WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a letter to Congress, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark called on Senate Democrats to immediately vote to reopen the federal government and work with Republicans to address pressing issues such as healthcare affordability.
“Government shutdowns are always counterproductive, imposing heavy burdens on federal employees and contractors as well as the businesses and citizens who rely on the services government provides,” she noted in the letter. “Each day the federal government remains closed, the likelihood of a catastrophic event increases.”
Clark also acknowledged “the challenges inherent in securing the 60 votes required to advance legislation in the Senate,” but reiterated “these difficulties should never justify government shutdowns or attempts to abolish the legislative filibuster.” The Chamber has consistently emphasized that “the 60-vote threshold for most legislation plays a vital role in fostering lasting compromises, as intended by our Founders. This process has been instrumental in supporting the nation and free enterprise for nearly 250 years.”
Since the onset of the shutdown, the Chamber has highlighted the harm it has inflicted on small businesses, the economy, and national security.
