Chamber Honors Spirit of Enterprise Award Recipients

U.S. Chamber Honors Spirit of Enterprise Award Recipients

How They Voted Rankings Show Strong Pro-Business Record

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today announced a record 287 lawmakers who voted for its pro-business policy agenda in the second session of the 107th Congress, during the Chamber's 15th annual Spirit of Enterprise award reception on Capitol Hill.

"We have a growing level of pro-business support in Congress," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue. "In a struggling economy, we need Congress more than ever to fight for American businesses and workers on key issues like tax relief, trade and legal reform."

The Chamber awards the Spirit of Enterprise based on rankings it gives members of Congress for key business votes, set out in its annual publication, How They Voted. Votes included in the rankings are Chamber-designated "key votes," recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities by the Chamber's board of directors on which the Chamber communicates its position prior to the vote.

Members of Congress who support the Chamber's position on at least 70 percent of key votes receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award. For the second session of the 107th Congress, the Chamber designated 20 Senate votes and 20 House votes as key votes. Key 2002 votes included trade promotion authority, terrorism insurance and homeland security.

"There is a strong pro-business voting bloc in the House and Senate," said Donohue. "Lawmakers know their votes on legislation can create jobs, improve domestic security, and promote economic growth."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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03-28