Johnny Isakson

I was there 2 years ago at our first hearing, because we had a rapid spike in suicides in the First Blended Air Force Wing stationed at Warner Robins, GA.

We need to err on the side of caution. And we ought to be conservative.

If we had been just as quick to respond at the first death that took place on the highway, in terms of making sure we were doing everything to keep the cars safe, we may have saved some of those lives.

I think it is very important that the chairman called this hearing today for multiple issues, not the least of which is Abdulmutallab's failed attack--fortunately failed attack--in Detroit, MI, which raises a lot of questions about Nigeria…

I called Senator Johnny Isakson, the individual who empowered this board.

The success of the surge in Iraq, and the example that's been set by Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the government there, to be able to take over responsibilities once the insurgency was reversed, is evidence of the same thing…

If we reverse the Taliban, if we disrupt the Taliban, and we degrade the Taliban, we still won't be successful if we don't improve the government and the image of the government with the people

I just want to urge you to make sure Equatorial Guinea is one of the three that gets the Safe Skies Africa assistance.

Why would we not check at those borders, as well, when they leave, to validate that the person leaving is, in fact, the person we think they are?

I want to thank you for the tremendous effort you and the Department and FEMA made in Georgia during the recent floods.

She is a consummate person whose knowledge of labor law and equal opportunity is tremendous.

A U.S. Senator from the State of Georgia

I deeply apologize for interrupting, but I had to be at a Commerce vote and going to be here for most of this hearing.

I think one of the things that could be done better is explaining to local governments and local media outlets what exactly the United States is doing in the region.

I have not traveled to any of these countries, but many all around it where we have significant USAID, CARE, Save the Children, the Basic Education Coalition, and others that are winning a lot of friends and really changing the lives of…

Well, I--my observation is--and I have not been to any of the countries--well, I have been to Algeria and Tunisia, but I haven't been to any of the ones directly involved here--but, in my travels in South and Central Africa and in Sudan…

I certainly agree with that, but I have a great concern because when you look at the map and you end at Chad, if you go further to the east is Sudan, next is Ethiopia, and next is Somalia.

I think our policy with regard to the partnership in the Sahel is basically to be a partner but sort of a step back from the forefront.

I appreciate your answer on that, because I think it is a critically important thing to do.

What is the level of cooperation with those governments in bringing those who perpetrated those crimes to justice?

Well, I know we, unfortunately, had a Georgian, who was a Peace Corps volunteer that was murdered in Benin earlier this year.

Counterterrorism is of particular interest. In my travels to Africa, I've been very interested in seeing our engagement on that continent, because the potential for some very dangerous things to happen very well could take place.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The extension and expansion of the highly successful homebuyer tax credit.

Stabilizing the housing market is the key to economic recovery, and we must continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to ensure that homeowners get the relief that they need.