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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) today was presented with the United States Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his strong support in 2005 for legislation aimed at economic development.
“As small business owners in Oregon for the last twenty years, my wife and I understand the vital role local businesses play in the community and how essential economic development is throughout central, southern and eastern Oregon,” said Walden, who is a member of both the Hood River and The Dalles Chambers of Commerce. “While greatly improved over the last couple of years, Oregon’s unemployment rate still ranks among the highest in the nation. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to support and enact policies that will both preserve and create jobs, spur economic activity and protect consumers.”
“Congressman Walden is a leader who has fought for legislation to spur job creation, increase productivity and keep our economy growing,” said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. “We’re proud to present him with this award on behalf of America’s businesses, both large and small.”
The Chamber awards the “Spirit of Enterprise” based on rankings given to Members of Congress for key business votes, determined by the Chamber’s board of directors, taken on the Floor of the House during the legislative session. During his seven years in Congress, Walden has earned a cumulative 96% ranking with the Chamber and had received the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the Chamber each year.
Key votes for 2005, which marked the first session of the 109th Congress, included permanent repeal of the federal estate tax, expansion of small business health plan availability, improvements to patient safety and medical data quality, reforms to medical liability, comprehensive energy policy, and enhancements to immigration and border security.
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.
Congressman Walden and his wife, Mylene, are small business owners and members of both the Hood River and The Dalles Chambers of Commerce. Walden is in his fourth term representing the Second District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in the southern, central and eastern regions of the state, and he is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. |
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