Two San Diego Congressmen from opposing parties shared the annual “Tech Legislator of the Year” award Thursday from an international trade association for top technology companies.

Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican, and Rep. Scott Peters, a Democrat, shared the Information Technology Industry Council‘s award in the House of Representatives.

ITI, which represents 60 of the world’s largest technology companies, including San Diego’s Qualcomm, Apple, Google and IBM, bestows the award annually to four lawmakers, a Republican and Democrat, from both the House and Senate.

“For over a century, the Information Technology Industry Council has played an invaluable role in fighting for policies that defend and bolster the technology sector,” said Issa. “It is a great honor to receive their Legislator the Year Award. I am humbled and grateful for this recognition.

The trade group said Issa, who represents the 49th District in north coastal San Diego County, has been a leading advocate and ally for the technology industry and worked to reform the legal immigration system for highly skilled workers.

“Rep. Issa is a well-known and respected name in tech circles because he has been a vocal champion for our industry and the technology ecosystem writ large,” said ITI President and CEO Dean Garfield.

ITI said Peters, who represents the 52nd district in central San Diego County, has championed opening overseas markets to U.S. tech companies, supported the development of clean energy and like Issa is working to reform the legal immigration system.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by leaders of an industry that fuels so much growth in San Diego and is creating the jobs of the future across the country,” said Peters. “It’s imperative that leaders in Washington update our laws to help our innovators and workers compete in this changing economy.”

“From modernizing our cybersecurity and immigration policies to investing in energy and scientific research, there is more work to be done,” he added.

Garfield said Peters has been “a thoughtful and respected voice for policies that drive innovation, promote domestic investment, and help tech companies create American jobs.”