{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"GA\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/opinions-and-speeches?ContentRecord_id=1415E7F7-A65E-4281-B570-286F475E9FDB", "Working on priorities for the 115th Congress", "2016-12-31", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As published in the Newnan Times-Herald \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tIn November, the voters of Georgia and the nation made it clear that it is time for a change. Voters spoke out about the state of our health care system, our courts, our veterans and our national security, our tax system, and our economy \u2013 including the need for better jobs here in America.\r\nAddressing these priorities will be my first order of business in the 115th Congress.\r\nRepealing and replacing Obamacare with patient-focused, quality, affordable health care is a top priority for the incoming administration. Too many Georgians have been hurt by Obamacare\u2019s rising costs, lack of choices and broken promises. One of President-elect Trump\u2019s earliest decisions was to nominate Georgia\u2019s 6th District congressman, Dr. Tom Price, to the position of secretary of Health and Human Services. As a former practicing physician, Dr. Price not only understands why Obamacare has failed \u2013 he\u2019s also put years of thought and hard work into developing a plan that will actually make health care more affordable and accessible. With Tom Price at the helm, we can repeal Obamacare and begin implementing free-market principles that will increase choice and lower the cost of health care for families and businesses.\r\nFew positions will have the lasting impact of the person selected to fill the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. I look forward to working with the new administration to ensure that the next Supreme Court appointee shares Justice Scalia\u2019s ironclad commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.\r\nAnother priority identified by this new administration is taking care of our nation\u2019s veterans.\r\nI am extremely thankful for my time in uniform, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to serve all veterans as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs. I\u2019m dedicated to ensuring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the tools it needs to deliver the best possible health care and services to our deserving veterans. I look forward to continuing to lead in the Senate to fix the problems that have plagued the VA for far too long. Working with the new administration, I look forward to reducing the amount of time reviewing appeals on veterans\u2019 benefit claims and to bringing real accountability and a culture of service to the VA.\r\nRestoring our economy not only means rolling back the government regulations that have stifled job creation under the Obama administration and repealing Obamacare, but also repealing and repairing our broken tax system. Simplifying the individual income tax will reduce the heavy burden of tax filing on American taxpayers and small businesses, and reforming the corporate income tax will help keep more jobs and investment here in America.\r\nI look forward to continuing to fight for Georgia\u2019s economic priorities, including the continued stewardship of the deepening of the Port of Savannah. Keeping this project on track has required a nonstop effort from countless leaders to ensure we are progressing, and I will see to it that this deepening is completed. Additionally, as Congress works with the new administration to strengthen our national security and defeat the Islamic State and other terrorist threats, I will keep advocating for Georgia\u2019s military bases to have the resources they need to carry out their critical missions.\r\nWhile there are many debates and decisions ahead, one thing is certain: I heard the message from voters loud and clear, and I look forward to representing them as we build a great future for our country.\r\n(U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., was recently elected to his third term in the U.S. Senate for Georgia.)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=812", "Collins to Introduce REINS Act, Lead in Regulatory Reform Efforts", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014The House Rules Committee has posted the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act in preparation for its introduction on January 3. Congressman Collins (R- Ga.), who sits on both Judiciary and Rules Committees\u2014which share jurisdiction over the REINS Act\u2014is the lead sponsor of the bill that President-elect Donald Trump has called a \u201cmajor step toward getting our government under control.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tPreviously shepherded by Congressman Todd Young (R- Ind.), the REINS Act aims to repair a flaw in the federal regulatory process by bringing effective legislative power under the oversight of Congress. Currently, federal agencies can pass major regulations\u2014those with an economic impact of $100 million or more\u2014without the approval of Congress or the signature of the president. The REINS Act would require both for all new major rules.\r\n\r\n\tThe House has passed the regulatory reform bill before, but never with support from the executive office.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cOur federal agencies are out of control, and Congress is partly to blame for that. We\u2019ve ceded our legislative responsibility to agencies that were never intended to make laws, and the result has been redundant, counterproductive rules that have massive impacts on our economy. I\u2019m introducing the REINS Act to bring accountability to these agencies through Congressional and presidential oversight,\u201d said Congressman Collins.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLast year saw the implementation of 76 major rules with a cumulative economic effect of billions of dollars, so it\u2019s easy to grasp that our country needs to rein in rogue federal rulemaking now more than ever. My colleagues in Congress and the incoming administration are united in our commitment to regulatory reform and want to make sure that executive agencies actually serve Americans rather than handicapping their economy\u2014that\u2019s what the REINS Act will help accomplish.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe House is expected to vote on the bill early in the new Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1379", "Carter Congratulates JCB on New Contract", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Carter Congratulates JCB on New Contract \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      POOLER, GA - Congressman Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter (GA-01) congratulated JCB on the United States Army's announcement that JCB has won the Light Capacity Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF) contract that will last through 2026. Carter assisted with securing this contract for 1,609 forklifts that is estimated to add 100 jobs.  \r\n\r\n\"This announcement is the result of years of hard work and I am thrilled for JCB,\"\u00a0said Carter.\u00a0\"Winning this contract is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of JCB and the men and women who work there.\u00a0I am glad I was able to assist with this contract that will create economic benefits and new jobs for our area and I am excited about seeing it become reality.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=813", "Collins Statement on U.N. Vote Against Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014The United Nations passed a resolution today condemning the construction of Israeli settlements, while the United States abstained from the Security Council vote. Congressman Doug Collins (R- Ga.)\u00a0issued the following statement in response:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe U.N. Security Council\u2019s vote today continues the body\u2019s pattern of undermining Israel as a sovereign, democratic nation. The United States\u2019 failure to veto the measure, however, marks one of the most disturbing departures from the thoughtful precedent that has governed our relationship with Israel.\r\n\r\n\t\"It should concern every American that this administration seems to have forgotten the lessons of history in refusing to stand up for our friends in Israel. A sustainable, responsible approach to international relations means that the U.S. exercises foresight in defending its allies. We must understand that outrageous challenges to their sovereignty challenge our integrity as those who value justice in and among nations.\r\n\r\n\t\"In flouting American precedent by abstaining from today\u2019s vote, the president has made the path toward peace between Israel and Palestine more challenging. And when a terrorist organization welcomes a new direction in American foreign policy, we should quickly reevaluate our own path\u2014cowardice and capitulation on the world stage do nothing to advance peace in the Middle East or elsewhere.\r\n\r\n\t\"If this is the foreign policy the president plans to pursue at the end of his tenure, January 20 cannot arrive fast enough.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1378", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Urge New Administration to Prioritize Savannah Harbor Expansion Project", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., and U.S. Representative Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter, R-Ga.-01, today urged the new administration to make the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) a top priority.In a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director-Designate Mick Mulvaney, Isakson, Perdue and Carter called on the Trump administration to fully fund and support SHEP while highlighting the importance of the project to our nation.\"President-Elect Trump has made it clear that he recognizes the value in a robust infrastructure network to keep America competitive,\"\u00a0writes Isakson, Perdue and Carter.\u00a0\"With over 95% of the world\u2019s consumers lying outside of the borders of the United States, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to creating new opportunities and building upon existing ones. \u00a0The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, or SHEP, has now been authorized by Congress twice with some form of federal funding for studies or construction for 17 consecutive years. \u00a0The State of Georgia, in a public-private partnership, has already raised and contributed most of their share of the project, over $200 million. \u00a0The Corps of Engineers estimates that SHEP will deliver at least $174 million in net annual economic benefits upon completion and would boast one of the highest cost-to-benefit ratios of any port in the country.\"The letter also highlights the urgent need for funding to stay on a timeline that prevents delays in construction.\u00a0\"While we are early in the stages of construction, those expected benefits can\u2019t fully be realized until the project is completed,\"\u00a0the delegation continues.\u00a0\"When the Corps of Engineers first released their proposed schedule, they estimated an annual federal commitment of nearly $100 M to efficiently keep the project on track for both time and fiscal estimates. \u00a0With the most recent budget request of $42.7 million in the FY17 President\u2019s Budget Request, the federal share is far short of the anticipated funding needed for completion of the project within the next 5 years. \u00a0Should the federal share continue its pace of gross underfunding, the project could be delayed by more than 5 years with the federal government\u2019s share increasing by hundreds of millions of dollars. \u00a0In essence, the more the federal government holds back in providing their share of the funding, the more it will cost the federal government in the long run.\"\u00a0\r\nClick\u00a0here\u00a0to view the letter sent to Office of Management and Budget Director-Designate Mick Mulvaney.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/district-connection-121916", "District Connection - 12/19/16", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CELEBRATING JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE 7TH DISTRICT\nThe secret ingredient for a strong economy isn\u2019t a secret at all for those of us here in the 7th District; rather, it begins right here at home with entrepreneurs and risk takers who take a chance on us our neighbors.\u00a0When our local infrastructure, tax policy, and regulatory climates welcome big ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation, the fertile ground of free enterprise allows ideas to grow.\u00a0This recipe is thriving in the 7th District, and it seems like new business ribbon cuttings are happening every day.\u00a0Forsyth County celebrated its partnership between family, community, and business with yet\u00a0another new ribbon cutting, with Fermob USA\u2019s new facility in Cumming.\u00a0 As an international furniture manufacturing company,\u00a0Fermob could have located anywhere in North America, but because of who we are as a community and what we have to offer new employers, they have chosen Forsyth County to be their new home, and we\u2019re happy to have them.\n  Rep. Rob Woodall attends Fermob USA's new facility grand opening in Cumming\u00a0\nAs we move into 2017, the 115th Congress, and a new Administration, we have an opportunity to reimagine the role of government and to implement much needed fundamental tax and regulatory reform at the federal level \u2013 including drastically reforming our corporate tax\u00a0 code which currently sits among the world\u2019s\u00a0worst \u2013 and I\u2019m eager to continue the work we began in the 114th Congress.\u00a0 Under Speaker Paul Ryan, House Republicans have offered our vision \u2013 A Better Way \u2013 for these reforms, but sadly we did not have a willing partner in the White House to move these ideas forward.\u00a0 I\u2019m confident that will change in January, and American businesses and workers will receive the much needed relief they deserve.\u00a0Just as our state and local policies make our state and community more appealing than others, by following the example in Washington that we\u2019re setting here at home, we can once again make America the most appealing country in which to do business.\u00a0Of course, as you know, I believe H.R. 25, the FairTax, gets us there the quickest, but I\u2019m more than willing to move the country in the right direction as much as I can today \u2013 and continue the work tomorrow.\u00a0\nGEORGIA'S WATER STEWARDSHIP REWARDED IN RECENT WATER BILL\nBecause the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is such a critical measure, it makes perfect sense that our local media outlets have spent so much time focused on this newly signed law. I know we\u2019ve talked about Georgia\u2019s victories in this bill already, but it bears repeating how well we can do when we work together. I led the charge in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and I was so pleased to be joined in this fight by every one of my Georgia colleagues from both sides of the aisle and from both sides of the U.S. Capitol. Georgia\u2019s success all across the state \u2013 from Lake Lanier to the Port of Savannah \u2013 is thanks to this team effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the future to push Georgia\u2019s success forward.\n7TH DISTRICT COMPANY IS A LEADER IN SOLAR ENERGY\nI recently had the pleasure of attending a second ribbon cutting in our district last week; this one in Gwinnett County.\u00a0It was for Suniva, which is America\u2019s leading manufacturer of high-efficiency, affordable photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules.\u00a0As you all will recall, Suniva got its start locally at the University Center of Excellence for Photovoltaic Research and Education (UCEP) at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and its U.S. manufacturing headquarters is located right here in the 7th District.\u00a0 The ribbon cutting ceremony was in honor of Suniva\u2019s decision to further invest in our community with an expansion that tripled the size of its Norcross facility.\u00a0 It\u2019s been an honor to partner with my friends at Suniva over the years, and I couldn\u2019t be more proud of what they\u2019ve accomplished!\nLEARNING FROM AMERICA'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST STUDENTS\nIt\u2019s always uplifting for me to spend time with our community\u2019s young people. The talented students and teachers at Lanier High School were kind enough to welcome me last week, and speaking with the government and politics class was a true pleasure. These students are concerned with the same issues that I hear about so often from voters across the country: how are we going to improve our economy, what\u2019s the best way to grow jobs, what are we going to do to make college more affordable, and how can we best preserve our freedoms?\u00a0We have to work together to ensure that America\u2019s best days are ahead. And I can tell you one thing for sure, with students like these asking the questions and finding the answers, I\u2019m supremely confident in America\u2019s future.\u00a0\n  Rep. Rob Woodall speaks with students at Lanier High School\nMERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HANUKKAH\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAs the weather grows colder and family and friends from around the country travel home, we\u2019re all reminded that two of the world\u2019s biggest holidays will coincide this coming weekend. On Saturday evening, millions of people around the world will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. And on Sunday, millions more will gather to celebrate Christmas. No matter your faith, this holiday season is a time of joy, hope, and love. It\u2019s a time when we put aside those things that divide us, and we remember that it\u2019s not gifts, but the love of family and friends that truly make this season special. Wherever and however you celebrate this exceptional time of year, I wish you and yours a very blessed holiday season.\u00a0\nSincerely,    \n\tRob Woodall  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=CC901D09-3A09-463C-9C40-329E412A732A", "Isakson, Perdue Applaud Renaming of Marietta Post Office for Fallen Local Marine", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., today applauded the president\u2019s signing of legislation designating the United States Postal Service located at 2886 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, Ga., as the \u201cMarine Lance Corporal Squire \u2018Skip\u2019 Wells Post Office Building.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is gratifying to have signed into law this honor for a true hero from my own hometown,\u201d said Senator Isakson, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs. \u201cThe book of John, Chapter 15, verse 13 reads: \u2018Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends.\u2019 Skip Wells laid down his life for all the people of the United States of America, for his family and his friends. As we did at that time, we continue to ask God to bless and bring mercy to his family and friends.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe legacy left by U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Skip Wells is one of the highest level of bravery,\u201d said Senator Perdue. \u201cThis hero\u2019s willingness to answer the call of duty will never be lost on the people of Georgia and our country. I join all Georgians in commemorating the life of Skip Wells and lifting his family and friends up in prayer.\u201d\r\nBackground:On July 16, 2015, Marine Lance Corporal Squire K. \u201cSkip\u201d Wells was one of five service members murdered in a terrorist attack at the Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Wells was a 2012 graduate of Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Ga., located approximately one mile from the U.S. postal office that will now bear his name following the enactment of H.R.5612.\r\nFollowing high school graduation, Wells studied history at Georgia Southern University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2014. His family has a long tradition of military service and Marine Lance Corporal Wells felt called to defend his country.\r\nThe entire Georgia Congressional delegation co-sponsored this legislation, and Senators Isakson and Perdue worked to ensure its passage in the Senate on Dec. 10, 2016.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomprice.house.gov/press-release/price-statement-legislation-rename-marietta-post-office-honor-marine-lance-corporal", "Price Statement: Legislation to Rename Marietta Post Office in Honor of Marine Lance Corporal Squire 'Skip' Wells Becomes Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Price", "P000591", "tomprice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative Tom Price \r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative Tom Price will continue to serve the people of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Price resigned from Congress on February 10, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office.  Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. \r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations: \r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia  \r\n1211 Longworth HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-4501  \r\n\r\nDistrict Office in Georgia  \r\nRoswell Office  \r\n85-C Mill Street, Suite 300  \r\nRoswell, GA 30075  \r\nPhone: (770) 998-0049  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Georgia\r\nGeorgia Secretary of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1374", "Carter Announces Private Property Debris Removal for Chatham County", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter (GA-01) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Chatham County for Private Property Debris Removal. The move comes after weeks of effort led by Carter along with Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue. In addition to leading letters with the Senators, Carter and his staff had several meetings, conference calls, and countless exchanges with federal disaster response officials to secure the approval. The announcement will save Chatham County taxpayer dollars by tapping federal emergency response dollars rather than saddling local property owners and the county government with the hefty price tag of clean up. \"This is great, but long overdue news,\" Carter said. \"FEMA's denial of the original application was completely unacceptable. Just driving around, anyone can see how desperately we need debris removal assistance. I worked with Chatham County to appeal this decision, and I am pleased that our community will finally receive this critical assistance that it needs to recover from the hurricane. \"While this is news to be celebrated, I will continue to fight to ensure other areas in the First District of Georgia also receive the help and debris removal they need.\" According to a letter sent to county officials by FEMA, Causton Bluff, Dutch Island, Emerald Pointe, Forest Cove, The Landings, Long Point, Modena Island, River's Edge and South Harbor have been approved for federal assistance pending indemnification agreements.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-dec-16-2016", "Congressman Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Dec. 16, 2016", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year. May the gift of love, peace and happiness be yours this season.\nIt\u2019s been a busy month since Thanksgiving, and I want let you know what I\u2019ve been working on in Congress. \u00a0\nRUSSIAN HACKING: All Americans should be deeply concerned by the reports that Russian agencies interfered with the U.S. election. As Speaker Ryan noted, \u2018any foreign intervention in our elections is entirely unacceptable.\u2019 Although both Senate and House committees will conduct investigations, perhaps the best option is an independent inquiry -- on the model of the 9/11 Commission. For my statement on this issue, click HERE.\nEXCESSIVE SURVEILLANCE: This month, I called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take swift action to address the disproportionate use of surveillance technology against low-income and minority communities. Recent reports have shown that police departments are reportedly using surveillance technology with greater frequency against people exercising their First Amendment rights, specifically people of color. To read my letter, click HERE.\nSTANDING ROCK: While I was pleased the Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit for the construction of a key section of the Dakota Access Pipeline earlier this month, what concerned me most was the militarized response by the North Dakota police, who confronted peaceful protesters using armored vehicles, automatic rifles, sound cannons, concussion grenades, and other offensive military weapons and equipment. For my full statement, click HERE.\nONLINE DISCRIMINATION: As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law (RRCAL), which exercises jurisdiction over antitrust laws and competition, I sent a letter to Airbnb\u2019s CEO this week urging the short-term rental company to reconsider its use of pre-dispute, forced arbitration clauses and class-action waivers in the \u201cterms of service\u201d agreements of their contracts. Airbnb is a peer-to-peer online marketplace homestay network that enables people to list or rent short-term lodging in residential properties with the cost of such accommodations set by the property owner. For more, click HERE.\nLastly, I want to send condolences to the family of Officer Nicholas Smarr of the Americus Police Department and Georgia Southwestern Police Officer Jody Smith, who were shot and killed last week while responding to a call. Police officers put their lives on the line every day for our community. As President Obama said, \u201cnothing justifies attacks on law enforcement.\u201d We must all work together to stop senseless shootings in Georgia and across the nation.\nFOR YOUR/MORE INFORMATION:\n\u00a0\nHousing Help | Jobs Center | Healthcare | Small Businesses\nSeniors | Students | Veterans | Help with a Federal Agency | Zika Prevention | Opioid Resource Guide\n\u00a0\nAs always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now on Tumblr as well as e-mails, phone calls and letters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress and please have a safe and Happy Holidays. I look forward to being sworn in Jan. 3, 2017 to continue serving you and your family in the 115th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/we-need-swing-voters-not-swing-states", "We Need Swing Voters, Not Swing States", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, House Judiciary Democrats convened a forum on \u201cThe Electoral College and the Future of American Democracy.\u201d It has been nearly twenty years since the last hearing on this topic in 1997, and much has happened since then.\u00a0\n[Watch the forum on CSPAN]\n\n\tAs we all know, in 2000, Al Gore narrowly won the popular vote but lost the election to George W. Bush. This year, Hillary Clinton lost the election despite winning the national popular vote by a record of more than 2.6 million votes.\n\n\n\tBut these aren\u2019t the only times in American history that this has happened: on five occasions since 1824, the winner of the popular vote has lost the election.\n\n\n\tIt is abundantly clear by now that the Electoral College is fundamentally antiquated, broken, and antidemocratic.\n\n\n\tThe Supreme Court has long held that the \u201cconception of political equality from the Declaration of Independence, to Lincoln\u2019s Gettysburg Address, to the Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and Nineteenth Amendments can mean only one thing\u2014one person, one vote.\u201d\n\n\n\tThe Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution likewise guarantees that all voters may equally participate in elections and that diluting votes based on a voter\u2019s residence \u201cimpairs basic constitutional rights under the Fourteenth Amendment just as much as invidious discriminations based upon factors such as race,\u201d as the Supreme Court held in 1964.\n\n\n\tAnd during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison powerfully argued that if \u201cpower is not immediately derived from the people in proportion to their numbers, we may make a paper confederacy, but that will be all.\u201d\n\n\n\tBy removing the power of voters to directly elect the President, the Electoral College is an affront to this fundamental principle of direct representation.\n\n\n\tIn addition to undermining the will of the people, the Electoral College has also deviated from the Framers\u2019 intent in significant ways.\n\n\n\tThe Framers did not anticipate that candidates for President and Vice President would run on the same ticket, nor did they intend the electoral process to produce an electoral majority. Perhaps most importantly, the Framers intended that electors would be \u201cfree agents\u201d to exercise independent and nonpartisan discretion in electing the president. Today, this independence would be widely decried as faithless and undemocratic.\n\n\n\tThe United States stands alone as the only presidential republic that does not directly elect its president. It\u2019s time to change that.\n\n\n\tAs the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee with jurisdiction over interstate compacts, I strongly support the progress made by the states toward a direct popular election through the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Under this initiative, states that join the compact pledge their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote. While this compact will not take effect until enacted into law by states possessing 270 electoral votes and upon Congress\u2019s approval, it has already been signed into law in 11 states with 165 electoral college votes.\n\n\n\tIt is clear that change is long overdue and that this issue should not be partisan.\n\n\n\tAmericans did not directly elect U.S. Senators for the first 125 years of our democracy, and yet in 1913, the 17th Amendment was ratified to provide for the direct election of U.S. Senators.\n\n\n\tThere have also been over 700 proposed amendments to abolish or modify the Electoral College, and on several occasions, such measures have passed either the House or the Senate.\n\n\n\tFurthermore, every state directly elects its U.S. Representatives and Senators, state legislators, and governor.\n\n\n\tThe President of the United States should be no different.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dem-pushes-airbnb-protect-users-right-sue", "Dem pushes Airbnb to protect users' right to sue", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A House Democrat is calling on Airbnb to stop using forced arbitration clauses in its contracts with customers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-johnson-urges-protections-excessive-surveillance-low-income-and", "Rep. Johnson urges protections from excessive surveillance for low-income and minority communities", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law which exercises jurisdiction over antitrust laws and competition, called on the Federal Communications Commission to take swift action to address the disproportionate use of surveillance technology against low-income and minority communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/speeches/dekalb-county-veterans-day-program-friday-4-november-2016", "DeKalb County Veterans Day Program, Friday, 4 November 2016", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DeKalb County Veterans Day Program, Friday, 4 November 2016, 11 AM\u00a0\nThank you Lee for that kind introduction, and thank you to the DeKalb Veterans Advisory Board for inviting me here this morning.\nCongratulations to our esteemed honoree today \u2013 Major General Maria Britt U.S. Army Retired. I look forward to your thoughts and hearing from all our speakers.\nToday is a special day \u2013 or technically next Friday is a hallowed day \u2013 when we honored those who served.\nThis year\u2019s theme is \u201cHonoring Those Who Served: Excellence.\u201d\nI can\u2019t think of a more succinct, to-the-point title.\nWhether they fought at Normandy or Falluja, Mogadishu or Helmand, in the Persian Gulf or in the Tet Offensive or simply provided support here at home, our veterans represent the very best men and women who have served our country in battle.\nOn this Veterans Day, we express our deepest gratitude and thanks. Your sacrifices have been the foundation of more than 240 years of American progress. Your legacy confirms that no matter what confronts us or what adversity we face, there is no challenge we cannot overcome together, and because of your sacrifice and commitment our best days as a nation lie ahead.\nOur men and women in uniform teach us duty, strength, enterprise, passion and dedication \u2013 the bedrock of a commitment to safeguard and shield \u2013 that has kept our nation secure for more than two centuries.\nIn war and in peace, your service has been selfless and your accomplishments have been singular.\nAs a grateful nation, it is our solemn duty to make that transition possible -- to ensure our returning heroes can share in the opportunities they have fought so hard to protect.\nThe freedoms we hold dear exist and persist because of your commitment, and our nation must work much harder to honor our veterans by fulfilling our promise to them and upholding the sacred bond we share with all Americans\u2019 veterans.\nOn this Veterans Day celebration in DeKalb, we are called to commemorate the boundless burdens that have been endured by so few. We honor our wounded warriors, our missing in action, our fallen, and their families -- men and women who have borne the ultimate costs of war and deserve our deepest respect, not just today but forever.\nWe must redouble our commitments to our service members and we must honor their sacrifice not only on Veterans Day, but every single day. When our troops finish their tours of duty, let\u2019s make sure they come home to an America that grants them the benefits they have earned, offers them the care they deserve, and helps them to fulfill their potential to keep their families strong and our country moving forward.\nNot a day goes by in my office without one of our constituent representatives speaking with a veteran who is dealing with a housing, health, employment or compensation issue.\nTo all the Veterans, please know that it is an honor to serve you \u2013 you have served us so well \u2013 and now we must serve you. There\u2019s not much in Congress we do that\u2019s more important than serving our veterans.\nAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee since 2007, every day I\u2019m inspired to work on behalf of all our military personnel and veterans. Ensuring that quality services are being delivered to each of you is one of my greatest joys as a public servant. I thank each of you for your service and can assure you that as long as I am in Congress, your needs will remain a priority for me and my staff.\nI authored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to bring greater awareness to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a severe anxiety disorder often associated with combat trauma.\nThe last decades of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan has taken a toll on our service men and women, who have been stretched to the breaking point. Far too many are coming home with PTSD. We must do more to educate service members, veterans, military families and the public about PTSD and to coordinate efforts across the federal government to promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.\nWe must remove the stigma surrounding PTSD. Our soldiers should never be afraid to ask for help. My promise and pledge today is to continue that important work on the Armed Services committee, where we can often forge bi-partisan agreements that are so elusive these days in Washington.\nVeterans Day is a solemn holiday and a great opportunity for us to make it clear, we appreciate the service and sacrifice of our military and their families.\u00a0 It is a day \u2013 in contrast with Memorial Day \u2013 to pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to say a heartfelt thank you to those who are still with us.\u00a0\nYour service is noble and in the best traditions of our nation. Putting service before self, you have made our country strong.\u00a0 You make us all proud.\nSo I end today with the simple, but heartfelt words that we cannot say often enough\u2026.\u2026THANK YOU for your service.\u00a0 Thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for being great Americans.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20170112004814/https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/community-toolkit-combat-opioid-addiction-created-through-bipartisan-effort", "Community toolkit to combat opioid addiction created through bipartisan effort", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "DeKalb residents and those throughout Georgia struggling with opioid addiction or who know someone who is now have an online toolkit of resources to help in the journey to recovery.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-isakson-perdue-applaud-renaming-of-marietta-post-office-for-fallen-local-marine", "Senators Isakson, Perdue Applaud Renaming of Marietta Post Office for Fallen Local Marine", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398694", "Rep. Tom Graves Statement on FCC Chairman Tom Wheelers Resignation", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tom Graves Statement on FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler\u2019s Resignation\n                      \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 15, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) issued the following statement today after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler announced he would step down on January 20, 2017:\u201cAs a member of the Appropriations Committee\u2019s Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, which has oversight of the FCC, I look forward to turning a new page on January 20 in the relationship between the Commission and Congress.\u201cDuring my time in Congress, I\u2019ve been disappointed in the FCC\u2019s frequent partisan actions, which are dismissive of the Constitution and our nation\u2019s laws. The FCC\u2019s unwillingness to work with all parties to develop consensus solutions to difficult 21st Century problems has been disappointing.\u201cI hope that, under new leadership, the Commission will remember that it\u2019s ultimately answerable to the American people and their representatives in Congress, not a political party.\u201d\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=7E1A930A-5700-4330-8796-5D4FF53778A6", "Isakson Touts Accomplishments on Behalf of Georgians, Veterans", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lauds passage of veterans\u2019 reform legislation as \u2018down payment;\u2019 pledges more positive work for veterans in 115th Congress\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today lauded the passage of legislation beneficial to Georgia, including priorities Isakson has championed for the economy, health care, national security, and veterans in 2016.\r\n\u201cI am extremely gratified by what the Republican-led Congress was able to achieve this year,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cWhile I look forward with eagerness to what the next Congress starting in January will accomplish for Americans, I applaud the long-term focus that Congress adopted this year in enacting legislation. Congress has provided additional resources for Georgia\u2019s ports and our nation\u2019s infrastructure and commerce. It has adopted policies that improve our national security position and incentivize medical research that will benefit all Americans.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, I am particularly pleased that Congress also took additional steps on behalf of our veterans to improve their access to health care and benefits that serve as a down payment on our promise to them,\u201d Isakson continued. \u201cWhile we passed some of the reforms included in my Veterans First Act legislation, I look forward to continuing this work in the next Congress to strengthen the Veterans\u2019 Choice program, reform the onerous appeals process for benefit claims, and bring real accountability to the VA.\u201d\r\nAmong the final items that passed the 114th Congress was the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, H.R.6416, which is a bipartisan, comprehensive package led by Isakson, along with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and U.S. Reps. Jeff Miller, R-Fla.-1, and Mark Takano, D-Calif.-41. The legislation includes provisions to improve veterans\u2019 access to health care, education, disability claims, homelessness aid and other benefits. A section-by-section summary of the H.R.6416 is available\u00a0here.\r\nAlso this year, Michael J. Missal was confirmed by the Senate as Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\u00a0Isakson is working with Missal to root out problems and hold bad actors at the VA accountable. With veterans still waiting too long to receive their care and benefits, Isakson has worked for force stronger oversight and a cultural change at the VA.\r\nIn November 2016, the Senate passed the\u00a0No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, H.R. 5392, which requires leadership at the VA to provide more information to Congress on its efforts to address the crisis of veteran suicide, including a plan to ensure that all calls, texts and emails from veterans in need are answered. This bill became law on Nov. 28, 2016.\r\nThe U.S. Senate and the U.S. House also passed the\u00a0Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016, H.R. 3470,\u00a0to create standards to ensure the quality and safety of automobiles for disabled veterans.\u00a0This legislation awaits the president\u2019s signature.\r\nIn addition to his work on the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Isakson provided of oversight of the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act, S.1177, which passed late in 2015 and was signed into law on Dec. 10, 2015. Isakson wrote instrumental language in the education measure, which updated the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to restore more control to parents and local school boards.\r\nIsakson included Georgia priorities in three major pieces of legislation passed by Congress this year.\r\nFirst, the 21st Century Cures Act, H.R.34, is a comprehensive medical research and innovation bill that includes a number of healthcare priorities that Isakson has championed for Georgia. In addition to investing in medical research priorities such as the \u201ccancer moonshot,\u201d streamlining the FDA approval process for new therapies and improving our country\u2019s mental health system, the Cures Act incorporated several provisions sponsored by Isakson, including:\r\n \r\nExtending a program to continue to spur investment in the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases;\r\nCreating a registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta to help advance research on neurological diseases;\r\nProviding Medicare coverage for home infusion therapy services;\r\nFixing a Medicare provision that will allow the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to continue to provide world class care for patients suffering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.\r\nProtecting physicians practicing in ambulatory surgical centers from unfair regulatory penalties;\r\nAllowing patients suffering from End Stage Renal Disease the choice to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if they choose; a provision that Isakson had previously included in his chronic care legislation; and\r\nStreamlining the FDA\u2019s approval process for so-called combination products that combine medical devices with drugs or biologics, which will eliminate the high level of uncertainty in approval standards that currently exists for innovative companies, both small and large, when deciding to invest in a new product.\r\n \r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act, S.2943, authorizes necessary funding for service men and women, as well as providing for facilities and weapons in support of our national defense, including several critical priorities for Georgia to:\r\n \r\nProhibit additional rounds of a 2017 Base Realignment and Closure Commission in 2017;\r\nAuthorize a recapitalization of the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) program, which is based at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga., and ensure proper funding for the current fleet until its replacement is fully operational;\r\nPrevent the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and preserve its important mission at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., and Robins Air Force Base; and\r\nAuthorize the End Modern Slavery Initiative, which Isakson co-sponsored, at $37.5 million annually through fiscal year 2020 for the U.S. Department of State to support global efforts to combat the $150 billion a year criminal industry of human trafficking.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, S.612, which includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. The legislation:\r\n\r\nProvides additional resources for Georgia\u2019s ports and our nation\u2019s infrastructure and commerce;\r\nInvests in the safety and reliability of our drinking water; and\r\nReturns the water project authorizing process to a two-year cycle, which will allow for better, more productive long-term planning.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nOther important bills passed by the Senate and supported by Isakson in 2016 include the following:\r\n \r\nThe North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, S.757, seeks to disarm North Korea through mandatory sanctions that would deprive the regime of the means to build its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, its malicious cyber activities and its egregious human rights abuses against its people. The legislation was signed into law on Feb. 18, 2016.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, S.2040, prohibits foreign states that supported an act of international terrorism perpetrated in the United States from claiming immunity in U.S. courts, and allows American victims, particularly the families of those who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks, to seek damages from these foreign states.\u00a0The legislation required an override of the president\u2019s veto and became law on Sept. 28, 2016.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Iran Sanctions Extension Act, H.R.6297, holds Iran accountable for its attempts to threaten the United States and destabilize the Middle East by extending sanctions on Tehran for 10 years, through Dec. 31, 2026.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIsakson led a successful effort to add the Zika virus to a key Food and Drug Administration program for neglected tropical diseases. Isakson\u2019s legislation, S.2512, was signed into law on April 19, 2016. The Priority Review Voucher Program encourages the development of vaccines and treatments for the disease.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe Global Food Security Act, S.1252, which Isakson sponsored, aims to address global hunger and bolster U.S. national security. The legislation coordinates U.S. foreign assistance programs, including the Feed the Future Initiative, so that there is a comprehensive strategy for development programs that use American agricultural expertise to more aggressively tackle chronic hunger and malnutrition abroad. The bill was signed into law on July 20, 2016.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, H.R.636, which supports U.S. jobs and innovation and puts passenger safety first. The legislation became law on July 15, 2016.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, S.1890, to update intellectual property laws and protect trade secrets with a uniform national standard across all 50 states. Isakson co-sponsored this legislation, which enables victims of intellectual property theft to move quickly to federal court with certainty of the rules, standards, and practices to stop trade secrets from being disseminated and losing their value. By improving trade secret protection, this bill will also encourage innovation -- a trademark of the American economy. The legislation was signed into law on May 11, 2016.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act, known as the \u201cCustoms Bill,\u201d which modernizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection, strengthens trade enforcement and permanently bans state and local governments from taxing Internet access. The president signed the legislation into law on Feb. 24, 2016.\u00a0\r\n \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=D5E42E21-1906-499A-8E98-0BFEEE46DAA9", "Cherokee Tribune: Veterans act a bipartisan effort", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As published in the Cherokee Tribune \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tFinally, bipartisanship has reared its head in Congress. Both houses have given final passage to legislation aimed at fixing major problems with veterans\u2019 access to health care, disability benefits and education as well as help with homelessness. The Senate voted unanimously for the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 on the heels of unanimous approval by the House last week.\r\nSen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, described the bill as a \u201cdown payment on the promise and the debt that we owe to the veterans of the United States of America.\u201d Isakson has taken on the mission of helping veterans with persistence and zeal, seemingly not distracted even by his re-election campaign which he won handily.\r\nThe new bill provides sweeping reforms, as outlined by Isakson, and they include: streamlining the process for veterans, their families and survivors to obtain disability compensation and benefits through the Veterans Affairs Department \u2013 and of great importance \u2013 expanding the federal Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims from seven to nine to help deal with backlogs of appeals by veterans.\r\n\u00a0Other provisions include: changing the VA policies on burial benefits and interment to expand eligibility for presidential memorial certificates to veterans who served in reserve units of the armed forces; extending education benefits for surviving spouses who lost a loved one on Sept. 11, 2001 or in the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; modifying ownership requirements for small businesses participating in the VA contract assistance programs \u2014 and mandating a Labor Department five-year study of job counseling, training and placement service for veterans.\r\n\u00a0On the critical issue of health care and benefits, the new bill requires that preventative services include access to adult immunizations for veterans opting for them; giving priority to Medal of Honor recipients for access to health care; and ensuring that veterans of classified missions can get mental health care without having to disclose classified information.\r\nAnother key provision is a requirement that the VA submit a report to Congress each year concerning hospital care, medical services and nursing home care by the Veterans Health Administration. In addition, the qualifications for mental health care professionals are being expanded to make hiring easier; and research is to be enhanced on potential health effects from toxic exposures to veteran and their descendants. Plus, homeless veterans are to have better access to benefits.\r\n\u00a0A few months ago, with the prospect that more than 600,000 veterans would not have health coverage next year, Sen. Isakson spoke of the challenges ahead. He said, \u201cThere is always more work to be done to help our veterans.\u201d\r\n\u00a0With enactment of the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, a lot of work will be done to fix the problems with health care and other issues affecting the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our country.\r\n\u00a0Thanks to Sen. Isakson, his fellow senators and the House members, Republicans and Democrats doing the right thing \u2014 all with one accord, a striking example of the fact that bipartisanship is alive and well. May there be a lot more of it in the coming days on other major issues to the benefit of our country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-applauds-passage-of-state-department-authorization", "Senator David Perdue Applauds Passage Of State Department Authorization", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-perdue-peters-introduce-no-hero-left-untreated-act", "Senators Perdue, Peters Introduce No Hero Left Untreated Act", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398692", "Rep. Tom Graves Named Hero of Main Street", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tom Graves Named \u2018Hero of Main Street\u2019\n                      \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 13, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) received the \u201cHero of Main Street\u201d award from the National Retail Federation for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. Rep. Graves is part of a bipartisan group honored for their support on a wide range of issues including trade, infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues.\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be named a \u2018Hero of Main Street,\u2019\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cThe retail industry is a vital part of Georgia\u2019s economy, and I\u2019m proud to support free-market policies that help retailers in our communities thrive.\u201d\r\n\u201cRep. Graves has shown through his legislative support that he cares about retailers big and small, and values the role these businesses play in communities around the country,\u201d NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. \u201cRep. Graves has shown his commitment to a thriving Main Street and to the long-term growth of retail - our nation\u2019s largest private-sector employer.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            (From left to right, David French, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Retail Federation, presents Rep. Graves with the \u201cHero of Main Street\u201d award along with Charles Miller, Group Vice President for Government and Public Affairs at Macy\u2019s, Inc., December 7, 2016)\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nThe Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry\u2019s public policy priorities. Award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry\u2019s priorities. The \u201cheroes\u201d have supported policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a \u201cvibrant, sustained and healthy\u201d retail sector.\r\nNRF is the world\u2019s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation\u2019s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs \u2013 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation\u2019s economy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1364", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Praise Passage Of Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reauthorization", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Praise Passage Of Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reauthorization \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 13, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) and U.S. Representative Earl L. Buddy\" Carter (R-GA-01) today praised the bicameral passage of their legislation to reauthorize Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). The bipartisan FLETC reauthorization bill will now to go President Obama's desk for his signature.  \n  \nReauthorizing our Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers is key to ensuring that our federal law enforcement officials and first responders are adequately trained for national security events, domestic threats, and combating terrorism. The legislation was originally introduced by Congressman Carter and then amended in the Senate by Senator Perdue in order to obtain additional bipartisan support.  \n  \nThe training our law enforcement officers receive each year at Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers is key to ensuring our national security,said Senator Isakson.I am proud to fight for FLETC so that its facilities can continue to deliver preeminent training to our federal law enforcement officials. I'm thankful for what FLETC achieves in Glynco, Ga., and this reauthorization is important news.\n\nWe are fortunate FLETC is headquartered in Georgia,said Senator Perdue.Every year, FLETC's facilities deliver a range of training to 96 federal partner organizations and thousands of state, local, and international law enforcement officers. As training needs evolve to combat the growing global security crisis we face today, so do FLETC's unique capabilities which is why it remains a top training center for many agencies. I applaud the passage of this bill and look forward to seeing it signed into law.\n\nFLETC is the preeminent facility for law enforcement training in the United States,said Congressman Carter.While FLETC has provided topnotch training since its creation, Congress has failed to provide FLETC with a reauthorization. This legislation is critical to ensure authorities are codified into law so FLETC can continue to provide the highest quality and most cost effective training possible. I am thrilled this legislation passed today and I look forward to it becoming law.  \n  \nBackground:\n  \nEstablished in the 1970s as a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, FLETC was created to provide cost-effective basic and advanced training for federal law enforcement officers. With the formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003, FLETC was formally transferred from the Treasury Department to DHS to serve as the law enforcement training hub for a variety of national and international law enforcement personnel and partner organizations. Since its establishment and the department transfer, FLETC has not been reauthorized by Congress.  \n  \nThe FLETC main campus is headquartered in Glynco, GA, and has grown over the years to include facilities in Artesia, NM, Charleston, SC, Cheltenham, MD, and Gabarone, Botswana. Today, FLETC supports 96 agencies, trains more than 70,000 students annually, and employs more than 3,000 Georgians and almost 600 New Mexicans.  \n  \nU.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) introduced the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 in the U.S. House of Representatives, whichpassed overwhelminglyin December 2015. Senators Isakson and Perdue, along with Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate on April 13, 2016. Both versions of the legislation were amended and passed the Senate by voice vote on Saturday, December 10, 2016. The House agreed to the Senate amendments to the House version today, December 13, 2016.  \n  \nView the full text of the legislationhere.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-urges-airbnb-reconsider-anti-consumer-forced-pre-dispute", "Rep. Johnson urges Airbnb to reconsider  anti-consumer forced pre-dispute arbitration clauses", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law (RRCAL), which exercises jurisdiction over antitrust laws and competition, sent a letter to Airbnb\u2019s CEO urging the short-term rental company to reconsider its use of pre-dispute, forced arbitration clauses and class-action waivers in their \u201cterms of service\u201d agreements in their contracts.\nAirbnb came under fire this year after a Harvard University study determined that hosts using the site to rent properties are discriminating against consumers based upon race, age and gender. Despite the company\u2019s attempts to address discrimination within the platform, Airbnb\u2019s use of forced arbitration clauses prevents victims of discrimination from getting their day in court.\n\u201cThese (arbitration) clauses operate to deprive consumers of their day in court, so that when companies clearly violate the law consumers are still unable to seek redress in public courts of law,\u201d wrote Johnson, author of H.R. 2087, The Arbitration Fairness Act that would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer, and civil rights cases.\n\u201cWhile Airbnb has made strong, laudable commitments to prevent and address discrimination in all facets of Airbnb\u2019s platform, more work needs to be done to end all discrimination and bias in the system. As the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, which exercises jurisdiction over this issue, I look forward to working with Airbnb and other companies on this matter.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewiss-cost-war-bill-included-defense-authorization", "Rep. John Lewis's Cost of War Bill Included in Defense Authorization", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "johnlewis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the cost of war skyrockets and its contribution to the federal deficit continues to increase, it is important that Americans fully understand where their tax dollars are spent and how they are spent.\u00a0 This accounting is especially important as cuts are proposed to important safety net programs like Medicare and Social Security, as well as to services for the unemployed, elderly, women, families and children.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Cost of War Act helps inform the discourse around these proposed cuts by calculating, unequivocally, the exact price tag of these ongoing conflicts to each American.\u00a0 It requires the Department of Defense to work with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to calculate and post the cost of war for each American taxpayer in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Syria on their websites.\u00a0 \u00a0Article I of the U.S. Constitution does mandate Congress to publish the exact expenditures of all accounts.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"Every American has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent,\" said Rep. John Lewis.\u00a0 \"A variety of accounting methods are used to make it harder for Americans to comprehend\u00a0 how many billions, and even trillions of federal dollars are used to support these international conflicts, meanwhile services they may need to survive are placed on the chopping block due to the claim that our nation cannot afford them.\u00a0 A budget is a statement of values, and the people have a right to know whether the priorities of their government meet their expectations.\u00a0 This is a simple request, and I think that's why it appeals to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.\"\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On May 15, 2015, Congressman Lewis reintroduced H.R. 2376, the Cost of War Act.\u00a0 This legislation was adopted as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Acts in 2013, 2014, and most recently on May 18, 2016.\u00a0 It has been passed now by both the House and Senate, and is awaiting signature by President Barack Obama.\u00a0 In October 2011, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) first introduced the Cost of War Act as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 142nd birthday.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0114th Congress Cost of War Act Factsheet 2016.pdf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\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 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D44855E2-F243-4AED-8721-7821DF1632C1", "Isakson Statement on Nomination of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today issued the following statement in response to President-elect Trump\u2019s selection of Rex Tillerson as secretary of the U.S. Department of State:\r\n\"Mr. Tillerson has an impressive background with unique experience and extensive knowledge of working in a global environment. I congratulate Mr. Tillerson on his nomination, and I look forward to meeting with him during the confirmation process to learn more about how he views the world and America\u2019s national interests.\"\r\nAccording to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a hearing will be held on Mr. Tillerson\u2019s nomination in early January 2017.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/isakson-perdue-carter-praise-passage-of-federal-law-enforcement-training-centers-reauthorization", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Praise Passage Of Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reauthorization", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-statement-on-rex-tillerson-nomination-as-secretary-of-state", "Senator David Perdue Statement On Rex Tillerson Nomination As Secretary Of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398691", "Rep. Tom Graves, Georgia Delegation Urges Army to Equip Hunter Army Airfield", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tom Graves, Georgia Delegation Urges Army to Equip Hunter Army Airfield\n                      \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 12, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) along with Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA), and Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Sanford Bishop (GA-02) and Austin Scott (GA-08) urged the U.S. Army to relocate a helicopter battalion stationed in Europe to Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. \u201cAs you work through your priorities in the Strategic Portfolio Analysis Review (SPAR), we would appreciate your consideration of Georgia as a means to support the Army\u2019s continued mission sets, and our nation\u2019s strategic needs,\u201d said the Georgia congressional delegation in a letter to General Mark Milley, U.S. Army chief of staff. \u201cA fully-equipped Apache Battalion along our southeastern corridor, coupled with the support infrastructure at Hunter Army Airfield could prove to be a highly lethal force that provides flexibility and options to our Army.\u201d The letter also reinforces the need to move forward with plans to construct necessary hangars at Hunter Army Airfield, which were postponed due to budget restraints brought on by sequestration.\u00a0 \u201cWith the planning and design work complete, the [hangar] project is ready to go as soon as funding is made available,\u201d the delegation continued. \u201cWe commit that we will do our part and work alongside the Army and the new Administration to help restore this combat aviation capability back to Hunter.\u201d View the full letter HERE.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1363", "Carter Introduces Legislation to Improve Airport Security Screening", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Carter Introduces Legislation to Improve Airport Security Screening \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter (GA-01) introduced the TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act to analyze the cost effectiveness, efficiency, and customer satisfaction of the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) compared to airport screening through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). SPP allows for privatized passenger screening where airports can opt-out of TSA screening by contracting with a company to provide passenger and baggage screening commensurate with TSA standards and under the oversight of the federal government.Currently, 21 airports utilize SPP and additional airports have applications pending. However, on January 28, 2016, then-TSA Administrator John Pistole announced that SPP would no longer expand to additional airports. \"Airports that utilize the SPP have seen improved customer experiences, shorter wait lines, better communication with local officials and an overall more efficient process with screening passengers,\"said Carter.\"The action taken by the TSA to freeze the growth of the program is shortsighted and without explanation. Private security screeners, under the oversight of the TSA, have provided secure and efficient security methods. If airports want the flexibility to use private security screeners to improve their customer service, the government should encourage this effort.\" Specifically, the TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act:  \n \n    Requires the TSA to update its cost estimating methodology for federal cost estimates and cost comparisons as it relates to the SPP;\n    Requires the TSA to develop a single, streamlined method and standard protocol for documenting and tracking customer complaints for both federal and SPP airport checkpoints within 180 days of enactment;\n    Requires TSA to establish a process for analyzing information on complaint trends from all screening complaint mechanisms, including a comparison between federal screener complaints and private screener complaints;\n    Requires TSA to use data analysis to better inform the traveling public about the nature and extent of screening complaints, and;\n    Strengthens information sharing between TSA and airport directors and managers, which would help identify areas in need of improvement with screening.\n    \n \n\"The TSA plays a critical role in the security of Americans,\"said Carter.\"Unfortunately, TSA is failing this mission while also prohibiting competition that could deliver better security and lower costs. This legislation works to ensure Americans receive the best and most cost effective security possible.\"Clickhereto view the text of the TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmett-till-unsolved-civil-rights-crimes-reauthorization-act-passed", "Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights  Crimes Reauthorization Act Passed by Congress", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "John Lewis", "L000287", "johnlewis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON-- On Saturday December 10th in its final session of the 114th Congress, the Senate passed the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S.2854/H.R.5067).\u00a0 In the Senate\u00a0the bill was led by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT),\u00a0 Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO). \u00a0In the House, original sponsors were Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), and Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI).\n\u00a0\nBACKGROUND\nBefore the passage of major civil rights legislation in the 1960s, hundreds of racially suspicious crimes were committed in this country, and few attempts to prosecute them were ever pursued.\u00a0\u00a0Tuskegee Institute once kept a record of verified lynchings\u00a0in the United States from 1877 to 1950.\u00a0 The institute documented that nearly 4000 mainly unprosecuted civil rights crimes occurred during that period.\u00a0\u00a0Many American families continue to pass down stories of loss and disappearance even today\u00a0without knowing the truth about what actually happened to their loved ones.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPRIMARY GOALS OF THE BILL\nThe Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act represents a critical opportunity to right these wrongs committed, primarily against African Americans, but also against people of diverse backgrounds.\u00a0 In some cases, individuals still remain who were witnesses to these crimes or who can help provide evidence regarding these incidents. \u00a0This bill reauthorizes and updates the original legislation that was signed into law in 2008. \u00a0It seeks to respond to the concerns of victims' family members and strengthen collaboration between the Justice Department, the FBI, State and local law enforcement, and advocates to pursue these cold cases.\u00a0 There is a collective goal to seek the truth about this long-standing tragedies and hold the perpetrators and orchestrators of these atrocities accountable.\u00a0 \u00a0This reauthorization also seeks to respond to the concerns of advocates regarding the implementation of the original legislation.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nBI-PARTISAN and BI-CAMERAL STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT\n\"When this bill was signed into law, family members, academics, historians, lawyers, advocates began working to develop a full accounting for these long-standing, gross human and civil rights atrocities.\u00a0 The reauthorization passed by Congress is a response to their appeals to make the law a better tool in their quest for justice. We also worked across the aisle and across the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our promise to remain committed to the pursuit of truth on behalf of victims and their families.\u00a0 I am very pleased that Congress has passed this legislation and I look forward to the signature of President Barack Obama.\"\u00a0 Rep. John Lewis - GA\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased that this bill is now finally heading to the President\u2019s desk. Investigators can now work to discover the truth and to seek justice under our legal system for the families of these victims. Every American is worthy of the protection of our laws. I want to thank the Till family, Alvin Sykes, Congressman John Lewis, and all of the civil rights activists who helped make this law a reality.\u00a0Today\u2019s victory is theirs.\u201d\u00a0 Sen. Richard Burr - NC\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u201cToo many families suffer from the unsolved murders of their loved ones during the civil rights era without receiving justice. \u00a0The way to best serve these families is to provide our Federal government with the tools it needs to investigate these unsolved crimes, and to hopefully, bring some sense of closure for these families. \u00a0I thank Congressman Lewis for his tireless work on behalf of the families of these victims of unsolved murders from the civil rights era and I am proud to stand with him on this effort.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Sen. Patrick Leahy - VT\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis legislation brings justice and closure to the families and communities affected by the heinous acts of violence and hatred that are a stain on our nation\u2019s history. The bill will help us continue the critical work of better investigating and solving these crimes, no matter how long ago they occurred, and I\u2019m thrilled we\u2019ve finally been able to carry it across the finish line.\u201d Sen. Claire McCaskill - MO\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act sets out to investigate racially-motivated murders. Sadly, there is still more work to be done and it\u2019s important that we reauthorize this bill so that the FBI and DOJ can continue investigating unsolved crimes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sen. Roy Blunt - MO\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs an original cosponsor of the Emmett Till Reauthorization Act, I\u2019m pleased to see my colleagues came together and supported this important bill. This bipartisan legislation will provide for a sustained, well-coordinated effort to investigate and prosecute unsolved civil rights-era crimes. There are hundreds of cold cases from the civil rights era that have never been solved and it is my hope that we are able to bring justice to the victims\u2019 families.\u201d\u00a0 Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner - WI\n\u00a0\n\"As we work to address current questions about racial violence and civil rights, we should be mindful of our history and why so many in the African-American community raise the issue of whether black lives matter.\u00a0 Passage of the original Emmett Till Act represented a commitment\u00a0 to resolving the unanswered questions from one of the darkest periods in modern American history. \u00a0This bipartisan reauthorization represents a further investment in our history and will allow the Department of Justice to resolve remaining issues.\"\u00a0 Rep. John Conyers, Jr.\u00a0 - MI\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nMAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION\n\u00a0\n This bill requires the Department of Justice and FBI to consult with civil rights organizations, universities, and other entities that have also been gathering evidence in these cold cases;\n \u00a0\n Provides clearer direction and improved coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and the activists, advocates, and academics working on these issues;\n \u00a0\n Strengthens the Department of Justice\u2019s reporting requirements;\n \u00a0\n Expands the time span of cases to be considered by ten years, to include all cases that occurred not later than December 31, 1979;\n \u00a0\n Eliminates the sunset provision in the original bill;\n \u00a0\n Encourages the Department of Justice to review specific closed cases that warrant further investigation;\u00a0\n \u00a0\n Maintains the previous investigation structure and funding levels; and\n \u00a0\n Clarifies the law\u2019s intent.\n \u00a0\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 ####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/washington-watch-121216", "Washington Watch - 12/12/16", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House wrapped-up its work for the year last week, and the great news is that we moved to the President\u2019s desk a number of critically important pieces of legislation that will help our nation\u2019s military men and women, repair our water infrastructure, and find cures for cancer and other deadly diseases, to name a few.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nADVANCING AMERICA'S WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES\nOn Thursday, the House passed the \u201cWater Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act,\u201d in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote with 360 members of Congress supporting the final package. The bill protects our access to Lake Lanier and provides a big boost for our ports, which are responsible for more than 25,000 jobs in the Seventh District. \u00a0What's more, I'm elated to report that the\u00a0final legislation, which is on its way to the President's desk, includes a section I authored eliminating language\u00a0inappropriately inserted in the\u00a02014 WRDA bill by Alabama's\u00a0senator\u00a0that unfairly usurped the rights of the Florida, Georgia, and Alabama governors to negotiate a solution to the tri-state water conflict. It unnecessarily inserted the federal government into this issue, and removing it from WRDA is the right thing to do.\u00a0\nI\u2019m proud to serve as Georgia\u2019s voice on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where I helped craft the bill, and I\u2019m looking forward to building on this success and continuing to move power out of Washington and into Georgia in the coming year.\nClick on the video to watch me speak about the water bill on the House floor\n\u00a0\nCONGRESS\u00a0COMPLETES SHORT-TERM SPENDING BILL\nLast week, Congress passed and sent to the President a Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend funding for most federal agencies, programs, and services through April 28, 2017.\u00a0 While it was necessary to advance a short-term CR so that the incoming administration has an opportunity to weigh in on FY2017 funding priorities, I hope that this CR is the last one considered by Congress for years to come.\u00a0 Restoring regular order in the annual appropriations process will be a challenge, and though we were unable to fully achieve that goal this year, I\u2019m encouraged by the September passage and enactment of the FY2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which marked the first time since 2009 that a regular appropriations bill was signed into law before the end of the fiscal year.\u00a0 I look forward to building on that small victory for regular order and working with my colleagues and President-elect Trump next year to ensure that CRs are a thing of the past!\n\u00a0\nHOUSE AND SENATE COME TOGETHER TO FUND HEALTH RESEARCH\nLast week, Congress sent to the President\u2019s desk the 21st Century Cures Act. We\u2019ve talked about it before, but it bears repeating that this legislation will bring much needed investment to the National Institutes of the Health and the Food and Drug Administration so that our nation\u2019s scientists can find cures for the deadliest diseases that afflict Americans and then bring those cures to market quickly and efficiently. The bill also revamps our nation\u2019s mental health care system so that it better serves those who need appropriate mental and behavioral health care. Working together \u2013 Democrats and Republicans \u2013 across the aisle, we will make a real difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors. I look forward to the President signing the 21st Century Cures Act into law.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCORPS OF ENGINEERS SUPPORT GEORGIA\u2019S WATER RIGHTS\nIn addition to passing a major water infrastructure bill, Georgia got more good news last week in our continuing quest to ensure that Georgia\u2019s water resources are being used appropriately and according to the law.\u00a0 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency responsible for managing Lake Lanier, announced on Thursday that Georgia\u2019s water supply request will be granted.\u00a0 This will be done through what\u2019s known as a Water Control Manual (WCM), and it represents the first time in more than two decades that the WCM has had a major update. \u00a0This means that we are one big step closer to ensuring metro Atlanta will have enough water to sustain our rapidly growing population and business developments, and it couldn\u2019t come at a more critical time with Georgia officials working overtime as we speak to fend off legal challenges from Florida and Alabama over this issue. Georgia has long been a model steward in water conservation and reuse, and I\u2019m so pleased that the new WCM will supplement our existing efforts.\n\u00a0\nDEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL GOES TO THE PRESIDENT\nI\u2019m happy to say that the Senate followed the House\u2019s lead last week and approved the National Defense Authorization Act\u00a0(NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017.\u00a0 For decades, Congress has been coming together for the good of our nation\u2019s military members to pass this yearly legislation to guide the Pentagon\u2019s plan for our defense.\u00a0\nI\u2019m proud that this bill includes the biggest pay raise for our troops in six years, ensures our service members have the tools they need to defeat any enemy foolish enough to challenge us, and makes certain that America\u2019s military remains the most capable fighting force the world has ever known. \u00a0This year\u2019s NDAA will ensure that our new Commander-in-Chief and his Secretary of Defense will have all the resources they need to keep Americans safe.\u00a0 I look forward to the President signing this legislation soon.\n\u00a0\nHOUSE VOTES TO EMPOWER CONGRESS AND STATES IN INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY DISCUSSION\nAs you all may know, the U.S. and the European Union are currently negotiating an international agreement on insurance regulation, and the House took action last week on a bill, H.R. 5143, the \u201cTransparent Insurance Standards Act of 2016,\u201d which I hope will provide greater transparency and enhance accountability for these negotiations.\u00a0 H.R. 5143 would create a formalized role for Congressional monitoring of the negotiations and development of international insurance standards, require federal officials to collaborate more closely with state insurance regulators throughout the process, and establish a series of requirements that must be met before federal officials can accept the final standards, among other things.\u00a0 H.R. 5143 was crafted to put other nations on notice that the U.S. intends to lead, rather than be led, in the development of any international insurance standards, and I was pleased to support it.\nSincerely,    \n\tRob Woodall  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=7D07DAF1-5475-4EE4-9F0E-158AF1409CCC", "e-Newsletter for the week ending December 12, 2016", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nBefore adjourning, the Senate passed several key pieces of legislation that are beneficial to Georgia and that I worked to advance, including:\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act, a comprehensive medical research and innovation bill that includes these important healthcare priorities for Georgia:\r\n \r\nExtends a program to continue to spur investment in the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases,\u00a0\r\nCreates a registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta to help advance research on neurological diseases,\r\nProvides Medicare coverage for home infusion therapy services, and\r\nIncludes a Medicare provision that will allow the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to continue to provide world class care for patients suffering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.\r\n \r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes necessary funding for our service members and other military assets in support of our national defense and includes several critical priorities for Georgia.\r\n\r\nAlso included in the funding authorization is the End Modern Slavery Initiative. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation, which will allow the U.S. Department of State to support global efforts to combat the $150 billion a year criminal industry of human trafficking.The Senate also passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. This legislation:\r\n \r\nProvides additional resources for Georgia\u2019s ports and our nation\u2019s infrastructure and commerce;\r\nInvests in the safety and reliability of our drinking water;\u00a0\r\nReturns the water project authorizing process to a two-year cycle, which will allow for better, more productive long-term planning.\r\n \r\nI am also pleased to share that both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate quickly passed the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016. This bill is a step in the right direction and will help to improve veterans' access to health care, disability benefits, education and homelessness assistance, among other important benefits.\r\nWhat's On Tap?\r\nI look forward to being back in Georgia during the state work period before the start of the 115th Congress on January 3, 2017.\r\nDuring this is a special time of year, Dianne and I hope you will join us in a prayer for our military and first responders who keep our nation safe. Also, we send our best wishes to you and your loved ones in the New Year!\r\nSincerely,   Johnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/georgia-delegation-urges-army-to-equip-hunter-army-airfield", "Georgia Delegation Urges Army To Equip Hunter Army Airfield", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3E4AFCFE-FA62-4D54-9AAF-7248E18CC0B3", "Isakson, Blumenthal Hail Senate Passage of Bipartisan Veterans Reform Package", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, today applauded unanimous Senate passage of legislation to improve veterans\u2019 access to health care, disability benefits, education and homelessness assistance, among other important benefits for our nation\u2019s veterans.\r\n\u201cI am proud that the Senate has acted on this legislation to help our veterans,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cRegardless of political party, we are showing our veterans that we are on the same team when it comes to getting things right for them. With today\u2019s vote, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that our veterans receive what was promised to them and their families. This legislation will improve veterans\u2019 access to health care and benefits and is an important down payment on the debt that we owe to the veterans of the United States of America.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bipartisan, comprehensive legislation continues our progress toward leaving no veteran behind,\u201d Blumenthal said. \u201cWith 76 separate provisions, it is broad in scope and scale. Hiring more mental health counselors and emergency room doctors will mean more veterans receive quality healthcare. Expanding eligibility for homelessness prevention programs will provide critical support to veterans at risk of homelessness. Extending critical education benefits to surviving family members will further our promise of education. Beginning work to help descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances will help heal the residual wounds of war. But on these issues and so many more, we are only taking another step in what must be a journey toward ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they need and deserve.\u201d\r\nThe Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (H.R.6416) includes 76 bipartisan provisions that address a variety of areas in veterans\u2019 services that are in need of reforms or improvements. It incorporates language from a number of previously introduced House and Senate bills, including several provisions from the Veterans First Act, which unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs in May 2016.\r\nThe measure is named after retiring chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., as well as outgoing Senate VA committee ranking member Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., in tribute to their years-long commitment to serving veterans in Congress.\r\nEarlier this week, Isakson delivered remarks on the Senate floor imploring \u201cmembers of the United States Senate to help us pass this down payment on the promise and the debt that we owe to the veterans of the United States of America.\u201d\r\nFollowing today\u2019s early morning Senate vote and a strong vote of 419-0 by the U.S. House on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 now heads to the president\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\nSpecifically, H.R.6416 will:\r\n \r\nStreamline portions of the process for veterans, their families and their survivors to obtain disability compensation and benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);\r\nExpand the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims from seven to nine judges to help address the large backlog of veterans\u2019 appeals that may soon arrive at the court;\r\nMake changes to the VA\u2019s burial benefits and interment policies, including expanding eligibility for presidential memorial certificates to certain individuals who served in reserve units of the Armed Forces, among others;\r\nProvide a much-needed extension of education benefits for surviving spouses who lost a loved one on September 11, 2001, or during the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq;\r\nImprove how the VA administers and approves education benefits for veterans and allow mobilized reservists to keep their GI Bill eligibility when a deployment interrupts their schooling;\r\nModify ownership requirements for small businesses participating in the VA contract assistance programs and require the Department of Labor to conduct a five-year study of job counseling, training, and placement service for veterans;\r\nMake improvements to the VA\u2019s health care services and benefits to include:\r\n\r\nEnsuring preventative health services for veterans include access to adult immunizations for veterans who wish to receive them;\r\nPrioritizing access to care for medal of honor recipients;\r\nEnsuring veterans who served in classified missions can access mental health care without disclosing classified information;\r\nRequiring the VA to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the provision of hospital care, medical services and nursing home care by the Veterans Health Administration;\r\nExpanding the qualification criteria to make it easier to hire qualified mental health care professionals;\r\nEnhancing research on the potential health effects from toxic exposures to veterans and their descendants.\r\n\r\n\r\nIncrease access to benefits for homeless veterans.\r\n \r\nA section-by-section summary of the H.R.6416 is available here.\r\n###\r\nThe Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., in the 114th Congress.\r\nIsakson is a veteran himself \u2013 having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 \u2013 and has been a member of the Senate VA Committee since he joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson\u2019s home state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the military as well as more than 750,000 veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-i-have-heard-every-excuse-under-the-sun", "Senator David Perdue: I Have Heard Every Excuse Under The Sun", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-water-infrastructure-critical-to-economic-growth", "Senator David Perdue: Water Infrastructure Critical To Economic Growth", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=99A056A1-C8A2-42D6-A800-053BAFD68F83", "Isakson: Water Resources Bill a Win for Georgia, Port of Savannah", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today hailed the final Senate passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, S.612, which includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. The legislation, which includes several provisions that benefit Georgia, passed early Saturday morning by a bipartisan vote of 78-21.\r\nThe legislation provides additional resources for Georgia\u2019s ports, promotes our nation\u2019s infrastructure and commerce, and invests in the safety and reliability of our drinking water. It returns the water project authorizing process to a two-year cycle, which will allow for better, more productive long-term planning.\r\n \u201cEnsuring better funding for the deepening of the Port of Savannah is good news for Georgia,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cKeeping this project on track has required a nonstop effort from countless leaders to ensure we are progressing, and this law will help to save the state of Georgia millions of dollars towards this project. This project is a win for trade, a win for the economy and a win for the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the Port of Savannah.\u201d\r\nThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act allows for a 75 percent federal share on harbor deepening projects up to 50 feet.\r\nIsakson has fought for Georgia\u2019s water interests throughout the legislative process, including for the federal share of the cost of port deepening.\r\nWith ever-larger ships entering U.S. ports, a top priority for ports within the legislation was to officially require a 75 percent federal share of costs of new construction, up to a depth of 50 feet. The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project was authorized in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1999 to deepen the Savannah River from its current 42-foot depth to as much as 48 feet. Prior to today\u2019s legislation, the federal share dropped to 50 percent when new construction went deeper than 45 feet.\r\nAdditionally, each year the revenues that will go to harbor maintenance will be at least 103 percent of the previous year\u2019s amount. The last Water Resources Development Act set a timetable for ports getting all the revenues collected from the harbor maintenance tax. Today\u2019s legislation ensures that money collected in the harbor maintenance trust fund will be used to continually improve our nation\u2019s waterways going forward.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=568", "Allen: Short-Term Funding Paves Way for New Administration", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rick Allen", "A000372", "allen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Allen: Short-Term Funding Paves Way for New Administration \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 8, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, the House passed the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, commonly known as the \u201cCR.\u201d This legislation extends government funding until April 28, 2017 and maintains current budget cap levels put into place under the Budget Control Act of 2011. Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) released the following statement in support:\r\n\u201cWhile this legislation is far from perfect, a short-term CR ensures the government operates without a shutdown until April and funds immediate critical national security measures, like the fight against\u00a0radical Islamic terror. This strategy will allow time for the next Congress and a new administration, under President-Elect Trump, to negotiate spending levels and move our country forward. I am hopeful that next year, we can return to regular order and continue to pass spending bills that protect conservative priorities.\u201d\u00a0 \r\nFurther Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Provides funding for our troops and overseas contingency to support military and diplomatic efforts to fight ISIS and terror around the globe \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Responds to refugee and migration crises, including in Africa, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia, while prohibiting certain funds from being made available for the resettlement of refugees in the United States until the new Administration takes control\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Contains natural disaster relief, including Hurricane Matthew, and addresses contaminated drinking water in cities across America \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Supports 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 with funding to prioritize healthcare research, drug approval and drug abuse efforts\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Establishes an expedited process in the Senate for General Mattis to be appointed as Secretary of Defense\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Prevents a pay increase for Members of Congress \r\n    \u00a0\r\n    \u00a0\r\n    \r\n \r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=569", "Allen Statement on Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rick Allen", "A000372", "allen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Allen Statement on Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 8, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) released the following statement on S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act: \u00a0 \r\n\u201cThis legislation fails to address the needs and concerns of my district back home in Georgia-12, specifically relating to the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. Myself, along with stakeholders in the community, worry that the bill language is not a long-term solution to the future of this project. For this reason, I voted against S. 612 and will continue to work hand-in-hand with the community to produce a plan that all parties involved feel confident in.\u201d \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-supports-passage-of-legislation-to-fund-the", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO FUND THE GOVERNMENT AND ASSIST FLINT, MICHIGAN", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted in support of H.R. 2028, a short-term measure to fund the federal government through April 28, 2017. Congressman Bishop also voted in support of S. 612, legislation to address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and to provide financial support for water infrastructure projects across the country.\n\u201cI am pleased to see that the water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan is going to be addressed through the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and the Continuing Resolution,\u201d said Congressman Bishop. \u201cThe passage of these pieces of legislation will work to make sure these kinds of crises do not happen in future, as well as fund critical water infrastructure projects to benefit both rural and urban areas of the United States.\u201d\nThe government funding legislation, officially referred to as a Continuing Resolution (CR) (H.R. 2028), passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 326 to 96. The water infrastructure legislation, officially entitled the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) (S. 612), passed by a vote of 360 to 61.\nThe CR will fund the government at largely current levels through April 28, 2017. However, the legislation provides an additional $5.8 billion for defense-related Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), of which $5.1 billion is dedicated to supporting counterterrorism operations, including efforts to defeat ISIL. Another $4.3 billion in OCO funding is provided for non-defense priorities, including Embassy Security, Economic and Stabilization Assistance, Humanitarian Assistance, Security Assistance, and general State Department and USAID operations.\nAdditionally, the CR, in conjunction with an authorization included in the WIIN Act, provides a $100 million appropriation for capitalization grants to Flint, Michigan in order to address lead contaminants and repair service lines and water infrastructure.\nThe legislation also appropriates $4 billion in emergency funding for hurricane damage in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as flood damage in Texas, Louisiana, and West Virginia. Further, the CR appropriates funding for the recently enacted 21st Century Cures Act.\nThe WIIN Act, in addition to authorizing funding for Flint, Michigan, provides an authorization of over $10 billion for water resources development projects that will be carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address critical water infrastructure projects throughout the United States.\nAdditional information on the CR can be found here, and additional information on the WIIN Act can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398690", "Rep. Tom Graves Supports Savannah Harbor Expansion Project", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tom Graves Supports Savannah Harbor Expansion Project\n                      \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 8, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) today voted for and the House passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (S. 612), bipartisan legislation that fixed differences between the House and Senate versions of the Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes federal partnerships for developing and maintaining the nation\u2019s waterway infrastructure, such as the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project.\u201cThe nation\u2019s waterways serve as engines for economic growth and job creation,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cThat\u2019s no different in Georgia, where the Port of Savannah contributes $174 million in annual net benefits to the United States and supports 21,000 American businesses. This bill ensures the Port of Savannah continues to thrive by authorizing the resources necessary to keep the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project on schedule \u2013 a top economic priority for Georgia.\u201d The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project deepens the Savannah Harbor federal shipping channel from a depth of -42 feet to -47 feet. The extra depth will allow an additional 3,600 cargo containers in each transit.The bill also authorizes a feasibility study of a navigation project in Brunswick Harbor, which could lead to additional investment and economic growth.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1004", "Hice Statement on WIIN Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Jody Hice", "H001071", "hice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, by a vote of 360 - 61. This critical legislation invests in our Nation's harbors, dams, locks, and other water resources infrastructure. The measure includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which passed the House in September, as well as provisions to diminish maintenance barriers and improve water delivery to drought-stricken communities. In addition, S. 612 contains language preventing the federal government from inserting itself into state and local issues. Congressman Hice released the following statement after the passage of the bill:\r\nProtecting our Nation's waterways is key to advancing commerce and maintaining a robust economy. The WIIN Act includes substantial reforms that prepare our Nation to compete in the global marketplace, strengthen protections for coastal and inland communities from disastrous floodwaters, and create mechanisms to provide affordable, clean, and safe drinking water. This legislation also contains provisions important to Georgia in our ongoing legal battles with Alabama and Florida over water allocation.\r\nFurthermore, through the WIIN Act, key missions of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will help rebuild and strengthen existing but inadequate water structures. America's natural resources are some of the most magnificent in the world, and it's our duty to safeguard their future. I'm proud to support the passage of this bill to ensure that our assets continue to serve our Nation for years to come. \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=54F615BE-206E-4F31-8D0A-0EFD66217692", "Isakson Praises National Defense Legislation that Includes Critical Georgia Priorities", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the final Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, S.2943, to authorize necessary funding for service men and women, as well as providing for facilities and weapons in support of our national defense, including several critical priorities for Georgia. The final vote tally was 92-7.\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act of 2017, or NDAA for short, is the compromise legislation between the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate-passed versions of the fiscal year 2017 funding measure.\r\n\u201cThe United States protects peace through our strength, and this bill not only includes slightly higher end strength numbers for the armed services, but much-needed pay raises for our troops as well,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThe president-elect has discussed making our military funding a priority, and I look forward to working with him over the next four years to grow a military that will effectively defend our nation and protect our way of life.\u201d\r\nThe defense bill includes policies to support our wounded warriors, active duty troops, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families. It provides an increase in base pay and combat pay for service members, as well as procurement of the tools and equipment necessary to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and numerous threats around the world.\r\n\u201cLast year\u2019s veto of this funding measure by President Obama was shameful, and I hope this year\u2019s outcome will be better,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThe National Defense Authorization Act funds our troops as well as our veterans and their families, and it provides resources that our military needs to protect our national security interests around the world.\u201d\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act provides funding to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open and operational, and prohibits the use of funds for the transfer or release of detainees to certain countries.\r\nAs home to more than a dozen military installations, Georgia is a key beneficiary of the National Defense Authorization Act. It prohibits additional rounds of a 2017 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. It authorizes a recapitalization of the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) program and ensures proper funding for the current fleet until its replacement is fully operational. It also prevents the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and preserves its important mission at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga.\r\n\u201cI have fought to ensure that Georgia\u2019s military priorities are included in this measure,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cOur state is home to key components in our national defense, and I will always make certain that they continue to receive the support necessary to accomplish its mission.\u201d\r\nThe legislation now goes to President Obama\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\nThe final legislation removes a provision that required women to register for the selective service draft.\u00a0Isakson was successful in his efforts to urge Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership to protect dual-military families, women and junior members of the Armed Forces by eliminating changes to the military\u2019s Basic Allowance for Housing in the final version of the bill.\r\nThe 2017 NDAA will also provide an increase in military basic pay of 2.1 percent effective Jan. 1, 2017.\u00a0\r\nSenator Isakson remains fully committed to supporting our national defense programs. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes $611.2 billion in fiscal year 2017, including $523.7 billion for base Department of Defense programs, $67.8 billion for overseas contingency operations (of which $8.3 billion is for base requirements), $19.4 billion for national security programs in the Department of Energy and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and $300 million for the Maritime Security Program.\r\nSpecifically, Isakson supported the following Georgia-related items included in the final bill:\r\nA-10sIsakson fought to ensure the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act includes language that prohibits the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as well as prohibits the use of funds to reduce A-10 manpower levels. Isakson and the Georgia congressional delegation remain in lock-step in their opposition to retiring the A-10 aircraft until a replacement becomes fully operational, which they argue could jeopardize our nation\u2019s close-air support capabilities and the safety of American service members.\r\nJSTARSIsakson has long fought for an expeditious recapitalization of the aging E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System platform, known as JSTARS.\u00a0Working with a group of bipartisan senators, Isakson was able to help secure the requested funds to upgrade this capability that our warfighters so greatly depend upon. The proven abilities of JSTARS to provide battle management, command and control, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance since its entry into service in the Persian Gulf conflict of the early 1990\u2019s have stretched far into today\u2019s fight against violent extremism around the globe.\r\nOhio Replacement ProgramThe National Defense Authorization Act legislation includes critical increases in funding authorization for replacement of Ohio-class submarines. Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay located in St. Marys, Ga., is the home to the Atlantic Fleet\u2019s Ohio-class nuclear submarines which carry Trident nuclear ballistic missiles.\u00a0The variety of threats which exist around the world today demand that our weapons be the most modern and precise available.\u00a0The fleet of Ohio-class submarines located at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay project power and silent capabilities around the world to protect our homeland.\r\nCyber Center of ExcellenceUnderstanding the ever-changing environment of modern warfare, Isakson has been a staunch advocate of increasing our nation\u2019s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.\u00a0The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes a state-of-the-art cyber protection team operations facility at Fort Gordon\u2019s Cyber Center of Excellence in Augusta, Ga. This vital facility will allow the U.S. Army to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and lead integrated cyber, electronic warfare and signal solutions in defense of our nation. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nPrevents Base Closure and Realignment CommissionThe National Defense Authorization Act includes language supported by Isakson that prohibits additional rounds of base realignment and closure in fiscal year 2017. Isakson firmly believes we need to invest in and rebuild our military, not reduce personnel and close bases.\u00a0\r\nGuantanamo BayThe National Defense Authorization Act provides funding to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open and operational and prohibits use of funds for the transfer or release of detainees to certain countries. Isakson continues to strongly oppose the closure of Guantanamo Bay and he adamantly disapproves of any effort to transfer or release of these dangerous terrorists to the United States.\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=893F6939-2E15-472F-B239-65E6F524DB8B", "Isakson Statement on Passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "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 on the passing of former U.S. senator and astronaut John Glenn:\r\n\u201cJohn Glenn is one of the greatest heroes of my generation. He led America to space and sought peace around the world. He will be missed by the citizens of Ohio and Americans everywhere. Dianne and I extend our deepest sympathies to Annie and their family.\u201d\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=E403568B-F406-4D5E-A2FF-CECE52E597E5", "Isakson Statement on Labor Secretary Nominee Andrew Puzder", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of businessman Andrew F. Puzder to the position of U.S. secretary of labor.\r\n\u201cI am pleased to see that the president-elect is drawing from his own experience in business to nominate a qualified, successful businessman and job creator to become our next labor secretary,\u201d said Isakson, who serves as chairman of the Senate subcommittee on labor. \u201cI look forward to meeting with Mr. Puzder soon to discuss how we can work together to roll back many of the onerous regulations I have fought against that the Obama administration has placed on America\u2019s businesses.\u201d\r\nAs chairman of the Senate subcommittee on labor, Isakson has led the fight against numerous Labor Department regulations including the so-called \u201cfiduciary rule\u201d that restricts workers\u2019 access to retirement savings advice and the \u201covertime rule\u201d that will force small businesses to cut jobs or reduce salaries and could deprive middle class workers of the chance to negotiate flexible work schedules.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-supports-militarys-needs-", "Senator David Perdue Supports Militarys Needs", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-statement-on-officer-shooting-in-americus", "BISHOP STATEMENT ON OFFICER SHOOTING IN AMERICUS", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AMERICUS, GA \u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the shooting in\u00a0Americus, GA:\n\u201cThis morning in Americus, two law enforcement officers were shot by a gunman near Georgia Southwestern University, which was put on lockdown. One of these officers did not survive his wounds, while the other remains in critical condition. The gunman has been identified and multiple law enforcement agencies are coordinating in an effort to find him and bring him into custody.\n\u201cWe must never forget the sacrifices of our first responders and their families. My condolences go out to the families of the officers, and I pray for the full recovery of the injured. I also pray for a swift resolution to this manhunt, and I have full confidence in the law enforcement agencies searching for the shooter.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-urges-fcc-protect-low-income-minority-communities-excessive", "Rep. Johnson urges FCC to protect low-income & minority communities from excessive surveillance by law enforcement", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law (RRCAL), which exercises jurisdiction over antitrust laws and competition, called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take swift action to address the disproportionate use of surveillance technology against low-income and minority communities.\n\u201cSuch targeted use is deeply troubling to all of those who value the principle that the law should be enforced fairly and indiscriminately,\u201d wrote Johnson. \u201cAll Americans should be able to exercise their constitutional rights to assemble and to free speech. The color of one\u2019s skin should in no way determine the treatment one receives from law enforcement. It is up to Congress to ensure that every community is protected in an equitable fashion.\u201d\nSpecifically, Johnson\u2019s letter addresses law enforcement agencies\u2019 use of cell-site simulators (\u201cCS simulators\u201d) \u2013 surveillance technology that operates over cellular networks that fall squarely within the FCC\u2019s jurisdiction.\nRecent reports have shown that police departments are reportedly using surveillance technology with greater frequency against people exercising their First Amendment rights, specifically people of color. Disturbingly, increased surveillance technology has been reported at protests against police brutality and racial injustice. In addition, the FBI has disclosed before Congress that it flew surveillance aircraft over Ferguson and Baltimore during the protests following the police killings of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray.\n\u201cToday\u2019s letter to the FCC, led by Rep. Hank Johnson, is the type of political leadership we need \u2014 now more than ever \u2014 to ensure the agency quickly acts on Color Of Change\u2019s complaint about the frequent use of Stingray devices in communities of color,\u201d said Color Of Change Campaign Director, Brandi Collins. Color of Change is the nation\u2019s largest online racial justice organization with more than 1.2 million members nationwide.\n\u201cThis invasive technology is being used to by police in Baltimore and elsewhere to target, arrest and over prosecute Black and brown people on low-level, non-violent offenses,\u201d Collins said. \u201cBefore an incoming administration bent on denying our most fundamental freedoms gains control of these tools for mass surveillance, we hope the FCC will hear the urging of Rep. Johnson and his House colleagues to end the warrantless use of Stingrays.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A6E6D759-5CD6-4A61-B27E-C0FB84170359", "Isakson Fights for Georgia Healthcare Priorities", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Multiple bills championed by Isakson included in Senate-passed \u201821st Century Cures Act\u2019\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today applauded the Senate passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, a comprehensive medical research and innovation bill that includes a number of healthcare priorities that Isakson has championed for Georgia.\r\n\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will spur the development of medical treatments and cures for American families as well as supporting the success of Georgia hospitals and research universities, including Emory, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, among others,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThere are a number of provisions in this bill that I have worked on very closely for several years that will benefit Georgians and all American families. This legislation will help find cures for the diseases of the 20th century to drastically improve lives in the 21st century.\u201d\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act includes a three-year extension of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Priority Review Voucher program for rare pediatric diseases to continue to spur investment in the development of cures for these diseases. It will ultimately help make lifesaving treatments available more quickly through an expedited review timeline. Isakson introduced the Advancing Hope Act of 2015 with Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Mark Kirk, R-Ill.\r\nAdditional Isakson initiatives included in the 21st Century Cures Act include a provision for Medicare coverage for home infusion therapy services, which are currently covered in hospital and physician office settings, but not the home; a Neurological Disease Registry to help advance research on neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson\u2019s disease; and a device-drug combination product provision that creates a much-needed clear and transparent regulatory pathway for innovative medical products to reach the patients who will benefit most.\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 30, 2016, with a strong bipartisan vote. Following today\u2019s 94-5 vote by the Senate, it will now head to the president\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\nIsakson spoke on the floor of the Senate in support of the legislation and to discuss the specific priorities that will benefit Georgians. Details for each are listed below:\r\n \r\nSec. 3013 - Pediatric Rare Diseases- Priority Review Voucher:\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nExtends the Priority Review Voucher Program for rare pediatric diseases at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until 2022.\r\nEnables new drug applications with rare pediatric disease designation to be reviewed in six months instead of 10.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSec. 3038 - Combination Products\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act includes a combination products section for device-led drugs, which will eliminate the high level of uncertainty in approval standards that currently exists for innovative companies, both small and large, when deciding to invest in a new product.\r\nIt creates a much-needed clear regulatory pathway for new products that will directly translate to greater access and more innovative medical products for patients who will benefit most.\r\nIt also assigns a center within the FDA to regulate products that constitute a combination of a drug, device, or biological product.\r\nIf the product sponsor disagrees with the decision, it requires the secretary to provide a substantive rationale with scientific evidence for why the decision was made.\r\nProvides product sponsors the right to a meeting with the FDA.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSec. 2061 - Neurological Disease Registry\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nCreates a registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases.\r\nThis information will be gathered into an integrated surveillance system, which may include a registry, to be known as the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System.\r\nThe information gathered in this system must be available to the public, while also protecting patient privacy.\r\nCollection of this data will facilitate further research into finding cures for these debilitating diseases.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSec. 5012 - Home Infusion\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nProvides Medicare coverage for home infusion therapy services, which are currently covered in hospital and physician office settings, but not the home.\r\nApplies to Part B Durable Medical Equipment (DME) drugs and provides additional coverage for training, monitoring, and education services as well as nursing services.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSec. 15009 - Shepherd Center Long-Term Care Hospital Fix\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nAtlanta\u2019s Shepherd Center and Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo., are exempted from the new Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) payment model through fiscal year 2019.\r\nThis exemption included in the 21st Century Cures Act will allow Shepherd Center to continue to provide world class care for patients suffering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSec. 16003 \u2013 Electronic Health Records Regulatory Fairness Act\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nPhysicians who conduct a majority of their practice in an ambulatory surgical center will not be subject to meaningful-use penalties until at least three years after the certification of an electronic health record for ambulatory surgical centers.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSec. 17006 - Lifting Prohibition on Medicare Advantage End Stage Renal Disease patients\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nAllows patients suffering from End Stage Renal Disease to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if they want. Currently, the only End Stage Renal Disease patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage are those that developed the illness while already enrolled.\r\n\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=B53CBA42-051D-426D-A595-EFC34E30C610", "Isakson: Help us Pass this Down Payment to our Veterans", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Urges Senate to approve veterans reform package to improve access to health care, disability, education, homelessness benefits\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, is urging his colleagues to pass urgent legislation that will help improve veterans\u2019 access to health care, disability benefits, education and homelessness assistance, among other important benefits.\r\nShortly after the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (H.R.6416) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, Isakson delivered remarks on the Senate floor imploring \u201cmembers of the United States Senate to help us pass this down payment on the promise and the debt that we owe to the veterans of the United States of America.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re a team of Americans, not Republican Americans or Democratic Americans, but committed Americans that want to see to it that our veterans get what was promised to them,\u201d said Isakson during his remarks. \u201cThis bill addresses homelessness. It addresses [veterans\u2019] health care issues. It addresses [research on] the possible passage of exposure to toxic waste\u2026. The measure addresses the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims\u2026by adding two judges in the appeals process and we need to do more to expedite the appeal process.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to work together to reach the dreams we all have to see to it that our veterans have seamless services and we pay back to them what we owe to them equal to what they sacrificed and pledged for us, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor,\u201d Isakson continued.\r\nThe Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 includes 76 bipartisan provisions that address a variety of areas in veterans\u2019 services that are in need of reforms or improvements. It incorporates language from a number of previously introduced House and Senate bills, including several provisions from the Veterans First Act, which unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs in May 2016.\r\nThe measure is named after retiring chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., as well as outgoing Senate VA committee ranking member, Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., in tribute to their years-long commitment to serving veterans in Congress.\r\nFollowing Tuesday\u2019s overwhelming House vote of 419-0, the measure now comes to the Senate for a vote.\r\n###\r\nThe Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., in the 114th Congress.Isakson is a veteran himself \u2013 having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 \u2013 and has been a member of the Senate VA Committee since he joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson\u2019s home state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the military as well as more than 750,000 veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-supports-effort-to-boost-medical-innovation", "Senator David Perdue Supports Effort To Boost Medical Innovation", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-and-committee-statements?ContentRecord_id=D714F62D-8DE1-4697-B39F-61359FF79133", "Floor Speech \"The Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016\"", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cMr. President, I thank [Senator Richard Blumenthal] but I also want to take this moment on the floor to praise him for the contribution he\u2019s made to the committee over the last two years.\r\n\u201cI want to tell you a story. Richard became ranking member of the [Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs] the same year I became chairman. We met, and we made a commitment to one another we were going to move forward on a united veterans\u2019 committee, to address the problems of our veterans and to do it in a bipartisan fashion.\r\n\u201cTo set the tone for that, we introduced the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act, which passed unanimously in the committee and later 99-0 on the floor of the Senate in the first weeks of this Congress. We did so to set the table that, whatever the problem is, we should never let our pettiness and politics and partisanship stop us from helping a veteran.\r\n\u201cBecause of Richard Blumenthal and his effort on suicide prevention and our commitment to make it bipartisan, we passed that unanimously early on in the session. Since that time, we have addressed other issues, as well. In fact, the bill that we discussed today which is named in part for Richard Blumenthal is, as he said a minute ago, a down payment on the continuing debt we owe to our veterans who have served us well.\r\n\u201cI said that the first day in the committee when I took over as chairman: There are no Republican veterans and no Democratic veterans. There are only American veterans.\r\n\u201cThey are the Americans that fought for our flag, fought for our Constitution, fought for our liberty and fought for each of us.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have fought with Richard in the foxhole of the United States Senate for our veterans.\r\n\u201cThere is much left to be done. With the passage of this act today that is named after Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Jeff Miller who is retiring in the [U.S. House], we\u2019re making another down payment on what we owe our veterans.\r\n\u201cThere are other payments soon to come. I met earlier today with John McCain. We\u2019ve made a commitment to make sure Veterans Choice is made permanent for our veterans and work to see to it that veterans have the best choice possible: not to privatize the [U.S. Department of] V[eterans] A[ffairs], but optimize the exposure of veterans to health care services wherever they need them.\r\n\u201cI met last night with Jon Tester, our colleague from Montana, who will replace Richard as the new ranking member on the committee. He is equally committed with us to see to it that we move beyond the current sunset of the Choice program, to solve the issues in the Choice program, as well as the other problems that confront our veterans.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re a team of Americans, not Republican Americans or Democratic Americans, but committed Americans to see to it that our veterans get what was promised to them. As Senator Blumenthal said, this bill addresses homelessness. It addresses [veterans\u2019] health care issues. It addresses [research on] the possible passage of exposure to toxic waste.... We do a lot on the court of appeals.\r\n\u201cWe have 450,000 appeals in a backlog. We\u2019re adding to judges in the appeals process, and we need to do more to expedite the appeal process. I was personally disappointed this year that as close as we got in dealing with the administration in finding a solution, we still fail to say to our veterans, \u2018we\u2019re going to solve your problem of waiting in line.\u2019\r\n\u201cI had the sad duty of breaking into tears myself in the living room of a veteran two weeks ago in my hometown of Marietta, Ga., where a veteran who has been trying for years to get an appeal responded to and never getting an answer as to whether his appeal is justified or not.\r\n\u201cThat is just not right.\r\n\u201cWe can find a way in this country to get the manpower and womanpower necessary, make the moral commitment that\u2019s imperative, and see to it our veterans who have an appeal get an expeditious answer and our veterans need to cooperate in that process by giving us all the backup data as fast as possible for every appeal that they ask for. But it is not right for an appeal to last as long as one that\u2019s before us in the United States\u2019 [Department of Veterans Affairs] today, [where that appeal] is 25 years old. That\u2019s right. The oldest appeal is 25 years-old in the [Department of Veterans Affairs].\r\n\u201cI am committed and I make the commitment on the floor of the Senate today to work with Richard, Jon Tester, the members of our committee, and everybody in this body to see to it that we say to the 450,000 veterans who are waiting on appeal, \u2018we\u2019ll get you an answer and get it faster.\u2019\r\n\u201cAnd the sons and daughters who are signing up today for the United States military, if you have a need for an appeal, we\u2019ll see to it that you get an expeditious answer. They deserve the best, and no less than a thorough answer along with a response to the appeal that they make.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a privilege and a pleasure for me the last two years to work as chairman of the Veterans\u2019 [Affairs] Committee and to work with Richard Blumenthal. I commend him on the contribution he\u2019s made. It\u2019s equally great to work with his staff [who have] worked to see to it that we brought the best legislation possible to the floor of the Senate.\r\n\u201cI particularly want to thank Tom Bowman, my chief of staff who has made a lot of things happen the last two years. Things have really just begun in the Veterans\u2019 Affairs [committee] of the United States Senate.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to work together to reach the dreams we all have, to see to it that our veterans have seamless services, and that we pay back to them equally what we owe to them for what they have sacrificed and pledged for us: their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.\r\n\u201cAs chairman of the committee, I will yield the floor to the senator from Pennsylvania by thanking Senator Blumenthal for his support and asking each of our members of the United States Senate to help us pass this down payment on the promise and the debt that we owe to the veterans of the United States of America.\u201d\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A6FECA43-1F9D-4914-BC04-74B55ADC0C49", "Isakson Introduces Bill to Improve Medicare Treatment for Chronic Illness", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation result of year-long effort led by Isakson to provide better care at lower cost for seniors\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing S.3504, the Creating High-quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2016, a bill to strengthen and improve health outcomes for seniors enrolled in Medicare who are living with chronic conditions.\r\nThe bill is being introduced by Isakson, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee\u2019s Chronic Care working group, along with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., who co-chairs the working group with Isakson.\r\n\u201cMedicare shouldn\u2019t just be a program that pays the bills when you get sick,\u201d said Isakson, a member of the two Senate committees with oversight of health care policy. \u201cIt should also encourage your doctors to work with you to keep you healthy and out of the hospital by providing high quality, patient-centered care.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation that will help promote better-coordinated care for seniors with multiple chronic health conditions and empower doctors and patients to work together to improve the health of the whole person,\u201d Isakson continued. \u201cI urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this no-cost, bipartisan measure to see to it that seniors enrolled in Medicare will have the opportunity to receive better care at lower cost.\u201d\r\nA summary of the CHRONIC Care Act of 2016 can be found here.\r\nBackground:\r\nAnnounced at a May 2015 Finance Committee hearing on chronic care, the bipartisan Chronic Care working group was formed to explore cost-effective solutions to improve health outcomes for Medicare patients living with one or more chronic conditions. Isakson, a leading voice on issues relating to improved care for those with long-term health conditions, was selected along with Warner to lead the working group.\r\nThe working group produced a policy options paper in December 2015 and called for stakeholder input into the groups\u2019 ideas. The working group received 327 submissions from interested stakeholders across the country who provided thoughtful ideas on ways the Medicare program can better deliver health care to beneficiaries with multiple chronic illness.\u00a0 Those submissions were considered by working group members to craft a discussion draft released in October of this year.\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=F945D244-12CB-4B17-934B-6436E2F0A26D", "Isakson, Blumenthal Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Veterans Reform Package", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, respectively, today applauded action by the U.S. House of Representatives to unanimously pass legislation to improve veterans\u2019 access to health care, disability benefits, education and homelessness assistance, among other important benefits for our nation\u2019s veterans.\r\n\u201cWhen I took over as chairman in 2015, I promised to do everything I could to see to it that we are never ceasing to make improvements to the care and benefits that our veterans have earned,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cWe will never play politics with our veterans on my watch, and when we find a problem, we are going to fix it. I am proud of what we have accomplished through this bipartisan package of bills that will improve many aspects of the care and benefits that our veterans receive at the VA. I applaud today\u2019s action by the House, and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will follow suit without delay to pass this important measure.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis omnibus measure with more than 70 provisions is broad and comprehensive in scope and scale,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cMore veterans, including many at risk of homelessness, will receive the care and benefits they need and deserve. VA hospitals will have better management of mental health counselors and emergency room doctors. Veterans\u2019 families will be helped by extending critical education benefits to surviving members. Work will finally begin to help descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this critical legislation without delay, and forge ahead to ensure no veteran is left behind.\u201d\r\nThe Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (H.R.6416) includes 76 bipartisan provisions that address a variety of areas in veterans\u2019 services that are in need of reforms or improvements. It incorporates language from a number of previously introduced House and Senate bills, including several provisions from the Veterans First Act, which unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs in May 2016.\r\nFollowing today\u2019s unanimous House passage, the measure now comes to the Senate for a vote.\r\nSpecifically, the H.R.6416 will:\r\n \r\nStreamline portions of the process for veterans, their families and their survivors to obtain disability compensation and benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);\r\nExpand the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims from seven to nine judges to help address the large backlog of veterans\u2019 appeals that may soon arrive at the court;\r\nMake changes to the VA\u2019s burial benefits and interment policies, including expanding eligibility for presidential memorial certificates to certain individuals who served in reserve units of the Armed Forces, among others;\r\nProvide a much-needed extension of education benefits for surviving spouses who lost a loved one on September 11, 2001, or during the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq;\r\nImprove how the VA administers and approves education benefits for veterans and allow mobilized reservists to keep their GI Bill eligibility when a deployment interrupts their schooling;\r\nModify ownership requirements for small businesses participating in the VA contract assistance programs and require the Department of Labor to conduct a five-year study of job counseling, training, and placement service for veterans;\r\nMake improvements to the VA\u2019s health care services and benefits to include:\r\n\r\nEnsuring preventative health services for veterans include access to adult immunizations for veterans who wish to receive them;\r\nPrioritizing access to care for medal of honor recipients;\r\nEnsuring veterans who served in classified missions can access mental health care without disclosing classified information;\r\nRequiring the VA to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the provision of hospital care, medical services and nursing home care by the Veterans Health Administration;\r\nExpanding the qualification criteria to make it easier to hire qualified mental health care professionals;\r\nEnhancing research on the potential health effects from toxic exposures to veterans and their descendants.\r\n\r\n\r\nIncrease access to benefits for homeless veterans.\r\n \r\nThe measure is named after retiring chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., as well as outgoing ranking member Blumenthal of the Senate committee in tribute to their years-long commitment to serving veterans in Congress.\r\nA section-by-section summary of the H.R.6416 is available here.\r\n###\r\nThe Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., in the 114th Congress.Isakson is a veteran himself \u2013 having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 \u2013 and has been a member of the Senate VA Committee since he joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson\u2019s home state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the military as well as more than 750,000 veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-statement-on-study-revealing-costly-pentagon-bureaucracy", "Senator David Perdue Statement On Study Revealing Costly Pentagon Bureaucracy", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1352", "Carter and Sessions Introduce Resolution to Honor Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Earl L. Buddy Carter (GA-01) and Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, along with twelve of their colleagues, introduced a resolution in the United States House of Representatives today recognizing the historical importance of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and calling on the National Museum of African American History and Culture to appropriately honor his life and work.Justice Thomas' exclusion from the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a tragedy, said Carter. In a museum designed to highlight American values like resiliency and optimism, Justice Thomas' background and accomplishments should be highlighted as a representation of overcoming adversity to reach great heights. It is a disservice to his legacy and to the history of this nation to mention his name in a single caption, but provide no exhibit sharing and preserving his remarkable story and critical contributions to our judicial system. Justice Thomas' contributions to America, his unique life story, and strongly held convictions should be shared and celebrated and I will not give up until the Smithsonian properly recognizes and shares this important part of history.\" The museums of the Smithsonian Institution should highlight the historical achievements made in all areas of our nation's rich history. The new National Museum of African American History and Culture should be no exception to this tradition of celebrating historical excellence and intellectual diversity, said Chairman Sessions. The sole sentence in the Museum recognizing the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a disservice to history. Justice Thomas' story epitomizes the American Dream and is a reminder that in America, no matter where or how you grow up, your highest aspirations are achievable. His immense contributions to our great nation should be celebrated and revered. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to ensure Clarence Thomas receives the recognition that he deserves. Click here to read the full text of House Resolution 942, which was cosponsored by Dave Brat (VA-07), Mo Brooks (AL-05), Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Doug Collins (GA-09), Ron DeSantis (FL-06), Blake Farenthold (TX-27), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Raul Labrador (ID-01), Mark Meadows (NC-11), Phil Roe (TN-01), Austin Scott (GA-08), and Steve Stivers (OH-15).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=810", "GOP Lawmaker: Our Party Must Take Back the \"Narrative of Hope and Inclusion\"", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This op ed by Congressman Collins\u00a0 (R- Ga.) appeared in the Washington Post on November 30, 2016.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn the months leading to Nov. 8, Americans were searching for a path out of the economic malaise dubbed the Great Recession. More importantly, and perhaps more subtly, they were searching for a compelling, unified picture of what our country stands for and where it\u2019s headed.\r\n\r\n\tVoters from board rooms to factory floors believed that Republican leadership could provide what Democrats have chronically failed to deliver. As the blue wall crumbled, it reminded everyone that support for conservative principles is deep and wide.\r\n\r\n\tSixty-two\u00a0million voters checked the Republican presidential ticket \u2014 giving us our first unified government since 2010. Yet we are a nation of 321 million. So where does America go from here?\r\n\r\n\tSome fear we are quickly falling backward\u2014into inequality, xenophobia, and classism. Others don\u2019t know where we\u2019re headed, but hope that the journey before us offers relief from the weariness of the road we\u2019ve been walking.\r\n\r\n\tEight years ago, Americans invested in a narrative of hope and change that never paid dividends. Health insurance premiums in about half of our states are projected to\u00a0increase by at least 20 percent\u00a0next year. We now owe other nations more than\u00a0$19 trillion dollars.\u00a0People continue to search for good jobs to make ends meet. As our friends and families are beating the pavement, the president gave\u00a0$1.7 billion taxpayer dollars\u00a0to Iran \u2014 the world\u2019s premier state-sponsor of terrorism.\r\n\r\n\tOn the surface, the numbers paint a bleak picture of government efficacy, and I understand why many among us are disillusioned.\r\n\r\n\tAs an incoming member of Republican leadership, I know that my colleagues in the House of Representatives, in the Senate, and at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been charged with demonstrating that we offer a better way forward and that ours is the party of compassion, fairness, and freedom.\r\n\r\n\tRepublicans erred when we allowed our friends across the aisle to hijack the narrative of hope and inclusion. Not only must Congress and the incoming administration put constructive policies in place, but, together, we must tell the story of how a limited government actually reduces limitations on the economic and creative success of every American.\r\n\r\n\tAs the son of a state trooper from the hills of northeast Georgia, I understand that real hope is synonymous with opportunity and that the government\u2019s role is to make room for more and better opportunities for our businesses, our schools, and our communities. All of them.\r\n\r\n\tThe chance for our party to lead our nation comes with the responsibility of proving that the hope we offer them is rooted in reality. Substantive opportunity is found in personal agency that isn\u2019t stymied by an intrusive government.\r\n\r\n\tOur party offers every individual the opportunity to run\u00a0successful businesses according to what they know works, to choose healthcare that meets their needs without draining their bank accounts, to generate ideas and products in an environment that champions creativity, and to speak according to their conscience.\r\n\r\n\tMy Republican colleagues and I will be measured by the work we do on behalf of all 321 million Americans. In the wake of elections and ongoing protests, our first step in serving them is to affirm that universal human dignity undergirds the conservative platform. Freedom remains our rallying cry because we believe that the Bill of Rights is the appropriate, reverent response to the inherent value and autonomy of each individual.\r\n\r\n\tAs we step into a new season in American history, the journey ahead belongs to everyone \u2014 individually and together.\r\n\r\n\tConservatism fights to ensure all people have the opportunity to pursue their dreams on their terms, and it unites us in championing the freedoms that magnify human dignity.\r\n\r\n\tRep. Doug Collins\u00a0(R-Ga.) is vice chair of the House Republican Conference.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=811", "Where Mental Health, Criminal Justice Reform Meet", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This op ed by Congressman Collins (R- Ga.)\u00a0appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution (MyAJC) on December 5, 2016:\r\n\r\n\tThis Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Fred Upton\u2019s 21st Century Cures Act, which has been rightly hailed as a game-changer for medical innovation and patient empowerment. What is less well known, but equally pioneering, is the bill\u2019s approach to mental health reform.\r\n\r\n\tMy friend Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA) authored the Helping Families in Mental Crisis Act, a major piece of the bill\u2019s efforts to comprehensively improve mental health treatment for the first time in half a century. Mr. Murphy\u2019s legislation will improve treatment by ensuring communication among patients, their families, and medical providers while also establishing a policy lab to drive evidence-based grant-making.\r\n\r\n\tThese measures represent tangible steps forward in medical and patient mental health care arenas. Yet today\u2019s mental health crisis extends well beyond the borders of the medical community.\r\n\r\n\tEach year, more than two million mentally ill individuals become residents of our jails, effectively charging correctional officers and court systems with managing mental illness on an epic scale.\r\n\r\n\tWhat I\u2019ve seen in my more than ten years as a legislator is that epic challenges bend only to practical solutions. Since the mental health crisis currently obligates law enforcement, judges, neighbors, taxpayers, and mental health patients themselves to bear the burden of a broken system, any substantive reform has to offer relief across these dimensions.\r\n\r\n\tTo that end, the Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act\u2014which has been incorporated into 21st Century Cures\u2014leverages the expertise of both law enforcement and medical professionals on the ground.\r\n\r\n\tI introduced that legislation, in part, as a result of spending time in local jails and Atlanta\u2019s U.S. Penitentiary, which introduced me to different pieces of this mental health puzzle. I began my visits as part of a commitment to criminal justice reform and learned anew that we\u2019ve locked up\u2014under largely the same terms and conditions\u2014some people who are scary and some people who are sick. The result is that the sick rarely become less ill, but can become more menacing in the absence of treatments that address the mental conditions underlying their actions.\r\n\r\n\tThe first step toward lowering recidivism rates and increasing public safety, then, is distinguishing between willful criminals and those who are sick. Georgia has been a leader in utilizing mental health courts and crisis intervention teams, as well as in customized law enforcement training, which this legislation extends to federal officers and reaffirms for state and local law enforcement. Our officers are often the first to engage mental health sufferers and, with effective training, can navigate these interactions with wisdom while guiding individuals with mental health challenges to appropriate treatment programs.\r\n\r\n\tThe mental health reform in Cures also ensures that local officials who are addressing the mental health epidemic at the community level have the agency to develop solutions for their contexts. I\u2019ve taken insight from our local correctional contexts to Washington and want to continue that trend.\r\n\r\n\tStill, it would be inaccurate to imply that the inspiration and support for this mental health legislation is limited to our state or region. More than 100 organizations have joined the American Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers, and the National Association of Police Organizations in recognizing that this legislation is a boon for the mental health system and public safety at a time when 45-64% of people in correctional facilities across the country show symptoms of a mental health disorder.\r\n\r\n\tThis landmark legislation makes sense in terms of what I call the M&Ms\u2014morality and money\u2014by moving to ensure that people with mental health conditions receive appropriate care and that taxpayer dollars flow to effective rehabilitative and correctional efforts. At the intersection of mental health and criminal justice reform, the House of Representatives has made a path that has prudent, practical, and compassionate outcomes for both causes, and I look forward to the Senate\u2019s joining us in making the Cures Act into twenty-first century law.\r\n\r\n\tU.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Georgia", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-hank-johnson-s-statement-corps-halting-dakota-pipeline", "Congressman Hank Johnsons Statement on Corps Halting Dakota Pipeline", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Hank Johnson", "J000288", "hankjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit for the construction of a key section of the Dakota Access Pipeline, granting a major victory to protesters who have been demonstrating for months. Mr. Johnson sent Defense Secretary Ash Carter a letter Dec. 2 urging the Department of Defense (DOD) to demilitarize the North Dakota police, who have been confronting peaceful protesters using armored vehicles, automatic rifles, sound cannons, concussion grenades, and other offensive military weapons and equipment:\n\u201cWhile suspension of the permit is a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and testament to our commitment to protecting the environment and clean drinking water for all Americans, I am still very concerned about the overly militarized response by law enforcement to the Water Protectors and that the president-elect\u2019s business empire has direct links to the corporations behind the pipeline,\u201d said Johnson.\nJohnson\u2019s letter to Carter requests that the DOD demand the return of more than $3 million in surplus military weapons from North Dakota law enforcement agencies that acquired the equipment through the Pentagon\u2019s 1033 Program (also known as the Defense Department\u2019s Excess Personal Property Program), which has transferred more than $5 billion in military hardware from the Department of Defense to local American law enforcement agencies since 1997.\u00a0\nAs author of the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act, Rep. Johnson is a national leader in the demilitarization of state and local law enforcement.\n\u201cWe must remain extra vigilant to protect American citizens\u2019 right to peaceably assemble,\u201d Johnson said in his letter signed by 13 House colleagues. \u201cBy removing military equipment from local and state enforcement responding to the DAPL protest, the DOD would reaffirm our government\u2019s commitment to these founding ideals and help de-escalate an increasingly volatile situation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/washington-watch-12516-0", "Washington Watch - 12/5/16", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTS\u00a0INVESTMENTS IN DISEASE\u00a0CURES\nThe best votes that I get to make in Congress are the votes that I know will make a difference.\u00a0 Last week, I joined the House in a passing the final version of a bill that the House and Senate have been working on for years, the 21st Century Cures Act.\u00a0 Now, having passed the House with a big bipartisan vote, my hope and expectation is that the Senate will move the bill this week and that President Obama will sign it into law before the end of the month.\nThe Cures Act has three major components.\u00a0 First,\u00a0it invests in the cutting-edge medical research being carried out by the National Institutes of Health like the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Cancer Moonshot, and the BRAIN initiative, to name a few.\u00a0 The billions of new dollars dedicated to these investments are being taken from other lower priority or failing programs and are redirected to Cures.\u00a0 Previous versions of the Cures Act borrowed these dollars or dedicated them to programs subject to abuse and very little oversight.\u00a0 I have worked with the Committee to correct these problems in a way that offers families real hope for cures, offers taxpayers real hope for trillions in lower health care costs if cures can be found, and has been certified by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office to not add a single new dollar of debt to our children or grandchildren\u2019s futures.\nSecond, the Cures Act\u2019s reforms to the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s drug, medical device, and clinical trials processes, break down bureaucratic hurdles that make it more difficult and expensive for researchers to develop and deliver lifesaving drugs and treatments to patients.\u00a0 While this can mean billions of dollars can go into research instead of paperwork, it also means that families with a sick loved one will have access to treatments safely and faster.\u00a0\u00a0\nFinally, the bill also provides funding for states to combat the opioid epidemic.\u00a0 If you know a family that has been touched by this scourge, you know how devastating an opioid addiction can be \u2013 not just on the user, but on the entire family.\u00a0 Washington doesn\u2019t have the answer to the national epidemic, but many American localities have been using innovative programs and ideas that are making a difference in their communities.\u00a0 The Cures Act will support that local successes and help to expand those successes into other communities.\u00a0 The Cures Act marks the largest federal commitment to fighting addiction since Ronald Reagan was President and is providing hope to millions of American families.\nI hope you all will take a minute to read more about the 21st Century Cures Act and then join me in calling on the Senate to pass it right away!\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSTRENGHTHENING CYBER SECURITY RELATIONS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND ISRAEL\nGiven the evolving nature of our national security threats, from state-sponsored hacking to non-state-actor cyberattacks, it is imperative for us to leverage every resource available to tackle this issue head on. That\u2019s why the House passed H.R. 5843, the \u201cUnited States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act,\u201d and H.R. 5877, the \u201cUnited States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act,\u201d creating a grant program incentivizing advances in cybersecurity research and including cyber security technologies in our bilateral effort to combat cyber threats. These bills not only deepen our bond with Israel, but they also encourage cooperation between two of the biggest hubs of cybersecurity research and advancement. I\u2019m proud of the work Representatives John Ratcliffe (R-TX) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) have done to put these bills together, and I\u2019m optimistic that these bills will make our nations more secure.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nHOUSE VOTES TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS\nBy a vote of 375-34, the House approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017 on Friday.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud that this bill includes the biggest pay raise for our troops in six years, ensures our service members have the tools they need to defeat any enemy foolish enough to challenge us, and makes certain that America\u2019s military remains the most capable fighting force the world has ever known. \u00a0This year\u2019s NDAA will ensure that our new Commander-in-Chief and his Secretary of Defense will have all the resources they need to keep Americans safe.\u00a0 I expect that the Senate will pass this bill in short order and that President Obama will sign it into law this month.\n\u00a0\nENSURING COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH REFORM\nFor too many years, Americans erroneously believed that if you needed mental health care you were weak, or crazy, or someone to be pitied. Thankfully, we have come out of that dark time, we know that mental and physical health care are intertwined, and thanks to Congress\u2019 resident mental health expert, Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA), a renowned psychologist, we know that getting proper mental health care is just as important as physical health care.\u00a0There is no shame anymore in taking care of oneself.\u00a0I\u2019m so proud to have joined Dr. Murphy as he has led the charge to make mental health care a national priority and to reform how mental health is delivered in our health care system.\u00a0\nAs part of the 21st Century Cures Act, the House passed portions of Dr. Murphy\u2019s bill, the \u201cHelping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.\u201d With the Cures Act, we are going to help break down barriers to care and ensure that evidence-based mental health care programs are prioritized over the feel-good programs of the past that have shown little achievement. We especially have to prioritize early interventions so that we\u2019re ensuring proper treatment for our young people so that they can avoid the behavioral problems that undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues evolve into later in life. By making mental health care part of the mainstream continuum of care, we are going to improve quality of life for all Americans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSUPPORTING COMMON-SENSE FINANCIAL REGULATION\nThe House took action last week to provide federal regulators with the flexibility to more accurately determine the risk that financial institutions pose to the economy.\u00a0 The bill, H.R. 6391, the \u201cSystemic Risk Designation Improvement Act,\u201d passed the House with bipartisan support and would replace an arbitrary threshold put in place by the Dodd-Frank Act.\u00a0 Under current law, if a financial institution has more than $50 billion in total assets, financial regulators must automatically designate it as systemically important, and such designations, whether appropriate or not, come with a slew of time consuming, costly regulatory compliance requirements.\u00a0 H.R. 6391 would replace Dodd-Frank\u2019s capricious asset threshold with a new test that considers multiple indicators of systemic importance, including the size, interconnectedness, and complexity of financial institutions.\u00a0 I agree with the former Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), who authored Dodd-Frank, the $50 billion asset threshold was a \u201cmistake,\u201d and I was pleased to support this common sense change.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCONGRESS\u2019 COMMON GOAL: PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM TERRORISM\nOften in this recent election season, it\u2019s been easy to see partisanship, but hard to find common ground. The good news is that common ground has been found in the House with the passage last Thursday of H.R.6393, the \u201cIntelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.\u201d This bill, which passed with my support, authorizes critical national security programs that help protect Americans against terrorism and cyberattacks. The bill also calls for increased scrutiny of Russia\u2019s attempts to exert covert influence around the world.\u00a0\nIn our day and age, the Internet and global communication tools are right at our fingertips, and they have resulted in the sharing of ideas and collaboration around the globe. However, in this digitally globally connected world, it is critical that we take the necessary steps to ensure that our great nation is ready to combat cyber-attacks, terrorism, and acts of aggression by foreign powers. Americans around the world today face the most significant threat levels since 9/11. That said, we must do everything in our power to provide the intelligence community with the resources it needs to protect all Americans. H.R.6393 has been sent to the Senate for consideration, and I look forward to working together to send this language to the President for his signature.\n\u00a0\nTHE WEEK AHEAD\nThis week, the House will wrap-up its work for the 2016 year and the 114th Congress will come to a close. But before that happens, we have the opportunity to pass a bill that we\u2019ve been talking about for almost a full year; the final version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). After months of negotiation, this landmark legislation is finally ready to send to the President for his signature, and I\u2019m proud of the work that we\u2019ve done to help Georgia in this bill. We\u2019ll also send a Continuing Resolution that will fund the government until April 2017 to the President\u2019s desk. While I would have preferred us to finish each of the 12 individual appropriations bills this year, we will instead have another opportunity to change our nation\u2019s spending priorities for the better with President-elect Donald Trump in the White House next year.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nSincerely,    \n\tRob Woodall  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397793", "Land-grant HBCUs Seeking Aid from Congress", "2016-12-04", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Diverse Issues in Higher Education, December 4, 2016 Land-grant HBCUs Seeking Aid from Congress ---\r\nby Reginald Stuart\r\nThe nation\u2019s 19 historically Black land-grant colleges (the so-called 1890 HBCUs), are expected this week to have a Congressional hearing on a plan to specifically strengthen the institutions\u2019 financial abilities to provide formal education to minorities and others pursuing studies in the agricultural sciences.\r\nThe full House Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, plans to hear Wednesday morning from two panels \u2014 one of lawmakers and one of university presidents \u2014 about a House resolution (6020) that would provide each of the 19 institutions $1 million a year for five years to fund scholarships for students planning to pursue careers in the field of agriculture.\r\nThe scholarship funds proposal by Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., represent what Scott notes is a \u201cdrop in the bucket\u201d from the billions spent annually by the federal government to help higher education.\r\nStill, he says, there is positive action on the proposal for a variety of reasons. It would come at a crucial time in history, as the ranks of the nation\u2019s agricultural farming and producer population are declining rapidly. The average age of the declining ranks \u2014 60 years old, according to federal population studies \u2014 is getting higher and higher.\r\nScott\u2019s proposal also would give a needed boost to the 1890 colleges, a specific group of public colleges created to fulfill a post-Civil War effort by the government to provide agricultural education training and services to Blacks in 19 states.\r\nThe 1890s have never been funded to address their mission on a comparable basis to their historically White counterparts regardless of the potential size of their target population, federal, state and private research reports say.\r\nThe federal and state funding policies and practices are oft times cited as playing an important role in the demise during the last century of Black farms and Blacks in agriculture.\r\nUntil the 1950s, Blacks were legally barred from attending the historically White land-grant colleges in those states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=565", "Allen Votes to Secure Pay Raise, Needed Funding for Troops", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rick Allen", "A000372", "allen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) voted in favor of the Conference Report to accompany S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. The NDAA is the\u00a0annual legislation which authorizes vital defense spending and sets priorities for America\u2019s military. S. 2943 passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 375-34. Rep. Allen issued the following statement in support: \r\n\u00a0\u201cThe NDAA is a vital piece of legislation and how Congress fulfills its most important responsibility\u2014to provide for the common defense.\r\nNot only does this legislation ensure the readiness and preparedness of our nation\u2019s military, it also secures the largest pay raise for our troops in six years and strengthens military healthcare. \r\nFor Georgia-12, this legislation brings needed funding back home to Fort Gordon as it expands with the Cyber Command relocating to the CSRA. Specifically, the NDAA authorizes over $100 million in military construction for Fort Gordon to ensure finalization of the U.S. Army Cyber Command Complex. \r\nAs a Member of Congress, this legislation is one of the most monumental bills we pass and I am proud each year to cast my vote in favor of it.\u201d \r\n  \r\nS. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Authorizes funding for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Europe\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Prevents the drawdown of the military and bolsters readiness\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides the full 2.1% pay raise for our troops \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Extends critical authorities for our forces overseas and in harm\u2019s way, especially those fighting terrorism across the globe\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Strengthens military healthcare\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Reforms organization of the Department of Defense\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Restores the National Security Council to its original purpose\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Maintains prohibition on the closure of Gitmo and the transfer of detainees to the U.S. \r\n    ####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-applauds-house-passage-of-21st-century-cures-act", "BISHOP APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF 21ST CENTURY CURES ACT", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted in support of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a roll call vote of 392-26 on Wednesday. This bipartisan legislation provides $6.3 billion over 10 years to fund innovative research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), modernize the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and help prevent and treat opioid addiction.\n\"This legislation represents a major bipartisan effort to enhance our country's medical research capabilities and find cures for cancer and other devastating conditions,\u201d said Congressman Bishop. \"Further, it recognizes the importance of treating opioid addiction as the national health issue it is, and will provide impacted communities, families, and individuals the necessary resources to treat this threat.\"\nThe legislation provides $4.8 billion to fund three major biomedical research priorities. This includes the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative (BRAIN Initiative), and the Cancer Moonshot, an initiative by Vice President Joe Biden to find a cure for cancer.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also allocates $1 billion combat the prescription opioid epidemic by improving monitoring programs for prescription drugs, enhancing access to treatment and recovery programs, and training mental health care providers.\nFinally, the 21st Century Cures Act addresses innovation and modernization within the FDA and provides $500 million over the next 10 years to streamline access to necessary drugs and medical devices.\nThe legislation has now been sent to the Senate for further consideration. For more information on H.R. 34, or to track its progress, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398689", "Rep. Tom Graves Votes to Give Troops a Pay Raise, Strengthen Georgias Contribution to our National Defense", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tom Graves Votes to Give Troops a Pay Raise, Strengthen Georgia\u2019s Contribution to our National Defense\n                      \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            December 2, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Conference Report to accompany S. 2943, legislation that fixed differences between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, annual legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense: \u201cTo effectively protect our nation, we must have the strongest, most advanced military in the world. That means recruiting the best and brightest to serve in the Armed Forces and honoring their commitment and sacrifice. Today we honored their service by passing legislation authorizing a well-deserved pay raise. After more than a decade of continuous combat operations, our servicemembers and their families have endured long deployments, trying circumstances and many sleepless nights. While we can never fully repay these brave men and women, this raise helps honor their service. \u00a0 \u201cThe bill also strengthens Georgia\u2019s contribution to our national defense by prohibiting the retirement of a critical radar system and aircraft, known as the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), which is stationed at Robins Air Force Base. Additionally, the bill authorizes more funding for cyber defense, including for the Army Cyber Command missions located at Fort Gordon. Finally, it authorizes a study on the possibility of restarting production of the F-22 Raptor, which would likely be manufactured in Marietta, Georgia.\u201dS. 2943 passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 375 to 34. The National Defense Authorization Act has been passed on an annual basis for more than 50 straight years.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-austin-scott-supports-trump-s-pick-secretary-defense", "Congressman Austin Scott Supports Trumps pick for Secretary of Defense", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the statement commending President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of General James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense:\n\u201cOur country needs a leader at the Department of Defense who will support our warfighters and strengthen our national security, and General Jim Mattis is an excellent selection for Secretary of Defense,\u201d said Congressman Austin Scott, House Armed Services Committee Member and representative for Robins and Moody Air Force Bases.\u00a0 \u201cWell-qualified and well-respected by members of the defense community, General Mattis will lead the charge on rebuilding our military, combatting the spread of terrorism, and deterring the aggression of rogue states and non-state actors, like ISIL. \n\u201cAs a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with General Mattis and the Trump administration to ensure our warfighters have the resources they need to keep Americans safe.\u201d\nAlthough the Senate is solely responsible for confirming presidential nominees, General Mattis is within the 7-year window that prohibits service as secretary. Therefore, both the House Armed Services Committee, on which Congressman Austin Scott is the only Republican Member from Georgia to serve, and Senate Armed Services Committee must pass legislation to waive the prohibition. \u00a0Congressman Scott would be supportive of such legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/defense-bill-supports-robins-moody-sent-president-s-desk", "Defense Bill that supports Robins, Moody sent to the Presidents Desk", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), representing Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA and Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA, today praised the U.S. House of Representatives on passing the defense bill that will fund our military, prevent the drawdown of our troops, and provide resources for Georgia\u2019s military installations.\nS. 2943, the Conference Report to accompany the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 375 to 34 and now heads to President Obama\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\u00a0\u201cAs Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to provide for our nation\u2019s defense, and passing the National Defense Authorization Act is an important part of this duty as it authorizes needed resources for our warfighters and stops the drawdown our troops,\u201d said Congressman Austin Scott, the only Republican Member from Georgia of the House Armed Services Committee. \n\u201cOn the House Armed Services Committee, our goal was to implement reforms without compromising our military\u2019s capability to be prepared for the national security challenges we face, which include growing terrorist threats and instability in many areas of the globe. This vital legislation addresses those challenges by ensuring our men and women in uniform have the very best training and weapons systems they need to protect our country.\u00a0 For the past 54 years, Congress has passed a NDAA, and the House continued its part in that process today.\u201d\nAs the only Republican from Georgia on the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Scott was instrumental in fighting on behalf of Georgia\u2019s military installations during the Committee\u2019s markup of the NDAA.\n\u201cI am pleased that the final version of the NDAA included a bipartisan amendment I introduced in the Committee markup to delay the retirement of Robins Air Force Base\u2019s JSTARS, keeping this vital fleet in the air. This year\u2019s bill also builds on our prior victories the last two years to keep the invaluable A-10C Warthog, flown out of Moody Air Force Base, in action,\u201d Scott said. \u201cIt is an honor to serve as a voice for Robins and Moody on the committee, and I applaud the House for their focus on supporting and protecting our service men and women and their families.\u201d\nThe NDAA authorizes funding for our nation\u2019s military, including $619 billion in national defense funding.\u00a0 This bill helps to correct the funding shortfalls that have led to a lack of readiness and to a heightened level of risk to our troops and our security. The legislation stops cuts to our Armed Forces, provides the largest pay raise for our troops in six years at 2.1% while President Obama only requested a 1.8% raise, and rejects a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) for FY2017.\nCongressman Scott\u2019s Effectiveness during the Mark Up Process:\nCongressman Scott worked extensively with the Committee on continued efforts to acquire a new JSTARS fleet and successfully retained recapitalization program language in the base text, which fully funds the program at $128 million for fiscal year 2017.\u00a0 Additionally, Congressman Scott offered three amendments which were included in the National Defense Authorization Act.\u00a0 The first extends current law prohibiting the retirement of the E-8C JSTARS from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2018.\u00a0\nCongressman Scott offered his second amendment with the support of members of the Depot Caucus.\u00a0 This amendment removed proposed language from the NDAA that would have had a detrimental effect on the Air Force depot community\u2019s C-130 maintenance and modernization work load. The removed language would have potentially shifted work from the Air Force depots, undermining depot capability to efficiently execute the required maintenance.\u00a0\nThe last amendment offered by Congressman Scott would prevent changing of the current definition of a Commercial Item.\u00a0 The proposed change would have harmed the workforce at depots, including Robins Air Force base.\nThe NDAA is good for Georgia and the Eighth Congressional District:\nIn addition to prohibiting the retirement of the A-10C Warthog, which continues to provide the important close air support capability that is essential to our nation\u2019s defense, this legislation invested in operations and maintenance for the fleet.\u00a0 Additionally, Moody Air Force Base was authorized for $30 million for an aircraft hangar. \nThe NDAA also included several provisions that will strengthen Georgia\u2019s military installations.\u00a0 Congressman Scott supported two provisions that will enable hiring authorities to fill crucial positions within the depot and wider technical communities with talented employees in a timely manner. These provisions will also allow the Air Force to better compete with the private sector and leverage technical skills to stay ahead of global competitors.\u00a0\nAdditionally, the NDAA authorizes a study on the feasibility to bring the F-22 back into production.\u00a0 Original production for the F-22 occurred in Marietta, GA, and restarting the line would have significant positive economic impact on the state of Georgia. This legislation also allows Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) to become a standalone combatant command; this would give Ft. Gordon increased independence, flexibility, and authority to execute national cyber missions.\nTo read more about the FY2017 NDAA, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7A5B3461-5C41-47D8-81DF-90CCC3FE14FF", "Congressman Austin Scott Supports Trump\u2019s pick for Secretary of Defense", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", "austinscott", "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the statement commending President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of General James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense:\n\n\u201cOur country needs a leader at the Department of Defense who will support our warfighters and strengthen our national security, and General Jim Mattis is an excellent selection for Secretary of Defense,\u201d said Congressman Austin Scott, House Armed Services Committee Member and representative for Robins and Moody Air Force Bases. \u201cWell-qualified and well-respected by members of the defense community, General Mattis will lead the charge on rebuilding our military, combatting the spread of terrorism, and deterring the aggression of rogue states and non-state actors, like ISIL.\n\n\u201cAs a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with General Mattis and the Trump administration to ensure our warfighters have the resources they need to keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\nAlthough the Senate is solely responsible for confirming presidential nominees, General Mattis is within the 7-year window that prohibits service as secretary. Therefore, both the House Armed Services Committee, on which Congressman Austin Scott is the only Republican Member from Georgia to serve, and Senate Armed Services Committee must pass legislation to waive the prohibition. Congressman Scott would be supportive of such legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C62DB9E5-82CE-483B-885E-5C9F8B5B2B98", "Defense Bill that supports Robins, Moody sent to the President\u2019s Desk", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", "austinscott", "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), representing Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA and Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA, today praised the U.S. House of Representatives on passing the defense bill that will fund our military, prevent the drawdown of our troops, and provide resources for Georgia\u2019s military installations.\n\nS. 2943, the Conference Report to accompany the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 375 to 34 and now heads to President Obama\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cAs Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to provide for our nation\u2019s defense, and passing the National Defense Authorization Act is an important part of this duty as it authorizes needed resources for our warfighters and stops the drawdown our troops,\u201d said Congressman Austin Scott, the only Republican Member from Georgia of the House Armed Services Committee.\n\n\u201cOn the House Armed Services Committee, our goal was to implement reforms without compromising our military\u2019s capability to be prepared for the national security challenges we face, which include growing terrorist threats and instability in many areas of the globe. This vital legislation addresses those challenges by ensuring our men and women in uniform have the very best training and weapons systems they need to protect our country. For the past 54 years, Congress has passed a NDAA, and the House continued its part in that process today.\u201d\n\nAs the only Republican from Georgia on the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Scott was instrumental in fighting on behalf of Georgia\u2019s military installations during the Committee\u2019s markup of the NDAA.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the final version of the NDAA included a bipartisan amendment I introduced in the Committee markup to delay the retirement of Robins Air Force Base\u2019s JSTARS, keeping this vital fleet in the air. This year\u2019s bill also builds on our prior victories the last two years to keep the invaluable A-10C Warthog, flown out of Moody Air Force Base, in action,\u201d Scott said. \u201cIt is an honor to serve as a voice for Robins and Moody on the committee, and I applaud the House for their focus on supporting and protecting our service men and women and their families.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA authorizes funding for our nation\u2019s military, including $619 billion in national defense funding. This bill helps to correct the funding shortfalls that have led to a lack of readiness and to a heightened level of risk to our troops and our security. The legislation stops cuts to our Armed Forces, provides the largest pay raise for our troops in six years at 2.1% while President Obama only requested a 1.8% raise, and rejects a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) for FY2017.\n\nCongressman Scott\u2019s Effectiveness during the Mark Up Process:\n\nCongressman Scott worked extensively with the Committee on continued efforts to acquire a new JSTARS fleet and successfully retained recapitalization program language in the base text, which fully funds the program at $128 million for fiscal year 2017. Additionally, Congressman Scott offered three amendments which were included in the National Defense Authorization Act. The first extends current law prohibiting the retirement of the E-8C JSTARS from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2018.\n\nCongressman Scott offered his second amendment with the support of members of the Depot Caucus. This amendment removed proposed language from the NDAA that would have had a detrimental effect on the Air Force depot community\u2019s C-130 maintenance and modernization work load. The removed language would have potentially shifted work from the Air Force depots, undermining depot capability to efficiently execute the required maintenance.\n\nThe last amendment offered by Congressman Scott would prevent changing of the current definition of a Commercial Item. The proposed change would have harmed the workforce at depots, including Robins Air Force base.\n\nThe NDAA is good for Georgia and the Eighth Congressional District:\n\nIn addition to prohibiting the retirement of the A-10C Warthog, which continues to provide the important close air support capability that is essential to our nation\u2019s defense, this legislation invested in operations and maintenance for the fleet. Additionally, Moody Air Force Base was authorized for $30 million for an aircraft hangar.\n\nThe NDAA also included several provisions that will strengthen Georgia\u2019s military installations. Congressman Scott supported two provisions that will enable hiring authorities to fill crucial positions within the depot and wider technical communities with talented employees in a timely manner. These provisions will also allow the Air Force to better compete with the private sector and leverage technical skills to stay ahead of global competitors.\n\nAdditionally, the NDAA authorizes a study on the feasibility to bring the F-22 back into production. Original production for the F-22 occurred in Marietta, GA, and restarting the line would have significant positive economic impact on the state of Georgia. This legislation also allows Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) to become a standalone combatant command; this would give Ft. Gordon increased independence, flexibility, and authority to execute national cyber missions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=809", "Collins Helps Finance National Defense, Combat Extremism", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today Congressman Doug Collins (R- Ga.)\u00a0helped the House of Representatives pass the FY17 NDAA Conference Report by an overwhelming margin of 375-34. This vital legislation authorizes a total of $619 billion to measures that provide for America\u2019s common defense. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWhile the president has sought to reduce our military capacity, today\u2019s vote reverses that trend by authorizing $3.2 billion in readiness stabilization measures and providing service members with the better pay and health care access they deserve,\u201d says Collins.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis NDAA also strengthens our fight against radical Islamic forces by keeping Guantanamo Bay operational and its prisoners off American soil. The House took further steps today to provide foreign security forces with resources to combat ISIS and to support our allies in Europe as they counter Russian acts of aggression or interference.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe Senate is expected to vote on the conference agreement next week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=991", "Hice Praises the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Jody Hice", "H001071", "hice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, with the support of Congressman Hice. This legislation authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and includes important national security policies. Congressman Hice released the following statement after the passage of the bill:\r\nIn recent years, America's national security capabilities have been hampered and hollowed out by the unwillingness of the President to properly address the threats facing our Nation. Today's passage of the FY'17 NDAA takes significant steps toward rebuilding our military by restoring vital funding, modernizing equipment, increasing the end strength of our Armed Forces, and providing our warfighters with a full pay raise. It also maintains strict prohibitions on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees to American soil and prevents a new round of base realignment and closure.\r\nI'm pleased that the FY'17 NDAA elevates U.S. Cyber Command to a full combatant command and authorizes vital funding to Fort Gordon's cyber protection team ops facility, company operations facility, and medical clinic replacement. Our Nation is facing an increasingly diverse number of threats, and it is critically important that our military readiness is up to par to defend our interests at home and abroad. I'm proud to vote in favor of legislation that improves our military's strength. \r\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://loudermilk.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=951", "Loudermilk Supports U.S. Military Pay Increase", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Barry Loudermilk", "L000583", "loudermilk.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Loudermilk Supports U.S. Military Pay Increase \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 2, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after supporting the U.S. military through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):Our military is the finest in the world  they fight for us, spill blood for us, and even die for us. Their sacrifice and commitment exemplifies their loyalty to our country, and in turn, we must provide them with the tools, materials and support they need. We also must provide for the personal needs of those preserving our freedom. That's why I voted today to increase their pay by 2.1 percent. This legislation also keeps the world's most dangerous terrorists out of our backyards, isolated at Guantanamo Bay. Helping tighten readiness gaps, upgrading equipment and tools, and offering better healthcare to our troops are also included in this NDAA package. To read and learn more about the National Defense Authorization Act, S. 2943, click HERE.  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=8E2793F7-195B-4471-82FD-D0DBD7F6350F", "e-Newsletter for the week ending December 2, 2016", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nThis week, by a vote of 97-0, the Senate passed the ECHO Act, to help improve the delivery of healthcare in rural and underserved areas. I was proud to support this important legislation.\r\nMaintaining Key Sanctions on Iran  I am pleased that yesterday the Senate unanimously passed the Iran Sanctions Extension Act to hold Iran accountable for its attempts to threaten the United States and destabilize the Middle East. The bill extends sanctions on Tehran that would otherwise expire on Dec. 31, 2016.\r\nMaintaining sanctions against Iran is just one step to make certain the U.S. keeps any worthwhile leverage against this anti-American regime. I look forward to working with the new administration and the 115th Congress to review our comprehensive policy on Iran.\r\nThis Week in the Senate  We also spent part of the week working on legislation that will help find cures for diseases to help drastically improve lives in the 21st century. On Wednesday, I spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of the 21st Century Cures Act. This legislation contains multiple provisions that I have fought for that will benefit Georgians and all American families.\r\nA few highlights include:\r\n \r\nAn extension of a program to continue to spur investment in the development of therapies for rare pediatric diseases,\u00a0\r\nThe creation of a registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help advance research on neurological diseases,\r\nMedicare coverage for home infusion therapy services, and\u00a0\r\nAn exemption that will allow the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to continue to provide world class care for patients suffering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.\r\n \r\nGeorgia Defense News  It was announced this week that the U.S. Army will create a new Armor Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart. This addition will be the second Armor Brigade Combat team located at Fort Stewart and will highlight Georgia\u2019s role in our nation's ability to project power and provide security assurance to our allies. The conversion is set to begin in summer 2017.\r\nGeorgia's Dr. Tom Price Nominated to Lead U.S. HHS   It was announced this week that President-elect Trump will nominate U.S. Representative Tom Price, M.D., R-Ga.-06, as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Tom Price is a true leader in Congress and an exceptional choice for this role. With his background as a practicing physician, Tom will bring real world experience and a single-minded focus on the needs of patients as we begin to replace Obamacare and implement free-market principles that will increase choice and lower the cost of health care for families and businesses.\r\nWhat's On Tap?\r\nNext week, the Senate will vote on the 21st Century Cures Act. The Senate will also take up the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense bill that paves the way for funding for many of Georgia's defense priorities.\r\nAdditionally, I am keeping a close eye on Georgia interests as final negotiations on the conference report to work out differences between the U.S. House- and U.S. Senate passed versions of the Water Resources Development Act advance toward a final vote, as well as on legislation to fund the federal government into next year. The current government funding authorization expires on Dec. 9, 2016.\r\nSincerely,   Johnny Isakson", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-discusses-the-future-of-the-supreme-court", "Senator David Perdue Discusses The Future Of The Supreme Court", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397792", "House Committee to Hold Hearing on Scott Legislation to Provide $19 Million for 1890s Land-Grant University Student Scholarships", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) and Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.\u00a0issued the following statements upon the announcement of the House Committee on Agriculture hearing on Scott\u2019s bipartisan bill H.R. 6020, the Funding for Student Scholarships for the 1890 Land-Grant African-American Colleges and Universities Act.\u00a0 \u201cThere is a tremendous need to increase the number of young African-Americans seeking careers in agriculture,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cAnd there is a tremendous crisis in this country given the average age of farmers in the United States is 60 years of age and continues to rise. H.R. 6020 will expand the permitted uses of federal funds awarded to 1890s-universities from research, education and extension to also include scholarship grants.\u00a0 This bill will award $1 million in grant funding to each of the 19 public land-grant universities for scholarships to help African-American students who commit to pursuing careers in agriculture and help tackle the national crisis posed by the aging farmer and producer population in the United States.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThe Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is pleased to endorse and advocate for H.R. 6020\u201d said Mr. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. \u201cTMCF appreciates Congressman David Scott (D-GA) for his leadership and work to secure much needed funding to support 1890s \u2013 HBCU Land Grant Institutions as well as students pursuing careers in the agribusiness sector and related sciences.\u00a0 Careers in the agricultural sciences are part of our nation\u2019s overall STEM workforce and are truly needed.\u00a0 We are committed to working with Congressman Scott and other members to move this bill in the 115th Congress and applaud Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) for supporting the upcoming hearing on H.R. 6020.\u201dWHAT:\u00a0 Committee on Agriculture Hearing entitled \u201c1890 Land-Grant Institutions: Recruitment Challenges and Scholarship Opportunities.\u201d The Committee hearing will feature two panels.\u00a0 For the first panel, Congressman Scott along with Representatives Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), both original co-sponsors of H.R. 6020, will address the Committee. The second panel will include statements from the following three 1890s-university presidents: Dr. Cynthia Hammond, Central University; Dr. Paul Jones, Fort Valley State University; and Dr. Juliette Bell, University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The presidents will address the challenges their institutions have faced in recruiting African-American students to agricultural careers.WHEN:\u00a0 Wednesday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. WHERE:\u00a0 1300 Longworth House Office Building Background:\r\nCosponsors of H.R. 6020 include: Rep. Kevin Cramer [R-ND]; Rep. Marcia Fudge [D-OH]; Rep. Brad Ashford [D-NE]; Rep. Mia Love [R-UT]; Rep. Gwen Graham [D-FL]; Rep. Alma Adams [D-NC]; Rep. Pete Sessions [R-TX and Chair of the House Rules Committee]; Rep. Emanuel Cleaver [D-MO]; Rep. Bobby Scott [D-VA]; Rep. Mark Takano [D-CA]; and Rep. Tim Ryan [D-OH].The nineteen 1890s Land-Grant universities are: Alabama A&M University; Alcorn State University; Central State University; Delaware State University; Florida A&M University; Fort Valley State University; Kentucky State University; Langston University; Lincoln University; North Carolina A&T State University; Prairie View A&M University; South Carolina State University; Southern University System; Tennessee State University; Tuskegee University; University of Arkansas Pine Bluff; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Virginia State University; and West Virginia State University.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://loudermilk.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=949", "Loudermilk Works to Peel Back Dodd-Frank Regulations", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Barry Loudermilk", "L000583", "loudermilk.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Loudermilk Works to Peel Back Dodd-Frank Regulations \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 1, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after voting to repeal a portion of Dodd-Frank:The more bureaucrats pile on excessive bank regulations, the worse our economy gets. Dodd-Frank has served two purposes - to destroy American financial institutions, and to drain the pockets of hardworking Americans. Overly rigid government regulations stifle job growth by restricting the flow of capital from banks, causing them to focus on compliance rather than customer service. That's why I strongly support this action. We need common sense reforms that put Americans back in the driver's seat and foster a healthy economy that works for us, not against us. Background The Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016, H.R. 6392, significantly reforms one of the most damaging aspects of Dodd-Frank. The bill enacts a five-part standard to better define which financial institutions are considered 'too big to fail.' The current broad standard of $50 billion includes institutions that would otherwise not fit within the 'too big to fail' category, but are susceptible to the regulations designed for mega financial institutions.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=C6C55E9C-4272-481B-A77F-45E610A42CD0", "Isakson: Iran Sanctions Extension Holds Iran Accountable", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today joined a unanimous 99-0 vote of the Senate to pass the Iran Sanctions Extension Act to hold Iran accountable for its attempts to threaten the United States and destabilize the Middle East. The bill extends sanctions on Tehran that would otherwise expire on Dec. 31, 2016.\r\n\u201cThis legislation is a no-brainer, and will help hold Iran\u2019s feet to the fire,\u201d said Isakson, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. \u201cMaintaining sanctions against Iran is just one step to make certain the U.S. keeps any worthwhile leverage against this anti-American regime. I look forward to working with the new administration and the 115th Congress to review our comprehensive policy on Iran.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSpecifically, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, H.R.6297, will reauthorize the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2026. The extension is critical in ensuring that United States can continue to sanction the Iranian regime for terrorism and weapons of mass destruction proliferation.\u00a0\r\nThroughout the negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal, the Obama administration made it clear that the deal would only provide relief from nuclear-related sanctions.\u00a0Extending the sanctions also provides the legal grounds for the United States to utilize so called \u201csnap back sanctions\u201d in the event that Iran violates the deal.\r\nThe legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 15, 2016, by a vote of 419-1. It will now go to the president\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\nIran, the largest state sponsor of terror, continues to fund its proxies throughout the region and has performed several ballistic missile tests since signing the deal in 2015.\u00a0Isakson believes we must continue to pressure Iran to end its provocative and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East.\r\nIsakson has taken multiple steps to increase pressure on Iran for its abuses. In March, Isakson introduced the Iran Terrorism and Human Rights Sanctions Act of 2016 to further penalize Iran though new sanctions for multiple abuses involving terrorism and human rights violations.\r\nIsakson has fought against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the official name of President Obama\u2019s weakly negotiated nuclear agreement with Iran, and the senator has voted to reject the implementation of the deal last year.\r\nOn December 17, 2015, Isakson grilled key Obama administration officials in a Senate Foreign Relations hearing regarding implementation of the president\u2019s nuclear agreement with Iran, restating his concerns that the United States negotiated away all of its leverage to enforce accountability against Iran by ending existing sanctions and removing the ability to impose sanctions in the future.\r\nIsakson pointed out even then that his concerns had already come to pass following Iran\u2019s ballistic missile tests on Oct. 10, 2015, and Nov. 21, 2015. The administration took no action despite President Obama\u2019s many promises that so-called \u201csnap back\u201d sanctions remain an option.\r\nIran, the largest state sponsor of terror, continues to push the boundaries with yet another ballistic missile test in early March 2016. Isakson believes we must continue to put pressure on Iran to end its provocative and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East.\r\nAlso in December 2015, Isakson sent a letter to President Obama expressing his concerns over the administration\u2019s lack of response to Iran\u2019s blatant disregard for its international obligations and Iran\u2019s willingness to advance its intercontinental ballistic missile program that could enable delivery of a nuclear weapon.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-statement-on-extension-of-iran-sanctions-act", "Senator David Perdue Statement On Extension Of Iran Sanctions Act", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=560", "Allen Supports Bipartisan Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rick Allen", "A000372", "allen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Allen Supports Bipartisan Cures Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 30, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, the House passed The 21st Century Cures Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation modernizes our healthcare infrastructure, bringing it into the 21st century by accelerating the cycle of discovering, developing and delivering new cures and treatments. The Cures Act ensures America continues to remain at the forefront of biomedical innovation. This legislation passed the House by a vote of 392-26. Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) released the following statement in support: \r\n\u201cToday Congress made history for the millions of Americans living with and fighting diseases. By passing the Cures Act, we can finally bring our healthcare innovation and infrastructure into the 21st Century\u2014where it belongs. By removing the bureaucratic barriers and red tape surrounding the regulatory process, we can bridge the gap between the science of cures and the way we regulate these therapies. \r\nWe must keep America at the forefront of medical innovation and bring hope to patients and their loved ones across America by delivering lifesaving and life improving therapies\u2014 the 21st Century Cures Act does just that.\u201d\u00a0 \r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Accelerates the discovery, development and delivery of new treatments and cures for patients by:\r\n    \r\n        \r\n        Streamlining and improving the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) review of life-saving drugs\r\n        \r\n        \r\n        Modernizing clinical trials and removing regulatory uncertainty for development of new medical applications\r\n        \r\n        \r\n        Supporting and investing in the next generation of scientists\r\n        \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides $4.8 billion over the next 10 years to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for critical medicine research programs and initiatives \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides $500 million\u00a0to the FDA over the next 10 years to accelerate the delivery of medical devices and drugs to patients more quickly\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides $1 billion over the next two years for grants to states to combat opioid abuse and supplement prevention and treatment \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Includes two other important provisions:\r\n    \r\n        \r\n        Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reforms Act which assists individuals and their families in mental health crisis and addresses the needs of Americans with a\u00a0 substance abuse order\r\n        \r\n        \r\n        Increasing Choice, Access and Quality in Health Care for Americans Act which includes several bipartisan bills in the House Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee that moved through regular order in the House and Senate \r\n        \r\n    \r\n    \r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n####\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1343", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Applaud Army Announcement For Fort Stewart", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., and U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, R-Ga.-01, today applauded the decision by the U.S. Army to create a new Armor Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Ga.The Army will convert 3rd Infantry Division\u2019s 2nd Brigade Combat Team to an Armor Brigade Combat team. The conversion is set to begin in summer 2017. This will be the second Armor Brigade Combat team located at Fort Stewart. Currently there are nine active duty Armor Brigade Combat Teams and five National Guard Armor Brigade Combat Teams stationed throughout the United States.\u201cThe addition of another Armor Brigade Combat Team to Fort Stewart\u2019s 3rd Infantry Division continues to highlight Georgia\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s ability to project power and provide security assurance to our allies,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThis decision by the U.S. Army underscores our ability to host critical strategic assets capable of deterrence around the world.\u201d\u201cThe Army\u2019s announcement is great news and exhibits a continued commitment to our nation\u2019s defense capabilities in Georgia,\u201d said Perdue. \u201cThe additional armored brigade at Fort Stewart provides us with a more lethal army, increasing our ability to counter the rise of Russian aggression against our European allies as well as other threats around the globe. This is a testament to the proficiency and growing capability of all the dedicated military and civilian personnel at Fort Stewart.\u201d\u201cThis announcement is great news for our community as well as our national security as it strengthens the capabilities of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart,\u201d said Carter. \"As the threats we face around the world continue to increase and evolve, the additional Armored Brigade Combat team will be critical in addressing them. Without question, this decision is a direct reflection of the great work of the fine men and women on post. Fort Stewart remains one of the premier Army installations in the nation, and I will continue to work to ensure Fort Stewart keeps growing.\u201dAs the security situation in Europe continues to deteriorate, the U.S. Department of Defense is reassessing its posture and ability to respond to those threats. Due to basing decisions and budget constraints, the U.S. no longer has permanent armor assets, such as tanks, stationed in Europe.To accommodate for this deficit, Regionally Aligned Forces were established to provide the United States and our allies with additional security assurance by rotating forces through Europe and other areas of the world. The 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Stewart recently returned home from the Regionally Aligned Forces mission in October where they participated in joint exercises with NATO partner nations in response to Russia\u2019s actions in the Ukraine.Growing threats from near-peer adversaries in Europe and elsewhere around the world have increased the demand for additional armored units to defend U.S. interests and our allies. The Army\u2019s conversion of the Armor Brigade Combat team at Fort Stewart brings the total number of Armor Brigade Combat units located throughout the United States to 15.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=989", "Hice Veterans\u2019 Educational Bill Passes House", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Jody Hice", "H001071", "hice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hice Veterans\u2019 Educational Bill Passes House \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 30, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5047, the Protecting Veterans\u2019 Educational Choice Act, a bill sponsored by Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) by a vote of 411 \u2013 3. This legislation will empower student-veterans seeking to advance their education and will provide them with guidance from institutions of higher learning if they choose to transfer from one college or university to another. Congressman Hice released the following statement in response to the passage of the bill:\r\n\u201cOur warfighters are our Nation\u2019s most valuable assets, and this should remain the case when they step back into civilian life. Unfortunately, simply due to a lack of information and counseling, many of our heroes struggle with educational opportunities when they return home.\u00a0\r\nBy providing our student-veterans with the right resources, H.R. 5047 will help them acquire the education and training needed to begin a new career after leaving the military. With the passage of the Protecting Veterans\u2019 Educational Choice Act, we are working to address the flaws in the system to ensure that our veterans have the information they need to make the best decision possible for themselves and their families.\u201d\r\n##\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398688", "Rep. Tom Graves Re-Elected to Powerful House Republican Steering Committee", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Garrett Hawkins\n                        202-225-5211\n                    \n            \n        \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        \n        \n            \n                \n                    Rep. Tom Graves Re-Elected to Powerful House Republican Steering Committee\n                    \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            November 30, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) last night was unanimously re-elected by Georgia and South Carolina House Republicans to the powerful House Republican Steering Committee, a 32-member committee that determines Republican members\u2019 committee assignments and selects committee chairmen. Rep. Graves was elected to the committee as Region 4 Representative, which consists of Georgia and South Carolina.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be re-elected by Georgia and our region to the House Republican Steering Committee at such an exciting time,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cAs the House, Senate and White House work hard next Congress to enact conservative reforms, I\u2019ll continue serving on the Steering Committee as a strong voice for our region\u2019s interests.\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://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1344", "Carter Praises Passage of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Carter Praises Passage of 21st Century Cures Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 30, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter (GA-01) today praised passage of the 21st Century Cures Act by the United States House of Representatives to pave the way for the next generation of disease cures and treatments.  \"This legislation is a game-changer in the way we treat disease,\" said Carter. \"As a life long health care professional, I've seen diseases devastate the lives of far too many who came into my pharmacy. We've all been affected by disease in some way. Fortunately, health care innovation is better than ever before and groundbreaking medical breakthroughs are happening all around us. Unfortunately, our laws and agencies can't keep up preventing these incredible discoveries from reaching patients. That is why the legislation passed today is so important. Cures will break through these barriers allowing the development and delivery of new treatments and cures.\" The 21st Century Cures Act will:\r\n \r\n    Remove barriers to increased research collaboration;\r\n    Incorporate the patient prospective into the drug development and regulatory review process;\r\n    Identify diseases earlier through personalized medicine;\r\n    Modernize clinical trials;\r\n    Fund the cancer moonshot initiative;\r\n    Provide new incentives for the development of drugs for rare diseases, and;\r\n    Help the entire biomedical ecosystem coordinate more efficiently to find faster cures.\r\n \r\n\"Disease does not discriminate by political party and this legislation was crafted by the hard work of members from both sides of the aisle,\" said Carter. \"I am proud to support this critical, bipartisan legislation today because families across the country deserve access to the best treatments and Cures will ensure that is possible.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dougcollins.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=808", "House Passes 21st Century Cures Act, Includes Collins Mental Health Reform Bill", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Doug Collins", "C001093", "dougcollins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, the House passed the 21st Century Cures Act to accelerate medical innovation, empower patients to take part in development efforts, and reform mental health care. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce worked across the aisle and with the medical community to develop the legislation.\r\n\r\n\t21st Century Cures models its mental health reform on Congressman Tim Murphy\u2019s (R- Pa.)\u00a0Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and includes language from Congressman Doug Collins\u2019 (R- Ga.)\u00a0Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act. The Senate passed companion legislation for the Mental Health Act last year.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe ongoing mental health crisis affects all of our communities, and we designed this legislation to bring relief to a system in which jails care for more mental health patients than medical facilities do,\u201d says Collins.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cBy supporting mental health courts and intervention teams and increasing training for law enforcement officers who are often the first to engage individuals with mental health conditions, we can better identify and treat people with these illnesses. The common-sense approach to mental health treatment complements criminal justice reform efforts and ultimately serves the law enforcement community, over-burdened court systems, mental health sufferers, and the taxpayers whose money goes to public health and safety measures.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Collins and Senator Al Franken (D- Minn.) have been collaborating to address mental health issues as part of criminal justice reform measures since 2015, bringing legislation to the table in both houses.\r\n\r\n\tThe Senate HELP Committee has passed several individual companion bills to the Cures Act and is expected to vote on a package next week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=990", "Hice Applauds the Passage of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Jody Hice", "H001071", "hice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, by a vote of 392  26. This legislation is a comprehensive healthcare package that will expedite the discovery, development, and delivery of medical treatments and cures. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this bill is entirely offset and paid for. Additionally, it does not change or raise the budgetary caps in current law. Congressman Hice released the following statement after the passage of the bill:\r\nNearly all of us have been affected by or know someone dealing with a debilitating disease like cancer, Alzheimer's, or Cystic Fibrosis. The 21st Century Cures Act will invest in cutting-edge medical and technological breakthroughs to help deliver better, more personalized care for patients and their families. Simply put, harnessing scientific collaboration will improve the way we fight diseases and increase access to quality treatments.\r\nFurthermore, this initiative removes regulatory barriers that have continually thwarted medical researchers, providers, and innovators. It also works to combat the scourge of opioid abuse and improves our Nation's mental health system. Advancing our healthcare innovation infrastructure is vital to future generations, and I am proud to vote in favor of legislation that will better the lives of Georgians and Americans across the country.\r\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/floor-and-committee-statements?ContentRecord_id=F337989A-4AD8-4DC9-9FEE-7F9DBED4C35E", "Floor Speech on the 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cAs a 71-year-old citizen of this country, one who\u2019s been in business, been fortunate to be married 49 years to a wonderful woman, raised a family, one who has been involved in public life for 40 years, you learn that there are three kinds of people in the world: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what is happening.\r\n\u201cWe have a chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Lamar Alexander who is one of those people who makes things happen. What we\u2019re going to do on the [21st Century] Cures bill in this body in the next week is nothing short of remarkable, but it is an example of somebody who cares and who is willing to do the hard work of legislating is able to bring about.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a bill which incorporates many of the provisions of this administration, members of this Senate, things that have been worked on for years in the United States Senate and things that will save and improve lives in America.\r\n\u201cFor me, it\u2019s personal. It\u2019s personal for two or three reasons. One [of those reasons] is the pediatric review provision. You know, in 2005, I met a young lady named Alexa Rohrbach. Alexa was five years old when I met her, and she came to me about finding cures for incurable diseases and cancers. She had one: Neuroblastoma. She won my heart over. I\u2019ve got her picture still in my office to this day, and I had dinner with her parents two weeks ago in Atlanta at the Rally Foundation\u2019s annual dinner.\r\n\u201cAlexa got her angel wings a few years ago and is in heaven looking down today, but I\u2019m testifying on Alexa\u2019s behalf that the more we can do to accelerate research and development for cures of rare diseases, the more we\u2019re going to make the lives of people and long, rather than short and sad.\r\n\u201cAlexa Rohrbach was an inspiration to me, and I speak today on the 21st Century Cures bill because of Alexa Rohrbach. If this bill had been in place when I met her, she might have been safe from the rare disease she had, and we would not have to talk about her in the past tense but only in the present tense.\r\n\u201cThe second reason is some things are finally coming to fruition in this legislation. One is home infusion. I have a wonderful son named Kevin who was almost killed in an automobile accident when he was eighteen years old in 1989. He got a bad leg infection. He had the bottom part of his leg blown off and lost a lot of the bone. They had to put a lot of metal rods in. He had to lay in a hospital running antibiotics through his system to keep his bone marrow from getting infected, and when he came home, he had to come home for six months with antibiotics being administered daily. My wife and I administered those through home infusion.\r\n\u201cHe got to recover from his disease at home in his own bed, with his own parents tending to him. Under the law today for home infusion to be reimbursable, it is only reimbursable if you\u2019re in the doctor\u2019s office or hospital. If you\u2019re doing it at home with visiting nurses or any other way, you can\u2019t [be reimbursed.] What costs more: a hospital or home visit? Obviously a hospital.\r\n\u201cThis bill provides a way for us to find a way forward to reimburse for home infusion at home so the safest, best, most efficient and least expensive way \u2013 to deliver home infusion \u2013 is incentivized by the 21st Century Cures bill.\r\n\u201cWe also know that neurological diseases [like] Parkinson\u2019s, M[ultiple] S[clerosis], and Alzheimer\u2019s are more prevalent than ever before and are the number one threating diseases to people of my age. This bill provides the neurological registry with provisions to bring in of all those diseases into the registry, all of which have common characteristics to help in more early diagnosis, more early treatment [and a] cure.\r\n\u201cI, as one who suffers from one of those diseases, can tell you the more you learn from one you can help in another. So I want to commend Senator Alexander in his effort to bring that forward so we have a neurological disease registry that works, we have an expedited review process for drugs for rare cancers for children, and so that we do the things we need to do to cure the bad diseases of the 20th century so the lives of people in the 21st century are better and better and better.\r\n\u201cChairman Alexander is a unique individual, a former college president, a United States senator, and a great leader in health and education and labor and pensions in this Senate, and if we pass this bill next week, it\u2019ll be in large measure because of his belief that if you give everybody a chance to be a part on the same team, whether Democrat or Republican, rich or poor, northerner or southerner, they\u2019ll work together to do the right thing for the American people. Senator Lamar Alexander deserves credit and our appreciation. I thank him for allowing me as a member of the committee to have a chance to work on the 21st Century Cures Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=302859AF-1492-4C24-898F-4CB85441F0C9", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Applaud Army Announcement for Fort Stewart", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., and U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, R-Ga.-01, today applauded the decision by the U.S. Army to create a new Armor Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Ga.\r\nThe Army will convert 3rd Infantry Division\u2019s 2nd Brigade Combat Team to an Armor Brigade Combat team. The conversion is set to begin in summer 2017. This will be the second Armor Brigade Combat team located at Fort Stewart. Currently there are nine active duty Armor Brigade Combat Teams and five National Guard Armor Brigade Combat Teams stationed throughout the United States.\r\n\u201cThe addition of another Armor Brigade Combat Team to Fort Stewart\u2019s 3rd Infantry Division continues to highlight Georgia\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s ability to project power and provide security assurance to our allies,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cThis decision by the U.S. Army underscores our ability to host critical strategic assets capable of deterrence around the world.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Army\u2019s announcement is great news and exhibits a continued commitment to our nation\u2019s defense capabilities in Georgia,\u201d said Perdue. \u201cThe additional armored brigade at Fort Stewart provides us with a more lethal army, increasing our ability to counter the rise of Russian aggression against our European allies as well as other threats around the globe. This is a testament to the proficiency and growing capability of all the dedicated military and civilian personnel at Fort Stewart.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis announcement is great news for our community as well as our national security as it strengthens the capabilities of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart,\u201d said Carter. \"As the threats we face around the world continue to increase and evolve, the additional Armored Brigade Combat team will be critical in addressing them. Without question, this decision is a direct reflection of the great work of the fine men and women on post. Fort Stewart remains one of the premier Army installations in the nation, and I will continue to work to ensure Fort Stewart keeps growing.\u201d\r\nAs the security situation in Europe continues to deteriorate, the U.S. Department of Defense is reassessing its posture and ability to respond to those threats. Due to basing decisions and budget constraints, the U.S. no longer has permanent armor assets, such as tanks, stationed in Europe.\r\nTo accommodate for this deficit, Regionally Aligned Forces were established to provide the United States and our allies with additional security assurance by rotating forces through Europe and other areas of the world. The 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Stewart recently returned home from the Regionally Aligned Forces mission in October where they participated in joint exercises with NATO partner nations in response to Russia\u2019s actions in the Ukraine.\r\nGrowing threats from near-peer adversaries in Europe and elsewhere around the world have increased the demand for additional armored units to defend U.S. interests and our allies. The Army\u2019s conversion of the Armor Brigade Combat team at Fort Stewart brings the total number of Armor Brigade Combat units located throughout the United States to 15.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/isakson-perdue-carter-applaud-army-announcement-for-fort-stewart", "Isakson, Perdue, Carter Applaud Army Announcement For Fort Stewart", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=988", "Hice Congratulates Chairman Tom Price on HHS Nomination", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Jody Hice", "H001071", "hice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hice Congratulates Chairman Tom Price on HHS Nomination \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 29, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) issued the following statement after the announcement that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06) to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS):\r\n\u201cObamacare has been a complete and utter disaster since day one. As a leading voice in the House to repeal and replace this deeply flawed law, along with his broad healthcare and budget experience, Congressman Price is the right choice to reverse Obamacare\u2019s failures.\r\nAs a fellow Georgian and having served alongside Congressman Price, I am confident that he will lead the way in the Trump Administration to implement real, patient-centered healthcare solutions as Secretary of HHS. I look forward to working closely with him to bring our Nation\u2019s healthcare system into the 21st century.\u201d\r\n##\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://tomgraves.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398687", "Graves Statement on Rep. Tom Price HHS Nomination", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Graves", "G000560", "tomgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Garrett Hawkins\n                        202-225-5211\n                    \n            \n        \n        \n            \n                \n            \n        \n        \n            \n                \n                    Graves Statement on Rep. Tom Price HHS Nomination\n                    \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                        \n                            Washington,\n                            November 29, 2016\u00a0-\n                        Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) today issued the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Rep. Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA-06) for secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:\"I can\u2019t think of anyone better than Dr. Price to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a practicing physician for more than 20 years, Tom knows the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and understands better than most why we need to keep the federal government out of that relationship. As a congressman, Tom led the charge to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a free-market system that increases choice, drives down premiums and puts patients first. He will do a great job implementing President-elect Trump\u2019s vision of restoring health care freedom and reversing the Obama administration\u2019s one-size-fits-all health care policies.\" \u00a0\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://tomprice.house.gov/press-release/price-statement-nomination-serve-secretary-health-and-human-services", "Price Statement on Nomination to Serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Tom Price", "P000591", "tomprice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia\r\nFormerly the Office of Representative Tom Price \r\nThe Washington, D.C., office and the district offices of former Representative Tom Price will continue to serve the people of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative Price resigned from Congress on February 10, 2017.\r\nSee Press Release\r\nThe Interim Vacant Office Status:  \r\nBy federal law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This interim vacant status continues until a new Representative is elected to fill the unexpired term. Currently, the congressional district does not have voting representation. Although the scope of the vacant congressional office is limited, constituents of the district are invited to contact this interim office for information and assistance as indicated below.\r\nLegislative Information:  \r\nUntil a new Representative is elected, the vacant congressional office cannot take or advocate positions of public policy. Constituents may choose to express opinions on legislation or issues to your elected Senators or wait until a new Representative is elected and takes office.  Mail received by the vacant office will be acknowledged. The staff of the vacant office can assist constituents with general information concerning the status of legislation, but cannot provide analysis of issues or render opinions. \r\nAssistance with Federal Government Agencies (Casework):  \r\nThe staff of the vacant office will continue to assist constituents who have cases pending with the office. These constituents will receive a letter from the Clerk requesting whether the staff should continue assistance or not. Constituents who do not have pending cases but  require assistance in matters relating to federal government agencies  are invited to contact the nearest district office for further  information and assistance. \r\nOffice Locations:  \r\nThe staff of the vacant Congressional office is available to assist you at the following locations: \r\nWashington, D.C.   \r\nOffice of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia  \r\n1211 Longworth HOB  \r\nWashington, DC 20515  \r\nPhone: (202) 225-4501  \r\n\r\nDistrict Office in Georgia  \r\nRoswell Office  \r\n85-C Mill Street, Suite 300  \r\nRoswell, GA 30075  \r\nPhone: (770) 998-0049  \r\n\r\nOther Sources in Georgia\r\nGeorgia Secretary of State", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1342", "Carter Statement on Price Nomination as HHS Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Buddy Carter", "C001103", "buddycarter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Carter Statement on Price Nomination as HHS Secretary \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 29, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter (GA-01) released the following statement applauding President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Congressman Tom Price (GA-06) as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services: \"Tom Price is absolutely the best man for the job and I applaud President-elect Trump's decision. As a fellow health care professional, Tom has experienced firsthand the destruction of our health care system and knows how important it is to end the Obamacare train wreck once and for all. He has already created conservative solutions to accomplish this and repair our broken health care system to empower patients with more choices, lower costs and better services. I am confident Tom will work with Congress to ensure this becomes a reality. \"It has been an honor to work with Tom. I congratulate my friend and I am excited to continue our work together in his new role to deliver the health care system Americans deserve.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://loudermilk.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=928", "Statement on Tom Price to Lead Department of Health and Human Services", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Barry Loudermilk", "L000583", "loudermilk.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement on Tom Price to Lead Department of Health and Human Services \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 29, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Chairman Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA) as the Secretary of Health and Human Services: \r\nThere is no one I know better suited to lead the Department of Health and Human Services than Dr.Price. The President-elect needs someone who has a depth of experience in healthcare and a deep appreciation for the Constitution and the proper role of the federal government, and that's exactly what Tom brings to the administration.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9034721C-19B4-4892-BDEE-39FC2B588B90", "Isakson Applauds Nomination of Dr. Tom Price as HHS Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "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 nomination of U.S. Representative Tom Price, M.D., R-Ga.-06, as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:\r\n\u201cTom Price is a true leader in Congress and an exceptional choice to head up the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. With his background as a practicing physician, Tom will bring real world experience and a single-minded focus on the needs of patients to this vital role. I fully support his nomination and am confident that he will put the department back to work for the American people.\r\n\u201cTom doesn't just talk about replacing Obamacare -- he's put years of thought and hard work into developing a plan that can actually make health care more affordable and accessible. By nominating Tom to fill this post, President-elect Trump is signaling his commitment to repealing Obamacare. With Tom at the helm, we can begin implementing free-market principles that will increase choice and lower the cost of health care for families and businesses.\r\n\u201cI congratulate my good friend and a great Georgian, Tom Price.\u201d\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=EC92CF8D-51DF-4575-BF54-126633F61753", "Isakson, Blumenthal Announce Toys for Tots Drive", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, respectively, today announced that the committee will again be sponsoring its annual Toys for Tots drive in honor of the upcoming holidays.\r\nEarlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed S.Res.587, introduced by Isakson and Blumenthal, to permit the collection of charitable donations in Senate buildings during the holiday season.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m delighted to once again host the United States Marine Corps Reserve\u2019s Toys for Tots charity drive to help bring holiday cheer to children in Georgia and across the country,\u201d said Isakson. \u201cI encourage my Senate colleagues and their staff to join Senator Blumenthal and myself in participating in such a worthy cause.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cToys for Tots is yet another example of how members of our military always go an extra mile to serve our communities and our country,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cBy providing gifts to children who may not receive them otherwise, Toys for Tots spreads smiles from coast to coast each holiday season. I am pleased to join Senator Isakson in hosting this toy drive, and I encourage all who can to join in this joyful charity.\u201d\r\nToys for Tots is an annual program conducted by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to collect toys for children in need.\r\nThe Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs will be accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys in drop-off boxes until December 7, 2016, when the Marines will collect all donations at an event held in the committee\u2019s hearing room, 418 Russell Senate Office Building. Donation boxes are located in participating Senate offices as well as outside the committee\u2019s hearing room.\r\n\u00a0###\r\nThe Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., in the 114th Congress. \r\nIsakson is a veteran himself \u2013 having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 \u2013 and has been a member of the Senate VA Committee since he joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson\u2019s home state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the military as well as more than 750,000 veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-discusses-president-elect-trumps-100-day-plan-on-cnbc-", "Senator David Perdue Discusses President-elect Trumps 100-Day Plan On CNBC", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-statement-on-congressman-tom-price-nomination", "Senator David Perdue Statement On Congressman Tom Price Nomination", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-david-perdue-statement-secretary-elaine-chao-nomination", "Senator David Perdue Statement Secretary Elaine Chao Nomination", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "David Perdue", "P000612", "www.perdue.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to primary navigation Skip to content\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t    \n\t      \n\t      \n\t        \n\t       \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Meet David\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Connect\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Helping You\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/washington-watch-112816", "Washington Watch - 11/28/16", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FEDERAL COURT AGAIN STOPS ADMINISTRATION\u2019S REGULATORY OVERREACH\nAs you all probably know, at the direction of President Obama, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a regulation this past May that would more than double the salary threshold used to determine overtime pay eligibility.\u00a0In the weeks and months since, I\u2019ve heard concerns from folks across the district and the state about the overtime rule\u2019s potential negative impact, including workers who were worried about losing flexibility with their schedules or simply seeing their hours reduced, and employers concerned that taking such actions would be their only viable option in order to stay in business.\u00a0 In response to these concerns, House Republicans repeatedly called on the President to reconsider his overtime rule and passed legislation to delay its implementation, while also arguing that he lacked the authority to make such significant changes to our overtime laws without Congress\u2019 approval.\u00a0\nLast Tuesday, a federal court agreed with House Republicans in a case brought by 21 states, including the State of Georgia, challenging the legality of President Obama\u2019s overtime rule.\u00a0 According to the court, the DOL lacks the statutory authority to increase the overtime salary thresholds and mandate automatic increase going forward, among other things.\u00a0 As a result, the DOL can no longer implement or enforce the overtime rule, which was set to take effect on December 1st.\u00a0 While this isn\u2019t likely to be the final word on the overtime rule, as I expect the DOL to appeal the court\u2019s decision, my hope is that employers and employees alike can rest easy knowing that it will not be forced upon them just before the holidays.\nThis ruling is also another in a long-line of rebukes by the Federal courts against President Obama\u2019s \u201cgo it alone\u201d strategy of using the regulatory bureaucracy to implement policy that should rightly be considered in full and open debate by Congress. I know it\u2019s tempting when your party is in the White House to simply bypass the normal legislative structure in favor of the faster regulatory route, but no matter who is in the White House \u2013 a Republican or a Democrat \u2013 Congress should always be the ultimate arbiter of what should and should not become the law of the land.\nCONGRESS AND AUTO MAKERS EMBRACE A SELF-DRIVING FUTURE\nTwo weeks ago, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce dove into the topic of self-driving cars.\u00a0 While you might think self-driving cars are the stuff of science fiction drama, you\u2019d be wrong; the technology is already here, and I\u2019d venture a guess that partially self-driving cars are going to be parked on your street and mine within the next few decades. In fact, you may have heard that earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation released a new non-binding regulatory framework to help guide the development and deployment of this potentially game-changing technology.\u00a0 This type of technology could one day greatly reduce accidents and congestion on our roadways by increasing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and I am encouraged that the Department of Transportation understands that heavy-handed federal regulation could hinder or even kill the kind of innovation that is being cultivated by states and manufacturers. There are still many questions that must be answered before we start seeing this technology on our roadways, including questions of privacy and safety, but I am encouraged that we are beginning to examine in detail the kinds of changes we could all be seeing on our roads in the future.\u00a0 I expect we will learn much more about this issue in the coming year.\nPROTECTING AMERICANS FROM CYBER CRIME\nOn November 16th, the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Information Technology held a hearing entitled \u201cFederal Cyber Security After the OPM Data Breach: Have Agencies Learned Their Lesson?\u201d The Chief Information Officers of the Department of Agriculture, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Social Security Administration were called to examine each of the Agencies\u2019 information security programs \u00a0and management, including their compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act. I applaud the efforts of Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Subcommittee Chairman William Hurd (R-TX) to ensure we don\u2019t repeat the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data breach which affected 22.1 million people. The Committee has been working with the Administration over the past few months to get better information from more than two dozen Federal agencies about security tests and information security audits. And the Committee highlighted why those tests and audits were so important in its report about the OPM data breach back in July.\nPRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP BEGINS FILLING HIS CABINET AND TOP-LEVEL ADVISORY POSITIONS\nIf your family is anything like mine, part of your Thanksgiving dinner discussion probably touched on President-elect Trump and his proposed Cabinet and high-level appointments. As of today, Mr. Trump has chosen his Chief of Staff (Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus), National Security Advisor (former Defense Intelligence Agency Chairman Lt. General Michael Flynn), and Deputy National Security Advisor (former National Security Council advisor Ms. K.T. McFarland). And he has nominated for Senate confirmation his Attorney General (Senator Jeff Sessions from Alabama), Education Secretary (Ms. Betsy DeVos from Michigan), United Nations Ambassador (Governor Nikki Haley from South Carolina), and CIA Director (Representative Mike Pompeo from Kansas). With this diverse group of appointees and nominees from both inside and outside the Washington Beltway \u2013 both public sector experts and private sector advocates \u2013 I believe that President-elect Trump is sending an important signal that all sectors of society and the economy need to work together. As President-elect Trump continues filling his Cabinet over the next few weeks, I look forward to learning more about his choices and supporting all those men and women who I know will work hard to retain America\u2019s place as the greatest country in the world.\nTHE WEEK AHEAD\nThis week the House is expected to consider a critically important bill from the Financial Services Committee; H.R. 6392, the \u201cSystemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016.\u201d Since the adoption of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, the government has been erroneously equating asset size and risk, instead of taking the time to understand the varying structures of small, mid-size, regional, and large financial institutions and evaluating financial institutions based on a more complex understanding of portfolio asset management. H.R. 6392 provides financial regulators with a better way to assess risk by eliminating the one-size-fits-all Dodd-Frank approach in favor of one that takes into account the health of asset portfolios.\u00a0\nThe House will also debate this week a bill that has been years in the making \u2013 the 21st Century Cures Act. This measure passed the House over a year ago, and finally, after many months of negotiations with the Senate, we are moving forward with a final bill that will provide millions of dollars in funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for cancer research. There will always be disagreement among well-meaning Americans about the proper role of the federal government in spending taxpayer dollars \u2013 but I hope that you join me in supporting taxpayer dollar investment in life-saving health research.\u00a0\nSincerely,    \n\tRob Woodall  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-addresses-key-industry-issues-during-visit-asc-buford-ga", "Congressman Addresses Key Industry Issues During Visit to ASC in Buford, Ga.", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Rob Woodall", "W000810", "woodall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA) visited ASC Construction Equipment in Buford, Ga., on Nov. 10.\n\u00a0\nWoodall is a member of the House Committee on Rules, the House Committee on Budget and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. According to the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), which helped coordinate the congressman's visit to ASC, Woodall has a 100 percent voting record during the 114th Congress on the industry's top policy priorities.\n\u00a0\nThese 2016 legislative priorities, according to AED, include:\n\u2022 Addressing the skilled worker shortage;\n\u2022 Investing in short-term and long-term surface transportation;\n\u2022 Funding water infrastructure;\n\u2022 Simplifying the tax code;\n\u2022 Preventing regulatory overreach; and\n\u2022 Expanding domestic energy production.\n\u00a0\nDuring his visit to ASC, Woodall toured the equipment dealer's facility and met with employees.\n\u00a0\n\u201cRep. Woodall's interest in our industry and our dealership were greatly appreciated,\u201d said Jack Evans, general manager of ASC Georgia operations. \u201cThe insights he shared with us regarding the future of transportation in Georgia and workforce development issues are certainly encouraging, as well. It is great to see our elected officials taking such an active interest in our business and the construction industry.\u201d\n\u00a0\nASC Construction Equipment is an authorized construction equipment dealership representing Volvo, Sandvik and other manufacturers at 12 different locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1036, "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": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 865, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 171, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1036, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=GA&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "GA", "label": "GA", "count": 1036, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 1036, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-28,https~3A~2F~2Fwoodall~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fin-the-news~2Fcongressman-addresses-key-industry-issues-during-visit-asc-buford-ga", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=GA&year=2016&_next=2016-11-28%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwoodall~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fin-the-news~2Fcongressman-addresses-key-industry-issues-during-visit-asc-buford-ga&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 541.0808348096907, "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"}