McMorris Rodgers receives Taxpayer Hero status

“I’m proud to be named a ‘Taxpayer Hero’ by this outstanding organization for taxpayers rights,” the congresswoman said in prepared remarks. “Citizens Against Government Waste shares my commitment to cutting wasteful government spending, lowering the debt burden on our children and grandchildren.” 

McMorris Rodgers is the vice chair of the House Republican Conference. Her counterpart, House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (Ind.), received the same designation from the group. 

Republican Reps. Paul Broun (Ga.), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Jeb Hensarling (Texas), Cynthia Lummis (Wy.), John Shadegg (Ariz.) and Lynn Westmoreland (Ga.) were also dubbed Taxpayer Heros. 

To earn the title, lawmakers had to cast a large percentage of their votes that protected the interests of taxpayers. The group identified 120 House votes that fit this description in 2009. 

There were 74 votes that met this designation in the Senate. 

Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wy.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wy.) were the only ones to receive the status of Taxpayer Hero in the upper chamber.

Votes were rated on a 0 to 100 percent scale and members were categorized as follows: 0-19 percent, Hostile; 20-39 percent, Unfriendly; 40-59 percent, Lukewarm; 60-79 percent Friendly; 80-99 percent, Taxpayer Hero; 100 percent, Taxpayer Super Hero.