Dan Eberhart: Republicans Can Deliver in a Divided Congress. Here’s How.

Given the small Republican majority in Congress, real results will be difficult to achieve. It will take a willingness and ability to collaborate with other allies on Capitol Hill and beyond who share the same goals. One group that should top the list of potential partners for achieving meaningful policy wins on issues like over-regulation, and unchecked spending is America’s business community. 

In the past, the American business community was a friend of Republicans. This partnership will be even more crucial in the 118th Congress. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been fighting against the irresponsible policies of the Biden administration, which has led to a U.S. economy in decline. Business organizations, for example, have sued federal agencies that insist upon unprecedented overregulation. They joined the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals opposition to Biden’s plans of halting domestic oil and gas leases. 

Faced with a divided government, President Biden will likely rely on executive power to push through the remainder of the Democrats’ agenda unilaterally instead of working across the aisle for reasonable compromise. What is the inevitable result? The unavoidable result? A sharp rise in expensive regulations that hardworking Americans simply can’t afford. This is exactly the type of regulation that places businesses under increased cost and reduces efficiency. It leaves consumers with the burden. 

Republicans need the support of the private sector to fight an administration that is determined to pursue a costly agenda, regardless of its consequences for American consumers and businesses. 

Despite the naysayers who say we can’t get anything done in a divided government, some of the most meaningful policies in American history were passed during times of divided government. America benefits almost always when legislation is passed by bipartisanship. Republicans will have to work with their private sector allies to gain the support they need to push their agenda and create policy solutions that are practical for every American. 

Republicans and business can also work together in areas such as fighting against excessive spending and overregulation.  

It’s time for Congress to tackle the challenges with China and promote foreign trade agreements consistent with America’s national security and values. Congress must do more to fix ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by worker shortages by incentivizing work, promoting trades, and helping reskill America’s labor force.  

Congress must also show American businesses that organized and petty crime will not be tolerated online or on Main Street. The private sector can play a vital role in gaining support for legislation to address these crucial issues.   

Today, more than ever, America needs a government that can partner with the private sector on our biggest challenges, engage globally to advance America’s interests, and ensure future generations are not left to pick up the tab left over from the last Congress. The business community has been a trusted ally of Republicans in the past. Republicans can achieve success in the next Congress by establishing strong partnerships with the business sector.