WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Republican Congressional Committee surprised Fifth District Rep. Virginia Foxx with the 2010 Ronald Reagan award at Tuesday’s annual March Dinner.

The Ronald Reagan Award is chosen annually, based on what the committee considers a member’s exemplary leadership in following Reagan’s timeless principles — strong national defense and fiscal conservatism.

“As an outspoken conservative, Virginia Foxx has served as a shining example since she first came to Congress in January 2005,” a statement from Foxx’s office said. “In only a year after coming to Washington, Foxx ushered in the Hero Act for American Troops and was the first in her class to have a major bill signed into law.”

“Congresswoman Virginia Foxx is one of the strongest team members that we have in the Republican Conference,” said committee Chairman Pete Sessions. “Virginia works hard for her country. She stands as a model conservative, inspiring others to partake in the great experiment of democracy. This year, we salute Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, a tireless advocate and patriot in the mold of President Ronald Reagan.”