U.S. Chamber Recognizes Pro-Business Lawmakers

Annual Spirit of Enterprise Award Presented to 239 Members of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The United States Chamber of Commerce today presented 239 lawmakers with its prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award for their support of pro-growth legislation during the first session of the 110th Congress at a reception on Capitol Hill.

"The business community depends on solid partnerships on Capitol Hill to help grow the economy and create new jobs for hardworking Americans," said Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "This award recognizes those lawmakers who have demonstrated leadership on important business issues such as trade, investment, and transportation."

The Chamber presents the award annually. Eligibility 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 Spirit of Enterprise Award.

The Chamber key-voted 11 Senate and 20 House votes in 2007, including a trade promotion agreement with Peru, an extension of the Andean Trade Preference Act, an extension of the federal backstop for terrorism risk insurance, revisions to the rules governing direct foreign investment, and critical water resources legislation to facilitate commerce at the nation's waterways and ports. This year 201 Representatives and 38 Senators received the award.

To view a complete list of the 2007 Spirit of Enterprise recipients visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses of every size, sector, and region.

# # #

08-114