Cunningham wins bipartisanship award from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) has been recognized for his attempts to work across the aisle.

On Wednesday, the congressman said he had received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Jefferson – Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship.

Cunningham was among 20 House winners of the inaugural award.

“I promised to put Lowcountry over party because I recognized that government works best when both sides can come to the table and work together,” Cunningham said. “South Carolinians deserve real results, which is why I’ve worked across the aisle to ban offshore drilling, help our veterans, and protect our Lowcountry way of life. As we continue to tackle this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, we need to advance bipartisan solutions that solve the serious problems we are facing.”

Those selected were chosen based on "the number of bills (excluding those formally opposed by the Chamber) a member cosponsors introduced by a member of the opposite party. Members are ranked relative to the performance of all other members of their party, with the top ranked in both parties earning 100%..."

Using this methodology, Cunningham ranked fourth with a 99 percent rating.

“Now more than ever, our nation needs elected leaders with the courage to pursue common ground and bold, bipartisan solutions to America’s greatest challenges,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “These awards honor the deserving members of Congress who are forging common-sense sense solutions, working across the aisle, to enact lasting and meaningful reforms. In the days ahead, Congress must work together and support our nation's free enterprise principles that will help bring our economy back to strength and put our people back to work.”