U.S. Chamber Honors Pro-Business Lawmakers:
More Than 300 Receive Coveted “Spirit of Enterprise” Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce recently recognized six members of South Carolina’s Congressional Delegation for their support of pro-growth initiatives in the first session of the 109th Congress, during the Chamber’s 18th annual “Spirit of Enterprise” award reception on Capitol Hill.

Those from South Carolina receiving this award were:

• Sen. Lindsey Graham
• Sen. Jim DeMint
• Rep. Bob Inglis (SC-4)
• Rep. Gresham Barrett (SC-3)
• Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2)
• Rep. Henry Brown (SC-1)

“As America’s economy faces challenges on many fronts, the importance of supporting pro-growth policies in Congress becomes increasingly important,” said U.S. Chamber President Thomas Donohue. “On key issues like energy, trade, transportation, and legal reform, this award praises those lawmakers leading the way to create jobs and spur economic growth.”

Eligibility for the “Spirit of Enterprise” award is based on how members of Congress voted on key business issues as set out in its annual publication, How They Voted. Among the “key votes” counted by the Chamber in 2005 were passage of class action reform, comprehensive energy legislation, bankruptcy reform, the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, renewal of the federal terrorism insurance program, and a long-term highway bill.

Chamber 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 109th Congress, the Chamber designated 18 Senate votes and 27 House votes as key votes.

Please Note: To see a complete list of the key votes and individual congressional ratings, go to: http://www.uschamber.com/issues/legislators/soe.htm.