The U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Congressman DesJarlais of Tennessee with the annual Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the first session of the 112th Congress.

“Over the past year, Congressman DesJarlais has worked to protect and advance the interests of America’s job creators,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “By supporting pro-growth policies, Congressman DesJarlais is helping unleash the power of free enterprise to put our economy back on track and put Americans back to work.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award, in its 24th year, is given annually to members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in the Chamber publication How They Voted. Members who support the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes qualify to receive the award.

According to the scorecard, Congressman DesJarlais maintained a 94% rating with the Chamber this year and collectively holds a 94% ranking during his tenure in Congress.

The Chamber scored Congress on 11 Senate and 16 House votes in 2011, including the repeal of 1099 reporting requirements, the 3% withholding from contractors, and the health care law. Also scored were votes for a surface transportation extension and the free trade agreements, including South Korea and Columbia.

To view a complete list of the 2011 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.