March 11, 2005

U.S. Chamber Honors Rep. Todd Akin with "Spirit of Enterprise" Award
Akin Backed Business on Key Congressional Votes

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The United States Chamber of Commerce today presented Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO-2) with its "Spirit of Enterprise" award for his strong support for a pro-economic growth legislative agenda in the second session of the 108th Congress.

"It is critical to have members of Congress fighting for American business and their employees at this time of economic expansion and opportunity," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "Todd Akin is a leader who has voted time and again to create jobs, improve our domestic security, and promote 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. Rep. Akin earned a 95 percent score with the Chamber last year and has compiled a 91 percent cumulative ranking during his tenure in Congress.

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. Key votes for 2004 included medical liability reform, the U.S.-Australia free trade agreement, pension reform and tax relief.

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.