Tonight, Bernie Sanders criticized Hillary Clinton for her past support of trade deals in an effort to prove himself a defender of American workers. However, what Sanders conveniently “forgot” to mention was that his opposition of the Export-Import Bank actually undercuts American industries and workers.
Sanders stood as a “GOP ally in opposing the Export-Import Bank” — and even gained support from extreme right-wing groups like the Koch-funded Freedom Partners and Heritage Action — but this opposition hurts American workers, plain and simple. Sanders needs to own up to his past mistakes.
-
Headline: “Bernie Sanders Is GOP Ally In Opposing The Export-Import Bank.” [“Bernie Sanders Is GOP Ally In Opposing The Export-Import Bank,” International Business Times, 10/5/15]
-
2015: Bernie Sanders was the only member of the Senate Democratic caucus to oppose re-authorization the Ex-Im Bank. [Morning Consult, 7/8/15; HR 22, Vote #256, 7/27/15; CQ Floor Votes, 7/27/15]
-
The Export-Import Bank supported 1.4 million private-sector American jobs since 2008, including 109,000 in FY 2015. By financing the export of American goods and services, EXIM Bank has supported 1.4 million private-sector, American jobs in the past seven years, supporting 109,000 jobs in FY 2015 alone. [Export-Import Bank of the United States, Annual Report, 2015]
-
Nearly 90% of the Export-Import Bank’s transactions in FY 2015 supported American small business. Small business exporters need certainty and protection to tackle new markets, expand and create jobs. In FY 2015, nearly 90 percent of EXIM Bank’s transactions—more than 2,300—directly supported American small businesses. [Export-Import Bank of the United States, Annual Report, 2015]