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Press Release

Congressman Cuellar Receives Spirit of Enterprise Award from U.S. Chamber of Commerce for 10th Time

Award Honors Cuellar’s 94% Rating from the Chamber of Commerce

Washington, March 15, 2016 | Riley Brands ((202) 225-1640)
Today, for the 10th time since starting in Congress in 2005, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spirit of Enterprise Award, given in recognition of his support for pro-jobs, pro-growth policies in the first session of the 114th Congress. This past year Congressman Cuellar was given a 94% rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

This marks the 28th year that the U.S. Chamber has formally honored the accomplishments of this select group of members of Congress.

“I thank the Chamber for granting me this award,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I will continue to support pro-business, pro-growth policies at the federal level because I know that support for business means greater economic prosperity for our country. My district is home to major international trade ports and agricultural businesses, as well as thousands of local small businesses that provide jobs and support to our economy through free enterprise.”

“We are pleased to recognize Congressman Cuellar for engaging in pro-business policymaking that helps strengthen our nation’s spirit of enterprise,” said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award honors those members of Congress who are committed to ensuring that American businesses can continue to operate and succeed in a free enterprise system.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on their votes on critical business legislation as outlined in the Chamber publication How They Voted. Members who supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those votes qualify to receive the award.

During the first session of the 114th Congress, the Chamber scored members on 14 Senate votes and 20 House votes, including votes reestablishing Trade Promotion Authority, reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, and lifting the crude oil export ban. Congressman Cuellar was an active leader on each of these efforts.  Also scored were votes in support of the first long-term transportation law in a decade and votes to make permanent tax provisions that would have regularly expired.


Congressman Cuellar receives his 10th Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award since starting in Congress. Giving him the award is Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.



Congressman Cuellar meets with John M. Gonzales, director of congressional and public affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Southwest/South Central Region, at the Spirit of Enterprise Award reception.