Today, on the 32nd anniversary of the Tax Reform Act, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) announced he was named a 2018 Fiscal Hero by the Campaign to Fix the Debt, a non-partisan group affiliated with the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, for his commitment to fiscal responsibility in government. Peters is one of just ten members of Congress to receive this award.

“Our national debt is too high to ignore. High debt levels shrink the economy, decrease budget flexibility, and increase the chances of a financial crisis. If we continue to make fiscally irresponsible choices, we will create a crisis for the next generation. San Diegans expect responsible stewardship of their tax dollars and I will continue to ensure Congress doesn’t sacrifice long-term economic prosperity for short-term political gains. Instead of passing reckless tax bills that explode the debt, Congress should use the creation of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 as a model of fiscal responsibility and collaboration. Today should be a reminder that real, bipartisan reform is possible,” said Rep. Peters.

“Representative Scott Peters is one of the few members of Congress who is willing to stand up for fiscally responsible policymaking. It’s always easy to pass legislation with no regards for the cost or effect on the national debt, but Congressman Peters has shown real leadership by repeatedly continuing to press for policies that don’t dig our debt hole deeper,” said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

According to Fix the Debt, Fiscal Heroes “have distinguished themselves by taking fiscally responsible votes, participating in fiscally focused events, pushing their party leaders to make debt a priority, leading bipartisan efforts to work through policy options to fix the debt, using their town hall meetings to engage and educate constituents, delivering floor speeches to raise awareness about the issue, advocating to keep tough choices on the table, and introducing legislation to improve the nation's fiscal position.”

Last year, Rep. Peters opposed the Republican tax bill, which is projected to add $1.5 trillion to the national debt. Since coming to Congress, he has called on both Republicans and Democrats to have a serious review of spending levels to reduce the national debt over time.