Sen. Ossoff introduced the legislation this summer and successfully garnered support to advance it through Congress
Johnny Isakson served Georgia in the U.S. Senate from 2005 to 2019 & served as Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee from 2015 to 2019
Bill now heads to President’s desk for signature
Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan legislation to rename the Atlanta VA Regional Office in honor of Georgia’s late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson.
Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan Senator Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act of 2022 will designate the VA facility in Decatur, Georgia, as the “Senator Johnny Isakson Department of Veterans Affairs Atlanta Regional Office” to honor Isakson for his work to relentlessly advocate for our nation’s veterans and servicemembers.
“Our veterans deserve the best, and Senator Isakson always fought for them. Renaming the Atlanta VA Regional Office in his honor will inspire us to stand up for Georgia’s veterans every day like Senator Isakson did,” Sen. Ossoff said. “It’s fitting that we passed this bill to rename the VA office after Senator Isakson with support of Republicans and Democrats.”
The bill passed the U.S. Senate earlier this year and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
In June, Sen. Ossoff spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to urge his colleagues to pass the legislation and honor the late Sen. Isakson.
“Senator Isakson’s courtesy, collegiality and integrity will forever serve as an example to all of us who serve in this body today and in the future. And that is why in recognition of Senator Isakson’s tremendous contributions to American veterans, to the state of Georgia, and to the United States, it has been my privilege to introduce alongside my distinguished Republican colleague from Missouri Senator Blunt, and the presiding officer Senator Warnock, the Senator Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act to rename the VA’s Atlanta Regional Office after Senator Isakson as part of our nation’s ongoing recognition of his service and as an example to those who follow in his footsteps of the virtues that his representation embodied,” Sen. Ossoff said on the Senate floor.
Sens. Ossoff and Blunt introduced the bipartisan legislation earlier this year alongside Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), VA Committee Chair Jon Tester (D-MT), VA Committee Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Rob Portman (R-OH).
“Senator Johnny Isakson was a tireless advocate when it came to ensuring veterans received the care and benefits they earned,” said Blunt. “He truly understood that when a veteran’s service ends, our work to deliver on promises made to them begins. During his time as Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Johnny certainly delivered for his fellow veterans. Having his name on the Atlanta Regional Office is a fitting way to honor his countless contributions to veterans, the State of Georgia, and our country,” said Senator Blunt (R-MO).
“I am proud the House took a crucial step to preserve the legacy of our late dear friend, Senator Johnny Isakson,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Isakson cared deeply for Georgia and for our 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.”
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-GA-02) and Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12) introduced the House companion, which was co-sponsored by the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation.
“Johnny Isakson was a proud son of Georgia who worked tirelessly for the well-being of its people and all Americans. I had the pleasure of working with him both in the Georgia state legislature and as colleagues in Congress and was fortunate to call him my friend. Renaming the VA regional office in Atlanta after former Senator Isakson is a fitting tribute to a man who was at the vanguard of ensuring that Congress fulfills its commitment to provide the care and resources America’s veterans have earned,” Congressman Bishop said.
“Throughout his life, Senator Isakson distinguished himself as a man of character with an unmatched dedication to the people of Georgia, and I am proud to co-lead this legislation to dedicate the VA’s Regional Office in Atlanta as a living monument to his tireless work in advancing policies that benefit our nation’s veterans,” Congressman Allen said.
Johnny Isakson served Georgia in the U.S. Senate from 2005 to 2019. 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.
