Concord Coalition To Honor Senators Tom Coburn And Dick Durbin As Economic Patriots Wednesday Night In Washington

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Concord Coalition will honor Senators Dick Durbin and Tom Coburn on Wednesday, June 25, for their strong advocacy of fiscal responsibility -- even against opposition in their own parties -- with the 2014 Paul E. Tsongas Economic Patriot Award.

"Senators Coburn and Durbin have tirelessly encouraged their colleagues in both parties to focus on the need for sweeping budget changes to curb the growth of federal debt, meet the challenges of an aging population and build a stronger economic future for ourselves and future generations," said Robert L. Bixby, Concord's executive director. "Both were original members of the bipartisan 'Gang of Six' that showed such far-sighted fiscal leadership in the Senate. Both also served on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles) and supported its majority recommendations, which continue to serve as a model for comprehensive, bipartisan reform. The Concord Coalition is pleased to honor these two outstanding public servants for their many years of hard work, courage and commitment to the national interest."

The honorees will receive the Economic Patriot Award at Concord's annual dinner at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington. The program will also feature a panel discussion on the nation's fiscal and economic challenges by Bixby and four former members of Congress who serve on Concord's Board of Directors: Evan Bayh, Judd Gregg and board co-chairs Mike Castle and John Tanner.

The Patriot Award is named for the late Paul E. Tsongas, one of Concord's founding co-chairs. It honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the protection of younger generations from irresponsible budget policies. Over the years Concord has given the award to individuals of varied backgrounds and political affiliations.

Media coverage of the program, which will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m., is welcome.

WHAT:  The Concord Coalition's Annual Economic Patriot Award Dinner

WHEN:  Wednesday, June 25. Program begins at 8:15 p.m.

WHERE:  The Phoenix Park Hotel; 520 N. Capitol Street, NW; Washington, DC

2014 ECONOMIC PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Tom Coburn. After representing Oklahoma's Second Congressional District in the House from 1995 to 2001, Coburn was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004. In line with a promise he made not to serve more than two terms, the Republican physician is retiring from Congress when the current session ends. Coburn served on the Simpson-Bowles fiscal commission and supported its bipartisan recommendations. He continues to practice family medicine. He and his wife live in Muskogee, Okla.

Dick Durbin. In his third term as a U.S. senator from Illinois, Durbin is serving his fourth consecutive two-year term as the Senate's Democratic Whip. He is seeking a fourth Senate term. He also served on the Simpson-Bowles fiscal commission and supported its bipartisan recommendations. Before Durbin's election to the Senate, he served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He and his wife live in Springfield, Ill.

SOURCE The Concord Coalition