Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler | Representing Southwest Washington's 3rd District

Washington, Sep 12 -

Jaime Herrera Beutler yesterday was named a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).  Jaime, a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, received the award for her support of policies that empower small businesses.

The “Guardian of Small Business” awards are given to Members of Congress who supported small businesses on at least 70 percent of 13 key votes identified by NFIB.  Jaime earned a perfect 100% for her pro-growth, pro-job votes.

“It’s my honor to be named a guardian of small businesses, because they have been the engine for economic growth and job creation in Southwest Washington,” said Jaime.  “The NFIB has been instrumental in giving a voice to our region’s small businesses and helping me understand their priorities.  From promoting affordable energy solutions to clearing unnecessary government red tape, I’ve worked to create a path for small businesses to succeed and get this region back to work.”

“In the 112th Congress, Rep. Herrera Beutler proved that she is willing to stand up and do big things for small business,” said NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner. “Guardian-award winners are genuine small-business champions, consistently voting to promote and protect the right of small-business owners to own, operate and grow their businesses.”

“As a small business owner, I am forced to deal with a labyrinth of ever-changing federal, state and local rules,” said Steve Kravitz, President of American Nutriceuticals, a small business based in Vancouver.  “I cannot tell you how relieved I was that I found someone in Washington, DC like Jaime who has common sense, and the ability to act on small business issues and get them resolved.”

In addition to building a pro-small business voting record, Jaime has taken action to assist Southwest Washington small businesses whenever possible.  When the FDIC failed to protect Clark County businesses after the Bank of Clark County collapse, Jaime began fighting for answers.  She has also stepped in to obtain swift resolutions for small businesses having problems with government agencies.   Last spring, she successfully guided her bipartisan “Small Business Opportunities Act” through the U.S. House of Representatives – legislation that would expand opportunities for more than 900 Southwest Washington small businesses.