Sen. Voinovich Votes For Short-Term Debt Limit Increase

Press Release

Received commitment that debt reduction commission bill will be debated after Christmas

U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) today voted in favor of a short-term increase to the debt limit. His vote came on the heels of a commitment by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) that the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009, legislation closely modeled after his own Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission Act, will be considered when the Senate reconvenes after Christmas as an amendment to the House-passed bill to increase the debt ceiling by $925 billion.

"As one who knows all too well about our debt crisis, unbalanced budgets and unfunded liabilities -- and one who is keenly aware of how closely the United States is being watched by the international community -- I felt conscience-bound to vote for this short-term debt extension," Sen. Voinovich said. "I have long said that our increasing national debt is the biggest challenge facing our nation today. And for too long, I have felt alone in the desert in my calls for reform."

"I am extremely grateful that the Republican Leader has negotiated with the Majority Leader to allow debate on the raising of the debt ceiling when we return from Christmas break, and has provided an opportunity to propose several amendments to the bill, including the Conrad-Gregg fiscal task force. I am truly grateful for the leadership of Senators Conrad and Gregg, and was happy to help move this issue forward."

Since coming to the Senate in 1999, Sen. Voinovich has called on Congress to address reform of the tax and entitlement systems. He has introduced the SAFE Commission Act each Congress since 2006, this year being joined by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT) as a cosponsor.

In a Budget Committee hearing last month Sen. Conrad stated, "Senator Voinovich has been as committed as any member to the need to deal with our long-term debt. And Senator Voinovich has not just talked about it. He has not only talked the talk, he has walked the walk, and he is before us -- along with Senator Lieberman -- with a specific proposal. And over and over and over, Senator Voinovich has demonstrated his commitment to doing something serious and significant to get our long-term debt under control."

The SAFE Commission Act was aimed at comprehensive reform of our nation's tax and entitlement systems, establishing a national commission to examine our tax and entitlement systems and present long-term solutions to place the United States on a fiscally sustainable course. Much like the SAFE Commission Act, the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009 would establish a national task force to examine our tax and entitlement systems and present long-term solutions to place the United States on a fiscally sustainable course, as well as to ensure the solvency of entitlement programs for future generations.

The task force recommendations, which would be submitted to the Congress after the 2010 elections, would be considered by Congress under expedited procedures with a vote required. Most importantly, the task force would ensure a bipartisan outcome. Broad bipartisan agreement would be required to move anything forward. Fourteen of the 18 Task Force members would have to agree to report the recommendations, and final passage would require supermajorities in both the Senate and House.

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