July 16, 2007— The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) has once again honored Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) as a Taxpayer Hero for scoring 95 percent on its 2006 Congressional Ratings.  By way of contrast, the average score for the entire House of Representative hit a new low at only 29 percent.  Since 1991, CCAGW has tracked roll call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending.  Scoring the 8th highest ranking among all 435 Members of Congress, Congressman Franks consistently voted to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers.

“History has proven repeatedly that the gradual subjugation of personal liberty by the state begins with excessive taxation and government regulation.” Franks stated.  “As my voting record demonstrates, I remain committed to supporting legislation that encourages free enterprise and protects the Constitutional rights of life, liberty and property for all Americans. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve in the 110th Congress, and to remain true to my promise to the American families and taxpayers whom I represent by increasing government accountability, reducing the burden of taxation, and preserving the principles of public policy that have allowed our economy to flourish.”

The 2006 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2006, the second session of the 109th Congress.  CCAGW rated 44 key votes in the House.  Rep. Franks supported several amendments in the House that, if successful, would have removed $35.3 million worth of pork-barrel projects from appropriations bills.  Other votes included: the legislative line-item veto, a tax reconciliation bill that would have extended about $70 billion in tax cuts over five years, a budget that would have saved $6.8 billion over five years by reducing the rate of growth in mandatory spending, a reduction in the estate tax, oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and “net neutrality.”

“Rep. Franks puts the interests of taxpayers ahead of politics by recognizing the long-term consequences of excessive spending and working to reduce the enormous debt being left to future generations,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “Actions speak louder than words, and the way a member chooses to vote is the best indicator of whether a professed commitment to fiscal discipline is real.”

For further information regarding CCAGW’s complete 2006 Congressional Ratings, including vote descriptions, scorecards for the House and Senate, personalized scorecards for each member of Congress, and averages by chamber, party, and state delegation, visit www.ccagw.org.