WASHINGTON, December 10, 2013 - The National Retail Federation late Tuesday issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay on the announcement that Senate and House negotiators reached a short-term budget agreement:
“The National Retail Federation welcomes the announcement of the budget agreement forged by Representative Paul Ryan, R-WI and Senator Patty Murray, D-WA. This is an early and much needed holiday present for consumers and the businesses that employ and serve them every day in communities across the country.
“One of the most critical components to creating more jobs, encouraging capital investment and rebuilding consumer confidence in this country is economic certainty. That certainty and confidence can only come from lawmakers working together in order to avoid legislative gridlock and political brinkmanship. For far too long, Washington’s entrenched partisanship has hampered economic growth and opportunity.
“NRF urges quick passage of this budget agreement and encourages our elected officials to resolve pressing fiscal issues, including the looming debt ceiling debate, with a shared commitment of moving beyond partisan rhetoric and finding mutual agreement on legislative policies that provide economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.”
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retailcampaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. www.nrf.com