Texas Border Business
US Chamber of Commerce
Why it matters: Never-ending gridlock may be business as usual in Washington, but it’s having real-world consequences on job creators, families, and communities. There are serious challenges that demand urgent action.
Here are four things
1. Deficit reduction and the debt ceiling. We have a debt and deficit problem that ultimately limits the ability of our economy to grow. The President should make clear that he is committed to deficit reduction and that he is willing to sit down and negotiate. At the same time, Congressional leaders must make clear that default is not an option.
2. Border security and immigration. The immigration system is broken. 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. It’s time to get the deal done.
3. Permitting reform. Congress enacted generational infrastructure investments, but we can’t get shovels in the ground without permitting reform. It’s unacceptable. There is bipartisan agreement on the problem—now we need bipartisan action.
4. Expand trade. While we’ve sat on the sidelines, other countries have inked 100 new trade deals without us. It’s time for President Biden to resume negotiations with the United Kingdom, give the U.S. a stronger foothold in Africa, and aim higher on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
Be smart: Business isn’t waiting on addressing these issues. The Chamber recently called for an “Agenda for American Strength”—an aspirational and forward-looking plan to build a 21st-century infrastructure, address inflation by solving the worker shortage crisis, advance American energy production, assert our leadership across the globe, and reinforce the rule of law.
Bottom line: According to a recent Gallup poll, more Americans say government—the chronic divisiveness and dysfunction—is our nation’s top problem. We need leaders in both parties to come to the table and do their jobs on behalf of the country and business. President Biden should seize the opportunity tonight to drive action on this important work.
