Top Takeaways

Developments That Matter

We Have Questions about the Reconciliation Bill

Yesterday, the Chamber sent Congress some questions about the multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend reconciliation bill.

Why it matters:  The House of Representatives made the right decision in delaying a vote on this partisan bill. But it still remains a threat to our fragile economic recovery and future prosperity.

Key questions:

1. What is the impact on near-term inflation given that so much of the spending and tax cuts will occur in the next two to five years?


2. What is the impact on workforce participation given the large amounts of transfer payments that are not connected to work?


3. What is the true cost of the bill if you do not include the arbitrary sunsets of tax and spending provisions that are clearly intended to be permanent?


4. What impact will these arbitrary sunsets, especially with childcare and pre-K education, have on state governments and the private sector?

Our take: “We have the highest inflation in 31 years, employers are struggling to fill a record number of job openings, and the current draft of the reconciliation bill uses gimmicks to cover up well over $1 trillion in spending,” said Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley.

• “It would be the height of irresponsibility for Members of Congress to vote on this multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend bill with no clear understanding of its true cost or the real-world impact of the policies.”

Reconciliation Bill Will Make High Inflation Worse

Facts About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed the House of Representatives last week and is awaiting President Biden’s signature makes a record investment in our nation’s infrastructure.

• But many still have questions about what exactly is in it. Here are some facts.

Fact #1: It’s 100% real infrastructure, and one of the largest investments in physical infrastructure in history.

• It addresses clean drinking water, wastewater disposal and treatment, safe roads, and a reliable electrical power grid. It also makes the biggest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak and the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system.

Fact #2: It funds $1.2 trillion in physical infrastructure, including $550 billion in new funds for much needed investment.

Fact #3: The bill will not lead to more inflation.

• Economists agree that making improvements to roads, bridges, ports, airports, railways, and other transport routes will help businesses operate more cost-effectively and result in consumer savings.

Our take: "We're ecstatic we are going to finally make a long overdue investment in our nation's infrastructure,” Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley told CNN.

Why it matters: This long-awaited promise kept by Congress will help the business community fuel our nation’s recovery.

Honoring and Supporting Veterans

On Veterans Day, we honor our veterans and all they’ve done to keep our country safe and the American Dream alive. 

What we’re doing: 

• We honor veteran-owned businesses like Virginia-based Flags of Valor, who hire veteran workers and support veterans’ charities.


• Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes graduated 650 fellows from its Corporate, Military and Caregiver, and Salesforce Fellowship Programs.

Look ahead:

• Virtually attend the 11th Annual Lee Anderson Hiring Our Heroes Awards Gala, presented by USAA, on November 17.


• Help Hiring Our Heroes procure wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day on December 18. Learn more about being a sponsor or volunteer.

Why it matters:  All the opportunities America offers would not be possible without their dedication to service. In return we work to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment, so they can continue contributing to our country.

• The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed with an amicus brief submitted by the Chamber Litigation Center that public nuisance doctrine should not be expansively applied to the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of lawful products.


• ”Solving the workforce shortage includes greater access to quality childcare, better connections of education to employment, more pathways to employment for underserved workers, and more learners and workers with the necessary skills for in-demand jobs,” writes Senior Vice President Cheryl Oldham reflecting on the Chamber Foundation’s Talent Forward event.


• In a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative yesterday, the Chamber and other business associations support efforts to advance a “comprehensive WTO reform agenda.”


• The Chamber Foundation received $6.3 million in grant funding from Walmart, Lumina Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Charles Koch Foundation to support innovative workforce initiatives aimed at filling open jobs, closing the skills gap, and fueling America’s economic recovery.

We’re here to help small businesses grow with information and resources.

• Follow the Chamber on Facebook.

Quick Reference

Resources to help keep your business strong, prepared, and proactive.

• Reopening Business Digital Resources Center
• Guides and Toolkits 
• Policy & Advocacy 
• Business Community Response 
• Economic Impact 
• COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center
• CO— Coronavirus Small Business Hub 
• Event Series
  • CO— Small Business Virtual Events 
  • The Path Forward