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

April 27, 2007

Dear Friends,                              

This week, the Senate unfortunately approved specific timelines for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.  I voted against final passage of the emergency supplemental spending bill for a number of reasons – 140,000 reasons are the men and women deployed, right now, on behalf of the United States of America and the civilized world. Almost 3,300 reasons I voted ‘no’ are the sacrifices already made on behalf of the United States of America – those troops who have fought and made the ultimate sacrifice.  Withdrawing troops before Iraq is fully secure or revealing timelines for the withdrawal of troops sends a message of hope to the terrorists and insurgents that America has lost its will. 

The bill, which was passed by the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 51 to 46, provides a date certain of no later than October 1, 2007, for beginning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. The bill now goes to President Bush for his signature.  President Bush has said he intends to veto the emergency supplemental spending bill because it includes an artificial timeline for removing U.S. troops from Iraq. If the President vetoes the bill, it would come back to the Senate for a vote on whether the veto should be sustained.  I will vote to sustain a veto if the President issues one because we cannot as a nation lose our resolve while our men and women are in harm’s way.

America COMPETES Act

On Wednesday, the Senate passed legislation to invest in innovation and education to improve the competitiveness of the United States in the global economy.  The America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act, S. 760, passed by a vote of 88 to 8.  As a co-sponsor of the legislation, I am extremely pleased that an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of the Senate voted in support of this legislation to ensure that our students are receiving more of the educational tools they need to compete in the 21st Century.  The legislation focuses on three primary areas of importance, including increasing research investment, strengthening educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from elementary through graduate school, and developing an innovation infrastructure.  The bill is a legislative response to recommendations contained in the National Academies’ “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” report and the Council on Competitiveness’ “Innovate America” report.                                                                                                                                  

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will debate a bill on S.1082, the FDA Authorization Bill.                              

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson