Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – President Obama tried to reassure the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Monday that the investments he wants to make in education and infrastructure would promote business growth.
Obama spoke to about 200 members of the Chamber of Commerce at their headquarters a short walk from the White House.
The Chamber of Commerce has sometimes accused Obama of frustrating economic growth with programs to subsidize health care, housing and unemployment insurance.
Obama acknowledged his occasional disputes with business leaders, or what he called “pretty strong disagreements.”
However, he said they would see the benefits of his policies soon.
“In the coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, consolidate and reorganize the federal government in a way that best serves the goal of a more competitive America,” Obama said.
The consolidation would begin with the 12 different agencies that regulate U.S. exports, he said. Other efforts would seek to control federal spending.
The infrastructure investments Obama seeks focus heavily on transportation and communications systems. He also said he wants to provide research incentives and to reform the corporate tax code.
Obama said he would try to get Republicans and Democrats to cooperate as he takes “additional steps across the budget to put our nation on sounder fiscal footing.”
He sought common ground with the Chamber of Commerce by mentioning that its leaders supported his 2009 economic stimulus package.
If Obama can convince the Chamber of Commerce to be his friend, it would represent a significant change of political trends.
During his presidential campaign, Obama accused the Chamber of using money contributed from foreign corporations to support Republican candidates. The Chamber also opposed many of his programs, such as health care reform.
In addition, the Chamber – the nation’s biggest business lobbying group – heavily favored Republicans with campaign donations before the November elections last year.
However, during his speech in Washington Monday, Obama seemed to agree with policies advocated by the Chamber.
“We need an economy that’s based not on what we consume and borrow from other nations, but what we make and sell around the world,” he said.
He also said he was willing “to go anywhere to be a booster for American businesses, American workers and American products.”
Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce president, said while introducing Obama that “Our focus is finding a common ground to ensure America’s greatness in the 21st century.”
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