U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson

e-Newsletter for the week ending May 17, 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friends,

On May 10, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) admitted that it improperly targeted conservative political groups for additional screening. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has oversight of the IRS, I believe it is unconscionable that in the United States of America, groups were unfairly targeted by a government agency for exercising their First Amendment rights. Americans from every political affiliation should be outraged by this discrimination.

Therefore, this week, I co-sponsored two pieces of legislation to address these disturbing issues. The Taxpayer Nondiscrimination & Protection Act of 2013, a bill introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., would add criminal penalties for IRS employees who target political organizations. I also co-sponsored S.937, the Project Against Ideology-Based Targeting Act, which was introduced by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., that would prohibit the IRS from targeting organizations based on ideology. Sen. Flake’s bill would also require the semi-annual report to Congress from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to include information about complaints of ideology-based targeting.

Additionally, I joined my Republican colleagues on Wednesday in sending a letter to President Obama demanding full compliance with congressional investigation requests for information on how the IRS targeted conservative groups.

I look forward to hearing additional information from the agency as to how it will guarantee this type of harassment is not continued in the future on any level. The targeting of conservative groups by the IRS completely undermines the American public’s confidence in the agency’s integrity. We need to get to the bottom of what happened at the IRS because the American people deserve answers. I am proud to co-sponsor these bills to help ensure that this type of outrageous political discrimination never happens again. On Jan. 1, 2014, the IRS takes over the enforcement of Obamacare. I am very concerned about whether the IRS will be able to restore its credibility by then. I discussed all of these issues on Fox’s “Power Play” on Thursday. My interview begins at the 18 minute mark.

Obamacare

In other concerns regarding the implementation of Obamacare, on Tuesday, I joined my colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee in sending a letter demanding details of a fundraising scheme in which Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has solicited funds from the health care companies she regulates to help launch Obamacare. The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Our letter asks for a top-to-bottom review of the Department’s decision to move forward with the fundraising scheme, which has raised numerous legal questions under federal regulations prohibiting the augmentation of congressional appropriations.

We wrote, “As the Republican Members of the Senate Committee on Finance, one of the key committees of jurisdiction over health care issues, we were troubled by the news reports concerning your interactions with health care industry executives asking for donations of money to assist with funding for enrollment efforts related to the health care insurance exchanges. Our initial reaction is that this appears at best to be an inherent conflict of interest and at worst a potentially illegal augmentation of appropriation.” You can read the full text of the letter on my website.

Water Resources Development Act

On Wednesday, the Senate passed S.601, the Water Resources Development Act, also known as WRDA. This legislation would authorize water-based infrastructure projects, such as levees, flood diversions, dredging and harbor maintenance and contains a key provision to allow the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project to move forward.

Specifically, the legislation contains a provision to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with projects such as the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project that have a current cost higher than the amount Congress authorized for them years ago when the projects were first proposed.

Deepening the Savannah Harbor from 42 to 47 feet will accommodate an increase in the number of super-sized container vessels transiting the Panama Canal after its 2015 expansion. Studies by the Army Corps of Engineers show a 5.5-to-1 benefit to cost ratio, meaning that for every dollar spent on the deepening, the nation will reap $5.50 in benefits.

According to the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 352,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $18.5 billion in income, $66.9 billion in revenue and $2.5 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah was the second busiest U.S. container port for the export of American goods by tonnage.

I am delighted that the Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act, as it represents major progress in terms of allowing the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project to move forward. The port of Savannah is critically important to our state and local economies, and I will continue to work to see this project through to its completion. I also look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to improve the WRDA bill as it now moves to that chamber for consideration.

What’s on Tap?

Next week, the Senate will begin consideration of legislation known as the farm bill. The current farm policy is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2013, and this new legislation is designed to set farm policy for our country for the next five years.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

Floor Speech - MOX Program

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Mr. ISAKSON. First of all, I wish to thank the Senator from South Carolina for his leadership on this important issue, and I am proud to join the senior Senator from Georgia Saxby Chambliss and, in effect, join Sam Nunn, who is a former Senator from Georgia who, with Dick Lugar, brought about the Nuclear Threat Initiative program which brought about the treaty of 2000 which calls for the reduction by 68 metric tons of nuclear materials.

I would answer the question of the Senator from South Carolina with another question: Where else in the United States of America are there two States willing to accept plutonium, reprocess it into fuel rod for commercial use, and do it safely and have dealt with nuclear materials for over 50 years? That is Georgia and South Carolina.

The idea that we can fund a study to look for an alternative is laughable. That is just merely a smokescreen for the current administration's position.

The Senator is exactly right. Senator Chambliss and myself, along with Senator Scott and Senator Graham, are happy to sit down with the administration, look at the cost overrun on the MOX facility, and find ways to find savings. But the dumbest economic decision in the world would be to stop the process when we are half finished because then we have wasted every dime that has already been spent, and we have to spend more money on an alternative that does not exist.

So I wish to add my support to the remarks of Senator Graham and my State's support to reprocess this weapons-grade plutonium into reprocessed materials that fuel powerplants and commercial opportunities. That is a good use. It is a good way to get rid of this nuclear material, and it is also a good way to keep it out of the hands of the terrorists. If we don't destroy it and it lays around in Russia or anywhere else, it is always suspected of being stolen or used in a way that none of us would ever want.

I thank the Senator for his leadership.

Obama Administration 'Jeopardizing' Partnership between Savannah River Site and South Carolina, Georgia over Plutonium Disposition

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – The United States senators representing the states of South Carolina and Georgia – Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia) and Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia) today warned that the Obama administration is jeopardizing the 60-year partnership between the Savannah River Site and both states over its interest in changing the agreed-upon plan to dispose of surplus weapons-grade plutonium.

In 2000, with the signing of the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PDMA) with the Russian Federation, the United States and Russia agreed to dispose of 68 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium. The United States’ plan would send American plutonium to the Savannah River Site (SRS) where it would be turned into commercial nuclear fuel (MOX).

In 2010, President Obama hailed the plutonium disposition agreement in a joint press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and noted it prevented terrorists from acquiring these materials. Now, the Obama administration is seemingly backing away from the MOX program and the agreements made with the state of South Carolina.

The senators noted four areas of concern with the Obama Administration’s plan to slow, if not completely scrap, the MOX program:

-Delays to the MOX program threaten American national security;

-Potential alternatives to MOX have already been studied and they fail to meet our economic or nonproliferation needs;

-Reassessment of the MOX program adds billions of additional costs and uncertainty domestically; and

-Plans to again study plutonium disposition alternatives destroy 60 years of collaboration with South Carolina and the Savannah River Site.

“It is with great dismay that your Fiscal Year 2014 budget request risks the future of the PMDA and the MOX program,” wrote the senators. “Your budget request will result in the breaking of our international agreement with Russia, the stranding of up to 68 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium, the addition of billions of dollars in increased costs to the government, and the violation of commitments the federal government has made to the state of South Carolina. This is unacceptable and we will be looking to use the confirmation, authorization, and appropriations processes to ensure the program moves forward.”

“A fundamental component to the MOX project involves assurances to South Carolina regarding the ultimate disposition of the plutonium,” said the senators. “Never before has the local community had their faith in DOE and SRS tested as they do now. The delays in the MOX program have caused the community to once again fear that the plutonium currently in state will remain there indefinitely.

“The residents of South Carolina and Georgia have always been willing partners of DOE in carrying out missions critical to our national security at SRS,” wrote the senators. “The residents of the states have never hesitated to support the mission of SRS even though it resulted in the shipment, storage, and use of some of the most dangerous items known to man. In fact, the community surrounding the site is widely regarded as the most supportive community of any DOE site in the country. We want to be able to continue this partnership.”

Full text of the letter to President Obama:

May 13, 2013

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

On June 24, 2010, on the heels of your Nuclear Security Summit, where you trumpeted a major non-proliferation agreement with Russia, you held a joint press conference with Russian President Medvedev, and stated that, “…to prevent terrorists from acquiring nuclear weapons, we came together at our Nuclear Security Summit, where our two nations made numerous commitments, including agreeing to eliminate enough plutonium for about 17,000 nuclear weapons.” This statement was the culmination of years of work that began in 2000 with the signing of the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) with Russia to dispose of 68 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium. The program involved sending plutonium to the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina where it would be turned into commercial nuclear fuel at the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX).

Now it is with great dismay that your Fiscal Year 2014 budget request risks the future of the PMDA and the MOX program. Your budget request will result in the breaking of our international agreement with Russia, the stranding of up to 68 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium, the addition of billions of dollars in increased costs to the government, and the violation of commitments the federal government has made to the state of South Carolina. This is unacceptable and we will be looking to use the confirmation, authorization, and appropriations processes to ensure the program moves forward.

Your recently submitted budget request calls for slowing down the MOX project while the Administration conducts an assessment of alternative plutonium disposition strategies. Officials at the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have been unable to explain exactly what this means. They are unable to provide an idea as to who will conduct the study, the length of the study, or the options being studied. They are unable to explain what the impact of the budget request will have on the construction of the facility, the impact on the schedule for the disposition of plutonium, or a cost estimate for the increased storage costs due to any additional delays that result from the study. Additionally, nobody has been able to explain how the Administration plans to comply with Section 4306 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 USC 2566) which mandates at least one metric ton of plutonium be processed through MOX or be removed from South Carolina by 2016 or the federal government will be liable for fines to South Carolina of up to $100 million per year.

While we would like to work with you and the contractor to reduce construction and operating costs at MOX, make no mistake; the decision to slow down the plutonium disposition project makes no sense from a national security or an economic point of view. Your decision violates the commitments that were made to South Carolina and jeopardizes a 60-year partnership between the Savannah River Site (SRS) and the state. We will not allow this ill-conceived plan to proceed.

Delays to the MOX program threaten our national security

As a result of your budget request, the U.S. will be forced to notify Russia that it cannot meet the 2018 start date of plutonium disposition as set forth in the PMDA or conversely, that it is withdrawing from its obligations under the PMDA. In turn, this can be expected to cause Russia to slow down or halt its plutonium disposition efforts. If this were to happen, 34 metric tons of surplus Russian plutonium would then become available for re-use in nuclear weapons or become subject to an increased risk of theft or diversion.

In addition, delaying plutonium disposition sends a strong signal to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the world community that the U.S. is walking back on its support for nuclear nonproliferation.

Delaying or canceling MOX eliminates the means by which the U.S. is able to dispose of additional quantities of surplus weapons grade plutonium from future stockpile reductions and/or Arms Control Agreements.

Reassessment of the MOX program adds billions of additional costs and uncertainty domestically

While we share your concern about the cost increases associated with the plutonium disposition program, your budget request does nothing to reduce these costs.

A decision to significantly delay construction of the MOX facility would likely kill the overall plutonium disposition effort and leave the U.S. with no means to dispose of its stocks of surplus weapons grade plutonium. This would leave 34 metric tons of plutonium stranded with no disposition path at SRS in South Carolina, Pantex in Texas, and other sites across the country. As a result, the government will be forced to continue its current program of storing and monitoring this nuclear material indefinitely. The storage of this material alone costs hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

A decision to slow down or halt MOX construction can be expected to have an adverse impact on operations at Pantex which currently stores the U.S. inventory of surplus and non-surplus plutonium pits. A significant fraction of Pantex’s pit inventory is destined for fabrication into MOX fuel on a just-in-time processing basis. Furthermore, current and expected future declines in the active stockpile are expected to increase the number of pits already stored at Pantex, creating a need for tens and perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars to design and construct safe, secure additional pit storage capacity at Pantex in the event that plutonium disposition at SRS does not take place.

Consequently, any significant delay to MOX construction or concomitant funding reduction would lead to the lay off of hundreds of highly-skilled nuclear craft workers employed on the project, workers it takes years and significant cost to hire and train.

Potential alternatives to MOX fail to meet our economic or nonproliferation needs

Studies on how best to dispose of surplus plutonium have been ongoing since 1995. In 2001, a study prepared for the National Security Council by NNSA, Analysis of Options for U.S. and Russian Plutonium Management and Disposition, evaluated more than 40 approaches for plutonium disposition with 12 distinct options selected for detailed analysis, i.e., six mixed-oxide (MOX)-based reactor disposition options, two advanced reactor disposition options, and four non-reactor options (immobilization and long-term storage). MOX has always been the best option to meet our nonproliferation goals at the best cost to the taxpayer.

Any alternative to MOX would add years to the plutonium disposition process and would come with additional complications. For example, if the government were to pursue vitrification, it would take years of additional research and development in order to research, design, license and construct a vitrification facility. This would be further complicated by the fact that according to NNSA, vitrification/immobilization is no longer an option because there are insufficient quantities of high level waste (HLW) in the SRS waste tanks to immobilize over 40 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium. Vitrification also fails to meet the nonproliferation goals of putting the plutonium beyond re-use.

With the half-life of plutonium being 24,000 years, the most expensive option was long-term storage because it requires the expenditure of many millions of dollars a year for storage, security, and health physics after which, the U.S. government would still have to pay for disposition.

This plan destroys 60 years of collaboration with South Carolina and the Savannah River Site

Importantly, your current plan will destroy over 60 years of collaboration with South Carolina and Georgia. The residents of South Carolina and Georgia have always been willing partners of DOE in carrying out missions critical to our national security at SRS. The residents of the states have never hesitated to support the mission of SRS even though it resulted in the shipment, storage, and use of some of the most dangerous items known to man. In fact, the community surrounding the site is widely regarded as the most supportive community of any DOE site in the country. We want to be able to continue this partnership.

A fundamental component to the MOX project involves assurances to South Carolina regarding the ultimate disposition of the plutonium. Never before has the local community had their faith in DOE and SRS tested as they do now. The delays in the MOX program have caused the community to once again fear that the plutonium currently in state will remain there indefinitely.

During your first term, you made an effort to focus the government’s attention on securing the supply of nuclear weapons around the world. Cancellation of the MOX program after investing 17 years to study disposition alternatives, completing the necessary environmental reviews, designing the facility, obtaining the necessary Nuclear Regulatory Commission construction license, appropriating and spending hundreds of millions in the effort and completing more that 60% of the actual MOX Facility would be a terrible blemish on DOE’s reputation for completing major construction projects. After signing an agreement with Russia that has been ratified by the Duma, getting the Director General of the IAEA to agree to monitor plutonium disposition in each country and testifying for years to Congress and the American public about the urgent need to eliminate surplus weapons-usable fissile materials in speeches by various Presidents, National Security Advisers, Secretaries of Energy, Secretaries of State and other senior U.S. government officials, to now cancel the MOX Project would be a major domestic and international embarrassment which will take years to recover from.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Graham

Tim Scott

Saxby Chambliss

Johnny Isakson

Isakson Co-Sponsors Bills to Prevent IRS from Targeting Conservative Groups, Implement Criminal Penalties for IRS Wrongdoers

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Isakson Also Joins Republican Colleagues in Sending Letter to President Obama Demanding Complete Cooperation into IRS Investigation...

Isakson, Chambliss Praise Senate Passage of Water Resources Development Act

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Legislation Includes Critical Provision for Savannah Harbor Expansion Project ...

Isakson Demands Answers from Administration Over Soliciting Donations from Health Care Companies to Launch Obamacare

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Calls Actions of HHS Secretary 'At Best an Inherent Conflict of Interest and at Worst a Potentially Illegal Augmentation of Appropriation'...

e-Newsletter for the week ending May 10, 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friends,

On Monday, by a vote of 69 to 27, the Senate passed a measure that would allow states to collect sales taxes from most online retailers, called the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, S.743.

I addressed this issue in my last e-newsletter, but I believe this is a good idea whose time has come. The Marketplace Fairness Act imposes no new taxes, but gives states the right to decide for themselves whether to collect—or not to collect—state sales taxes from out-of-state Internet purchases. The current system penalizes the local businesses that fund our schools and roads and that employ Georgians. This bill levels the playing field so that out-of-state Internet businesses don’t have an unfair advantage over Georgia’s brick-and-mortar businesses. Whether you buy a product at a brick-and-mortar store in Georgia or over the Internet, you will pay the same state and local sales taxes. This is not a new tax. Additionally, the Marketplace Fairness Act includes an exemption for small businesses with under $1 million or less in gross annual receipts. The legislation will now go to the House of Representatives.

Water Resources Development Act

The remainder of this week was mainly spent debating S.601, the Water Resources Development Act, which would authorize water-based infrastructure projects, such as levees, flood diversions, dredging and harbor maintenance. The Environment and Public Works Committee approved the bill on April 22, 2013, on an 18-0 vote. I am carefully monitoring the progress of this legislation, which is critical to Georgia.

Second Amendment

On May 17, 2013, I voted against the Manchin-Toomey amendment because of my concerns over its potential impact on private sales and on privacy issues. I will always remain very committed to protecting the unfettered Second Amendment rights of Georgians and of all Americans. I am not interested in reopening Manchin-Toomey. Nothing has changed from my No vote in April.

I support instant background checks on all retail sales of guns to prevent convicted felons from obtaining them, but I do not support waiting periods or the registration of any firearm. A ban on assault weapons is not the solution to ending mass acts of violence. Instead, we need to take a comprehensive approach to solving this problem with a focus on mental health in our country.

That’s why I have called for a thoughtful process to address gun safety, mental health, school security and all other components that contributed to recent acts of mass violence.

Charter Schools

The Senate passed a resolution I co-sponsored recognizing May 5 through 11, 2013, as the 14^th Annual Charter Schools Week. The resolution congratulates the students, parents, teachers, and administration of charter schools across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of Charter Schools Week. I am a longtime supporter of charter schools because they create a learning environment where students, teachers and parents are afforded the flexibility to make decisions in order to maximize students’ success.

In Other News

On Monday, I spoke at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s First Monday breakfast and was glad to help recognize the Cumberland CID on its 25^th anniversary. I also enjoyed Skyping with AP U.S. Government students at Warner Robins High School on Tuesday. The students asked insightful questions ranging from views on partisan politics to the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. consulate office in Benghazi. I was impressed with their preparation and enjoyed our chat. In addition, I got to meet with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce during its annual visit to Washington this week.

What’s on Tap?

I look forward to speaking at the Berry College Commencement on Saturday morning in Rome, Ga. Next week, the Senate will likely finish debate on the Water Resources Development Act and have a final vote.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

Isakson Statement on IRS Improperly Targeting Conservative Political Groups

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today made the following statement in response to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) admitting that it improperly targeted conservative political groups for additional screening. Isakson is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has oversight of the IRS.

“It is unconscionable that in the United States of America, groups were unfairly targeted by a government agency for exercising their First Amendment rights. Americans from every political affiliation should be outraged by this discrimination. I look forward to hearing additional information from the agency as to how it will guarantee this type of harassment is not continued in the future on any level.”

Gun Control

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Contrary to media reports, I am not interested in reopening Manchin-Toomey. Nothing has changed from my No vote on April 17.

Isakson Co-Sponsors Bill to Stop Labor Board from Issuing Decisions with 'Quorum of One'

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

National Labor Relations Board Is Down to Just One Constitutional Member After Federal Court Declared Two Obama Recess Appointments Unconstitutional...

Chambliss, Isakson, Kingston Urge Obama to Fund Savannah Harbor

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Send letter calling on president to fulfill promises...

e-Newsletter for the week ending April 26, 2013

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friends,

This week, the Senate debated a measure that would allow states to collect sales taxes from most online retailers, called the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, S.743.

On Wednesday, I spoke on the floor of the Senate regarding this issue, which I believe is a good idea whose time has come. The Marketplace Fairness Act imposes no new taxes, but gives states the right to decide for themselves whether to collect—or not to collect—state sales taxes from out-of-state Internet purchases. The current system penalizes the local businesses that fund our schools and roads and that employ Georgians. This bill levels the playing field so that out-of-state Internet businesses don’t have an unfair advantage over Georgia’s brick-and-mortar businesses. Whether you buy a product at a brick-and-mortar store in Georgia or over the Internet, you will pay the same state and local sales taxes. This is not a new tax.

This legislation imposes no new taxes, but gives states the right to decide for themselves whether to collect—or not to collect—state sales taxes that are already owed. This is sales tax that has been due for 20 years! The current system penalizes the local businesses that fund our schools and roads and that employ Georgians. This bill levels the playing field so that Internet businesses don’t have an unfair advantage over Georgia businesses.

Conservatives who support the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 include Al Cardenas, Chairman of the American Conservative Union, Republican Governors Nathan Deal, Ga., Bob McDonnell, Va., Robert, Ala., Butch Otter, Idaho, Paul LePage, Maine, Chris Christie, N.J., Tom Corbet, Pa., Rick Snyder, Mich., Terry Branstad, Iowa, Brian Sandoval, Nev., Gary Herbert, Utah, Bill Haslam, Tenn., and Dennis Daugaard, S.D.

Obamacare Exemption

It was reported in the media this week that Congressional leaders have been engaged in talks about exempting members of Congress and members of our staff from the insurance exchanges they are mandated to join beginning in 2014 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

I am strongly opposed to any effort to exempt Congress from the Obamacare exchanges. I have consistently called for the full repeal of Obamacare, but as long as it is the law of the land, Congress must be subject to it. It’s encouraging to see that Democrats in Congress are having second thoughts about their health care law, now that its disastrous consequences are hitting close to home. I hope Democrats will now come to the table and work with us to spare all Americans from skyrocketing health insurance premiums and the rest of Obamacare’s taxes and mandates.

In Other News

This week, I enjoyed Skyping with students at LaGrange College. I often use Skype to speak with students directly in their classrooms in grades K through 12, which is always enlightening for me. However, it was a particular treat to speak with and hear from students preparing to enter the workforce. Additionally, I was interviewed on WDDQ in Valdosta, Ga., by host Scott James on Tuesday morning. In addition to other meetings, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce was in Washington, D.C. for their annual fly-in, as well. This afternoon, I spent time with soldiers stationed at Ft. Stewart who are recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

What’s on Tap?

The Senate is not in session next week. On May 6, the chamber is expected to vote on The Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013. We are likely to begin debate on the Water Resources Development Act which authorizes Army Corps of Engineers projects for seaport harbors, flood protection and inland river locks and dams.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

Statement on Exempting Lawmakers from Obamacare

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

“I am strongly opposed to any effort to exempt Congress from the ObamaCare exchanges. I have consistently called for the full repeal of ObamaCare, but as long as it is the law of the land, Congress must be subject to it. It’s encouraging to see that Democrats in Congress are having second thoughts about their health care law, now that its disastrous consequences are hitting close to home. I hope Democrats will now come to the table and work with us to spare all Americans from skyrocketing health insurance premiums and the rest of ObamaCare’s taxes and mandates.”

Isakson, Chambliss Send Letter Criticizing FAA's Imprudent Decision to Furlough Air Traffic Controllers, Create Delays for Passengers

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST

Senators Urge FAA to Cut Costs Without Affecting Safety or Efficiency ...

e-Newsletter for the week ending April 19, 2013

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friends,

My thoughts and prayers remain with those in Boston and all who have been affected by Monday’s bombings during the Boston Marathon. I pray for the police and officials attempting to apprehend those responsible for this act of terror.

Additionally, I send my prayers to the city of West, Texas, where there was a deadly fertilizer plant explosion on Wednesday night as they begin to recover and rebuild their lives.

Gun Control Legislation in the Senate

On April 11, 2013, the Senate voted on whether or not to begin debate on, S.648, gun control legislation. I voted Yes on this procedural vote that brought the bill to the floor for consideration. The motion was agreed to by a bipartisan vote of 68 to 31. It is important to note that this vote was not a vote for the bill itself.

I voted to bring this debate to the floor because there’s no ambivalence in the Senate about the gun control issue. Every senator knows where they stand on this issue, and I believed that every senator should be required to go on the record and vote. I also believed that a debate on the floor presented the best, and only, opportunity for supporters of the Second Amendment to offer and vote for amendments that would strengthen and protect the Second Amendment rights of Americans.

On Wednesday, the Senate voted on a series of amendments to S.648, including the Manchin-Toomey legislation offered as an amendment to the bill. I voted against the Manchin-Toomey amendment because of my concerns over its potential impact on private sales and on privacy issues. The legislation required 60 votes to pass and the Senate voted to defeat the Manchin-Toomey amendment, S.Amdt.715, by a vote of 54 to 46.

I will always remain very committed to protecting the unfettered Second Amendment rights of Georgians and of all Americans.

Meanwhile, to restate my general position, I support instant background checks on all retail sales of guns to prevent convicted felons from obtaining them, but I do not support waiting periods or the registration of any firearm. A ban on assault weapons is not the solution to ending mass acts of violence like we have seen in Aurora, Colorado, Newtown, Connecticut and at Virginia Tech. Instead, we need to take a comprehensive approach to solving this problem with a focus on mental health in our country.

That’s why I have called for a thoughtful process to address gun safety, mental health, school security and all other components that contributed to recent acts of mass violence, similar to the work by the 9/11 Commission that made flying safer and has helped us prevent another hijacking of a U.S. plane by terrorists.

Immigration Reform

Immigration reform is now nearing the forefront of discussion in the Senate. First and foremost, it is imperative that we secure our borders. I support a border security plan to combat illegal immigration, drug and alien smuggling and violent activity on the Southwest border. As we have seen in states such as Texas, New Mexico, California and Arizona, Mexican drug cartel violence has only escalated and threatens communities not just in the Southwest but also in Georgia. We must respond accordingly to ensure the safety of all American citizens.

I do not believe in offering amnesty or any special pathway to citizenship for individuals who are here illegally, and I believe that all immigrants should pursue citizenship by getting in line and complying with the same rules that are already in place. There is a clear distinction between legal and illegal immigration, and anyone who comes to our country legally should be welcomed to share in the pursuit of the American dream. At the same time, the defense of our nation begins with securing our borders and ending the opportunity for illegal entry. Our immigration laws must be followed and they must be enforced, and I stand in full support of those who do both.

I will continue to work hard to address this issue of illegal immigration because I believe it is absolutely critical to our state and to this nation that we secure the borders, not offer amnesty, and restore credibility to our immigration system.

What’s on Tap?

Next week, the Senate is expected to vote on whether to begin debate on a measure that would allow states to collect sales taxes from most online retailers.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

Second Amendment Rights

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

"A floor debate on S.649, the proposed gun legislation, presents the best opportunity for supporters of the Second Amendment to offer and vote for amendments that will strengthen and protect the Second Amendment rights of Americans. I remain committed to protecting the unfettered Second Amendment rights of Georgians, and I look forward to reviewing the details of my colleagues’ proposals and to debating gun control on the floor of the Senate. That’s why I voted to proceed to debate, because there’s no ambivalence in the Senate about this issue. Every senator knows where they stand on this issue, and I believe that every senator should go on-the-record and vote." --Senator Johnny Isakson

e-Newsletter for the week ending April 12, 2013

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friends,

I returned to Washington on Monday afternoon following two weeks of traveling in Georgia. During those two weeks, I spoke at Rotary Clubs in Albany, Cumming, East Cobb, and Glennville, Ga. I held town hall meetings and meet and greets in Douglas and Sylvester, Ga. and an agriculture meeting the Tift Farm Bureau. We had a great turnout at each of the events, and I thank those who were in attendance. Additionally, I always enjoy hearing from students, and while I use Skype to speak to students across the state when I’m in Washington, I had the opportunity while I was in Georgia to speak to graduate students in the field of bioengineering at Georgia Tech and to teach a class at Gideon Elementary School in Atlanta to support the Teach for America program.

A few weeks ago, President Obama called to invite me to dinner and asked that I bring 11 of my Senate Republican colleagues to dinner in order to build on his first dinner with Republican senators that was held March 6, 2013. I was obliged to do so, knowing from my years of experience selling real estate that sitting down at a table is the only way to find common ground.

On Wednesday, we joined the president at the White House for this opportunity. Our dinner with President Obama was very productive. We discussed the debt, deficits and fiscal challenges facing our country. Sitting down to talk about how to get our arms around our debt is a good first step to what I hope will be an ongoing discussion and a path forward to solving our nation’s problems. I commend the president for reaching out to us, as it is critically important that we communicate directly in order to find common ground. It’s the only way that we can find solutions that are right for America -- not just a win for the president or a win for Republicans. I hope we can continue the conversation.

The other senators who attended the dinner were Senators Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Senator John Thune of South Dakota, and Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi.

On Thursday, I voted for cloture on the motion to proceed to S.649, the proposed gun legislation, because there’s no ambivalence in the Senate about this issue. Every senator knows where they stand on this issue, and I believe that every senator should go on-the-record and vote. A floor debate presents the best opportunity for supporters of the Second Amendment to offer and vote for amendments that will strengthen and protect the Second Amendment rights of Americans. I remain committed to protecting the unfettered Second Amendment rights of Georgians, and I look forward to reviewing the details of my colleagues’ proposals and to debating gun control on the floor of the Senate. The Senate agreed on the motion to proceed to the gun control bill by a vote of 68 to 31.

In Other News

If you’re interested in following my activities in real time, you can follow me on Twitter at @SenatorIsakson. Additionally, I appeared this week on ABC News, Bloomberg TV, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, NBC News and MSNBC, some multiple times, regarding my dinner with president, my meeting this week with the families of the Sandy Hook tragedy in Connecticut, and my views on gun legislation. You can view all of these interviews on my YouTube page.

What’s on Tap?

The Senate will consider the nomination of Beverly Reid O’Connell of California to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California. We will also begin work on amendments to S.649, the gun legislation.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

MSNBC - Gun Control

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Johnny discussed gun control on MSNBC.

Bloomberg - Budget

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Johnny joined Bloomberg TV's Peter Cook to discuss the president's budget proposal, including entitlement reform.

Fox News - Dinner with the President

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Johnny discusses an upcoming dinner that he helped arrange between President Obama and 12 GOP senators in hopes of finding areas of compromise.