Texas Border Business
US Chamber of Commerce
In her State of American Business keynote address, Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark called for a commitment to an “Agenda for American Strength” that affirms America’s position as a global power for good and unleashes the innovating, problem-solving power of business to address society’s greatest challenges.
Why it matters: “Business is ready—we’re not waiting. We’re putting forward a plan, because that’s what business does…that’s why business works,” Clark said.
This is an opportunity—to work together, to reach across the aisle, to listen to one another—and start focusing on the vital things government can and should do to support business, improve citizens’ lives, and strengthen our country’s future.
Top takeaways.
1. Business can’t be the only thing that works.
Today, there are too many instances where government just isn’t working. Partisanship means businesses don’t have the clarity or the certainty to plan past the next political cycle.
· “We need a government that rejects gridlock and chooses governing,” Clark said.
2. Bolstering America’s strength by building.
After 25 years of advocacy by the Chamber and its allies, Republicans and Democrats came together and made a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure. Congress must now reform the permitting process to unlock the potential of that historic effort
· “Make it affordable to start and finish projects. There is bipartisan agreement. Now we need bipartisan action,” Clark said.
3. Building a stronger America through its people.
We must solve the worker shortage today and build the workforce of the future, in part through sensible immigration reform.
· “Last year, with the strong support and input of the Chamber, there were meaningful bipartisan talks on proposals to secure the border, expand E-Verify, protect Dreamers, and increase the number of employment-based visas—crucial steps to get American businesses the talent they need, when they need it,” Clark said. “This year, let’s get the deal done.”
4. Creating a prosperous future with American energy sources.
The most important thing Washington can do this year is send long-term signals to energy producers to give them the confidence and certainty they need to invest here in the U.S.
· “Let’s accelerate permitting for new exploration and production, quickly finalize a 5-year program for offshore leasing, and make it easier to build energy infrastructure,” Clark said. “Permitting reform is needed to build anything, including the historic investments in clean energy projects authorized by Congress.”
5. Enhancing America’s role on the global stage.
Our nation’s future depends on our continued, bold engagement in the world, and that one of the best ways to enhance that engagement is to expand trade with our global partners.
· “When we trade and invest with other countries, we are not only supporting jobs and creating opportunities in the U.S., we are deepening strategic partnerships and advancing free enterprise both here and abroad,” Clark said.
6. Boosting rule of law at home.
America’s future prosperity depends on our ability to protect and preserve the rule of law.
· “So often we think of the ‘rule of law’ as a challenge somewhere else,” Clark said. “But what about the ways our legal system is being hijacked by the trial lawyers to extort big payouts from business? What about the explosive growth in third-party litigation funding that is fueling lawsuit abuse? These are not features of a fair or effective civil justice system, and the Chamber will be pushing our leaders to address them this year.”
Bottom line: We need a government that can partner with the private sector on our biggest challenges and can engage globally to advance America’s interests.
Dig deeper:
· Watch the State of American Business 2023.
· See the full text of Clark’s remarks.
