Congressman Lamar Smith this month earned the Spirit of Enterprise award from the United States Chamber of Commerce for advancing legislation important to the nation’s business community.

As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Smith sponsors and supports numerous bills to help spur the economy, grow businesses and create jobs for American workers.

Chairman Smith sponsored the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, reducing frivolous litigation and ensuring faster approval of better patents to more quickly convert ideas on paper to jobs in production.

The House of Representatives last year approved three Judiciary Committee bills to help reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses and the economy.

Congressman Smith has a record of voting in step with the Chamber 93 percent of the time during his tenure in Congress and has earned a full 100 percent in many years, including this one.

"I'm honored to be recognized by the Chamber for my pro-business efforts," Smith said. "Business is the economy's prime engine and I'm glad to help lead the efforts allowing businesses to thrive, grow and hire."