McCaskill campaign: Akin voted against funding for rural communities

(From the Claire McCaskill campaign)

In 2007, Todd Akin was the only member of the Missouri delegation to vote for an amendment that would have taken away crucial protections that ensure our rural communities are places where small businesses can survive and create jobs. The Hensarling amendment, which Akin supported, reduced funding for the Rural Community Advancement Program. In Missouri, many rural communities utilize this program to receive loans and grants that spur economic growth as families fight to put food on the table no matter how dire circumstances become.   

Akin Was One of 90 Members to Vote to Reduce Funding for Rural Communities.  Akin voted for the Hensarling, R-TX, amendment to HR 3161 that reduced funding by $6 million for the Rural Community Advancement Program, which provides rural development direct loans, loan guarantees and grants.  The amendment was rejected 90-337.  Missouri’s seven other members of Congress voted against the amendment.  [HR 3161, R 89-109; D 1-228, 8/2/07]

“With this vote, Todd Akin told rural communities across Missouri that he will not fight for their interests, and there is no reason to expect he would in the Senate,” said Erik Dorey, McCaskill for Missouri spokesman. “Akin has the unique distinction of being the only member of the Missouri delegation whose extreme views led him to vote for this amendment that reduced the safety net that helps to keep small businesses open in rural communities. While Akin has been voting against rural communities, Claire McCaskill has been on their side working across the aisle to find solutions that help Missouri’s working families weather tough economic times.”