Edit filter log

'{{short description|Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.}} {{distinguish|United States Department of Commerce}} {{Merge from|Global Innovation Policy Center|discuss=Talk:United States Chamber of Commerce#Proposed merge of Global Innovation Policy Center into United States Chamber of Commerce|date=April 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}} {{coord|38|54|1.8|N|77|2|15.4|W|format=dms|type:landmark_region:US-DC|display=title}} {{Infobox organization | name = United States Chamber of Commerce | logo = United States Chamber of Commerce Logo.jpg | logo_size = | image = U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building-4.jpg | alt = Logo of United States Chamber of Commerce | caption = U.S. Chamber of Commerce building façade | type = [[Chamber of commerce|business association]] & [[advocacy group]] | founded_date = {{start date and age|1912|04|22}} | founder = [[Charles Nagel]] | location = [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name= 990-2015/> | leader_name = [[Suzanne P. Clark]] | leader_title = [[CEO]] | method = [[Lobbying in the United States|Political lobbying]], [[public relations]] | website = {{URL|http://www.uschamber.com/}} | status = [[501(c)(6)]]<ref name= 990-2015/> | tax_id = 53-0045720<ref name= 990-2015>"[http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2015/530/045/2015-530045720-0d6c2b1e-9O.pdf Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax]". ''Chamber of Commerce of the USA''. [[Guidestar]]. December 31, 2015.</ref> | employees = 470<ref name= 990-2015/> | employees_year = 2015 | revenue = $174,119,090<ref name= 990-2015/> | revenue_year = 2015 | expenses = $175,893,100<ref name= 990-2015/> | expenses_year = 2015 | subsidiaries = US Chamber of Commerce Foundation _{[[501(c)(3)]]},<br /> National Chamber Foundation _{[[501(c)(3)]]},<br /> Center for International Private Enterprise _{[[501(c)(3)]]}<ref name= 990-2015/> }} The '''United States Chamber of Commerce''' ('''USCC''') is the largest [[lobbying group]] in the United States, representing over three million businesses and organizations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brodwin|first=David|date=2015-10-25|title=The Chamber's Secrets|url=https://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/2015/10/22/who-does-the-us-chamber-of-commerce-really-represent|website=[[U.S. News & World Report]]}}</ref> The group was founded in April 1912 out of local chambers of commerce at the urging of President [[William Howard Taft]] and his Secretary of Commerce and Labor [[Charles Nagel]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Judis|first=John B.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l5jwgYsemPcC&dq=%22chamber+of+commerce%22+%22taft%22+1912+founded&pg=PA38|title=The Paradox of American Democracy: Elites, Special Interests, and the Betrayal of Public Trust|date=2001|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-93026-0|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Department Of State. The Office of Electronic Information|first=Bureau of Public Affairs|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/p/io/unesco/members/48811.htm|access-date=2021-07-01|website=2001-2009.state.gov|language=en}}</ref> It was Taft's belief that the "government needed to deal with a group that could speak with authority for the interests of business".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lamb|first=Karl A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Uj6GAAAAMAAJ&q=%22chamber+of+commerce%22+%22taft%22+1912+founded|title=The People, Maybe: Seeking Democracy in America|date=1971|publisher=Wadsworth Publishing Company|language=en}}</ref> The current president and CEO of the Chamber is Suzanne P. Clark.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stych|first=Anne|date=February 11, 2021|title=Suzanne Clark named CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2021/02/us-chamber-of-commerce-names-new-ceo.html?page=all|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> She previously worked in the Chamber from 1997 to 2007,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Hohmann|first1=James|last2=Hamburger|first2=Tom|title=Chamber announces Clark as new president; Donohue to remain as CEO|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/longtime-chamber-president-thomas-donohue-hands-off-post-to-top-aide/2019/06/05/16a250b2-8727-11e9-98c1-e945ae5db8fb_story.html|access-date=2021-02-04|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> and returned in 2014, holding multiple executive roles before being named the organization's first female CEO in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gangitano|first=Alex|date=2019-06-05|title=Chamber of Commerce top aide takes over as president|url=https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/447158-chamber-of-commerce-top-aide-takes-over-as-president|access-date=2021-02-04|website=TheHill|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-05-20|title=Suzanne Clark|url=https://www.uschamber.com/suzanne-clark|access-date=2021-02-04|website=U.S. Chamber of Commerce|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Suzanne P Clark, Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America: Profile and Biography|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/19995975|access-date=2021-02-04|website=Bloomberg.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hamburger|first=Tom|title=Chamber of Commerce elevates first woman to CEO role|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/02/09/suzanne-clark-chamber-of-commerce/|access-date=2021-03-19|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> ==History== [[File:Charles Nagel, 1849–1940.jpg|thumb|Charles Nagel, [[United States Secretary of Commerce and Labor]] and founder of the United States Chamber of Commerce]] The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was founded at a meeting of delegates on April 22, 1912.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uschamber.com/about/history |title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce website, "History" |publisher=Uschamber.com |access-date=2010-11-05}}</ref> An important catalyst for the creation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce were two prior business engagements between the U.S. and Japan. In 1908, [[Shibusawa Eiichi|Eiichi Shibusawa]] invited the first official, modern day U.S. business delegation to visit Japan. This delegation was led by the prominent banker/economist [[Frank A. Vanderlip]] accompanied by sixty business representatives from the West coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The goal was to bridge their nations diplomatically and to promote increased business and commerce.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1908 – Frank A. Vanderlip future president of the Japan Society of New York City leads the first official, modern day U.S. business delegation to Japan to meet with Shibusawa Eiichi and representatives of Mitsui & Co., and other Japanese business leaders.|url=https://theemperorandthespy.com/2020/02/history-has-its-mysteries-recently-discovered-1908-photo-frank-a-vanderlip-the-future-president-of-japan-society-of-new-york-city-leads-the-first-formal-u-s-business-delegation-to-japan-to-meet-w/|date=2020|website=TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com}}</ref> In 1909, in appreciation for the hospitality shown to the 1908 Vanderlip business delegation during their visit to Japan, an invitation was now sent to Japanese business leaders to tour the U.S. This invitation came from the ''Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast'', whose membership included eight principal cities from western coastal states of California, Oregon and Washington. Their invitation was accepted by the Japanese, and in 1909, Shibusawa, accompanied by his delegation of over fifty of Japan's most prominent business leaders and notables spent three months visiting 53 cities across America.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|title=1909 Shibusawa Delegation visits Upstate, New York – U.S. and Japanese leaders come together in friendship over a Century Ago|url=https://theemperorandthespy.com/2020/02/u-s-and-japanese-leaders-come-together-in-friendship-over-a-century-ago-the-shibusawa-delegation-visits-upstate-new-york/|date=2020|website=TheEmperorAndTheSpy.com}}</ref> Their travels were highlighted in many newspapers as they journeyed in a specially outfitted ‘Million Dollar Train,’ provided by the American industrial community. The U.S. government recognized the significance of their visit and sent U.S. representatives to accompany and assist them during their trip. Six representatives of the ''Associated Chambers of Commerce of the Pacific Coast also'' accompanied them, to help facilitate the events along the way.<ref name="auto1"/> Their meetings included many chambers of commerce, tours of factories, power plants, fire departments, port facilities, mines, farms, schools, universities, libraries, theaters, churches, hospitals, and many other facilities. Their main goals to develop friendship and familiarity between the two nations while encouraging bilateral trade and commerce. An important influence of their visit was that it connected chambers of commerce across U.S., which likely motivated them to recognize the benefits of becoming a national organization. President Taft was one of the U.S. leaders that Shibusawa and his delegates met with during their visit.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 5, 1909|title=Japanese Visitors Have Arrived – Honorary Commercial Commissioners Well Received in Buffalo [New York]|work=The Buffalo Commercial}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Katz|first=Stan S.|title=The Art of Peace|publisher=Horizon Productions|year=2019|pages=Chapter 7 - Friendship and Alliance with Baron Shibusawa}}</ref> The Chamber was created by [[William Howard Taft|President Taft]] as a counterbalance to the [[Labor history of the United States|labor movement]] of the time.<ref name="Verini2">Verini, James (July/August 2010). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20160403182230/http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2010/1007.verini.html Show Him the Money]". ''[[Washington Monthly]]''. washingtonmonthly.com. Archived from the [http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2010/1007.verini.html original] on 2016-04-03. Retrieved 2017-06-28.</ref> John H. Fahey was the first [[chairman]],<ref name="opensoffice">"Opens Office to Aid Trade". ''The Washington Post''. April 26, 1912. p. 16.</ref> and Henry A. Wheeler was the first [[president (corporation)|president]]<ref name="indorse">"Delegates Indorse Reformed Calendar". ''The New York Times''. September 25, 1912. p. 15.</ref> and [[Elliot Hersey Goodwin]] was the first [[secretary (corporation)|secretary]].<ref name="earnestly">"Earnestly Supported by United States Chamber of Commerce". ''The New York Times''. March 6, 1913. p. 10.</ref> It opened its first office in the [https://www.google.com/maps/place/1420+New+York+Ave+NW,+Washington,+DC+20005/@38.8987713,-77.0330426,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b7b796308f2d41:0x1a18ef80d0db6b7b!8m2!3d38.8987703!4d-77.0324954?hl=en Evans Building].<ref name="opensoffice" /> In 1913, President Taft spoke at its first banquet at the [[Willard InterContinental Washington|Willard Hotel]], where he called for the organization to [[lobbying in the United States|lobby]] for comprehensive currency legislation and to support the [[Commission on Economy and Efficiency]].<ref name="thirdtermer">"'No Third Termer'". ''The Washington Post''. January 23, 1913. p. 2.</ref> During its first year in existence, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's membership consisted of 297 commercial organizations and 165,000 firms and individuals.<ref name="fifteennew">"Add Fifteen New Members". ''The Washington Post''. February 13, 1913. p. 4.</ref> The U.S. Chamber's staff grew drastically in just ten years of being created. In 1912, there were only four employees. However, by the time 1921 came along, the number of employees had risen to three hundred<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/uscc_HistoryBook.pdf|title=The Early Years|page=22}}</ref> During the 1919 U.S. Chamber board meeting, Henry A. Wheeler proposed an idea that surprised many in the Chamber itself. The idea was to create a national headquarters. Wheeler stated during this proposal that the Board of Directors should take this vote very seriously in deciding whether or not to make a national headquarters due to having to pay for it with their own money. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors didn't hesitate with their answer and they began the process to create the headquarters. Wheeler and Edson already had a planned location for where they believed the headquarters should be. The location was facing the White House on the corner of Lafayette Square. The only thing that was stopping them from building were two 19th-century mansions: the Corcoran House and the Slidell house. Nevertheless, the mansions were purchased for $775,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/uscc_HistoryBook.pdf|title=The Early Years|pages=24–25}}</ref> The Washington, D.C., headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce occupies land that was formerly the home of [[Daniel Webster]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uschamber.com/about/history/building-history |title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce website, "History of the building" |publisher=Uschamber.com |access-date=2010-11-05}}</ref> Throughout its history, the United States Chamber of Commerce promoted the nation's business and economy. The Chamber's first referendum in January 1913 called for the planning of a National Budget. This calling for a National Budget created The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. From there, the Chamber worked to aid the U.S. Government during both World Wars and through the Great Depression. During the 1960s, the Chamber thought of the business community in a different way. They didn't have a World War to fight, however, a war against crime and poverty.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/uscc_HistoryBook.pdf|title=The Early Years|pages=16, 29–30}}</ref> During the oil crisis of 1973, the Chamber pushed for expanding domestic production. This entailed oil and gas exploration, as well as coal mining, and the Trans Alaska Pipeline. In 1981, the Chamber launched the Let's Rebuild America campaign to help support President Reagan's Economic Recovery and Tax Act. With increased globalization in the 1990s, the Chamber promoted expanding opportunities for the export of American goods and services in hopes of creating jobs for Americans.<ref name="auto"/> Although various chambers of commerce can work with all levels of government, they tend to concentrate their efforts on specific levels: Local chambers of commerce tend to focus on local issues, state chambers on state issues, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce focuses on national issues at the federal government level.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions|url=https://www.uschamber.com/about-us/about-us-chamber/frequently-asked-questions#9|access-date=4 August 2014|date=2013-12-24}}</ref> They also work closely with a number of youth organizations in the country about the value and role of business in our society today.<ref>[http://www.maintour.com/meritbadge/american_business.htm American Business BSA Merit Badge Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906031557/http://www.maintour.com/meritbadge/american_business.htm |date=September 6, 2015 }}, 22 Jun 2015.</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2017|reason=ref is a link to a single scouting-related website, which does not document any background; USCC listed only as a research resource}} In 1993, the Chamber lost several members over its support for [[Clinton health care plan of 1993|Clinton's healthcare reform efforts]]. The Chamber had chosen to support healthcare reform at that time due to the spiraling healthcare costs experienced by its members. However, House Republicans retaliated by urging boycotts of the organization. By the time health care reform became a major issue again in 2010–2012, the organization opposed such efforts.<ref name="Verini2"/> [[File:United States Chamber of Commerce Building.jpg|thumb|The [[U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building]] at 1615 H Street NW in Washington, D.C.]] In late 2011 it was revealed that the Chamber's computer system was breached from November 2009 to May 2010 by Chinese hackers. The purpose of the breach appeared to be gain information related to the Chamber's lobbying regarding Asian trade policy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204058404577110541568535300|title=Chinese Hackers Hit U.S. Chamber - WSJ.com|last=Gorman|first=Siobahn|date=21 December 2011|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref> Since a [[Lewis F. Powell, Jr.#Powell Memorandum|1971 internal memo]] by [[Lewis F. Powell, Jr.|Lewis Powell]] advocating a more active role in cases before [[United States Supreme Court]], the Chamber has found increasing success in litigation. Under the [[Burger Court|Burger]] and [[Rehnquist Court]]s the Chamber was on the prevailing side 43% and 56% of the time, respectively, but under the [[Roberts Court]], the Chamber's success rate rose to 68% as of June 21, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sacks|first=Mike|title=Supreme Court: U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Undefeated This Term|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/21/supreme-court-us-chamber-of-commerce_n_1617392.html|date=21 June 2012|access-date=12 March 2013|newspaper=Huffington Post}}</ref> In the 2008 election cycle, aggressive ads paid for by the USCC attacked a number of [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic]] congressional candidates (such as Minnesota's [[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|DFL]] Senate candidate [[Al Franken]]) and supported a number of [[United States Republican Party|Republican]] candidates including [[John E. Sununu|John Sununu]], [[Gordon Smith (politician)|Gordon Smith]], [[Roger Wicker]], [[Saxby Chambliss]] and [[Elizabeth Dole]]. The Chamber of Commerce was an opponent of the Obama administration during Barack Obama's eight years in power.<ref>{{Citation|last=Berry|first=Jeffrey M.|title=Interest Groups and Elections|date=2020|url=https://oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190860806.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780190860806-e-31|work=The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Persuasion|pages=339–357|editor-last=Suhay|editor-first=Elizabeth|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190860806.013.31|isbn=978-0-19-086080-6|editor2-last=Grofman|editor2-first=Bernard|editor3-last=Trechsel|editor3-first=Alexander H.}}</ref> During the 2010 campaign cycle, the Chamber spent $32 million, 93 percent of which was to help Republican candidates.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Murray|first=Matthew|date=November 12, 2010|title=Chamber Watch: Business Group 'Central' to GOP Gains|newspaper=[[Roll Call]]|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/-200473-1.html|access-date=2011-02-05}} </ref> The Chamber's spending out of its general funds was criticized as illegal under campaign finance laws.<ref name="politico">{{cite web|title=Chamber of Commerce under fire for foreign cash|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43144.html|publisher=Politico.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fang|first=Lee|date=2010-10-13|title=Exclusive: Chamber Receives At Least $885,000 From Over 80 Foreign Companies In Disclosed Donations Alone|url=http://thinkprogress.org/2010/10/13/chamber-foreign-funded-media/|access-date=2012-04-05|website=ThinkProgress}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2010-10-11|title=Vote 2010: Is Foreign Money Behind U.S. Chamber of Commerce Ads? - ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vote-2010-foreign-money-us-chamber-commerce-ads/story?id=11853117&page=1|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=Abcnews.go.com}}</ref> In a front-page article titled "Large Donations Aid U.S. Chamber in Election Drive", ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that the Chamber used contributions in campaigns without separating foreign and domestic contributions, which if true would appear to contravene prohibitions on lobbying by foreign nations and groups. In question was the Chamber's international branches, "AmChams", whose funds are unaccounted for and perhaps mix into the general collection.<ref>{{cite news|last=Eggen|first=Dan|date=8 October 2010|title=Chamber and Democrats battle over the midterms and election spending|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/08/AR2010100804145.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2010-10-22|title=News Headlines|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/39794648/Top_Corporations_Aid_U_S_Chamber_of_Commerce_Campaign|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=Cnbc.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jacob Sullum|date=2010-10-22|title=NYT Shocker: Chamber of Commerce Promotes Business Interests - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine|url=http://reason.com/blog/2010/10/22/nyt-shocker-chamber-of-commerc|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=Reason.com}}</ref> All branches, corporations, and members of the Chamber pay dues; the question is how they divide the money for expenses in national campaigns. The truth of these allegations is unknown, as neither the Chamber nor its detractors can provide any concrete evidence to support or refute the allegations.<ref name="factcheck_foreign">{{cite web|title=The Chamber and Foreign Contributors|url=http://www.factcheck.org/2010/10/the-chamber-and-foreign-contributions/|access-date=13 December 2010|work=Factcheck.org|date=October 8, 2010}}</ref> In reference to the matter, Tom Donohue wrote his council and members on October 12, 2010. He stated, "Let me be clear. The Chamber does not use any foreign money to fund voter education activities—period. We have strict financial controls in place to ensure this. The funds we receive from American Chambers of Commerce abroad, bilateral business councils, and non-U.S.-based global companies represent a small fraction of our more than $200 million annual revenues. Under our accounting system, these revenues are never used to support any political activities. We are in full compliance with all laws and regulations."<ref>{{cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|date=2010-10-12|title=Chamber of Commerce Vows to 'Ramp Up' Political Activity|work=The New York Times|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/chamber-vows-to-ramp-up-political-activity/?scp=5&sq=chamber%20of%20commerce&st=cse}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lipton|first=Eric|title=Large corporate donations fund controversial US Chamber of Commerce campaign of election attack ads|url=http://www.ocala.com/article/20101028/OBIZ/101029696?p=2&tc=pg|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=Ocala.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Ben|date=2010-10-05|title=Chamber: 'We have a system' - Ben Smith|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1010/Chamber_We_have_a_system.html?showall|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=Politico.Com}}</ref> Organizations [[Moveon.org]], [[Think Progress]], and [[People for the American Way]] rallied against the Chamber at the [[United States Department of Justice|Justice Department]] to start an injunction for a criminal investigation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fang|first=Lee|date=2010-10-05|title=Exclusive: Foreign-Funded 'U.S.' Chamber Of Commerce Running Partisan Attack Ads|url=http://thinkprogress.org/2010/10/05/foreign-chamber-commerce/|access-date=2012-04-05|website=ThinkProgress}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Graves|first=Lucia|date=7 October 2010|title=Watchdog Groups Rally Outside Chamber Of Commerce, As Calls For A Justice Department Investigation Mount|work=Huffington Post|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/07/chamber-of-commerce-watchdog-groups-rally_n_754674.html}}</ref> The Chamber is not required to produce fundraising records.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lipton|first1=Eric|last2=McIntire|first2=Mike|last3=NATTA|first3=DON VAN Jr.|date=21 October 2010|title=Top Corporations Aid U.S. Chamber of Commerce Campaign|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/22/us/politics/22chamber.html?scp=6&sq=u.s.+chamber+of+commerce&st=nyt}}</ref> President [[Barack Obama]] and other legislators asked the [[IRS]] and [[Federal Elections Commission]] to ensure that the foreign funds that the Chamber receives are not used for political activities.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|date=2009-10-20|title=Rift between Obama and Chamber of Commerce widening|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101902176.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Obama's Risky Fight Against the Chamber of Commerce|magazine=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,2025368,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015063109/http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,2025368,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 15, 2010}}</ref> Obama criticized the Chamber for not disclosing its contributors.<ref>{{cite news|last=Calmes|first=Jackie|date=2010-12-11|title=Obama to Meet With Executives|newspaper=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/us/politics/12obama.html?src=twrhp}}</ref> The Chamber has responded that "No foreign money is used to fund political activities." <ref name="blogs.abcnews.com" /> After the election, the Chamber reiterated the nature of Obama's policy dictated action from the Chamber, however the conflict would not be made "personal".<ref>{{cite web|title=Donohue: US Chamber won't seek Obama's defeat|url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/politics/2010/Nov/17/donohue__us_chamber_won_t_seek_obama_s_defeat.html|publisher=Real Clear Politics}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Stein|first=Sam|date=17 November 2010|title=The White House, Chamber Of Commerce Attempt Rapprochement|work=Huffington Post|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/17/the-white-house-and-the-c_n_784737.html}}</ref> In addition to the expenditures from the Chamber's own funds, in 2010 its [[political action committee]] gave $29,000 (89 percent) to Republican candidates and $3,500 (11 percent) to Democratic candidates.<ref>{{cite web |title= US Chamber of Commerce summary |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00082040| publisher=[[OpenSecrets]]}}</ref> The Chamber's PAC received a total of 76 donations from individual donors ($200 or more donation) totaling $79,852 in 2007–2008, or an average of $1050 per donation, and three donations per month.<ref>{{cite web|title= 31Oct 2009 |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?cycle=2008&strID=C00082040| publisher=[[OpenSecrets]]}}</ref> Despite more than $33 million spent supporting candidates in the 2012 Congressional races, Chamber-backed candidates lost 36 out of the 50 elections in which the Chamber participated.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chamber of Commerce $33 Million Lost Most Races: BGOV Barometer|work=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-04/chamber-of-commerce-33-million-lost-most-races-bgov-barometer.html}}</ref> In late 2013 the Chamber announced it would distribute campaign contributions in "10s" of Republican primary elections to oppose the [[Tea Party movement]] and create a "more governable Republican party."<ref>{{cite news|last=Needham|first=Vicki|date=September 13, 2013|title=Top business groups vow more involvement in primaries|newspaper=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|url=http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1007-other/322239-top-business-groups-vow-more-involvement-in-primaries|url-status=dead|access-date=October 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918054229/http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1007-other/322239-top-business-groups-vow-more-involvement-in-primaries|archive-date=September 18, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In early 2014 Tom Donohue clarified that the push would be to elect "pro-business" members of Congress "who favor trade, energy development and immigration reform".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wingfield|first1=Brian|last2=Bykowicz|first2=Julie|date=8 January 2014|title=Big Business Doubles Down on GOP Civil War With Tea Party|website=www.bloomberg.com|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-08/u-s-chamber-ceo-vows-to-preserve-pro-business-majority-.html|access-date=8 January 2014}}</ref> During Donohue's tenure as head of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber formed an alliance with the Republican Party.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title=Chamber of Commerce draws fire after a risky bet on Democrats|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/05/17/chamber-of-commerce-democrats-trump/|access-date=2021-06-06|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Donohue retired in February 2021.<ref name=":2" /> In recent years, as Republicans have backed more trade restrictions and staunch anti-immigration policies and more Democrats have embraced immigration, free trade, and other pro-business policies, the composition of the Chamber's political support has shifted.<ref name=":2" /> In 2019, the Chamber updated the formula for its scorecard used to determine endorsements, to "more fully reward members of Congress for helping to advance pro-business policies, while simultaneously encouraging members to reach the compromises necessary for effective governing."<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Congressional Scorecard and Legislative Leadership List |url=https://www.uschamber.com/congressional-scorecard-and-legislative-leadership-list |website=U.S. Chamber of Commerce |access-date=30 July 2021 |language=en |date=27 February 2019}}</ref> After Donald Trump refused to concede following the 2020 presidential election, and most Republican members of Congress supported attempts to overturn the election results based on false claims of fraud, the Chamber of Commerce released a memo to its members, stating it would "review the totality of actions of its members" and "take into consideration... future conduct that erodes our democratic institutions".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Chamber of Commerce declines to rebuke members of Congress who voted to overturn 2020 election|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/03/06/capitol-riot-chamber-of-commerce/|access-date=2021-06-06|issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-05|title=MEMO: Political Support for Candidates in Light of Events of January 6th|url=https://www.uschamber.com/issue-brief/memo-political-support-candidates-light-of-events-of-january-6th|access-date=2021-07-16|website=U.S. Chamber of Commerce|language=en}}</ref> In 2021, Chamber lobbyist Neil Bradley said there would be a "political price" to pay for any lawmakers who supported the [[PRO Act]], which the Chamber called a "litany of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy."<ref name=":2" /> [[Thomas J. Donohue]] led the U.S. Chamber from 1997 to 2021.<ref name=":2" /> === '''Equality of Opportunity Initiative''' === Soon after Derek Chauvin<ref>{{Citation |title=Derek Chauvin |date=2022-12-22 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Derek_Chauvin&oldid=1128789136 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2023-01-06}}</ref> murdered George Floyd<ref>{{Citation |title=George Floyd |date=2023-01-05 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=George_Floyd&oldid=1131763034 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2023-01-06}}</ref>, the US Chamber convened its National Summit on Equality of Opportunity<ref>{{Citation |title=U S Chamber of Commerce National Summit on Equality of Opportunity |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEIPfiHwRIM |language=en |access-date=2023-01-06}}</ref>. It presented “a refreshingly sober assessment of the glaring socioeconomic and racial inequalities in the United States”<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kinderman |first=Daniel |date=2022-12 |title=The US chamber and chambers of commerce respond to Black Lives Matter: Cheap talk, progressive neoliberalism, or transformative change? |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/business-and-politics/article/us-chamber-and-chambers-of-commerce-respond-to-black-lives-matter-cheap-talk-progressive-neoliberalism-or-transformative-change/87F4BF0F4B194CD8D21BC1C554D8701E |journal=Business and Politics |language=en |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=491–516 |doi=10.1017/bap.2022.17 |issn=1469-3569}}</ref> and kicked off the US Chamber’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative<ref>{{Cite web |title=Equality of Opportunity Initiative |url=https://www.uschamber.com/major-initiative/equality-of-opportunity-initiative |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=www.uschamber.com |language=en}}</ref>. The EOI stresses the business case. , the benefits for business and society that can be attained by overcoming race-related inequalities. US Chamber's EOI has two strands, states Rick Wade,<ref>{{Citation |title=Rick Wade |date=2023-01-05 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Rick_Wade&oldid=1131651773 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2023-01-06}}</ref> who leads the US Chamber’s EOI and who has served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the US Chamber since 2018. advancing private sector solutions and advancing policies. The US Chamber encourages members of Congress to cosponsor legislation to address systemic inequalities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, criminal justice, health, and wealth development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airtable {{!}} Everyone's app platform |url=https://airtable.com/shrOp2K69Fgoq2Rk6/tbllKzJYHiLbaHFt4 |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Airtable |language=en}}</ref> It has been argued that many aspects of the US Chamber’s EOI represent next generation progressive neoliberalism, or progressive neoliberalism 2.0, which, in addition to helping to address and combat the pathologies of racial bias and racial resentment, aims to steer this emerging agenda in a business-friendly direction. Will this agenda be successful? Pressures to address racial inequalities are not new. Research suggests that there are considerable parallels and similarities between the US Chamber’s EOI and US Chamber efforts in the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, when the US Chamber of Commerce expressed support for equal opportunity, management training, and financing to promote minority businesses. In retrospect, these efforts had a very limited impact. The parallels and similarities between current chamber efforts and business stances in the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s raise the question: Can current efforts succeed where previous efforts have failed?<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kinderman |first=Daniel |date=2022-12 |title=The US chamber and chambers of commerce respond to Black Lives Matter: Cheap talk, progressive neoliberalism, or transformative change? |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/business-and-politics/article/us-chamber-and-chambers-of-commerce-respond-to-black-lives-matter-cheap-talk-progressive-neoliberalism-or-transformative-change/87F4BF0F4B194CD8D21BC1C554D8701E |journal=Business and Politics |language=en |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=491–516 |doi=10.1017/bap.2022.17 |issn=1469-3569}}</ref> === Controversies === In April 2009, the Chamber began an ad campaign against the proposed [[Employee Free Choice Act]].<ref>{{cite web|title=chambergrassroots.com|url=http://www.chambergrassroots.com/|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=chambergrassroots.com}}</ref> Critics such as the [[National Association of Manufacturers]] have contended that additional use of card check elections will lead to overt coercion on the part of union organizers. Opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act also claim, referring to perceived lack of access to a secret ballot, that the measure would not protect employee privacy. For this reason the Chamber argued the act would reduce workers' rights.<ref>{{cite web|title=Issue Alert: CARD_CHECK|url=http://www.bipac.net/issue_alert.asp?g=NAM&issue=Card_Check&parent=NAM|access-date=2010-11-05|publisher=Bipac.net}}</ref> In November 2009, the Chamber was reported to be seeking to spend $50,000 to hire a "respected economist" to produce a study that could be used to portray health-care legislation as a job killer and threat to the nation's economy.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|date=16 November 2009|title=Opponents of health-care effort look to fund a critical economic study|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/15/AR2009111503159.html|access-date=26 May 2010}}</ref> In December 2009, activist group Velvet Revolution, under the name StopTheChamber, posted a $200,000 reward for "information leading to the arrest and conviction of Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donahue."<ref>{{cite news|date=2009-12-07|title=Activist Group Puts Bounty on Chamber of Commerce CEO|newspaper=Fox News|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/07/liberal-group-offers-reward-information-chamber-boss/}}</ref> Some in the business community have criticized the Chamber's approach to public issues as overly aggressive. [[Hilary Rosen]], former CEO of the [[Recording Industry Association of America]], added that "Their aggressive ways are out of step with a new generation of business leadership who are looking for more cooperative relationship with Washington."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Stier|first=Ken|date=31 October 2009|title=Is the Chamber of Commerce Its Own Worst Enemy?|magazine=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1932979,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101090540/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1932979,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 1, 2009}}</ref> ==== Climate change ==== Until 2019, the U.S. Chamber rejected the [[scientific consensus on climate change]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|author=Reuters Staff|date=2019-09-24|title=After skepticism, U.S. Chamber of Commerce forms climate change task force|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-chamber-climatechange-idUSKBN1W92WH|access-date=2021-06-06}}</ref> Historically, the organization has promoted the work of [[climate change denier]]s and sought to stymie efforts to combat climate change.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Network|first=Shaun Goho for Yale Environment 360, part of the Guardian Environment|date=2010-02-26|title=The US Chamber of Commerce: A record of obstruction on climate action|url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/feb/24/us-chamber-record-obstruction-climate|access-date=2021-06-06|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Dryzek|first1=John S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4nAWEAAAQBAJ|title=The Oxford Handbook of Climate Change and Society|last2=Norgaard|first2=Richard B.|last3=Schlosberg|first3=David|date=2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-161857-4|pages=147–148|language=en}}</ref> In 2019, the organization acknowledged that humans contribute to climate change.<ref name=":3" /> The Chamber's senior vice president for environment, technology, and regulatory affairs William L. Kovacs threatened to sue the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] in order to have what he termed "the [[Scopes monkey trial]] of the 21st century" on climate science before any federal climate regulation was passed in October 2009.<ref name="latimes_climate">{{cite news|last=Tankersley|first=Jim|date=25 August 2009|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce seeks trial on global warming|newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/25/nation/na-climate-trial25|access-date=13 December 2010}}</ref> Chamber CEO Tom Donohue disavowed the comment, but the Chamber strongly opposed the [[American Clean Energy and Security Act]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Broder|first=John M.|date=2009-11-18|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce Split Over Donohue's Climate Policy|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/business/energy-environment/19CHAMBER.html|access-date=2018-03-24|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In response to this position, several companies quit the Chamber, including [[Exelon|Exelon Corp]], [[Pacific Gas and Electric Company|PG&E Corp]], [[PNM Resources]], and [[Apple Inc]].<ref name="reuters_climate">{{cite news|last=Gardner|first=Timothy|date=5 October 2009|title=Apple, citing climate, tells U.S. Chamber iQuit|newspaper=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0519277320091005|access-date=13 December 2010}}</ref> [[Nike, Inc]] resigned from their board of directors position, but continued their membership. Nike stated that they believe they can better influence the policy by being part of the conversation.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 30, 2009|title=Nike US Chamber Statement|url=http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/paltman/media/Nike%20US%20Chamber%20Statement1.pdf|access-date=October 6, 2009}}</ref> Peter Darbee, CEO of former chamber member [[PG&E]] (a natural gas and electric utility company in California), said, "We find it dismaying that the Chamber neglects the indisputable fact that a decisive majority of experts have said the data on global warming are compelling... In our view, an intellectually honest argument over the best policy response to the challenges of climate change is one thing; disingenuous attempts to diminish or distort the reality of these challenges are quite another."<ref>{{cite web|date=2009-09-25|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce in climate rift|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33024888|access-date=2012-04-05|publisher=NBC News}}</ref> In response to an online campaign of [[Prius]] owners organized by [[Moveon.org]], [[Toyota]] stated that it would not leave the Chamber.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldenberg|first=Suzanne|date=26 October 2009|title=Toyota: We're staying in US chamber of commerce|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/oct/26/toyota-chamber-climate-bill|access-date=26 October 2010}}</ref> The Aspen Chamber Resort Association of [[Aspen, Colorado]] left the U.S. Chamber because of its views on climate change, in light of how climate change could hurt Aspen's winter tourism industry.<ref name="aspentimes">{{cite news|last=Salvail|first=Andre|date=24 April 2012|title=Aspen chamber to cut ties with national organization|newspaper=The Aspen Times|url=http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120424/NEWS/120429941|access-date=29 December 2012}}</ref> In 2010, U.S. Chamber president Tom Donohue agreed to work with Senators [[John Kerry]], [[Lindsey Graham]], and [[Joe Lieberman]] as they crafted legislation to address climate change; the effort fell apart and failed to produce a bill.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|last=Lizza|first=Ryan|date=2010-10-03|title=As the World Burns|language=en|magazine=The New Yorker|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/10/11/as-the-world-burns|access-date=2018-03-24|issn=0028-792X}}</ref> The climate campaign organization [[350.org]] estimated that 94% of US Chamber of Commerce political contributions during the 2010 midterm elections went to [[Climate change denial|candidates denying the scientific consensus on climate change]].<ref>[http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/climate/2011/391%20-%20WhosHoldingUsBack.pdf Who's holding us back? Full report] Greenpeace November 23, 2011</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2011|title={{!}} The U.S. Chamber Doesn't Speak For Me|url=http://chamber.350.org/poster/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=chamber.350.org}}</ref> In March 2017, before President Trump withdrew the US from the [[Paris Agreement]], the Chamber funded a report that said the US commitments under the international agreement would significantly reduce industrial sector jobs.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last1=Shepardson|first1=David|last2=Volcovici|first2=Valerie|date=19 January 2021|title=Bracing for Biden climate rules, U.S. Chamber asks Congress to make laws|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bracing-biden-climate-rules-u-205618935.html|access-date=19 January 2021|website=Yahoo Finance|language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2017, Karen Harbert, CEO of the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute, published an op-ed in USA Today criticizing the EPA's [[Clean Power Plan]], saying, "The plan's fundamental flaw was that it would have intentionally raised the cost of energy without regard to the impact on families and businesses." Harbert added, "To be clear, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce believes that the climate is changing, and that man is contributing to these changes. We also believe that technology and innovation, rather than sweeping federal mandates, offer the best approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Clean Power Plan was the wrong answer|language=en|work=USA TODAY|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/10/29/clean-power-plan-wrong-answer-editorials-debates/107143196/|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref> In November 2019, the U.S. Chamber adopted the following policy [[Climate change mitigation|addressing climate change]]: "The climate is changing and humans are contributing to these changes. We believe that there is much common ground on which all sides of this discussion could come together to address climate change with policies that are practical, flexible, predictable, and durable. We believe in a policy approach that acknowledges the costs of action and inaction and the competitiveness of the U.S. economy."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-11-24|title=Addressing Climate Change|url=https://www.uschamber.com/addressing-climate-change|access-date=2019-05-12|website=U.S. Chamber of Commerce|language=en}}</ref> They recommended that the US rejoin the Paris Agreement<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pontecorvo|first=Emily|date=13 November 2019|title=One of the country's biggest climate denier groups just did an about-face|url=https://grist.org/article/one-of-the-countrys-biggest-climate-denier-groups-just-did-an-about-face/|access-date=19 January 2021|website=Grist|language=en-US}}</ref> and summarized that an effective climate policy should: * Leverage the power of business (rely primarily on private sector) * Maintain U.S. leadership in climate science * Embrace technology and innovation * Aggressively pursue greater energy efficiency * Promote climate resilient infrastructure * Support trade in U.S. technologies and products * Encourage international cooperation In 2019, the organization said it had no position on a carbon tax.<ref name=":3" /> On January 19, 2021, the day before President Trump's term ended, the Chamber said it wanted Congress to pass "durable climate policy" while also encouraging "a market-based approach" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<ref name=":1" /> ====Immigration reform==== The U.S. Chamber opposed President [[Donald Trump]]'s executive order ending the [[Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]] program. The U.S. Chamber's Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley said, "With approximately 700,000 DACA recipients working for all sorts of businesses across the country, terminating their employment eligibility runs contrary to the president's goal of growing the U.S. economy."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Weaver|first=Dustin|date=2017-09-05|title=Business backlash hits Trump's DACA decision|language=en|work=TheHill|url=http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/349270-business-backlash-hits-trumps-daca-decision|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref> The Chamber of Commerce has come under attack by populist conservatives and others for its support of "amnesty" for illegal immigrants.<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Connor|first1=Patrick|date=2014-12-26|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce Pushes Priorities in Congress|website=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-chamber-of-commerce-pushes-priorities-in-congress-1419631349}}</ref> In 2014, Tom Donohue stated the Chamber will "pull out all stops" for the passage of immigration reform in Congress.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ho|first1=Catherine|date=2014-01-08|title=U.S. Chamber to 'pull out all stops' to pass immigration reform|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/us-chamber-to-pull-out-all-stops-to-pass-immigration-reform/2014/01/08/ce7f899c-7883-11e3-af7f-13bf0e9965f6_story.html|access-date=7 May 2015}}</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', Donohue did not offer specifics with regard to provisions or bills on the matter, speaking generally about the impact immigration would have on the U.S. economy.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} ==== OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Emergency Temporary Standard==== In early November 2021, the [[Biden Administration COVID-19 action plan]] set in motion OSHA's [[Biden Administration COVID-19 action plan#OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Emergency Temporary Standard|Emergency Temporary Standard]] (ETS) mandating COVID-19 vaccines or weekly testing for employees of companies with 100 or more employees. Numerous lawsuits were filed in several Federal appellate courts, and the [[Fifth Circuit]] granted a 30-day stay of the order. The U.S. Chamber did not file or join in any of the lawsuits, and in mid November Chamber vice president of employment policy Marc Freedman told CNBC that "employers still need to take this as a live ETS until it is definitively shut down... they should not bank on the preliminary actions of the 5th Circuit."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kimball|first=Spencer|date=November 15, 2021|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce says businesses should implement vaccine mandate until it is 'shut down'|language=en|work=[[CNBC]]|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/15/biden-vaccine-mandate-chamber-of-commerce-tells-businesses-to-implement.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/breaking-news-osha-announces-it-is-8433021/|title=Breaking News: OSHA Announces It Is Suspending Vaccination ETS Pending Court Challenges|website=JD Supra|date=November 17, 2021|first=Tracey|last=Truesdale}}</ref> ==Positions taken== Politically, the US Chamber of Commerce is considered to be on the [[right-wing politics|political right]], but is known to take positions that many Republicans, particularly [[populist]]s, do not support. The US Chamber is often associated with the [[The Establishment|establishment]] wing of the Republican Party.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hohmann |first=James |date=April 25, 2019 |title=The Daily 202: The U.S. Chamber wants to disentangle its brand from the GOP and hopes to rebuild the center |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2019/04/25/daily-202-the-u-s-chamber-wants-to-disentangle-its-brand-from-the-gop-and-hopes-to-rebuild-the-center/5cc08e551ad2e52459e24671/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |location=Washington, D.C.|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> ===Legislation=== * Campaigned against portions of the [[Sarbanes–Oxley Act]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_03/b3916031_mz011.htm|title=Death, Taxes, & Sarbanes-Oxley?|last=Henry|first=David|date=17 January 2005|work=Business Week}}</ref> (Introduced 02/14/2002) (07/30/2002 Became Public Law)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/3763|title=H.R.3763 - 107th Congress (2001-2002): Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002|last=Michael|first=Oxley|date=2002-07-30|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Supported the SAFETY Act.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/safety-act|title=SAFETY Act|date=2012-06-01|work=Department of Homeland Security|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en}}</ref> (Passed 2002) * Supported the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]].<ref name="Verini2"/> (Introduced 01/26/2009) (02/17/2009 Became Public Law)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/1/text|title=Text - H.R.1 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|last=David|first=Obey|date=2009-02-17|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Supported the Food Safety Modernization Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/510|title=S.510 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): FDA Food Safety Modernization Act|last=Richard|first=Durbin|date=2010-11-30|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 03/03/2009) * Opposed the [[American Clean Energy and Security Act]] climate change bill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/14/chamber-of-commerce-details-opposition-to-waxman-markey-bill/|title=Chamber of Commerce Details Opposition to Waxman-Markey Bill|last=Johnson|first=Keith|date=2009-05-14|website=WSJ|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref> (Introduced 05/15/2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2454|title=H.R.2454 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and jayesha khan will do their best for future of america |last=Henry|first=Waxman|date=2009-07-07|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> "[H]elped kill several attempts to pass climate-change legislation" between 1997 and 2010, but did not oppose efforts by Senators Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman in 2010.<ref name=":02">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/10/11/as-the-world-burns|title=As the World Burns|last=Lizza|first=Ryan|date=2010-10-03|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=2018-03-24|language=en|issn=0028-792X}}</ref> * The Chamber views some reform as necessary, but opposed the [[Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act|Dodd/Frank legislation]] that was passed, asserting that it would damage loan availability.<ref name="Verini2" /> (Introduced 12/02/2009) (07/21/2010 Became Public Law) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/4173/text|title=Text - H.R.4173 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act|last=Barney|first=Frank|date=2010-07-21|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Supported the [[Stop Online Piracy Act]] (SOPA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readwriteweb.com/enterprise/2011/11/cautious-optimism-follows-sopa.php|title=Cautious Optimism Follows SOPA (2011)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122221907/http://www.readwriteweb.com/enterprise/2011/11/cautious-optimism-follows-sopa.php|archive-date=2011-11-22|url-status=dead|access-date=2011-11-22}}</ref> (Introduced in House (10/26/2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/3261|title=H.R.3261 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Stop Online Piracy Act|last=Lamar|first=Smith|date=2011-12-16|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Supported the Jobs Act of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/3606|title=H.R.3606 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Jumpstart Our Business Startups|last=Stephen|first=Fincher|date=2012-04-05|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 12/08/2011) (04/05/2012 Became Public Law) * Supported the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/803|title=H.R.803 - 113th Congress (2013-2014): Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act|last=Virginia|first=Foxx|date=2014-07-22|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 02/25/2013) (07/22/2014 Became Public Law) * Supported the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/356|title=S.356 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Electronic Communications Privacy Act Amendments Act of 2015|last=Mike|first=Lee|date=2015-09-16|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 02/04/2015) * Actively lobbies against anti-tobacco policies implemented in other countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/29/us/us-chamber-commerce-cigarette-lobbying.html|title=Making Tobacco's Case|date=2015-06-30|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=2015-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/01/business/international/us-chamber-works-globally-to-fight-antismoking-measures.html|title=U.S. Chamber of Commerce Works Globally to Fight Antismoking Measures|last=Hakim|first=Danny|date=2015-06-30|work=The New York Times|access-date=2015-07-03}}</ref> In particular, it opposes attempts to carve out tobacco from the [[Investor-state dispute settlement]] mechanism negotiated under the [[Trans-Pacific Partnership]] agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uschamber.com/blog/no-exclusions-why-carveouts-would-weaken-trans-pacific-partnership|title=No Exclusions! Why Carveouts Would Weaken the Trans-Pacific Partnership|date=2014-04-24|access-date=2015-07-03}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> (Signed 4 February 2016) * Supported the Ozone Implementation Act of 2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/806|title=H.R.806 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017|last=Pete|first=Olson|date=2017-07-19|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 02/01/2017) * Supported the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/906?q=%7B%22search%22:%5B%22Furthering+Asbestos+Claim+Transparency+Act%22%5D%7D&r=1|title=H.R.906 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act of 2017|last=Blake|first=Farenthold|date=2017-02-24|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 02/07/2017) * Supported the Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/985?q=%7B%22search%22:%5B%22Fairness+in+Class+Action+Litigation+Act%22%5D%7D&r=1|title=H.R.985 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2017|last=Bob|first=Goodlatte|date=2017-03-13|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 02/09/2017) * Supported the SAFE Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1562|title=H.R.1562 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): SAFE Act|last=Mark|first=Pocan|date=2017-04-25|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 03/16/2017) * Opposed the [[American Health Care Act of 2017]].<ref name="Verini2" /> (Introduced 03/20/2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1628|title=H.R.1628 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): American Health Care Act of 2017|last=Diane|first=Black|date=2017-07-28|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Opposed the [[Clean Power Plan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/oct/26/business-groups-join-fight-to-combat-clean-power-p/|title=Business groups join fight to combat Clean Power Plan|newspaper=The Washington Times|access-date=2018-03-24|language=en-US}}</ref> (added new bullet point) (On March 28, 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/energy-independence|title=Energy Independence {{!}} US EPA|last=EPA,OA,OPA,OWC|first=US|website=US EPA|date=May 6, 2015 |language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Supported the Reauthorization Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/934|title=S.934 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017|last=Lamar|first=Alexander|date=2017-05-11|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 04/25/2017) * Supported the Self Drive Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3388|title=H.R.3388 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): SELF DRIVE Act|last=Robert|first=Latta|date=2017-09-07|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 07/25/2017) * Supported the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1935?q=%7B%22search%22:%5B%22Tribal+Tax+and+Investment+Reform+Act+of+2017%22%5D%7D&r=1|title=S.1935 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2017|last=Jerry|first=Moran|date=2017-10-05|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> (Introduced 10/05/2017) * Opposes the [[DISCLOSE Act]], which aims to limit foreign influence on U.S. elections.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20011683-503544.html|title=Obama Slams GOP For Opposing DISCLOSE Act Meant to Expose "Shadow Groups" Behind Ads|last=Montopoli|first=Brian|date=26 July 2010|work=[[CBS News]]}}</ref> (House - 06/27/2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6239|title=H.R.6239 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): DISCLOSE Act of 2018|last=David|first=Cicilline|date=2018-06-27|website=www.congress.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-12-03}}</ref> * Opposed to using the government shutdown and [[debt limit|debt ceiling]] limit as negotiating tactics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uschamber.com/issues/letters/2013/multi-industry-coalition-letter-regarding-continuing-resolution-and-debt-limit|title=Multi-Industry Coalition Letter Regarding the Continuing Resolution and Debt Limit}}</ref> * Support for business [[globalization]], [[free trade]], and [[offshoring]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}} * Qualified opposition to financial regulation.<ref name="Verini2" /> ===Court cases=== * Argued against mandatory immigration status checks by employers in Arizona including in a Supreme Court case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/26/scotus.arizona.law/index.html?hpt=T2|title=Supreme Court backs Arizona immigration law that punishes businesses|last=Mears|first=Bill|date=26 May 2011|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=26 May 2011}}</ref> * Filed an [[amicus brief]] to the U.S. Supreme Court in ''[[Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission|Citizens United v FEC]]'' to urge the court to overrule Austin and restore "free corporate speech."<ref>[http://www.cuvfec.com/documents/case-08-205/Supplemental_Amicus_Brief_US_Chamber_of_Commerce.pdf/ Supplemental Brief Of Amicus Curiae Chamber Of Commerce Of The United States Of America In Support Of Appellant].</ref> Its position is opposed by some advocates for independent businesses.<ref name="amiba">[http://www.amiba.net/montana-electioneering-law-overturned/ Independent Business Advocates Condemn U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Citizens United].</ref> ==Lobbying expenditures== The Chamber has emerged as the largest [[lobbying]] organization in America. The Chamber's lobbying expenditures in 2018 were nearly 30 percent larger than those of the second-biggest spender, the [[National Association of Realtors]] at $72.8 million. {|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right" |+US Chamber Lobbying 2002-2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/top-spenders?cycle=2018|title=Top Spenders|first1=OpenSecrets|last1=A 501tax-exempt|first2=charitable organization 1300 L. St|last2=NW|first3=Suite 200|last3=Washington|first4=DC 20005 telelphone857-0044|last4=info|website=OpenSecrets}}</ref><ref>[https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/top-spenders?cycle=2018 Opensecrets.org ranking page for 2018]<!-- other years can be accessed via the drop-down box--></ref> |- ! Year !! US Cham. Rank !! US Cham. Spending !! Next Highest Spender !! Next Highest Amount |- |2018 |1 |$94,800,000 |National Assn of Realtors |$72,808,648 |- |2017 |1 |$82,260,000 |National Assn of Realtors |$54,530,861 |- |2016 |1 |$103,950,000 |National Assn of Realtors |$64,821,111 |- |2015|| 1 || $64,190,000 || American Medical Assn || $23,910,000 |- |2014|| 1 || $124,080,000 || National Assn of Realtors || $55,057,053 |- |2013|| 1 || $74,470,000 || National Assn of Realtors || $38,584,580 |- |2012|| 1 || $136,300,000 || National Assn of Realtors || $41,464,580 |- |2011|| 1 || $66,370,000 || General Electric || $26,340,000 |- |2010|| 1 || $157,187,500 || PG&E Corp || $45,510,000 |- |2009|| 1 || $144,606,000 || Exxon Mobil || $27,430,000 |- |2008|| 1 || $91,955,000 || Exxon Mobil || $29,000,000 |- |2007 ||1 || $53,082,500 || Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America || $22,733,400 |- |2006|| 1 || $72,995,000 || AT&T Inc || $27,445,497 |- |2005|| 1 || $39,805,000 || AARP || $36,302,064 |- | 2004|| 1 || $53,380,000 || American Medical Assn || $18,820,000 |- | 2003|| 1 || $34,602,640 || AARP || $20,880,000 |- |2002 || 1 || $41,560,000 || Philip Morris || $15,200,000 |} ==Organizational structure and membership== US Chamber Members, USPBC 2021<ref name="USPBC">[https://www.uschamber.com/international/asia/us-pakistan-business-council/members USPBC MEMBER COMPANIES].</ref> {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * Abbott * AEAI * Bayer * Cargill * Caterpillar, Inc. * Citi * The Coca-Cola Company * Excelerate Energy L.P. * ExxonMobil * Facebook * General Electric * Gilead Sciences, Inc. * Global Logistics Providers * Google * Hecate Energy * Jamil & Jamil USA * Netsol Technologies * North Shore Medical Labs * PepsiCo * Pfizer * PMI Global Services, Inc. * Procter & Gamble * S&P Global * Target * The Resource Group * Uber * Visionet Systems Inc {{div col end}} As of October 2010, the Chamber had a worldwide network of 115 American Chamber of Commerce affiliates located in 108 countries.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Politifact, St. Petersburg Times |date=October 11, 2010 |title=President Barack Obama says foreign funds received by the US Chamber may be helping to fund attack ads |url=http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/oct/11/barack-obama/president-barack-obama-says-foreign-money-coming-u/}}</ref> The US Chamber says that a relative handful of the Chamber's 300,000 members are "non-U.S.-based (foreign) companies." It claims that, "No foreign money is used to fund political activities." A US Chamber executive has said that the organization has had "foreign multinationals" (foreign companies) as members for "over a century, many for decades."<ref name="blogs.abcnews.com">{{cite news |work=ABC News |title=Chamber of Commerce - The White House Wants Our Donor List |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/10/chamber-of-commerce-the-white-house-wants-our-donor-lists-so-its-allies-can-intimidate-our-donors.html}}</ref> The US Chamber states that it receives approximately $100,000 annually in membership dues from its foreign affiliates, out of an annual budget of $200 million.<ref name="blogs.abcnews.com"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Democratic Partisans Up in Arms Against US Chamber Donations |first=Halimah |last=Abdullah |newspaper=Kansas City Star |date=12 October 2010 |url=http://www.sohanroy.com |access-date=26 October 2010 }}</ref> === Affiliate organizations === * Americans for Transportation Mobility * Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness * Center for International Private Enterprise * Global Energy Institute * [[Institute for Legal Reform]] * Institute for Organization Management (IOM) * U.S. Chamber Litigation Center * U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (previously the National Chamber Foundation) ==Opposition== Several organizations have attacked the Chamber for its advocacy, including Chamber Watch (a campaign of [[Public Citizen]]). Advocates for independent business, like the [[American Independent Business Alliance]] (AMIBA) and [[green business]]es, like the American Sustainable Business Council, have fought the Chamber on multiple issues. Among major divisions between the Chamber and these business advocates is allowing corporations to engage in electioneering.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amiba.net/granting-corporations-bill-of-rights-protections-is-not-pro-business/ |title=Granting Corporations Bill of Rights Protections Is Not "Pro-business |publisher=AMIBA |access-date=2015-12-30}}</ref> [[Oliver E. Diaz Jr.]] says one example of this was when the Chamber spent $1,000,000+ to fund negative campaign ads against him and have judicial candidate [[Keith Starrett]] elected instead.<ref>Saladoff, S. (Director). (2011). Hot Coffee [Motion picture]. Docurama Films</ref> ==See also== {{Portalbar|United States|Business|Political science}} * [[Global Intellectual Property Center]], US Chamber of Commerce institution * [[National Federation of Independent Business]] * [[U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce]] * [[United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce]] * [[Anthony D. Salzman]] '''General:''' * [[Advocacy group]] * [[Lobbying in the United States]] ==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==Further reading== * Davis, Cory, "The Political Economy of Commercial Associations: Building the National Board of Trade, 1840-1868," ''Business History Review,'' 88 (Winter 2014), 761–83. * Heald, Morrell. "Business thought in the twenties: Social responsibility." ''American Quarterly'' (1961): 126–139. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/2710548 in JSTOR] * Lesher, Richard and Dave Scheiber. ''Voice of Business: The Man Who Transformed the United States Chamber of Commerce'' (2017), Richard Lesher was president of the US Chamber of Commerce from 1975 to 1997. * Werking, Richard Hume. "Bureaucrats, businessmen, and foreign trade: the origins of the United States Chamber of Commerce." ''Business History Review'' 52#03 (1978) pp: 321–341. ==External links== {{Commons}} * {{Official website|http://www.uschamber.com }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110101040919/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/topic/topic.php?topic=U.S._Chamber_Of_Commerce&id=6258&letter=u Real Clear Politics Portal] * [http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/ead/htmldocs/KCL05332.html Guide to Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America. Publications. 5332. Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives, Martin P. Catherwood Library, Cornell University.] * [http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:RAD.SCHL:sch00500 Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America. Communications Development Division. Videotape collection, 1988-1992.] [http://radcliffe.harvard.edu/schlesinger-library Schlesinger Library], Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University. {{Authority control}} [[Category:United States Chamber of Commerce| ]] [[Category:Organizations established in 1912]] [[Category:1912 establishments in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States]] [[Category:Business organizations based in the United States]] [[Category:Conservative organizations in the United States]] [[Category:Immigration political advocacy groups in the United States]] [[Category:Lobbying organizations based in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations]] [[Category:Climate change denial]]'