Chamber Plans Strategy to Blunt Health Overhaul

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is planning a broad effort to blunt the recently signed health care reform law by attempting to shape its regulatory language and spending heavily to unseat vulnerable Democrats who voted for it.

The effort is the latest example of escalating tensions between proponents of the health overhaul and big businesses, which have become more specific in their criticisms of the new law.

Large companies have begun reporting large increases in costs because the law eliminates a tax deduction for firms that offer prescription-drug coverage to retirees.

Chamber president and chief executive Thomas J. Donohue said the business lobby will seek changes to regulations to "minimize the potentially harmful impacts of this bill on our members and the country." If regulators "exceed legislative mandates or try for end-runs around the lawful rule-making process," the chamber "will take legal action."

The Chamber plans to spend $50 million to ensure that the voters in pivotal House and Senate races know where lawmakers stand on health and other big issues.

Many Trade Organizations including ABC and IEC have partnered in various coalitions with the Chamber on important issues affecting NJECPAC members