March 3, 2015
Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of Koch Industries, I am writing to urge you to oppose reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the
United States. The Ex-Im Bank is yet another example of the government intervening in the market to pick winners
and losers. It confers benefits granted by the American people as a whole to a small number of well-connected
corporations. It socializes the risk of economic activity while benefiting relatively few companies. We respectfully
ask Congress to allow the Ex-Im Bank to expire.
As the official credit export agency of the United States the Ex-Im Bank’s liabilities are the liabilities of the
American people, and any losses at the Bank are ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayer. In practical
application a handful of large companies receive the bulk of Ex-Im’s benefits; for example, according to research by
Veronique De Rugy of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, in fiscal year 2013 64% of the value of
Ex-Im loans and guarantees went to just 10 companies (see “The Biggest Beneficiaries of the Ex-Im Bank,” April
29, 2014). As the failures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac make clear, using taxpayer dollars to subsidize
corporations rarely results in benefits for society at large.
We agree with President Obama that Ex-Im is “little more than a fund for corporate welfare,” as he stated as a
candidate in 2008. And we stand by Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas, who notes there is little hope for reform
of the social entitlement programs that threaten to bankrupt our country if we are not also willing to reform
corporate entitlement programs.
As such, we oppose ALL subsidies, whether existing or proposed, including programs that benefit us, which are
principally those that are embedded in our economy, such as mandates. We do not believe government should be
picking “winners and losers” by subsidizing or mandating certain industries or products. The record at doing so –
both here and abroad – is abysmal, causing the loss of jobs, the waste of resources and erosion of confidence in the
fairness of both government and business in America.
Koch’s government and public affairs activities are based on the principles that bring about the greatest well-being
in society – freedom and equal rights for every individual (including property rights) – core values that are
recognized and valued by most Americans. Koch will continue to lobby for the repeal of subsidies and mandates,
and work to provide opportunities for everyone to improve their own lives. We believe history has proven that this
is the best course to foster job creation and prosperity for all.
We hope you will join us in opposing the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Sincerely,

Philip Ellender
President, Government & Public Affairs
Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC
202.737.1977 Tel
202.737.8111 Fax
th

600 14 Street, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
www.kochind.com