Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) joined his Georgia colleagues and spoke during a special order on the House floor in honor of Senator Johnny Isakson. Congressman Allen’s remarks can be found below.
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I rise today to honor my great mentor and friend, Senator Johnny Isakson.
Along with greetings to Dianne and your wonderful family, I was there last Saturday to witness your beloved Bulldogs beat my beloved Auburn Tigers and congratulations! I pray they go all the way for you – I think that’d be a great tribute.
Johnny has been a champion for the state of Georgia for decades, as reflected by his many years of service.
It’s been mentioned about all of his accomplishments – a life of political service. And it’s been mentioned his influence on education.
When I was first elected, I had not been in politics before and I didn’t really know how to get things done up here.
As part of my service on the Education and Labor Committee, I was attracted to a bill called the “Every Students Succeeds Act.”
I worked feverishly to get that bill passed in the House, and by a margin of a mere 5 votes, 218 to 213.
Well it just so happened that sometime later, as we get together in Georgia for lunch, Johnny was asking me about that legislation.
I told him we’re going to return control to the states, get the federal government out of the classroom so our teachers have more time to teach.
You quickly became a champion in the Senate and helped garner bi-partisan support.
This is the way things should work.
That bill, the Every Student Succeeds Act, then passed the Senate 81 to 17 and went to a conference committee – all because of the influence of this incredible man.
When that version then came back to the House, it then passed in this House 359 to 64. I had never seen anything like that Johnny and it’s all owed to you, and the impact on education is going to be felt throughout this nation.
It’s quite a difference, and it shows the depth of your influence in these halls of Congress.
Throughout your service, you have demonstrated the true meaning of servant leadership by always putting the needs and priorities of Georgia first.
In fact, the greatest servant leader in history said there is no greater love than to give your life for a friend – and you’ve given your life, a big part of it, to this country and we’re thankful for it.
As someone who came from the business world but had not served in public office before, I’m thankful for your leadership.
Georgia has been named the best state to do business in for the last 7 years and there’s no coincidence that you had a lot to do with it.
I know that I can always call on you for sound advice and guidance.
Now even though you’re retiring at the end of this year, I hope you know that we’ll still be reaching out to you for advice.
We will deeply miss you, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.
There is no doubt that Georgia has big shoes to fill and I think our delegation is up to the task, which is a testament to your leadership and example to me and my colleagues.
Johnny, please know that we will do our best to make you proud and honor your legacy.
Robin and I wish you and Dianne all the best during this next chapter.
God bless you and your family, and I yield back.
