WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) was awarded the inaugural Legislative Action Award from the Bipartisan Policy Center for his numerous bipartisan efforts, including protecting children in the classroom, helping small businesses succeed, fighting the scourge of opioids, and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, terrorists, and the dangerously mentally ill.
Early in his first term, Sen. Toomey worked with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and President Obama to author a series of bills that became law and cut regulatory burdens on small and medium-sized businesses, making it easier for them to raise much-needed capital and create new jobs.

He teamed with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) to champion legislation to expand background checks for commercial gun sales to help keep firearms out of the hands of violent criminals and the dangerously mentally ill.

Toomey and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) have worked to confirm 16 federal judges serving Pennsylvania - a number greater over the same time period than any other state except California and New York.

"As we celebrate our recent achievements, we are mindful that many of our nation's key institutions are under great strain. Despite real divisions, there are some in Congress with the unique capacity to overcome differences and govern a diverse nation," said Bipartisan Policy Center founder and president Jason Grumet. "Sen. Toomey is a leader with strong convictions who knows how to bring people together and get things done. The Bipartisan Policy Center is pleased to honor Senator Toomey's legislative skill and express our deep gratitude for his distinguished service."

"The people of Pennsylvania want policy makers in Washington to get things done," said Sen. Toomey. "In the Senate that usually means 60 votes and obtaining support from both parties.

"I am honored that the Bipartisan Policy Center is highlighting my work on behalf of Pennsylvania for the first Legislative Action Award. Our country faces many great challenges. Solutions will require careful thought, great ideas, and cooperation from Republicans and Democrats, the House and the Senate, and the executive and legislative branches of government.

"While none of us will agree all the time, the country needs lawmakers to resist the call of obstructionism and work together, where they can, to tackle the great fiscal, economic, and security challenges of our time. That's why I will continue to seek consensus and pursue headway on these matters on behalf of all Pennsylvanians."

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