Chamber Awaits Bush State of the Union Address

Urges Lawmakers to Act on White House Growth Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce awaited President Bush's state of the union address, amid news reports which indicate the President will highlight the need for renewed congressional efforts to keep the economy growing in his remarks.

"Business and government must work together to re-ignite the economy and set us on course for sustained growth," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "Economic growth generated by the private sector pays all the bills in our society — only by creating growth can we protect our national security, win the war on terrorism, create more jobs and provide health care for American families."

The Chamber has outlined key congressional and regulatory policy actions that will ensure renewed and sustained economic growth, including: swift action on the administration's job and economic growth package; renewed effort on a comprehensive, national energy plan; legal reform to rein in out-of-control class action lawyers; institute market-based solutions to health care coverage and delivery problems; and expand opportunities for international trade.

"There are a lot of uncertainties facing this country today," Donohue noted. "But with the right leadership — with the right policies and programs — we will get the economy moving again in a big way.

"But no new laws or regulations can restore prosperity without decisions by business leaders to take risks, invest capital, and hire new people," Donohue said. "Fundamentally, we need business leaders who are prepared to start taking risks again — and I am confident we have such leaders in the American business community."

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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03-09