Johnny Isakson in State of Georgia Archives

On Abortion: Government should not be funding Planned Parenthood

Senator Johnny Isakson voted for legislation that would fund the government through fiscal year 2016 while stripping funding for Planned Parenthood and redirecting those funds to women's health care centers to ensure that there is no reduction in funding for women's health:

"The government should not be funding Planned Parenthood or any abortions in the first place," said Senator Isakson. "It is Congress' responsibility to keep the government open and provide critical funding. I cast my vote today to keep the government funded, protect women's health, and see to it that no tax dollars go to an organization that participates in the abhorrent activities of Planned Parenthood."

In light of the gruesome video footage detailing Planned Parenthood's role in the harvesting of the organs of unborn babies, Isakson joined Senate Republicans in calling on the administration to launch an investigation into the practices of Planned Parenthood.

Source: Valdosta Today on 2016 Georgia Senate race Sep 25, 2015

On Abortion: Returned from surgery to defund Planned Parenthood

Senate Republicans, aided by Vice President Mike Pence and an ailing Georgia colleague who gingerly made his way to the Capitol with the aid of a wheelchair and a walker, voted Thursday to undo an Obama administration rule preventing states from blocking funding for family planning clinics that also provide abortions.

Democrats all voted against the bill, as did two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski have long opposed attacks on funding Planned Parenthood, which they argue provides services for women in areas with scarce health care options.

Senator Johnny Isakson, Republican of Georgia, who returned after two back surgeries, was cleared by his doctors to travel for one day only to help pass the measure, but it took Pence's final vote to break the 50-50 tie. The measure will now head to Trump's desk, a onetime supporter of Planned Parenthood who adopted an anti-abortion rights position during the campaign.

Source: N.Y.Times on 2020 Georgia Senate race Mar 30, 2017

On Drugs: Legalize medical marijuana and cannabis oil

A group of senators introduced a medical marijuana bill that seeks to do what Georgia's did to legalize epilepsy treatments with hemp oil at the federal level. It's different from a recent House version because it allows the FDA more leeway to regulate the cannabidiol products, thus earning the support of Sen. Johnny Isakson, who said:

"This legislation will ensure that families of children suffering from seizures have access to treatments that can provide them with a better quality of life. The legislation also removes federal barriers for Georgia families who want to bring the cannabis oil back to Georgia in order to administer medical treatment in the comfort of their own home. I've always been a supporter of research and innovation as a leading driver in finding new and improved treatment options for those affected by diseases and disorders."

Even though Georgia has legalized possession of the drug, it remains illegal to carry it across state lines.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution on 2016 Georgia Senate race May 14, 2015

On Environment: Protect environment while providing for economic opportunity

I believe that we can protect our environment while still providing for economic opportunity. In fact, the two must be linked. We have made great progress in developing time-tested, environmentally sound technologies for harvesting the resources of our lands, without degrading the environment. A perfect example of this balance is oil exploration in Alaska's arctic, which has successfully coexisted with wildlife for 30 years. The caribou population in Alaska has tripled since Prudhoe Bay development began, proving we can be stewards of our resources without halting economic development.

We must take the next step in this positive trend towards bringing cleaner air and better health to more of our citizens. We have learned a great deal about what approaches work best, and now is the time to put those lessons to use. We should implement market based approaches to air and water quality that guarantee results while keeping utility prices affordable for Americans. [Source: candidate website]

Source: Vote-GA.org profile for 2016 Georgia Senate race Oct 2, 2004

The above quotations are from State of Georgia Politicians: Archives. Click here for other excerpts from State of Georgia Politicians: Archives. Click here for other excerpts by Johnny Isakson. Click here for a profile of Johnny Isakson.
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023