WASHINGTON -- The United States Chamber of Commerce today presented Rep. Tom Petri with its "Spirit of Enterprise" award for his strong support for a pro-economic growth legislative agenda in the first session of the 109th Congress.

"This is our way of saying 'thank you' to the members of the House and Senate who, over the course of the year, have voted in a way that is positive for the American business community," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. "This congressman, Tom Petri, is a winner when it comes to thinking about business."

"I'm delighted to receive the award from the Chamber of Commerce," said Petri. "They pay a lot of attention to what's going on in Washington and want to make sure that we have an economy that provides jobs and opportunity for young people coming along."

The Chamber awards the “Spirit of Enterprise” based on rankings it gives members of Congress for key business votes outlined in its annual publication, How They Voted. Rep. Petri scored 85 percent with the Chamber last year and has compiled a 79 percent cumulative ranking during his tenure in Congress.

Thomas J. Donahue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, presents Rep. Tom Petri (right) with its "Spirit of Enterprise" award.

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 first session of the 109th Congress, the Chamber scored 18 Senate votes and 27 House votes as key votes. Key votes for 2005 included the class action reform, bankruptcy reform, a comprehensive energy bill, and transportation reauthorization legislation.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.