03.11.10

Cantwell Lauds President Obama for Appointing Boeing CEO Jim McNerney to Head Export Council

Appointment Part of Broad Effort to Boost U.S. Exports

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement on President Obama’s appointment of Boeing CEO Jim McNerney as chair of the re-launched President’s Export Council: 
 
“I welcome Jim McNerney’s appointment today by President Obama to chair the President’s Export Council.  As president and chief executive officer of the Boeing Company, McNerney has been in charge of America’s largest exporter of manufactured goods, leading it to continued growth and global success. Seven out of ten Boeing planes are exported to foreign customers in more than 90 countries.  Boeing is a critical part of Washington state’s economy, supporting more than 75,000 jobs.  McNerney is the ideal choice to chair the council as it advises the president on export expansion and works with industry to do the same.
 
“In Washington state alone, approximately one job in three is directly linked to foreign exports.  With President Obama’s renewed focus on expanding U.S. exports, I am committed to resolving disputes over pending trade pacts, such as the issue of allowing Mexican trucks full access to U.S. markets, and the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade agreement, which could increase U.S. exports to Korea by an estimated $10 to $12 billion per year.  We must open more markets to U.S. goods and services to get the edge on competitors in China and the European Union, and create more business that will drive our economic recovery.”
 
Senator Cantwell has consistently been a supporter of increasing free trade agreements while at the same time working to ensure that there are adequate protections for the environment, labor and basic human rights. 

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