New Jersey Democrats: Scott Garrett is the Antithesis of the ExIm Bank

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, alongside all Democratic House members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, released the below statement doubling down on their urging of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee to vehemently oppose the confirmation of former New Jersey Representative Scott Garrett to lead the Export-Import bank:

“There is no room for Scott Garrett at the table when considering leadership for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. By willingly ignoring its successes and publicly lambasting the agency, coupled with a voting record that sought to eliminate the agency – Scott Garrett has demonstrated that he cannot be trusted to run this critical agency to create jobs and encourage continued economic growth. His record cannot and should not be ignored. As a vocal and unwavering opponent of the agency, Garrett represents the antithesis of EXIM and his nomination should be rejected in Committee and by the full Senate.”

In April, the seven Democrats – led by Watson Coleman – sent a letter to Senate leadership urging both parties to oppose the nomination following the President’s announcement. The same letter was resent today to the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee who will conduct a hearing, tomorrow, on Garrett’s nomination. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers oppose Garrett’s confirmation.

Congress reauthorized the bank in December 2015 for four years. If the Senate confirms him as president of the bank, Garrett would also be CEO and a board member.