Chamber Gears Up For Congress' Return

 

Congress is back in session hoping to finish work on a number of legislative items before presidential election-year politics take hold. Here is a look at some of the Chamber's immediate policy priorities:

 

Senate approval of a transportation infrastructure spending bill and urge congressional consideration of a bill to create an independent national bank that would identify, evaluate, and help finance infrastructure projects.

 

Encourage passage of a multiyear Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that would reduce the burden of unjustified taxes, fees, and regulations on airlines and dramatically expand air traffic control and airport capacity.

 

Strengthen and reauthorize the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, the 2002 law that increases accountability for student performance.

 

Work to ensure that anti-business provisions are removed from a final energy bill. These include unrealistic fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, a renewable portfolio standard for utility companies, and increased taxes on oil and gas producers.

 

Fight two labor bills, the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act, both of which would increase employers' exposure to discrimination lawsuits. 

 

Expand the number of H-1B visas to provide relief for companies needing highly skilled workers and H-2B visas for companies needing seasonal workers.

 

Repeal or reform the alternative minimum tax and extend the Internet tax moratorium, which expires on November 1.

 

Push Congress to review and approve free trade agreements with Peru and Panama.

 

Support intellectual property rights enforcement and customs reauthorization bills, which are expected to be introduced in Congress.

 

A complete list of priorities is available at www.uschamber.com/issues/priorities.