U.S. Chamber Honors 230 Pro-Business Lawmakers with Spirit of Enterprise Award

Spirited Debate and Difficult Choices Defined 111th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored 230 lawmakers with its annual Spirit of Enterprise Award today on Capitol Hill for their support of pro-growth legislation during the first session of the 111th Congress.

"The lawmakers we honor today have supported the private sector and job growth through these difficult times," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. "They have demonstrated great courage and we commend them."

Eligibility for the award is based on how Members of Congress vote on key business issues, which the Chamber outlines in its annual publication How They Voted. These designated "key votes" are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities on which the Chamber communicates its position prior to the vote. Those members of Congress who support the Chamber's position on at least 70% of those votes receive the award.

The Chamber scored Congress on 7 Senate and 15 House votes in 2009, including the economic stimulus package, legislation to promote the U.S. as a travel destination abroad, and both the House and Senate healthcare reform bills.

To view a complete list of the 2009 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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