Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, received the prestigious Harry Hatry Distinguished Performance Measurement Practice Award, a national recognition bestowed by the Urban Institute’s Public Management Program.

The Urban Institute presents the award to individuals whose education, training and consultation in performance measurement have contributed significantly to the practice of public administration. Cuellar has dedicated his public service career, as a representative in the Texas State Legislature and in U.S. Congress, to promoting performance measurement as a means to make government more efficient, effective and accountable to taxpayers.

“I am honored to receive this distinguished award,” said Cuellar. “Aside from my work in public service, I believe Harry Hatry and I are kindred spirits. Harry was part of the development of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, and I believe we both understand that a results-oriented budgetary system provides positive outcomes.”

 Cuellar introduced H.R. 2142, the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2012. The bipartisan legislation created a system for sweeping reforms to reduce wasteful spending. The bill was signed into law by the President in January, 2011.

 “My pursuit to make a difference in government performance will continue,” said Cuellar. “I aspire to leave a foot print on the path to a more accountable, effective and efficient government.”

 The Urban Institute presented the Harry Harty award on Tuesday at their 2012 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. Cuellar was unable to attend because the U.S. House of Representatives was in session.

 The Urban Institute is a non-profit organization that works to foster sound public policy and effective government. It was founded in the mid 1960s by a blue-ribbon commission created by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who saw a need for an independent, non-partisan analysis of the problems facing America’s cities. It is based in Washington, D.C.