Seventh District Lawmaker awarded prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" Award from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON – Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-7) was awarded the prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce late Thursday for his strong record on job creation and pro-growth economic policies.

“Now more than ever we need to create an economic environment where businesses can grow and create jobs," said Lance.  "This means enacting policies that lower taxes, reducing spending and debt, providing energy independence and protecting U.S. businesses from overly burdensome regulations and red tape.  I am proud to receive this award and pledge to continue my fight in Congress for more jobs and economic growth."

The award is based on rankings the U.S. Chamber gives members of Congress for key votes on legislation that would promote economic growth and job creation.  Congressman Leonard Lance received a perfect 100 score for his votes in 2011 —first among all New Jersey lawmakers.

Some of Congressman Lance's 2011 pro-business votes include:

• Repealing the President's health care law ObamaCare;
• Enacting a national energy policy that includes the Keystone XL pipeline to help bring down fuel prices, creating more American jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign energy;
• Free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea; and 
• Legislation to ease burdens on small business by repealing the onerous 1099 paperwork mandate and the three percent tax withholding mandate.

“While many in Congress were busy playing politics, Representative Lance was working to protect and advance the interests of America’s job creators,” said Thomas J. Donahue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “America’s beacon of light shines brighter today because of Representative Lance and his efforts.”

Jim Coyle, the President of the Gateway Regional Chamber, one of New Jersey’s largest chambers, also praised Lance for understanding the needs of New Jersey’s small businesses and job creators in the Garden State.

“It is no surprise to hear that Congressman Leonard Lance has been awarded the U.S. Chamber’s highest honor,” said Coyle. “Congressman Lance has listened to our concerns and effectively advocated in Washington on our behalf. We appreciate Congressman Lance working to lower taxes and standing up against policies that would hurt New Jersey’s job-creating small businesses.”

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

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