{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=1C2E65E8-D1F4-44D7-A7AF-EC7113BEB9E5", "A Stronger Military and a Safer Nation", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Johnny Isakson", "I000055", "www.isakson.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nThis week, President Trump signed into law the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, and it benefits Georgias more than a dozen military installations. The measure includes pay increases for service members and an increase in troop numbers, providing military leaders with additional forces needed to carry out critical mission assignments and confront threats to our nation.\r\n\r\nGeorgia is the home to critical assets in our national defense. From cutting edge capabilities such as cyber warfare, to strategic defense platforms like Ohio-class submarines, to Armor Brigade Combat Teams, and intelligence assets like the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) program, Georgia heavily contributes to our national efforts to project power and strength.Our service members put everything on the line for our security, and Im glad that theyll receive a pay raise. This legislation addresses many of our military's needs and will provide stronger security.\r\nKeeping Our Promises to Veterans\r\nThis week, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin notified Congress that funding for veterans community care, called the Veterans Choice Fund, will run out within the next month if Congress does not act.\r\n\r\nThe Caring for Our Veterans Act of 2017, legislation I introduced with Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., addresses this funding deadline by providing an additional $4 billion for the program while permanently enhancing veterans access to care in their communities as well as expanding the caregiver assistance program for Vietnam-era veterans.\r\nIt is critical that the Senate and House pass this bipartisan legislation before the end of the year to ensure veterans continue to have access to efficient, timely and quality health care. The legislation was passed out of the Senate VA committee by a vote of 14-1 and awaits action by the full Senate.\r\nIn Other News:\r\n\r\nThis week, the Senate joined the House in a conference to resolve differences between the two chambers tax reform bills. The final bill was released today applauding this once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul our outdated tax code to support and provide opportunities for future generations. The House and Senate will each need to pass the final bill before it can go to the president to be signed into law.\r\n\r\n\r\nThis week, the Senate voted to confirm the 12th federal circuit court judge this year, marking the most approved judicial nominees in the first year of any president.\r\n\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I delivered keynote remarks at an event hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center focused on the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the importance of continued U.S. investment in global health, particularly through reauthorizing the PEPFAR program.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOn Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hosted a Toys for Tots reception to aid the U.S. Marines program that provides gifts to deserving families across the country.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhats on tap? Next week, the full Senate is expected to consider the final Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation to provide tax cuts and jobs for hardworking families and small businesses. The Senate will also need to pass funding for the federal government before its current authorization expires on Dec. 22. Additionally, the Senate is expected to continue working to extend funding on several other expiring programs, including the Childrens Health Insurance Program.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn Case You Missed It", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-center?ContentRecord_id=1C2E65E8-D1F4-44D7-A7AF-EC7113BEB9E5"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8217159193009138, "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"}