House Bill Would Expand U.S. Export Promotion Activities
On July 20, 2010, Representative Larsen (D) introduced the Small Manufacturers Export Initiative Act (H.R. 5797), a bill to expand export promotion activities with respect to small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the U.S., and for other purposes.
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It has been referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, as well as the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Would Add Export Promotion Jobs, Focus on SMEs and Technology
During the 24-month period beginning on the date of enactment, the Secretary of Commerce would be required to increase, by at least 80 persons, the number of employees whose primary responsibilities involve promoting or facilitating participation by U.S. businesses in the global marketplace and facilitating the entry into, or expansion of, such participation by U.S. businesses. The bill would authorize appropriations of $30 million to carry out these requirements for the 24 month period.
The Secretary would also have to ensure that the Commerce Department’s activities relating to promoting and facilitating participation by U.S. businesses in the global marketplace include promoting and facilitating such participation by small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs).
In addition, the bill would require a $11 million expansion of ExporTech, a joint program of the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program and the Export Assistance Centers of the Commerce Department.
(The bill would also encourage the Department of Commerce to better collaborate with state-level export promotion agencies.)