Problem Solvers Receive Bipartisanship and Leadership Awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington, D.C.—This week, several Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus were awarded the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship and the Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award by the United States Chamber of Commerce. These two awards recognize Members of Congress who demonstrate leadership and bipartisanship to move our nation and economy forward through constructive governance.
The Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship recognizes those Members who, in their actions, have demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle in support of common objectives and commitment to building broad coalitions. The award is named after Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. They had different philosophies at our nation's founding but still found ways to overcome their differences and work together for the greater good of our country. The methodology for receiving this award is based on the number of bills a member cosponsors introduced by a member of the opposite party. Members are ranked relative to the performance of all other members of their party, with the top-ranked in both parties earning 100%.
Named after our 16th President, the Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate strong leadership to advance policies that support American businesses and jobs. Since the start of the 116th Congress, the Chamber has urged members to cosponsor certain bills and refrain from cosponsoring others. This award is based on the number of times a member took the recommended actions related to constructive governing.
Problem Solvers Winners of The Jefferson–Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship:
- Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1)- 100%
- Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5)- 100%
- Rep. John Katko (NY-24)- 99%
- Rep. Tom Reed (NY-19)- 98%
- Vice-Chair Dean Phillips (MN-3)- 97%
- Vice-Chair Fred Upton (MI-6)- 97%
- Vice-Chair Abigail Spanberger (VA-7)- 97%
- Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4)- 96%
- Vice-Chair Jamie Herrera Beutler (WA-3)- 96%
Problem Solvers Winners of The Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award:
- Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2)- 100%
- Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-7)- 100%
- Rep. Susie Lee (NV-3)- 99%
- Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6)-99%
- Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1)- 98%
- Rep. John Curtis (UT-3)- 98%
- Vice-Chair Abigail Spanberger (VA-7)- 97%
- Rep. Josh Harder (CA-10)- 96%
"I'm proud to be one of the few members of Congress to receive both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award and the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). "Our country needs bipartisan leadership now more than ever. Americans are counting on it."
"It's clear that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus prioritize country and governing over partisan politics and gridlock," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "In Congress, I will continue working together with anyone, Democrat or Republican, if the end result is good for Jersey and lives up to our values. That's the only way we'll actually solve the problems facing our nation and our communities."
"I'm honored to receive the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Jefferson-Hamilton for Bipartisanship Award for the second year in a row," said Rep. John Katko (NY-24). "As my colleagues on the Problem Solvers Caucus recognize, bipartisanship in Congress is necessary to move the ball forward on key issues and make meaningful progress for the American people."
"We appreciate the Chamber of Commerce honoring so many of the Problem Solvers with this award. Both Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were respected leaders, and we are humbled to receive this award that bears their names," said Rep. Tom Reed (NY-19). "The Caucus remains dedicated to bipartisanship and will continue to work on common sense policies that help the American people."
"I'm on a mission to inspire a new era of collaboration in Congress," said Vice-Chair Dean Phillips (MN-3). "As other political leaders focus on division, the Problem Solvers Caucus, my staff, and I will always prioritize unifying over common ground for the common good. I thank the Chamber for once again recognizing this important work."
"When the two parties work together in Washington, the result is solutions that win for the American people. That's why it is such an honor to receive the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship along with a number of my colleagues," said Vice-Chair Fred Upton (MI-6). "To continue moving our country forward, we need to come together – Democrats and Republicans alike. I've long said that folks here in Southwest Michigan don't care if you have an ‘R' or a ‘D' next to your name – they just want you to work in the best interest of their families and communities. That's what I have always done and always will do."
"In this moment of renewal and recovery, I am committed to working for Central Virginians in a way that delivers a promising future for our families, businesses, and overall economy. In this past year, Central Virginia has felt the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis alongside thousands of communities across the United States. This virus did not distinguish between Democrats and Republicans, and we have all faced the same challenges," said Vice-Chair Abigail Spanberger (VA-7). "In Congress, I have been proud to introduce and support bipartisan bills that have focused on workforce development, relief to Main Street businesses, and expanded broadband internet access. I would like to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for these awards and for their continued commitment to pursuing policies that can provide much-needed support to America's businesses in this moment of opportunity. In the weeks and months ahead, I have great confidence in the strength and resolve of the American worker and our American businesses, and I know that the role of Congress should be to focus on policy — not politics — to keep our businesses competitive and to achieve tangible progress on their behalf."
"Working across the aisle and respecting others even when there are fundamental disagreements are critical for achieving fair and sustainable solutions to our Nation's most pressing issues," said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). "While each of us has core principles, we must always look for areas of agreement and work with colleagues to enact effective laws that protect the vulnerable and make a positive difference in people's lives. Now more than ever, we must continue to work tirelessly to get bills across the finish line to help the people of New Jersey and those across the country on an extensive range of significant issues."
"During my time in Congress, I've made it a priority of mine to work across party lines and find bipartisan, common-sense solutions to our country's biggest issues," said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2). "We need to continue introducing and passing legislation that strengthens our economy, supports small businesses and American innovation, and puts hard-earned money back into the hands of American workers. Thank you to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for recognizing my efforts to help advance the spirit of enterprise and our free-market system."
"The people of Central Florida sent me to Washington to push partisan politics aside and get things done, and I'm proud to accept the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's recognition as one of the top Democrats leading bipartisan efforts in Congress," said Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-7). "We need less rhetoric and more results, and I'll keep working with groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Problem Solvers Caucus to get things done for working families and small businesses here in Central Florida and across America."
"As we recover from this pandemic and work to get our economy back on track, we must come together to pursue bold solutions to the challenges facing Nevada communities," said Rep. Susie Lee (NV-3). "Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have fought day in and day out to find common ground because the stakes are just too high for partisan bickering and inaction. Thank you to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for this distinctive award."
"Before I ran for office, my job was to help the smallest operations grow into real and successful companies. I was proud to take that know-how to Congress and I'm honored to be recognized for the work we're doing in the Central Valley," said Rep. Josh Harder (CA-10). "We need policies that make it easier to start a business and hire workers right here in the Valley, more investments in projects such as the Crows Landing Business Park Project, and a commitment to improving our infrastructure so all our workers and businesses can succeed. I'll keep at it until our Valley is among the best places in the country to work and to run a business."