Congressman Denny Heck

Representing the 10th District of Washington
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Jobs and the Economy

Economists are increasingly worried the economic recovery is leaving behind the middle class and those working to get into it. Rep. Denny Heck is worried about that too. Every family in Washington state deserves the opportunity to thrive. Members of Congress must do a better job working with their colleagues from both parties towards that goal.

INSURANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED WORKERS

The number of Americans that remain unemployed or underemployed is still unacceptably high, and includes too many of our neighbors in the South Puget Sound. Congress should be working to bring that rate down. Rep. Heck supports renewing unemployment insurance for those out of work, believing we shouldn't make things harder for our neighbors who are looking to find work.

MAKE IT IN AMERICA, MAKE IT IN WASHINGTON

In April, Rep. Denny Heck launched the Make it in Washington tour. Since touring many businesses in the South Sound, Rep. Heck has seen firsthand the manufacturing and business prowess of our region’s companies and employers.

Rep. Heck visited small businesses throughout the South Puget Sound contributing to our local economy. Two out of every three new jobs are created by small businesses, and Rep. Heck has listened to ideas from small business owners about what Congress can do to help small business grow and thrive in the 21st century global economy. We don't just have one business that we rely on, but a diverse group of entrepreneurs. As Rep. Heck visits more South Sound businesses, he will continue to discuss what federal issues matter most for their bottom line.

REAUTHORIZING THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

The Export-Import Bank of the United States allows American companies access to new global markets for their products and services. Companies producing advanced manufacturing materials have found many customers in foreign countries eager to purchase their goods, but lack the insurance and loan services available to make large purchases possible.

The Ex-Im Bank was reauthorized for 2 years in 2012 with widespread, bipartisan support. To continue this important tool for U.S. businesses, Rep. Denny Heck introduced the Protect American Jobs and Exports Act of 2014, to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank for 7 more years and allow it to lend more money to American companies. His legislation received 201 cosponsors in less than 6 hours.

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE TO KEEP OUR ECONOMY MOVING

The 10th Congressional District includes the port of Olympia, part of the port of Tacoma, and many employees of the port of Shelton. That is over 100,000 family-wage jobs. Almost one-third of our nation’s GDP is a result of international trade, including 1.4 trillion dollars-worth of goods each year via our nation’s ports.

In 2014, Rep. Denny Heck supported the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act, commonly known as WRRDA. This bill modernizes our nation's water infrastructure, including our nation’s ports and waterways, by authorizing new and necessary Army Corps of Engineers projects. And the bill keeps costs under control by getting rid of old, out-of-date projects.

Rep. Heck pushed very hard for the final bill to include the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act—or WIFIA—would provide our communities with access to low-cost, long-term financing they desperately need to address aging water infrastructure and ensure water needs are met for future generations.