I want to thank Senator Kirk and Senator Tester for their outstanding work on this appropriations bill; Senator Murray for her cooperation and help on caregivers and so many programs in the committee; and Senator Collins and her work on MILCON. I want to encourage all my fellow Members of the Senate to vote favorably on this legislation when it comes before us later today. I want everyone to stop, take a deep breath, and think about three things: No. 1, today is the 240th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps--the strongest veterans we have, veterans who fought and died for us around the world for 2\1/2\ centuries. Tomorrow, at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we celebrate the armistice of World War I and Veterans Day in America. And today on the floor of the Senate, we are fixing some problems that have confronted our veterans for the better part of the last 10 years. As the Members of the committee who are on the floor know, the VA literally almost collapsed 2 years ago. Health services in Phoenix, AZ, were a disaster. People were cheating on appointments and shortening veteran times to make themselves look better. The VA had a reputation of being the worst agency in the Federal government. Now, I don't take credit for it as chairman, but I will tell you what your committee members have done--members like Senator Tester and Senator Murray.…
Share
More from Johnny Isakson
I always come to the well of the Senate with a purpose. I try not to talk too long, and I try to make my point and get out before I make a big mistake. When you are saying thank you to people who have done so much for you, it is almost…
it is an honor to be here today on what is not my last day, but everybody is acting like it. A few months ago, I had to announce that after much consideration, to be able to continue to serve the people of Georgia as best I could in any…
I am delighted to join Senator Tester on the floor as ranking member of the Veterans' Committee, and he and I as chairman have worked together on many, many issues. And today, we are glad to come to the floor and tell the Senate how much…
I ask unanimous consent to speak for 60 seconds. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered.





