearwater find markets abroad for their products, creating more high-skill manufacturing jobs at home,” DeLauro said. “These jobs help support our Main Street businesses and small service businesses that employ thousands here in our State. This is the formula for job creation and economic growth. Supporting the good work that the Export-Import Bank does for small businesses is essential for a strong economic future.”

“For years, our sustainable water treatment solution – Dolphin WaterCare® – has enjoyed great success here in the United States” said Bhargava. “In recent years, with the help of the Export-Import Bank, we have also been able to enter international markets with confidence which has enabled our business to grow while delivering the environmental benefits of sustainable water treatment to parts of the world that are in need of water-efficient solutions.”

Without congressional action the Export-Import Bank’s charter will expire at the end of September. Republicans who hold the majority in the House of Representatives have refused to act on reauthorization due to pressure from the right wing of their party. DeLauro is the cosponsor of legislation to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank for seven years.

Clearwater makes water treatment technology that is used worldwide in cooling towers, HVAC and hot water systems, and other water infrastructure. Their “Dolphin WaterCare” system is an alternative to chemical-based water treatment that ensures clean water while reducing pollution.

The Export-Import Bank is the official export credit agency of the federal government and has been helping small businesses grow since 1945. Their charter has never been allowed to lapse. In Connecticut’s Third Congressional District alone, the Export-Import Bank has provided more than $557 million in support during the past six years, with over 80 percent of that going to small businesses.