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

August 1, 2008

Dear Friends,

This week, the Senate continued its debate on energy legislation, and I am proud to have joined with a bipartisan group of senators today in introducing legislation to reduce gas prices, lessen our nation’s dependence on foreighn oil, improve conservation and strengthen our economy. I have been saying for weeks that Republicans and Democrats must be willing to embrace all possible solutions at our fingertips, from conservation to offshore exploration to speculation and more. I believe this legislation will form the basis of a bill that the full Senate can embrace when we return from the August recess.

This group of senators, known informally as the “Gang of 10,” is led by Senator Chambliss, R-Ga., and Senator Conrad, D-N.D., and also includes Senator Corker, R-Tenn,. Senator Graham, R-S.C., Senator Landrieu, D-La., Senator Lincoln, D-Ark., Senator Nelson, D-Neb.,  Senator Pryor, D-Ark., and Senator Thune, R-Co..

The comprehensive New Energy Reform Act of 2008 — better known as the “New Era”— calls for a focused effort to transition the nation’s motor vehicle fleets to fuels other than gasoline and diesel. To ease gas prices in the interim, the proposal includes significant conservation provisions, consumer tax credits, and responsible measures to increase domestic production.

America has within its reach every resource necessary to be self-sufficient when it comes to energy. We just need the political will and the common sense to make it happen.  Today, we’ve shown that when good people sit down with good intentions, they come up with good ideas. There is no silver bullet when it comes to reducing the cost of energy, but Senators Chambliss and Conrad have done an outstanding job leading this group to a number of solutions that I believe can work together to alleviate this crisis.

In addition, the Senate leadership has also taken heed of the request we made in June to convene a summit of energy experts in an effort to develop a plan for securing America’s energy independence. 

For specific details of our energy plan, click here.

Reimbursement Announced for Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus
On Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would provide $5.5 million in federal funding to help reimburse Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus for leased medical equipment.  The hospital was severely damaged and the adjacent HealthPlex was destroyed during the storms and tornadoes that hit the area on March 1, 2007.  Senator Chambliss and I toured the damage with President Bush on March 3, 2007, and have been working with local officials throughout the recovery process.  These funds are essential to the hospital’s recovery from the severe tornadoes that wreaked havoc across much of the area and will go a long way toward ensuring that residents of the region continue to receive the superior healthcare they have come to expect from Sumter Regional.

What’s on Tap?

The Senate will recess for the remainder of August for work in our home states and will return on Monday, September 8, 2008. I look forward to visiting with constituents across the state over the next month.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson