WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Derek Kilmer has been awarded the inaugural Teddy Roosevelt Courage Award by Issue One, a cross-partisan political reform organization.

The award was given for Kilmer’s efforts to fight to fix the broken political system and secure American elections, according to a press release.

“The Teddy Roosevelt Courage Award is given in the spirit of the 26th president of the United States who was a staunch defender of good, ethical government and the U.S. political system,” the release said.

“It’s hard to find profiles in courage in Congress these days because our political environment doesn’t reward it,” said Meredith McGehee, Issue One executive director. “But Congressman Kilmer continues to step up and tackle the hard issues like fixing our broken political system and making Congress work better for all Americans. That’s why he deserved the Teddy Roosevelt Courage Award.”

Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, represents the 6th Congressional District which includes the North Olympic Peninsula.

Issue One, formed in 2014, aims to unite Republicans, Democrats and Independents in fixing the political system.

Kilmer chairs the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Issue One also highlighted Kilmer’s work on campaign finance reform to reduce the role of money in politics.

“For a long time, folks have been justifiably frustrated with the performance of the government,” Kilmer said.

“There’s been too much money, too many special interests, and too little accountability. I’m working every day to fix that and ensure Congress takes concrete steps toward creating a government that works better for the American people.”

Kilmer co-sponsored H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, a package of election reform bills.

He also was a co-sponsor of the SHIELD Act, legislation to combat foreign interference in American elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending in U.S. elections.

The House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, created by a bipartisan vote, has issued 29 recommendations. The House voted to extend the committee through the end of the next calendar year.