CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Eric Wohlschlegel
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Friday, March 21, 2003

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The United States Chamber of Commerce welcomed last night's House vote on a budget proposal that preserves President's Bush's economic and jobs growth package and urged senators to follow suit.

 

"The nation relies on its lawmakers in Washington to move the ball forward on our domestic agenda, despite the war in Iraq and the ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism at home and abroad," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO.  "There are a lot of uncertainties facing this country today, but with strong leadership in Congress and in the business community, we will get the economy moving again in a big way. 

 

"Economic growth generated by the private sector pays the bills in our society.  Only by creating growth can we protect our national security, win the war on terrorism, create more jobs and provide health care for American families," said Donohue.

 

The $2.2 trillion House-passed budget includes the administration's tax cut plan and holds a tight rein on spending increases, after rejecting earlier proposals that either reduced tax cuts or allowed greater federal spending on domestic programs.  Projected budget deficits will give way to surpluses in 2012, according to House estimates.

 

Lawmakers in the House and Senate should stay focused on moving forward on the nation's domestic agenda, such as reforming the class action system, passing a national energy policy, approving free trade agreements with Chile and Singapore, and adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, according to the Chamber.

 

"Just as business leaders must continue to invest and build and provide for our economic security during this time of international unrest, Congress must continue to move our domestic priorities forward," said Donohue.

 

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

 

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