Washington, DC: The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, recently named Congressman Bob Goodlatte a Guardian of Small Business for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small business owners in the 110th Congress.

“I am honored to receive the Guardian of Small Business award from NFIB,” stated Goodlatte. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy which is why I have supported legislation which reduces the tax and regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses and ultimately overall economic growth and job creation.”

NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer praised Congressman Goodlatte for “standing for small business.”  In presenting the group’s coveted Guardian of Small Business award, Stottlemyer said, “Small business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees and stand by those who stand for them.”

“The record shows that Congressman Goodlatte is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 110th Congress,” said Stottlemyer.  “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”

NFIB’s voting record tallies ten key small business votes in the U.S. House of Representatives taken during the 2007 and 2008 sessions.  Issues included tax relief, card-check legislation, protection from lawsuits and regulatory reform.

“I'm pleased that my voting record has been recognized by NFIB as one of the most small business-friendly records in the House of Representatives," Goodlatte stated.  “Small businesses are an integral part of our national economy.  I remain committed to passing additional legislation, which rewards ingenuity rather than stifling it and which supports small businesses rather than dragging them down.”

NFIB presented Guardian awards to senators and representatives who voted favorably on key small business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 110th Congress.  Congressman Goodlatte received a score of 90 percent.  Individual scores, as well as an explanation of the votes, can be found on NFIB’s website at http://www.NFIB.com/hcv.