U.S. Chamber Voices Distaste for Partisan Extremists Threatening Business Progress

U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue recently lashed out at what he felt is a growing partisan divide in Washington that threatens to hamper economic growth and business development. In particular, he singled out former presidential advisor and Breitbart editor Steve Bannon, along with Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA).

During his annual business address, Donahue lamented how “strict ideological purists” were halting progress. He further claimed that prominent players like Bannon and Warren did “not represent the best interests of the country.”

Sen. Warren quickly responded on twitter, referring to Donahue as a “big business lobbyist.” At the same time, Sen. Warren railed against current activity at the agency she helped establish, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). She warned of efforts by Interim Director Mick Mulvaney to curb the collection of consumer data due to cybersecurity concerns.

The U.S. Chamber has a recent history of clashes with the CFPB. The business association worked to overturn the Bureau’s rule against mandatory arbitration clauses last year.