Chamber Establishes Early Dialogue on Issues

By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Few administrations have taken office facing a more pressing set of economic challenges than the Obama administration. A severe financial crisis, an economy in recession, and rising unemployment are just a few of the issues that await it.

The U.S. Chamber has clearly articulated pro-growth proposals to the incoming administration and has established a dialogue that hopefully will lead to commonsense solutions.

We have stated the importance of quickly passing an economic stimulus package to spur business investment, consumer confidence, and new jobs.

In addition, the Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy has presented our new government with a Transition Plan for Securing America's Energy Future. This plan contains 88 specific recommendations. Although the business community and the new administration may disagree on some of them, there is much common ground.

We have also submitted specific ideas for reforming the nation's public schools, rebuilding our infrastructure, and modernizing the rules governing our capital markets.

As we collaborate on these and other issues, we are prepared to challenge our new leaders if they attempt to overregulate, raise taxes, permit excessive litigation, or take away workers' rights to a private ballot election in union organizing drives.

The Chamber is poised to forge new working relationships in Washington and bolster long-standing ones to advance a pro-business agenda.