Mississippi Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran, both Republicans, today were named Guardians of Small Business by The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association. The federation said they were being honored for outstanding voting records on behalf of America’s small-business owners in the 113th Congress.

NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner said, “Small-business owners are very politically active – paying close attention to how their lawmakers vote on issues and stand by those who stand for them.”

NFIB’s “How Congress Voted,” which serves as a report card for members of Congress, was also unveiled this week. The report presents key small-business votes and voting percentages for each lawmaker. Those voting favorably on key small-business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 113th Congress are eligible for the Guardian award.

Congressmen Steven Palazzo and Alan Nunnelee, both also Mississippi Republicans, received the honor Wednesday.