[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8412-8413]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 482--CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED 
                       STATES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

  Mr. McCONNELL (for himself, Ms. Ayotte, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Blunt, Mr. 
Boozman, Mr. Chambliss, Ms. Collins, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Enzi, 
Mr. Grassley, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Kirk, 
Mr. Kyl, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Moran, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Rubio, Ms. Snowe, Mr. 
Thune, Mr. Toomey, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Johnson of Wisconsin, and Mr. 
Johanns) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 482

       Whereas the United States Chamber of Commerce (referred to 
     in this preamble as the ``Chamber'') was founded on April 22, 
     1912, at the request of President William Howard Taft, 
     thereby creating a unified voice for business in the United 
     States;
       Whereas, on that date, President Taft supported the 
     creation of the Chamber by declaring before 700 delegates 
     from businesses, chambers, and associations representing 
     every State, ``We want your assistance in carrying on the 
     government in reference to those matters that affect the 
     business and the business welfare of the country, and we do 
     not wish to limit your discretion in that matter. We wish 
     that your advice should be as free and unrestricted as 
     possible, but we need your assistance and we ask for it.'';
       Whereas, during the 100 years since its founding, the 
     Chamber has represented and advocated the interests of the 
     business community in Washington, DC, across the United 
     States, and around the world;
       Whereas the Chamber continues to give voice to business in 
     the United States and rally the business community around 
     policies that create jobs and grow the economy;
       Whereas the Chamber is committed to preserving and 
     advancing free market principles and the free enterprise 
     system of the United States, which has created growth, 
     opportunities, innovation, and jobs, and has empowered 
     generations of individuals in the United States to fulfill 
     the American dream;
       Whereas, for a century, the Chamber has played an 
     instrumental role in major pieces of legislation on trade, 
     infrastructure, energy, and a host of other issues integral 
     to generating economic growth, supporting the business 
     community, and creating jobs in the United States; and
       Whereas, for the next 100 years, and well beyond, the 
     Chamber will continue to work to restore and strengthen the 
     prosperity and competitiveness of the United States and will 
     continue to represent the interests of businesses in the 
     United States of every size, sector, and region before 
     Congress, the executive branch, the courts, and the court of 
     public opinion: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the United States 
     Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary.

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution 
congratulating the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on defending and advancing 
free market principles for the past 100 years.
  For a century, the Chamber has helped business owners all across the 
country, from the Great Depression to the current fiscal crisis our 
Nation is struggling with today. The chamber and its member chambers 
and businesses have continued to find ways to help keep our economy 
growing and businesses hiring.
  In 1962, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the chamber, 
President Kennedy said: ``The foundation of

[[Page 8413]]

the Chamber in April of 1912 marked a turning point in the relations 
between government and business.'' This remains true to this day.
  When the Chamber turned 70, President Reagan joked:

       I remember the day you started. And like good wine, you 
     have grown better, not older.

  He then quipped:

       The membership of the Chamber of Commerce of the United 
     States is the only thing that has grown faster than the 
     Federal Government--thank heaven!

  The free enterprise system is the backbone of the American economy, 
and nobody embodies it more than the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. So on 
the year marking the 100th anniversary, I, along with my colleagues, 
wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the work 
they do to help businesses grow and create jobs. Through their efforts, 
millions of Americans have been able to pursue and achieve the American 
dream.
  To the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your contribution to 
society, and congratulations on 100 years of representing and 
advocating for job creators across our country.

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