Washington, DC – Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), voted today against a 44 percent increase in government spending in the $307 billion farm bill. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, the Farm Bill will cost an estimated $658 billion over the next ten years, while offering few market reforms.

 The following is Congressman Akin’s statement regarding his vote:

"I support the 13% of the bill designated for our farmers and agriculture. However 73% provides for an increase in food stamp entitlements, which is an increase that places too high a burden on taxpayers and the overall economy.

"It is inappropriate to ask the average American family, already burdened by increased grocery costs, to foot the bill for this $300 billion piece of legislation."