U.S. Chamber Pledges to Elect a Stronger Pro-Business Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce joined business groups today in unveiling a new analysis of the Congressional voting record on some two dozen pro-business issues compiled by the Business-Industry Political Action Committee of America (BIPAC).

The analysis, part of Project 2000, is based on the "Outline for Prosperity," the consensus agenda for American business and examines three criterion: improving the economic environment; preserving the quality workforce; and increasing economic opportunity.

"Building a working majority of pro-business Senators and Representatives is critical to this country's continued economic prosperity," said Bruce Josten, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Project 2000 steering committee. "American workers and the companies that employ them deserve the strongest, pro-business Congress possible."

The stakes are high, Josten pointed out. This election will determine the leadership of both houses of Congress and the White House, and who will oversee the potential appointment of as many as three or four new Supreme Court justices.

"We need a Congress that will unleash business from the shackles of big government, heavy-handed regulation and bureaucratic red tape," said Josten. "The Chamber is committed to electing a Congress that will lower taxes, rein in trial lawyers, and improve opportunities for U.S. businesses around the world."

The Chamber announced plans in October for a new, invigorated political program of its own. It is designed to target 35-40 close House races and 12 Senate contests to ensure a pro-business Congress. The Chamber plans to use its assets, both hard and soft money, only in tight races where the candidate has demonstrated a record of making a positive difference for business or in some instances for party or leadership political activities.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

END

00-10