Lawmakers named guardians of small business

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Moultrie, and Johny Isakson, R- Marietta, and U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, have been designated as guardians of small business by the National Federation of Independent Business, a national small business association.

According to the NFIB, the designation is awarded to members of Congress who vote in accordance with the NFIB’s position on specific legislation at least 70 percent of the time.

“I am humbled to receive this award,” Chambliss said. “Small businesses are the economic engine of this country. I have always worked to protect small businesses, and will continue to do so.”

By NFIB’s report, Chambliss and Isakson voted with NFIB 100 percent of the time on key votes during the 112th Congress. NFIB officials said bills the senators voted for included a Senate amendment to repeal the national health care law, a resolution to require a constitutional amendment to balance the budget and a tax hike prevention amendment.

Bishop voted with NFIB positions 70 percent of the time, the organization said.

According to Todd Pack, senior spokesman for the politically conservative NFIB, most of its member companies have less than 20 employees. Pack said the Small Business Administration defines businesses with less than 500 people employed to be small businesses.