WASHINGTON – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, yesterday named U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a “Guardian of Small Business” for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small businesses. 

“I am honored to receive this award from the NFIB,” Sen. Wicker said.  “Small businesses in Mississippi and across the country are the backbone of our economy.  In Congress, I have always worked to implement pro-growth policies that allow small businesses to thrive and create jobs and economic opportunity.” 

NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer praised Sen. Wicker for “standing for small business.”  In presenting the group’s coveted Guardian of Small Business award, Stottlemyer said, “Small business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees and stand by those who stand for them.”

“The record shows that Sen. Wicker is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 110th Congress,” Stottlemyer said.  “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”

NFIB’s voting record tallies 11 key small business votes in the U.S. Senate taken during the 2007 and 2008 sessions. Issues range from tax relief to affordable health care and from lower energy costs to regulatory reform.