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

May 27, 2005

Dear Friends,

This week, the Senate finally ended the filibuster against the nomination of Priscilla Owen to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court and confirmed her with a 55-43 vote. In addition, the Democrats have agreed to end their filibuster against two other judicial nominees: Janice Rogers Brown and William Pryor. I expect that we will hold votes to confirm both of them in the next couple of weeks. While I am happy that Judges Owen has been confirmed and that Judges Brown and Pryor will receive quick action, I remain committed to ensuring that all nominees appointed by a President and approved by the Judiciary Committee receive an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. It is what this President and every President deserves. It is what the American people want. And most importantly, it is what the Constitution requires us to do.

I am also disappointed to report that last evening, the Senate refused to end the filibuster against John Bolton as Ambassador to the United Nations. I voted to end the filibuster against Mr. Bolton because he understands the need for U.N. reform to re-establish international confidence and respect in this governing body. Mr. Bolton recognizes the crucial role the U.S. must play in this reform, and he would represent U.S. interests effectively.

Today I was selected by Senate leadership to participate in the committee that will craft a compromise on the national highway funding bill. I am honored to be selected to serve on this conference committee, and I look forward to passing a Highway Bill that is fiscally responsible and that will bring much needed improvements and stability to our nation's highway system and infrastructure.

The legislation is critical for the state of Georgia because it will provide the state with the tools necessary to improve upon and expand its surface transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population. Infrastructure is our state’s single greatest need, and I’m glad Georgia will have a seat at the table.

Senator Chambliss, Representative Norwood and I also announced that Fort Gordon will be gaining 145 sailors who are being relocated from Rota, Spain on June 1, 2005. The sailors are with the Naval Security Group Activity, which provides rapid radio relay and secure communications for the defense of the U.S. and its allies. These missions align closely with the existing communications missions conducted at Fort Gordon. This move illustrates the importance of Fort Gordon and its future to the Department of Defense and the war on terrorism. We could not be doing what we're doing today in Iraq were it not for Fort Gordon.

In addition, my office welcomed new interns in Washington and Atlanta this week. Throughout the year, exceptional students from Georgia have the opportunity to serve as interns in our offices. This summer, we have two six-week sessions with seven interns in each session in our Washington office and two interns in each session in Atlanta. Our Washington interns are: Leslie Attkisson, Nick Chammoun, Tiffany Gray, Sam Keston, Sara Link, Will Smith and Ryan Spell. Our first session Atlanta interns are: Katie Cox and Jessica Monk. We have all enjoyed getting to know one another this week and look forward to working hard in the weeks ahead.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will be in recess for Memorial Day, and I ask that you join me in saying two prayers – the first in thanks for the men and women who have died defending our freedom and the second for the safety of those who are now in harm’s way. May God bless you and may God bless America.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson