CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Jamal Ware
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Thursday, March 10, 2005

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today announced 303 lawmakers voted for a pro-growth agenda in the second session of the 108th Congress, during the Chamber’s 17th annual “Spirit of Enterprise” award reception on Capitol Hill.
 
 “As America’s economy strengthens, we are clearly seeing the benefits of supporting pro-growth policies in Congress,” said Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue.  “On key issues like cutting taxes, trade and health care reform, this award recognizes the lawmakers who are paving the way for our continued economic expansion.”

 

The Chamber awards the “Spirit of Enterprise” based on rankings it gives members of Congress for key business votes explained in its annual publication, How They Voted.  Among the key votes counted by the Chamber in 2004 were votes on medical liability reform, the U.S.-Australia free trade agreement, pension reform and tax relief.

 

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 second session of the 108th Congress, the Chamber scored 17 Senate votes and 21 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.

 

# # #         

 

05-40

View the list of winners, scorecards and photos.