CCAGW Releases Congressional Ratings | Council For Citizens Against Government Waste

CCAGW Releases Congressional Ratings

Press Release



For Immediate ReleaseContact:  Sean Rushton/Mark Carpenter
July 8, 2002(202) 467-5300

 


Maine State Delegation Highlighted


Washington, D.C. – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today announced the release of its annual congressional ratings.  Once a year this report judges the records of each member of Congress in voting to reduce federal government waste, fraud, and abuse.  For more on CCAGW’s ratings, go to www.cagw.org.


“A nation struggling with war, a weak economy, and renewed budget deficits can no longer afford leadership that throws money at every problem and hesitates to make any cuts,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “Here we are in crisis and many in Washington seem to think its business as usual.  Our leaders must be held accountable for their actions   Taxpayers should congratulate those officials who rated well, and urge those who did not to do better in the future.”


CCAGW rated 27 votes in the House and 20 votes in the Senate.  Votes on the estate tax, marriage tax, capital gains tax, the $1.35 trillion Bush tax cut, and on whether to implement a Constitutional Amendment to require a 2/3 majority to raise taxes were included.  Other votes determined how members feel about enabling the nation and individuals to be more independent.  For example, drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would enable the United States to be less dependent on Middle Eastern oil.  Allowing families to move their children out of dysfunctional public schools would improve educational opportunities and reduce federal expenditures.  Lifting restrictions on medical savings accounts would allow individuals and families to be discerning consumers and participate in a true healthcare insurance market.  Finally, there are several votes that show who truly supports “freedom to farm” and who would rather have huge government subsidies that raise costs for everyone, especially taxpayers and the consumers.  Additional votes on pork-barrel spending were also included in CCAGW’s ratings.


2001 RATINGS FOR MAINE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:







 Official

2001 Votes

Lifetime Rating

Sen. Collins (R)

65

63

Sen. Snowe (R)

55

62

Rep. Allen (D)

15

10

Rep. Baldacci (D)

7

10

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation's largest (one million members and supporters) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.