Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.COM) --- U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is calling on her colleagues to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank.

For 80 years, the bank has provided crucial funding for American businesses to export goods and services overseas.

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But this summer, Congress allowed the EXIM Bank's charter to expire.

Klobuchar points to the 170 businesses the EXIM Bank has supported over the years in Minnesota. Some of those businesses include: Amsoil, Cirrus, and Bendtec.

The bank also helped create jobs in Wisconsin and Michigan.

In a rare bi-partisan effort on Tuesday, the House voted to reauthorize the EXIM Bank.

Now it's time for the United States Senate to decide.

"Now it is time for the Senate to take up this bill and vote to reauthorize the EXIM Bank with no further delay," Klobuchar said. "The Senate has been on the lead this year. We have shown the kind of bi partisan support that helped the House get the numbers that they need and now we must simply pass the bill."

U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan played a role in leading the monumental vote in the House.

Nolan says the EXIM Bank costs taxpayers nothing.

He adds the bank helps pay down the country's deficit.