“The Chamber applauds Representative Rogers for supporting the private sector and job growth through these difficult times,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “He has demonstrated great courage and we commend him.”

Eligibility for the award is based on how Members of Congress vote on key business issues, which the Chamber outlines in its annual publication How They Voted. These designated “key votes” are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities on which the Chamber communicates its position prior to the vote. Those members of Congress who support the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes receive the award.

According to the scorecard, Representative Rogers maintained an 87% rating with the Chamber this year and collectively holds an 85% ranking during his tenure in Congress.

The Chamber scored Congress on 7 Senate and 15 House votes in 2009, including the economic stimulus package, legislation to promote the U.S. as a travel destination abroad, and both the House and Senate healthcare reform bills.

To view a complete list of the 2009 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses of every size, sector, and region.