In recognition of his efforts in Congress on behalf of businesses that create jobs and spur economic growth, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today was honored with the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“I’ve been proud to vote for the dozens of pro-growth, pro-jobs bills that have passed the House of Representatives.  Like many hard-working Americans, I am extremely frustrated that the Senate and administration have refused to work with us to enact the majority of these measures into law.   The only way to reverse these tough economic times is to set this nation on a pro-job, pro-growth course and I am pleased that the Chamber shares this vision,” Luetkemeyer said. “I accept this award on behalf of the people of the 9th District, who I work for everyday to improve their quality of life.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

“Faced with difficult choices and high-stakes politics, these men and women provided America’s business community with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “We honor these members today for having consistently demonstrated their support for America’s job creators.” 

The award honors Luetkemeyer’s work in the First Session of the 112th Congress. An example of the pro-jobs, pro-growth measures passed by Luetkemeyer and his colleagues in the House but still awaiting Senate action is H.R.10, the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would rein in out-of-control federal regulations by requiring congressional approval for any federal regulation with an economic impact of $100 million or more.

While H.R. 10 and many other pro-jobs and pro-growth bills remain stalled in the Senate, Luetkemeyer and his House colleagues were able to successfully enact free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, which will produce jobs and increase our exports. Additionally, Democrats finally acknowledged that the onerous tax reporting provision on small businesses included in the president’s health-care law was unworkable and joined with Luetkemeyer and House Republicans to pass H.R.4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act, which repealed these reporting mandates.

Luetkemeyer continues to support our nation’s small businesses, and this week voted for the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, legislation that comprises six bipartisan bills that would cut red tape, provide opportunities to create jobs and allow small businesses to grow. The bill is awaiting the president’s signature.