WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President George W. Bush prepares to outline his second term agenda, the United States Chamber of Commerce called on the administration to continue to push for policies that grow the American workforce and economy. 

 

 “Our economy is gaining momentum and now is the time to go full steam ahead to support American investment in jobs and the future,” said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO.  “In order to keep things moving forward, Congress must rein in abusive lawsuits, pass an energy bill, and make health care more affordable.”

 

In its recent “State of American Business” report, the Chamber outlined several key actions Congress can take to help America’s economy stay competitive in the global marketplace, including class action reform, expanding international trade, spending more money from dedicated trust funds on transportation infrastructure improvements, and curtailing skyrocketing health care costs through market-based solutions and medical liability reform. 

 

The Chamber also continues to support the administration’s call for immigration reform, which the President is expected to address in tonight’s speech.

 

“The President and Congress must eliminate the impediments – onerous regulations, unfair legal systems and tax burdens – that stifle growth and innovation,” Donohue said.

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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05-16