For immediate release July 13, 2004		Contact: Peter Karafotas 202-225-3611
	Kildee Receives Highest Approval Rating for his Voting Record on Environmental and Consumer Protection
	Washington, D.C.-Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) received a 90% approval rating from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) for his dedication to environmental and consumer protection.  Kildee received the highest approval rating in the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation and exceeded the average score of his colleagues by 53% (Michigan’s average was 37%).  The PIRG 2004 Congressional Scorecard evaluated the voting records of every member of Congress during the first session of the 108th Congress to determine which legislators are committed to preserving the environment and protecting consumer rights.   “It is truly an honor to receive recognition from PIRG for my lifelong commitment to environmental and consumer protection,” said Kildee.  “I believe we must preserve and protect the health of our natural environment and we must also stop the erosion of consumer protection laws before our safety and health is put at risk.”   As a senior member of the Resources Committee, Congressman Kildee has continually demonstrated his commitment to the conservation and preservation of the environment.  Kildee has worked hard to secure full funding for conservation programs that help preserve and protect our nations precious natural resources.  In addition, Kildee has been a strong advocate for consumer protection laws that defend the rights of consumers and ensure product safety.    The U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) is a nonprofit, bipartisan public interest advocacy organization devoted to educating citizens about the environmental and consumer voting records of federally elected officials.  The PIRG 2004 Congressional Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from numerous respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which Members of Congress should be graded.  The scorecard rated Members of Congress on 21 House votes pertaining to environmental preservation, resource conservation, and consumer protection legislation designed to defend the financial rights of consumers.  U.S. PIRG has published a Congressional Scorecard each Congress since 1994.   The 2004 scorecard can be found at www.uspirg.org in the upper right hand corner of the webpage.
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