U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer was honored with a 2019 Legislative Action Award by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a national think tank that says it works to find consensus and common ground to address key challenges facing the nation.

“The award recognizes members of Congress committed to solving problems and developing sound policy,” said Jason Grumet, president of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat, represents Washington’s 6th Congressional District.

“Congressman Kilmer’s leadership demonstrates that lawmakers can be both principled and pragmatic in forging meaningful solutions,” Grumet added.

“We applaud [him] for championing long-overdue congressional reforms and for his leadership of the centrist New Democrat Coalition. From bipartisan efforts to spur job growth to fighting ocean acidification, Congressman Kilmer exemplifies the spirit of the Legislative Action Award.”

According to the BPC, recipients of the award have served in their chambers for six years or less, “demonstrated skill and courage in the face of political challenges to confront a political system, provided a positive tenor to the legislative process, and improved the functioning of Congress through their example.”

Kilmer was one of six congressional members who received the award this year.

“The folks I represent want to get the economy on track — and they want Congress to get on track too,” Kilmer said. “In recent years, there’s been far too much partisan bickering and far too little progress.

“That’s why I’ve been so committed to finding common ground. Congress is at its best when people listen and learn from one another to find the policies that will move our country forward,” Kilmer said.