WASHINGTON (October 25, 2000) -- The National Association of Realtors today presented Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ) with the organization's Government Affairs Legislative Leadership Award for the 106th Congress.  The tribute, awarded every two years, recognizes exceptional efforts to advance NAR's top public policy objectives.  
 The honors this year spotlight Capitol Hill legislators who worked diligently during the current Congress to advance a wide range of initiatives that enhance the dream of homeownership for millions of Americans.  Since his very first day in Congress, Andrews has been deeply engaged in virtually every legislative issue that affects the nation's Realtors.
  "Our legislative victories on behalf of American homeowners would not have occurred without the sustained efforts of all of these lawmakers." NAR President Dennis R. Cronk (http://www.denniscronk.com) said. "They made the real difference. Without their boldness and vision, we would not have been as successful.  Even among the membership of this select group, Rob Andrews stands out," Cronk added.  
             The four Senators and 15 members of Congress selected for the 2000 award were chosen for their influence and leadership during the 106th Congress on various issues affecting the real estate industry and the ability of Americans to obtain homeownership, including, for example, tax relief, expansion of FHA programs, electronic signatures, forced access, brownfields, affordable housing, land use, and appropriations.  

"At crucial points in the legislative process, these honorees took decisive actions to advance the particular issues that fell under their expertise or jurisdiction -- either by sponsoring a bill, securing support from colleagues, negotiating compromises, coordinating behind-the-scenes strategy sessions, or providing guidance and counsel," Cronk explained.
 The recipients are being presented with award plaques by NAR's government affairs staff and state and local Realtors.  
 "These awards are our way to thank the lawmakers who went beyond the call of duty in helping Americans achieve their dream of owning their own home," said NAR's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Lee L. Verstandig.  "Government Affairs is responsible for meeting the public policy objectives set forth by our members.  In order to achieve that goal, we must rely on the assistance of many people in the Congress and in the Executive Branch.  These recipients are the real friends of the real estate industry.  Rep. Andrews took on a key leadership role on the Mortgage Concellation Debt Act, the Homeowners Benefit Protection Act, rural housing programs, and a wide range of other homeowner issues."
The National Association of  Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest professional association, representing more than 750,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
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 Information about NAR is available at http://nar.realtor.com. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site's "News for You" section, at http://nar.realtor.com/news.