U.S. Chamber Honors Spirit of Enterprise Recipients

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today announced 294 lawmakers voted for a pro-growth agenda in the first session of the 108th Congress, during the Chamber's 16th annual "Spirit of Enterprise" award reception on Capitol Hill.

"As America's economy continues to expand, the importance of supporting pro-growth policies in Congress becomes increasingly clear," said Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue. "On key issues like tax relief, trade and health care reform, this award recognizes the lawmakers leading the way to strong economic recovery."

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. Among the key votes counted by the Chamber in 2003 were votes approving the $350 billion Jobs and Growth Tax Relief package, the Singapore and Chile free trade agreements, and the most sweeping overhaul of Medicare since the program's creation in 1965.

Chamber-designated "key votes" are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities by the Chamber's board of directors and 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 first session of the 108th Congress, the Chamber designated 23 Senate votes and 30 House votes as key votes.

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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