Tanner awarded “Spirit of Enterprise” from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Award cites Tanner’s efforts on behalf of economic growth and job creation

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  has been awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his pro-growth, pro-jobs voting record in the 2008 session of the 110th Congress.

“In the face of unprecedented economic challenges and in the midst of an election cycle, this Congress made some historic and courageous decisions that impacted the lives of every American,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where businesses can continue to grow and create jobs. [Read more]

Tanner attends “Fiscal Responsibility Summit” in D.C.

U.S. Rep. John Tanner participated in the bipartisan White House Fiscal Responsibility Summit Monday, during which the President announced he will propose the “pay as you go” budgeting rule long championed by Tanner and others in the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition.

“The Blue Dog Coalition is ready to work with others – including the White House and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle – to turn our country’s fiscal policies back around following several years of massive borrowing,” Tanner said after the meetings. “Once our immediate economic challenges are met and we have addressed the downward economic spiral, we will be able to return our focus to medium- and long-term fiscal reform to leave a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”

Tanner, a founding member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, represents Tennessee’s 8th Congressional district in West and Middle Tennessee. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Social Security. Tanner also serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

U.S. Rep. John Tanner speaks on economic recovery

U.S. Rep. John Tanner said in a district-wide radio address that the current economic crisis is negatively impacting thousands of 8th District families and that Congressional action is necessary to help economic recovery. The House Friday passed the final version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with Congressman Tanner’s support. This is a transcript of his radio broadcast:

This is John Tanner. I wanted to talk to you a minute about this recovery act that was voted on in the House. This is truly a very, very hard vote for me, given my record of financial responsibility, and trying to do what I can with the other Blue Dogs here and others about the financial unsustainability of our federal government. I think this is an economic crisis that I have not seen in my 60+ years. The recession is far deeper and wider than any that I have ever lived through or witnessed, probably since the Great Depression. [Read more]