MOORHEAD-Rep. Kevin Cramer's got spirit, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The North Dakota Republican was honored with an award for his votes on business-friendly issues Wednesday, April 12, during a morning reception at the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber, 202 1st Ave. N.
The national group scored members of Congress for eight Senate votes and 14 House votes last year on legislation it said represented pro-growth policies. Members like Cramer who scored at least 70 percent on the Chamber's annual How They Voted scorecard received the Spirit of Enterprise Award.
"We ask a lot of members of Congress to vote for certain bills; to vote against certain bills," said John Kirchner, executive director of the U.S. Chamber's Midwest region. "I'm happy today to be here with Congressman Cramer to get our Spirit of Enterprise Award."
In 2016, 266 representatives and 55 senators earned the award, including Republican Reps. Tom Emmer, John Kline and Erik Paulsen and Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson in Minnesota as well as North Dakota's two senators, Democrat Heidi Heitkamp and Republican John Hoeven.
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Kirchner said the Chamber is now "on the offense" for pro-business efforts after years of playing defense with Barack Obama in the White House.
Cramer, too, said there could be more rapid change with President Donald Trump. Congress has passed 15 congressional review act bills so far this year to repeal regulatory rules, and a dozen have been signed into law.
"That is so significant," he said. "In fact, those 12 that the president has signed into law represent a savings of $65 billion to businesses in the country."
Cramer said top priorities right now include repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, an effort that suffered a setback last month without getting a vote, and passing comprehensive tax reform.
