Bush, Pakistani Prime Minister Hold White House Talks

7/28/08 President Bush and Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani discussed greater cooperation in the war on terror and economic matters during a White house meeting today.

The two leaders spoke with reporters after their Oval Office meeting.

"We talked about the common threat we face: extremists who are very dangerous people," Bush said. "We talked about the need for us to make sure that the ... Afghan border is secure as best as possible."

The president said Pakistan has committed to securing the border. Bush told Gilani the United States is committed to helping the Afghan democracy succeed. A peaceful, democratic country on its western border is in Pakistan's interest, the president said.

"We are committed to fight against those extremists and terrorists who are destroying and making the world not safe," Gilani said. "This is our own war. This is a war which is against Pakistan, and we'll fight for our own cause. And that is because I've lost my own leader, Benazir Bhutto, because of the militants."

Gilani assured the American people that the people of Pakistan "want the peace in the world, and they want to cooperate."

Bush stressed that the United States respects Pakistan's national sovereignty. "We also appreciate the prime minister's strong words against the extremists and terrorists who not only would do us harm but have harmed people inside Pakistan," Bush said.

This was Bush's second meeting with Gilani, who took office March 24.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Chambliss Statement on Passage of Legislation to Stabilize Housing Market

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today made the following statement following passage of legislation to stabilize the housing market:

“Although this bill is not perfect, and I have some concerns with certain provisions included in it, I believe its passage is a step in the right direction toward addressing the current housing crisis and providing incentives for people to get in the market. This legislation also provides much-needed assistance to the communities that have been devastated by foreclosures by providing pre-foreclosure counseling for families in need and by enhancing mortgage disclosure. Georgians want Congress to address the challenges families are facing in a responsible way, and I believe we achieve that with a number of measures included in this bill.”

Isakson Praises Passage of Legislation to Stimulate Housing Market

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of legislation to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market. The legislation passed by a vote of 72 to 13.
“One thing we must do is improve the plight of the American people economically, and there are two things overwhelming average Americans today. One is the price of gas at the pump. The second is the declining value of equity in their homes,” Isakson said. “This legislation is an infusion of confidence the financial markets need desperately. We'll put liquidity back in the mortgage market. There will be good underwriting and accountable credit issued by the mortgages that are then sold to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to provide liquidity in the marketplace. This is not a bailout for those two institutions. It is an insurance policy that's good for this economy and good for this country.”

The comprehensive legislation is designed to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market as well as strengthen the regulation of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. It also modernizes the Federal Housing Administration and expands the FHA’s loan insurance programs aimed at helping borrowers avoid foreclosure.

The legislation now goes to President Bush for his signature.

Isakson spent more than three decades in the real estate business, beginning his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County, Ga., office of a small, family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. Isakson later served as president of Northside for 20 years, presiding over the company’s growth into the largest independent residential real estate brokerage company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.

Gingrey Supports American Energy Act An “All-of-the-Above” Approach to Energy Independence

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey released the following statement after joining his House Republican colleagues to introduce the American Energy Act, a comprehensive energy bill to help reduce gas prices by increasing the supply of American-made energy, improving conservation and efficiency, and harnessing renewable and alternative energy technologies.

“Georgia families have now been paying north of four dollars a gallon for gasoline for over a month,” said Gingrey. “As a nation in crisis, we must realize that there is no single solution that Congress can enact that will provide both short and long term solutions. Instead, this crisis requires a multi-faceted – ‘all-of-the-above’ – approach that increases domestic energy supply, thereby reducing our dependence on foreign oil and providing immediate relief to the pain we are all feeling at the pump.”

“The American Energy Act is just what the doctor ordered, and will put us on the road toward energy independence. I call on Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Leadership to do the right thing for hardworking Americans and immediately bring the American Energy Act to a vote on the House floor.”

Rep. Gingrey will be leading an in-depth discussion of the American Energy Act this evening as he hosts a special order hour on the House Floor. You can view this energy discussion on C-SPAN.

Increases the Supply of American-made Energy in Environmentally Sound Ways

Opens the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), which will provide an additional three million barrels of oil per day, as well as 76 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), which will provide an additional 1.5 million barrels of oil per day.

Increase the supply of gas at the pump by cutting bureaucratic red tape that essentially blocks construction of new refineries.

Allow development of our nation’s shale oil resources, which could provide an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil per day – a total of 1.3 trillion barrels of oil currently under the lock and key of the federal government.

Promotes renewable and alternative energy technologies

Spurs the development of alternative fuels through government contracting by repealing the “Section 526” prohibition on government purchasing of alternative energy and promoting coal-to-liquids technology.

Establishes a renewable energy trust fund using revenues generated by exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and ANWR.

Permanently extends the tax credit for alternative energy production, including wind, solar, hydrogen and biomass, as proposed in H.R. 5984 – the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act, introduced by Representative Roscoe Bartlett from Maryland.

Eliminates barriers to the expansion of emission-free nuclear power production.

Improves energy conservation and efficiency, the legislation

Provides tax incentives for businesses and families that purchase more fuel efficient vehicles.

Provides a monetary prize for developing the first economically feasible, super-fuel-efficient vehicle reaching 100 miles-per-gallon.

Provide tax incentives for businesses and homeowners who improve their energy efficiency.

Chambliss Expresses Concern Over Patisan Plan Addressing Energy Speculation

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) today took to the Senate floor to express his concerns that S.3286, the “Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act” sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D- Nev.), was not considered before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the committee of jurisdiction. Sen. Chambliss said that many problems exist in the bill because the Committee did not have the opportunity to review the legislation before it was brought to the floor.

“When Congress tackles issues of such complexity, we must make certain that we do not ignore the potential unintended consequences that I believe will result from this approach,” said Sen. Chambliss. “We simply have not had the opportunity to fully explore the possibility that implementation of this legislation could have negative impacts, such as driving the price of crude oil up further. The real issue is that factual data is lacking in this debate, which unfortunately allows everyone to paint the picture convenient for their cause.”

Last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a joint hearing with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) budget and regulatory oversight. During the hearing, Sen. Chambliss cautioned his colleagues not to rush into legislating an uninformed solution.

“I am not opposed to all aspects of this bill, rather I believe many of the components designed to yield more transparency in these markets are necessary,” said Sen. Chambliss. “We must ensure that the information both the regulators and Congress use to ensure proper oversight is accurate to warrant our actions, but this language goes far beyond what I consider reasonable. A reasonable market oversight component could be developed as part of a bipartisan, comprehensive package, but unfortunately, this approach is only distracting us from developing more reasonable and balanced legislation.”

Sen. Chambliss is leading a bipartisan group of ten Senators working to develop a meaningful and comprehensive energy package.

To listen to Sen. Chambliss’ floor speech, go to: http://www.senate.gov/~src/radio.

Governor Perdue Announces Excellence in Customer Service Commendations

Governor Sonny Perdue today (July 15, 2008) announced 14 individual and team recipients of the Governor’s Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service. The quarterly event recognizes state employees who go above and beyond their basic responsibilities to provide extraordinary service to Georgia’s citizens.

INDIVIDUAL COMMENDATION RECIPIENTS:
Darrell Beam, Department of Administrative Services, Atlanta

Lee Chambers, Sr., Investigator, Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Atlanta (in memoriam)

Maria Greene, Division of Aging Services, Department of Human Resources, Atlanta

Harold Lambert, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Atlanta

Margie Landers, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Atlanta

Gordon Lowe, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Atlanta

Leslie Sessly, Division of Aging Services, Department of Human Resources, Atlanta

Linda Stephens, Department of Administrative Services, Atlanta

Wayne Petty, Georgia Technology Authority, Atlanta


TEAM COMMENDATION RECIPIENTS

Fort Benning Temporary Tag Office Team, Georgia Department of Revenue, Muscogee County Tax Commissioner’s Office and the Georgia Technology Authority, Columbus

GDEcD Regional Small Business and Innovation Team, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Boston

Outreach Team, Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, Atlanta

Troop F Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, Swainsboro

Web Search Team, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Atlanta

Isakson: Congress Must Put Aside Partisanship, Work Together to Address High Energy Prices

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today (July 15, 2008) urged members of Congress to work together to develop a comprehensive plan to address high energy prices during a speech on the Senate floor. Isakson said solutions that embrace all ideas – from conservation to increased domestic exploration – are at our fingertips if only members of Congress would put aside their partisan differences.

“The Congress of the United States is sitting on a ham sandwich starving to death,” Isakson said. “America has within its reach every resource necessary to be self-sufficient when it comes to energy. All we have to do is have the political will and the common sense to make it happen.”

In his remarks, Isakson outlined a number of initiatives he believes will provide a balanced approach to America’s long-term energy needs, including oil and natural gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf, nuclear energy, conservation and renewable resources such as solar and wind energy.

“I call on my colleagues, Republican and Democrat alike, to put their elephants and donkeys in the barn and look at the needs of the American people,” Isakson said. “If we leave this year without a comprehensive policy for energy independence, we have done a disservice to the people of the United States and we will not have fulfilled our Constitutional responsibility.”

Isakson praised the administration for its announcement on Monday that it is lifting the ban on offshore exploration, saying that we cannot decrease our dependence on foreign oil if we fail to explore our potential domestic supply.

“That is absolutely something that we ought to do,” Isakson said of the offshore exploration. “We should be exploring every resource that we have.”

Isakson is a part of a bipartisan group of senators led by Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., that are committed to working together on legislation to address the nation’s energy crisis.

Secretary of State Handel Issues Decisions on Candidate Residency Challenges

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel issued the following decisions today regarding candidate residency challenges.

Ian O’Brien v. Keith Gross: Secretary Handel adopted the Administrative Law Judge’s findings of fact and conclusions of law and held that Keith Gross does not meet the residency requirements for state House of Representatives, District 80.

Prominent notices will be placed at each affected polling place advising voters of Mr. Gross’s disqualification, and all votes cast for Mr. Gross will be void and not counted.

Hillary O. Stewart v. Cecillia Hailey: Secretary Handel adopted the Administrative Law Judge’s decision to deny the challenge to Ms. Hailey’s residency.

Earnest “Coach” Williams v. Clyburn Halley, Jr.: Secretary Handel adopted the Administrative Law Judge’s decision to deny the challenge to Mr. Halley’s residency.

Joan Garner v. Erik Underwood: Based upon the evidence presented in the hearing officer’s findings of fact, Secretary Handel held that Mr. Underwood does not meet the residency requirements for state Senate District 36.

Mr. Underwood does not own property, does not pay rent, and does not receive mail in the district. OSAH hearing notices sent to the address provided by Mr. Underwood in his “Declaration of Candidacy and Affidavit” were returned undeliverable.

Prominent notices will be placed at each affected polling place advising voters of Mr. Underwood’s disqualification, and all votes cast for Mr. Underwood will be void and not counted.

Karen Handel v. James R. Powell: Based upon the evidence, Secretary Handel held that Jim Powell does not meet the residency requirements for Public Service Commission, District 4.

Mr. Powell owns a home in Towns County, which is within District 4. However, at the time he qualified as a candidate for Public Service Commission, District 4, he received a homestead exemption and continued to receive mail at a home owned in Cobb County, which is not within District 4. He also provided his Cobb County address as his mailing address to the Towns County Tax Assessors Office.

Prominent notices will be placed at each affected polling place advising voters of Mr. Powell’s disqualification, and all votes cast for Mr. Powell will be void and not counted.

Isakson Praises Passage of Legislation to Stimulate Housing Market

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of legislation to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market. The legislation passed by a vote of 63 to 5.

“One thing we must do is improve the plight of the American people economically, and there are two things overwhelming average Americans today. One is the price of gas at the pump. The second is the declining value of equity in their homes,” Isakson said. “This legislation incentivizes buyers to come back to the marketplace. It provides liquidity to refinance loans that are under water. It motivates, inspires and provides liquidity in the marketplace through Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that does not exist right now.”

The comprehensive legislation is designed to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market as well as strengthen the regulation of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. It also modernizes the Federal Housing Administration and expands the FHA’s loan insurance programs aimed at helping borrowers avoid foreclosure.

The legislation will now return to the House of Representatives for consideration. Isakson urged the House to immediately pass the bill.

“We cannot afford to delay this legislation, which will help bring back a prosperous, healthy housing market and a disciplined, well capitalized and liquid mortgage market,” Isakson said. “Every day we wait is a protraction of the current economic difficulty in the housing market.”

Sens. Chambliss-Isakson Urge USDA to Stop Plans to Change Peanut Program Loans

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Dr. Mark Keenum urging the Department to continue using the current peanut loan differential method for 2008 and 2009. The proposal made by USDA last month would result in a significantly lower marketing loan rate for the Runner variety, which makes up almost 100 percent of Georgia production. Georgia produces nearly 45 percent of all the peanuts produced in the United States, making it the number one peanut producing state.

Text of the letter is below:

July 10, 2008

Dr. Mark Keenum
Under Secretary
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Room 205 Whitten Building
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250

Dear Dr. Keenum:

Now that the 2008 farm bill has finally been enacted into law the responsibility of implementing the legislation consistent with Congressional intent falls on the Department of Agriculture. This task can be as daunting as crafting the legislation and we are appreciative of the efforts you have taken to expedite the implementation process.

However, we are concerned about proposed changes to the peanut program. Shortly after the passage of the farm bill, a white paper was distributed at the direction of Deputy Under Secretary Floyd Gaibler highlighting proposed changes to the method of determining marketing loan differentials for peanuts. The proposal to move to a market-based loan differential for peanuts was met with little to no support within the peanut industry. We find it very disturbing that since Congress made minimal changes to the Peanut Title of the 2008 farm bill that USDA would make such a drastic proposal, which was never discussed during the many farm bill meetings attended by the Department.

Recently you held an industry wide meeting to discuss the peanut market-based loan differential proposal. You made it clear to the industry that the proposal would not be implemented for the 2008 crop of peanuts, but that a decision for the 2009 and subsequent crop years has not yet been made. We are appreciative of the fact there will be no changes for the 2008 crop and that you assured the industry there would be an open dialogue on the subject before a final decision is made for the 2009 and subsequent crop years.

After the industry wide meeting, we both received a letter from the American Peanut Council (APC). The APC is the trade association representing all segments of the U.S. peanut industry. The letter stated that APC members, at your request, reviewed the proposal again and still determined that if enacted the proposal, “…will harm the peanut industry and subject the federal government to the risk of increased financial losses.”

Dr. Keenum, we respectfully request that the peanut market-based loan differential proposal not be considered and that the Department continue to use the existing peanut loan differential method. The proposal is not supported by any segment of the industry and we are fearful that if the Department continues to pursue this proposal there will be a significant deterioration of USDA’s relationship with the peanut industry.

Please do not hesitate to contact us or our staff if you have any questions about our request.

Very truly yours,

Saxby Chambliss
Johnny Isakson

Secretary of State Handel Applauds Denial of Georgia Democratic Party’s Motion to Block Use of Photo ID

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel issued the following statement today regarding Fulton County Superior Court Judge Tom Campbell’s denial of the Georgia Democratic Party’s motion for a Temporary Restraining Order to block the use of photo identification in the July 15, 2008 General Primary:

“I applaud Judge Campbell’s ruling to deny the Democratic Party’s frivolous motion to block the use of photo ID in the General Primary Election. Photo ID has been implemented without incident in eight elections, including the Presidential Preference Primary that featured record voter turnout.

“In the past year, the Georgia Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court in Rome and the U.S. Supreme Court have all rejected attacks on the constitutionality of the photo ID requirement. Opponents of photo ID have failed to produce even one voter who has been harmed by the requirement, despite years of scouring the state in search of such an individual.

“I remind voters that Georgia’s photo ID law remains in place. As required by the law, Georgia voters casting their ballots in-person on Election Day must bring one of the required six forms of photo ID to the polls on July 15.”

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Isakson Praises Passage of Terrorist Surveillance Legislation

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of legislation to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, also known as FISA, so that our nation can take advantage of the latest communication technologies in protecting our country.

“The intelligence gathered through foreign intelligence surveillance saves American lives,” Isakson said. “The absence of any catastrophic attacks in America since September 11, 2001, is the product of hard work by Americans in intelligence, law enforcement and the military.”

The bipartisan legislation makes needed changes to FISA so the government’s counter-terrorism intelligence-gathering can continue. It reiterates that FISA constitutes the exclusive means by which electronic surveillance and surveillance of domestic communications may be conducted.

Additionally, the legislation includes retroactive immunity for private telecommunications carriers who have assisted the United States in conducting intelligence surveillance post-9/11 if there was “substantial evidence” they received written assurances that the program was legal and authorized by the president.

“The assistance of private telecommunications carriers is essential to carrying out the intelligence-gathering contemplated in FISA,” Isakson said. “Those who assist the government in tracking terrorists should not be punished with lawsuits.”

The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 69 to 28. The bill now goes to President Bush for his signature.

Chambliss Pleased With Senate Passage of Balanced, Bipartisan Intelligence Legislation

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Georgia, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today (July 9, 2008) made the following statement following Senate passage of legislation to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Chambliss also said he was pleased the Senate rejected amendments to punish American companies who assist the federal government in monitoring terrorist activity. Chambliss said the amendments would have derailed the compromise bill and further delayed U.S. intelligence gathering capabilities.

“This critical legislation has been the subject of many negotiations, and although the legislation is not perfect, I am pleased with the bipartisan nature of this compromise bill. I am satisfied that this legislation will provide our intelligence agencies with the legal tools necessary to perform their jobs, the flexibility they require, and the capability to protect Americans’ civil liberties. However, I am perplexed that it has taken Congress this long to adopt meaningful legislation necessary to protect our country; legislation which Congress knew, at least since last August, needed to be enacted expeditiously. Normally, Congress is accused of being guided by expediency rather than principle, but not usually in national security matters. Intelligence is bipartisan. Securing our nation is bipartisan. It is in every American’s interest that Congress act quickly to protect our nation from terrorist attack, espionage, or any other harm.

“Our intelligence collection relies on the assistance of U.S. telecommunication carriers. These communication providers are facing multi-million dollar lawsuits for their alleged assistance to the government after September 11, 2001. After the expiration of the Protect America Act, many providers began to delay or refuse assistance. Losing the cooperation of just one provider could mean losing thousands of pieces of intelligence on a daily basis. In just one week after its expiration, we lost significant amounts of intelligence forever. We will never be able to recover those lost communications, nor will we ever know what we missed. It is crucial that any FISA legislation include retrospective, as well as prospective, immunity for telecommunication providers who assist the government in securing our national security. To that end, I am pleased the Senate rejected amendments that would have undermined the months of hard work by the Senate Intelligence Committee and the House to reach an agreement on this bill.”

Bremen Post Office to be Named for Local Fallen Soldier

Bremen Post Office to be Named for Local Fallen Soldier
House Passes Gingrey Legislation to Honor the Late Sergeant Paul Saylor

The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation introduced by Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) that will honor the late Sergeant Paul Saylor by designating the post office located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the “Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building.” Sergeant Saylor heroically gave his life for our country on August 15, 2005, while on patrol in Mahmudiyah, Iraq when the vehicle he was traveling in rolled over into a canal. He was 21 years old.

“Our nation will be forever indebted to Sergeant Paul Saylor,” said Gingrey. “I know he is here with us today, and I would like to say: Thank you, Paul. Your spirit lives on and you will never be forgotten.”

This legislation had nearly fifty co-sponsors, including every Member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.

The legislation now awaits action in the Senate.

Below, please find the video, audio and text of Congressman Gingrey’s remarks. To watch the video, click here.

Remarks by Congressman Phil Gingrey
on H.R. 6092, designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the “Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building”
July 8, 2008

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6092, a bill I introduced to honor the life of Paul Anthony Saylor by designating the post office in Bremen, Georgia as the Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office.

Mr. Speaker, thankfully we are at a point today where the Iraqi government is proving to be more and more capable of securing its country and where al-Qaeda terrorists are on the verge of being completely routed. We can all agree that the road on which we have traveled has been anything but smooth. Indeed, we have lost 4,166 of our nation’s greatest treasures in Iraq.

They are not just statistics, Mr. Speaker — there is a story behind every one of the brave men and women who have died serving our country in the Global War on Terror. I have come to know Paul’s story well over the last three years.

Paul Saylor’s story is indeed one of courage, kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family and to his country. Paul was a beloved son to his parents, Jamie and Patti; a beloved brother to Little Jamie; and a beloved nephew to Linda Kirkland. He enjoyed playing high school football with his older brother and was known for his smile and his caring heart. Since Paul’s death, many have spoken of his penchant for standing up for others being bullied, and for picking people up when they were down. It is testament to the affection that others had for Paul that of the 5,000 citizens of his hometown, over 1,500 attended his funeral.

Mr. Speaker, it was Paul’s sense of duty that led him to join the Georgia National Guard following his attendance at North Georgia College and State University. Upon joining, Paul had no idea he would be called upon to defend our freedom in Iraq, but when he was, he bravely answered that call. He served our nation in Iraq as a member of the Georgia National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade. Paul lost his life on August 15, 2005 while on patrol in Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, when the vehicle he was traveling in rolled over into a canal. He was 21 years old.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, upon being returned to his family, Paul’s remains were in a state of advanced decomposition, and he was not able to be viewed by his family for a final goodbye. His family has since worked tirelessly to improve the treatment of the remains of all fallen soldiers to ensure that no family has to experience a similar fate.

As I have worked with Paul’s family to address the shortfalls in the mortuary process, I have visited the mortuary facility at Dover Air Force Base, as well as a mortuary affairs collection point in Iraq, to evaluate current processes and procedures and identify areas where improvements could be made. Those efforts led to the inclusion of a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which requires that all medical personnel be trained in remains preservation prior to their deployment.

This training is carried out in the medical training facilities at Ft. Sam Houston and the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. On a recent visit, I was able to determine that the Army is solemnly carrying out this duty. While we could never do enough to support and honor Paul’s sacrifice, it is the least we can do to ensure that we can honor the remains of our fallen heroes with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our nation will be forever indebted to Sergeant Paul Saylor. I know he is here with us today, and I would like to say: Thank you, Paul. Your spirit lives on and you will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me today in honoring Sergeant Paul Saylor.

Vote yes on H.R. 6092.

Bill Cowsert Named Senate Floor Leader

Governor Sonny Perdue today appointed Senator Bill Cowsert of Athens (District 46) to serve as an Administration Floor Leader in the Georgia Senate.

Cowsert joins Senator Bill Heath (District 31) and Senator Ronnie Chance (District 16) who also serve as Administration Floor Leaders in the Senate. Cowsert will replace Senator Joseph Carter, who has announced that he will run for Superior Court judge in the Tifton Judicial Circuit.

“Bill is a smart, analytical member of the Senate that has already won the respect of his colleagues,” said Governor Perdue. “I look forward to his contributions as we continue to move Georgia forward.”

Cowsert represents District 46 which includes all of Oconee County and portions of Clarke and Walton counties. Senator Cowsert currently serves as vice chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee and as a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, Reapportionment and Redistricting and Special Judiciary committees.

Senator Cowsert is a partner in his law firm Cowsert & Avery. He and his wife, Amy, are the parents of three children – Will, Bob and Caty. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, where Senator Cowsert serves as a Sunday school teacher.

“I am honored for the opportunity to join Governor Perdue’s administration as a floor leader in the Senate,” said Senator Cowsert. “I feel that my experience in the community and within the legislature will serve me well in promoting the Governor’s vision for the state of Georgia.”