U.S. Chamber Hails Passage of Work Authorization Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today hailed the Senate for passing legislation that allows spouses of international workers transferred to the United States to also work during their spouse's tour of duty.

"This is a giant step forward for employees of multinational companies transferred to the United States," said Randel Johnson, Chamber vice president for labor policy. "This move puts the U.S. in a leadership role internationally and will encourage other countries to grant spouses of U.S. ex-patriots the opportunity to work abroad as well."

The Senate's passage of H.R. 2277 and H.R. 2278 is integral to allowing American companies to attract the best candidates for their international assignments, and will allow the U.S. to join other leading countries that provide this authorization, including Canada, Australia, and the U.K. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The House passed these measures in September. The Senate passed these bills under unanimous consent and they will now go to the President for signature.

"Giving the spouses of transferred workers the option to work in the U.S. is the right thing to do," continued Johnson. "We urge the President to sign this legislation expeditiously."

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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