Sessions Receives Four Awards

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) this week received four awards for his outstanding work in office and his conservative, pro-taxpayer, pro-senior, and pro-business voting record. Americans for Tax Reform, the 60 Plus Association, the Small Business Survival Committee, and the American Shareholders Association presented the awards to Sessions during a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol. Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) issued its "Hero of the Taxpayer" Award to Congressman Sessions, who received a 100% rating from ATR. ATR first issued the "Hero of the Taxpayer" Award in 1995. The group designates "Hero of the Taxpayer" Award recipients based on a scorecard of congressional votes on issues important to American taxpayers during the first legislative session of the 108th Congress. "Politics in Washington is a continuing battle between taxpayers and the special interest spending lobbies on Capitol Hill who want to steal more of the taxpayers' money to spend on their projects," said taxpayer advocate and ATR President Grover Norquist. "And when Members of Congress come to Washington, they have to choose sides. Rep. Sessions has chosen wisely to side with American taxpayers." Also today, the 60 Plus Association, a national non-partisan senior citizens group, awarded Sessions its "Guardian of Seniors' Rights" Award in recognition of his votes in the 108th Congress on issues important to seniors from Texas and across the country. The 60 Plus Association publishes a scorecard of votes on these issues. Calling Congressman Sessions "a proven fighter for the elderly," 60 Plus Association President Jim Martin said, "I am pleased to present our highest award - the Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award - to Congressman Sessions." "The Congressman can be counted upon… · To abolish the 87-year old death tax which hurts small businesses and farmers; · To repeal the 1993 Clinton Administration tax on Social Security benefits; · To abolish the 60-year earnings limit imposed on working seniors between 65-69; · To repeal the 102-year old tax on telephones to finance the Spanish-American War." The Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC), one of the nation's leading small business advocacy organizations, also presented Congressman Sessions its "2004 Small Business Advocate" Award. SBSC rated Members of Congress on their votes on tax relief and business investment incentives, health insurance affordability legislation, business expansion, and overseas market access measures. "Small businesses are the engine of growth for our recovering economy," said SBSC Chairman Karen Kerrigan. "By standing up for small businesses, Rep. Sessions is playing a vital role in encouraging our current economic recovery. The measures Rep. Sessions voted for will help small businesses stay strong, innovate, invest, and create jobs for the long term." Finally, the American Shareholders Association (ASA) today awarded Congressman Sessions its "Friend of the Shareholder" Award. ASA presented this year's award based on the voting records of Members of Congress on important shareholder and economic issues, including the President's Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act. Congressman Sessions scored 100% on the ASA scorecard. "2003 marked a huge reversal in equity markets fueled by investor tax cuts, low interest rates, and rebounding corporate profits," said ASA Executive Director Daniel Clifton. "The "Friend of the Shareholder" Award demonstrates Rep. Sessions stood on the side of investors during this critical time by voting for pro-growth, pro-investor legislation which has boosted investor confidence and shareholder value for Texas shareholders." "I am honored by the awards Americans for Tax Reform, the 60 Plus Association, the Small Business Survival Committee, and the American Shareholders Association have presented to me this week," said Sessions. "Each of these organizations shares my commitment to advancing our economy through free enterprise, limited government, and individual opportunity. My voting record reflects these principles, and I will continue to follow them as I continue my work in Congress."