Washington » Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, voted against a resolution Wednesday urging financial literacy for Americans because he says Congress needs to study up first.

Chaffetz initially planned to vote for the non-binding resolution supporting Financial Literacy Month but ended up being one of three House members protesting the decree after he spoke with Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz.

"It's an oxymoron for the Democratically controlled Congress to think they should push forward financial literacy and competency," Chaffetz said. "This body, more than anybody else, represents financial illiteracy at the highest levels."

Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson and GOP Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah both voted for the resolution, which seeks to raise public awareness about financial education. It also highlights the importance of managing personal finances, saving money and reducing personal debt.

Chaffetz says Congress should lead by example and the "audacity of this federal government" putting forth this resolution is "idiotic" when it's spending hundreds of billions of dollars to revive the economy and seeking to pass a record-breaking deficit budget.

Todd Taylor, executive director of the Utah Democratic Party, says the state's voters sent Chaffetz to Congress to be a serious member of Congress and not to act as a spokesperson for an ideology.

"Using your voting power as a member of Congress for the purpose of ad hominem attacks is irresponsible," Taylor said.

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