WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Claudia L. Tenney, R-22, New Hartford, has received the “Guardian of Small Business” Award from the National Federation of Independent Business for her work in Congress.

The NFIB advocates on behalf of America’s small and independent businesses, both in Washington and throughout the 50 states. The ‘Guardian of Small Business’ Award is presented to lawmakers who consistently vote with small businesses on key issues, according to the announcement.

“It’s my honor to receive the ‘Guardian of Small Business’ award from the National Federation of Independent Business,” said Tenney. “As a longtime small business owner and member of NFIB for nearly 30 years, I am committed to giving a voice to America’s small business owners in Congress. Ninty-four percent of workers in New York’s 22nd District are employed by a small business, which truly are the backbone of our local and state economies. Thank you to NFIB for your tenacious advocacy on behalf of small businesses,” Tenney added.

“The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress who have proven themselves to be real champions of small business,” said Brad Close, president and CEO of NFIB. “This Congress, small businesses emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic but faced continual threats of high inflation, workforce shortages, and supply chain disruptions. These NFIB Guardians demonstrated strong support of small businesses on key issues. NFIB is unique in that we only represent small and independent businesses, and our members decide our policy positions.”

“We are proud to recognize the elected officials from the 117th Congress who earned this distinction by taking pro-small business votes that supported an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program and opposed tax increases, new mandates, increased legal liability, and problematic employment law revisions that would have threatened Main Street’s economic recovery. NFIB commends Rep. Claudia Tenney for earning the Guardian of Small Business Award,” Close added.