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

July 20, 2007

Dear Friends,                              

This week, the Senate continued its debate on the fiscal year 2008 defense authorization bill, which authorizes funds for our nation’s military forces. This debate continued throughout the night on Tuesday and centered on our military mission in Iraq.

On Wednesday, I voted against and amendment to the fiscal year 2008 defense authorization bill that would require President Bush to begin the drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq within 120 days and to complete the withdrawal of most units by April 30, 2008. The amendment, which needed 60 votes to pass under Senate rules, failed by a vote of 52 to 47.  A precipitous and final withdrawal that is notwithstanding whatever action may be taking place on the ground or what progress may have been made is wrong.  While the situation in Iraq is grave, it would turn dire if we prematurely withdraw our forces.

Withdrawing troops before Iraq is fully secure or revealing timelines for the withdrawal of troops would send a message of hope to the terrorists and insurgents that America has lost its will.  During more than 20 hours of Foreign Relations hearings on Iraq earlier this year, every witness – even those who oppose the President’s strategy – testified that withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq would result in thousands of lives lost and an increase in the sectarian violence across the region.

Disaster Declaration Request for Drought-Stricken Counties

On Thursday, Senator Saxby Chambliss, Congressman Jack Kingston and I, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns requesting swift approval and support of the Georgia State Emergency Board’s request for a disaster declaration for all 159 counties in Georgia affected by extreme drought conditions.  As the leading industry in Georgia’s vibrant economy, agriculture is critical to our state. Our producers in Georgia are facing tough times due to recent conditions, including the extreme drought that threatens to devastate many crops.  This declaration would allow producers who need assistance the opportunity to take advantage of low-interest emergency loans immediately.

The agriculture industry supports one in six jobs in Georgia and the drought threatens to do considerable damage to the state’s economy.  Despite recent rainfall, nearly 50 percent of Georgia was designated as suffering from extreme drought conditions by the U.S. Drought Monitor on June 26, 2007.  The lack of rainfall has prevented many Georgia producers from planting a crop or has left them without adequate feedstocks for their animals.

‘Taxpayer Hero’ Award

On Monday, I was honored as a “Taxpayer Hero” by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waster for my voting record in 2006.  The award is given to members of Congress who consistently vote to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden and make government more accountable to taxpayers.  I am very proud to receive this honor from the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste , because I agree with them that we must take large and immediate steps to stop out-of-control federal spending.  It is simply irresponsible for politicians to spend taxpayers’ dollars in such reckless fashion. It is threatening our economy, and it is threatening the future of our nation.

Since 1991, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste has tracked roll call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending. The 2006 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2006, the second session of the 109^th Congress. The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste rated 21 key votes in the Senate.  During 2006, I was one of only 19 senators with a score of 80 percent or higher, who were eligible for the “Taxpayer Hero” honor.  I was proud to receive a score of 90 percent on the 2006 Congressional Ratings. 

Working to Improve Federal Contract Process for Small Businesses

On Wednesday, during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on increasing government accountability and ensuring fairness in small business contracting, I urged the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to make their services more user-friendly to help America’s small businesses seeking federal contracts.  The federal government is expected to award 23 percent of all federal contracts to small businesses. However, small businesses face a number of obstacles, including the quality of data in the Federal Procurement Data System, contract bundling and size standards. 

I’ve heard horror stories from small businesses in my state who try to use the GSA’s Federal Procurement Data System during the work day only to find the system inoperable, which leaves many with no choice but to conduct searches in the evening or on weekends.  We must make the services offered by GSA and SBA more user-friendly in order for small businesses to benefit.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will debate a Higher Education Reauthorization bill.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson