U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson

As Isakson retires, U.S. Senate colleagues pay tribute

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Video and text submitted by the office of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson:

In his 45-year public service career spanning from the Georgia general assembly to the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has made a lasting impact on countless areas of public policy. As he prepares to leave the Senate on Dec. 31, much of Isakson’s Senate legacy is highlighted in a video released today focusing on his impact on veterans, federal and state business policy, foreign policy and global leadership, education, and health care and how he has served more effectively by living his compassionate, bridge-building conservative values daily.

Isakson holds the distinction of being the only Georgian ever to have been elected to the state House, state Senate, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. In addition, in 2016 he became the first Georgia Republican ever to be elected to a third term in the U.S. Senate.

“Every day since I was first sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Jan. 4, 2005, it has been a privilege to serve Georgia in this role. I’ve done my very best to make sure Georgians’ best interests are reflected in my votes and policy work,” said Isakson. “Traveling our beautiful state and working with Georgians from Rabun Gap to Tybee Light to represent commonsense, conservative values and deliver meaningful results has been a joy, regardless of the political climate or season.

“I thank Georgians who have trusted me and the colleagues who have worked with me from the bottom of my heart. I thank my wife Dianne, and my family, my staff and many friends for their support. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

“I also thank our service members, veterans and their families for protecting the United States. It has been an honor to pay my gratitude through policy and constituent service work, which I hope has improved their lives.

“I look forward to remaining as active as possible in Georgia after my retirement from the U.S. Senate on Dec. 31.”

Veterans

Isakson, a veteran himself, served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972. Isakson has been a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs since he joined the Senate in 2005.

Isakson became chairman of the Senate VA Committee in January 2015. From 2015 to 2019, under Isakson’s leadership, the Senate passed 63 pieces of legislation, and 57 of which have become law. These include significant reforms to improve accountability at the VA, expand VA education benefits, modernize the process for veterans’ appeals of benefit determinations, and overhaul the VA’s community care programs.

For a full list of Isakson’s accomplishments for veterans, click here.

Businessman

Applying the lessons learned throughout his 33-year real estate career, Isakson has aided Georgia communities during his 45 years in public service through planned development and by protecting Georgia’s transportation, energy and water interests, as well as job creators and employees.

For a full list of Isakson’s business-related accomplishments, click here.

Values

Isakson has earned a reputation as a compassionate, honest and bridge-building public servant throughout his long political career. Isakson’s faith has guided his entire life. He taught sixth-grade Sunday school at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, for more than 30 years. Isakson has been a regular attendee at the weekly Senate prayer breakfast with Senate Chaplain Barry Black and served as co-chair of the National Prayer Breakfast in 2010.

For additional information about Isakson’s lifetime commitment to his values, click here.

Global Leadership and Foreign Policy

Isakson, who previously served as the top Republican on the Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs, has been a long-term member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition recently honored Isakson with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to advocating for a strong U.S. foreign policy and strengthening America’s development and diplomacy tools across the globe.

For a full list of Isakson’s foreign policy-related accomplishments, click here.

Education

Isakson has served as chairman of the Georgia Board of Education and on the education committees in the Georgia general assembly and in Congress. He has helped write some of the most significant federal education policies in recent history and has always focused on bettering the lives of future generations through quality education.

Once in Congress, Isakson brought his experience to the U.S. House education committee, where he took part in writing the No Child Left Behind Act – comprehensive education reform enacted in 2002 to strengthen America’s public schools. In the Senate, Isakson became a member of the Senate education committee, and more a decade after No Child Left Behind was enacted, Isakson played a key role in the rewrite of the law to bring about much-needed updates to the country’s education policies.

For a full list of Isakson’s education-related accomplishments, click here.

Health Care

Isakson has sought common ground to improve the health of Americans and people throughout the world. Isakson’s efforts come amid his own challenges with Parkinson’s disease – a diagnosis that has not slowed down his commitment to helping others.

Isakson serves on two committees with jurisdiction over Americans’ health care: the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. During his Senate career, Isakson has worked tirelessly on bipartisan legislation to improve health care for veterans and for seniors with chronic conditions, fund research for rare diseases and combat the opioid epidemic – all while fighting his own battle with Parkinson’s disease.

For a full list of Isakson’s health care-related accomplishments, click here.

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Isakson recuperating at home after being discharged from Kennestone

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After less than a week in physical rehabilitation at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson is recuperating at his home in East Cobb.Isakson blisters Trump

His office said he was discharged Friday after undergoing physical therapy. He fractured four ribs in a fall at his apartment in Washington.

The Republican, Georgia’s senior senator who is 74 years old, said the following in a statement issued by his office:

“I am doing much better thanks to the excellent medical care and rehabilitation services I have received. I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and will remain focused on making a full recovery so I can get back to work. All of the thoughtful messages of support have kept my spirits high, and I thank everyone who has lifted me up during this time.”

His spokeswoman said Isakson is expected to return to Washington in August, after a Congressional recess that includes work and appearances around the state.

 

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Isakson to continue recovery at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

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After being released from a Washington hospital on Saturday, U.S. Sen. Johny Isakson will continue his recovery close to home. Isakson robocall legislation

That what the East Cobb Republican’s spokeswoman said Saturday afternoon. Isakson, who fractured four ribs in a fall in his D.C. apartment, will enter an inpatient rehabilitation program at Kennestone.

Isakson, 74, will receive “an intensive physical therapy program” to help regain stamina and mobility, according to his spokeswoman, Amanda Maddox.

“Part of the challenge that Isakson will face is the coupling of his injury with the symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease, which could lead to a longer recovery process,” according to her statement. “He is in good spirits and is determined to face this challenge head on so he can return to doing what he loves: representing Georgians in the Senate.”

Said Isakson:

“I’m on the mend and looking forward to fully healing my fractured ribs through intensive rehabilitation. I thank everyone who has lifted me up through prayer and well-wishes.”

 

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Isakson blisters Trump for critical remarks about McCain

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U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson blasted President Donald Trump’s critical remarks about the late Sen. John McCain on a radio interview Wednesday afternoon.

Isakson, a Republican from East Cobb, was interviewed on the Georgia Public Broadcasting program “Political Rewind.”Isakson blisters Trump

(A recording of the interview can be accessed at the program’s website.)

Isakson said he was prompted to speak out not only because of his friendship with McCain, but because of what he thinks is the negative impact of Trump’s remarks, especially by those serving in the military.

McCain, a former Vietnam POW who preceded Isakson as the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee chairman, was a strong critic of Trump, and the enmity was mutual.

Over the weekend, Trump renewed accusations he’s made before that McCain forwarded to the FBI a dossier regarding possible compromising information about Trump before he was elected president in 2016.

“Spreading the fake and totally discredited Dossier ‘is unfortunately a very dark stain against John McCain,’ ” went one Tweet from Trump.

Another Tweet continued the criticism: “So it was indeed (just proven in court papers) ‘last in his class’ (Annapolis) John McCain that sent the Fake Dossier to the FBI and Media hoping to have it printed BEFORE the Election.”

“It’s deplorable what he said,” Isakson said, referring to Trump, during the interview conducted at the GPB studios in Atlanta. “It will be deplorable in seven months if he says it again, and I will continue to speak out. We should never reduce the service that people give to this country.”

The Bulwark, a new conservative political website, reported early Wednesday that Isakson, Georgia’s senior senator, was making good on a pledge he made from the Senate floor after McCain’s death that anyone who “tarnishes the reputation of John McCain deserves a whipping.”

On Tuesday, he said this in an interview with The Bulwark, which is highly critical of Trump:

“I just want to lay it on the line, that the country deserves better, the McCain family deserves better, I don’t care if he’s president of United States, owns all the real estate in New York, or is building the greatest immigration system in the world. Nothing is more important than the integrity of the country and those who fought and risked their lives for all of us.”

More recent information unsealed by a judge last week includes testimony that McCain passed along the dossier to the FBI in December 2016, after the election.

The dossier contents are part of an investigation by former FBI director Robert Mueller into alleged Russian political interference in U.S. elections. Trump’s former campaign manager and personal lawyer have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the probe.

When asked to clarify his comments on Tuesday, Trump said that “I was never a fan of John McCain’s and I never will be.”

Isakson is one of the few Republican senators who’s spoken publicly about Trump’s McCain comments. Thus far he is the only one who is directly challenging what his spokeswoman said is “the president’s continued disparagement” of McCain, who died last summer from brain cancer.

“I want to elevate John. John was better than I am, and I know it,” Isakson told The Bulwark. “John was the best of my generation. John McCain was and is a great human being.”

Last month Isakson was named the inaugural recipient of the John McCain Service to Country Award.

During the GPB interview, Isakson was asked if he was concerned about his legislative priorities being affected by his criticisms of Trump, and not for the first time.

“I never worry about what I’m doing politically or practically in the Senate as long as I think I’m doing what’s right,” Isakson said.

The Bulwark was launched in December and is co-founded by William Kristol, a former White House aide and conservative writer who has been highly critical of Trump, especially on social media.

 

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Cobb and Georgia elected officials remember President George H.W. Bush

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Here’s how some Cobb and Georgia elected officials responded to the death of President H.W. Bush, who passed away Friday at the age of 94:

President George H.W. Bush death
Photo: Office of Sen. Johnny Isakson

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-East Cobb), who worked with Bush on education legislation during Isakson’s time in the U.S. House. The 41st president also campaigned for Isakson:

“America and the world will miss and mourn the life and service of George H.W. Bush. President and Mrs. Bush were and always will be an unforgettable first family. I was honored to serve and work with them. Dianne and I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the 

Bush family.”

U.S. Sen. David Perdue (R-Warner Robins):

Bonnie and I join Georgians and all Americans in mourning the loss of President George H.W. Bush.

As a World War II veteran, member of Congress, CIA Director, Ambassador, Vice President, and ultimately our 41st Commander in Chief, President Bush dedicated his life to serving the United States of America. He was a skilled leader whose dedication to our nation was tireless during some of our most trying times.

Both George and Barbara Bush had an unmatched love for America. Bonnie and I both send heartfelt prayers to President George W. Bush and the entire Bush family during this time.

U.S. Rep. Karen Handel (R-Roswell):

George H.W. Bush was a statesman and patriot who dedicated his life to our country. Our nation’s last World War II veteran to serve as Commander and Chief, President Bush will be remembered as one of our nation’s greatest leaders and problem solvers.

It was an honor to have had the privilege of serving in his Administration, and through President Bush, I learned that any successful life had to include giving back and serving others. He instilled in me my desire to serve.

One thing that President Bush said has stayed with me all these years: “No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit.” Steve and I extend our deepest condolences to the Bush family. RIP President George H.W. Bush.

U.S. Rep.-elect Lucy McBath (D-Marietta):

HW Bush’s leadership and love for his country is unquestioned. I am praying for the entire Bush family, and I hope that myself and fellow congresspeople will follow his examples of leadership.

Former President Jimmy Carter:

Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of former President George H.W. Bush. His administration was marked by grace, civility, and social conscience. Through his Points of Light initiative and other projects, he espoused a uniquely American volunteer spirit, fostering bipartisan support for citizen service and inspiring millions to embrace community volunteerism as a cherished responsibility. We again extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family.

Gov. Nathan Deal has ordered the American flags at all state buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff through Dec. 30:

President George H.W. Bush was an honorable man and a proud American whose character and generous spirit helped to change our nation indelibly and for the better. His devotion to the country he nobly fought for and led was matched only by his profound love of family.

While all Georgians join in grieving this national loss, we are comforted in knowing that President Bush is reunited with his beloved Barbara. Sandra and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family and to all those fortunate enough to have known him.

 

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Isakson to vote for Brett Kavanaugh confirmation to U.S. Supreme Court

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This just in from the office of Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Republican from East Cobb who has not said much publicly about the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation process for the U.S. Supreme Court:

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, CHIP reathorization
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson

“The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley, did a remarkable job conducting the confirmation process to consider the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

After reviewing the proceedings, including more than 30 hours of testimony from Judge Kavanaugh, and reviewing all witness testimony along with the rest of the record that has been presented throughout the course of Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation process, I will support his nomination.

“Any judge on the nation’s highest court should be one who understands and applies the law based on the U.S. Constitution, and I have confidence that Judge Kavanaugh will fulfill these duties accordingly. I’ve based my decision on the totality of the information provided during the confirmation process.

Judge Kavanaugh is a talented and experienced jurist, and I am confident he will bring a strong commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law to the Supreme Court. I look forward to voting to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as associate justice on the Supreme Court.”

Republican Sen. David Perdue, Georgia’s junior senator, has been a a vocal supporter of Kavanaugh and on Wednesday issued some harsh words from the Senate floor about his Democratic colleagues who have opposed the nomination, accusing them of inciting extremism.

“This is America, but these are the tactics of the brownshirts in Germany in the 1930s,” Perdue said.

Perdue has been confronted by anti-Kavanaugh protestors in recent days, including some who cornered him in a restroom at Reagan National Airport in Washington.

On Thursday, senators were viewing a supplemental report compiled the FBI to look into accusations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh when he was a teenager, and that formed the basis of a tense hearing last week before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A Senate vote on confirmation has been scheduled for Saturday. Republicans hold a 51-49 edge in the Senate.

 

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Sen. Isakson notes new legislation, bills signed into law

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Press release:

There’s been a lot in the news recently, but last week, Senator Isakson introduced new legislation and even had some of his previously introduced bills pass the Senate or U.S. House and head to the president’s desk! Here’s what you may have missed:

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, CHIP reathorization
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson

The Sam Farr and Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018 – Last Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Isakson’s bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. Peace Corps. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. More information about the bill here.

The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018 – Also last Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Senate passed Senator Isakson’s bipartisan legislation to increase veterans’ disability benefits from the VA. This bill would increase the rates of VA disability compensation, dependency compensation for surviving children and spouses, as well as the clothing allowance for veterans, based on rising costs of living. The bill heads to the president’s desk this week to be signed into law. More information about the bill here.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018 – Last Friday, Sept. 28, President Trump signed into law Senator Isakson’s bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans continue to have access to critical programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation continues many important programs, including veterans homelessness prevention, adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans, and workforce training for injured service members. More information about the bill here.

The Scarlett’s Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act – Last Thursday, Sept. 27, Senator Isakson introduced critical bipartisan and bicameral legislation to combat Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood and strengthen existing efforts to understand these tragedies and improve prevention efforts. The bill would supply grants to help states, municipalities and nonprofits improve data collection and death scene investigations related to unexpected infant and child deaths, promote safe sleep practices, and ensure death reviews for every infant and child fatality. More information about the bill here.

The Global Food Security Reauthorization Act – Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Senator Isakson’s bipartisan legislation to extend the life-saving food security programs managed under the Feed the Future Initiative for another five years. This legislation previously passed the Senate in June and is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law. More information about the bill here.

The Preserving America’s Battlefields Act – Last week, Senator Isakson introduced the Preserving America’s Battlefields Act to ensure our nation’s living memorials honoring those who fought for our freedoms are protected for current and future generations. This bipartisan legislation would provide for the restoration of battlefield sites across the country, including the one in Chickamauga, Ga., helping transform them into historic tourism destinations. More information about the bill here.

 

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Handel, Isakson react to Trump Russia comments at summit

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U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Trump Russia comments
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson

President Donald Trump sparked bipartisan criticism from members of Congress on Monday for his comments at a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At a joint press conference in Helsinki, Trump defended Putin against claims of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, and said the U.S. was equally to blame as Russia for poor relations between the two countries.

A number of prominent Republican lawmakers in Washington denounced Trump’s comments. U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona said the summit was “one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory.”

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, an East Cobb resident who is Georgia’s senior senator, sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee and issued the following statement late Monday afternoon:

U.S. Rep. Karen Handel, a Roswell Republican who represents East Cobb in Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District, is a member of the House Intelligence Committee. She released this statement on late Monday afternoon:

https://twitter.com/karenhandel/status/1018955241218330627

Georgia’s other senator, Republican David Perdue, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has not commented publicly on the matter.

Trump finished a week-long trip to Europe that included a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels as well as Britain.

Even some long-standing supporters of Trump were concerned about the president’s comments. Former House Speaker and 6th District Congressman Newt Gingrich said Trump “must clarify his statements in Helsinki on our intelligence system and Putin. It is the most serious mistake of his presidency and must be corrected—immediately.”

 

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Isakson praises U.S. Senate committee passage of CHIP reauthorization

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Press release:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today (Oct. 4) applauded committee passage of legislation he cosponsored to continue the state Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, for five years.

The bipartisan Keeping Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Act, S.1827, also transitions CHIP to its traditional federal-state partnership over time and provides additional protections for low-income children and flexibility for states. U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, CHIP reathorization

During his opening remarks, Isakson reiterated his commitment to ensuring payments to safety-net hospitals are extended before the end of the year. Isakson highlighted the negative impact to Georgia hospitals if payments to disproportionate-share hospitals that treat uninsured patients in Georgia are reduced. Under the current Affordable Care Act law, payments to safety-net hospitals are now eligible to be cut unless Congress acts to keep the payments at current levels.

“In Georgia, that’s going to be a loss of $780 million over seven years to our most needy hospitals,” said Isakson. “It’s going to mean people most in need of health care are not going to have it there. The [Affordable Care Act’s] promise was that everyone would be insured, so disproportionate-share payments would be withdrawn.”

These safety-net hospitals receive some federal funding through Medicaid and CHIP for accepting low-income patients, but Obamacare would begin withdrawing these payments in 2018 under the flawed premise that all individuals receiving hospital care would have insurance.

“Our experience has found that not to be true,” said Isakson. “These hospitals are treating people and not being compensated, and if we continue to reduce DSH [disproportionate-share hospital] payments, we’ll see that many hospitals that are open today will not be open. So I will be working between now and the end of the year, hopefully with all of you, to extend the [current] DSH payments for two more years, at least until 2018 and 2019.”

At today’s committee vote on the CHIP legislation, Isakson filed two amendments to the Keeping Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Act to extend DSH payments for 2018 and 2019 and to provide greater fairness for hospitals in states such as Georgia that have a high uninsured population. Although the amendments could not be attached to the CHIP measure under the Finance Committee’s rules, Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, committed to working in the weeks ahead on extending other health care programs with expiring authorizations.

The Keeping Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Act, passed the Senate Committee on Finance by a voice vote and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 

The Keeping Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Act would:

  • Extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program funding through fiscal year 2022;
  • Maintain the federal matching rate at current statutory levels through fiscal year 2019, change to 11.5 percent for fiscal year 2020, and return to a traditional matching rate for fiscal years 2021 and 2022;
  • Create protections and flexibility under the maintenance-of-effort provision.