The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Congressman Henry Cuellar on Wednesday the prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award during a reception at the Chamber’s Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C., for his support of key business legislation during the second session of the 113th Congress.

The award is given to members of Congress who have cast votes that help the economy grow and create new jobs.

“Business is the backbone of our great country, and my district is home to some of the largest trading ports in the country,” Cuellar said.

“I will continue supporting legislation that supports a healthy economy and the creation of good jobs.

“I thank the U.S. chamber for recognizing my legislation in the House and awarding me with the ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ award for the 113th Congress.”

The chamber designates “key votes” in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate chamber as the recorded votes on issues that have a direct impact on businesses.

Among the issues the chamber scored this year were terrorism risk insurance, tax extenders, and the “cromnibus” spending bill.

It also scored votes to ensure free speech, fund transportation and infrastructure and further ensure U.S. energy independence.

“For 50 years, through our How They Voted scorecard, the U.S. chamber has been recognizing legislators from both sides of the aisle who have worked to pass legislation and enact policies that bolster our country’s economy, create jobs and keep our nation’s spirit of enterprise alive,” U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said.

“The Spirit of Enterprise award honors those members of Congress like Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) who has recognized the need and shown a commitment to pro-growth policies in the second session of the 113th Congress.”

This is the 27th year that the U.S. chamber has formally honored the accomplishments of this select group of members of Congress and the 50th year of officially scoring Congress.

The Spirit of Enterprise award is given annually by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to members of Congress based on rankings it gives for key business votes outlined in its yearly publication, How They Voted.

Cuellar has an extensive record of supporting local business and job growth and has received the Spirit of Enterprise award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce nine times since 2005, according to Cuellar’s office.

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