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

May 5, 2006

Dear Friends,

This week the Senate passed the emergency supplemental spending bill, which will provide funds for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Unfortunately, the Senate added nearly $15 billion in unrelated, non-emergency spending, and therefore I felt that I must vote against the bill.

President Bush has threatened to veto the bill because of the additional spending, and I will support the President by voting to sustain such a veto.

We must end the reckless spending that is threatening the future of our nation. This bill, which was meant to provide funds for our troops and the victims of Hurricane Katrina, has become a spending spree for special interests. It is vital that we pass a bill that includes the necessary for funds for our men and women in uniform to do their job, but Congress must also become better stewards of the taxpayers’ money.

Also this week Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield were awarded the prestigious 2006 Army Communities in Excellence Award from the U.S. Army for improving mission performance and enhancing the well-being of soldiers and their families.                  

I am very proud of the accomplishments of Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, not only for the significant role they have both played in the war on terror but also for the way they support their troops. This award is a great honor and a great testament to the quality of life that Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield provide for the brave men and women who have volunteered to serve our nation.

Senator Chambliss and I were proud to announce this week that Solvay Pharmaceuticals of Marietta will receive $298 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop cell-based influenza vaccines and plan for domestic manufacturing capacity in the United States. The development and production of Pandemic Influenza Vaccine is critical to the health and well being of our nation, and I am very pleased that the federal government has chosen to award this critical funding to Solvay Pharmaceuticals

Tomorrow morning, May 6, I will join with other members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation to host a statewide Military Academy Day at Naval Air Station Atlanta to familiarize students with the application and nomination process and allow representatives from each Military Academy to explain more about their requirements and expectations. Representatives from all five academies as well as cadets and midshipmen will be in attendance and will be available to answer questions. 

I look forward to seeing many of Georgia’s exceptional young students there and am honored to be able to offer them this excellent opportunity.  Many of our former academy nominees have used Academy Day to decide which installation is the right choice for them. Because of the large demand and security restrictions, reservations were required by April 28, 2006.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will debate health-related bills on medical liability and small business health insurance plans.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson