Friends of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Congress Is Back And Ready For...Inaction?

There’s little denying that this 112th Congress has been one of the most unproductive in recent memory—which may   help explain their 10% approval rating in Gallup’s most recent poll.

With 112 days remaining until we hit the Fiscal Cliff, Congress’ track record doesn’t bode well for decisive action coming before the November elections.  In fact, in a recent Reuter’s article, one senatorial staffer conceded as much in admitting the “norm” for Congress in an election year:

"Everyone wants to get out of town -- fast," said a top Senate aide, voicing the sentiment on both sides of the political aisle.

That may be the “norm,” but with America starting at a certain recession if Congress fails to act, this is hardly a normal year:

The most urgent item -- making sure Congress does not trigger a recession early next year -- is by all accounts on hold until after the election, when lawmakers will attempt to head off trouble of their own making: tax increases and automatic spending cuts that threaten to send the United States over what's been called "a fiscal cliff." 

On hold until after the election? 

We recently asked you in a blog poll what the top priority should be for Congress when they return from their August recess.  

More than three-quarters (76%) of you said that solving the Fiscal Cliff crisis was priority #1.  We couldn’t agree more.

Our economy can’t wait until after the election. Jobs can’t wait until after the election.  Growth and prosperity can’t wait until after the election.

Solving the Fiscal Cliff crisis can’t wait until after the election.  We need Congress to show some leadership and act now.