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 How They Voted Scorecard released at the 2019 State of American Business Address

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Sample How They Voted Scorecard Update Teaser

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 are revising 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.

Previously, a member’s annual How They Voted score solely reflected how consistently he or she voted with the Chamber’s position on legislation identified as important to the business community.

The Chamber will produce individual report cards for all members that will show how the member compares to the rest of the Congress, their party, and their delegation.

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 ReleaseJun 11, 2019 - 10:00am

U.S. Chamber Awards Five Local Chambers with Accreditation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S.

Above the FoldApr 25, 2019 - 5:00pm

Washington Post: How the U.S. Chamber is Adapting, Evolving, Leading

"So what we’re doing – and this is critical – is adjusting and responding to the new politics," said President and CEO Tom Donohue.

Michelle Russo

Above the FoldApr 08, 2019 - 1:45pm

The American flag flies outside the U.S. Capitol.

These 7 Members of Congress Are Fighting for Job Creators Back Home and Across America

Every chance they got these representatives voted for pro-growth legislation.

Jack Howard

Press ReleaseMar 19, 2019 - 10:00am

U.S. Chamber Awards 21 Local Chambers with Accreditation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting earlier this month, awarded accreditation to 21 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.

Press ReleaseMar 14, 2019 - 9:45am

U.S. Chamber Welcomes 12 New Members to Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 and Appoints Glenn Hamer, Chairman

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed 12 new executives to its Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100) and appointed Glenn Hamer, President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce as its new Chairman.

Letters to CongressFeb 27, 2019 - 11:45am

Legislative Endorsements and Scorecard

This letter was sent to the House and Senate noting the list of bills the Chamber is endorsing for and against this Congress, and explaining our new legislative scorecard.

Above the FoldJan 29, 2019 - 3:00pm

The Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

The Courage and Leadership Needed to Govern in Washington

Several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle demonstrated a willingness to set party label aside to reopen the government.

Neil Bradley

Letters to CongressJan 18, 2019 - 2:30pm

Coalition Letter - Ending the Shutdown and Reopening the Federal Government

More than 300 business groups — national associations and groups in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam — have joined together in urging the President and Congress to end the government shutdown.

Press ReleaseNov 13, 2018 - 4:30pm

U.S. Chamber Awards 20 Local Chambers with Accreditation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting last week, awarded accreditation to 20 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.

Press ReleaseNov 07, 2018 - 12:15am

U.S. Chamber Statement on the Midterm Elections

Donohue: “Divided Government Does Not — And Cannot — Mean Gridlock”WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today on the outcome of the midterm elections:“The Chamber congratulates all successful House and Senate candidates on their election victories.