Newsletter: e-Newsletter for the Week Ending March 28, 2014

Statement

Dear Friends,

Last week during the Senate recess, I traveled to Benin, Africa, where I was joined by the family of the late Kate Puzey, a Peace Corps volunteer from Cumming, Ga., who was tragically murdered in 2009 while serving in the Peace Corps in Benin. The trip marked the 5th anniversary of Kate Puzey's murder. The Puzey family and I met with the Acting Director of the Peace Corps Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Benin President Yayi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Justice, as well as with the U.S. government team involved in the ongoing investigation of Kate's death.

It is a personal commitment of mine that the perpetrators are brought to justice. This fine young lady was the inspiration for the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 that I introduced and was signed into law in November 2011. Kate was murdered after she reported a colleague for allegedly molesting some of the young girls they taught, and this law provides better security and protection measures for Peace Corps volunteers. I have had the full support of the Peace Corps throughout this process.

The trip to Benin was very positive, and I left encouraged by the progress of the investigation. I shared my experiences from my trip to Africa with my colleagues this week on the Senate Floor, and you can view it online here.

In the Senate

This week in the Senate, I spoke at several hearings, including those involving our nation's veterans and educators. You can watch my remarks at the 2014 Legislative Presentation of The American Legion for a Veterans' Affairs committee hearing, where I encouraged continued Congressional oversight of the VA, increased transparency and accountability of VA's programs, and greater adaptability to a growing and evolving veteran population, especially for its fastest growing segment - women veterans.

Additionally, at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, I questioned a panel of educators about the critical need to ensure quality teachers in classrooms across the country. I highlighted some of the alternative methods for the teaching and instruction certification process, and commended the panel for offering an eye opening perspective from America's leaders in education.

Academy Day

Each May, I look forward to hosting my Military Academy Day, which is the largest of its kind in the country and is designed to familiarize students with the application and nomination process for the nation's five service academies.

This year's event will be held on May 2, 2014, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga., from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Guests may arrive as early as 9:00 a.m. in order to avoid congestion at the entrance gate and visit information tables.

Due to Dobbins' security restrictions and to ensure the safety of all guests, all individuals planning to attend the event must make reservations in advance. The deadline for reservations is May 2, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. Photo identification will be required at the main entrance gate for admittance.

Representatives from all five academies, including the Admissions Director for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the Southeast Region Admissions Director for the U.S. Military Academy, the Assistant Director of Candidate Guidance for the U.S. Naval Academy and the Deputy Director of Admissions for the U.S. Air Force Academy will give presentations regarding their requirements and expectations for admittance. The event is open to students in grades eight through 12.

This special opportunity allows students and their families to become fully informed about our nation's fine service academies. Hearing directly from representatives from each academy allows students to select and better prepare for the program that is the best fit. I encourage anyone who may be interested in attending a service academy to register early.

I encourage you to register early on my website to ensure your admittance.

Crisis in Ukraine

I am following the situation in Crimea and the Ukraine closely. I do not favor the annexation of Crimea by Russia, nor do I support any nation going into another sovereign nation to annex or take it over. Like so many of you, I am concerned about the United States being perceived weak internationally as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to ignore international law, violates Ukrainian sovereignty and dismisses any diplomatic efforts made by the United States.

The United States should impose strict sanctions against the Russians for their actions in Ukraine and particularly in Crimea. I have introduced legislation with Sens. Dan Coats, R-Ind., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., calling for sanctions on the Russian Federation and those responsible for undermining the sovereignty, integrity and government of Ukraine to ensure there are consequences for their rogue actions. Additionally, I co-sponsored S.Res.378, condemning illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine. S.Res.378 passed the Senate overwhelmingly on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. This vote is a clear indication by this Congress that we as a country will not stand for Russia's deliberate disregard for international law, and that we condemn President Putin's continued violation of Ukrainian sovereignty that is threatening the peace and security of the region. There must be consequences for the rogue actions by the Russian Federation and those responsible for undermining the sovereignty, integrity and government of Ukraine.

We must stand firm in our unwavering support for Ukraine and our NATO allies in the region. The United States should continue to put the pressure on the Russians to let President Putin know that America fights for human liberty, freedom, peace and the right to democracy. Period.

In Other News

On Monday, I visited the Center for Working Families, a volunteer tax assistance site in Atlanta where taxpayers can receive free tax preparation assistance. I highlighted the benefits of the IRS and Georgia Free File programs, which help taxpayers prepare and file their taxes online for free using name-brand tax preparation software. I am a proud co-sponsor of the legislation that supports these efforts on behalf of taxpayers.

I also co-sponsored Senate Resolution 396 that passed this week to make March 25, 2014, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day in the United States. This recognition was designed to bring awareness to the challenges faced by the individuals and their families struggling with this debilitating neurological disorder. I hope that Americans across the country will take time to educate themselves and others on cerebral palsy and show their support for the brave families that are affected by this disorder.

I was honored to join my colleagues in supporting another Senate Resolution recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. It is important to educate the American public so we can raise awareness about this terrible disease and recognize that we should do all that we can to support individuals with Parkinson's through continued research and improvements in the quality of care.

I work hard to ensure that I am communicating with you regularly about my activities in Georgia and Washington. To follow me throughout the week, follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my YouTube channel!

What's on Tap?

Next week, the Senate will begin work on the Sustainable Growth Rate, also known informally as the "Doc Fix," that expires on Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson

Source