Politics

Chiding Congress, Obama Urges Fast Ex-Im Bank Renewal

Published

11 years ago

July 22, 2015

President Barack Obama, center, with Paul Sullivan, left, Vice President of International Business Development at Acrow Bridge, and Susan Jaime, right, CEO Ferra Coffee International, during his meeting with small business owners to discuss the importance of the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press
ERICA WERNER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chiding Congress in no uncertain terms, President Barack Obama warned Wednesday that American businesses are suffering while the Export-Import Bank lapses, and called on lawmakers to reauthorize the bank within days.

With Congress nearing its annual August recess, Obama said the U.S. “cannot leave these businesses hanging” by punting a vote to renew the bank until after Congress returns. He said it was a “shame” that the bank had been allowed to expire, and said the lapse puts the U.S. at a disadvantage because “every other advanced country has a program like this” to promote its exports.

“We cannot unilaterally disarm,” Obama said during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room with small businesses affected by the bank’s expiration. “Orders are on hold. Businesses are in danger We need to get this done.”

An obscure federal agency unknown to most Americans, the Export-Import Bank underwrites loans to foreign companies that are purchasing American products, which helps U.S. businesses successfully market their products overseas. Conservatives denounce it as corporate welfare, although Obama insisted that’s not the case. He said the U.S. Treasury actually benefits because the government makes money from the bank.

The bank’s charter expired June 30 for the first time in its 81-year history because of congressional inaction. With conservative opponents celebrating its demise, prospects to revive it are uncertain.

Supporters in the Senate are hoping to add it to must-pass highway legislation now being considered — and they have the votes to prevail — but the underlying highway legislation may run into trouble. The House has passed its own, shorter highway bill without the Export-Import Bank included, and House Republicans are opposed to the Senate bill.

The White House not only supports adding the bank’s reauthorization to the bill, but “insists” that it be added to the crucial highway legislation, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Wednesday.

Complicating matters, Congress’ legislative session is drawing near its close, so supporters face the prospect of running out of time to push the Export-Import Bank across the finish line before lawmakers leave Washington for their annual August recess.

“This should be a no-brainer,” Obama said.

The bank cannot currently make new loans or guarantees but remains in business to service billions in outstanding loans and guarantees. However its funding runs out Sept. 30 so if Congress does not act before then to revive it, its outlook becomes even more shaky.

___

Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP and Erica Werner at http://twitter.com/ericawerner

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Art

After 10-Year Wait, Fillmore Heritage Center Reopens in San Francisco

After serving as the economic and cultural hub of the Fillmore’s historically Black community for more than a decade, the center’s closure ended what was called the “Rebirth of the Cool,” referring to the neighborhood’s role during the height of Black Jazz in the United States.

Published

3 hours ago

June 10, 2026

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Rev. Amos Brown of Third Baptist Church addresses community members at the Fillmore Heritage Center ribbon cutting. Photo by Linda Parker Pennington.

By Linda Parker Pennington, Special to The Post

Last Saturday morning, the cloudy skies cleared just as the highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony began, marking the reopening of the Fillmore Heritage Center at 1330 Fillmore and Eddy.

The complex – which had once included Yoshi’s Jazz Club, the Lush Life Art Gallery, the Koret Heritage Lobby, a 54-seat microcinema, and the Black-owned 1300 On Fillmore restaurant – shuttered in 2015.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announcing the reopening of the Fillmore Heritage Center. Erika Scott, owner of Honey Art Studio, looks on with pride. Photo by Linda Parker Pennington.

“The Fillmore is the most important neighborhood in San Francisco’s history for centering Black culture, music, business, and community, and has shaped this City and influenced the entire country,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to the gathering of more than 100 community leaders, business owners, and public officials. “This building reflects the deep roots of the Fillmore. Urban renewal left deep scars that are still felt today. This Center celebrates a strong Black community that continues to shape San Francisco. I am proud to join the community as we reopen the Fillmore Heritage Center.”

Although the previous stakeholders will not be returning to the center, spaces are available for nonprofit organizations and ventures, such as Fillmore native Ericka Johnson’s Honey Art Studio.

“This Center will be an economic engine and a thriving venue that shines a light on the Black-owned businesses in this neighborhood and lifts the entire district,” Lurie continued. “Our City is committed to this community for the long term.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with the City to finally reopen these doors,” said Ken Johnson, a videographer and community leader who’d been lobbying for the reopening of the center. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurship and creative spirit of this ‘Harlem of the West’ and the ‘Rebirth of the Cool,’ grounded in our uniquely gifted Fillmore community.”

This month, through its Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the city will begin renting the building’s noncommercial spaces for pop-up events celebrating local talent, arts, and entertainment primarily centered in the Fillmore.