The Watertown Daily Times
August 6th, 2016
WATERTOWN — U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, made her second Jefferson County “Results Tour” campaign stop at New York Air Brake to tout her support of the Export-Import Bank.
Last October, Ms. Stefanik voted in support of re-authorizing the Export-Import Bank, specifically noting its importance to New York Air Brake and other businesses within the 21st Congressional District.
“One of my key efforts is making sure we have good-paying jobs right here in New York’s 21st district,” she said. “This was an example of challenging members of my own party and ensuring that we were able to bring this bill to the floor and have a vote.”
Conservatives in Congress have opposed the bank, arguing that it only helps special business interests for large corporations.
President Michael Hawthorne said the bank helps the company better compete internationally. Air Brake does business outside the United States extensively. Larger customers are able to get financing at better rates if they do businesses with countries that have the equivalent of an Export-Import Bank.
“If we don’t have that, we can’t compete,” Mr. Hawthorne said. “Our customers don’t get the orders, we don’t get the orders, so the Ex-Im Bank becomes vital for them to compete on a level playing field.”
Ms. Stefanik also addressed the recent feud between the family of deceased Army Capt. Humayun Khan. Capt. Khan was killed while serving in Iraq in 2004, and his parents, Khzir and Ghazala, blasted Mr. Trump during the Democratic National Convention speech. Mr. Trump returned fire by criticizing both parents.
Ms. Stefanik’s Democratic opponent, William “Mike” Derrick, has repeatedly called on Ms. Stefanik to call out Mr. Trump. She issued a statement earlier this week saying she disagreed with his criticism.
“I think there is no excuse to be attacking Gold Star families,” she said. “Military families deserve our utmost respect.”
Though she said she will still support Mr. Trump, she will openly disagree on issues as they arise.
“I’ve always said I will support the Republican nominee,” she said. “I’m an independent voice and that has not changed.”