Sean Hackbarth
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Senior Editor at @uschamber. The man behind Newt Gingrich: nyti.ms/kxhf0Z Email: shackbarth@uschamber.com My views are my views.
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Articles by Sean Hackbarth
Argentina's Comeback: A Free Enterprise Success Story the World Needs
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce October 15, 2026 The U.S. Chamber welcomed President Javier Milei of Argentina to the U.S. Chamber headquarters and presented him with our first Global Champion of Free Enterprise Award on October 15, recognizing a leader who has turned one of the world's most severe economic crises into a case study for what free markets can achieve.
U.S.-Iraq Relations Enter a New Chapter as Business Leaders Finalize Over $60 Billion in Deals Original
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce The U.S. Chamber hosted the U.S.-Iraq Business Summit on July 17 in Washington, D.C., during Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's inaugural visit to the U.S. capital. The summit brought together senior U.S. and Iraqi government officials and business leaders to advance private sector-led growth in Iraq.
U.S. Chamber Leads Business Push on Capitol Hill Amidst USMCA Review
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement [USMCA] has solidified North American trade and helped America’s economy grow. As a result, U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico supports 13 million American jobs and saves families in today’s dollars an average of $700 a year.
U.S. Chamber Pushes for Permitting Reform on Capitol Hill
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce January 08, 2026 The U.S. Chamber organized a Day of Action on Capitol Hill on January 7, bringing together business leaders and lawmakers on the first full day Congress was back in session this year to advocate for timely action on permitting reform.
Business Leaders Rally for Free Enterprise and Progress
The 2026 State of American Business brought together top business leaders to discuss the critical role of economic growth, expanding opportunities for all Americans, and the power of free enterprise to drive progress. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the event emphasized choosing a path that prioritizes innovation, higher living standards, and a thriving economy shaped by American consumers, businesses, and markets.
U.S. Chamber Pushes for Permitting Reform on Capitol Hill
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce January 08, 2026 The U.S. Chamber organized a Day of Action on Capitol Hill on January 7, bringing together business leaders and lawmakers on the first full day Congress was back in session this year to advocate for timely action on permitting reform.
Celebrating IP Champions: Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
Innovation thrives when intellectual property (IP) is protected. It fuels creativity and drives economic growth. At this year’s IP Champion Awards reception, the U.S. Chamber brought together business leaders, policymakers, and creators to celebrate those leading the fight to safeguard IP. Why it matters: IP is the cornerstone of innovation and economic progress.
U.S. Chamber, Alaska Chamber Host U.S. Representative Nick Begich for Roundtable on Tax Reform
ANCHORAGE, AK – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Alaska Chamber recently hosted U.S. Representative Nick Begich (R-AK-AL) for a roundtable discussion in Anchorage, Alaska with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, Venice Area Chamber Host U.S. Representative Greg Steube for Roundtable on Tax Reform
VENICE, FL – Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce hosted U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL-17) for a roundtable discussion in Venice, Florida with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
Key Vote! Letter to the House on H.Con.Res.14, the Budget Resolution
To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H. Con. Res. 14, which would provide the clearest path for permanent extension of the pro-growth provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). It also provides a framework to responsibly reduce government spending, and we urge its swift passage.
Letter on the Nominations of Bill Briggs to be Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Casey Mulligan, Ph.D. to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA
To the Members of the United States Senate: As the U.S. Senate considers the nominations of Bill Briggs to be Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Casey Mulligan, Ph.D. to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the following observations. We urge quick consideration of these qualified individuals’ nominations and look forward to working with them upon confirmation.
Dear Secretary Bessent: The undersigned organizations, representing millions of Main Street businesses operating in every industry and community in America, applaud the Department of the Treasury (Department) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for issuing the interim final rule on March 21, 2025, which revises the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
U.S. Chamber Gathers Local Businesses to Talk Taxes
The 119th Congress has the opportunity to advance pro-growth tax policies and avoid the largest tax increase in American history, set to occur when key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of 2025. Spotlighting the positive impacts of the TCJA for businesses is a key focus for the U.S. Chamber, ensuring the local benefits of the TCJA are recognized and prioritized by policymakers.
Small Business Index shows inflation is top concern in 2025
Senior Writer and Editor, Strategic Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for Q1 2025 fell to 62.3 this quarter from 69.1, falling back in line with where sentiment stood one year ago as small business owners reported lower levels of business health and cash flow. Notably, concern for inflation reached a new high with 58% reporting it as a top concern this quarter, while concern about revenue increased 10 percentage points to 35%.
Revenue Concerns Surge as Inflation Remains Dominant Challenge for Small Businesses
Washington, D.C. — Small business owners reported a dip in confidence this quarter across measures of business health, cash flow, and increases in staff, according to findings from the Q1 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index. Notably, concern for revenue increased by 10 percentage points to 35%, reaching the highest level of concern since Q3 2021 (34%), when tracking of this measure began.
U.S. Chamber, Henry County Chamber Host U.S. Representative Mike Collins for Roundtable on Tax Reform
MCDONOUGH, GA – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Henry County Chamber recently hosted U.S. Representative Mike Collins (R-GA-10) for a roundtable discussion in McDonough, Georgia with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, Greater Mankato Growth Host U.S. Representative Brad Finstad for Roundtable on Tax Reform
MANKATO, MN – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Greater Mankato Growth recently hosted U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) for a roundtable discussion in Mankato, Minnesota with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber Hosts U.S. Representative Mark Alford for Roundtable on Tax Reform
FAYETTE, MO – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently hosted U.S. Representative Mark Alford (R-MO-04) for a roundtable discussion in Fayette, Missouri with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, South Valley Chamber Host U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy for Roundtable on Tax Reform
SANDY, UT – This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the South Valley Chamber hosted U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy (R-UT-03) for a roundtable discussion in Sandy, Utah with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, Chamber Serving Middletown, Monroe & Trenton Host U.S. Representative Warren Davidson for Roundtable on Tax Reform
MIDDLETOWN, OH – This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Chamber serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton hosted U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) for a roundtable discussion in Middletown, Ohio with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, Greater Cheyenne Chamber & Wyoming Chamber Host U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman for Roundtable on Tax Reform
CHEYENNE, WY – This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Greater Cheyenne Chamber, and Wyoming Chamber hosted U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY-AL) for a roundtable discussion in Cheyenne, Wyoming with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, Nebraska State Chamber & Industry Host U.S. Representative Adrian Smith for Roundtable on Tax Reform
GRAND ISLAND, NE – This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska State Chamber & Industry hosted U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) for a roundtable discussion in Grand Island, Nebraska with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber, Greater Medina Chamber Host U.S. Representative Max Miller for Roundtable on Tax Reform
MEDINA, OH – Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Greater Medina Chamber hosted U.S. Representative Max Miller (R-OH-07) for a roundtable discussion at Fire-Dex with local business leaders on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year. Doing so will create new opportunities for American workers and businesses to thrive.
U.S. Chamber Letter on H.R. 1062, the “Growing and Preserving Innovation in America Act of 2025"
Download March 11, 2025 To Members of the United States House of Representatives: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) strongly supports H.R. 1062, the “Growing and Preserving Innovation in America Act of 2025.” This timely, bipartisan bill would permanently preserve a critical pro-innovation tax policy enacted in 2017, the deduction for foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”), which is currently scheduled to phase down at the end of this year.
Permanent Tax Reform Will Prevent a Historic Tax Hike
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce When American companies have a competitive tax code, local economies prosper, and workers benefit from higher wages and more job opportunities. But Americans will face the largest tax increase in U.S. history unless Congress extends provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of this year.
Small Business Owners Tell Congress How ‘All Policy Is Local’ When It Comes to Tax Bill
Without congressional action, the U.S. taxpayers will face the largest tax increase in American history at the end of the year, when many important provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TJCA) are scheduled to expire.
American Voters Support Permanent Tax Relief, New Poll Shows
A new U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey reveals overwhelming public support for making the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. Absent congressional action, most of the pro-growth reforms in the TCJA will expire at the end of this year and trigger the largest tax increase in American history. As Congress debates the future of federal tax policy, this new polling underscores that permanent tax relief is both smart policy and smart politics.
Letter on Introduction of the Prove It Act
This letter was sent to The Honorable Joni Ernst, Chair, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, to applaud her introduction of the Prove It Act that would reduce the burden of federal red tape on America's small businesses. 250211 Hill Prove It Act Chair Ernst
Karin's Florist Serves Virginia on Valentines Day 2025
Communications Intern, U.S. Chamber of Commerce February 10, 2025 Karin’s Florist has been serving its local community of Vienna, Virginia for 67 years. The current President Maris Angolia joined the business with her father in the mid 1990’s and has helped guide the local shop with a steady hand through multiple generations. For Angolia and her employees, the days leading up to Valentine’s Day are some of the busiest of the year.
Key Vote Letter in Support of the Protect Small Business from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025
February 10, 2025 To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 736, the Protect Small Business from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 that would provide a commonsense, bipartisan solution to an impending regulatory disaster which, left unaddressed, will threaten millions of small business owners with steep fines and even jail time.
Letter of Support for Kelly Loeffler’s Nomination to Head the SBA
February 06, 2025 To the Members of the United State Senate: As the U.S. considers the nomination of Senator Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the following observations. As demonstrated during her confirmation hearing last month, Senator Loeffler is eminently qualified to lead SBA and to ensure the agency serves America's 33 million small businesses.
Super Bowl LIX: How American Business Scores the Biggest Night in Sports
Associate Manager, Tax and Economic Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Director, Policy & Political Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce February 06, 2025 Super Bowl LIX isn’t just a football game—it’s the American economic sports event of the year, an accelerator of businesses of all sizes, and a cultural moment that brings Americans together in record-breaking numbers.
The Economic Benefit of Distribution Centers Is Still Immense
In 2022, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce analyzed the community economic impact of building new distribution centers (DCs) in 30 metropolitan areas (MSAs) around the country. DCs are an important and growing part of the economy as retail moves more and more online. In the original study, the Chamber found that a new 3,000 worker DC would create, on average, 2,111 extra jobs in MSAs, expand the labor force by 3,500, and increase salaries and wages $360 million, which was 1.8% per year.
Small Business Coalition Letter to President Trump Requesting Relief from Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirement for Beneficial Ownership Information
January 28, 2025 Dear President Trump and Vice President Vance: Firstly, please accept our congratulations on your recent inauguration. We look forward to working with your Administration in support of American entrepreneurs. Our small businesses— which employ nearly half of all Americans and drive 43.5 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product [1]—are the economic engines that support Main Streets in every community across the United States.
Confero, Inc. is Named America’s Top Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
October 08, 2024 Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO—, its digital platform for small businesses, named Confero, Inc., a customer experience research provider in Cary, North Carolina, as America’s Top Small Business 2024. Confero, Inc. was chosen as Top Small Business after earning a spot last month on the U.S. Chamber CO—100, a list celebrating the top 100 small businesses in America presented by T-Mobile for Business.
Celebrating America's Small Businesses
Senior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce October 08, 2024 The CO—100 Top Business 2024 is Confero, Inc., a customer experience research provider and multigenerational family business located in Cary, North Carolina. Confero President and CEO Elaine Buxton was presented with a check for $25,000 at the Night of 100 Stars event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on October 8.
Economy Is Healthy, But Inflation Is Overshadowing Growth
Chief Economist, U.S Chamber of Commerce This article originally appeared on the Forest Resources Association website as a guest piece. Despite high interest rates and stubborn inflation, the economy is growing remarkably well. All the major indicators we use to gauge its health—and how families and businesses are faring—are strongly positive: Wages are growing close to 4% on an annual basis, which is above the rate of inflation. The unemployment rate is low, at 3.9%.
Inflation then stagflation? Not in this economy
Chief Economist, U.S Chamber of Commerce Inflation is persisting and economic growth feels slow, leading to worries about stagflation. But those concerns are misplaced. Here’s why. Of the three conditions that contribute to stagflation – high inflation, slow economic growth and rising unemployment – only inflation is an issue. And while inflation is still well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, it is down considerably from its peak of 9% in the summer of 2022.
Free enterprise: A path to freedom, opportunity, the future
Senior Writer and Editor, Strategic Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Harold Kim has a passion for music. In fact, if you find yourself strolling around the fourth floor of the U.S. Chamber's historic headquarters in Washington, D.C., on a weekday afternoon, you might catch snatches of Metallica drifting through the air. They are likely emanating from Kim’s office. “Master of Puppets to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—that’s me,” says Kim, executive vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
U.S. Chamber Key Vote Letter on H.R. 3935, the "FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024"
Download To the Members of the United States Congress: ` The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges you to support H.R. 3935, the "FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024." This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would provide critical safety enhancements, modernize aviation infrastructure, grow the aviation workforce, and provide important congressional direction to the Federal Aviation Administration.
How the U.S. Can Help Ukraine Rebuild and Grow Its Economy
Over two years have passed since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has resulted in human, economic, and infrastructural damage to Ukraine. As the war continues, Ukraine’s ongoing resilience and fortitude have been bolstered by a strong international response geared toward military support and economic recovery.
Africa’s Digital Transformation: Closing the Digital Divide
President, U.S.-Africa Business Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for African Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, U.S.-South Africa Business Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Africa’s digital transformation has opened new markets for U.S. exports and services and increased productivity, competitiveness, and e-government service delivery.
US Chamber's Korea Council Visits Seoul, Presses for Greater U.S.-Korea Economic Integration
Seoul, South Korea — Today, Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Korea Business Council (USKBC) Evan Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Chubb Limited and Chubb Group, concluded a high-level business delegation to Seoul, South Korea, accompanied by the U.S. Chamber’s Senior Vice President for Asia Charles Freeman, and USKBC Executive Director Esperanza Jelalian.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hosts Ukraine Partnership Forum, Harnessing U.S. Public-Private Sector Support for Ukraine’s Recovery
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today — in partnership with the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, and USAID—the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted the second U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum. The Forum convened top business executives, government officials, and thought leaders to explore avenues to help Ukraine recover and rebuild as the country stabilizes its economy and lays the foundation for revitalization and modernization.
U.S.-Japan Summit: Business Opportunities and Insights
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official visit to Washington last week — the first such visit by a sitting Japanese leader since 2015 — underscored the extraordinary level of strategic alignment in the alliance in the face of regional and global challenges. The leaders sought to stress the enduring character of the alliance and their own steps to strengthen it ahead of possible political transitions in the fall.
U.S. Chamber and U.S.-ASEAN Business Council Host Business Forum Featuring Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Deepening U.S.-Philippines Ties
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the US-ASEAN Business Council today co-hosted a business forum featuring the President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The business forum provided the unique opportunity for the U.S. private sector to engage directly with President Marcos on the Philippines’ business environment and expand strategic partnership opportunities.
Baltimore bridge collapse and the impact on business, economy
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has created enormous repercussions throughout the region and the country, including the closure of one of the nation’s most important seaports, the loss of thousands of jobs, and the loss of mobility for millions of people. The Key Bridge was a major thoroughfare through Baltimore, helping to keep people, businesses, and communities connected. The bridge collapsed on March 26, after being struck by the containership MV Dali.
Microsoft's Senior Corporate Counsel Shares Policy Solutions for Immigration Reform
Allison Dembeck Vice President of Education and Labor Advocacy, Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Each month Women Taking the Lead highlights a female leader within the U.S. Chamber membership to showcase how women are currently leading in all areas of the business community. This month to spotlight our focus on immigration reform, we had a conversation with Barbara Leen, Senior Corporate Counsel, U.S. Immigration at Microsoft.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Applauds Reintroduction of Afghan Adjustment Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jon Baselice, Vice President of Immigration Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement regarding the reintroduction of the Afghan Adjustment Act: “The Chamber enthusiastically supports the reintroduction of the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act.
U.S. Chamber Applauds Supreme Court WOTUS Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marty Durbin, President of the Global Energy Institute at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett vs. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Chamber Litigation Center filed an amicus brief in the case. “This decision on Sackett v. EPA is a victory not only for the rule of law, but for people who want to build things in America.
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