WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2011 – New Jersey Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence today in recognition of his consistent support of manufacturers and their employees across the United States. The Award was presented at an event sponsored by NAM member sanofi-aventis U.S. at its U.S. headquarters in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Members of Congress who maintained a voting record of 70 percent or higher during the 111th Congress (2009-2010) received the Award. Congressman Frelinghuysen received a 78-percent key vote rating.

“On behalf of sanofi-aventis and our employees, I thank Congressman Frelinghuysen for championing the causes that will help manufacturers thrive in New Jersey and across the United States,” said sanofi-aventis U.S. Vice President of U.S. Corporate Affairs Edward Greissing. “We’re fortunate to have Rodney Frelinghuysen in our corner, advocating policies that will enable us to grow, create jobs, expand internationally and stay ahead of our global competition.”

“Congressman Frelinghuysen supports common-sense policies that will enable manufacturers to create and maintain good high-paying jobs in New Jersey and throughout America,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “A vibrant manufacturing base is vital to getting our economy turned around and ensuring quality of life for all Americans. It is critical to have lawmakers like Congressman Frelinghuysen whose actions consistently match their words when it comes to a pro-manufacturing agenda for economic growth and job creation.”

Each key vote was selected by an NAM member-led advisory committee comprised of executives from small, mid-sized and large manufacturing companies. Members of Congress are notified in advance when key votes are pending and why the key vote designation has been made.

Key manufacturing votes for the 111th Congress included energy policy, taxes, regulations and labor law reform, among others. These policies are important components of the NAM’s “Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America,” a comprehensive plan for supporting jobs and the U.S. economy. You can view the Strategy at www.nam.org.

“The Award is a non-partisan indicator to help manufacturers and their employees sort out the true allies of manufacturing based on their votes on key issues that affect the manufacturing economy, jobs and U.S. competitiveness,” Timmons noted.

Voting records for all members of Congress are available at www.nam.org/votingrecord along with further details about NAM Key Manufacturing Votes.