Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) expresses disappointment that the Senate did not pass the bailout bill but also said that the Bush administation may have the correct answer. (1:43)
At a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Congressman George Voinovich (R-Ohio) says the current U.S. foreign aid system is a “cumbersome…relic of the Cold War” requiring consolidation.
Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio.) while hosting a conference call this morning discussed his belief that the continuing high cost of oil is not only affecting Americans daily life but our national security. Voinovich commented that numbers released by the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) showing America’s deficit had climbed 750 billion dollars means that the country is not only at a financial disadvantage but a national security risk. Voinovich also noted that the national debt at the end of this year is estimated to be at ten trillion dollars. (more…)
Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio.) does not believes that America should tap into the Stategic Petroleum Reserves to relieve high gas prices. Voinovich says that he is “worried” about America’s national security and for a slight reduction in the cost of oil does not think it’s worth the risk to open the reserve. (0:51)
Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio.) believes that America is at a high national security risk. Voinovich cited that due to high energy costs and relationships with foreign governments America is reliant on countries that wish the Unted States harm. In addition, Voinovich commented that according to the Stanford University Modeling Forum the odds of a foreign oil disruption happening over the next ten years are slightly higher than 80 percent. If global production were reduced by more than 2.1 percent that would have a serious effect on oil prices and our economy. This would be more so than Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (0:49)
Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) says that at a time when our nation’s diplomacy is at an all-time low, the State Department continues to be underfunded. He goes on to describe specific shortfalls the department is facing (:39).
“As Secretary Rice and other senior officials have testified repeatedly, the [State] Department’s staffing needs exceed our current resources” stated Harry Thomas, director general of the Foreign Service and director of human resources at the State Department. He testified before the Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia Subcommittee on human capital issues at the State Department.
According to Sen George Voinovich (R-Ohio), the State Department faces a shortfall of 2,400 personnel focused on core diplomatic efforts. Because of this, the department lacks sufficient personnel to accomplish its priority missions. In addition, he stated that 1 of every 5 employees holds a job that is designated for a more experienced person.
Thomas also stated that positions in the State Department increasingly require employees to travel alone to remote locations that are often dangerous. As such, these employees require advanced training and communication equipment. However, current resources available to the State Department do not allow the organization to adequately prepare members of Department. Thomas concluded his statement by encouraging Congress to consider the funding for the State Department when formulating and passing the budget for the next fiscal year.
