Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND) have reintroduced the Promoting Rural Exports Act, a bipartisan bill that would formally establish a National Rural Export Center and authorize the creation of up to nine Regional Rural Export Centers. The legislation is designed to help businesses in rural areas expand their international exports by improving access to global markets.
“Businesses in rural areas shouldn’t be denied opportunities just because of their location,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure rural businesses have the resources they need to reach new markets, boost exports, and continue to innovate and grow.”
The Act would direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to formally set up the Rural Export Center within the Commerce Department, which would serve as the main coordinating hub for rural export assistance across the country. It also requires the Rural Export Center to be located at an existing Commerce Department office outside of major metropolitan areas.
