Rep. Joe Cunningham today announced he had received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Jefferson – Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship, which recognizes his willingness to work across the aisle.
“I promised to put Lowcountry over party because I recognized that government works best when both sides can come to the table and work together,” Rep. Cunningham said. “South Carolinians deserve real results, which is why I've worked across the aisle to ban offshore drilling, help our veterans, and protect our Lowcountry way of life. As we continue to tackle this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, we need to advance bipartisan solutions that solve the serious problems we are facing.”
“Now more than ever, our nation needs elected leaders with the courage to pursue common ground and bold, bipartisan solutions to America's greatest challenges,” U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark said. “These awards honor the deserving members of Congress who are forging common-sense solutions, working across the aisle, to enact lasting and meaningful reforms. In the days ahead, Congress must work together and support our nation’s free enterprise principles that will help bring our economy back to strength and put our people back to work. Last year, the U.S. Chamber pledged to heighten our focus and reward bipartisan leadership and constructive governing, and we are now making good on that promise today.”
Last month, the Lugar Center ranked Cunningham as the most bipartisan freshman in the House of Representatives. Previously, CQ Roll Call ranked Cunningham as one of the most independent House Democrats.
Background on the Jefferson–Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship
America's elected leaders should be men and women of conviction and principle who are also able to find common ground with those with whom they disagree. Since the days of Jefferson and Hamilton, America has benefited from leaders who found ways to work together despite their differences. The Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship recognizes those members of Congress who in their actions have demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle in support of common objectives.
