WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., was recognized today by the Children's Defense Fund Action Council (CDFAC) as one of the "best representatives for children" based on his 2007 voting record in Congress.

Pastor, who has long been an advocate for children during his 16 years in Congress, voted to protect the health and well being of Arizona's children 100 percent of the time, according to the 2007 Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard prepared by the CDFAC. The scorecard grades every Member of Congress based on key votes affecting children. Pastor achieved this distinction by voting to support the first increase in the minimum wage in a decade, access and quality improvements in Head Start, and additional funds for student loans.

"I applaud Rep. Pastor for his commitment to improving the lives of children in Arizona," said CDFAC President Marian Wright Edelman. "With more than nine million  uninsured children in America and nearly 13 million living in poverty, it is critical that we have Representatives committed to making children a priority.   Rep. Pastor is a dedicated advocate for children and has truly earned the distinction of being one of the best Representatives for children."

Pastor said "I'm humbled by this distinction and I thank the CDFAC for recognizing me. To me, there is nothing more important in my work as a Congressman than to advocate for children, their well-being, their health and education."

The Children's Defense Fund Action Council educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventative investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. The CDF Action Council began in 1969 and is a private, non-profit organization that has never taken government funds.

CDFAC developed an interactive map and other online tools to show how Members of Congress voted by state. To see the interactive map as well as the 2007 Congressional Scorecard in its entirety, which includes the grades of all Members of Congress, visit: www.cdfactioncouncil.org.