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The Lost Art

April 5, 2023

Lack of Effective Governing Poses Major Threat to Business

Extreme hyperpolarization and partisan politics have created a new level of dysfunction in Washington, D.C. It has created a federal government that struggles to govern, and certainly does not appear capable of working together to address complex challenges.

This uncertainty is bad for business. The connection between an efficient democratic government and an innovative, prosperous economy continues to be top of mind for business leadership across the nation. In its State of American Business event in January 2023, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce cited the nation’s own government as the being the biggest growing risk to business success.

Suzanne Clarke, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce“The only risk that businesses say is rising – is getting worse – is the risk that comes from our own government,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and and Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Clark, who warned that parties are taking power focused solely on undoing whatever the previous party did rather than working together to empower business and move the country forward.

“Beyond the deep frustration, what does this really mean? It means businesses don’t have the clarity or the certainty to plan past the next political cycle,” Clark said. “It means our country won’t be able to advance an agenda that extends beyond two to four years, or pass the policies needed to position us for our future.”

“We need a government that works. A government that rejects gridlock and chooses governing. A government that can partner with the private sector on our biggest challenges and can engage globally to advance America’s interests, and the world’s.”