Washington, DC – Congressman Todd Akin, (R-Mo) who opposes the nearly trillion dollars in government spending being proposed by President Obama, today expressed concern that measures in the bill are so far reaching that even language that may lead to curtailing medical treatments and research are included.

"As well as placing nearly an additional $800 Billion on top of historic levels of debt, this massive spending bill seeks to expand government in ways that many Americans find alarming," said Akin. "Surprisingly, the stimulus bill contains report language that suggests the curtailing of more expensive life saving medical procedures and research."

"Many of my Democrat colleagues favor a European style reform of our medical system," said Akin. "Unfortunately such systems place medical policy in the hands of the bureaucracy, which is charged with determining what medical procedures and research will be available."

"These types of decisions necessarily seek to balance human life with cost to the public, said Akin. "This type of medical policy would be a major shift for Americans and I believe that it is inappropriate to ram any language regarding such issues through Congress without proper debate."

"It is unfortunate that panic over our current economic situation is being capitalized on for such stealth advancement of a social agenda by the majority," stated Akin. "Suggesting that the government be allowed to ration health care is a major policy question and should not be slipped in as a footnote."

For video of Congressman Akin’s comments on the floor of the United States House of Representatives visit: http://www.youtube.com/RepToddAkin