U.S. Chamber Welcomes President's Focus on Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today welcomed numerous themes outlined in President Obama's State of the Union speech that closely align with the jobs agenda put forth by the U.S. Chamber.

"The president has acknowledged that the true engine of job creation in this country will always be America's businesses, and America's businesses are ready to respond," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. "Our nation's leaders need to forge ahead with a job-creating agenda that embraces free enterprise and removes uncertainty for businesses small and large."

Earlier this month, Donohue outlined the Chamber's jobs plan during his State of American Business address. This includes:

• Doubling U.S. exports over the next five years
• Rebuilding the nation's infrastructure
• Major investment in all American energy resources, starting with nuclear
• Expanding credit across our economy and revitalize our capital markets
• Educating and training America's workers
• Easing the uncertainties—in tax, health, environmental, labor, legal, and fiscal policies—that are hampering economic growth

"We are pleased that the president recognizes the importance of these initiatives in putting Americans back to work," Donohue said.

The following issue experts are available for interviews about the themes articulated in the president's State of the Union. Please call the Chamber's press office to book interviews 202-463-5682

Trade and Increasing Exports

• Myron Brilliant, Senior Vice President, International Affairs
• John Murphy, Vice President, International Affairs

Infrastructure

• Janet Kavinoky, Director, Transportation Infrastructure

Energy

• Karen Harbert, President & CEO, U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy

Capital Markets

• David Hirschmann, Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President, U.S. Chamber's Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness
• Thomas Quaadman, Executive Director, U.S. Chamber's Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness

Economy, Taxes, Fiscal Policy

• Martin Regalia, Senior Vice President for Economic and Tax Policy and Chief Economist
• Giovanni Coratolo, Vice President, Small Business Policy

Education

• Lydia Logan, Executive Director, U.S. Chamber's Institute for a Competitive Workforce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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