Special to The Leader

Washington, DC – Thursday, U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) was presented with the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” and an “A” rating from National Taxpayers Union (NTU) for his strong voting record on behalf of lower taxes, limited government, and economic freedom.

“It is an honor to be presented with this important award as our nation faces very serious financial challenges,” said Rep. Babin.  “Given that our children and grandchildren will have to pay back everything that this generation borrows, we must give the greatest scrutiny to each and every dollar that is spent.  I have consistently opposed wasteful government spending while fighting for reforms that shrink the size and scope of the federal government.”

Every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy is analyzed by NTU and the “Taxpayer Score” is based on how each Member of Congress has stood up for controlling federal spending, taxes, debt and regulations. In 2015, 141 Senate and 267 House votes were included in NTU’s scorecard. Only 14 Senate and 43 House Members won the award for that year.

“Winning the Taxpayers’ Friend Award is no easy feat.  It takes a daily commitment to cast principled votes that put the Americans who pay government’s bills first,” proclaimed Pete Sepp, President of NTU.  “Congressman Babin has proven he has what it takes to help make Washington work for taxpayers again.  If every Member of Congress had voted as conscientiously as Congressman Babin did last year, taxpayers could have looked forward to a much more prosperous future.”

The NTU annual rating has been referred to as the gold standard for fiscal scorecards, since it encompasses all votes that affect taxpayers. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have praised the consistent standard and integrity that the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” represents, and the rating continues to serve as a benchmark for fiscal accountability.