WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. n Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) 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.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in New Hampshire; however, many of our rural businesses face unique challenges,” said Congressman Pappas. “With 95% of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, it’s vital that rural small businesses have the tools and support they need to export their products and take advantage of a global marketplace. That’s why the bipartisan Promoting Rural Exports Act is so important and why I’m pleased to help introduce it today. I remain committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to help our rural Main Street businesses boost their exports and experience the benefits of being fully part of the 21st-century economy.”

“The Rural Export Center will help rural businesses across North Dakota find the data and tools they need to reach international markets with their products,” 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 communities, and I am proud to support it.”

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).

Newsletter