Together with the leadership, commitment and generosity of our region’s business community, Philadelphia won and was the successful host to the 2000 Republican National Convention.The economic benefits to local businesses and to the region as a whole will continue to accrue because of the positive image and capability displayed by so many as the national spotlight shined on us.

Chamber members boarded a private train car for another successful day of lobbying in our nation’s capitol this fall.During the annual “Chamber Day in Washington, DC, local business leaders met with Pennsylvania’s two United States Senators, members of our southeastern congressional delegation and federal officials.

The Chamber was proud to join together with businesses and organizations from our region and across America to win passage of Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China in the United States House of Representatives.We continue to promote Senate approval as well as consideration of other free trade measures in the Congress. 

Successfully lobbied to delay passage of health care measures that would have seriously threatened Pennsylvania employers and their ability to offer health coverage to their employees.The Chamber continues to lobby against health plan liability, physician collective bargaining and other bills which circumvent efforts to control health care costs.

Testified before a Congressional panel in support of the proposed merger between United Airlines and US Airways.

Sought and continue to urge congressional approval of federal funds for projects to promote Pennsylvania’s competitiveness and economic development:

• $29.7 million to deepen the Delaware River Port

• $7 million to support improvements at the Philadelphia Airport

• $    to connect I-95 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike

• $    to build the Schuylkill Valley Metro

Hosted an intriguing political debate between a former Republican member of Congress and the Executive Director of the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee at a meeting of the Chamber’s Federal Legislative Committee.

Supported House and Senate passage of bills to make e-signatures legally valid for interstate commerce.Continue to urge final action.

Secured House passage of a product liability measure to establish a nationwide 18-year statute of repose for workplace capital goods.

Monitored activity on OSHA’s proposed ergonomics standards which could require businesses of every size to establish health and safety programs to reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) in the workplace.

Congress voted to extend Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China in June 2000
The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, together with businesses and organizations across America, applauds the following Pennsylvania members of the U. S. House of Representatives for their support of PNTR China:

Phil English (R-Erie)
Geoge Gekas (R- Harrisburg)
Jim Greenwood (R-Doylestown)*
Peterson (R-Titusville)
Pitts (R-Downingtown)*
Sherwood (R-Scranton)
Shuster (R-Altoona)
Toomey (R-Allentown)
Weldon (R-Upper Darby)*

This vote to open access to China's 1.3 billion people and require lower tariffs on imports will enable American companies to compete and grow within the global economy. It may prove to be the most significant business decision made by the Congress this year. The measure is scheduled for Senate consideration prior to the summer recess. Chamber members are urged to contact U. S. Senators Santorum and Specter to ask their support. In addition, businesses are asked to join us in thanking the members of our local congressional delegation (* above) for their votes already cast in support of PNTR China.