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

July 27, 2007

Dear Friends,

This week, the Senate began debate on the fiscal year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which authorizes funds for the Department of Homeland Security. On Wednesday, Sen. Chambliss and I introduced an amendment to the bill asking President Bush to submit an emergency supplemental spending bill to Congress to fund border security. 

Our amendment states that the American people continue to feel the burden of a failed immigration system on a daily basis, and they have lost confidence in Congress and in the President to address the issue of illegal immigration and the security of our borders. Our amendment also states that the federal government has responsibility to immediately secure the borders of the United States, and that the President should send to the Congress a request for emergency spending for border security.

Our amendment passed unanimously, and I was extremely pleased our colleagues supported sending the message to the president that an emergency spending bill for border security would go a long way toward restoring credibility to our immigration system.

Border Security

On Thursday, I voted in favor of an amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill that would provide funds to immediately pay for some of the manpower and technology necessary to secure the U.S. border. Major provisions of the amendment included: achieving full operational control over 100 percent of the U.S.-Mexico border; hiring, training and deploying of 23,000 Border Patrol agents; putting into operation four unmanned aerial vehicles and 105 ground-based radar and camera towers; constructing 300 miles of permanent vehicle barriers and 700 miles of border fencing; and acquiring 45,000 detention beds to put a permanent end to ‘Catch and Release.’

There is no greater domestic issue in this country than the problems on our southern border with Mexico, andit is clear we have a crisis in confidence among the American people over our commitment to secure the border.  This amendment is a step in the right direction. It is time we stop making promises. It is time we start delivering.

Wounded Warrior Care Amendment Passes Senate

On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed an amendment I co-sponsored to the fiscal year 2008 Department of Homeland Security appropriations authorization bill that is designed to enhance the care of our wounded warriors.  The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act provides for the establishment of a comprehensive policy on the care and management of wounded warriors and seeks to address the shortcomings in the government process that facilitates the transfer of wounded soldiers from active duty to veteran status.  The legislation included a 3.5 percent pay raise for all uniformed military personnel. 

This legislation addresses what we have learned regarding the injuries that result from the type of warfare our troops are now facing in Iraq.  We are saving many more of wounded warriors on the battlefield, and as a result, we need to make sure we have a structure in place to address their long-term needs here at home.

Veteran Affairs Committee Hearing in Augusta

On August 28, 2007, I will chair a field hearing in Augusta, Ga., to examine the collaboration between the Augusta VA Medical Center and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center to care for service members who have sustained combat injuries.  The Augusta VA Medical Center operates the nation’s only medical rehabilitation unit within the VA system for active duty military personnel. Dr. Dennis Hollins, who works for the VA, heads the unit, and active duty medical personnel are stationed in the unit working alongside VA doctors and nurses.  As of January 2007, more than 430 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have received rehabilitation services at the unit, and 26 percent of those treated have been able to return to active duty.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs, I am very pleased to bring attention to the phenomenal job Dr. Hollins and his staff have done.  The work of the Augusta VA Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Center is a great story about how collaboration and this idea of a seamless transition from the Department of Defense to Veterans’ Affairs can work.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week the Senate will proceed to legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is known as PeachCare in Georgia.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson