Dear Friends,

After our state work period last week, the Senate returned to session this week on Wednesday to continue our work on measures to fund the government and on confirming nominees to federal judgeships and other positions.

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary is preparing for its hearing on U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh and announced that it would begin on Sept. 4. On Thursday, I delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate to announce my support for Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination.

I believe there’s no better person to do the job than Brett Kavanaugh. He is the real deal. He’s written many opinions that have been affirmed by the Supreme Court, referenced by other courts, and adopted as a part of the law. That is a great testament to his ability and his intellect.

Additionally, Kavanaugh possesses the strong character and sense of justice required for a Supreme Court judge. He understands the importance of doing what is right, even when no one is looking and regardless of the answer you have to give. He understands that the role of a judge is to follow the law and interpret the Constitution as it is written, without regard to political considerations or his own personal preferences.

That’s why I’m going to vote to confirm him to the U.S. Supreme Court. He’s a regular guy who is devoted to his family and his community. He’s also a brilliant man who cares deeply about his country. He believes in his country and feels a responsibility to serve it. I can’t think of any better reason to vote for him. I’m going to vote for him with pride, and I encouraged my fellow senators to join me.

Fighting the Opioid Crisis

Last week, I spoke at the third meeting of the Statewide Opioid Task Force with Attorney General Chris Carr at Augusta University, where I provided an update to the standing-room-only crowd on federal initiatives to fight the opioid crisis.

To win this battle, we must establish new lines of communication among all stakeholders. That’s why the Attorney General’s office created the Statewide Opioid Task Force last year to provide an infrastructure of communication between organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors that are combating the opioid epidemic.

It was helpful to be able to hear again from officials from the state and share details about the comprehensive legislation we’re working on in Congress to fight the opioid epidemic. This legislative effort will require a multi-pronged approach, including addressing the often-overlooked problem of addiction itself. I’m proud to be a part of this “all hands on deck” approach as we work together to help more Georgians and Americans.

Looking Out for Georgians

I was honored to receive the U.S. Chamber’s “Spirit of Enterprise Award” again this year, which was presented to me last week at an event with the Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber of Commerce.

The “Spirit of Enterprise Award” is a great honor, and I’m proud to be able to work in the Senate to advance our national interests. When our economy does well, hardworking Americans are able to find good jobs, create new opportunities and take care of their families and futures.

I have always tried to rely on my business experience when making policy decisions, including my work on the most recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and I look forward to continuing to work each day for the best interests of Georgians and Americans.

In Other News

• I also received the National Guard Association of the United States’s “Harry S. Truman Award,” which is the association’s highest honor. I’m humbled and honored every day to serve our veterans as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. We were proud to pass the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act to help our service members transition to civilian life and ensure they have education benefits that meet their needs.

• This week, leadership of the Robins Air Force Base Air Logistics Complex in Warner Robins, Ga., announced that it will be launching a new hiring initiative to bring 1,200 new jobs to the area in the next 12 months. Just as I have been proud to work on behalf of Robins Air Force Base and its critical missions, I look forward to aiding this new initiative in every possible way to ensure the continued vitality of Robins and the community. I am working in Washington to make sure we provide our service members and the U.S. military with the resources needed to protect our national security interests around the world. I applaud the 21st Century Partnership for its efforts on behalf of the base, and I am thankful to the leadership at Robins Air Force Base and the dedicated men and women serving in the workforce in Warner Robins who work every day to support our national defense. You can learn more about the available job opportunities online here.

• After meeting David Hale, nominee to be undersecretary of political affairs for the U.S. Department of State, I questioned him on Thursday in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His role will be critical in maintaining U.S. relationships abroad, and I appreciated his insights.

• Throughout the state work period last week, I held a number of meetings in Georgia with constituents there. The right-hand sidebar of our newsletter has a few of these highlights.

• Last week, President Trump signed into law the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 to strengthen our national security, modernize our all-volunteer military, give our troops a pay raise and invest in our future. For more information on this bill to strengthen our military, click here.

What’s on Tap?

Next week, the Senate is expected to continue our work on legislation to fund the government with a focus on defense, labor, health care and education.

Sincerely,

In Case You Missed It