Voinovich Votes NO on Porkulus

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) voted today against the non-stimulative Democratic “compromise” bill. The $827 billion spending package, which is $7 billion more than the package passed by the House, will add $1.2 trillion to the national debt over 10 years when interest is included. The Congressional Budget Office projects that this bill will push the deficits for 2009, 2010 and 2011 to well-over a trillion dollars on average. And, this is on top of today’s already staggering national debt, which stands at $9.85 trillion.



“I keenly understand that Ohioans are hurting and our nation needs an economic shot in the arm. I worked towards and was prepared to support a package that put people back to work, injected needed capital into our economy and provided a safety net for families who the recession hit the hardest. I voted against this bill because it is weighed down by too much spending that is not stimulative and will not provide the jump-start our economy so desperately needs. Instead of funding federal responsibilities that are shovel-ready, like highways, sewers and housing, which would put people back to work quickly and the results of which would contribute to our nation’s economic growth, this bill is filled with items that should be funded through the regular appropriations process and compete with other federal priorities in President Obama’s budget request. Our nation is facing a catastrophic debt and this bill simply adds to that debt without fulfilling the well-accepted stimulus criteria that the funds be timely, targeted and temporary. It is irresponsible for us to attempt to save the present by mortgaging the future. It is my hope that my colleagues on the conference committee will get back to basics and do the work the American people are asking them to do: ensure that each and every dollar in this bill is focused on creating jobs, jump-starting the economy and responding to the human needs brought about by the deep recession our country is experiencing.”

YAY!!!