– Sen. Chuck Grassley's legislative record of limiting taxes, curbing spending and advocating for farmers, older Americans and small businesses this fall attracted awards from a series of public interest groups.
"I'm grateful for the recognition from groups representing thousands of taxpayers," Grassley said. "It's encouraging to have support from the people who pay the bills. I'll continue advocating for a lean, responsive federal government."
Awards Grassley received this fall include:
From taxpayers' groups:
* The Jefferson Award from Citizens for a Sound Economy for Grassley's fight for "less government, lower taxes and more freedom," according to the group.
* The Taxpayers' Friend Award from the National Taxpayers Union, for members of Congress who "consistently proved they were willing to lead the charge against special interests."
* The Hero of the Taxpayer Award from Americans for Tax Reform for "principled dedication to easing the unbelievably immense burden the federal government forces the American people to shoulder."
* A score of 97 percent of a perfect 100 percent on taxpayer-friendly votes from the National Tax Limitation Committee.
From farmers' groups:
* The Presidential Award for Leadership from the National Farmers Union, for "introducing and advocating legislation to strengthen rural America," specifically for Grassley's work on agricultural concentration.
* The Friend of the Farm Bureau Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
From older Americans' groups:
* The Esther Peterson Senior Advocate Award from the United Seniors Health Cooperative for "forthright advocacy in recognizing and protecting the needs of seniors and championing issues that will improve the quality of their lives."
* The Senior Legislative Achievement Award from the Seniors Coalition for "distinguished legislative advocacy and outstanding service on behalf of America's seniors."
* The Senior Friendly Distinction from the 60 Plus Association for "helping the 106th Congress win designation as the most 'senior friendly' Congress in 40 years."
From small business groups:
* The Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business for being "a true and consistent advocate for Main Street small businesses."
* The Champion of Small Business Award from the Small Business Survival Committee.
From other groups:
* The Friend of the Shareholder Award from the American Shareholders Association for support on "pro-investor issues such as free trade, IRA expansion and tax cuts."