NRF weighs in on congressional budget deal

The National Retail Federation is calling the short-term budget deal reached by Congress this week a step in the right direction for the economy and for retailers.



In a prepared statement, Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF, said legislators must move past partisan differences to resolve lingering fiscal issues.



“The National Retail Federation welcomes the announcement of the budget agreement forged by Representative Paul Ryan, R-WI and Senator Patty Murray, D-WA,” said Shay. “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.”