{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"GA\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/whitfield-and-bishop-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-rescind-epa-s-carbon", "WHITFIELD AND BISHOP LEAD BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO RESCIND EPAs CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS PLAN", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, and Ed Whitfield (R-KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, today wrote to President Barack Obama to express their concerns regarding the proposed rule announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 2, 2014, entitled \u201cCarbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units.\u201d EPA\u2019s proposal would dramatically affect the \u201cway we generate, transmit and consume electricity in the United States\u201d by asserting unprecedented federal overreach in state electricity decision-making.\nJoined by nearly one hundred additional Members of Congress in the letter, Whitfield and Bishop detailed the complexity of the rule stating \u201cEPA specifically directs states to consider renewable energy standards, generation dispatch changes, co-firing or switching to natural gas, construction of new natural gas combined-cycle plants, transmission efficiency improvements, energy storage technology, plant retirements, expanding renewables like wind and solar, expanding nuclear, market-based trading programs, and demand-side energy efficiency and conservation programs.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cUnder the rule, EPA would also have the ability to impose its own alternate federal energy plan on a state in the event EPA did not approve a state\u2019s plan. We agree that states should be free under their own laws to pursue these types of energy policies and activities within their own borders, but it is not the role of the EPA to exercise ultimate authority over a state\u2019s electricity system.\u201d\nFurthermore, Members stressed the importance of maintaining affordable and reliable electricity citing EPA\u2019s own projections that \u201cthere would be additional power plant retirements and electricity rate increases.\u201d\u00a0 If this were to occur, it would \u201c\u2026threaten electricity reliability and drive up energy costs for consumers, including the elderly, poor, and those on fixed incomes, at a time when over 50 million Americans are currently living in poverty.\u201d\nThe Members concluded the letter by recognizing that although some of their own views may vary on the statutory authority of the regulations they are \u201c\u2026all concerned that this rule is simply unworkable as proposed and, if finalized, would effectively give EPA control over a state\u2019s generation, supply, and consumption of power. Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you direct the EPA to withdraw its proposed rule.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased that Representative Whitfield and I were able to secure strong bipartisan support to prevent EPA from overreaching its authority,\u201d said Bishop. \u201cThe proposed EPA rule would mean higher energy costs for consumers and would have a detrimental impact on our nation\u2019s economy. Congress cannot and must not allow that to happen now and into the future.\u201d\n\u201cI want to thank all of the Members who joined together in this effort, and especially Representative Bishop for his dedication to affordable electricity, and for recognizing the dangerous impact of this EPA\u2019s federal overreach,\u201d said Whitfield.\u00a0\u201cEPA\u2019s extreme actions are an attempt to force states and energy producers\u00a0to conform to regulations that dramatically increase electricity costs, destroy American jobs, and weaken our economy. I will not sit idly by as these regulations are made a reality. As Subcommittee Chairman, I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to exercise our oversight of the EPA and thoroughly examine all aspects of these regulations.\u201d\nTo view a copy of the letter to the President, please click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4a3cad92-a931-4914-a6f4-1c16b1643aed", "Isakson, Chambliss Applaud Nomination of Sally Yates as Deputy Attorney General", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today released the following statement applauding the administration\u2019s decision to nominate Sally Yates, U.S. attorney for Georgia\u2019s Northern District, to the position of deputy attorney general:\r\n\u201cSally Yates is an exceptionally skilled attorney with a strong record of public service and a well-qualified nominee to be deputy attorney general. She has served with distinction as U.S. attorney for Georgia\u2019s Northern District and throughout her career has demonstrated her abilities as a talented prosecutor in a wide array of challenging cases. Her 22 years of experience in the U.S. attorney\u2019s office and her role as vice chair of the Attorney General\u2019s Advisory Committee make her well-suited for the responsibilities of this job, and we congratulate her on her selection for such an important position.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-opening-relations-with-cuba", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING OPENING RELATIONS WITH CUBA", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding the recent announcement of the United States seeking to restore diplomatic and economic relations with Cuba:\n\u201cFirst and foremost, I am grateful for the efforts of President Obama, Senator Leahy, Representative Lee, and all the others who worked so hard to secure the freedom of Alan Gross and Rolando Trujillo. I am pleased that Alan Gross is now back home and reunited with his family, and am relieved that he and Rolando Trujillo are safe on American soil.\n\u201cFrom a national security, humanitarian, and economic point of view, normalizing our relationship with Cuba is a win-win for the United States. After 50 years of the failed policy of isolationism, establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba will renew our leadership with a strategic regional neighbor as well as allow us to compete more effectively with China\u2019s continually expanding global reach. Facilitating travel and commerce will reunite separated families, open up new opportunities for America and Cuba in needed Cuban infrastructure development, and allow the flow of basic goods and services between our two nations.\n\u201cMoreover, reopening Cuba as a market for products such as medical goods, agriculture, and information technology makes sense for our industries here in Georgia and across the United States. Middle and Southwest Georgia have much to gain through the development of a new and accessible market right in our backyard.\u201d\nCongressman Bishop is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. During his time on the Intelligence Committee, he traveled to Cuba twice and had the opportunity to meet with President Fidel Castro and heads of each of the ministries to discuss issues surrounding education, trade, commerce, and the potential of a mutual relationship between the two countries. Congressman Bishop spoke with the leaders of Cuba about the impact of opening up the borders and lifting the trade embargo on business between Georgia and Cuba.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=2d42f7cd-ffe5-44d5-aadd-8f0df2d2fa16", "e-Newsletter for the week ending December 19, 2014", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nThe Senate adjourned on Tuesday, ending the 113th Congress. The 114th Congress will convene at noon on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.\r\nPrior to the adjournment, the Senate voted on a number of pending nominations, as well as a bill to retroactively extend a number of tax deductions.\r\nAs we move into 2015 with a Republican majority, I will work with Republican leadership to advance comprehensive changes to our tax system that are long overdue.\r\nI look forward to continuing my work on the Senate Committee on Finance in the 115th Congress, and I welcome your suggestions on\u00a0how to simplify, make fairer and lower the current tax burden borne by taxpayers. Together, we can make a difference to craft a tax code for the 21st century.\r\nGovernment Funding and Amnesty\r\nOn December 13, 2014, the Senate passed H.R.83, the appropriations legislation to fund the government for nine months that was previously passed by the U.S. House on December 11, 2014.\r\nUnfortunately, there has been a great deal of confusion regarding this legislation and its impact on immigration funding and policy, as well as on Obamacare. While this is not the bill I would have written, I supported it because it included several key victories for conservative principles and for the state of Georgia, while also setting up the opportunity for the new Republican majority in the Senate to make more progress next year.\r\nFirst, the appropriations bill does not authorize the Obama administration to spend a single dime on the president\u2019s new immigration initiatives. I share the concern of many Georgians that it would be a blatant violation of the Constitution\u2019s separation of powers for the president to unilaterally change immigration policy without the consent of Congress. That is why I voted to support a point of order raised by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, declaring President Obama\u2019s plan to\u00a0halt the deportations of millions of illegal immigrants unconstitutional. Additionally, the funding bill gives the Department of Homeland Security, which funds immigration, only enough funding to operate until February 2015. This will allow Congress to revisit the agency\u2019s budget in February and begin the process of de-funding and dismantling the amnesty plan. I am committed to working with the new Republican majority in the Senate next year to block the president\u2019s unconstitutional power play.\r\nAs for Obamacare, the legislation prevented additional funding from reaching the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to pay for Obamacare, and it cut almost $350 million from the Internal Revenue Service, the administration\u2019s primary tool for enforcing Obamacare. It also prohibits taxpayer funds from being used to bail out insurance companies that lose money on Obamacare, a key step toward reversing the administration\u2019s efforts to hide the true cost of this law from the American people. I continue to fight to repeal and replace this terribly flawed law through legislation, funding cuts and through the courts.\r\nGeorgia\u2019s priorities were at the forefront of my mind when making my decision to support this legislation. First, the bill included funding to ensure the federal share of funding for Georgia\u2019s number one economic development project -- the expansion and deepening of the Port of Savannah. The appropriations bill included $1.52 million in construction funding that will keep this project on track.\r\nThe bill also included a provision to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) overreach with respect to the \u2018waters of the United States\u2019 proposal, which would subject Georgia\u2019s farmers to costly and intrusive federal regulation and would harm Georgia\u2019s biggest industry.\r\nAs the 113th Congress draws to a close, Senate Republicans are gearing up for their new majority in January. Omnibus appropriations bills are never a good way to do business, and come January 6, 2015, the new Republican Senate majority will return to doing individual and transparent appropriations bills throughout the year in a timely fashion. The American people deserve no less.\r\nNext year, I will continue my fight to reform America\u2019s budget and spending process from an annual to a biennial budget, which would reserve every other year for mandatory oversight to ensure that we demand accountability from existing programs before we spend money on new ones.\r\nArmy Retirement Policy Reversal\r\nIn November, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., and I led a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Army Secretary John McHugh over the Army\u2019s treatment of a significant number of captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers and who were being forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank.\r\nWe were concerned about the Army\u2019s use of Enhanced-Selective Early Retirement Boards, which would have resulted in a significant decrease in lifetime retirement benefits for the impacted soldiers -- as much as $1,000 per month or more for some, or just more than $1 million over a 40-year retirement in the case of a captain forced to retire as a sergeant first class. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nThis week, Secretary McHugh announced a reversal of this policy. I am thrilled Secretary McHugh responded quickly and is taking the steps necessary to rectify this situation and allow these deserving men and women to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation. You can read more about this issue in the Army Times\u2019 article here.\r\nCuba\r\nOn Wednesday, President Obama announced that the United States had been in long-time negotiations with Cuba regarding a prisoner exchange and that he plans to use executive actions to ease economic and travel restrictions on Cuba and to work with Congress to end the trade embargo.\r\nI am pleased that Alan Gross has been safely reunited with his family after five years of unjust imprisonment at the hands of the Castro regime. However, I am deeply troubled to hear that three convicted Cuban spies were exchanged as a part of this deal. Mr. Gross did not commit any crimes and should have been released unconditionally.\r\nAs for the Obama administration\u2019s plans for a major shift in policy toward Cuba, I look forward to hearing specific details on how the administration plans to hold Cuba accountable for its well-documented disregard for the basic rights of its people and the principles of democracy.\r\nWhat\u2019s on Tap?\r\nThe Senate is not in session next week in observance of Christmas or the following week in observance of New Year\u2019s Day. I look forward to sharing this special time of year with my family and friends. Dianne and I will be sharing a traditional Christmas Eve dinner with our children and nine grandchildren. We wish you all a Happy New Year, and ask you to join us in a prayer for those serving our nation especially at this time of year.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJohnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=d8a16ece-e31f-4c42-925f-ec4f2878cd8e", "e-Newsletter for the week ending December 12, 2014", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nAs of this writing, the Senate was preparing to vote later tonight or tomorrow on a nine-month omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2015. I intend to support this legislation for a number of reasons, with Georgia\u2019s priorities at the forefront of my mind. First, the bill includes funding to ensure the federal share of funding for Georgia\u2019s number one economic development project -- the expansion and deepening of the Port of Savannah.\r\nThe bill also includes a provision to rein in the EPA\u2019s overreach with respect to the \u2018waters of the United States\u2019 proposal, which would subject Georgia\u2019s farmers to costly and intrusive federal regulation and would harm Georgia\u2019s biggest industry.\r\nWithin Congress lies the power of the purse, and House and Senate Republicans intend to act to prevent the president from implementing his proposed executive action on immigration by stemming funding in the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s fiscal year 2015 budget. The omnibus legislation includes a two-month extension of DHS funding. By providing only short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security through February, the bill gives Republicans in the House and Senate an opportunity to have full control over the process of advancing legislation to defund the President\u2019s amnesty order early next year.\r\nAs the 113th Congress draws to a close, Senate Republicans are gearing up for their new majority in January. Omnibus appropriations bills are never a good way to do business, and come January 6, 2015, the new Republican Senate majority will return to doing individual and transparent appropriations bills throughout the year in a timely fashion. The American people deserve no less.\r\nI will continue my fight next year to reform America\u2019s budget and spending process from an annual to a biennial budget, which would reserve every other year for mandatory oversight to ensure that we demand accountability from existing programs before we spend money on new ones.\r\nDefense Authorization\r\nThis week the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act that establishes funding levels for the U.S. Department of Defense and sets the policies under which money will be spent. I voted for this bill because it included many provisions vitally important to Georgia, our national defense and our military service members.\r\nSenate Democrats\u2019 CIA Detention and Interrogation Report\r\nOn Tuesday, Senate Democrats released to the public their Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Majority\u2019s study of the CIA\u2019s Detention and Interrogation Program.\r\nOversight of the federal government, including the intelligence community, is an important and necessary responsibility of Congress. However, this report presents a politically motivated and one-sided account of the CIA\u2019s Detention and Interrogations program\u2014a program that, despite what this report alleges, helped develop intelligence that led to action against threats to our national security. I believe this report unfairly impugns U.S. intelligence professionals and endangers Americans fighting terror as well as those being held captive by our enemies.\r\nEPA\u2019s Power Plan Rule\r\nOn Wednesday, Senator Saxby Chambliss and I, along with 21 of our Senate Republican colleagues, sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to express our deep concern about the impact the EPA\u2019s proposed \u201cexisting source performance standards\u201d would have on electricity prices and power grid reliability.\r\nIn the letter, we called for the proposed rule\u2019s withdrawal, citing unrealistic interim targets, a severely constrained timeline for implementation and complications related to multistate resources among the many concerns raised by stakeholders. For example, the proposed rule does not account for the reduction of carbon dioxide into the environment that will result in the expansion of clean nuclear energy at Plant Vogtle in Augusta, Ga.\r\nOur nation\u2019s families and businesses depend upon affordable, reliable electricity. Unfortunately, EPA\u2019s \u201cexisting source performance standards\u201d proposal would constrain Americans\u2019 energy choices and inflict significant economic harm without producing any tangible environmental benefits. Click here to read the letter in its entirety.\r\nSenator Chambliss\u2019 Farewell Floor Speech\r\nIt is a tradition for senators to deliver farewell speeches before leaving the U.S. Senate. Senators that are retiring at the end of the 113th Congress have been giving their speeches for the last couple of weeks. My longtime Georgia colleague with whom I share an even longer friendship, Senator Saxby Chambliss, delivered his speech on Wednesday.\r\nIt was an emotional speech for both him and me. I appreciate his words but more importantly, the legacy he and his fine staff leave for Georgia from their work in agriculture, armed services and intelligence, as well as their work helping Georgia constituents needing assistance with government agencies. He has served with distinction and with class.\r\nThe country will miss Senator Chambliss, and my grandchildren are safer and our state is better because of his work. Georgia\u2019s going to love having Senator Chambliss back home more often. To watch my full tribute to Senator Chambliss, click here.\r\nIn Other News\r\nOn Monday I enjoyed Skyping with 8th grade classes from Cliff Valley School in Atlanta and Westside Middle School in Winder, Ga. I was also delighted to receive a framed photograph from the University of Georgia from the keynote address I delivered during the 2014 Spring Commencement at Sanford Stadium in May. [PHOTO]\u00a0\r\nI was also interviewed this week on John Druckenmiller\u2019s \u201cHometown Headlines\u201d segment on WRGA in Rome, Ga.\r\nWhat\u2019s on Tap?\r\nThe Senate is not in session next week in observance of Christmas. During these past several weeks we have addressed a variety of critically important issues, and now we welcome this holiday season and the spirit of Christmas.\u00a0 As we reflect on the things we have weathered through this past year, it is equally important to recognize our many blessings as a nation. In the spirit of this wonderful time of year, Dianne and I wish you a holiday filled with joy, happiness and cheer. Merry Christmas!\r\nSincerely,\r\nJohnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=583", "Collins Announces Congressional Committees; Office Locations", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES; OFFICE LOCATIONS\r\n\r\n\tWill Represent Northeast Georgia on House Rules, Judiciary Committees\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGAINESVILLE\u2014Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.) today announced that he will serve on the House Committee on Rules and the House Committee on the Judiciary in the 114th Congress.\u00a0 This makes Collins\u2019s second term on the House Judiciary Committee, where he will now serve as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Collins will be one of the newest members of the Rules Committee, which holds jurisdiction over every piece of legislation coming to a vote by the whole House of Representatives.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCollins said, \u201cIn the 114th Congress, committees are where we\u2019ll be doing the hardest work in turning this country around. I\u2019m honored to be in a position to make Northeast Georgia\u2019s voice heard as every piece of legislation makes its way through the Rules Committee to the House floor.\u201d Collins added,\u00a0 \u201cOn the Judiciary Committee, I\u2019ll be working even harder on ways to encourage innovation and intellectual property for the next generation. We\u2019ll also be making sure that in President Obama\u2019s final two years in office, we\u2019re protecting the American people from his increasingly reckless regard for the Constitution.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe 114th Congress also brings changes to Congressman Collins\u2019s office locations. To better serve constituents in the 9th District, Congressman Collins\u2019s Gainesville Office will be located at 210 Washington Street NW Suite 202, Gainesville, GA. For constituents visiting Washington, DC, Congressman Collins\u2019s office will be located in 1504 Longworth House Office Building. The office phone numbers,770-297-3388 for Gainesville and 202-225-9893 for Washington, will remain unchanged.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=705232f1-075b-405e-9994-610eb39809f0", "Congress Approves Funding for Savannah Harbor Expansion Project", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., along with U.S. Representative Jack Kingston, Ga.-01, applauded new construction funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project in the government spending bill passed by Congress over the weekend.\r\nThe 2015 Appropriations bill includes $1.52 million in construction funding that will keep this vital economic infrastructure project on track.\u00a0 To ensure this money is put to work, the Obama Administration is restricted from further needless delays.\r\n\u201cI am thrilled we are sending such a strong message with this bill that the federal government must continue to pay its share for Georgia\u2019s number one economic development project -- the expansion and deepening of the Port of Savannah,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThis project is crucial for our region and will support hundreds of thousands of jobs each year while generating billions in revenue for Georgia and the entire Southeast.\u201d\r\n\u201cGeorgia has fought tirelessly to promote SHEP and the growth and opportunity it will bring to the entire Southeast and our national economy,\u201d said Chambliss. \u201cThe spending bill passed by Congress includes funding and clear guidance to ensure the Administration cannot needlessly delay this vital project. With the project partnership agreement signed, paving the way towards SHEP\u2019s construction, this bill brings us even closer to getting this project done.\u201d\r\nCongressman Jack Kingston, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said, \"We have been toiling in the fields on this project for nearly two decades and overcome countless bureaucratic hurdles.\u00a0 Once again, Congress has made clear that the project should move forward without further delay.\u00a0 I hope the Obama Administration will join us in honoring its commitment to this project of regional and national importance.\u00a0 In the words of the President himself, 'we can't wait.'\"\r\nCongress designated SHEP as a new start in 2009 and has provided construction funding for it each year since.\u00a0 This year, the Appropriations Committee went a step further in explicitly barring the Administration from using funds to evaluate whether to designate it as a new start which could lead to further delays.\r\nIn October, officials from the Georgia Ports Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers signed a project partnership agreement to officially launch construction on the project.\u00a0 The agreement allows the Corps to use part of the $209 million in state funds already appropriated for the project while it awaits further investment from the federal government.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d5567b45-db10-48a5-88e9-6cc4bf2c8df7", "Isakson Statement on Senate Passage of Government Funding Measure", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., tonight released the following statement regarding the Senate passage of H.R.83, the omnibus/continuing resolution appropriations legislation to fund the government:\r\n\u201cOmnibus appropriations bills are never a good way to do business, and come January 6, 2015, the new Republican Senate majority will return to doing individual and transparent appropriations bills throughout the year in a timely fashion. The American people deserve no less.\r\n\u201cThe Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus included a number of important provisions for America and for Georgia. First and foremost, the bill keeps the administration on a short leash by giving the Department of Homeland Security, which enforces immigration, only enough funding to operate until February 2015. That allows the new Republican majority to then revisit this agency\u2019s budget and begin to dismantle the effects of the president\u2019s amnesty executive order. I also voted to condemn the president\u2019s amnesty executive action by supporting a point of order tonight declaring it unconstitutional.\r\n\u201cAdditionally, the bill includes funding and strong language to ensure the federal government will continue to pay its share of the cost of Georgia\u2019s number one economic development project -- the expansion and deepening of the Port of Savannah.\r\n\u00a0\u201cThe omnibus bill also includes a provision to rein in the EPA\u2019s overreach with respect to the agency\u2019s \u2018waters of the United States\u2019 proposal, which would subject Georgia\u2019s farmers to costly and intrusive federal regulation and would harm Georgia\u2019s biggest industry.\r\n\u201cI will continue my fight next year to reform America\u2019s budget and spending process from an annual to a biennial budget, reserving every other year for mandatory oversight to ensure that we demand accountability from existing programs before we spend money on new ones.\u201d\r\nThe Senate voted 56-40 on final passage of the nine-month government funding bill.\u00a0 The House passed H.R.83 on Thursday, December 11, 2014 by a vote of 219-206.\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e0ae55a9-c6ce-42fd-9783-bcdf642940ab", "Isakson Condemns President's Amnesty Decision", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., tonight condemned as unconstitutional President Obama\u2019s plan to halt the deportations of millions of illegal immigrants.\r\nDuring a series of votes on the Senate floor, Isakson supported a point of order by Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, declaring the president\u2019s plan to grant amnesty unconstitutional. The Democrat-controlled Senate rejected Cruz\u2019s point of order by a vote of 22-74.\r\n\u201cAny attempt to circumvent Congress and grant amnesty to millions in this country illegally is unacceptable and unconstitutional,\u201d Isakson said. \u201cThe president continues to circumvent Congress by executive action, and I am appalled that he is doing it once again with immigration.\u201d\r\nIsakson also voted tonight for a government funding bill that gives the Department of Homeland Security, which funds immigration, only enough funding to operate until February 2015. That will allow the new Republican majority to revisit the agency\u2019s budget in February and begin the process of de-funding and dismantling the amnesty executive order.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398317", "Rep. Graves: Conservatives Score Major Victories In Funding Bill", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves: Conservatives Score Major Victories In Funding Bill\n                    \n                    \n                        Bill Keeps Government Open, Sets Up Fight Over Executive Amnesty\n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 12, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) voted for and the House passed a bill to keep the government open, which included several key provisions that address controversial Obama Administration policies and other scandals associated with the president.\u201cFor years, we have battled the Obama Administration on many fronts. Every few months, a new crisis, scandal or outrage overtakes the national conversation,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cI know that people are sick of all the talk. They want action. By passing this bill, we are taking concrete action on a long list of major issues. We are finally securing wins on Obamacare, the IRS scandal, the VA crisis, EPA overreach, Benghazi, privacy rights, Common Core, Second Amendment rights, the sanctity of life and many other issues that deeply concern my constituents. The bill certainly isn\u2019t perfect, and it doesn\u2019t solve every problem, but there\u2019s a reason why House Democrats said they were being \u2018taken to the cleaners.\u2019\u201cI also supported an amendment that sought to block executive amnesty. While it was not approved, I believe our incoming House and Senate majorities will be in a strong position to stop the president. Under this bill, funding for immigration-related agencies expires in February, but the rest of the government is funded through September. That means the president will not be able to hide behind the threat of a shutdown. He will not be able to scare America\u2019s seniors over social security or threaten our veterans\u2019 health benefits. The president will be left to defend his executive amnesty alone, and I believe we will win.\u201dHighlights from the Fiscal Year 2015 government funding bill:\r\n- The federal government\u2019s discretionary spending level is at $1.013 trillion\u2014lower than the $1.019 trillion spending level in the famous \u201cPath to Prosperity\u201d budget championed by conservatives. - The IRS budget is cut by $345 million, putting the agency below its Fiscal Year 2008 budget level. That means the IRS has been cut by over $1.2 billion since Fiscal Year 2010. - $41 million in VA performance bonuses are rescinded and efforts to end the disability claims backlog are strengthened. VA medical staffs and facilities are expanded. - EPA funding is cut by $60 million, making it a 21% budget cut since Fiscal Year 2010. The EPA\u2019s staffing level will be at its lowest level since 1989. - The EPA is prohibited from regulating the lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle.\r\n- Livestock producers are exempt from EPA greenhouse gas regulations, thwarting the agency\u2019s effort to regulate livestock flatulence. - The Army Corps of Engineers is prohibited from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches.\r\n- Funding is prohibited for acquiring, storing or monitoring electronic communications of a US citizen from a public service provider under section 501 of FISA. - Aid to Libya is prohibited until the U.S. Secretary of State confirms that the Libyans are cooperating in the Benghazi investigation.\r\n- Obamacare\u2019s Independent Payment Advisory Board, sometimes referred to as the \"death panel,\u201d is cut by $10 million. - Obamacare\u2019s Risk Corridor program is prohibited from receiving a taxpayer bailout. - All existing pro-life protections are extended, with new protections included in the bill such as requiring the Office of Civil Rights to respond to claims of violations of conscience protections.\r\n- Funding for any future \"Fast and Furious\" type activity is prohibited. - The UN Arms Trade Treaty cannot be funded or implemented. \r\n- There is no funding for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). \r\n- Eliminates Race To The Top, a main driver of Common Core.\r\n- The Administration\u2019s school lunch regulations are relaxed.\r\n- ACORN and its subsidiaries are prohibited from receiving federal funds.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://woodall.house.gov/press-release/woodall-statement-house-passed-government-funding-bill", "Woodall Statement on House-Passed Government Funding Bill", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall issued the following statement regarding his support of the House-passed government funding legislation.\n\u201cCongress and the American people have debated a number of different paths to try to hold President Obama accountable for his executive overreach.\u00a0 While there is still disagreement on which path is best, the path that we took in the House tonight is the first step to get us there.\u00a0 First and foremost, this bill holds the line on spending, implementing a spending level that is even lower than the one proposed in the original \u2018too conservative to pass\u2019 Paul Ryan budget.\u00a0 Additionally, the bill implements conservative priorities such as an increase in pay and funding for our troops, as well as accountability measures for the IRS and EPA.\u201d\n\u201cWhile the bill implements restraints on executive overreach in many areas, it could not turn off the funding stream that the President intends to use for his executive actions on immigration.\u00a0 As conservatives, we have all been very frustrated by recent attempts at unilateral lawmaking by the Obama Administration. \u00a0There is a misconception, however, that if we shut down the government that we can prevent him from acting. \u00a0A government shutdown can\u2019t stop him. \u00a0His actions are funded with money that he raises through fees, so regrettably he can and will continue his unilateral efforts whether the government is funded or not.\u00a0 We must find another way.\u201d\n\u201cRather than having \u00a0America\u2019s attention focused on a government shutdown, we can shine the spotlight on the President\u2019s egregious executive actions.\u00a0 By funding most of government for the long-term, but limiting funding to two months for the Department of Homeland Security\u2014the agency planning to implement the President\u2019s unilateral action\u2014we will be able to narrow the entire funding conversation for the new Congress to this one department.\u00a0 The House, with a willing partner in the Senate having been sworn in, can then begin to move legislation to stop this President\u2019s actions.\u00a0 With smart, targeted bills we will partner with the American people to restore Constitutional order.\u201d\n\u201cHaving a willing partner in the Senate isn\u2019t \u2018something\u2019; it is \u2018everything\u2019.\u00a0 The House passed its funding bills beginning last May; \u00a0but the Senate never passed a single funding bill all year. The American people can be certain that the new Senate sworn in this January will not repeat the current Senate\u2019s inaction.\u00a0 The House can neither run the government nor rein in the President alone.\u00a0 Help is on the way in January, and it isn\u2019t coming one day too soon.\u201d\nWoodall represents the Seventh Congressional District of Georgia, which includes the majority of Gwinnett and Forsyth counties, and currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee.\n###\nCLICK HERE to get more information about the Omnibus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=582", "Collins Invites Volunteers to Serve at Area Food Bank", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS INVITES VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE AT AREA FOOD BANK\r\n\r\n\tWill Serve at Georgia Mountain Food Bank Next Week\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGAINESVILLE\u2014Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.) invites anyone who would like to join him for a time of volunteer service at the Georgia Mountain Food Bank on Thursday, December 18th, at 2:00 PM.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Collins will be preparing food boxes and encouraging fellow volunteers, and invites friends across Northeast Georgia to get involved in any way they can.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGeorgia Mountain Food Bank is located at 1642 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville, GA 30507.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe Georgia Mountain Food Bank can be reached at 770-534-4111.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=13d57495-4a91-40c3-a4b5-3d2941a14982", "Isakson to Chambliss: 'The Country Will Miss You But My Grandchildren Are Safer, My State Is Better...'", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today delivered the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate as he bid farewell to his Georgia partner in the U.S. Senate and longtime friend, retiring Senator Saxby Chambliss:\r\n\u201cMr. President, I rise to pay tribute to my friend, Saxby Chambliss.\r\n\u201cI will have to admit to you this is a speech I never wanted to make. I never wanted to make it because we've had a wonderful relationship in this body for the last 10 years. We've done everything together.\r\n\u201cHe's had my back, I've had his back; he's a great friend and I'll miss him.\r\n\u201cBut I'm not a selfish guy. He married one of the finest women I've ever known, Julianne, who is one of the best friends my wife has. I know he's leaving us and I'll miss the crutch I've used. She is getting her Saxby back and she and her family and those grandkids he loves so much. That's exactly what Saxby wants to do.\r\n\u201cGeorgia has had some great senators. Richard Russell, really the master of the senate; Zell Miller, the former governor of Georgia, a friend of mine and mentor to our state; and Sam Nunn, one of the finest in national defense and foreign policy our state ever offered.\r\n\u201cSaxby will be the fourth on the Mount Rushmore of Georgia senators who served Georgia with distinction and with class.\r\n\u201cI want to tell Saxby this personally. For ten years we've done a joint press conferences. We've messed up twice and, when I messed up, he covered my back, and when he messed up, I covered his. In fact, in 2008 when he almost lost a race and got into a runoff, in December in Georgia I rode a bus for 21 straight days introducing him three times a day and eating barbecue every day for dinner and lunch. That's a price to pay only friendship will bring out of anybody.\r\n\u201cBut he's a dear friend and I love him very much and I love his family very much. I could talk all day but I wanted to open up and close by saying, Saxby, I love you, the state's going to love having you back. The country will miss you but my grandchildren are safer, my state is better and our relationship has never been stronger.\r\n\u201cMay God bless you and your family in every endeavor you take and may God bless the United States of America.\u201d\r\nIsakson and Chambliss have been longtime friends since their college days at the University of Georgia in the 1960s, and have served together in elected offices since 1999 when Isakson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. They have served as Georgia\u2019s senior and junior senators in the U.S. Senate since 2005.\r\nVideo of Sen. Isakson\u2019s floor remarks can be viewed online here.\r\nChambliss\u2019 farewell remarks reflecting on his more than 20 years serving Georgians in the U.S. Congress are available online here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=807a4b0c-b697-4463-8d89-950be676daed", "Isakson, Chambliss Join Senators in Calling for Withdrawal of EPA's Power Plan Rule", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today expressed deep concern about the impact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)\u2019s proposed existing source performance standards (ESPS) would have on electricity prices and power grid reliability.\r\nIn a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Isakson and Chambliss along with twenty-one of their Senate Republican colleagues called for the rule\u2019s withdrawal, citing unrealistic interim targets, a severely constrained timeline for implementation and complications related to multi-state resources among the many concerns raised by stakeholders.\r\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s families and businesses depend upon affordable, reliable electricity. Unfortunately, EPA\u2019s ESPS proposal will constrain Americans\u2019 energy choices and inflict significant economic harm without producing any tangible environmental benefits,\u201d the Senators write in the letter.\r\nFor example, the rule does not account for the reduction of carbon dioxide into the environment that will result in the expansion of clean nuclear energy at Plant Vogtle in Augusta, Ga.\r\nJoining Isakson and Chambliss in sending the letter were: Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., John Boozman, R-Ark., Richard Burr, R-N.C., Dan Coats, R-Ind., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, John Hoeven, R-N.D., Mike Johanns, R-Neb., John McCain, R-Ariz., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Richard Shelby, R-Ala., John Thune, R-S.D., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss.\r\nFull text of the letter is available below:\r\nDecember 10, 2014\r\nThe Honorable Gina McCarthy  Administrator  Environmental Protection Agency  U.S. EPA Headquarters \u2013 William J. Clinton Building  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20460\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Administrator McCarthy,\r\nWe write to express serious concern regarding EPA\u2019s proposed existing source performance standards (ESPS) under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act and to identify some key issues that must be addressed in any final rule.\u00a0 As proposed, the rule would have sweeping impacts that would not only raise Americans\u2019 electricity prices, but also jeopardize the reliability of our nation\u2019s power grid.\u00a0 Among the biggest problems with the rule are the unrealistic interim targets, severely constrained timeline for implementation, and the complications related to multi-state resources.\r\nFirst, as both state environmental agencies and industry stakeholders have pointed out, the emission rate targets are front-loaded, requiring a disproportionate percentage of emission rate reductions in the early years of the program.\u00a0 These unrealistic reduction rates do not account for the time needed to accommodate the infrastructure changes needed to achieve them.\u00a0 Development of new generation and transmission resources takes time.\u00a0 Planning, design, siting, permitting, and construction can easily take as long as a decade.\u00a0\r\nComparing the interim emission rate reduction in 2020 (from the 2012 baseline) to the final emission rate reduction required by 2030, total emission rate reductions that must occur between\u00a0 the 2012 baseline and the 2020 emission rate target reach as high as 90%.\u00a0 The median reduction level is 66% for all states during that timeframe.\u00a0 Under EPA\u2019s second building block\u2014 prematurely shutting down coal-fired generation in favor of natural gas combined cycle generation, EPA\u2019s emission rate formula results in a 100% decrease in coal generation by 2020 in some states.\u00a0 Furthermore, this premature shutdown of coal fired generation will pose serious reliability risks to the electric grid and result in billions of dollars in stranded investment in expensive pollution control equipment that has been installed in order to comply with recent EPA regulations.\u00a0\u00a0 For these reasons, we urge the elimination of the 2020 targets.\r\nSecond, states have very little time to prepare and submit implementation plans\u201413 months from the time EPA issues a final rule with a possibility of a one-year extension for individual state plans or two-year extension for multi-state plans.\u00a0 This is simply not enough time for states to plan and prepare for such significant changes to their electricity generating portfolio, let alone address \u201cbeyond-the-fence\u201d energy efficiency programs.\u00a0 Moreover, regional transmission operators must have time to evaluate and provide feedback on the state plans to address impacts on regional markets and ensure power reliability.\u00a0 As outlined in its 2014 Initial Reliability Review of EPA\u2019s Proposed Clean Power Plan, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation also needs time to assess resource adequacy and long-term reliability of the North American bulk power system.\u00a0\r\nA third fundamental issue to be resolved is how EPA will account for electricity resources generated in one state but used in another.\u00a0 While EPA has promulgated state-based reduction targets, our electricity system is interconnected with many cross-state purchase agreements.\u00a0 EPA\u2019s current proposal fails to establish a workable regulatory framework for addressing these complicated, but critically important multi state issues.\u00a0\r\nOur nation\u2019s families and businesses depend upon affordable, reliable electricity.\u00a0 Unfortunately, EPA\u2019s ESPS proposal will constrain Americans\u2019 energy choices and inflict significant economic harm without producing any tangible environmental benefits.\u00a0 We urge you to address the wide range of issues raised by stakeholders regarding this proposal, including the three key concerns we have identified above, should you choose to proceed with issuing any final rule.\u00a0 However, we strongly believe the best way to address the aforementioned concerns is by withdrawing this ill-conceived and overreaching rule in its entirety.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=96cb7318-d231-4115-862a-5e8696ea01bb", "Senators Isakson, Coons Urge South African President to Drop Ban on U.S. Poultry or Risk Losing Favored Trade Status", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Chris Coons, D-Del., cautioned South African President Jacob Zuma that continued refusal to eliminate unfair duties on U.S. poultry could jeopardize South Africa\u2019s continued eligibility for trade benefits available under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, also referred to as AGOA.\r\nThe Senators delivered their message via a letter sent Tuesday night. Congress will consider reauthorization of AGOA in 2015.\r\n\u201cThe antidumping duties South Africa has levied on U.S. poultry have been in place for fourteen years, effectively blocking our companies from accessing your market,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe understand that our trade officials recently discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding poultry, as well as other market access issues for other U.S. exports to South Africa. We strongly encourage you to pursue solutions expeditiously that guarantee market access for U.S. poultry.\u201d\r\nThe United States has worked directly with the government of South Africa for years in an attempt to remove the duties levied on U.S. poultry. In 2013, the World Trade Organization ruled against an almost identical system of duties imposed on American chicken by China, deeming it a violation of global trade rules.\r\n\u201cAs you know, Congress is in the process of considering reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe urge you to ensure that conversations continue to make progress towards eliminating the antidumping duties on U.S. poultry and that this issue is resolved before Congress takes up AGOA reauthorization, which could be early next year. We will need to reconsider the extension of duty preferences under AGOA for South Africa if this situation is not resolved.\u201d\r\nThe African Growth and Opportunity Act has served as the cornerstone of the U.S. commercial relationship with Africa since its enactment in 2000, successfully expanding U.S. trade with African countries that show a commitment to good governance and democratic principles. It has improved the trade environment both for U.S. and African businesses, and has spurred significant economic growth.\r\nSenator Isakson is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which will have jurisdiction over the AGOA reauthorization bill. The two co-founded the bipartisan Senate Chicken Caucus in 2013. Senator Coons chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, and Isakson is a former ranking Republican of that subcommittee.\r\nThe letter is available as a PDF here: http://1.usa.gov/1ukD1eQ.\r\nThe full text is below:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 9, 2014\r\nPresident Jacob Zuma  Private Bag X1000  Pretoria, South Africa 0001\u00a0\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nThank you for your participation in the African Leaders Summit in August in Washington, D.C.\u00a0 It was an honor to have you and your delegation here to share your experiences and discuss issues and opportunities for both of our nations.\r\nOne issue that is of great importance to both of us and our states is that of poultry trade.\u00a0 We have been closely following developments in regards to poultry trade with South Africa, and were pleased to hear of the meeting between the U.S. and South African poultry industries on September 17th.\u00a0 Furthermore, we were pleased to see news articles in the press here and in South Africa reporting that the South African poultry industry is prepared to make concessions to open their market.\r\nThe antidumping duties South Africa has levied on U.S. poultry have been in place for fourteen years, effectively blocking our companies from accessing your market.\u00a0 As the Chair of the African Affairs Subcommittee on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Ranking Member of the International Trade Subcommittee on the Senate Finance Committee, we are committed to broadening and sustaining the U.S.\u2013South Africa relationship, and to resolving this poultry trade situation by the elimination of the antidumping duties.\u00a0 We believe there is great opportunity for the U.S. to further investment in the South African poultry industry, as well as build partnerships between our poultry industries and universities in ways that can be beneficial for all involved.\r\nWe understand that our trade officials recently discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding poultry, as well as other market access issues for other U.S. exports to South Africa.\u00a0 We strongly encourage you to pursue solutions expeditiously that guarantee market access for U.S. poultry.\u00a0 As you know, Congress is in the process of considering reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).\u00a0 We urge you to ensure that conversations continue to make progress towards eliminating the antidumping duties on U.S. poultry and that this issue is resolved before Congress takes up AGOA reauthorization, which could be early next year.\u00a0 We will need to reconsider the extension of duty preferences under AGOA for South Africa if this situation is not resolved.\r\nWe look forward to continuing to work with you to address this important issue.\r\nSincerely,  Christopher A. Coons  Johnny Isakson  United States Senators\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1ff330c0-b277-4e06-8827-dbd8ecef3368", "Isakson on Release of Senate Democrats' CIA Detention and Interrogation Report", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today released the following statement regarding the public release of the executive summary, findings and conclusions to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Majority's study of the CIA\u2019s Detention and Interrogation Program:\r\n\u201cOversight of the federal government, including the intelligence community, is an important and necessary responsibility of Congress. However, this report presents a politically motivated and one-sided account of the CIA\u2019s Detention and Interrogations program\u2014a program that, despite what this report alleges, helped develop intelligence that led to action against threats to our national security. I believe this report unfairly impugns U.S. intelligence professionals and endangers Americans fighting terror as well as those being held captive by our enemies.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=808b96eb-d996-46ee-92a4-c8f5a1a318fd", "e-Newsletter for the week ending December 5, 2014", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nBefore the Thanksgiving holiday, President Obama announced his proposed executive action on immigration that will grant legal status to millions.\r\nPresident Obama has once again chosen to circumvent Congress by executive order. This is the wrong way to govern. Bottom line, any attempt to circumvent Congress and grant legal status to millions is unacceptable. We must stop the president from executing bad policy and will consider all legislative and legal options, including limitations on funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, when determining the best course of action to do so.\r\nThis week, Georgia joined with 16 other states in a lawsuit challenging the president\u2019s action. I support this move and believe that our state is sending a strong message that we respect the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. We demand that the president uphold the laws that he swore to protect when taking the oath of office.\r\nArmy Retirement Benefits\r\nOn November 19, 2014, Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., and I led a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to U.S. Army Secretary John McHugh over the Army\u2019s treatment of a significant number of captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers and are being forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank.\r\nThe Army\u2019s use of Enhanced-Selective Early Retirement Boards (E-SERB) will result in a significant decrease in lifetime retirement benefits for the impacted soldiers, for some as much as $1,000 per month or more, or just over $1 million over a 40 year retirement in the case of a captain forced to retire as a sergeant first class. \u00a0\r\nThese former non-commissioned officers answered the Army\u2019s call for volunteers to attend Officer Candidate School as the Army expanded its officer corps to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, despite having served for years as commissioned officers and rising through the ranks to become captains and majors, these dedicated soldiers will soon be forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank.\r\nTo demote these soldiers in retirement is an injustice that devalues their service and will materially disadvantage them and their families for the rest of their lives. In the letter, we strongly urged the secretary to take the necessary steps to rectify this situation in order to allow these soldiers to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation.\r\nDefense Secretary Hagel\u2019s Resignation\r\nU.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced his resignation on November 24, 2014. Whether it was a resignation or a firing, the decision reflects the uncertainty of this administration as it relates to foreign policy in general, and in particular the destruction of ISIS. Given the crisis with ISIS, along with situations of unrest in the Ukraine, Iran, and west Africa, this president and his administration need to send a clear message of strength and commitment. The president has nominated Ashton \u201cAsh\u201d Carter, a theoretical physicist and former deputy defense secretary, to be the next defense secretary. I look forward to carefully reviewing Mr. Carter\u2019s qualifications as the Senate considers his nomination.\r\nAnd on that note, I believe the administration\u2019s agreement to extend negotiations with Iran on their nuclear program until mid-2015, following their failure to reach an agreement by the previous deadline of November 24, 2014, is further evidence of Iran\u2019s unwillingness to take the proper steps to dismantle its nuclear program. It is critical that we clearly demonstrate to Iran that we will not be lied to, we will not be misled, and that we expect it to honor its commitments. A nuclear program in Iran will fuel an arms race in the most unstable region of the world, and the United States will not stand for that. The United States must be firm, strengthen sanctions and reject any further delays. By accommodating Iran\u2019s request, the Obama administration is once again sending Iran the wrong message, and the rest of the world is watching with great interest.\r\nSunscreen Innovation Act\r\nI am so pleased to announce that the Sunscreen Innovation Act that I introduced with Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I., was signed into law by President Obama this week. This legislation improves the regulatory pathway for innovative sunscreens that are widely available in the rest of the world, as well as other over-the-counter drugs that also have been stalled at FDA under the current framework.\r\nSome of these sunscreen ingredients have been safely used overseas for years, but have had their applications pending before the FDA for a decade or more.\u00a0As a melanoma survivor, I believe it\u2019s essential that Americans have access to the most safe and effective sunscreen. Too often, technological advancements that have the ability to improve the quality of health care and prevent disease are held back by an overly rigid regulatory process. I am pleased that the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate and the president have now all agreed to tackle the bureaucratic hurdles that have stood between American consumers and the new and innovative sunscreen products that are already available in many other countries.\r\nIn Other News\r\nThis week, I was delighted to Skype with some of the best third graders in Putnam Co., Georgia. They had such fun and insightful questions for me. If you know of a school or a class that would like the opportunity to Skype with me from my office in Washington, please complete this form with your information and select \u201cScheduling Request\u201d in the topic area. I love speaking with Georgia\u2019s youth from right in their own classrooms!\r\nI also had the opportunity to speak with host Scott James on WDDQ, Talk 92.1 FM in Valdosta, Ga., on Thursday morning. We covered many of the topics I touched on here in my newsletter. To keep up-to-the-minute on my activities from Washington, D.C., and Georgia, follow me on Twitter!\r\nWhat\u2019s on Tap?\r\nNext week, the Senate is expected to take up House-passed legislation that would extend a number of tax provisions that expired last year and need to be addressed before the tax filing season begins. We are also expected to work on the 2015 defense authorization bill, which was passed by the House this week.\r\nWe must also come to an agreement on funding the government before December 11, 2014, when the current funding agreement is set to expire.\r\nSincerely,\u00a0\r\nJohnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-stands-up-for-individuals-with-disabilities", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STANDS UP FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) voted to open opportunities for people with disabilities to build a tax-exempt savings account to pay for higher education expenses, a primary residence, transportation, obtaining and maintaining employment, health and wellness, and other personal needs. The bipartisan Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE Act (H.R. 647), of which Congressman Bishop is a co-sponsor, was approved by the United States House of Representatives by a vote of 404 to 7.\n\u201cThe ABLE Act is long overdue legislation that will allow individuals with disabilities to keep more of their hard earned savings and lead more independent lives,\u201d said Congressman Bishop.\nThe ABLE Act is supported by many organizations including the National Federation of the Blind, National Down Syndrome Society, Autism Society, National Organization on Disability, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, and National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities.\nTo read more about the ABLE Act, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-supports-american-taxpayers", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS AMERICAN TAXPAYERS", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported strengthening the economy and providing certainty to Middle and Southwest Georgia taxpayers by voting in favor of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. The bill extends more than four dozen tax provisions that expired at the end of calendar year 2013 that would benefit businesses and individuals; H.R. 5771 was approved by a vote of 378 to 46 and now goes to the United States Senate for its consideration.\n\u201cBy lowering the amount of taxes paid, this bill strengthens America\u2019s direct access to capital,\u201d said Congressman Bishop. \u201cThe extension of tax credits and allowances in this bill is narrowly focused to where it is needed most \u2013 supporting America\u2019s homeowners, growing jobs in Georgia, and stimulating our local economies.\u201d\nRegarding educators and students, the Tax Increase Prevention Act includes the tax deductions on expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers and a tax deduction on qualified tuition and related expenses. For property owners, the bill provides a low-income housing tax credit rate for newly constructed non-federally subsidized buildings; accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property, of motorsports entertainment complexes, and of business property on Indian reservations; a tax credit for residential energy efficiency improvements; a tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and a tax credit for energy efficient new homes.\nFor business owners, film studios, and transportation, the bill includes a tax credit for differential wage payments to employees who are active duty members of the Uniformed Services; the expensing allowance for film and television production costs and costs of live theatrical productions; and a tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures. The bill also supports the production of clean energy by providing a tax credit for second generation bio-fuel production; income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures; and a tax credit for producing electricity using wind, biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, trash, hydropower, and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy facilities.\nFor more information and full list of tax extenders, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398316", "Rep. Graves Votes To Stop Executive Amnesty", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves Votes To Stop Executive Amnesty\n                    \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 4, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) voted for and the House passed H.R. 5759, a bill to stop President Obama\u2019s executive amnesty plan and prevent any similar actions in the future. \u201cThe House has acted on behalf of the American people to stop President Obama\u2019s lawless action and preserve our constitutional checks and balances,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cThis is one positive step in what will be a broad effort to shut down the president\u2019s plan. I am very encouraged by the lawsuit filed yesterday by seventeen states, including Georgia. The incoming Senate Republican Majority will soon work with the House to block executive amnesty. Conservative senators have already promised to use their unique powers, such as the ability to block presidential appointments. Until the president\u2019s last day in office, we must continue fighting to uphold the law and restore balance to our government.\u201d\r\n###\n                \n            \n        \n    \n    \n        Print version of this document", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://woodall.house.gov/news-story/rob-woodall-give-commencement-speech-georgia-gwinnett-college", "Rob Woodall to give commencement speech at Georgia Gwinnett College", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LAWRENCEVILLE \u2014 More than 300 students who have earned degrees from Georgia Gwinnett College will hear words of advice and encouragement from U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall later this month.\nThe school announced on Wednesday that Woodall would give the keynote address at the fall commencement ceremony, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Dec. 18 at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.\nAt recent graduation ceremonies, keynote speakers at GGC have included Chancellor Hank Huckaby, 11Alive news anchor Karyn Greer, GGC alumnus Homero Gonz\u00e1lez, Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson and Ambassador Andrew Young.\nWoodall was first elected in 2010, and in November was re-elected for another term.\nHe serves the 7th Congressional District in Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves on the House Committee on Rules, the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He also serves as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee\u2019s Budget and Spending Task Force.\n\u201cWe are pleased and honored to have Congressman Woodall address our fall graduating class,\u201d GGC President Stas Preczewski said in a press release. \u201cCongressman Woodall has been a great supporter of and friend to GGC and our students. His life experiences and service in public office position him well to challenge and inspire Georgia Gwinnett College graduates as they collectively celebrate this important milestone.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-scott-applauds-house-passage-national-defense-authorization", "Congressman Scott Applauds House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passingH.R. 3937, the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), by a vote of 300 to 119.  The bill provides funding for our nation's military, including $521.3 billion in base budget national defense funding and $63.7 billion reserved for Overseas Contingency Operations.  I commend the House for passing the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides important authorities and funding for the Department of Defense, said Congressman Austin Scott. This legislation is vital to providing resources for our men and women in uniform and addressing the numerous national security challenges our country faces. For the past 52 years, Congress has passed a NDAA, and the House continued its part in this process today.  I look forward to building upon this positive momentum next year by further addressing the uncertainty in the defense budget and ending sequestration's impact on our military.   I am proud of the bipartisan manner in which this bill was accomplished, yet this legislation is not perfect. We had to make tough choices to avoid further reductions of personnel, but I am thankful to have prevented retirement of the A-10C Warthog flown out of Moody Air Force Base, prevented a BRAC for 2015, and provided funding for the Next Generation JSTARS. It is an honor to represent Moody and Robins Air Force Bases in Congress.  The NDAA rejects the Department of Defense's request for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and rejects most of the proposed cuts to military benefits included in the Department's FY2015 budget submission. In addition, an amendment supported by Congressman Scott to prohibit retirement of the A-10C Warthog fleet was included in the final agreement. The legislation also includes the requested $73 million in funding toward a Next Generation Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) and $27.7 million in military construction for the Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters, located at Robins Air Force Base.  Congressman Scott, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Readiness, Military Personnel, and Oversight Subcommittees, represents Moody and Robins Air Force Bases.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=581", "Collins Statement on Passage of Executive Amnesty Prevention Act", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF EXECUTIVE AMNESTY PREVENTION ACT\r\n\r\n\tVideo of Floor Speech Below\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, [Dec 4] -- Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) today welcomed the passage of H.R. 5759, the Executive Amnesty Prevention Act. \u00a0Congressman Collins said, \u201cThis is the time for debate. This is the time for solving problems. President Obama defied the public and the process through his executive actions, and today the People\u2019s House acted on the People\u2019s will. There\u2019s nothing symbolic or politically motivated about that, and the Congress the American people elected will work on a solution to our immigration problem despite President Obama\u2019s efforts to poison the well.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Collins delivered a passionate floor speech in support of H.R. 5759, the Executive Amnesty Prevention Act. Full video of that speech can be seen here.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=19ca6421-e2c3-4701-988c-e927f26b701d", "The Scott James Show - Talk 92.1FM", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Isakson was interviewed live on Talk 92.1 FM's \"Scott James Show\" on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014.\r\nCLICK HERE to listen to the interview.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2200f85a-ab32-462a-80de-e84f6029b664", "Isakson: Nuclear Talk Extension with Iran Sending Wrong Message to Iran, World", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., issued the following statement regarding the extension of negotiations by the Obama administration for an agreement on Iran\u2019s nuclear program until mid-2015, after failure to meet an agreement by the previous deadline of Nov. 24, 2014:\r\n\u201cIran\u2019s request for an extension in negotiations is further evidence of its unwillingness to take the proper steps to dismantle its nuclear program. It is critical that we clearly demonstrate to Iran that we will not be lied to, we will not be misled, and that we expect it to honor its commitments. A nuclear program in Iran will fuel an arms race in the most unstable region of the world, and the United States will not stand for that. The United States must be firm and strengthen sanctions and reject any further delays. By accommodating Iran\u2019s request, the Obama administration is once again sending Iran the wrong message, and the rest of the world is watching with great interest.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ED0BD25C-0E2A-4B37-A4AB-B170B3183908", "Congressman Scott Applauds House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", "austinscott", "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passingH.R. 3937, the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), by a vote of 300 to 119.\n\nThe bill provides funding for our nation\u2019s military, including $521.3 billion in base budget national defense funding and $63.7 billion reserved for Overseas Contingency Operations.\n\n\u201cI commend the House for passing the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides important authorities and funding for the Department of Defense,\u201d said Congressman Austin Scott. \u201cThis legislation is vital to providing resources for our men and women in uniform and addressing the numerous national security challenges our country faces. For the past 52 years, Congress has passed a NDAA, and the House continued its part in this process today. I look forward to building upon this positive momentum next year by further addressing the uncertainty in the defense budget and ending sequestration\u2019s impact on our military.\n\n\u201cI am proud of the bipartisan manner in which this bill was accomplished, yet this legislation is not perfect. We had to make tough choices to avoid further reductions of personnel, but I am thankful to have prevented retirement of the A-10C Warthog flown out of Moody Air Force Base, prevented a BRAC for 2015, and provided funding for the Next Generation JSTARS. It is an honor to represent Moody and Robins Air Force Bases in Congress.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA rejects the Department of Defense\u2019s request for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and rejects most of the proposed cuts to military benefits included in the Department\u2019s FY2015 budget submission. In addition, an amendment supported by Congressman Scott to prohibit retirement of the A-10C Warthog fleet was included in the final agreement. The legislation also includes the requested $73 million in funding toward a Next Generation Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) and $27.7 million in military construction for the Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters, located at Robins Air Force Base.\n\nCongressman Scott, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Readiness, Military Personnel, and Oversight Subcommittees, represents Moody and Robins Air Force Bases.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:44:12Z"], ["http://woodall.house.gov/news-story/woodall-continues-fairtax-fight", "Woodall continues FairTax fight", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From day one, Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.) has been pushing what he describes as a \u201cbig idea.\u201d\nThat big idea \u2014 the FairTax \u2014 would totally overhaul the United States tax system, eliminate the Internal Revenue Service and result in what Woodall claims would be \u201cthe largest transfer of power out of Washington and back to the American family that we\u2019ve seen in a hundred years.\u201d\nWhile that \u201cbig idea\u201d may seem to attractive to some, others, Woodall explained, find the prospect of change frightening.\n\u201cIt\u2019s a big idea, and folks don\u2019t like big ideas,\u201d Woodall said. \u201cIt\u2019s easier to nibble around the edges than come out and call for the complete reformation of a tax code that\u2019s been in place for almost a 100 years \u2014 that\u2019s a big ask.\u201d\nUnlike the current system, under which taxes are based on income, the FairTax is a consumption-based tax. There would be no exemptions or deductions, instead taxpayers would receive a \u201cprebate\u201d \u2014 or tax refund \u2014 based upon family size alone, not income.\n\u201cWhat we say with the FairTax is that we\u2019re not going to micromanage your purchasing decisions,\u201d Woodall said. \u201cWe\u2019re just going to give you the one rebate based on your family size.\u201d\nThough the prebate would require the issuance of checks and the accompanying administrative effort to support that process, Woodall still believes it is the best option available.\n\u201cIt is my least favorite part of the FairTax, but is it night and day better than where we are with the current system? Absolutely,\u201d he said.\nUnder the FairTax, all taxes would be collected by retailers at the final point of sale. There are no taxes anywhere in the manufacturing chain, Woodall said. While a revenue collection agency would still be necessary with the FairTax, that agency, Woodall emphasized, would not be the Internal Revenue Service.\n\u201cUnder a FairTax scheme, where there\u2019s a small auditing structure that only looks at retail businesses, there\u2019s no possibility you could ever end up with that targeting of political enemies that we\u2019ve seen come out of the IRS,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is essential we abolish the agency that has all of that power, all of that influence, all of that information about you and your family.\u201d\nReturning that power to the people, Woodall said, is important because it removes the temptation of \u201csocial engineering\u201d that an income-based tax system presents for groups such as the Ways and Mean Committee and the Finance Committee.\n\u201cThey can manipulate everyone\u2019s life through the tax code \u2014 not for nefarious purposes but for things they think are good purposes,\u201d Woodall explained.\nThe power to tax, he added, is the \u201cpower to destroy, the power to manipulate.\u201d\nRemoving that ability, Woodall said, makes it very hard to get the Washington establishment on board.\n\u201cYou can imagine, there are some folks who are disappointed to see that power leave Washington,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are folks that think they are very smart and very caring and if only they\u2019re allowed to make these decisions about taxes, they\u2019ll be able to make people\u2019s lives better by helping to control some of the family\u2019s decisions.\u201d\nWoodall believes the FairTax will make people\u2019s lives better and will bolster the economy. Currently, the measure has more supporters in Congress than it has ever had \u2014 76 in the House and nine in the Senate.\n\u201cThere\u2019s not going to come a day when we\u2019re not going to try to do more the next cycle than we did the last cycle,\u201d Woodall said.\nThe problem, he added, is that until a president takes office who is willing to lead on the FairTax, it will be hard to pass the legislation.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve always known that,\u201d he said. \u201cThe FairTax was not a Washington creation, it was a grassroots creation and we\u2019re not going to get passed by leadership in Washington, we\u2019re going to get passed across the grassroots, across the country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206044951/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson%E2%80%99s-statement-ferguson-grand-jury-decision", "Rep. Johnsons statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "LITHONIA, GA -- Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on the decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of unarmed teen Michael Brown:\n\u201cI am shocked, and along with many others, outraged by the process of the grand jury consideration of the killing of Michael Brown, and the decision reached by the grand jury to not indict this officer. These are trying times, and people have a right to protest what we see as an injustice. Protests should be expected, but I urge protesters to remain peaceful. Death, personal injury or property destruction will not right the injustice, nor will it bring Michael Brown back to life. So let\u2019s be smart, and let\u2019s handle this through the strategy of non-violence.\nI also urge law enforcement to exercise restraint and to not meet peaceful protesters with a militarized show of force like what we saw in August. Such a display will only inflame protesters and provoke a violent response.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206044733/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-passing-marion-barry", "Rep. John Lewis on Passing of Marion Barry", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\"I was sorry to learn early this morning that Ward 8 Councilman and four-term Mayor of Washington D.C. Marion S. Barry Jr. died.\u00a0 I first met Marion in 1959 in Nashville when we both were some of the first participants in the non-violent workshops held in the basement of First Baptist Church and Clark Memorial United Methodist Church led by the Rev. James Lawson.\u00a0\n\"Marion had been a leader and organizer of student protests before he even came to Nashville at Lemoyne Owens College in Memphis.\u00a0 In the spring of 1960 he was elected the first chairman of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee because he was smart, articulate, impressive, committed to the philosophy and discipline of non-violence, and a bit more experienced in leadership than those of us who were undergraduates. He had come to Nashville to study chemistry on the graduate level at\u00a0 Fisk. As chairman, he testified on behalf of the students and the movement before the Democratic and Republican conventions in 1960.\n\"Ultimately, he left the deep South and moved to Washington where he became the face of progressive change. He transformed D.C. from a jurisdiction run by the federal government into a self-governing city and a mecca for black politicians, government administrators, businessmen and intellectuals. He used his influence and power to lay the foundation for the thriving, metropolitan community people flock to today.\n\"Marion Barry was always hopeful, always optimistic. He was committed to the cause of civil rights and social justice, and he was committed to the people of Washington, DC.\u00a0 He loved the people, and the people loved him. Marion Barry was a dynamic leader, a wonderful friend, and a strategic master who did all he could to serve the people of the District of Columbia. He will be deeply missed.\".\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074421/http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-statement-on-hagel-resignation", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT ON HAGEL RESIGNATION", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies issued the following statement regarding the resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel:\n\u201cA decorated combat veteran, thoughtful Senator from Nebraska, and steadfast Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel\u2019s commitment to our nation speaks for itself. Always reflecting upon his personal connection to our enlisted men and women, Secretary Hagel worked to ensure the continuous care of our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines, and their families as the Department of Defense transitioned away from two full scale conflicts in the Middle East. As our armed forces strive to maintain readiness and vigilance in meeting new challenges at home and abroad, it is my hope that the incoming Secretary of Defense will work to fill the large and unfaltering boots of service left behind by Secretary Chuck Hagel.\u201d\nFor more information on Secretary Hagel\u2019s biography, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1f03461a-eb9e-49d6-9a98-10887a300435", "Isakson, Murray Lead Bipartisan Letter Pressing Army Secretary on \"Grave Concern\" Over Retirement Benefits", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This week, U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., led a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Army Secretary John McHugh over the Army\u2019s treatment of a significant number of captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers and are being forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank.\r\nThe senators are seeking answers about the Army\u2019s use of Enhanced-Selective Early Retirement Boards (E-SERB), which will result in a significant decrease in lifetime retirement benefits for the impacted soldiers, for some as much as $1,000 per month or more, or just over $1 million over a 40 year retirement in the case of a captain forced to retire as a sergeant first class. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThese former non-commissioned officers answered the Army\u2019s call for volunteers to attend Officer Candidate School as the Army expanded its officer corps to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.\u00a0Now, despite having served for years as commissioned officers and rising through the ranks to become captains and majors, these dedicated soldiers will soon be forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank,\u201d the senators wrote in their letter. \u201cTo demote these soldiers in retirement is an injustice that devalues their service and will materially disadvantage them and their families for the rest of their lives\u2026 We strongly urge you to take the necessary steps to rectify this situation in order to allow these soldiers to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation.\u201d\r\nUnder current law a soldier must serve at least eight years of active service as a commissioned officer in order to retire as a commissioned officer.\u00a0Soldiers who serve 20 years total, but less than eight years as commissioned officers are retired at their highest enlisted rank.\u00a0 During the \u201cGrow the Army\u201d effort, the Army dramatically increased the number of officers commissioned via its Officer Candidate School (OCS).\u00a0The Army expanded to a post 9/11 peak of 570,000 soldiers in 2010 and is currently executing an aggressive end strength reduction designed to shrink the Army to 450,000 soldiers.\u00a0Many of those OCS graduates are now being forced to retire through the E-SERB process as the Army shrinks.\u00a0\r\nOfficers with more than 18 years active service are screened by E-SERB and those selected will be forced to retire on the first day of the month following the month they reach 20 years of service. These former non-commissioned officers stepped up and volunteered for OCS at a time the Army badly needed officers and served honorably for between 6 and 7 years.\u00a0Now, many are being retired at enlisted ranks they have not held in years.\u00a0This is particularly disturbing because had they ignored the Army\u2019s call for officers most would have been promoted at least once more and been eligible to retire at a higher enlisted rank.\r\nSenators Isakson and Murray were joined in sending the letter by: Senators Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, Mike Johanns, R-Neb., Tim Johnson, D-SD, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Mark Pryor, D-Ark., Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH.\r\nRead a one-page summary of the issue here.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below:\r\n\r\nNovember 19, 2014\r\nThe Honorable John McHugh\r\nSecretary of the Army\r\n101 Army Pentagon\r\nWashington, DC 20301-0101\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary McHugh:\r\nWe write to express our grave concern over the Army\u2019s treatment of a significant number of Army captains and majors who are former non-commissioned officers.\u00a0These former non-commissioned officers answered the Army\u2019s call for volunteers to attend Officer Candidate School as the Army expanded its officer corps to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.\u00a0Now, despite having served for years as commissioned officers and rising through the ranks to become captains and majors, these dedicated soldiers will soon be forced to retire at their highest previous enlisted rank.\u00a0 This will result in a significant decrease in lifetime retirement benefits for the impacted soldiers, approximately $1,000 per month or just over $1 million over a 40 year retirement in the case of a captain forced to retire as a sergeant first class.\u00a0This is simply unacceptable.\u00a0\r\nThese former non-commissioned officers have been placed in this untenable position as a result of the Army\u2019s use of Enhanced-Selective Early Retirement Boards (E-SERB).\u00a0Officers selected by the boards are forced to retire as soon as they reach 20 years of service. Unfortunately, under current law a soldier must serve at least 8 years of active service as a commissioned officer in order to retire as a commissioned officer. Soldiers who serve 20 years total, but less than 8 years as commissioned officers are retired at their highest enlisted rank.\u00a0While this requirement makes sense in the case of soldiers who choose to retire, are passed over for multiple promotions, or are forced to retire due to misconduct, none of those cases applies to the soldiers in question.\u00a0On the contrary, Army Human Resources Command has explicitly acknowledged that E-SERB will separate fully qualified officers \u201cwho have rendered quality service to the nation.\u201d\u00a0To demote these soldiers in retirement is an injustice that devalues their service and will materially disadvantage them and their families for the rest of their lives.\r\nRather than forcing these officers to retire as soon as they reach 20 years of service, the Army could modify its E-SERB policy to delay the mandatory retirement date of affected soldiers until the first month after they become eligible to retire as commissioned officers.\u00a0For many of the affected soldiers this would extend their time in service by only a few months.\u00a0We strongly urge you to take the necessary steps to rectify this situation in order to allow these soldiers to retire at the rank they have earned and appropriately honor their service to our nation.\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\nPatty Murray\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\r\nJohnny Isakson\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9cd79e3-6810-4655-aeb4-ed894e671643", "Isakson Statement on Resignation of Defense Secretary Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., issued the following statement regarding the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel:\r\n\"Whether a resignation or a firing of Secretary Hagel, this decision reflects the uncertainty of this administration as it relates to foreign policy in general, and in particular the destruction of ISIS. Given the crisis with ISIS, along with situations of unrest in the Ukraine, Iran, and west Africa, this president and his administration need to send a clear message of strength and commitment.\"\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398315", "Rep. Graves Statement On President Obamas Executive Orders", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves Statement On President Obama\u2019s Executive Orders\n                    \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            November 21, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement on President Obama\u2019s executive orders that aim to provide amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants:\u201cPresident Obama\u2019s action defies voters, the law and even his own statements. My constituents are outraged by his brazenly political and lawless behavior. In response, the Republican Majority in Congress is exploring every tool we have to keep the constitutional checks and balances intact. Our system of government is stronger than one man\u2019s ambition, and I know that Congress will steadily lead the country through the final chapter of the Obama presidency. In the days ahead, it should be clear to everyone that the president\u2019s political agenda for illegal immigrants will not be allowed to derail the work Congress needs to do for over 300 million American citizens. Congress must use its power to keep the government open and shut the president down.\u201d\r\n###\n                \n            \n        \n    \n    \n        Print version of this document", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://woodall.house.gov/press-release/woodall-statement-regarding-executive-action-immigration", "Woodall Statement Regarding Executive Action On Immigration", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall issued the following statement with regard to President Obama\u2019s plan of executive action on immigration policy.\n\u201cUnfortunately, President Obama has once again chosen to disregard the voice of the American people and bypass Congress,\u201d said Rep. Woodall.\u00a0 \u201cRather than partner with America\u2019s elected representatives, he has decided to double-down on a unilateral approach that is not only unconstitutional, but does absolutely nothing to improve our immigration system for the millions of individuals going about the process the right way.\u00a0 \u00a0The American people are weary of Executive overreach, and our entire nation loses when the constitutional process is abandoned for the sake of political expediency.\u201d\u00a0\nWoodall represents the Seventh Congressional District of Georgia, which includes the majority of Gwinnett and Forsyth counties, and currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-austin-scott-presidents-announcement-use-executive-action", "Congressman Austin Scott on the President's Announcement to Use Executive Action on Immigration Reform", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement regarding President Obama's announcement to use executive action on immigration reform.  President Obama's decision to act unilaterally on immigration is the latest example of his arrogance and indifference to the laws of this country, said Congressman Scott.  He talks about fairness and justice, about character and responsibility, yet he ignores the U.S. Constitution and the pledge he swore to uphold it. The President himself has earlier stated that, by taking this action, he would be ignoring the law in a way that I think would be very difficult to defend legally.'  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206094157/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-supports-presidents-executive-action-immigration-reform", "Rep. John Lewis Supports President's  Executive Action on Immigration Reform", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\"Tonight President Obama spoke passionately to the nation about the guidelines of an executive order he will issue to jumpstart the process of immigration reform in this country.\u00a0 He was clear that the steps he outlined tonight do not undermine or preclude the necessary legislative action of Congress, where the most far-reaching work on immigration reform still must be done.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"As he so eloquently described, the human cost of the stops, starts and delays of this Congress to overhaul immigration through comprehensive, bipartisan legislation has been too great.\u00a0 Families are being torn apart, children are detained in jails meant to incarcerate and punish.\u00a0 People are being rounded up, and some are deported to countries they have never known.\u00a0 This is no way for a leading nation committed to the principles of democracy to treat human beings.\u00a0 We cannot see ourselves as leaders if we allow the lives of others to literally hang in the balance opposite political ambitions, the prospects of the 2016 election, and concerns about which team scores the most points.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"The Senate passed a bi-partisan legislative solution to immigration reform, which was never acted on by the House, despite the bitter protests of the minority who were prepared to debate and pass the bill.\u00a0 History will show that this President has used the power of the executive order far less than any other recent president and that the stubborn resistance to legislative action has forced him to respond with executive authority.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"Faced with this humanitarian crisis and legislative impasse, any leader who has the power and the tools to help abate this emergency has a moral obligation to act.\u00a0 This executive order affects not only Latino immigrants from Central and South America, but also European, Caribbean, Asian and African immigrants whose trials are not as widely covered, but are just as damaging.\u00a0 I am glad that President Obama has done what he could to assist 5 million people.\u00a0 Some clear step by this nation toward the resolution of this crisis is long overdue.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206211531/http://austinscott.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=479", "Congressman Austin Scott on the President's Announcement to Use Executive Action on Immigration Reform", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s announcement to use executive action on immigration reform.  \u201cPresident Obama\u2019s decision to act unilaterally on immigration is the latest example of his arrogance and indifference to the laws of this country,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u00a0 \u201cHe talks about fairness and justice, about character and responsibility, yet he ignores the U.S. Constitution and the pledge he swore to uphold it. The President himself has earlier stated that, by taking this action, he would be \u2018ignoring the law in a way that I think would be very difficult to defend legally.\u2019\u201d  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=a76d2b7c-ed35-403e-9e0b-fd389e3beffd", "e-Newsletter for the week ending November 21, 2014", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nOn Thursday night, President Obama announced his proposed executive action on immigration that will grant legal status to millions.\r\nPresident Obama continues to circumvent Congress by executive order. This is the wrong way to govern. Bottom line, any attempt to circumvent Congress and grant legal status to millions is unacceptable. We must stop the president from executing bad policy and will consider all legislative and legal options when determining the best course of action to do so.\r\nKeystoneXL Pipeline\r\n\r\nThe Senate finally voted on legislation this week that would allow construction to begin on the KeystoneXL Pipeline\u2013 the number one issue I said I would send to the president with a GOP majority. I spoke with host Gerri Willis on FOX Business about the importance of this commonsense bill in advance of Tuesday\u2019s vote. Unfortunately, the measure failed by one vote \u2013 59 - 41. It is difficult to believe that this job-creating legislation that was co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 55 senators was unable to pass. It is my hope that the Republican-controlled Senate will pass the legislation early next year.\r\nGovernor Carl Sanders\r\nOn Sunday, November 16, 2014, former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders passed away at the age of 89. He was a great Georgian and a personal friend of mine. Governor Sanders will be remembered for his dedication and passion to education in our state, ensuring that every Georgian was within a 45-minute drive of a University System of Georgia facility.\r\nDuring the Civil Rights movement, Carl Sanders came forward as a governor and worked to bring people together, through a turbulent time to see to it that African Americans rose to equality \u2013 not just in the way they were recognized, but in the way they were treated by the law. In fact, it was Carl Sanders who came to Washington in 1964 to meet with Lyndon Johnson and helped form the foundation of the Civil Rights laws that passed later in the 1960\u2019s.\r\nI spoke on the floor of the Senate to pay tribute to our great former governor and you can watch my remarks online here.\r\nDrive Safer Sunday\r\nAs you take time out of the hustle and bustle of daily life to give thanks next week, I hope that as you are traveling, you will remember to drive carefully.\r\nThis week, the Senate passed a resolution that was introduced by Sen. Chambliss, Sen. Coons, D-Del., and me, to designate Sunday, November 30, 2014, as \u201cDrive Safer Sunday.\u201d It is designed to bring attention to the fact that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest highway traffic day of the year. The \u201cDrive Safer Sunday\u201d resolution encourages motorists, trucking firms and law enforcement agencies to work together to make the roads safer for all travelers during the holidays and throughout the year.\r\nIn Other News\r\nI was honored to speak at the Iron Dome tribute lunch this week and share my thoughts on the importance of keeping a strong relationship between the United States and Israel. I also paid tribute on the Senate floor, to legendary business and Civil Rights leader Herman J. Russell. I was delighted to have the opportunity to Skype with a few Georgia schools, including ninth graders at Bryan County High School in Pembroke and third graders from Futral Road Elementary in Griffin. Lyndon Academy in Woodstock also visited my office during their trip to Washington this week. Additionally, Georgia had three judicial nominees -- Leslie Joyce Abrams, Mark Cohen and Eleanor Ross \u2013 confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday night.\r\nWhat\u2019s on Tap?\r\nNext week, the Senate will not be in session due to the Thanksgiving holiday. I wish you all a safe, happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.\r\nWhen the Senate returns on Monday, December 1, 2014, we are schedule to vote on two ambassador nominations. We might also begin work on legislation to continue funding the government after the current continuing resolution to do so expires on December 11, 2014.\r\nSincerely,\u00a0\r\nJohnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=21fad379-4f3f-4791-b72a-7bdfb2a5141c", "Isakson Pays Respect to Former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., paid respect to the life and legacy of former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders. He delivered the following remarks on the floor of the United States Senate on Thursday, November 20, 2014:\r\n\u201cMr. President, on Sunday night, a great Georgian and a personal friend of mine passed away from this life.\r\n\u201cAt the age of 89, former Governor Carl Sanders died in Atlanta, Ga., at Piedmont Hospital. Carl Sanders was governor of Georgia from 1963 to 1967. I was at the University of Georgia as a student, from 1962 to 1966, so my college years paralleled his gubernatorial years, where he made a remarkable change in the politics and the life of the people of Georgia.\r\n\u201cEveryone remembers what the \u201860\u2019s were like in the South in terms of segregation. Most of the governors in the South, like Governor Wallace in Alabama, were segregationists. But Carl Sanders came forward as a governor \u2013 wanted to bring people together, wanted to help to bring Georgia and bring the South, through a turbulent time to see to it that African Americans rose to equality \u2013 not just in the way they were recognized, but in the way laws were treated. In fact, it was Carl Sanders who came to Washington in 1964 to meet with Lyndon Johnson and helped form the foundation of the Civil Rights laws that passed later in the 1960\u2019s.\r\n\u201cCarl Sanders was born in Augusta, Ga.; went to University of Georgia on a scholarship and played football; left the University to go and fight in World War II, and was a fighter pilot; came back from World War II; graduated from the University of Georgia, and then graduated from the Georgia Law School; practiced law; was elected to the State Legislature then to the State Senate, and then governor of the state of Georgia.\r\n\u201cHe was governor from \u201963 to \u201867; and, back then, the Georgia governors could not succeed one another, so he had to wait four years to run for a second team. He did wait four years and he ran for a second term. He lost, ultimately to the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. But he was never a loser; he was a winner. And everything he did, whether it was government or business or family life or whatever it might be, Carl Sanders excelled.\r\n\u201cHe was such a wonderful man to share his wisdom and knowledge. About once every six or eight months, he would always have three or four of us over to his office, at the age of 89, treating us to lunch, and talking about the good-old-days, but also talking about the future. Carl Sanders was not about the past, except for the memories. He was about the future \u2013 for its hope and its prosperity for people.\r\n\u201cCarl Sanders will be remembered for a lot of things; but in Georgia, most importantly, he\u2019ll be remembered for what became, at first, a Junior College System, which is now a four-year College System, which has every Georgia citizen within 45-minute drive of a University System of Georgia facility. His passion as governor was education. His legacy in Georgia will be education.\r\n\u201cHe contributed greatly to our state and greatly to the future and the prosperity of the people of the state of Georgia. It is with a great sense of sadness, but a great sense of pride that I pay tribute today on the floor of the United States Senate to a great governor of Georgia, a great citizen of our country, and a great American: the honorable Carl Sanders, former Governor of the state of Georgia.\u201d\r\nSenator Isakson\u2019s full remarks can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURdxEft9KA&feature=youtu.be.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c4ba8b96-d087-408a-834b-bef68ac4e37b", "Isakson Pays Tribute to Legacy of Herman J. Russell", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga, paid tribute to the legacy of business and Civil Rights leader, Herman J. Russell. He delivered the following remarks on the floor of the United States Senate on Thursday, November 20, 2014:\r\n\u201cMr. President, on Saturday night of last week, Georgia, Atlanta and America lost a great citizen.\r\n\u201cHerman J. Russell was one of the greatest African American business leaders and Civil Rights leaders the world has ever known. He passed peacefully in his home after a short illness, but his legacy and his life will last forever, not just in the history books but indelibly on the skyline of our city.\r\n\u201cHerman J. Russell, in 1952, started a small plastering company called the H.J. Russell Company. He had just graduated from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and came to Georgia to make his fortune and his fame. He started out plastering walls and plastering ceilings; and he finished his career building Georgia domes, building the Georgia Pacific Building, building the 1996 Olympic Stadium, and building buildings throughout the Atlanta skyline.\r\n\u201cWhile doing so, he made a lot of money that he reinvested back, not just into investments, but into his community. In 1999, Herman Russell, by himself, gave $4 million to Morehouse College, to Clark Atlanta University and to Georgia State University; and last December, gave $1 million to Children\u2019s Healthcare of Atlanta to rebuild and help renovate the facility in downtown Atlanta. He was always giving back more than he asked.\r\n\u201cBut his greatest gift may have been the fact that he enabled Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement in the 1960\u2019s. It\u2019s well known that Dr. King would go to Herman\u2019s house to take refuge, take a swim and relax between the arduous times of the Civil Rights Movement. Herman Russell would finance the movement, and finance the movement\u2019s efforts; finance it so they could continue to move forward to bring about equality in the South. That\u2019s an indelible mark he\u2019s left on history, not just for our state, but for our country.\r\n\u201cHerman and his wife had three wonderful children. They\u2019re involved in the business today. The business today is still flourishing as it always has. In fact, the new Atlanta Stadium \u2013 the new Atlanta Dome Stadium, which will house the Falcons \u2013 is a $1.3 billion stadium that the H.J. Russell Company is integrally involved in.\r\n\u201cOur city has lost a great friend, a great African American, and a great entrepreneur; so great he was recognized by the Atlanta Chamber as its first African American member, and its second African American President. He\u2019s been recognized by the Butler Street YMCA, by the Atlanta and Georgia Business Council \u2013 by almost every entrepreneurial group there is \u2013 for his contribution to business, and his contribution to investment in the state of Georgia.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s with great sadness tomorrow night that I\u2019ll go to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and be a part of the wake ceremony for Mr. Russell. But it\u2019ll be with great pride that I rise today on the Senate floor to make sure the record indelibly recognizes the life, and the times, and contributions of Herman J. Russell.\u201d\r\nSenator Isakson\u2019s remarks can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDN4IHe9H78&feature=youtu.be.\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d12f8175-b9d6-46ad-b4ab-411cf98fd5f9", "Isakson, Chambliss Urge Americans to Protect Their Loved Ones and \"Drive Safer Sunday\"", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today applauded the Senate\u2019s unanimous passage of a resolution urging drivers to drive safely during the holiday season. The resolution designates Sunday, November 30, 2014, as \u201cDrive Safer Sunday\u201d and is designed to bring attention to the fact that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest highway traffic day of the year.\r\nU.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., joined Isakson and Chambliss in introducing the bipartisan resolution.\r\n\u201cHolidays are about family and we all want to make sure that our loved ones arrive home safely,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThe Sunday after Thanksgiving is the most heavily traveled day on our roadways and I\u2019m proud to join Senators Chambliss and Coons to draw attention to the need for safe driving. \u2018Drive Safer Sunday\u2019 is about raising awareness about the dangers of unsafe driving and will hopefully prevent more of these tragic accidents.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs a father and a grandfather, I share the concern families have when their loved ones are traveling on the road,\u201d said Chambliss. \u201cIt is my hope that this resolution will serve as a reminder to all those traveling during the Thanksgiving holidays, and all year long, to be safe, vigilant and alert.\u201d\r\nThe high volume of vehicles on America\u2019s highways and interstates increases the risk for dangerous or fatal accidents. The \u201cDrive Safer Sunday\u201d resolution encourages motorists, trucking firms and law enforcement agencies to work together to make the roads safer for all travelers during the holidays and throughout the year.\r\nIsakson and Chambliss have introduced similar resolutions in previous years in honor of Cullum Owings, a Georgia college student who died in 2002 in a traffic accident on his way back to school after Thanksgiving. Steve and Susan Owings of Atlanta, the parents of Cullum Owings, founded an organization called Road Safe America in honor of their son to bring awareness of the hazards of highway travel and provide statistics and safety tips to drivers. Road Safe America\u2019s goals include better driver training for all drivers and limiting the top speed for large trucks.\r\nFor more information on safe driving tips and what you can do to improve the safety of America\u2019s roadways please visit: www.roadsafeamerica.org.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398314", "Rep. Graves To Chair House Appropriations Subcommittee", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves To Chair House Appropriations Subcommittee\n                    \n                    \n                        Georgia Congressman Will Oversee Annual Spending For The Legislative Branch\n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            November 20, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, was selected today to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch for the 114th Congress. \u201cI joined this committee because of the unique opportunity to fight for taxpayers and reform the federal government,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cI want the Appropriations Committee to be known as a place where taxpayer dollars are saved, not spent. As the Legislative Branch Subcommittee chairman, I\u2019ll have a prime opportunity to walk the conservative talk. It\u2019s an honor to have Chairman Rogers and the House Majority entrust me with this major responsibility.\u201d\r\nRep. Graves was elected to the House in 2010 and joined the House Appropriations Committee at the start of the 112th Congress in 2011. It is rare for a House member to ascend to a subcommittee chairmanship after just four years, particularly on the Appropriations Committee, which is considered one of the most influential congressional committees due to its power over federal spending. The Committee has cut over $165 billion in federal discretionary spending since Rep. Graves joined.\r\nThe Legislative Branch Subcommittee has jurisdiction over expenditures for the House of Representatives, Capitol Police, Library of Congress, Government Accountability Office, Government Printing Office and other related areas.\r\n###\n                \n            \n        \n    \n    \n        Print version of this document", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9230B65F-CEE9-444D-A53E-B5810F3E9291", "Congressman Austin Scott on the President's Announcement to Use Executive Action on Immigration Reform", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", "austinscott", "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s announcement to use executive action on immigration reform.\n\n\u201cPresident Obama\u2019s decision to act unilaterally on immigration is the latest example of his arrogance and indifference to the laws of this country,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cHe talks about fairness and justice, about character and responsibility, yet he ignores the U.S. Constitution and the pledge he swore to uphold it. The President himself has earlier stated that, by taking this action, he would be \u2018ignoring the law in a way that I think would be very difficult to defend legally.\u2019\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=580", "Collins Statement on Obama Amnesty Action", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS STATEMENT ON OBAMA AMNESTY ACTION  \r\n\tNortheast Georiga's Congressman: Actions not constructive, compassionate or fair; the People's House will fight\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, Nov 20\u2014Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) made the following statement in response to President Obama\u2019s intention to provide amnesty through executive action:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cExecutive action granting amnesty to millions of illegals is President Obama taking out his anger on the American people for rejecting his agenda through the due process of elections two weeks ago. He\u2019s had six years to work with Congress, two of those years with his party in total control of Washington, on constructive, compassionate, and fair immigration reform.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cHis singular action defies all three of those principles.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThose who are in the United States illegally should be deeply concerned about the president\u2019s intentions. \u00a0So many immigrants come to this country from places where the rule of law and the will of the people are defied. \u00a0That President Obama has taken it upon himself to do the same thing with his executive order should be as troubling to them as it is for the millions of law-abiding citizens who have trusted this man to uphold the Constitution.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe majority of the People\u2019s House will fight this because it is wrong. It is political retribution under the false guise of compassion, and it is yet another abuse of power the branch of government closest to the people will have to resolve.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206045014/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson%E2%80%99s-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-executive-action-immigration", "Rep. Johnsons statement on President Obamas executive action on immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 As President Barack Obama prepares to announce an executive action that takes steps toward fixing our broken immigration system, Rep. Johnson released the following statement:\n\u201cJust as past presidents have used executive orders to move society forward, President Obama is using his authority to boldly push the nation ahead on immigration reform,\u201d said Johnson.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cPresident Abraham Lincoln \u2013 exercising his constitutional authority \u2013 issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. President Truman used an executive order to integrate the armed forces in 1948. President Eisenhower used an executive order to desegregate schools in 1957. In the 1960s, Presidents Kennedy and Johnson used them ban racial discrimination in federal housing, hiring, and contracting.\nPresident Obama is making his historic contribution to advance our nation by protecting dreamers and undocumented parents and families of U.S. citizens from deportation as well as making more visas available for highly-skilled workers. His order will also secure our borders. I support the President\u2019s use of executive action, and I stand together with the millions of undocumented individuals and their families who have been held hostage for years by conservative leadership that refuses to give them the opportunity to legally become part of our country.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206130810/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1403", "House Votes to Promote American Manufacturing", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act. The bill increases transparency and reduces delays for air permits required by the Clean Air Act\u2019s New Source Review preconstruction permitting program. This legislation would increase efficiency of the permit process required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by requiring the agency to provide timely guidance about compliance regulations, as well as submit an annual report to Congress. Congressman Westmoreland supported this bill and below is his statement.  \u00a0  \u201cGeorgia\u2019s Third District is home to a lot of manufacturing companies that provide important, jobs and stability to our community,\u201d stated Westmoreland. \u201cWhether its OSHA, the EPA, or ObamaCare, manufacturers and businesses are constantly struggling to keep their doors open due to burdensome federal regulations. By providing a little relief and transparency to the air permit program, manufacturers will have greater certainty to continue operating their business in America. Protecting and keeping manufacturers in America means growing industrial jobs and continuing to rebuild our economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a9bf4569-c50b-4b0d-a037-8c0fff23ed0e", "Isakson, Chambliss React to President's Planned Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., released the following statement today regarding the President\u2019s proposed executive action on immigration:\r\n\u201cPresident Obama continues to circumvent Congress by executive order. This is the wrong way to govern. Bottom line, any attempt to circumvent Congress and grant legal status to millions is unacceptable. We must stop the president from executing bad policy and will consider all legislative and legal options when determining the best course of action to do so.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397507", "2015 Legislative Calendar", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2015 Legislative Calendar\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    Posted by\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    on\r\n    November 19, 2014\r\n   | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      # e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    If you are planning a trip to Washington in 2015, you may want to check out the new legislative calendar: http://www.democraticwhip.gov/sites/default/files/2015CALENDAR.pdfOne of the\u00a0busiest tourist times of the year is\u00a0during the Cherry Blossom Festival. You can see the dates for that event here: \u00a0http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/2014/05/29/2015-festival-dates-announced/\nTo learn more about tours, see my visitors page at: /constituentservices/visitdc.htm\n\u00a0\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      # e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=579", "Collins Announces Academy Nominees", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS ANNOUNCES ACADEMY NOMINEES  \r\n\tFifteen 9th District Students Nominated for Admission to Military Service Academies\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, [Nov 19] -- Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) has nominated fifteen Northeast Georgia students for admission to the U.S. Service Academies.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNominating these great young Georgians for the opportunity to further their educations in the greatest military service academies in the world is a great honor,\u201d Congressman Collins said. \u201cI know each of these students has an incredibly bright future ahead, and it\u2019s my hope that service to our country is only the beginning.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe 9th District students Congressman Collins nominated are:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tAlec Aguilar, Commerce, U.S. Air Force Academy\r\n\r\n\tDallas Yeargin, Elberton, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\r\n\r\n\tWilliam Filson, Buford, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Army Academy\r\n\r\n\tJustin Olive, Cumming, U.S. Military Academy\r\n\r\n\tIan McGaughey, Jefferson, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\r\n\r\n\tSawyer Madsen, Gainesville, U.S. Military Academy\r\n\r\n\tSantiago Bartolome, Dahlonega, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\r\n\r\n\tJoshua Hammond, Gainesville, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\tMark McDonough, Dillard, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\tAlexei Joya, Gainesville, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy\r\n\r\n\tAbigail Vickery, Toccoa, U.S. Military Academy\r\n\r\n\tWilliam Clark, Jefferson, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\r\n\r\n\tAndrew Smith, Gainesville, U.S. Air Force Academy\r\n\r\n\tCassandra Haller, Cumming, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy\r\n\r\n\tAnthony Vandiver, Helen, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe nominees were selected through consultation with a board of veterans and academy alumni in Georgia\u2019s 9th District, led by Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Jarrard of Gainesville and Mr. Michael Brady of Clayton. Congressional nomination is the rigorous first step to admission in the service academies, which ultimately includes character, scholarship, leadership, physical, and medical assessments by the academies. Upon graduation, each cadet will be commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant or an Ensign in their respective branch.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084306/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-surpasses-22-million-mark-constituent-services", "Rep. Johnson surpasses $50 million mark in constituent services", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Since 2007, Congressman\u2019s office helps thousands of residents navigate housing, health care, Social Security, IRS and veterans benefits\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nLITHONIA, GA \u2013 Since taking office in 2007, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has worked to help secure more than $30 million for constituents seeking help with federal agencies from his offices in Georgia\u2019s 4th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of four counties \u2013 DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett and Newton \u2013 and more than 700,000 residents.\n\u201cHelping constituents solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day. I\u2019m proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority.\u201d\nJohnson, whose Washington, D.C. and district offices have a strong reputation throughout Georgia and the nation for strong constituent services, said he will continue to put constituents first.\nJohnson\u2019s office has helped more than 15,000 constituents who have reached out for assistance receive $30 million since 2007.\nThe following are some success stories:\nVeterans Affairs: A U.S. military veteran from Snellville, Ga., received $100,000 back pay and a $3,300 monthly benefit following an inquiry and update request from Rep. Johnson\u2019s office. The veteran is a Vietnam Agent Orange victim who suffers from PTSD and severe heart condition. Along with this monetary benefit, the veteran will also be receiving additional care at the VAMC.\nA U.S. military veteran received $30,000 back pay and an $810 monthly benefit following an inquiry and update request from Rep. Johnson\u2019s office. The veteran suffers from PTSD and depression, and the office also followed up to ensure he was getting the proper care needed from his doctors.\u00a0\nSocial Security: A constituent was denied twice for disability benefits and requested assistance from Rep. Johnson\u2019s office because his medical condition was dire. The office worked with the constituent to ensure that the Social Security Administration had the medical evidence needed for a favorable decision by the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).\u00a0 Within three months of the inquiry, the man\u2019s claim was granted, earning him $31,000 in back pay and monthly benefits.\nInternal Revenue Service: Recently, Congressman Johnson cleared up an IRS issue for a constituent. She left the following message on Rep. Johnson\u2019s Facebook page: \u201cCongressman, I just wanted to thank you and especially (your constituent services representative) Shy Armstrong! Two weeks after submitting my problem with the IRS, the problem was SOLVED!!!! I owe a debt of gratitude to my congressman. Often we hear all the negatives and low approval ratings of the U.S. House of Representatives. Well, MY congressman truly worked on my behalf, and a 3 month problem was solved within 2 weeks! Thank you so much, Congressman Johnson. You\u2019re a man who is FOR the people!!\u201d\nHousing: Since 2009, Johnson\u2019s office has helped nearly 1,700 residents deal with pending foreclosures of their homes. Since 2011, more than 700 homeowners in the Fourth District have been approved for HomeSafe Georgia \u2013 which helps homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own with up to 18 months of mortgage payments \u2013 resulting in nearly $14 million in relief, more than any other district in Georgia. Rep. Johnson\u2019s office has worked with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to get the word out about HomeSafe at two events \u2013 and helped get DCA\u2019s Fourth District outreach off the ground.\nExample of helping save a home: A constituent contacted the office seeking help with postponement of a foreclosure. Her lender wouldn\u2019t reconsider and told her that foreclosure would proceed. She had been previously denied because she had no income but by the time she asked Rep. Johnson\u2019s office for help, she was working. Rep. Johnson\u2019s office sent an inquiry to her mortgage company asking for reconsideration since she was now working, and requesting postponement of foreclosure to give the lender time to verify her employment.\u00a0 On the day before the scheduled foreclosure, she was notified that foreclosure would be postponed and that she would be approved for a loan modification (she also later learned that she was approved for the HomeSafe Georgia program.)\nOnline Office: Rep. Johnson\u2019s staff stands ready to assist residents of Georgia 4th Congressional District with their federal agency problems. For a full list of services, visit Johnson\u2019s constituent service section of his Web site: http://hankjohnson.house.gov/.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJohnson\u2019s website is a one-stop shop for news updates, e-newsletters, speeches, legislation, constituent services, videos, photos and place where constituents can e-mail their representative directly. Rep. Johnson\u2019s office has addressed more than 50,000 constituent e-mails and letters since 2007.\n\u25ba Town Halls: Since taking office in 2007, Johnson has held hundreds of meetings and participated in a host of community events to hear directly from constituents. In August 2009, Johnson held a town hall on health care reform that was a model for the nation. More than 3,000 people attended. In 2009-10, Johnson held three jobs fairs in the span of 13 months that served more than 2,000 constituents, with some receiving job offers on the spot. In August 2011, Johnson co-hosted a jobs fair with Congressman John Lewis. More than 5,000 people attended. Johnson has held five \u201ctelephone town halls\u201d with more than 100,000 residents since 2009. In 2012, Rep. Johnson held two foreclosure prevention events in conjunction with the Georgia DCA.\n\u25ba Senior Meet & Greets: From 2007-2013, Rep. Johnson has held a dozen senior citizens meet & greets throughout the Fourth District at senior centers in DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett and Newton counties.\n\u25ba Partnership Alliance Learning Series (PALS): Congressman Johnson launched a unique program called PALS that engages nonprofits and small businesses on the importance of leveraging missions to compete for federal grants and small business opportunities. It also connects nonprofits and small businesses to federal, state and local resources.\n\u25ba Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Initiatives:\u00a0 \u201cWorking Together. Making a Difference\u201d:\u00a0 Congressman Johnson supports The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families, which offers direct facilitation for a variety of community initiatives as well as various type of support for other community initiatives. Michael Hutcheson, Executive Director and Claire Cline of Rockdale United Way met with the Congressman\u2019s staff to build and forge a partnership for the benefit of families and children in the Rockdale community. From that meeting, the Congressman remains committed to providing support where needed, specifically though staff engagement for the Rockdale Nonprofit Resource Summits and letters of support for the nonprofit community.\n\u25ba Academy Nominations: Each year Congressman Johnson has the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. http://hankjohnson.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations\n\u25ba Arts Competition: Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 4th District. The over-all winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. http://hankjohnson.house.gov/serving-you/art-competition\n\u25ba Mobile Office Hours: Upon request, Rep. Johnson\u2019s staff can meet with a constituent(s) at Conyers City Hall on Scott Street, Covington City Hall on the historic square, Northlake Mall in Tucker and Snellville City Hall on Oak Road. For constituents wishing to meet with Rep. Johnson\u2019s staff outside Lithonia, please call 770-987-2291 to request a meeting in your area.\n\u25ba E-Newsletter: Congressman Johnson sends regular updates to more than 10,000 constituents from his office for subscribers of his e-newsletter: http://hankjohnson.house.gov/contact-me/newsletter.\n\u25ba Social Media: Congressman Johnson can also be reached through Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congressman-Hank-Johnson/115356957005] and Twitter [http://twitter.com/RepHankJohnson].\n\u25ba Offices: For face-to-face meetings and help with federal agencies, Congressman Johnson and his staff are available at five offices in Georgia (see Mobile Office Hours) and in Washington, D.C., Rayburn Building 2240. Rep. Johnson\u2019s main district office is located at 5700 Hillandale Drive (Suite 120) in Lithonia 30058. In Georgia, call 770-987-2291 and in Washington, call 202-225-1605. Please call ahead or for an appointment or request a meeting online at http://hankjohnson.house.gov/contact-me/request-meeting.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074433/http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-announces-837119-in-housing-vouchers-to-columbus", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $837,119 IN HOUSING VOUCHERS TO COLUMBUS HOUSING AUTHORITY", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GA\u2014Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is proud to announce that the Columbus Housing Authority will receive $837,119 in housing voucher grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist with the Booker T. Washington Development renewal project, a low-income housing development scheduled for demolition. The housing choice vouchers will allow low-income families to lease or purchase safe and affordable privately-owned housing.\n\u201cThese vouchers will provide a fresh start for families in Columbus who need safe and affordable housing,\u201d said Congressman Bishop. \u201cThe vouchers will also make a big difference in rejuvenating the community by continuing the reconstruction of one of the oldest public housing facilities in Georgia.\u201d\n\u201cThe Columbus Housing Authority is excited to be receiving HUD\u2019s housing vouchers,\u201d said Len Williams, Executive Director at the Columbus Housing Authority. \u201cThe vouchers will allow us to move ahead with the Booker T. Washington project by providing relocation assistance for the residents.\u201d\nUnder the administration of the Columbus Housing Authority, the Booker T. Washington Apartments include 392 one- to three-bedroom units. After the demolition, 200 new units will be built with sections dedicated for use by families and senior citizens. The project is estimated to be completed by 2016.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206094414/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-gov-nixon-law-enforcement-nationwide-keep-military-equipment-ice", "Rep. Johnson to Gov. Nixon, law enforcement nationwide: Keep military equipment on ice", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman calls for protestors to remain peaceful, calm WASHINGTON, D.C. As a Ferguson, Missouri, grand jury prepares to deliver its decision in the shooting death of an unarmed teenager Michael Brown, the leading Congressional voice against militarization of local police forces warned Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and law enforcement officials nationwide to respect Missourians\u2019 and Americans' rights to assembly and protest, and urged against the unnecessary deployment of militarized police forces whose presence could escalate tensions. He also called for protestors to remain peaceful and calm: \u201cAs soon as Mine Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAPs) vehicles and military equipment come out, local authorities are escalating an already tense situation,\u201d said Rep. Johnson. \u201cThis equipment, including MRAPs, grenade launchers, and automatic weapons greater than .50 caliber, is turning America\u2019s local law enforcement into something more akin to an army. Let\u2019s be clear: Our Main Streets are not war zones. The militarization of law enforcement is counter-productive to domestic policing and needs to stop. For their part, protesters must remain peaceful and calm. Some outside agitators resorted to violence and looting that marred the protests in Ferguson this summer. Violence provides justification for those who want to militarize and makes it more difficult for healing and constructive dialogue.\u201d ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074445/http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-the-death-of-former-georgia-governor", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF FORMER GEORGIA GOVERNOR SANDERS", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement on the passing of former Georgia Governor Carl E. Sanders:\n\u201cI was saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor Carl Sanders. He lived a full life as a true statesman, philanthropist, veteran, defender of education, and champion for better government. During his terms as a \u2018New South\u2019 legislator and Governor, the Capitol in Atlanta was desegregated as national civil rights legislation was implemented nationwide. A successful businessman until his final years, Governor Sanders\u2019 contributions to Georgia will long be remembered. Our grateful state\u2019s thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time of loss.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206131012/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1401", "Capitol Corner: President Going Around Congress, Again", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "You\u2019d think that after the election, backlash and court cases, that President Obama would finally realize that the American people don\u2019t want more executive orders. They want the president to work with Congress to find solutions. Republicans are willing to debate the issue and work towards meaningful reform, however the president has signaled he will act alone and do what he does best: Go around Congress.  \u00a0  The president is avoiding a fundamental base of our nation\u2019s democratic system when he uses executive action on major reforms. The funding, the process, and the logistics: there is much to be debated over such a large issue like immigration. The legislative process was written into place for purposes like this, and using an executive order to bypass Congress on a monumental change for our nation is an abuse of power. The worst part is it\u2019s not just immigration, but almost every large issue that is a struggle with the president. It\u2019s a terrible and destructive pattern that needs to be broken. What we really need is for the president to lead, but in typical fashion, the president would rather act alone now and point the finger of blame later.  \u00a0  In the upcoming few weeks of lame duck, President Obama needs to act cautiously with his next move. He is ignoring a large part of the American population who opposes amnesty in any form and will be poisoning his relationship with a soon to be Republican-controlled Congress before it has even started. Doing these two things could make for a very long, very difficult next two years for the president.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206135734/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-diplomacy-path-preventing-nuclear-armed-iran", "Rep. Johnson: Diplomacy is the Path to Preventing a Nuclear-armed Iran", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Iran and a six-nation negotiating group are trying to reach an agreement that could bring an end to 12 years of deadlock over Iran\u2019s nuclear program: \u201cIt is welcome news that the U.S. and Iranian diplomats are engaged in talks this week to secure an agreement by November 24th that guards against a nuclear-armed Iran. \u00a0 While some of my colleagues have objected to negotiations with Iran, it must be noted that thanks to these historic diplomatic efforts the world is further from a nuclear-armed Iran, and the risk of an eventual war over this issue. Now more than ever is the time to commit ourselves to diplomacy. We know the outcome of a rush to war. Too many hardline members and members-elect are already opposing a deal, emboldening hardliners in Iran.\u00a0 What the hardliners do not say, is that failure to reach a deal clears the path to war.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tI agree with my colleagues that Congress must fulfill its constitutional duties to provide oversight to ensure that Iran continues to comply with its commitments, as outlined in the Joint Plan of Action.\u00a0 However, ultimately a comprehensive nuclear agreement must be negotiated by diplomats, not by congressional decree.\u00a0 The Constitution vests the power of negotiating international agreements to the executive branch.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tPress reports indicate that a possible outcome of these negotiations would be a multi-year accord that would be structured in successive stages. Upon stringent verification that Iran has given progressively greater concessions to rein in its nuclear program, the United States and its allies would provide proportionate sanctions relief. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tCongress has passed multiple rounds of sanctions legislation against Iran that has expressly granted the president the authority to waive or suspend designated sanctions.\u00a0 Bipartisan support for executive waiver authority is critical to ensuring that our diplomats have the maneuverability they need to successfully negotiate an agreement that prevents a nuclear-armed Iran. Our negotiators need support from Congress to accomplish the objective shared by lawmakers, the Administration, and the American people, which is to peacefully prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. Failure to provide support for diplomacy is an endorsement of war. The world is watching.\u201d\nRep. Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services and Judiciary committees. He serves as ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/what-others-are-saying?ContentRecord_id=84c996a1-2dc7-4162-9c45-f9c33bfeb47a", "Isakson's decision to run again is good news", "2014-11-15", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Published in the Savannah Morning News \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tJOHNNY ISAKSON is expected to announce next week that he\u2019s running for a third term in the U.S. Senate in two years.\r\n  That\u2019s good news for Georgia Republicans. The 69-year-old senator, who would be on the ballot in 2016, has a record as a steady-handed, fiscal conservative who understands the proper role of the federal government. He has earned the respect of senators on both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, he and other Republican senators have been under thumb of Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid. This has limited Mr. Isakson\u2019s effectiveness and essentially made the Senate a do-nothing chamber. Things should dramatically change in January, when Republicans make up the majority and Majority Leader-elect Mitch McConnell takes charge. As a two-term senator who has gained the trust of his peers on matters like finance, veteran affairs, health and labor, Mr. Isakson is likely to shoulder more responsibilities in crafting and pushing needed legislation. One specific bill that makes good sense is one Mr. Isakson has backed for years \u2014 moving the federal government to a two-year budget cycle. Annual budget fights have turned Washington into a never-ending donnybrook \u2014 with taxpayers winding up on the short end. A biennial budgeting bill, which would allow for only minor corrections during off years, should provide for more time to think and to plan before spending the public\u2019s money. Mr. Isakson has championed the cause of deepening Savannah\u2019s harbor and continues to fight to secure federal funds for this needed project. One issue he needs to push harder on, however, is enacting federal workplace safety rules regarding combustible dust. Six years have passed since 14 workers perished in a preventable explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth caused by sugar dust. Mr. Isakson serves on a Senate committee that could help prevent similar workplace catastrophes in the future. He and other lawmakers must get on the stick. Had Democrats remained in control of the Senate after the Nov. 4 midterms, it wouldn\u2019t have been a surprise had Mr. Isakson opted not to run again. Senators should want to make a difference. Not warm a seat. Politically, Mr. Isakson is doing his party and a favor by announcing that he\u2019s shooting for six more years. It likely spares the GOP of an expensive, potentially messy primary fight, similar to the one that occurred this year after Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss decided not to run again. Democrats will take notice, too. Prominent Dems who might have been thinking about running for this seat will now think twice. Of course, a lot can happen in two years. And 2016 is a presidential election year, which typically means an increase in Democratic voters. But Mr. Isakson isn\u2019t the kind of Republican senator \u2014 like Ted Cruz or Rand Paul \u2014 who\u2019s a lightening rod. So if any thunderbolts strike Congress, don\u2019t expect Mr. Isakson to be among those who could get burned. The fact that he\u2019s going for a third term also suggests that his health is fine and the fire in his belly still burns. That\u2019s good news, too.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398311", "Rep. Graves Votes To Build Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves Votes To Build Keystone XL Pipeline\n                    \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            November 14, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement after voting to approve the Keystone XL pipeline:\u201cI\u2019m proud to continue supporting the major jobs and energy project known as the Keystone XL pipeline. From conservative Republicans to labor unions, a broad majority of Americans support the pipeline because it creates tens of thousands of jobs and add billions of dollars to our economy. It\u2019s time for President Obama and his extreme left-wing minority to get out of the way and let Americans get to work.\u201d\r\nIn recent years, Rep. Graves has supported several bills and voted on multiple occasions to allow the Keystone pipeline to move forward.\u00a0\n                \n            \n        \n    \n    \n        Print version of this document", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://woodall.house.gov/press-release/woodall-statement-house-passage-keystone-xl-pipeline-authorization", "Woodall Statement On House Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline Authorization", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall issued the following statement with regard to his support for the U.S. House\u2019s authorization of the Keystone XL pipeline.\n\u201cAt a time when energy costs and economic growth are top priorities for the American people, construction of the Keystone XL pipeline is long overdue,\u201d said Rep. Woodall.\u00a0 \u201cThe House has voted repeatedly to authorize this project, and I was proud to support it once again.\u00a0 As has often been the case in recent history, we must now wait on the Senate to take action, but it is my hope that they will quickly partner with us on this important issue.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cPresident Obama has often spoken of the need to create jobs and make energy affordable, but his policies and opposition to this project have had the opposite effect.\u00a0 For far too long, we have seen political agendas stand in the way of what is good for the economy \u2013 and what\u2019s good for consumers.\u00a0 The American people have grown weary of rhetoric, and they sent a clear message on Election Day that they are demanding results.\u00a0 This is one opportunity for Washington to provide them.\u201d\nWoodall represents the Seventh Congressional District of Georgia, which includes the majority of Gwinnett and Forsyth counties, and currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141117213051/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1399", "Westmoreland Votes to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House has passed H.R. 5682, a bill that approves construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The bill allows for TransCanada Corporation to begin construction, connection, operation and maintenance of the pipeline as described in their May 4, 2012 permit application. Below is Congressman Westmoreland\u2019s statement.\u00a0  \u00a0  \u201cIt has been six years since the Keystone Pipeline construction permit was requested,\u201d stated Westmoreland. \u201cIn those six years, we could have been creating jobs, building our American energy production, and giving our economy a boost. Instead, the Senate has refused to pass any House legislation to approve the pipeline and has wasted precious opportunities to grow jobs.\u00a0  \u00a0  \u201cI supported H.R. 5682 to approve the Keystone Pipeline and get Americans to work. The ball is in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid\u2019s court: If he wants to be a part of the House\u2019s initiative to create jobs, then he should start with approving the Keystone Pipeline construction.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074456/http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-supports-expanding-our-nation-s-energy-portfolio", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS EXPANDING OUR NATIONS ENERGY PORTFOLIO", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported job creation and energy independence by voting to support H.R. 5682, a measure that would immediately authorize the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline. The project has been awaiting a Presidential permit for six years because the pipeline crosses an international border.\n\u201cIn addition to creating jobs and strengthening our national security, the Keystone XL Pipeline project will advance the security and diversity of the United States' petroleum supply in an environmentally safe and economically responsible manner,\u201d said Congressman Bishop. \u201cTo keep up with an increasingly competitive world, it is vitally important that our economy continues to increase our energy portfolio by taking advantage of all types of resources, including solar, wind, carbon, hydro, bio, nuclear, and fossil fuels--including oil.\u201d\nThe Keystone XL project would transport an estimated 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta, Canada to Gulf Coast refineries, thereby reducing U.S. reliance on energy imports from the Middle East and Venezuela as well as immediately making the U.S. less vulnerable to political and security-related disruptions. In addition, the pipeline would produce significant economic benefits by directly creating an estimated 20,000 jobs. Hundreds of thousands of additional jobs are expected to be created indirectly, both in the building of the pipeline and in the refining of its crude oil.\nH.R. 5682 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 252 to 161. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on an identical measure next week (S. 2280).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=68c5417a-05b6-4a63-b288-255c2598ad6d", "e-Newsletter for the week ending November 14, 2014", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nThe Senate returned this week following the November 4, 2014, elections to begin work in what is often called the \u201clame-duck\u201d session of Congress.\r\nOn Election Day, we chose a new senator here in Georgia and I look forward to working with another businessman from the private sector, Senator-elect David Perdue, in the United States Senate. We have already begun working together, and he will be sworn in as our new senator on January 6, 2015.\r\nOn Thursday, the Senate voted 98-0 to confirm Leigh Martin May as a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District in Atlanta. View my remarks in support of her nomination on the floor of the Senate HERE.\r\nNext week, the Senate is finally planning to debate and vote on legislation to allow construction to begin on the KeystoneXL Pipeline\u2013 the number one issue I said I would send to the president with a GOP majority. If this bipartisan, job-creating legislation is passed in both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, it will go to President Obama\u2019s desk for his signature. President Obama would be forced to finally take a position on this issue. If it has passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support, as I suspect it will, he will have a hard time finding any justifiable reason not to sign it.\r\nThere are five major issues that we need to deal with in the Senate before May 31, 2015: the debt ceiling, the reimbursement rate for doctors who treat Medicare patients, the budget, appropriations bills, and the highway trust fund for transportation infrastructure. Click here to read more of my thoughts on, and plans for tackling, these critical issues.\r\nSavannah Harbor Expansion Project\r\nThe final agreement to allow construction to begin on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project was signed on October 8, 2014. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of the Southeast, this is of great importance to Georgia and to our economy. It will bring more jobs to our state. I\u2019ve been very proud to be a part of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, and I commend the hard work and partnership of Gov. Nathan Deal, Sen. Saxby Chambliss and U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga.-01, to make sure this project became a reality.\r\nA-10 Weapon System\r\nOn Thursday, I joined a number of fellow Congressmen, including Sen. Saxby Chambliss and U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.-08, to voice our opposition to premature divestment of the A-10 Thunderbolt II by the U.S. Air Force that could jeopardize the United States\u2019 close air support capabilities and the safety of American service members.\r\nThe A-10 is an important mission at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., and plays a crucial role in support of our national defense. It\u2019s almost as important to Moody as it is to our troops on the ground. The close air support provided by the A-10 is unmatched and unequal to anywhere else in the world, and to divest of this aircraft without an alternative ready and in place would put U.S. troops at increased risk in future conflicts.\r\nAction is expected in the coming weeks by the Senate and House on an annual defense bill determining policy and funding priorities for the U.S. military.\r\nOctober\r\nWhile the Senate has not been in session for the last several weeks, October was a busy month!\r\nThe United States won a major victory in a trade dispute with India that will allow American farmers to resume the export of poultry to India. On October 14, 2014, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States in a dispute challenging India\u2019s ban on various U.S. agricultural products \u2013 such as poultry meat, eggs and live pigs \u2013 allegedly to protect against avian influenza. The panel agreed with the United States that India\u2019s ban breached numerous international trade rules, including because it was imposed without sufficient scientific evidence. As the leading Republican on the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, I have been working to open up India to U.S. poultry since this issue was brought to my attention. The WTO panel affirmed that measures to ensure food safety must be based on science and not a desire to restrict market access. Georgia is the fourth largest poultry-producing region in the world, with the industry contributing more than $15.1 billion to the Georgia economy, so this means a great deal to our state.\r\nAs a current member of the Senate health committee and former Republican leader on the subcommittee on Africa, I have become well-versed on the Ebola virus in recent years. Given the transmission of Ebola in Dallas, Texas, that originated from a passenger flying from West Africa, I believe we must continue to temporarily restrict nonessential travel to the United States from Ebola-affected countries. I take this situation very seriously and believe it is an urgent priority for the United States to contain this outbreak at its source, as well as to ensure that any additional cases that arise in the United States are quickly isolated. I also commend Emory\u200e for stepping up in this crisis and being a model for the nation.\r\nFederal regulators in October finalized a rule that will require banks that sell loans to retain some risk on their books. The new rule also includes an important exception that I worked on to ensure that highly qualified homebuyers have access to affordable home loans. I worked to enact the Qualified Residential Mortgage provision to ensure that highly qualified homebuyers have access to affordable home loans. The agreed upon standards strike the right balance and compromise, as they ensure that qualified borrowers have access to safe mortgages, while protecting the marketplace and significantly lowering delinquencies and defaults. The final rule will go a long way to bring certainty and to strengthen the U.S. housing market, and in turn, the broader U.S. economy. Preserving low down payment loans as part of the revised rule will also allow the market to continue on its path to recovery. We have learned that it was poor underwriting\u2014not low down payments\u2014that led us into the housing crisis.\r\nWhat\u2019s on Tap?\r\nNext week, the Senate will begin with a vote on legislation would reauthorize federal Child Care and Development Block Grants. Votes on three judicial nominees from Georgia \u2013 Leslie Joyce Abrams, Mark Cohen and Eleanor Ross \u2013 are scheduled for early in the week. And as previously mentioned, the Senate is planning for a vote on construction of the KeystoneXL Pipeline.\r\nSincerely,\u00a0\r\nJohnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141114031950/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnson-addresses-police-militarization-hasc-hearing", "Rep. Hank Johnson addresses police militarization in HASC hearing", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman discusses his bipartisan Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 \nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, November 13, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will discuss his bipartisan bill \u2013 Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 (H.R. 5478) \u2013 in a House Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing in Oversight and Investigations on the Pentagon\u2019s 1033 Program.\nThe 1033 Program permits surplus U.S. military equipment, such as Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs), Humvees and automatic weapons from warzones in Iraq and Afghanistan, to be transferred to city police departments free of charge. While these military-grade weapons are much-needed by our military on the field of battle, Rep. Johnson recognizes that they are of little use to city police departments whose purpose is to protect American civilians.\nThe Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 (H.R. 5478) would place restrictions and transparency measures on the Department of Defense (DOD) Program that transfers surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies.\nRep. Johnson\u2019s statement:\nThank you Mr. Chairman for holding this important hearing.\u00a0\nIn a fundamentally misguided effort to stop Americans from using drugs, the Congress allowed the DOD to provide surplus military equipment \u2013 often from warzones overseas \u2013 to local police for free.\u00a0 To date, more than $4 billion in this equipment has been transferred.\u00a0\nThis equipment, including Mine Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles (MRAPs), grenades, launchers, and other weapons, is turning America\u2019s local police forces into something more akin to an army.\nAccess to free military-style weapons has created a perfect storm for police violence. This year alone in Georgia, a baby was badly burned when police dropped a \u201cflash bang\u201d grenade in his crib during an early morning drug raid and a grandfather was killed by police in a commando-style raid on his house in October.\nI have introduced a bipartisan bill to rein in the 1033 program that now has 44 cosponsors.\nHR 5478, the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act, would curtail the types of equipment that local law enforcement agencies can get for free from the DOD.\nThe bill would also require detailed accounting to ensure that equipment is not lost or sold. You may be surprised to hear this, but the bill also ends a statutory requirement that law enforcement use the equipment they receive.\nYou heard that right. Today, law enforcement is required to use that free MRAP or grenade launcher. This is a common sense proposal that I hope my colleagues on the committee will seriously consider.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4dae7004-aa69-480d-a7e4-1358c9bfba30", "Chambliss, Isakson, Austin Scott: A-10 Weapon System Critical to National Defense", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and U.S. Representative Austin Scott, R-Ga.-08, voiced their opposition to premature divestment of the A-10 Thunderbolt II by the U.S. Air Force that could jeopardize the United State' close air support capabilities and the safety of American service members.\r\nThe Department of Defense and Air Force has recently discussed plans to retire a percentage of the A-10 fleet in order to transition maintainers in support of F-35A initial operational capability.\r\n\"It's imperative that Congress make decisions regarding the A-10 based on information we receive from our service members who have their boots on the ground,\"\u00a0said Chambliss. \"What we have heard consistently from our men and women in uniform and experts like Master Sergeant Stamey is that the A-10 is a critical weapon system that has saved lives time and time again. While tough budgetary times have put all branches of the military in the position to make difficult decisions, Congress has a responsibility under the Constitution to ensure our troops are well-equipped and well-prepared, and the A-10 is the best weapon system we have to provide close air support.\"\r\n\"The A-10 is an imortant mission at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., and plays a crucial role in support of our national defense,\"\u00a0said Isakson. \"It's almost as important to Moody as it is to our troops on the ground. The close air support provided by the A-10 is unmatched and unequal to anywhere else in the world, and to divest of this aircraft without an alternative ready and in place would put U.S. troops at increased risk in future conflicts.\"\r\n\"With our service members deployed on multiple fronts, our military has a constant need for close air support,\"\u00a0said Austin Scott. \"As was made clear by multiple Joint Terminal Attack Control (JTAC) operators at today's press conference, we need the very best weapons systems to protect our troops and win the fight.\u00a0 Quite simply, the A-10C Warthog is the most effective aircraft for close air support, and we need it for the mission we are in now. We cannot let irrational budget policies like sequestration force us to divest one of our most valuable weapon systems and issues stand in the way of protecting our men and women in uniform.\"\r\nChambliss, Isakson and Scott's statements come ahead of expected action in the coming weeks by the Senate and House on an annual defense authorization bill determining policy and funding priorities for the U.S. military.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/what-others-are-saying?ContentRecord_id=7376df53-a9fb-457c-aafb-3ae9cad3af6a", "MDJ: Isakson probable VA committee chair-- good news for vets", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Don McKee \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tU.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, soon to be Georgia's senior senator, is expected to have a major role in the Republican-controlled Senate when it is organized next year \u2014 good news for the Senate, the people of this country and especially veterans.\r\nIsakson, the low-key, no-nonsense, common sense man from Cobb, is the odds-on favorite to be named chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee of which he is now a member. He also serves on three other committees \u2014 Finance, Ethics, and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Isakson's likely appointment to the VA chairmanship received more credence last weekend from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who's in line to chair the Armed Services Committee. McCain told TheBlaze that Isakson was expected to be tapped to head the VA committee and would move quickly to address the still-simmering scandal over unconscionable waiting times for veterans trying to get health care, compounded by cover-ups and falsifying of records. Isakson will take oversight of the new Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, enacted this year in an effort to improve veterans health care. The Georgia senator has given strong support to a provision that makes it easier for veterans to receive care from local non-VA doctors, paid by the VA \u2014 a common sense idea that is right down Isakson's alley. Another hot issue for Isakson is the VA's failure to fire anyone involved in the wait-time travesty and record falsifying \u2014 except for one official in Alabama. The new VA secretary, Robert McDonald, said this week the agency is set to take action against about 35 people and that maybe a thousand could be punished soon, but he's not eager for more oversight from Congress. \"I don't think this is about oversight,\" he said. But with Isakson on the case as chairman of the Senate VA committee, look for more oversight, not less. McDonald\u2019s predecessor, Eric Shinseki, was fired over the VA scandal. In its special report on prospective new Senate leadership, Politico said: \"Isakson will likely have to grapple with a series of emails that showed the Obama administration urged changes to a supposedly independent report that found significant problems in the Phoenix (Ariz.) VA system.\" As for other priorities on Isakson's list for the new Senate, they include corporate tax reform, dealing with the debt ceiling and fixing the reimbursement rate for doctors who treat Medicare patients, along with such major items as the budget, appropriations bill and the highway trust fund for transportation projects. Southern senators are expected to have a strong hand in the GOP-led Senate. In addition to Isakson's VA chairmanship, Thad Cochran of Mississippi is slated to head Appropriations; Richard Shelby of Alabama, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Budget; Bob Corker of Tennessee, Foreign Relations; and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Isakson, who formally announces his re-election bid next Monday, is the right choice for VA Committee chairman. With him at the helm, as Politico noted, \"veterans will have a staunch ally.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141112232323/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnson-headlines-policy-hearing-police-militarization", "Rep. Hank Johnson headlines policy hearing on police militarization", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman to open American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) panel discussion: \u201cMilitarization and the Changing Culture of Policing in America\u201d WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, November 12, ACS will host a panel discussion about the effects and legal ramifications of the increased use of military equipment by local police departments across the country and the steps federal, state and local policymakers can take to combat this trend.\u00a0 \u00a0 Congressman Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr. (D-GA) \u2013 who introduced the bipartisan Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 (H.R. 5478) -- will give opening remarks. This summer, the nation witnessed one of the most shocking displays of police militarization when police donned camouflage tactical gear and climbed aboard heavily armored vehicles to meet protestors in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, in the aftermath of the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. The militarization of police, however, is neither new nor isolated. Local police departments across the nation, participating in federal programs sponsored by the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice, increasingly have access to equipment traditionally reserved for military use, including body armor, high powered rifles, \u201csound cannons,\u201d armored vehicles, and grenade launchers. The discussion will focus on how these programs, ostensibly designed to aid law enforcement in the War on Drugs and the War on Terror, altered the culture of police departments. As police have come to more closely resemble paramilitary forces, what does it mean for our Fourth Amendment rights? And what is the impact on communities of color, which are often the most heavily policed? WHO:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04); Christopher Durocher, Director of Policy Development and Programming, American Constitution Society for Law & Policy.  \n\tPanelists: Moderator, Kimberly Atkins, Chief Washington Reporter/Columnist, Boston Herald; Kara Dansky, Senior Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union; Barry Friedman, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Professor of Law, New York University School of Law; Ronald Hampton, Advisor to National Police Accountability Project; former Executive Director, National Black Police Association; former Community Relations Officer, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department; Tom Nolan, Associate Professor of Criminology & Director of Graduate Programs in Criminology, Merrimack College; former Senior Policy Advisor at the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; former lieutenant, Boston Police Department. WHAT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Militarization and the Changing Culture of Policing in America WHEN:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wednesday, November 12, 2014; 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. EDT WHERE: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2237, Washington, DC 20515. Lunch will be available starting at 12:00 p.m., and the program will begin at 12:15 p.m. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398308", "Rep. Graves Statement On Veterans Day 2014", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves Statement On Veterans Day 2014\n                      \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            November 11, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement on Veterans Day: \u201cTo America\u2019s veterans and your families: thank you. From one generation to the next, your service and many sacrifices have protected our freedoms and changed the world. You have been the wall between us and evil. You are our heroes. \u201cThis day is often filled with words of gratitude, and we must be sure to back up those words with action. As a result of reforms passed by Congress, the Veterans Affairs Department has started righting its many wrongs. Changes include greater access to non-VA care, additional doctors and nurses, and disciplinary action against thousands of VA employees. This amounts to just the first step. The truth is that many veterans have not seen improvements and are still waiting for care. \u201cAll the gratitude in the world doesn\u2019t mean a thing if a veteran can't see a doctor or has a claim backlogged for years. We have a sacred obligation to provide the best possible care. Veterans will know our nation is truly grateful when every day at the VA feels like Veterans Day.\u201d Veterans who reside in Georgia\u2019s 14th Congressional District are encouraged to contact Congressman Graves\u2019 offices in Dalton (706-226-5230) or Rome (706-290-1776) for assistance if they are having trouble with the VA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074509/http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-veterans-day-0", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING VETERANS DAY", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies and Co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC), released a statement honoring our nation's veterans in advance of the upcoming Veterans Day:\n\u201cOur veterans are not just former soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. They are community members who are working as teachers, postmen, doctors, and truck drivers. They are also fathers and mothers and neighbors to us all. Not only have they served and defended our nation and our liberties, but they continue to protect, learn, and invent so that we will know greater opportunity. On this Veterans Day, we take pause to give thanks to our veterans and their families for sacrificing so much for so many for so long. America is stronger because of their perseverance and bravery\u2014and our nation would not be the same without their service.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=578", "Collins Opposes Obama Attempt at More Internet Regulation", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS OPPOSES OBAMA SUPPORT FOR MORE INTERNET REGULATION\r\n\r\n\tGAINESVILLE, GA [Nov 10]--Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) made the following statement today after President Obama tried to strong-arm the FCC into increasing regulations on the internet.\r\n\r\n\tCollins said: \u201cI\u2019ve spent a lot of time visiting schools in my district, where I meet kids from all walks of life who will pursue all avenues of education\u2014four year universities, technical schools, vocational training. Whatever path they choose, they\u2019ll all rely on access to a free and open internet. It\u2019s in everyone\u2019s best interest to encourage investment in rural broadband development, not to discourage it by even greater regulation. It\u2019s my hope that the leadership at the FCC remembers they serve the American public, not just the president.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141117213252/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1397", "Capitol Corner: Veterans Day", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "This Veterans Day, as we pay tribute to our nation\u2019s finest, we must be ever mindful of the debt we owe to those who have served and to those who continue to serve our country in the Armed Forces. Without their service, we would not have the great freedoms and liberties that make our country the greatest in the world.  \u00a0  For Georgians, Veterans Day is particularly important because our state is home to more than 750,000 veterans and thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Georgia\u2019s Third Congressional District is particularly blessed to have around 60,000 men and women who have served our nation. With so many veterans in our state, we interact with our brave service men and women daily. They are our family members, mentors, neighbors, and church members. They are huge parts of our community and I want to thank each and every one of them for making sure my children and grandchildren have the same freedoms and opportunities I am fortunate enough to enjoy.  \u00a0  Today, I hope you will join me in honoring and remembering those brave men and women who have served our nation and defended the freedoms we hold so dear. May we also pay special tribute today to those who never returned home, our prisoners of war, and those we lost missing in action. \u00a0We all must take the time to hear the stories of these true American heroes and learn from these selfless men and women, who know what it truly means to serve their nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141115205309/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-reflects-passing-rep-lane-evans", "Rep. John Lewis Reflects on the Passing of Rep. Lane Evans", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\"I was very sorry to learn of the passing of the former Rep. Lane Evans.\u00a0 I had the honor of serving with him for several years.\u00a0 He was a very serious, committed public servant who faithfully looked out for the well being of the people of his district.\u00a0 He was deeply concerned about the public good, and he voted for whatever he believed served the best interests of the country.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It was a pleasure to work with him. He was always a gentleman.\u00a0 My thoughts and prayers are for the comfort of his family and friends in this difficult hour.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141107212153/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnsons-2014-veterans-day-message", "Rep. Johnson's 2014 Veterans Day message", "2014-11-06", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "It was a singular honor for me to attend the 70th Anniversary of the Allied D-Day Invasion earlier this year in France, where I met real-life heroes like David Andrews, who landed on Utah Beach, Normandy on D-Day -- June 6, 1944. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, every day I\u2019m inspired to work on behalf of all our military personnel and veterans. My work as a member of Congress on behalf of veterans is two-fold: In Washington, I have consistently proposed or voted to help increase awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), boost mental health funding, decrease homelessness and increase job opportunities for our veterans. At home in Georgia through my constituent services representatives in Lithonia, we are working hard every day to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they\u2019ve earned. That\u2019s why on the eve of Veterans Day 2014 \u2013 Nov. 11 \u2013 we renew our commitments to the nation\u2019s more than 2 million service members and reservists, their families, and 23 million veterans, including more than 770,000 here in Georgia and more than 50,000 in the Fourth District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-austin-scott-announces-medicare-part-d-workshops", "Congressman Austin Scott Announces Medicare Part D Workshops", "2014-11-05", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced dates for four upcoming Medicare Part D Workshops hosted by the Congressman's District Offices during November.  At these workshops, staff and volunteers will be able to personally answer questions and help compare available options. The Medicare open enrollment period lasts until December 7th and is the only time beneficiaries can make changes to Medicare prescription drug benefits. Medicare Part D plans change each year, and reviewing options during this period will ensure beneficiaries are enrolled in the plan that best suits their needs.  Additional details are provided below:  MOULTRIE  Wednesday, November 12th   1PM-4PM   ABAC on the Square   31 E Central Avenue   Moultrie, GA 31768  VALDOSTA  Monday, November 17th   9AM-12PM   Wiregrass Technical College   Brooks Hall, Room 510   4089 Val Tech Road   Valdosta, GA 31602  GRAY  Tuesday, November 18th   9AM-12PM   W.E. Knox Civic Center   (Chamber of Commerce)   161 W Clinton Street   Gray, GA 31032  EASTMAN  Wednesday, November 19th   10AM-1PM   Middle Georgia State College   Eastman Campus   71 Airport Rd   Eastman, GA 31023  To expedite the process during the workshops, please fill out the Medicare Part D Enrollment Worksheet available on the Congressman's website: http://austinscott.house.gov/seniors. If you have any questions, please call Congressman Scott's Tifton Office at (229) 396-5175.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141106040134/http://austinscott.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=478", "Congressman Austin Scott Announces Medicare Part D Workshops", "2014-11-05", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced dates for four upcoming Medicare Part D Workshops hosted by the Congressman\u2019s District Offices during November.  At these workshops, staff and volunteers will be able to personally answer questions and help compare available options. The Medicare open enrollment period lasts until December 7th and is the only time beneficiaries can make changes to Medicare prescription drug benefits. Medicare Part D plans change each year, and reviewing options during this period will ensure beneficiaries are enrolled in the plan that best suits their needs.  Additional details are provided below:  MOULTRIE   Wednesday, November 12th   1PM-4PM   ABAC on the Square   31 E Central Avenue   Moultrie, GA 31768  VALDOSTA   Monday, November 17th   9AM-12PM   Wiregrass Technical College   Brooks Hall, Room 510   4089 Val Tech Road   Valdosta, GA 31602  GRAY   Tuesday, November 18th   9AM-12PM   W.E. Knox Civic Center   (Chamber of Commerce)   161 W Clinton Street   Gray, GA 31032  EASTMAN   Wednesday, November 19th   10AM-1PM   Middle Georgia State College   Eastman Campus   71 Airport Rd   Eastman, GA 31023  To expedite the process during the workshops, please fill out the Medicare Part D Enrollment Worksheet available on the Congressman\u2019s website: http://austinscott.house.gov/seniors.\u00a0 If you have any questions, please call Congressman Scott\u2019s Tifton Office at (229) 396-5175.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=febbebab-ddf3-4b16-b459-310f306c81c8", "Isakson on Senator-elect Perdue: 'He Will Make Georgia Proud'", "2014-11-05", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., issued the following statement regarding businessman David Perdue\u2019s election on November 4, 2014, to serve Georgia in the U.S. Senate:\r\n\"I congratulate Senator-elect David Perdue on his decisive win in Georgia. I welcome the opportunity to have another businessman from the private sector serving in the United States Senate with me, and I look forward to working together in a new Senate majority on behalf of Georgians. I\u00a0know that what Senator-elect Perdue said in his victory speech last night is true -- he will make Georgia proud.\"\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/what-others-are-saying?ContentRecord_id=ef92f76c-f4ef-41a6-bb1f-fc316ba21d61", "AJC: Isakson eyes a path forward for new GOP majority", "2014-11-05", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Now, they need to prove they can win in Washington, D.C.\r\nAfter two cycles of swinging and missing at a Senate majority, the GOP finally connected this time around and controls Congress for the first time in eight years. What now?\r\n\u201cI think we have to do what we indicted the Democrats for not doing over the course of the election,\u201d said Georgia\u2019s soon-to-be senior senator, Johnny Isakson. That means passing bills and sending them to President Barack Obama.\r\n\u201cYou can\u2019t make (Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid the issue and continue to have gridlock in the Senate,\u201d he said.\r\nWhich bills? Isakson, speaking to me by phone about 12 hours after Republican David Perdue won Georgia\u2019s other Senate seat, offered his personal opinions rather than a big GOP strategy.\r\n\u201cThe first thing I\u2019d send the president is the Keystone (XL) Pipeline,\u201d Isakson said, referring to the long-delayed project to bring Canadian crude to the U.S.\r\nThe next thing he mentioned may come as a surprise. Last year, Reid invoked the \u201cnuclear option\u201d to eliminate the filibuster for many presidential appointments. Rather than expand it, as some have speculated a GOP majority might do, Isakson said he favors reversing it: \u201cI think the 60-vote threshold makes sense.\u201d\r\nTime for transitioning to power is short. Isakson rattled off five major issues with deadlines on or before May 31: the debt ceiling, the reimbursement rate for doctors who treat Medicare patients, the budget, appropriations bills, and the highway trust fund for transportation infrastructure.\r\nThese, Isakson said, are \u201cfive things the Democrats have looked the other way on\u201d for years under Obama. Add a reform for corporate taxes that have been driving companies overseas through \u201cinversions\u201d and other maneuvers, and there are plenty of opportunities for the GOP to make progress.\r\nWhat about Obamacare? While a symbolic House vote to repeal the law may have been cathartic for conservatives in 2011, sending Obama a repeal bill, just to watch him veto it, would only aid the inevitable Democratic narrative that Republicans aren\u2019t serious about governing.\r\nBetter, Isakson said, to focus on \u201ccertain parts of it that are ripe for reform and change immediately, the medical device tax being one. Bailing out insurance companies for any losses they might incur is another,\u201d as is the employer mandate.\r\n\u201cWe do it in selected, targeted things that would pass the House and the Senate, probably with Republican and Democratic votes,\u201d he said. \u201cThat would be my guess.\u201d\r\nAnd this: \u201cYou can\u2019t eat an elephant with one bite \u2026 and that is an elephant of a law that needs to be surgically dealt with.\u201d\r\nIf, as is rumored, Obama tries to use an executive order to enact amnesty for illegal immigrants, Isakson said Republicans should use the power of the purse to de-fund such efforts until the next election comes.\r\n\u201cIf (Obama) thought there was a big tidal wave\u201d on Tuesday, Isakson said, \u201cif he starts something like that, the tidal wave will continue.\u201d\r\nWebsite:\u00a0http://www.myajc.com/news/news/opinion/isakson-eyes-a-path-forward-for-new-gop-majority/nhz6H/?ecmp=ajc_social_twitter_2014_kylewingfield_sfp#5848f683.3548322.735544", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-austin-scott-hosts-veterans-appreciation-coffee", "Congressman Austin Scott Hosts Veterans Appreciation Coffee", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced an upcoming Veterans Appreciation Coffee on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014.  Congressman Scott invites Eighth District veterans to drop by between 9:30am  10:30am for coffee and pastries. The Congressman will be there to thank veterans for their service and to discuss important issues facing our military and veterans.  Additional details are provided below:  Veterans Appreciation Coffee  Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2014   9:30 AM - 10:30 AM  Congressman Scott's Warner Robins Office   230 Margie Drive, Suite 500   Warner Robins, GA 31088  If you have any questions, please call Congressman Scott's Warner Robins Office at (478) 971-1776.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7B3A3DE6-3D38-41A7-8D28-EC997400B51B", "Congressman Austin Scott Announces Medicare Part D Workshops", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", "austinscott", "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced dates for four upcoming Medicare Part D Workshops hosted by the Congressman\u2019s District Offices during November.\n\nAt these workshops, staff and volunteers will be able to personally answer questions and help compare available options. The Medicare open enrollment period lasts until December 7th and is the only time beneficiaries can make changes to Medicare prescription drug benefits. Medicare Part D plans change each year, and reviewing options during this period will ensure beneficiaries are enrolled in the plan that best suits their needs.\n\nAdditional details are provided below:\n\nMOULTRIE\n\nWednesday, November 12th\n\n1PM-4PM\n\nABAC on the Square\n\n31 E Central Avenue\n\nMoultrie, GA 31768\n\nVALDOSTA\n\nMonday, November 17th\n\n9AM-12PM\n\nWiregrass Technical College\n\nBrooks Hall, Room 510\n\n4089 Val Tech Road\n\nValdosta, GA 31602\n\nGRAY\n\nTuesday, November 18th\n\n9AM-12PM\n\nW.E. Knox Civic Center\n\n(Chamber of Commerce)\n\n161 W Clinton Street\n\nGray, GA 31032\n\nEASTMAN\n\nWednesday, November 19th\n\n10AM-1PM\n\nMiddle Georgia State College\n\nEastman Campus\n\n71 Airport Rd\n\nEastman, GA 31023\n\nTo expedite the process during the workshops, please fill out the Medicare Part D Enrollment Worksheet available on the Congressman\u2019s website: https://austinscott.house.gov/seniors. If you have any questions, please call Congressman Scott\u2019s Tifton Office at (229) 396-5175.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141106040348/http://austinscott.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=477", "Congressman Austin Scott Hosts Veterans Appreciation Coffee", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced an upcoming \u201cVeterans Appreciation Coffee\u201d on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014.  Congressman Scott invites Eighth District veterans to drop by between 9:30am \u2013 10:30am for coffee and pastries.\u00a0 The Congressman will be there to thank veterans for their service and to discuss important issues facing our military and veterans.  Additional details are provided below:  \u201cVeterans Appreciation Coffee\u201d   Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2014   9:30 AM - 10:30 AM   Congressman Scott's Warner Robins Office   230 Margie Drive, Suite 500   Warner Robins, GA 31088  If you have any questions, please call Congressman Scott\u2019s Warner Robins Office at (478) 971-1776.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397508", "November is National Diabetes Month", "2014-11-03", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November is National Diabetes Month \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    Posted by\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    on\r\n    November 3, 2014\r\n   | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    November is National Diabetes Month, and the perfect time to spotlight a disease that affects almost 30 million Americans regardless of age, race or background.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs a member of the Congressional Caucus on Diabetes, Congressman Scott has continuously supported legislation to improve research, education and treatment of Diabetes.\r\n\r\nThis year, several members of Congress, including Congressman Scott, requested $20 million to be allocated toward the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), a network of community programs based on the clinical trial to deliver proven and cost-effective lifestyle interventions to adults at high risk for Type 2 diabetes.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAdditional current legislation on Diabetes includes H.R. 1257, the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2013 to extend coverage to medical nutritional therapy services, and H.R. 1274, the Access to Quality Diabetes Education Act of 2013  to advocate for and educate public and health officials on the benefits of diabetes self management training.\r\n\r\nWhile Congressman Scott is working in Washington to put a stop to Diabetes, there are some steps you can take to manage and prevent Diabetes at home.\r\n\u00a0\r\nA healthy lifestyle is the best form of management and prevention of Diabetes. Well balanced meals, regular exercise and proper treatment are vital to staying in control of this disease.\r\n\r\nIf left untreated or poorly managed, Diabetes can cause serious health complications. Those with diabetes are more likely to experience heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations.\r\n\u00a0\r\nTogether we can work to prevent Diabetes by promoting awareness and education. To find out more information, visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5A3B8C1C-9C94-47B4-B531-1C4834BE855E", "Congressman Austin Scott Hosts Veterans Appreciation Coffee", "2014-11-03", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", "austinscott", "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced an upcoming \u201cVeterans Appreciation Coffee\u201d on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014.\n\nCongressman Scott invites Eighth District veterans to drop by between 9:30am \u2013 10:30am for coffee and pastries. The Congressman will be there to thank veterans for their service and to discuss important issues facing our military and veterans.\n\nAdditional details are provided below:\n\n\u201cVeterans Appreciation Coffee\u201d\n\nVeterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2014\n\n9:30 AM - 10:30 AM\n\nCongressman Scott's Warner Robins Office\n\n230 Margie Drive, Suite 500\n\nWarner Robins, GA 31088\n\nIf you have any questions, please call Congressman Scott\u2019s Warner Robins Office at (478) 971-1776.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141117213452/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1395", "Capitol Corner: Stop Transfers of Gitmo Detainees", "2014-11-03", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "I have said it before and I\u2019ll say it again, releasing terrorists from Guantanamo Bay endangers our soldiers abroad and our security at home. When will the Obama Administration realize that releasing Guantanamo prisoners gives terrorists a second chance?\u00a0  \u00a0  A public report released last week identified that of the 620 detainees released from Guantanamo Bay, 180 have returned or are suspected to have returned to the battlefield. Of those 180, it is believed that as many as 30 former detainees are suspected of having joined ISIS and reengaged in the fight against the United States and our allies.\u00a0  \u00a0  The threats that ISIL pose to the stability of the Middle East and to our national security are incredibly serious. The last thing we should be doing is releasing Guantanamo detainees when former detainees are reported to be fighting with ISIS. Our troops should never have to confront a former Guantanamo detainee on the battlefield, and we should be doing everything in our power to be sure that doesn\u2019t happen.\u00a0  \u00a0  There is no guarantee that detainees will not resume terrorist activities, including targeting innocent Americans once they are released from Guantanamo Bay. \u00a0In fact, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence estimates 29.7 percent of former Guantanamo detainees have reengaged in terrorism. We cannot, and should not, negotiate with terrorists, and President Obama has violated that policy. The Guantanamo detainee transfers must stop.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141031000035/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-sends-potus-letter-torture", "Rep. Johnson sends POTUS letter on torture", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman leads letter urging President Obama to stand firm against use of torture \u2018anywhere in the world.\u2019 \nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to President Barack Obama this week urging the President to stand firm in his opposition to the use of torture anywhere in the world. The letter is signed by more than 30 colleagues.\nThe letter expresses support for ensuring the United Nations Convention Against Torture applies overseas, to all persons directly or indirectly under control of any U.S. authorities wherever they are located.\nAfter the 9/11 attacks, the Bush Administration wrongly interpreted the U.N. Convention Against Torture to not apply to U.S. detention centers overseas. This interpretation created the conditions that led to well-publicized abuses of detainees in U.S. facilities. In 2009, the Obama Administration issued an executive order that forbade cruel interrogations abroad and made it harder for a future administration to return to the use of torture.\u00a0\nNext month in Geneva, Switzerland, the Obama Administration will make a presentation to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.\u00a0\nUnfortunately, according to news reports, the Administration is considering affirming the misguided Bush Administration interpretation that allows for torture.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ee055880-8f65-4f89-b07f-1cb7dd8a2faa", "Isakson Receives \"Standing up for America's Seniors\" Award", "2014-10-29", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today received RetireSafe\u2019s \u201cStanding up for America\u2019s Seniors\u201d leadership award in recognition of his leadership and work in support of older Americans in the 113th Congress.\u201cI care very deeply about protecting and providing for Georgia\u2019s senior citizens,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cMany Georgians and their families depend on the Medicare and Social Security benefits they have spent much of their lives paying in to, and I will continue to work to protect access to care and benefits for millions of seniors across the country.\u201d RetireSafe is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan grassroots organization that advocates on behalf of America\u2019s seniors on such issues as Social Security, Medicare, health and financial well-being. RetireSafe has selected Isakson as a recipient of its \u201cStanding up for America\u2019s Seniors\u201d award based on his various actions that benefit seniors, including committee activity, floor votes, communications with regulatory authorities and sponsorship or co-sponsorship of senior-friendly legislation. Through his position on the Senate Committee on Finance with jurisdiction over Medicare and Social Security, Isakson has worked to protect Medicare beneficiaries from dangerous rule changes proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Additionally, Isakson is a co-sponsor of S.232, the Medical Device Access and Innovation Act, and S.351, a bill to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board, which are critical to preserving and protecting Medicare benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photos?ContentRecord_id=0c09377b-ff5a-42f5-b9f2-b950e68c1534", "Georgia Southern", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, October 28, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tOn Monday, October 27, 2014, Johnny visited Georgia Southern University and spoke to the Eagles' Football team. He gave them a pep talk with a personal story about legendary coach Erk Russell.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=577", "Collins on Ebola Response: \"Georgia Got it Right\"", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Contact\r\n\r\n\tCOLLINS ON EBOLA RESPONSE: \u201cGEORGIA GOT IT RIGHT\u201d\r\n\r\n\tNortheast Georgia\u2019s Congressman Praises Emory\u2019s Treatment of Ebola Patients in House Oversight Hearing\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, Oct 24 \u2013 Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09), speaking at the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee\u2019s hearing on the federal government\u2019s response to the Ebola outbreak today in Washington, praised Emory University as the first hospital in the United States to successfully treat the disease.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cGeorgia got it right. Emory got it right,\u201d Congressman Collins told the panel of experts, which included assistant secretaries from the Departments of Health and Human Services and Defense as well as representatives from healthcare professional organizations. \u201cThey have the protocols in place, and they have the equipment in place. I want to commend Emory University in Atlanta for being the first hospital to successfully treat an Ebola patient in America.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Collins\u2019s full remarks and answers to the questions he posed to the panel may be viewed here.\r\n\r\n\tCollins also took the opportunity to enter into the record this Washington Post op-ed by John Fox, chairman and chief executive of Emory Healthcare, which outlines Emory\u2019s approach to the successful treatment of Ebola and underscores the importance of sharing information across agency lines.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=df25adbc-ffc7-467c-9db3-9d388e760137", "Isakson Challenges Administration's Attempt to Take Over Thousands of Creeks, Streams, Ponds", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., on Thursday joined a group of 24 senators to challenge the Obama administration's misleading claims regarding the proposed \"waters of the United States\" rule, which would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate nearly all private and state water in the United States\r\nDespite the administration's claims to the contrary, if finalized, the rule would represent a massive land grab by the federal government. Few water bodies would escape the agencies' broad definition of \"waters of the United States.\" The proposal effectively eliminates the Clean Water Act's\u00a0\"navigable waters\" provision, which was included by Congress to guarantee limits to federal authority.\r\nIn a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, the senators wrote, \"Undoubtedly there is a disconnect between regulatory reality and the administration's utopian view of the proposed 'Waters of the United States' rule. We believe this reflects the EPA's and the Corps [of Engineers'] refusal to listen to the thousands of Americans who have asked that the proposed rule be immediately withdrawn.\"\r\n\"The proposed 'waters of the United States' rule could allow federal bureaucrats to assert control over thousands of streams, creeks, wetlands, ponds and ditches throughout the country,\"\u00a0said Isakson. \"This latest overreach by the Executive Branch would provide the administration, as well as environmental groups, with a powerful tool to delay and prevent development and land use activities on property owned by homeowners, farms, small businesses, and municipalities. This proposal will harm not only landowners, but our entire agriculture industry in Georgia.\"\r\nThe letter is the latest challenge Isakson has made to this proposed rule. In June, Isakson signed on as an original co-sponsor of S.2496, the Protecting Water and Property Rights Act of 2014, that would repeal this rule.\r\nIn addition to Isakson, the letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., David Vitter, R-La., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Roy Blunt, R-Mo., John Boozman, R-Ark., Mike Johanns, R-Neb., Tim Scott, R-S.C., Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Mike Lee, R-Utah.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available here: http://go.usa.gov/GE93\r\nBackground\r\nOn March 25, 2014, EPA and the Corps released their proposed rule redefining \"waters of the United States\" under the Clean Water Act. The term \"waters of the United States\"is the Clean Water Act's threshold provision that determines whether the law\u2019s permitting and regulatory requirements apply to a particular body of water.\r\nThe proposed rule would provide EPA and the Corps, as well as environmental groups, with a powerful tool to delay and prevent development and land use activities on property owned by homeowners, farms, small businesses, and municipalities. Federal bureaucrats\u2014and not state and local authorities\u2014could assert control over thousands of streams, creeks, wetlands, ponds, and ditches throughout the country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024021938/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnson-acuity-brands-jobs-facility-expansion", "Rep. Hank Johnson on Acuity Brands jobs, facility expansion", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "LITHONIA, GA \u2013 U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA04) released the following statement on the news that Acuity Brands will expand its operation, creating 700 jobs and investing more than $16 million into Rockdale and DeKalb counties over the next five years:\n\u201cFor Acuity to be retrofitting an existing building in Decatur to become its new state-of-the-art engineering and technology center just down the street from our Congressional District office is tremendous news for the Fourth Congressional District,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cAnd the fact that they are also investing in their Conyers facility means they will be creating good, high-paying jobs in our community for many years to come. As Congressman, I\u2019ve always enjoyed working with Acuity, and I look forward to working with them well into the future.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024022004/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-promotes-diversity-ownership-media-telecommunications-industries", "Rep. Johnson promotes diversity of ownership in media & telecommunications industries", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) recently sent a letter to Tom Wheeler, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, urging him to identify and eliminate market-entry barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially helping to create more diverse ownership in every area of media and telecommunications. \n\u201cThe media industry still suffers from an extreme lack of diversity, especially in broadcast ownership,\u201d Johnson\u2019s letter states. \u201cThere are less than 50 full-power TV stations owned by people of color and every year the list grows smaller. Diversity in ownership is crucial in enhancing competition and benefitting consumers. [I strongly encourage the Commission] to seriously consider innovative proposals submitted by minority-owned entities.\u201d\nIn addition to encouraging the Commission to uphold its important obligation to promote diversity, Rep. Johnson\u2019s letter also calls for the FCC to release a Triennial Report on market-entry barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs.\nThe Commission continues to fall behind in its timely release of these reports, Johnson said.\n\u201cMinorities and women continue to face unique market-entry barriers. Timely reports and current data would empower the Commission to eliminate these barriers through practical solutions for facilitating full participation.\u201d\nThirteen colleagues signed Rep. Johnson\u2019s letter, including Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters of California, Bobby Rush of Illinois, Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., and Gwen Moore of Wisconsin.\nTo read the FCC\u2019s response, click HERE.\nAs the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law (RRCAL), Rep. Johnson has focused on a lack of diversity in media ownership and importance of diverse ownership.\nWhile the FCC\u2019s response was much appreciated, Rep. Johnson will continue to advocate for minority-owned businesses and the elimination of barriers for small businesses as both are essential to marketplace competition.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141115205628/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/tribute-legendary-post-editor-ben-bradlee", "Tribute to Legendary Post Editor Ben Bradlee", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON--Yesterday, the historic editor of The Washington Post, Mr. Benjamin Bradlee, died in his home of natural causes at the age of 93.\u00a0 Bradlee was the editor of the Post for 26 years and led the paper during its most powerful era, from 1965 through the height of its influence, after it broke the game-changing stories on the Watergate break-ins and the Pentagon Papers.\u00a0\u00a0 Under his leadership the paper won 17 Pulitzer Prizes and established itself as one of the top newspapers in the nation.\u00a0\u00a0 After learning about his death, Rep. Lewis made these comments:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"Ben Bradlee was one of the great editors of the 20th century.\u00a0 He set the standard for the Fourth Estate as an effective check on the power of government and as the daily recorder of\u00a0 the life of the nation.\u00a0 To him, news was more than a business.\u00a0 It was a responsibility, it was a calling, a public service that demanded substance above all for every reporter lucky enough to call it a profession, yet he believed stories had to be clothed in a brisk, engaging context.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"When Ben Bradlee left the newsroom, a light went out in the news business.\u00a0 It seemed he took with him the courage, the idealism, that intangible spark and a keen awareness of the power of the pen when he left.\u00a0 There are only a few leaders who define the best in their business for decades to come, who become a legend and a high watermark for others who pass that way.\u00a0 Ben Bradlee was that kind of leader, one of the greatest editors this nation has ever known.\u00a0 We would do well to remember his legacy and to use the lessons of his life to inform and strengthen the business of journalism today.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141117213653/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1391", "Westmoreland to Host Town Hall in Griffin", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "NEWNAN, GA \u2013 Congressman Lynn Westmoreland will be hosting a town hall meeting in Spalding County at the University of Georgia- Griffin Campus on October 29, 2014 from 10am to 11am. \u00a0At the town hall, Congressman Westmoreland will give an update on his work in Washington and allow for questions from the audience. All members of the community are invited to attend.  \u00a0  \u201cWith everything going on both internationally and domestically, this town hall meeting is a great opportunity for me to hear what the people of the Third Congressional District think,\u201d stated Westmoreland. \u00a0\u201cThe town hall also allows me to give you an update on what I\u2019m working on both in Washington and how it affects you here in Georgia. I encourage anyone with concerns, questions, or opinions to attend my town hall in Griffin so that I can better represent you.\u201d  \u00a0  Spalding County Town Hall Meeting  Wednesday, October 29, 2014  10:00am \u2013 11:00am  \u00a0  UGA-Griffin Campus  Student Learning Center  Room 104  1109 Experiment Street  Griffin, GA 30223  \u00a0  Members of the media are also invited to attend. \u00a0 If you or a representative from your media outlet would like to attend one of the town halls, please contact Leigh Claffey at Leigh.Claffey@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024022032/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/study-rep-johnson-most-effective-member-ga-delegation-112th-congress", "Study: Rep. Johnson most effective member of GA Delegation in 112th Congress", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Johnson ranked 18 out of more than 200 Democrats in House\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 According to a new study by Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia (UVA), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) was ranked as the 18th most effective Democrat in the House during the 112th Congress, and the most effective Democrat from Georgia.\nHe was also ranked higher than any of his Republican colleagues from Georgia. Johnson was ranked 18 out of 204 Democrats.\nThe study judged effectiveness by looking at a lawmaker\u2019s \u201cproven ability to advance a member\u2019s agenda items through the legislative process and into law.\u201d\nThe scorecard looked at the number of bills a member introduced or sponsored; the significance of the bills; and how far each made it in the legislative process. The website adjusts a lawmaker\u2019s grade based upon seniority, committee leadership positions and whether their party holds the majority.\n\u201cMany people know me for my dry sense of humor, but I\u2019m also a serious legislator who gets results,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI work hard to offer meaningful and impactful legislation that helps level the playing field for consumers, working people, the middle class and civil rights for the disenfranchised. I take great pride in our legislative shop and will continue offering bills of substance and work to get them passed into law.\u201d\u00a0\nThe study was conducted by Craig Volden, a professor of public policy and politics at UVA and Alan E. Wiseman, associate professor of Political Science and Law at Vanderbilt University.\nFor more: http://www.thelawmakers.org.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=390f7e4c-9eba-4fc6-9514-17e6b6e39901", "Isakson Applauds Revisions to Mortgage Rules", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today released the following statement applauding the action by federal regulators in finalizing a rule that will require banks that sell loans to retain some risk on their books. The new rule also includes an important exception championed by Isakson to ensure that highly qualified homebuyers have access to affordable home loans.\r\nIsakson has repeatedly called on the administration to revise its earlier proposed rule that would have prevented responsible homebuyers from obtaining mortgages by requiring a 20 percent down payment for Qualified Residential Mortgages (QRMs).\r\n\"I commend federal regulators on finalizing the Risk Retention rule and the important exception known as the QRM,\"\u00a0said Isakson.\u00a0\"The QRM is a very important provision that recognizes the critical role of sound underwriting in mortgage finance. By focusing on disciplined underwriting and creating a level playing field for private mortgage issuers, they are setting the stage for a strong and stable housing market. Preserving low down payment loans as part of the revised rule will also allow the market to continue on its path to recovery. We have learned that it was poor underwriting\u2014not low down payments\u2014that led us into the housing crisis.\r\n\"I worked to enact the QRM provision to ensure that highly qualified homebuyers have access to affordable home loans. I am pleased that the agreed upon standards strike the right balance and compromise, as they ensure that qualified borrowers have access to safe mortgages, while protecting the marketplace and significantly lowering delinquencies and defaults. The final rule announced today, will go a long way to bring certainty and to strengthen the U.S. housing market, and in turn, the broader U.S. economy.\"\r\nIsakson worked to include a provision in the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to ensure that highly qualified homebuyers have access to affordable home loans. Isakson's provision exempted QRMs from a section in the law, known as \"risk retention,\" that requires mortgage originators to retain at least a 5 percent interest in loan pools sold to investors.\r\nSix agencies have worked together on finalizing the rule: the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=55822ba5-83dc-4fc9-a7a0-4b5d0ac541ba", "Isakson Calls on IRS to Take Decisive Action to Tackle Tax Refund Fraud", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., this week joined a bipartisan group of 15 senators, including seven members of the Senate Finance Committee, in calling on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner John Koskinen to update Congress on the agency\u2019s efforts to prevent tax refund fraud using stolen identities.\r\n\u201cTax fraud costs hardworking Americans billions of dollars and further undermines taxpayers\u2019 confidence in our tax system,\u201d said Isakson, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. \u201cTargeted action by the IRS to stop the flood of identity theft-related fraudulent refunds is critically important. I look forward to Commissioner Koskinen\u2019s response on what steps are being taken to combat this serious problem.\u201d\r\nAs Georgia ranks second highest in the country in the number of fraudulent tax refund claims, Isakson has continually pressed the IRS on the critical need to combat identity theft-related fraudulent refunds. Tax fraud puts innocent taxpayers at risk for audits, multiple layers of bureaucracy and refund delays averaging 18 months.\r\nIn their letter to Koskinen, the senators expressed concern that the IRS has yet to devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem, which cost taxpayers $5.2 billion in 2013, according to the Government Accountability Office. The senators further urged the agency to improve existing safeguards and make stopping tax refund fraud a top priority.\r\nSince 2004, the National Taxpayer Advocate has identified tax-related identity fraud as one of the \u201cmost serious problems\u201d faced by taxpayers in nearly every annual report submitted to Congress.\r\nThe bipartisan letter was led by Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Bill Nelson, D-Fla. In addition to Isakson, other signers included Sens. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter:\r\n\r\nOctober 20, 2014\r\nThe Honorable John A. Koskinen  Commissioner  Internal Revenue Service  1111 Constitution Avenue, N.W.  Washington, DC\u00a0 20224\u00a0\r\nDear Commissioner Koskinen:\u00a0\r\nWe are writing to request information regarding the IRS\u2019s efforts to prevent identity theft-related refund fraud.\u00a0 There has been a substantial increase in this kind of fraud in recent years with $5.2 billion being lost to fraudulent tax returns in 2013, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO characterized this growing problem as a \u201cpersistent, evolving threat to honest taxpayers and tax administration\u201d in its latest report on the subject.\r\nWe understand that the IRS may not be able to stop all refund fraud, but a lot more can be done within the IRS\u2019s current authority to reduce the risk of fraud and improve taxpayer services.\u00a0 We would like an update from you on what you have done to date with respect to the following:\u00a0\r\n \r\nAccelerating the verification of tax return information. By law, the IRS has 45 days after a return is due to issue a refund without interest, yet refunds are typically issued just 9.6 days after a return is filed, according to the GAO.\r\n \r\n \r\nProviding victims of tax-related identity theft with a single point of contact, as recommended by the National Taxpayer Advocate for several years. According to the Taxpayer Advocate, \u201cwithout a single person responsible for transferring cases from one function to another,\u201d cases can become \u201cstuck\u201d or lost in the process.\r\n \r\n \r\nAllowing taxpayers to \u201cturn off\u201d electronic filing, as the Taxpayer Advocate recommended to the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth as long ago as 2011. More than 80 percent of tax-related identity theft occurs through electronically filed tax returns.\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t taxpayers have the option to disable any electronic filing of their tax return?\r\n \r\n \r\nAllowing any taxpayer to request an identity theft PIN, regardless of whether or not they have been a confirmed victim of identity theft. We understand that the IRS has launched a pilot program to allow anyone in states with high fraud rates to request an identity theft PIN.\u00a0 We would appreciate an update on your efforts, if any, to convert this pilot program into a nationwide program.\r\n \r\nIn addition to the need for improving IRS\u2019s existing safeguards and services, we are concerned that the IRS has yet to devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem, if given additional resources. With billions of dollars at stake, we believe that finding a solution to the problem of identity theft-related refund fraud should be a top priority for the IRS. Therefore, we respectfully request responses to the following questions:\r\n \r\nWith respect to detecting, deterring, and criminalizing taxpayer identity theft, please explain how you currently prioritize resources and describe how you intend to allocate resources to this problem in the future.\u00a0 Please also explain what additional statutory authority, if any, the IRS needs to seriously address the problem.\r\nFor each of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 calendar years, how many taxpayers filed an affidavit alleging identity theft or refund fraud?\u00a0 If possible, please also identify, in dollar terms, how much of the fraud identified through the affidavits still resulted in money being sent to fraudsters.\r\nWhat are the total costs associated with undertaking each investigation into tax-related identity theft?\u00a0 To date, what percentage of the cases resulted in funds being recovered?\r\nDoes the IRS plan to fully assess the costs and benefits of accelerating information matching, whether it be moving up Form W-2 deadlines or delaying the filing season, as recommended by GAO?\u00a0 If so, when?\u00a0 If not, why not?\r\nDo you disagree with any of the GAO\u2019s recommendations, as cited in their September report titled \u201cAdditional Actions Could Help IRS Combat the Large, Evolving Threat of Refund Fraud?\u201d\u00a0 If so, please explain.\r\nWhat further action, if any, does the IRS intend to take to combat this problem prior to the next tax filing season?\r\n \r\nPlease provide a timely response to these questions. It is essential to stem the tide of this crime before another tax season passes by and billions more taxpayer dollars are stolen.\r\nSincerely,\r\nRoger Wicker  Bill Nelson  Kelly Ayotte  Richard Blumenthal  Ben Cardin  Thad Cochran  Mike Enzi  Kirsten Gillibrand  Chuck Grassley  Johnny Isakson  Mark Kirk  Amy Klobuchar  Jack Reed  Pat Roberts  Chuck Schumer\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141117213853/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1389", "Capitol Corner: Climate Change a National Security Threat?", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "While the U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was attending a conference in Peru earlier this month, he released a report stating the biggest threat is climate change because it \u201cposes immediate risks to U.S. national security.\u201d With all the war and disease going on in the world at this moment, Hagel\u2019s statement once again goes to show how out of touch the Obama Administration is with reality.  \u00a0  ISIL, the West Africa Ebola outbreak, our nation\u2019s debt, the instability in Russia and Ukraine \u2013 these are the national security issues that are our biggest threat and what we should be combating \u2013 not the climate.  \u00a0  National security threats should be viewed by the Department of Defense (DoD) by their immediate threat towards our freedom and way of life in the United States. Climate change, while inconvenient, does not cause an immediate threat to American lives in the US; however, terrorists, international instability, out of control spending, and disease do.  \u00a0  The DoD\u2019s priority should be defending our nation above all else, not another mouthpiece for the liberal agenda. While the Obama Administration continues to try and distract the American people from their failures, We the People must stand up and fight for the real issues that will keep us safe at home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141021210743/http://johnlewis.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-john-lewis-comments-texas-voter-id-supreme-court-decision", "Rep. John Lewis Comments on Texas Voter ID Supreme Court Decision", "2014-10-18", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON--In a pre-dawn Saturday decision, the U.S. Supreme Court decided today to uphold the most restrictive voter ID law in the country.\u00a0 Though a lower court judge ruled the Texas law was unconstitutional due to the possibility that it could impede ballot access of as many as 600,000 registered voters and targets Latino and African American voters in the state, a majority of the Supreme Court ruled in an unsigned decision without explanation.\u00a0 Justice Ginsberg wrote a six page dissent signed by Justices Sotomayor and Kagan.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Upon hearing about this decision, Rep. John Lewis, a champion of voting rights, made these comments:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"Despite the Supreme Court's decision today, I agree with many others who still believe that the Texas voter ID law and other such laws around the country are a modern-day poll tax.\u00a0 These laws, as they are written, put additional burdens on hundreds and thousands of voters, particularly the elderly, the poor, rural voters and minorities.\u00a0 These restrictions make it harder and more difficult for many registered voters, who have participated responsibly in elections for years, to have their voices heard in this society.\u00a0 I still believe there is a systematic effort to block voting access of certain segments of the population.\u00a0 We must not allow these efforts to go unchallenged.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"This is a very important election that could be the gateway to even more regressive change, if we do not act. I encourage everyone to check the current law in their state and make certain they have what it takes to vote in this election.\u00a0 Organizations must assist low-income, the elderly, rural voters and minorities to get what they need.\u00a0 Whatever it takes to vote, do it. The vote is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.\u00a0 People struggled and died for the right to vote in this country.\u00a0 Let nothing stop you from participating in the democratic process.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141108012236/http://johnlewis.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-john-lewis-ebola-crisis", "Rep. John Lewis on Ebola Crisis", "2014-10-18", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\"The Ebola crisis in Africa is devastating.\u00a0 Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are dying.\u00a0 As members of the world community, we cannot shut our doors and turn a blind eye to the suffering of others. Closing our borders will not cut our connection with the rest of humanity. It does not change the fact that we live in a diverse, multicultural, international world where thousands of\u00a0 individuals and professionals from all over the globe cross paths regularly.\u00a0 It will not change the fact that a virus knows no boundaries, and the threat it presents will only be reduced when we confront the problem aggressively and stop it at its source.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"The excellent treatment of American patients at Emory University hospital in close consultation with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention demonstrates that Americans have important knowledge which could help end the crisis in Africa and any threat it poses to the community of nations. In Atlanta, up to this point, we have proved that the disease can be contained, that patients can recover, and medical teams can be kept safe if strict protocols are followed.\u00a0 We must do what a humane and caring people do; offer aid, as President Obama has done, offer medical expertise and guidance, and do what we can to help stamp the problem out at its source.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \" In this situation, we all need to be guided by experts and the evidence of medical research and experience, not by the calls of politicians who want to make the suffering of others a political football in an election season.\u00a0 We must not take action based on hysteria or fear.\u00a0 We must allow rational \u00a0thinking and sound medical practice to guide our decisions.\u00a0 However, there are policy questions that do need congressional attention.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"Those of us in the Congress need to stand up and ensure that there are adequate appropriations for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Customs and Border Protections service and other agencies to be certain this nation has the capability to respond effectively to medical emergencies of this kind.\u00a0 We must also move with all dispatch to help find a cure or a vaccine that can wipe out this dreadful disease.\"\n\n\tFor more information, visit: johnlewis.house.gov/ebola \n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398141", "Rep. Graves Statement On Ebola", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Graves Statement On Ebola\n                    \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            October 16, 2014\u00a0-\n                        U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement on the spread of Ebola in the United States:\r\n\u201cMy prayers today are with the two Dallas nurses who put themselves at risk in order to help a patient with Ebola. They represent the best of America\u2019s dedicated health care professionals.\r\n\u201cNow, Americans are asking how Ebola could spread in our country, why a nurse with symptoms was given permission to board a commercial flight, and why the strictest, safest protocols were not followed. It is disturbing to consider that it only took one Liberian, without symptoms when he arrived in the United States, to start this dangerous chain of events. That fact raises questions about the effectiveness of entry screening and should cause the president to seriously consider banning travel to the United States by non-U.S. citizens from the affected countries in West Africa. I would support that action, in addition to other aggressive measures, to keep Americans safe from Ebola.\u201d\r\n###\n                \n            \n        \n    \n    \n        Print version of this document", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141117214054/http://westmoreland.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1385", "Westmoreland Statement on Ebola Outbreak", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Lynn Westmoreland", "W000796", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "NEWNAN, GA \u2013Congressman Lynn Westmoreland has issued the following statement on the new cases of Ebola in the United States and the flaws in the Center for Disease Control\u2019s (CDC) procedure:  \u00a0  \u201cLike many Americans, my concerns over the CDC\u2019s handling of the Ebola outbreak in America are growing daily,\u201d stated Westmoreland. \u201cTo this point, the response has been one step behind containing and eliminating the virus. When President Obama and Director Frieden made the decision to send troops to West Africa to risk their lives abroad, they should have shown equal force in combating the disease at home. The Ebola \u201cswat team\u201d the president called for last night should have been deployed weeks ago when the first patient came back to America.  \u00a0  \u201cThe breach of protocol and lack of guidance provided for health care workers in Texas has caused the American people to lose faith in the government\u2019s ability to contain the disease. While the CDC has many dedicated workers, they do not have a perfect record when it comes to keeping protocol and focusing on their underlying mission. The CDC has made multiple mistakes in the last year, such as the handling of Bird Flu (H5N1 influenza virus) and Anthrax and this situation has been no different. Their protocol needs to be seriously reexamined for any possible weaknesses, and they need to tighten up their training procedures so that not a single American healthcare worker or person is at risk.  \u00a0  \u201cI join many of my colleagues in requesting a travel ban that includes screening of visas from countries where the outbreak is occurring, specifically West Africa. What we are doing now is not enough and we need stronger leadership from CDC Director Frieden and President Obama to protect our citizens. Due to our nation\u2019s advanced medicine and expertise to handle this appropriately, the threat of widespread outbreak in the US still remains low; however we must act quickly and carefully to destroy that threat completely.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c86ebace-ec7b-4228-9cf5-668557155b92", "Chambliss, Isakson Call for Restricted Travel From Ebola-affected West Africa to U.S.", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today called for restricted travel from Ebola-stricken nations in West Africa to the U.S. The senators issued the following statements:\r\n\u201cGiven the recent spread of Ebola in the United States, I share the deep concerns expressed by many Georgians about the risk this deadly virus poses to our public health,\u201d said Chambliss. \u201cTo contain this disease and help prevent any additional cases in our country, I support implementing travel restrictions from Ebola-affected nations in West Africa to the United States. I believe exceptions can and should be made for essential personnel to carry out our mission of stopping the spread of Ebola at the source. Our nation continues to face a growing array of threats from around the world and must remain vigilant; I urge the administration to put in place a proactive and carefully thought out plan to protect the American people from the spread of this virus.\u201d\r\n\"As a member of the Senate health committee, I believe that, given the transmission of Ebola in Dallas that originated from a passenger flying from West Africa, we need to temporarily restrict nonessential travel to the United States from Ebola-affected countries,\" said Isakson. \"Additionally, I urge the president to take charge of coordinating and increasing the U.S. response to the growing threat of the Ebola virus to the American people. I take this situation very seriously and believe it is an urgent priority for the United States to contain this outbreak at its source, as well as to ensure that any additional cases that arise in the United States are quickly isolated.\"\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=88f11028-926c-4999-b538-d6fbf01d87fa", "Isakson Announces Major Victory for Georgia Poultry Farmers", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., announced Tuesday that the United States has won a major victory in a trade dispute with India that will allow American farmers to resume the export of poultry to India.\r\nThe World Trade Organization, commonly referred to as WTO, ruled Tuesday in favor of the United States in a dispute challenging India\u2019s ban on various U.S. agricultural products \u2013 such as poultry meat, eggs and live pigs \u2013 allegedly to protect against avian influenza. The panel agreed with the United States that India\u2019s ban breached numerous international trade rules, including because it was imposed without sufficient scientific evidence.\r\n\u201cThis is a great victory for the United States and Georgia poultry, in particular. I have been working to open up India to U.S. poultry since this issue was brought to my attention,\u201d said Sen. Isakson, ranking member on the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade. \u201cI am pleased that the WTO panel affirmed that measures to ensure food safety must be based on science and not a desire to restrict market access. Georgia is the fourth largest poultry-producing region in the world, so this means a great deal to our state economy.\u201d\r\nFor over seven years, India has imposed import restrictions on various U.S. agricultural products, particularly poultry meat, eggs and live pigs, purportedly to prevent entry of avian influenza into India. The United States, however, has not had an outbreak of high pathogenic avian influenza since 2004. The United States has consistently explained to India that, as reflected in relevant international standards, there is no scientific basis to ban imports of U.S. agricultural products.\r\nIn 2011, Isakson sent a letter with Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., and 17 of his Senate colleagues to then-U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk requesting the United States pursue this issue with India in bilateral discussions.\r\nThe United States initiated this dispute on March 6, 2012, by requesting consultations with India. After consultations proved unsuccessful in resolving U.S. concerns, the WTO established a panel at the request of the United States to hear its claims that India\u2019s avian influenza restrictions are inconsistent with India\u2019s WTO obligations.\r\nIn its report, the WTO panel found that India\u2019s restrictions breached its obligations under the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. A copy of the panel\u2019s report may be found here.\r\nIsakson joined U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and John Carney, D-Del., on a call Tuesday to announce the ruling and discuss its implications for U.S. agricultural producers.\r\nThe U.S. poultry industry, which directly employs over 350,000 workers and consists of nearly 50,000 family farms \u2013 has been particularly affected by India\u2019s restrictions. The industry estimates that U.S. exports to India of just poultry meat alone could easily exceed $300 million a year once India\u2019s restrictions are removed.\r\nThe poultry industry annually contributes over $15.1 billion to the Georgia economy, including farmers, processing, and allied industries.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 710, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "GA", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 437, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 273, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 710, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=GA&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "GA", "label": "GA", "count": 710, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 710, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-10-15,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eisakson~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D88f11028-926c-4999-b538-d6fbf01d87fa", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2014&_next=2014-10-15%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eisakson~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D88f11028-926c-4999-b538-d6fbf01d87fa&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 445.83085319027305, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}