U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley today issued the following statement on the decline of the gross domestic product in the second quarter.

“The staggering news of the historic decline of the gross domestic product in the second quarter should shock us all. This jarring news should compel Congress to move swiftly to provide targeted and temporary assistance to unemployed Americans, employers, and state and local governments, and liability protections for businesses who follow public health guidelines.

“While economic activity rebounded in May and June, that growth is now being suppressed by a surge of coronavirus cases. That has undermined economic activity, consumer confidence, and the small business recovery. The stakes could not be higher, and the time to act is now. We strongly urge Republicans and Democrats to come together now and enact the relief American workers, families, and employers need.”