https://www.uschamber.com/political-affairs-and-federation-relations

Political Affairs and Federation Relations

The Political Affairs and Federation Relations division manages relationships with state and local chambers of commerce, trade associations and small businesses and has a membership presence in every state across the country.

We are focused on electing or re-electing pro-business candidates to Congress. That goal is supported by grassroots and lobbying programs to promote policy that positively affects businesses and the economy.

Chamber's 2019 How They Voted Scorecard Released

For more than 40 years, the How They Voted scorecard has been a critical component of the U.S. Chamber’s work.

Beginning with the current Congress, we revised our scorecard to more fully reward members of Congress for helping to advance pro-business policies while simultaneously encouraging members to reach the compromises necessary for effective governing.

The new scorecard is made up of three components:

1. Legislative Vote Score (80% of the total score)

This score functions like the current scorecard with one change: We now reserve the right to doubleweight votes so long as the decision to double-weight the vote is communicated to Capitol Hill in advance.

2. Legislative Leadership Score (10% of the total score)

This score is based on the number of Chamber-endorsed bills a member cosponsors and Chamber-opposed bills the member declines to cosponsor.

Example: If a Member co-sponsors 23 of 30 Chamber-endorsed bills and declines to sponsor all five Chamber opposed bills, her Legislative Leadership Score would be 80% (with the Chamber on 28 of 35 bills).

The Chamber will communicate to Capitol Hill its endorsement or opposition to bills and maintain a current list on USChamber.com.

3. Bipartisan Engagement Score (10% of total score)

This score is based on the share of bills (other than those formally opposed by the Chamber) cosponsored by the member that were introduced by members of the opposite party. This score is calculated relative to the member’s performance against all other members.

Example: If a Republican Member cosponsors 31 bills in total and 19 were introduced by Democrats, 62% of his cosponsored bills will be considered cross-party.

Recent Activity

Press ReleaseApr 14, 2021 - 1:45pm

U.S. Chamber Statement on Rep. Kevin Brady's Retirement

“America is a better place due to Congressman Kevin Brady’s service. Since his first day on the job, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and all Americans. His leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee on a broad range of issues has created jobs, expanded our trade relationships, grown our economy, and made our country stronger. As a former Chamber executive, we will miss our close partnership with him. But we know well his upbeat, can-do spirit, and we look forward to working with him as he finishes his strong career.”

Press ReleaseMar 18, 2021 - 4:30pm

U.S. Chamber Awards 11 Chambers of Commerce with Accreditation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting last week, awarded the Accreditation designation to 11 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.

Press ReleaseMar 16, 2021 - 3:45pm

U.S. Chamber CEO: Filibuster Provides Needed ‘Time, Thoughtfulness, and Deliberation’ on National Issues

“Only in Washington could getting 60 out of 100 people to agree feel like an insurmountable obstacle. It’s disappointing that some lawmakers are reaching for a rule change to drive elected leaders into their partisan corners, rather than working to build consensus and encourage collaboration.

Press ReleaseMar 08, 2021 - 3:45pm

U.S. Chamber’s Statement on Senator Roy Blunt Retirement

“Senator Roy Blunt has long been a champion for free enterprise and economic growth. Throughout his career, he has served his nation and his home state of Missouri with honor and distinction. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce appreciates Sen. Blunt's partnership & looks forward to continuing our work together in 117th Congress.”

Issue BriefMar 05, 2021 - 3:45pm

MEMO: Political Support for Candidates in Light of Events of January 6th

Over the last two months, we have had the opportunity to engage with well over 100 Chamber members regarding PAC and political support for Members of Congress in light of the attack on the Capitol and the votes on decertification of the electoral votes of Arizona and Pennsylvania. After careful consideration, I write to share with you the approach the Chamber will be taking with respect to our PAC and political program...

Op EdMar 05, 2021 - 12:45pm

OPINION: No more temporary fixes to the Brent Spence Bridge

Union and business leaders don’t always share the same priorities or concerns. But both of us think about the Brent Spence Bridge every day. We wish we didn’t.By: Brent Cooper and Tim Donoghue

Letters to CongressMar 03, 2021 - 4:00pm

Coalition Letter on Extension of the Paycheck Protection Program Deadline

This Coalition letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and the SenateCommittee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, on extending the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Press ReleaseJan 25, 2021 - 4:30pm

U.S. Chamber’s Statement on Senator Rob Portman’s Retirement Announcement

“For almost three decades, the U.S. Chamber has enjoyed a strong partnership with Senator Rob Portman. From Senator Portman's leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to his tenure as the U.S. Trade Representative and White House Budget Director, Portman has been a steadfast champion for free enterprise and the business community. In the U.S. Senate, Portman played a crucial role in passing several meaningful pieces of legislation, most recently the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, and the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act in 2016 among others..."

In the NewsJan 25, 2021 - 7:45am

THE GUARDIAN: Mitch McConnell 'plays the long game' to retain some power as it slips away

But for McConnell, the priority is the Senate as an institution. McConnell wants assurances from Democrats that the filibuster will be protected. “I think that it’s necessary and it protects both parties,” said Ashlee Rich Stephenson, the political director for the Chamber of Commerce. “And we’re supportive of that.”

In the NewsDec 24, 2020 - 11:30am

Brunswick News LTE: Senators have helped small businesses during pandemic

It's no secret that businesses in Georgia and across the country are suffering this year due to the ongoing pandemic. As the medical director of a rural eye clinic, I too have felt the strains of keeping my small business afloat. Like many other small businesses, we've had to adapt and become creative in the way we run our practice and take care of our patients. A recent survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife found that small businesses anticipate the worst of the pandemic is still ahead. What's more, half (50%) of them believe they will have to close permanently over the coming year in the current climate. Thankfully, Georgia has two business allies in our U.S. Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.