WeVote
Log In

Bill

AA

Bill

S 4820

Regional Export Promotion Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Angela Alsobrooks and 1 co-sponsor

Codify and expand EXIM Bank’s Regional Export Promotion Program to boost local exporters by partnering with regional entities and offering targeted training, insurance, and streaml

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4820

Overview

  • Bill: S. 4820, the Regional Export Promotion Act of 2026
  • Purpose: Amend the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to codify and expand the Regional Export Promotion Program administered by the Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
  • Introduced in the Senate on June 17, 2026, by Senators Alsobrooks and McCormick. Co-sponsored by Angela Alsobrooks and Dave McCormick.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish and formalize a Regional Export Promotion Program within EXIM Bank to boost regional export opportunities.
  • Expand EXIM Bank’s engagement with regionally-based partners (state, county, and local nonprofit economic development entities) to support small and medium-sized businesses in exporting.

Key provisions

Section 2: Codification of the Regional Export Promotion Program

  • Adds new subsection (m) to Section 2 of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945.
  • Program structure:
    • The Bank shall operate a Regional Export Promotion Program in partnership with eligible regional partners to expand export opportunities for businesses in those regions.
  • Eligible members (partners) include:
    • State, county, and city governments
    • Local nonprofit economic development entities funded through higher education institutions
    • Small business development centers (SBDCs) established under the Small Business Act
    • World trade centers

Section 3: Pilot program to focus on small businesses

  • Adds a pilot program under the regional framework to prioritize regions with high concentrations of small business concerns.
  • Priority partners for the pilot (to expand outreach and impact) include:
    • Economic development agencies serving HUBZones
    • Community development financial institutions (CDFIs)
    • Minority depository institutions (MDIs)
    • Local chambers of commerce
    • Local community banks and credit unions
  • types of assistance to partners under the pilot:
    • Specialized training and marketing collateral
    • Short-term export credit insurance products tailored for small business accounts
    • Streamlined application processes for entities new to EXIM Bank products
  • Duration: The pilot program shall terminate five years after it commences.
  • Definition: “Small business concern” aligns with the Small Business Act’s definition.

Section 3(b): Reporting to Congress

  • After the pilot begins, the EXIM Bank President must report to Congress (Senate Banking, and House Financial Services) annually for five years, including:
    • Number of new regular partners developed, broken down by entity type
    • Total volume and dollar amount of EXIM Bank products used by small business concerns resulting from referrals from pilot partners
    • Assessment of which elements of the pilot were most successful and which could be improved
    • Recommendations on whether new appropriations or funding would enhance the pilot’s effectiveness

Who is affected

  • EXIM Bank and its operations specifically related to export promotion will implement and run the Regional Export Promotion Program.
  • Eligible regional partners (as listed) will participate as program entrants and collaborators.
  • Small business exporters and small business concerns in regions with high concentrations of such firms are the intended beneficiaries.
  • Financial institutions and organizations serving HUBZones and underserved communities (CDFIs, MDIs, local chambers, and community banks/credit unions) are targeted for expanded collaboration and support.

Timelines and procedures

  • Pilot program duration: 5 years from inception.
  • Annual reporting to Congress: starting within one year of pilot commencement, then annually for the following five years.
  • The act does not specify exact start date beyond the mandate that the pilot commence within the statutory framework; the reporting cycle begins one year after commencement.

Potential impact

  • By codifying and expanding regional partnerships, the bill aims to broaden EXIM Bank’s reach into local economies and help more small businesses engage in exporting.
  • Targeted support (training, marketing collateral, tailored insurance products, and streamlined processes) is designed to reduce barriers for small exporters and expand the use of EXIM Bank tools in underserved regions.
  • The five-year pilot with annual Congress reporting will allow evaluation of effectiveness and inform decisions on potential funding or program expansions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.