Washington, Jul 14, 2008 - Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) honored Representative John Carter today with its annual “Hero of the Taxpayer” award at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.  The taxpayer advocacy organization presents the awards to members of Congress who vote with taxpayers on 85 percent or more of the issues tracked by ATR as important for economic growth.

“I am honored to be presented with this award,” said Rep. Carter.  “At a time when Texas families are scaling back due to record high gas prices, decreasing home values and rising health care costs, Congress should be working to allow taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money.  While many of my colleagues are proposing the largest tax hike in American history, I will continue to vote for legislation that will keep taxes low on American families.”

“Commitment and dedication to taxpayer’s interests has been imperative in the fight against excessive taxation in the 1st session of the 110th Congress,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.  “These Congressional Ratings allow taxpayers to see, when it comes to their hard-earned money, exactly who the heroes and the ‘villains’ are in Congress.  It is clear that John Carter has proven to be a hero.”

In addition to critical votes on free-trade and the extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, ATR also rated votes on the increase of income tax rates and excise taxes, and the repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax.  In the House, ATR double-rated votes against tax increases within the Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act and against the tax-hiking “farm bill.”

“Many promises are made prior to coming to Washington, especially that of lower taxes,” Norquist said.  “However, these promises are not always upheld.  Constituents deserve to know who has kept their pledge and worked for taxpayers’ interests, and are not beholden to special interests.  Americans for Tax Reform applauds Representative John Carter’s commitment to taxpayers nationwide.”

ATR double-rates the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” in all its Congressional Scorecards.  The Pledge is a written promise to every incumbent and candidate opposing “any and all tax increases.”  Violators of the Pledge are not able to receive the “Hero of the Taxpayer” award.  To date, the President, 192 members of the House of Representatives and 41 Senators have signed the Pledge.

To see all members’ ratings, visit http://www.atr.org/national/ratings.