July 17, 2006—U.S. Representative Trent Franks (AZ-02) received the 2006 Thomas Jefferson Award, presented by the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA). According to the IFDA, the award honors Congressman Franks’ commitment to “our nation’s economic prosperity and the free enterprise system.”

Congressman Franks remarked, “I am honored to receive an award that recognizes my commitment to free enterprise and the reduction of taxes. When individuals are left to gain from their diligence and thrift, not only do they benefit economically, but the mores of the people are improved.”

At the end of each Congress, IFDA presents the Thomas Jefferson Award to Members of Congress who “demonstrate their commitment to increasing opportunity and reducing government regulation through their votes on issues such as reducing taxes, removing trade barriers as well as workplace issues and other economic matters.” 

The President and CEO of IFDA, Mark Allen, praised the recipients of the award. “Throughout the 109^th Congress, Representative Franks cast crucial votes to stimulate economic growth, strengthen family businesses and promote prosperity for the American people. The Thomas Jefferson Awards are our way of recognizing lawmakers who have stood true to the ideals of Thomas Jefferson and have supported policies that strengthen the foodservice distribution industry and the free market system.”

IFDA’s website www.ifdaonline.org indicates that the recipients of the award supported IFDA’s position on at least 70 percent of 15 House votes deemed critical to the Jeffersonian ideals of free enterprise and the foodservice distribution industry. These included votes on the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act (H.R. 8), the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act (H.R. 554), and the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act (H.R. 420) among others.

Trent Franks represents the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee.