WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) has been awarded as a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

“In the 111th Congress,  Congressman McKeon continues to be a champion of small business. The Guardian of Small Business Award is a token of the deep appreciation that small business owners have for elected officials who promote and protect their right to own, operate and grow their businesses,” said Dan Danner, President of the NFIB.

Through the NFIB, small businesses are able to voice their concerns and stay informed, while tracking the impact of Congressional votes. The Guardian of Small Business Award is given to representatives that have gained a high score among small business based on their voting records. McKeon scored a 90 percent ranking in the 110^th Congress and a 100 percent in the 111^th Congress.

“Small business and entrepreneurship have been the backbone of our economy and the engine of job creation in America,” said McKeon. “Rather than spend money we don’t have for government programs, a job-killing government-run health care system, and a national energy tax, it’s time for policies that empower small businesses, restore consumer confidence, and create private-sector jobs.”

McKeon’s key votes for the preservation of small businesses include the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009, The Small Business Tax Relief Act, and the Health Care Reconciliation Act.