ONE OF ONLY 59 HOUSE MEMBERS TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS HONOR

Washington, Aug 28, 2008 - Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) was honored by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW), one of the oldest and most respected government fiscal watchdogs in the country, as a Taxpayer Hero. His score of 87% ranks him as one of the most fiscally responsible members of the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am honored to be recognized by the CCAGW for my commitment to fiscal responsibility. In order for the U.S. economy to turn around, Congress must first get its financial house in order,” Stearns said. “Once our runaway budgets is under control, we will start to see our economic outlook gets brighter. If Congress continues to spend wildly, all it will do is further weaken our fragile economy.” Cutting wasteful government spending has been a priority for Stearns during his entire congressional career. As such, his lifetime rating from CCAGW is 85% putting him near the top of all Members of Congress in terms of fiscal responsibility.

According to CCAGW, since 1991, they have examined roll-call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending. The 2007 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2007, or the first session of the 110th Congress.