WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger has earned the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise” award for her support of Central Virginia’s economy during her first term in the U.S. House — the second award the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has given the freshman lawmaker this month.

Spanberger was awarded the 2020 “Spirit of Enterprise” award for her leadership on critical legislation to support small businesses, her efforts to reach across the aisle, and her commitment to achieving results. Earlier this month, Spanberger received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever “Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship” for her work to bring Republicans and Democrats together to advance legislation on behalf of the people of Central Virginia and get things done.

“In these uncertain times with daunting economic and social challenges facing our nation, it is imperative that leaders in Washington are focused on propelling American businesses forward to create jobs and economic growth,” said Thomas J. Donohue, CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “As we rebuild our economy, legislators must lead by pursuing bipartisan solutions that create jobs and promote a free enterprise system. I’m proud to recognize Congresswoman Spanberger for her commitment to passing the USMCA, cutting red tape, and driving opportunity and prosperity in Central Virginia’s workforce and Main Streets.”

“The success of Central Virginia’s economy depends on the success of our small businesses and the workers who make them strong. In Congress, I’ve prioritized advancing legislation that is beneficial on its merits, not on its political expediency — and that focus is particularly important when considering economic policies during this uncertain moment,” said Spanberger. “Our district’s small and medium-sized businesses need conditions that protect the safety of their workers and customers, increase trade opportunities, and allow them to recruit and hire skilled employees — and I’m proud to support policies that reflect these priorities. The people of Central Virginia expect me to be on the side of our region’s businesses and their workers, and I’m honored to receive this award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.”

Last month, Spanberger was ranked as one of the top five most bipartisan Democrats in the U.S. House and the most bipartisan Member of the Virginia delegation by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Click here to read their nonpartisan 2019 Bipartisan Index.

Since arriving in the U.S. House, Spanberger has prioritized building coalitions with her colleagues across the aisle and advancing legislation on behalf of the people and small businesses of Virginia’s Seventh District, such as through her bipartisan efforts to help pass the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA) in late 2019. During negotiations, Spanberger met directly with administration officials — including Vice President Mike Pence — to voice the concerns of Central Virginia businesses, farms, and workers.

Additionally, Spanberger has worked to cut red tape for Central Virginia businesses, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the rollout of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in April 2020, Spanberger has been a leader in calling for changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guidance on the 75-25 rule, which stifled the ability of Central Virginia small businesses to keep workers on the payroll and respond to their unique needs during the pandemic. Last month, she voted to provide greater flexibility to Central Virginia small businesses and restaurants as they look to use PPP loans to cover critical expenses and move towards a responsible reopening.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has built a record of introducing bipartisan legislation on critical priorities — including border security, child safety, and the emergence of China as a national security threat — that has been signed into law, including:

• Strengthening U.S. border security and addressing the root causes of instability in Central America. In December 2019, President Trump signed into law Spanberger’s legislation — led alongside U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-TX-23) — to combat Central American trafficking and smuggling networks, as well as strengthen U.S. border security.

• Protecting children online. In December 2019, President Trump signed into law an amendment introduced by Spanberger and former U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC-11) to help the Department of Defense stop the use of its internet networks to possess, deliver, or obtain child pornography.

• Defending Americans from Chinese cyber and telecommunications threats. In March 2020, President Trump signed into law Spanberger’s bipartisan legislation requiring a national strategy to protect American 5G telecommunications systems from foreign-based threats.

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