Reynauld Songy
May 7, 2007Steve Collins
May 9, 2007
In recognition of his voting record on business issues in the second session of the 109th Congress, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon was awarded the “Spirit of Enterprise” award from the United States Chamber of Commerce.
The “Spirit of Enterprise” honor is given annually to members of Congress based on rankings it issues for key businesses votes outlined in the organization’s yearly publication, “How They Voted.” Melancon compiled a 93 percent score last year; he holds a cumulative 80 percent ranking during his tenure in Congress, according to a new release issued by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“As a former small businessman, I am honored to accept this award from the Chamber on behalf of the millions of businesspeople they represent,” Melancon said.†“In Congress, I will continue to support legislation that will help grow Louisiana’s economy and create more and better jobs for south Louisianans.”
The chamber touted Melancon’s pro-business votes on a number of bills including legislation to expand offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and to increase Louisiana’s share of the royalties derived from this industry.
“Rep. Melancon proved to be a valuable ally to the business community last year, supporting measures to stimulate job creation and spur economic growth,” said Tom Donohue, chamber president and CEO.†“The business community appreciates Charlie’s dedication to a pro-growth agenda and we are proud to present him with this award.”
The Louisiana lawmaker contributed to crafting the House version of the bill and helped secure passage, convincing 39 fellow Democrats to cross party lines and vote in favor of the measure, providing the needed margin for the bill to pass in the House, the release said. The bill was signed into law in December 2006, opening 8.3 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and natural drilling.
Louisiana will share 37.5 percent of the new revenues with the other oil-producing states along the Gulf Coast. The state stands to gain a dedicated revenue stream of more than $13 billion over the next 30 years, which will be used solely for coastal restoration projects.
Melancon also earned the chamber’s praise for voting in support of extending several tax relief measures; supporting permanently repealing the death tax; and for the SAFE Port Act, a bill aimed at boosting security at the state’s ports.
The congressman served as a member of the House-Senate conference committee that finalized the SAFE Port Act. Language in the final bill was expanded, making “energy” ports like Port Fourchon eligible for the Department of Homeland Secruity’s Port Security Grant Program.
However, Melancon broke with the Chamber on a bill to extend normal trade relations with Vietnam.
The congressman cited Vietnam’s failure to reduce its “dumping” of excess seafood on the U.S. market, a sore point among Louisiana shrimpers. The move sent the wholesale price of shrimp into a freefall, and crippled many in the shrimping industry.
The bill failed in the House.
“My first responsibility in Congress is to represent the interests of the working people of south Louisiana,” Melancon said.†“I will continue to support pro-business legislation when it’s the right thing to do for south Louisiana.”†
The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.†
A complete listing on the key votes and ratings from the chamber is available online at www.uschamber.com.
Photo provided by U.S. Chamber of Commerce * U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon receives the “Spirit of Enterprise” award from Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue.
