WASHINGTON – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) yesterday honored Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX -24) for his high scores with the group’s 2008 congressional ratings.  Marchant was one of nine U.S. Congressmen from Texas to receive the honor. 

Marchant scored an 87 percent with the group. The title of ‘Taxpayer Hero’ is given to any representative with a score of 80 percent or higher.  The average for the entire House was 35 percent, and the average for the Senate was 38 percent.  Since 1989, CCAGW has tracked roll call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending.

The 2008 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2008, the second session of the 110th Congress. CCAGW rated 48 key votes in the House and 42 in the Senate.

"[The nine U.S. Congressmen from Texas] voted to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers. The 2008 Congressional Ratings show that many elected officials continue to demonstrate little regard for the harmful effect a large and cumbersome federal government has on taxpayers' wallets. Out-of-control spending reigned over Capitol Hill, leading to a record $1.6 trillion deficit in fiscal year 2009, and an $11.8 trillion national debt. Taxpayers from their respective districts should be very proud; these lawmakers' votes give all taxpayers hope for the future. We heartily commend them," concluded CCAGW president Tom Schatz.

CCAGW's website, www.ccagw.org, features the complete 2008 Congressional Ratings, including vote descriptions, scorecards for the House and Senate, and averages by chamber, party, and state delegation.

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

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