Sen. Voinovich Comments On Senate Passage Of Cash For Clunkers

Press Release

Sen. Voinovich Comments On Senate Passage Of Cash For Clunkers

U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) - Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, member of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change and Nuclear Safety, and co-chair of the Senate Auto Caucus - tonight released the following statement on Senate passage of Car Allowance Rebate Systems or "cash for clunkers." Sen. Voinovich was a co-sponsor of the original legislation and a deciding vote for the passage of the bill that created this program. Again tonight, Sen. Voinovich was a deciding vote in the program's continuation.

"The Senate's decision to continue funding the cash for clunkers program will allow consumers to purchase new cars, delivering a real economic stimulus to our states," Sen. Voinovich said. "As evidenced by the extraordinary response to the program thus far, this is a win-win. It provides much needed jobs and resources to our states and promotes fuel efficient cars to benefit our environment, reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

"I am thankful the additional $2 billion for this program is being taken from the already-enacted stimulus bill, which I voted against earlier this year," Sen. Voinovich continued. "Unfortunately, stimulative programs like ‘cash for clunkers' and robust highway and infrastructure investments were not part of the original stimulus package. These types of direct tangible investments provide not only jobs through dealers, manufacturers, and auto suppliers, but also usable assets for taxpayers. I look forward to the continued success of this program as American citizens purchase fuel efficient vehicles."

Since his days as Ohio's governor, Sen. Voinovich has placed a high priority on manufacturing to attract jobs and investment in Ohio. He remains committed to harmonizing our environmental, energy, and economic needs while creating new jobs.

Cash for clunkers is a direct and indirect benefit to the state of Ohio; the manufacturing and construction of cars and car parts uses Ohio employees, suppliers and auto dealers. This program provides valuable jobs and much needed revenue - a direct stimulus - to the state. Furthermore, Ohio was one of the top three recipients under the program.

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