WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Promoting Rural Exports Act. This bill formally establishes the Rural Export Center under U.S. Commercial Services, which will help rural businesses access international markets and work to increase their exports.
“Rural businesses are critical to communities across North Dakota,” said Congressman Armstrong. “With the right resources, rural businesses can compete on a global scale while creating jobs right here at home. This bipartisan bill is a win for small businesses and rural areas. I’m proud to support it.”
“In New Hampshire, our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it’s critical our rural businesses have the resources they need to access the global marketplace, export their products, and fully compete in the 21st-century economy,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased to partner with Congressman Armstrong on this bipartisan bill to ensure our rural small businesses have the tools and support they need to grow and thrive, and I will keep working to support rural Main Street businesses and boost our local economy.”
Key Provisions of the Promoting Rural Exports Act are:
- Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to establish a Rural Export Center at the U.S. Commercial Service to help rural businesses export their products;
- Requires the Rural Export Center to be centrally located and not in a major metropolitan area;
- Directs the Rural Export Center to provide customized market research services to help rural businesses target their exports;
- Directs the Rural Export Center to conduct strategic planning and export support services for rural businesses; and
- Requires the Center to make data relating to its effectiveness publicly available on its website.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
Full text of the bill can be found here.
