Washington D.C. – Congressman Dan Lungren (R-Gold River), today received the “Honest Abe 2008 Integrity in Government Award,” being recognized as a champion of the American taxpayer by the organization, Taxpayers Against Fraud. This is the third time this distinction has been given to a Member of Congress. Previous recipients have been Congressman Howard Berman (D- CA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

“Being good stewards of taxpayer money and standing up against fraud is the obligation of every elected official and I am honored to accept this award. The work we have done on the False Claims Act is a perfect example of what can happen when Members of both political parties reach across the aisle to put the public interest ahead of partisanship,” Lungren said.

The Honest Abe Award is aptly named after President Abraham Lincoln who first signed the False Claims Act of 1863. During the Civil War there was widespread abuse and fraud by government contractors. Lame horses sold to the Union Army and gunpowder mixed with other non-combustible substances were common examples of such fraud. 

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA) joined fellow House Republicans calling on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow an up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, a comprehensive energy package that allows for more domestic oil drilling.

“Today we return from the August work period and call on the Speaker of the House to allow Congress a vote on our nation's energy future. I ask that we have a simple up or down vote on this issue. The American people are still feeling the weight of higher gas prices and it is up to us, their elected officials, to take action now.

"The American Energy Act doesn’t treat offshore drilling, of oil and natural gas, as the sole and exclusive solution.  Rather, it is part of a bigger strategy that will make us more energy self-sufficient.   The future of energy in America is in cutting-edge technolgies, and renewable and clean alternative fuels.   Will this bill solve our problems over night? No, but it will take us in the right direction. The longer we wait, the heavier this burden will be on American families, small business and the overall economy.   After a month long district work period, three weeks is more than enough time to bring a vote before Congress."

(Gold River, Calif.) -- A number of members from the California Retired Teachers Association (CRTA) met with Congressman Lungren this afternoon to celebrate the 73rd birthday of Social Security. The group shared their concerns regarding the levels and sustainability of Social Security benefits. Receptive to their comments, the Congressman remarks, "I will continue to work hard to see that Social Security remains solvent so that my children and grandchildren can participate in the system."