The following statement can be attributed to Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. On March 4, the Chamber sent a letter to the Senate to express concern about efforts to weaken the “deliberative and collaborative” process and that the Chamber would include votes that do so in its “How They Voted” scorecard. 

“Only in Washington could getting 60 out of 100 people to agree feel like an insurmountable obstacle. It’s disappointing that some lawmakers are reaching for a rule change to drive elected leaders into their partisan corners, rather than working to build consensus and encourage collaboration. 

“Issues of national importance deserve the time, thoughtfulness, and deliberation that the filibuster provides. Importantly, debate doesn’t have to mean obstruction—lawmakers should be able to have passionate convictions and find solutions. The major legislative priorities that lie ahead—whether infrastructure or immigration—must reflect the buy-in of both parties and provide durable solutions to the substantial challenges we face as a nation. These issues are too important to be mired in partisan squabbles. American job creation and economic growth is on the line.”