Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 116 Part 1.djvu/725

 PUBLIC LAW 107-189—JUNE 14, 2002 116 STAT. 699 SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY. Section 7 of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635f) is amended by striking "2001" and inserting "2006". SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. (a) REQUIRED BUDGET SUBCATEGORIES.— Section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: "(34) with respect to the amount of appropriations requested for use by the Export-Import Bank of the United States, a separate statement of the amount requested for its program budget, the amount requested for its administrative expenses, and of the amount requested for its administrative expenses, the amount requested for technology expenses.". (b) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TECH- NOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS.— (1) FINDINGS.— The Congress finds that— (A) the Export-Import Bank of the United States is in great need of technology improvements; (B) part of the amount budgeted for administrative expenses of the Bank is used for technology initiatives and systems upgrades for computer hardware and software purchases; (C) the Bank is falling behind its foreign competitor export credit agencies' proactive technology improvements; (D) small businesses disproportionately benefit from improvements in technology; (E) small businesses need improvements in Bank technology in order to export transactions quickly, with as little paperwork as possible, and with a quick Bank turnaround time that does not over strain the tight resources of such businesses; (F) the Bank intends to develop a number of e-commerce initiatives aimed at improving customer service, including web-based application and claim filing procedures which would reduce processing time, speed payment of claims, and increase staff efficiency; (G) the Bank is beginning the process of moving insurance applications from an outdated mainframe system to a modern, web-enabled database, with new functionality including credit scoring, portfolio management, work flow, and e-commerce features to be added; and (H) the Bank wants to continue its e-commerce strategy, including developing a website, expanding online applications, and establishing a technology partnership between the public and private sectors. (2) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.— It is the sense of the Congress that emphasis should be placed on the importance of technology improvements for the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which are of particular importance for small businesses. SEC. 5. INCREASE IN AGGREGATE LOAN, GUARANTEE, AND INSURANCE AUTHORITY. Section 6(a) of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635e(a)) is amended to read as follows: "(a) LIMITATION ON OUTSTANDING AMOUNTS. —

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