Fill me in:
Millions of Americans voted either on Election Day or earlier, despite an ongoing pandemic. As election officials work to ensure every ballot is counted and final results are determined here are three takeaways.
1. Voters want action despite divided government
Massive voter turnout tells us Americans strongly want effective government. They don’t want gridlock, but instead want our leaders to take decisive actions on the big issues facing our country.
As we look at the election results so far, it’s likely the makeup of Congress will be a Democratic-controlled House and a Republican-controlled Senate.
The U.S. Chamber prepared for this.
Two years ago, we set out to reward leadership and bipartisanship to build out a governing coalition. Many of the candidates we endorsed have won or are likely to win—and they will be the kinds of lawmakers who will help break the gridlock, forge consensus, and get things done.
It’s time to get to the hard work of enacting solutions for our country.
For starters, we need pandemic relief to help businesses, industries, and Americans who are suffering. Negotiations that were ongoing before the election must continue. It’s good to hear Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell call for another package to be passed before the end of the year.
2. Voters show they’re red AND blue
Voters–whether Democrats or Republicans–aren’t monolithic in their opinions. We saw this across the country:
- In California–a blue state–voters approved a ballot proposition allowing ride-hail and delivery drivers to work as independent contractors.
- In Florida–a red state–voters approved increasing their state’s minimum wage.
- In Colorado, traditionally a blue state, voters approved cutting state income taxes.
Why it matters:
Americans have many views and ways of achieving the same goal: a stronger economy and country.
3. Looking ahead: Building common ground around infrastructure
Looking to 2021, the Chamber will help break through Washington’s gridlock and work with the White House and a divided Congress to restore public health, revitalize our economy, and help rebuild American lives and communities.
One priority we will drive
is the modernization of our infrastructure. Investing in transportation, energy, water and communications technologies has broad, bipartisan support, can create jobs, drive economic growth, and set the tone for good governance on other essential priorities.
We won’t agree with our leaders on everything. We will oppose policies that will slow economic growth and recovery. At the same time, we will negotiate in good faith.
One thing is for sure, all of us will be united in working to move our country forward together.
