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Paul Dickerson in Dow Jones on Possible Budget Cuts Affecting US Export Service
02/09/2011
US Export Service at Leading Edge of Turmoil From Budget Cuts
Dow Jones
A tiny U.S. Commerce Department service that helps U.S. companies secure billions of dollars worth of exports each year is at the leading edge of the turmoil that could result from cutbacks in government spending.
The International Trade Administration's United States & Foreign Commercial Service has been facing budget strains for years and has already taken the simplest steps, such as leaving jobs unfilled. Now, as other agencies warn of delayed technology upgrades due to budget constraints, the commercial service faces the prospect of job losses.
The lawmakers, prompted by the tea party conservatives determined to slash spending, say that private enterprise usually fills in any gaps left when government shrinks. Not all Republicans share that view.
"One key piece that I think is overlooked is that often small businesses and medium-sized businesses can't afford to hire an international business development staff," says Paul Dickerson, a former Bush administration Energy Department official who once served as chief of staff in the commercial service. He says the service gives "every one of those small and mid-sized companies business development operations in China, Mexico, Europe."
This article has been excerpted from Dow Jones Newswires. To view the full text, click here.