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Voinovich’s commission bill gets a little White House love - sort of
Sen. George Voinovich is claiming his victories where he can, and in this case, he’s claiming one on his idea of creating a commission aimed at examining how the federal government spends its money. After all, Voinovich has been flogging this idea since 2006. He brought it up again earlier this week on CNBC. After his appearance, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made positive comments about the idea . Then, came today’s Washington Post, which included an interview with President Obama endorsing the commission.
Well, sort of. Obama told the Post that he would endorse a commission where “everything is going to have to be on (the) table” when it comes to examining our tax and entitlement systems and presenting long-term solutions to place the United States on a fiscally sustainable course.
Voinovich wants to create a commission which would bring together the best minds on budget and economic policies to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and recommend reforms. He’s been introducing the bill regularly since 2006, with no movement.
He envisions an 18-member commission akin to the Base Closure and Realignment Commission, one that would make recommendations that Congress would have to approve on an up- or down-vote. The commission would gather information through public town hall meetings around the country for a year.
Voinovich takes Obama’s comments as as a positive sign.
“America’s elected leaders know we face a fiscal train-wreck, but are choosing to ignore our economic reality as they push forward with trillion dollar health care proposals,” Voinovich said. “I thank President Obama for being honest with the American people about our nation’s unsustainable course. Americans are paying attention and asking how in the world we can continue to spend and borrow, taking on new health care responsibilities, at a time when we can’t handle the responsibilities we already have.”
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By whatever
July 25, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
This man would sell his soul to the devil, in this case the Democratic party, to gain acceptance. He has been nothing but an RINO once he arrived in the Capital. If he would have only supported George Bush, as he has supported his beloved Democratic party.By Ethel S
July 23, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Finally, someone in the U.S. Senate has good sense. Wonderful idea for a Commission to study fiscal responsibility and accountability for this tax and spend Congress. The next thing is who is going to be on that Commission?