Chamber Calls on Congress to Protect Economic Expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce called on Congress to protect America's record economic expansion by serving the interests of the small business community in testimony before the House Small Business Subcommittee today.

"Our corporate heroes are not those that created jobs from the penthouse of high office buildings, but those that launched enterprises from their basements or garages," said Giovanni Coratolo, Chamber director of small business policy. "Most of the net new jobs in the last five years have come from small businesses."

Policies that encourage the growth of entrepreneurship and small business are necessary for continued prosperity, according to the Chamber. Areas where Congress can have a critical impact on the continued success of small enterprises include:

- Provide small business the flexibility to hire, train and retain a qualified workforce.
- Change tax policy to promote reinvestment and growth.
- Eliminate needless and burdensome federal regulations.
- Stop frivolous lawsuits.
- Lower international barriers to trade and open markets.

"Small businesses are credited with being the driving force for technological change and productivity growth," said Coratolo. "They are the crucial barometers for our future economic success and social well being."

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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