A Weekly e-Newsletter from
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

February 10, 2006

Dear Friends,

This week, the Senate began debate on Asbestos legislation, including the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act, or FAIR Act of 2005, S.852, of which I am a cosponsor. This legislation establishes an Administrator appointed by President to the Department of Labor the Office of Asbestos Disease Compensation who would be responsible for processing claims for asbestos-related illnesses and paying compensation to eligible claimants. The purpose of the office and position is to provide timely, fair compensation to claimants whose health has been adversely affected by exposure to asbestos, on a no-fault basis and in a non-adversarial manner.

Also this week, six new members were nominated to the Tennessee Valley Authority governing board.  Unfortunately, while the nominees are certainly qualified, none are from the state of Georgia.  Over 123,000 households in northern Georgia receive power from the TVA and yet we have never had a member nominated to its board.  In addition to Georgia, the states of North Carolina and Virginia also have never been represented on the TVA board.  I intend to change that by introducing legislation to require that all seven states served by the TVA are represented on its board.  In the meantime, I have told the Senate leadership that I will exercise my right to place a hold on the current six nominations until I get a commitment to resolve this representation issue. The TVA has jurisdiction over power issues that are critical to Georgia and my constituents must rely on TVA; therefore, they deserve a voice on that governing board.

In January, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings visited Charles L. Gideons Elementary School in Atlanta honor the school for its many academic achievements and to discuss the importance of math and science education in preparation for 21 st century jobs.  This week in a hearing with the Secretary Spellings, I brought up this school of excellence as an example of how No Child Left Behind is working, because it has removed the veil for administrators and motivated our teachers.  Students at Gideons spend nearly three hours each day learning reading and math skills as part of an academic reform effort designed to improve children’s educational foundations.   It’s no secret why Gideons Elementary is so successful; Armstead Salters is a great principal who is a great leader. He attracts good teachers because he backs them up and insists on excellence.  We must all not only expect, but demand excellence in our schools.

On Thursday, Delta Air Lines announced it will pursue a route from the United States to Africa, which would make Delta the only U.S. airline to operate scheduled service between the U.S. and Africa.  Delta Air Lines has been an integral part of helping Atlanta become a global destination.  I am very pleased that Delta will become the only U.S. carrier to serve the continent.  If Delta’s request is approved, the route will be from Atlanta to the South African city of Johannesburg, with an intermediate stop in Dakar, Senegal, effective in December 2006.

This week, I also attended the funeral of Coretta Scott King.  Mrs. King was an equal with Dr. King in the civil rights movement and a great woman in American history.  Georgians and Americans will feel her loss for years to come and I continue to pray for her family and friends.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will debate the conference report on the Tax Reconciliation bill and the asbestos legislation. 

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson