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

March 30, 2007

Dear Friends,                              

This week the Senate voted to approve specific timelines for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in the emergency supplemental spending bill.  I rejected these timelines and I was very disappointed in the results of this vote. I will support President Bush if he follows through with his threat to veto the bill.  We must remember we are not in a war like past wars. The terrorists don’t want to beat us. They want us to lose our resolve so they can rule the world through intimidation.  It is vital that we pass a bill that includes the necessary for funds for our men and women in uniform to do their job, but Congress should not dictate strategy regarding the conflict in Iraq. For us to talk about timetables or to compromise our commitment is just plain wrong.  We must not undermine the President in a time of war. We cannot disengage or retreat at a time when strength is needed the most. I will vote to sustain a veto because we cannot as a nation lose our resolve while our men and women are in harm’s way.

Tuskegee Airmen Aviators Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

On Thursday, I joined with my colleagues to praise the courageous actions of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military fliers during World War II as they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony honoring their service and sacrifice to the country at the U.S. Capitol.  Nearly 400 aviators received the medal, which is the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress.  Through their actions during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen demonstrated an unwavering devotion to duty.  These men are true heroes, and as a co-sponsor of the bill, I am extremely pleased they have finally received this tremendous honor. 

Congressman Charlie Norwood

Also this week, Senator Chambliss (R-Ga.), U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) and I introduced legislation in both chambers of Congress to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, located at 1 Freedom Way in Augusta, Ga., in honor of the late U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood, who passed away on February 13, 2007.  The legislation renames the facility as the “Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,” in honor of Norwood’s many years of service to our nation and to our veterans.  I am so thankful for the contributions Charlie made to our state and to this Congress.  It is only fitting that we dedicate the Augusta VA Center to a man who was so diligent in his efforts to ensure that the treatment and services we give our veterans are equal to the sacrifice they have made for our country.  The bill is co-sponsored by 75 members of the House including the following members of the Georgia delegation: Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga)., Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.), Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), Rep. John Linder (R-Ga.), Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.), Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.), Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.), and Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.).

Augusta VA Medical Center

During a hearing on cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to meet the health care needs of returning service members this week, I praised the collaboration between the Augusta VA Medical Center and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center to care for service members returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom who have sustained combat injuries.  The Augusta VA Medical Center operates the nation’s only medical rehabilitation unit within the VA system for active duty military personnel.  Dr. Dennis Hollins, who works for the VA, heads the unit, and active duty medical personnel are stationed in the unit working alongside VA doctors and nurses.  As of January 2007, 431 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have received rehabilitation services at the unit, and 26 percent of those treated have been able to return to active duty.  The Augusta VA Medical Center is a great story about how collaboration and coordination and this idea of a seamless transition from the Department of Defense to Veterans’ Affairs can work.  We want to see to it that the treatment of every veteran and active duty soldier is the best that it can be.  Initiatives such as the partnership between Augusta VA Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Center will help us achieve that goal.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

This week, Senator Chambliss and I announced that the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) is now accepting applications for grant awards.  This funding goes a long way to help ensure that Georgia’s first responders have the resources necessary to protect families and communities across the state.  I encourage our Georgia fire departments to apply for this grant opportunity and will continue to support their efforts.  The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was created to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs. Additionally, non-fire based EMS organizations are eligible to apply.  To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate financial need and articulate the benefits if awarded the grant. The application period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2007. The application kit can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will recess for Easter break.  I will be traveling around Georgia during much of the week and look forward to visiting with many of you and hearing your thoughts on the 110^th Congress.  When we return on April 10, the Senate will take up stem cell legislation.                                      

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson