Washington, September 13, 2012 -

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-09) released the following statement today, after receiving the “Guardian of Small Business” award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner presented the award to Rep. Graves. The award is given to lawmakers for their voting record to protect and promote small businesses during the 112th Congress.  The winners are selected based on a list of votes the NFIB’s isolates as being important to the survival and growth of small businesses across the country.

“The record shows that Rep. Graves is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112th Congress,” said NFIB President and CEO, Dan Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”

“Small businesses are the engine that grows our economy and creates 70% of the jobs in America.  Their ability to survive and thrive is crucial to the economic health of our great nation.  More and more frequently, small business owners are telling us the federal government is a hindrance to them, rather than a help.  To rev up our economy and get small businesses growing again, we must remove the roadblocks standing in their way.  It’s time to cut burdensome regulations, reform the tax code, and free up American entrepreneurs to do what they do best:  create jobs.  I appreciate the National Federation of Independent Businesses for championing the cause of small businesses in America.”