Jordan Q/A reveals further indictments possible in Ex-Im Bank corruption cases (VIDEO, PICTURES)

During a question-and-answer period today in a hearing about the Export-Import Bank, Mike McCarthy, acting inspector general of the Ex-Im Bank, told Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) that the Justice Department may indict individuals involved in 31 open investigations of corruption and fraud at the Ex-Im Bank ( VIDEO HERE ). This week, the Justice Department charged former Ex-Im Bank official Johnny Gutierrez with bribery for actions he took while employed at the Ex-Im Bank.

Upon hearing this news Chairmen Jeb Hensarling, Jason Chaffetz, Bill Huizenga, and Jordan released the following statement:

"On the heels of news that Johnny Gutierrez was indicted for bribery, it is alarming to hear that even more indictments of fraud related to Ex-Im Bank activities are expected. While this is disturbing enough, the fact that we learned of this only at the end of nearly three hours of testimony, is further evidence of the Bank's continued and brazen efforts to avoid transparency and accountability. With the Bank's charter expiring this summer, this adds to the already long list of significant concerns we have over its future viability."

Rep. Jordan co-chaired the joint hearing of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits and Administrative Rules and Rep. Huizenga's Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade. Chairman Chaffetz chairs the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and Chairman Hensarling chairs the Financial Services Committee. The hearing was titled "Oversight of Efforts to Reform Export-Import Bank of the United States."

The hearing featured the Honorable Fred Hochberg, chairman and president of the Ex-Im Bank; the Honorable Nathan Sheets, under secretary for international affairs at the U.S. Department of Treasury; McCarthy; Mark Thorum, assistant inspector general for inspections and evaluations at the Ex-Im Bank; and Kimberly Gianopoulos, director of international affairs and trade at the Government Accountability Office.

The Ex-Im Bank's charter expires in June. Rep. Jordan supports closing the bank.

VIDEO of Rep. Jordan's opening statement: https://youtu.be/hshdC1CoVXI

VIDEO of Rep. Jordan's first Q/A, with McCarthy and Hochberg: https://youtu.be/Eos4XRejZx4

VIDEO of Rep. Jordan's second Q/A, with McCarthy: https://youtu.be/6EATzoH7ROI

PHOTOGRAPHS from today's hearing: https://www.flickr.com/photos/repjimjordan/sets/72157649648543944/

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