March 17, 2005

Congressman Todd Akin Receives Fourth Consecutive "Taxpayers' Friend Award"

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The National Taxpayer's Union (NTU) has released its annual report on Congress and it has recognized Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) as a consistent vote for lower taxes for the fourth year in a row.

Based on votes last year in the 108th Congress, only 47 U.S. Representatives earned the top honor of "Taxpayers' Friend" this year. Akin is rated as the 22nd highest scoring legislator in the U.S. House of Representatives out of 435 legislators and is the only member of the Missouri delegation this year to receive the "A" rating by the NTU.

"Representative Akin's pro-taxpayer score was one of the best in the entire House. By consistently voting to reduce federal spending, taxes and debt, Representative Akin has truly earned the title, 'Taxpayers' Friend'," said John Berthoud, president of the NTU.

"While many Members of Congress talk about reducing the size of government, Representative Akin backed up those words with votes. This award proves that he is a consistent and effective ally in our battle to restore fiscal responsibility to Washington," concluded Berthoud.

"I am honored to receive this award, which really is a tribute to the people of the Second Congressional District and their commitment to restraining federal spending. I also want to commend the National Taxpayers Union for its work in monitoring the fiscal actions of Congress," said Akin.

The 2004 rating, along with a searchable database, is available online at www.ntu.org.