BLUNT, OSSOFF INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO RENAME VA ATLANTA REGIONAL OFFICE FOR LATE GEORGIA SEN. JOHNNY ISAKSON

Press Release

This week, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Jon Ossoff (Ga.) introduced the bipartisan Senator Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act of 2022, which would designate the VA facility in Decatur, Georgia, as the "Senator Johnny Isakson Department of Veterans Affairs Atlanta Regional Office" to honor the late Senator for his work to relentlessly advocate for our nation's veterans and service members.

Senator Isakson served Georgia in the U.S. Senate from 2005 to 2019, and he served as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs from 2015 to 2019, where he continuously worked to improve benefits and services for veterans and their families.

In addition to Blunt and Ossoff, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Jerry Moran (Kan.), and Rob Portman (Ohio).

"Johnny Isakson worked tirelessly to get things done, especially when it came to his fellow veterans," said Blunt. "As Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, he led efforts to increase accountability at the VA to make sure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned. Naming the Atlanta Regional Office after him would be a fitting way to honor his innumerable contributions to veterans, the State of Georgia, and our country."

"Our veterans deserve the best, and Senator Isakson always fought for them. Renaming the Atlanta VA in his honor will inspire us to stand up for Georgia's veterans every day like Senator Isakson did," said Ossoff.

"I am proud to help lead the introduction of this bipartisan piece of legislation that will help preserve the legacy of our late dear friend, Senator Johnny Isakson," said Warnock. "Senator Isakson cared deeply for Georgia's veterans, and it is only fitting that we recognize his commitment to our servicemembers by renaming the Atlanta regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs in his honor."

"Not only was Johnny Isakson a diligent and successful legislator, but he was also one of the kindest, most thoughtful Senators," said Schumer. "During his four years as Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Johnny shepherded numerous bipartisan bills to expand health care for our American heroes, so it's only fitting that even posthumously, his name will continue to serve veterans in Georgia. The "Senator Johnny Isakson Department of Veterans Affairs Atlanta Regional Office' will keep his legacy alive by providing care for the veterans Johnny cared so deeply about."

"In Johnny Isakson's famously big heart, American veterans and his fellow Georgians got pride of place. Isakson has rightly become a synonym for keeping promises to those who have served our nation in uniform," said McConnell. "I am glad my friend's name will inspire the VA's mission in his beloved state for years to come."

"Johnny Isakson was a fierce advocate and champion for veterans in Georgia and all across the country," said Tester. "I couldn't be prouder to be a part of this bipartisan effort to honor my friend Johnny -- ensuring his legacy fighting on behalf of our nation's veterans lives on for years to come."

"Working alongside Sen. Isakson to support the needs of our veterans was an honor and a rewarding experience," said Moran. "His leadership on the Veterans' Affairs committee and his love, care and advocacy for our nation's veterans helped compel action and meaningful changes to support our veterans. I am pleased to honor Sen. Isakson by supporting this legislation."

"Johnny Isakson was a dear friend and wonderful colleague who served his country with distinction and earned the respect of all he encountered," said Portman. "As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, he worked hard to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs to better care for our nation's veterans, believing those who wore the uniform deserved the very best for their service and dedication to our country. And that is why I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Atlanta Regional Office after my late friend -- an honor truly deserved."

"Throughout his career, Senator Isakson was a passionate advocate for veterans in Georgia and across the country. Senator Isakson served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972. Throughout his political career he found common ground across the aisle in order to achieve progress, all the while governing with compassion. As a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, he worked to serve veterans and increase accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs. As Chairman of the committee, he championed VA reforms that culminated in the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. We believe that naming the VA Atlanta Regional Office after Senator Isakson, a dedicated advocate and public servant, will honor his legacy and inspire future generations of Georgians," the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia said.

Click here to read the Senator Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act of 2022.

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