WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the Senate vote to end debate on reauthorization of the Export-Import (EX-IM) Bank. The vote to end debate was defeated 31-65.

The roll call vote, to table an amendment to reauthorize the EX-IM Bank, was seen as a test of strength in the Senate for the pro-bank reauthorization forces.

“This was an important vote for the EX-IM Bank and South Carolina’s manufacturing economy. This is a critical issue for companies like Boeing in North Charleston, General Electric in Greenville, and a host of other manufacturers throughout our state.

“I’m very pleased we were able to muster 65 votes in support of EX-IM Bank. This shows there is an overwhelming bipartisan majority for reauthorization. It also shows the Senate opposes unilaterally disarming and allowing China and other nations to gain yet another unfair competitive advantage over American manufacturers.

“I look forward to continuing to push forward on reauthorization of the EX-IM Bank. We must soon get legislation reauthorizing the bank to the president’s desk for signature into law. American jobs are on the line.”

#####