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

December 12, 2006

Dear Friends,                              

The Senate adjourned the 109^th Congress in the early hours of Saturday morning. Among the many final items the Senate acted on was the confirmation of Robert Gates to be Secretary of Defense by a vote of 95 to 2.  Robert Gates’ background in intelligence, his long history of service to this country and his experience in leadership positions make him an outstanding choice to lead the Pentagon and bring fresh ideas to the Department of Defense. I am extremely glad the Senate approved his nomination in such a quick and efficient manner.

We also passed legislation that Senator Chambliss and I cosponsored in response to the protests that have occurred at military funerals nationwide. Our bill, S.4042, “The Respect for the Funerals of Fallen Heroes Act,” will protect and preserve the dignity of military funerals.  Our servicemen and women and their families have made immeasurable sacrifices for our nation and the chance for freedom to take root abroad.  All of our fallen heroes must be given the highest honors and respect for their great sacrifice. The legislation makes it a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or up to one year in jail, for any person who makes noise within 150 feet of a military funeral location that intentionally disturbs the peace and good order of the funeral, or intentionally impedes access to or from the funeral within 300 feet of the funeral location.

I also spoke on the Senate floor last week in opposition to a proposed bid by US Airways to merge with Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines.  Delta has worked hard to develop a plan to exit bankruptcy as a healthy, thriving and dominant company.  In our fragile aviation system, it is critical to understand that competition is still in the best interests of the American consumer.  A further consolidation of the airlines we have now would lead us to reduced numbers of flights in many cities, an absence of competition, an inevitable increase in fares and, unfortunately, a less healthy aviation industry nationwide.  I have contacted top officials at the White House, the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation to voice my concerns over the potential negative impact of the proposed merger.

Also this week, the Congress approved a bill to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 103 East Thompson Street on Thomaston, GA. as the “Sergeant First Class Robert Lee ‘Bobby’ Hollar, Jr. Post Office Building.”  Sgt. Hollar was the type of soldier in Iraq today who serves without desire for credit, but on behalf of his country and everything that we stand for.  Hollar served in E Troop, 108^th Cavalry, 48^th Brigade of the Georgia National Guard, and was deployed to Iraq in May 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On September 1, 2005, an improvised explosive device struck Hollar’s vehicle while he was on patrol outside of Baghdad, and he died of severe injuries later that day.  Hollar was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.  Hollar’s duties in Iraq went beyond the daily routine of a soldier. Hollar was a pen pal with the fourth grade class at Crescent Elementary School in Griffin, Ga. To these students, Hollar was a real-life “G.I. Joe” and his letters and visits with them have forever touched their lives. Prior to his service in Iraq, Hollar served as a U.S. postal carrier in Jonesboro, Ga. I have been contacted by many members of his community, and I am proud to play a role in their efforts to name the Thomaston Post Office in his honor of his memory.  This is such a special way to recognize Sgt. Hollar’s service and sacrifice to our country and I am so pleased we were able to get this accomplished. 

And lastly, much of last week was spent on outgoing Senators’ giving their final speeches to honor their constituents, staff and colleagues, as well as reminisce about their time in the Senate.  I extend my great admiration and appreciation to those colleagues, and I thank them for their public service and wish them well in the future. 

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

The Senate will be in recess for the holidays and will reconvene on January 4^th to begin the 110^th Congress.  At this special time of year, I would like for you to join me in a prayer for our nation’s military who serve our great country with enormous personal sacrifice.  I would also like to wish you a Happy New Year.                                                    

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson