Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) was recognized for his pro-taxpayer voting record for last year. The National Taxpayers Union (NTU), a nonpartisan citizen group, announced that Royce is among the top ten 2008 “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” recipients out of the entire House of Representatives.

“It took a lot of courage to withstand political pressure and vote against the bailout last fall, and Congressman Royce chose to stand up for taxpayers,” National Taxpayers Union President Duane Parde said. “His strong commitment to lower taxes and principled method of governing is reflected in his Taxpayer Score of 88 percent – the ninth-highest in the entire House of Representatives. Congressman Royce is truly a ‘Taxpayers’ Friend,’ and we at National Taxpayers Union are proud to present this award to him.”

The award is given to Representatives and Senators who achieve an “A” grade in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress. The Rating, which is based on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a “Taxpayer Score” to each Member of Congress that indicates his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation. For 2008, a total of 182 House and 104 Senate votes were selected.

"At a time when many taxpayers are hurting it is wrong to pass legislation that loads trillions of dollars of debt onto their backs.  While Americans tighten their belts, the federal government should be doing the same," Royce said.

“Given today’s economic climate, fiscal discipline is more important now than ever,” NTU President Duane Parde said. “Fortunately, taxpayers have a staunch ally in Royce, to whom National Taxpayers Union is proud to present a ‘Taxpayers’ Friend Award.’”

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