CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Jamal Ware
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the United States Chamber of Commerce awaited President George W. Bush’s State of the Union address, it welcomed reports the president will lay out a plan that prioritizes economic growth and strengthens the American workforce.

 

 “Our economy is rebounding and the signs are pointing to a solid recovery,” said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO.  “In order to build on this recovery, Congress must permanently enact the president’s tax cuts, pass the energy bill, make health care more affordable and ensure America has the best trained and highly skilled workforce possible.”

 

In its recent “State of American Business” report, the Chamber outlined several key actions Congress could take to help sustain America’s economic recovery, including class action reform, updating international tax rules that have not changed significantly in more than 40 years, expanding opportunities for international trade, and curtailing skyrocketing health care costs through market-based solutions and medical liability reform.

 

The Chamber also recently welcomed President Bush’s immigration reform proposals and his new space initiative, both of which the president is expected to address in tonight’s speech.

 

“When American workers are not available, employers must have the ability to fill jobs critical to our economy or we risk derailing the recovery,” Donohue said.  “On this, and the president’s space initiative, the American business community stands ready to work with the government to move forward in the best way possible.”

 

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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04-05