Mr. Chairman, Members of the Senate. I am honored to appear before you as the President's nominee to become a Director at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
I am deeply appreciative to President Bush for giving me the unexpected opportunity to continue in public service. I am also most appreciative to Majority Leader Daschle, Senator Sarbanes and my friend Senator Dodd for their support in my nomination. My promise to the President and to each member of this committee is that, if confirmed, I will serve with the same dedication, zeal and purposefulness as I have in my previous government service.
When I was first asked whether I would be interested in possibly service on the EX-IM Board my first thought was how perfect that would be to use my seven plus years of experience as Director of the Trade and Development Agency. Not only is EX-IM TDA's sister trade finance agency, along with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, TDA's success is inextricably linked to EX-IM. More than a third of the exports facilitated by TDA feasibility studies are financed by the Bank.
To have the chance to bring my experience and enthusiasm to EX-IM; to assist in strengthening our U.S. economy; and to help create and preserve jobs here at home is a singular and special personal and professional opportunity. And U.S. jobs are what it's all about at the Bank.
Last year EX-IM financed or insured over $15 billion in U.S. exports. In today's competitive international market, often it's whoever provides the financing that gets the business. American companies need to be assured they can depend on their government as their partner in further growing their company's share of the worldwide market. EX-IM will continue and, with the Administration and Congress' support, will further strengthen that partnership.
If confirmed, I will have the opportunity and honor to join the President, the Congress, EX-IM Chairman John Robson and his colleagues at the Bank in serving our nation's interest. I would welcome that opportunity and ask for your support.
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