Congratulations, Mr. President-Elect

The voters have spoken. In January, Sen. Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce congratulates him and all those elected or reelected to the House and Senate.

 

In the months ahead, the new government will face many challenges, but none is more urgent than economic recovery. Any successful and sustainable recovery must involve the business community, which creates the jobs, the growth, and the revenues on which all Americans and our government depend. The Chamber stands ready to work with President-elect Obama and his administration to spur a return to prosperity.

 

The Chamber is also prepared to play a constructive role in the transition process. We will offer our policy ideas, access to our many domestic and international experts, and views on key appointees. We are absolutely committed to a continuity of government during this critical period for our country. Therefore, we will support quick confirmation of nominees to sensitive posts related to our national, homeland, and economic security.

 

During Sen. Obama's campaign, he often said that as president he would tell Americans what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. We operate the same way at the Chamber in our relations with each administration and Congress. We'll give President Obama our honest, best judgment about the impact of his proposals on the ability of our businesses to prosper, create jobs, and compete in the worldwide economy. We'll agree on many issues and disagree on others, but our approach will always be based on our principles and our responsibility to vigorously represent our membership and always with the highest respect for the office of the presidency.

 

There is much to be done. America needs a comprehensive energy policy to facilitate access to the clean and affordable energy needed for long-term economic growth. Our infrastructure must be rebuilt to meet the demands of the 21st century economy. We must rethink a health care system that gives inadequate care at too high a cost. These are just a few of the issues that we, as a nation, must address.

 

As America turns the page, the Chamber shares with our fellow citizens the excitement of beginning a new chapter in our national life. We are a can-do nation that can overcome all the difficult challenges that face us today. After a long and hard-fought campaign, America is ready to move forward and so is the business community. We are ready to go to work.