Washington, D.C. - Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) president Dennis Slater issued the following statement today after the Senate confirmation of Kimberly Reed, Judith Delzoppo Pryor, and Spencer Bachus to serve on the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States:

“Restoring the full functionality of the Export-Import Bank is critical to the equipment manufacturing industry and the American economy,” said Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). “With the appointment of Kimberly Reed, Judith Delzoppo Pryor, and Spencer Bachus, the bank’s board of directors is now able to reach a quorum and negotiate larger deals that benefit the thousands of U.S. businesses that rely on the bank.

"On behalf of our industry, we would like to thank those Senators who responded to the call of equipment manufacturers to support the Export-Import Bank. Now more than ever, U.S. equipment manufacturers need a level playing field to compete in the global marketplace. Today’s vote is a step forward for our economy, our businesses, and the 1.3 million hard-working men and women of our industry.”