Rep. Smucker Recognized by National Taxpayers Union for Leadership on Debt Transparency

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, on Tuesday was named Taxpayer Defender of the Month by National Taxpayers Union in recognition of his work advancing policies to increase transparency and accountability surrounding the nation's growing debt.

Rep. Smucker recently introduced the Debt Solution and Accountability Act, legislation designed to improve transparency when the federal government approaches the debt ceiling. The bill would require the Department of the Treasury to provide Congress with detailed reports one month before the expiration of a debt limit suspension or when the national debt reaches 99.5 percent of the debt ceiling.

These reports would outline the current size of the national debt, identify the primary drivers of debt growth, and include potential strategies to address it.

"The national debt is the greatest internal threat to our country," Rep. Smucker said. "Tackling our national debt must be a priority to ensure our nation's long-term economic prosperity. Increasing transparency and accountability around federal spending is an important step toward restoring fiscal responsibility."

Rep. Smucker has also introduced the Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act, which would require all executive and congressional budget resolutions to include the ratio of national debt to gross domestic product. The measure is intended to give lawmakers and the public a clearer understanding of the long-term fiscal trajectory of the federal government.

"Taxpayers in Pennsylvania and across America appreciate Rep. Smucker's work to reduce the national debt," National Taxpayers Union Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold said. "As a nation, we have to do something about the $38 trillion national debt. We're proud to recognize Rep. Smucker's work to increase transparency around federal spending."

The Taxpayer Defender award is presented monthly by National Taxpayers Union to recognize leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and protecting taxpayers.