WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Export-Import Bank of the United States released the following statements after the passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye:

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"With the passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye, the United States lost a great statesman, a Senate institution and a true American hero," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. "From his heroic service in World War II through his distinguished career in public service, Sen. Inouye embodied the best ideals of our nation and his presence in the Senate will be sorely missed."

Sen. Inouye sponsored the nomination of a member of the Bank's Board of Directors, Patricia Loui of Hawaii, and was a steadfast supporter of the Bank's mission.

"Always willing to give of his time and share his experiences, Sen. Inouye addressed Ex-Im Bank earlier this year for Asian American Pacific Islander month," Director Loui noted. "He closed by saying that the greatness of our country  lay in the fact that a poor Japanese American  like himself could go from being designated an 'enemy alien' to third in line to succeed the President. Then, as today, many Bank employees reached out to express their appreciation to Senator Inouye who always put service to the country before partisan politics.  It was an honor and humbling to be mentored by this icon."

SOURCE Export-Import Bank of the United States