May 4, 2022
the current structure falls short in comparison to a model that provides additional accountability and reasonably insulates the organization from political interference
George Voinovich
The Public Record
George Voinovich is a former Republican politician from Ohio who served as the 65th Governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1998. He was also a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1999 to 2011. Voinovich's tenure as governor was marked by efforts to improve the state's economy and education system. As a senator, he focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, national security, and environmental protection. Voinovich was known for his moderate stance within the Republican Party and often sought bipartisan solutions to legislative challenges.
★ Featured Quote
May 4, 2022
the current structure falls short in comparison to a model that provides additional accountability and reasonably insulates the organization from political interference
— George Voinovich
Most widely reported
by number of sources- I rise to speak about a bill my colleague Senator Bingaman and I introduced today, the Health Care Partnership Act. For too many years, I have listened to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle talk about the rising cost of health care and the growing number of uninsured Americans. Yet, we have not been able to make much progress here at the Federal level to find a meaningful solution for the dilemma this Nation is facing regarding access to quality, affordable health care. Next to the economy, it is the greatest domestic challenge facing our Nation. In fact, the rising cost of health care is a major part of what is hurting our competitiveness in the global marketplace. While surveys have indicated that health insurance premiums have stabilized--a 9.2 percent increase in 2006 and 2005 and compared with a 12.3 percent in 2004; 14.7 percent in 2003; and 15.2 percent in 2002-- health insurance costs continue to be a significant factor impacting American competitiveness. In addition, the share of costs that individuals have paid for employer sponsored insurance has risen roughly 2 percent each year, from 31.4 percent of health care costs in 2001 to 38.4 percent this year. In fact, spending on health care in the United States reached $1.9 trillion in 2004--almost 16.5 percent of our GDP--the largest share ever.…5 sources2006govinfo.gov
- I rise to introduce The Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2006, along with my good friends Senators Akaka, Lugar, Mikulski, and Santorum. This legislation would expand the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in a way that would increase cooperation with key allies in the war on terror while strengthening U.S. national security. The bill provides a way for us to expand and improve the visa waiver system so that Americans are safer and our Nation is more prosperous for years to come. This legislation comes at a particularly important time in our Nation's history. We are currently facing multiple foreign policy challenges in the post-9/11 world. We need the cooperation of several allies to combat transnational threats. As such, we are asking our friends and allies to contribute more of their troops and resources to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts in the world, so that we can be successful. This legislation will help us to solidify these relationships and increase goodwill toward the U.S. for years to come, while also enhancing travel security and safety at home.3 sources2006govinfo.gov
- if there is one thing that the Senate can agree on wholeheartedly, it is that we, as a Nation, need to invest in our children's educational future. There is no other issue that hits closer to home for America's families. But, even as we recognize the importance of education, we must realize that close to home is where education works best in America, and simply spending more and more Federal dollars on more and more Federal "one size fits all" education directives will not, by itself, make our education system perform better. S. 1, the Better Education for Students and Teachers Act, that the Senate passed last Thursday contains several provisions that I favor. The bill contains a modest pilot "Straight A's" provision that will help us build on the Education Flexibility Partnership Act that I worked to help pass in the 106th Congress to allow States to consolidate Federal education programs to meet State and local needs. It also contains an amendment that I sponsored, that will provide loan forgiveness to Head Start teachers in effort to encourage teachers to go into early childhood education. Further, S. 1 expands local flexibility and control by block-granting funds, consolidating some programs, and includes another amendment that I sponsored to allow local districts to spend Title II funds, if they desire, on pupil services personnel. However, taken as a whole, S. 1 is fiscally irresponsible and violates my deeply held principles of federalism.2 sources2001govinfo.gov
- I speak as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety to introduce a landmark, bipartisan piece of legislation--the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005. This bill is cosponsored by Environment and Public Works Committee Jim Inhofe and ranking member Jim Jeffords and Senators Tom Carper, Johnny Isakson, Hillary Clinton, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Dianne Feinstein. Focused on improving air quality and protecting public health, it would establish voluntary national and state-level grant and loan programs to promote the reduction of diesel emissions. Additionally, the bill would help areas come into attainment for the new air quality standards. Developed with environmental, industry, and public officials, the legislation complements Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, regulations now being implemented that address diesel fuel and new diesel engines.…2 sources2005govinfo.gov
- I rise to address my serious concern about our movement toward a decision to adjourn the 109th Congress without completing our work on the remaining 2007 appropriations bills... This approach toward managing our Nation's checkbook is indicative of Congress's attitude toward fiscal discipline and is a serious problem.2 sources2006govinfo.gov
congress.gov
May 3, 2022
the current structure falls short in comparison to a model that provides additional accountability and reasonably insulates the organization from political interference
Jul 21, 2014
My champion on this project is a friend of many in this chamber, George Voinovich.
Jul 21, 2014
I am very proud of the role public transit played in leading a tremendous resurgence in a city that, quite honestly needed help.
May 11, 2011
DERA is one of the most cost-effective clean air Federal programs and it does indeed provide an economic and health benefit of some $13 for every dollar of moneys that are spent.
Dec 21, 2010
a number of experts I have consulted with have pointed out--and I have agreed with--the need for the President to provide public assurances regarding the U.S. commitment to a robust missile defense system. So I was pleased with the…
Dec 21, 2010
I rise today to discuss the Senate's deliberation of the New START treaty and the treaty's implications for our friends and allies in Eastern and Central Europe and, more importantly, the national security of the United States. On November…
Dec 21, 2010
I also bring to my colleagues' attention a July 14, 2010, letter to Senators Levin, Kerry, McCain, and Lugar, from former commanders of the Strategic Air Command and U.S. Strategic Command. Again, I hope my colleagues will read that…
Dec 21, 2010
in my opinion, the jury has returned its verdict, and the overwhelming evidence is that the Senate should ratify the treaty. Support for the treaty should not be viewed through the lens of being liberal or conservative, Republican or…
Dec 21, 2010
In his piece, the Secretary discusses the importance of verification and closes with this thought: The original START Treaty expired last December. The time has come to start seeing again, with penetrating eyes, and to start learning from…
Dec 21, 2010
I believe many of these experts remain concerned, as do I, that a failure to ratify the treaty would be exploited by those factions in Russia who wish to revert back to our Cold War posture. Such a failure could easily be used by those…
Dec 15, 2010
I rise today to say farewell to the Senate after 12 years. I would like to take time to convey my heartfelt thanks to all of those who have helped me during my time in the Senate and to reflect briefly on the work we were able to get done…
Dec 13, 2010
since I joined the Senate almost 12 years ago, I have worked to ensure that Congress deals with our country's unsustainable national debt and budgets that are not balanced as far as the eye can see; to do this, we must undertake tax…
Nov 30, 2010
I rise today to express my opposition to the moratorium on earmarks that has been proposed by many of my colleagues. We have done a lot of crusading around here against these so-called earmarks, or congressionally directed spending items…
Nov 17, 2010
I rise today to discuss the challenges America faces in our relationship with Russia and their implications on the Senate's consideration of the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START. A number of my colleagues on both sides…
Nov 15, 2010
There are some wonderful things that are happening in committees in the Senate.
Nov 15, 2010
In the past, GAO has suggested that the Joint Reform Team provide Congress with 'long-term financing requirements for security clearance reform.'
Nov 15, 2010
I think one of the really important things about this endeavor is that--General Clapper, you understand how important it is...
Nov 15, 2010
My hope is that enough progress would have been made on this that you all could say that this is off the high-risk list.
Politicians like George Voinovich
