SOUTH FORSYTH — The U.S. congressman who represents Cumming and south Forsyth was recently presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his commitment to economic growth and promoting small business and entrepreneurship.

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, a Republican from Gwinnett County whose District 7 includes much of Forsyth, was recognized for his voting record by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“The Seventh District is a community of folks that get things done,” Woodall said in a statement. “From start-up entrepreneurs to established corporate citizens, we have expertise in just about every field right here at home, and all they need from Washington is a regulatory climate that allows them to do what they do best.

“Their partnership is the driving force behind our success, and it makes our voice in Congress that much more effective.”

Each year, the chamber tracks members of Congress on key votes to the business community, and Woodall “has become a perennial recipient of the award.”

During the first session of the 114th Congress, lawmakers were scored on 20 House votes, including potential bills to make permanent tax provisions that would have regularly expired and HR 22, the first long-term transportation law in a decade, according to Martin Wattenbarger, a spokesman for Woodall.

Woodall serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which was responsible for crafting HR 22 – the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or the FAST Act.

Members of Congress are given a plus or negative on votes that either support or oppose the chamber’s position on bills. Each lawmaker is then given a cumulative percent.

The award denotes a 70 percent or higher voting record. Woodall’s 87 percent was the highest in Georgia this year, as was his 89 percent in 2015.

Nationwide, members of Congress earned a 78 percent this year, up from 58 percent in 2015.

Woodall also serves as chairman of the Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process and on the Budget Committee.