CONTACTS: Eric Wohlschlegel

 

November 4, 2008

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce vowed today to work with President-elect Barack Obama and the new Congress to help quickly restore economic growth, ensure a smooth transition of power, and tackle the many serious issues facing the country.

 

"Restoring the nation's economic health must be our top priority," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. "Any successful and sustainable recovery will involve the business sector, which creates the jobs, the growth, and the revenues on which all Americans and our government depend. The U.S. Chamber stands ready to work with the new administration and Congress on measures to spur growth and jobs by restoring credit and confidence throughout the economy, producing more American energy, rebuilding our infrastructure, and reforming our schools."

 

The U.S. Chamber is urging the outgoing Congress and administration to quickly enact additional economic stimulus measures during a lame duck session that will save and expand jobs in critical industries such as autos, housing, infrastructure, and trade.

 

Donohue said the U.S. Chamber is prepared to play a helpful role in the transition process. "We will offer our policy ideas, access to our many domestic and international experts, and views on key appointees," he said. "We are absolutely committed to a continuity of government during this critical period for our country, and thus will support quick confirmation of nominees to sensitive posts related to our national, homeland, and economic security."

 

During this election cycle, the U.S. Chamber put nearly 600 staffers on the ground in key states and districts; invested millions of dollars in issue advocacy ads; sent 15 million e-mails and 6.5 million pieces of mail; and made more than 6 million phone calls.

 

"These activities made an important difference in energizing our members and highlighting business issues," said Donohue, "particularly in states with hotly contested Senate races, and brought tens of thousands of new pro-business supporters into the Chamber's grassroots system for future advocacy efforts.

 

"As America turns the page, the U.S. Chamber shares with our fellow citizens the excitement of beginning a new chapter in our national life. We are a 'can-do' nation that can overcome all the difficult challenges that face us today. The U.S. Chamber has a long track record of successfully working with both parties and we are ready to go to work to restore economic growth, create jobs, and ensure that our businesses and workers can compete around the world."

 

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.