Washington, DC:  For the sixth straight year, Congressman Ron Paul of Texas has been honored as a “Taxpayers’ Friend” for his consistent anti-tax voting record in Congress. 

The Taxpayers’ Friend rating, created by the National Taxpayers Union, is widely anticipated in Washington each spring. Only 29 of 434 members in the US House earned the coveted distinction based on their voting records during the 2002 session in Congress.

“While many members of Congress talk about reducing the size of government, Congressman Paul backs up those words with votes,” stated NTU president John Berthoud.

“Last year most Members of Congress left the job of providing relief from high taxes and wasteful deficit spending only half finished,” Berthoud continued.  “A session that enacted one of the best tax cuts in recent memory but also created one of the worst new entitlement programs in recent history deserves mixed reviews from overburdened taxpayers.”

“Those overburdened taxpayers in Texas and across the nation owe Congressman Ron Paul a debt of gratitude for his hard work on their behalf,” Berthoud concluded.  “Dr. Paul’s pro-taxpayer score was among the best in the entire House.  By consistently voting to reduce federal taxes, spending, and debt, he truly has earned the title ‘Taxpayers’ Friend.’”

The National Taxpayers Union is a nonpartisan citizen organization that serves as a watchdog for government accountability.  Unlike many congressional rankings, the NTU rating system is based on nearly 300 votes affecting fiscal policy.  This broad approach provides an accurate picture of which members of Congress truly vote against higher taxes and higher spending.