The Chamber

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:  2012 Federal Policies and Priorities

AGRICULTURE/WATER/ENVIRONMENT

• Support reauthorization of the Farm Bill before it expires at the end of September.
• Oppose any efforts to force agriculture to contribute more than its fair share of the deficit reduction process. Urge Congress to resist any legislative or administrative changes that reduce the safety net provisions included in the bill.
• Urge the resolution of climate change legislation in a bipartisan manner that recognizes regional differences, the state of the technology, and the compelling need for a solution that minimizes overall economic impact.
• Oppose policies that jeopardize American jobs, create trade inequalities, leave open the Clean Air Act, open the door to CO2-based mass tort litigation, and further hamper the permitting process for clean energy.
• Oppose  any efforts to remove the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act.  The word “navigable” appears 83 times in the Clean Water Act and protects private landowners and businesses from excessive federal regulation over standing water.

ECONOMY/TAXES/WORKPLACE

• Oppose initiatives such as “Card Check”, which would abolish secret ballot elections.
• Support efforts to explore and implement comprehensive tax reform that encourages economic growth.
• Oppose expansion of workplace mandates as well as expansion of the National Labor Relations Board authority.

EDUCATION/RESEARCH

• Support Texas Tech’s efforts to elevate Texas Tech to Tier I status, commensurate with that of a flagship institution.
• Support federal education policies that will help prepare workers for today’s business climate.

ENERGY

• Urge the removal of obstacles to increased domestic energy production and encourage development of alternative energy.
• Support development of the Keystone Pipeline project.

HEALTHCARE

• Support legislation that fosters private-sector solutions for the uninsured in the U.S. 
• Support assn. health plans, medical liability reform; tax credits for purchasing own coverage and for respite care or IRA on long-term care.
• Support stand-alone legislation that offers tax credits for employer sponsored workplace wellness programs for employees.
• Oppose implementation of new Medicaid block grant funding concepts for states. Protect federal funding for CHIP and the Texas Medicaid disproportionate share program. (DSH). Protect the use of intergovernmental transfer (IGT) funds to obtain Medicaid match. Maintain current Upper Payment Limit Program with enhanced match.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE/IMMIGRATION

• Support immigration policies and procedures that are responsible, efficient, and fair. Urge Congress and the administration to address current and potential delays, backlogs, and disruptions that impede the movement of legitimate cargo and travelers acrossU.S. borders. Ensure the continuity of H-1B, L-1 and J-1 medical and nursing visas for professionals and highly valued workers. Push for continuation of employers’ ability to access needed talent and meet global workforce needs.  Urge a workable guest-worker program that encourages secure, documented entry to the U.S.
• Support efforts to ensure Chinese regulations and practices governing foreign trade and investment do not inhibit the market access that underlies China’s WTO commitments.
• Support efforts to ensure that a final deal in the WTO negotiations does not include premature and unwarrantedU.S. concessions on anti-dumping and other trade remedy laws that would harmU.S. agriculture or industry. Advocate for a fair, robust trade agenda so that U.S. companies and agricultural producers can export their goods and services to create jobs for Americans.

TRANSPORTATION

• Support Ports-to-Plains efforts.
• Support establishing transportation infrastructure as a core economic issue and a high priority at all levels of government.
• Support U.S. Chamber of Commerce efforts to address long-term infrastructure needs through the Let’s Rebuild America initiative.
• Urge a permanent fix for the Highway Trust Fund.
• Support current Metropolitan Planning Organization criteria and structure in the U.S.
• Support increased flexibility in the way airport Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds can be spent.
• For public transportation, support definition of small urbanized areas eligible for flexibility to be defined as those areas that operate less than 100 buses during peak hour fixed route service.