WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, was recognized last night as a “Fiscal Hero” by The Campaign to Fix the Debt, a nonpartisan movement to put America on a better fiscal and economic path.

“I’m honored to be recognized by the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Although winning an award for fiscal responsibility feels a bit like being congratulated for brushing your teeth – it’s something we all should be doing anyway,” said Senator King. “America is on an unsustainable budget path, plain and simple – and it’s one we can neither cut nor tax our way out of. Every member of Congress should be focused on creating a brighter, more balanced fiscal future for this country, and I will continue to work with Republicans, Democrats, and non-partisan groups like the Campaign to Fix the Debt to make that happen.”

Senator King was one of 21 U.S. Senators honored for their work in this session of Congress to improve the nation’s fiscal future and address the core drivers of the national debt. To be named a Fiscal Hero, lawmakers distinguished themselves by casting fiscally responsible votes; pushing Congressional leaders to make addressing the debt a priority; leading bipartisan policy efforts; and engaging and educating constituents.

Maya MacGuineas, the Head of the Campaign to Fix the Debt, explained why Senator King was selected for the recognition.

“Sen. King has worked through a variety of channels to draw attention and find solutions to the nation’s fiscal challenges,” said MacGuineas, “While many lawmakers have chosen to bury their heads when it comes to these issues, Sen. King has shown courage and leadership and has been willing to stand up for what is right for the country - even when it’s not easy to do so.”

“The longer we wait, the more severe and difficult the choices will be to fix the debt,” MacGuineas continued. “Yet very few Members of Congress take this problem seriously. Those who do, like Sen. King, deserve our thanks and praise.”

As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator King has consistently called for a responsible, balanced, and long-term approach to addressing our national debt and deficit.

###