Sen. Isakson Concerned About Tariffs On Steel, Aluminum Imports
Sen. Johnny Isakson has publicly opposed steel and aluminum tariffs since they were proposed in March.
J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press
Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson says he’s concerned about the fate of businesses and workers in Georgia, after President Trump on Thursday imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.
Isakson says the move may put a burden on auto manufacturers in Georgia and the southeast.
“These tariffs are going to impact the [auto industry] in ways that are going to be negative for the employees and negative for the automakers,” Isakson told reporters.
Isakson has publicly opposed steel and aluminum tariffs since they were proposed in March.
He says he’s shared his concerns with Trump at the White House.
Other GOP Senators are speaking out against the tariffs too, but there’s no indication Congress will take action to stop the president’s move.
“Final Crowning Glory” of VA Reform
Sen. Isakson says next week President Trump will sign a $55 billion bill expanding health care access for veterans, a big win for Isakson, who chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Isakson labeled the bill the “final crowning glory” of 11 VA reform measures that were part of an effort beginning five years ago.
“We just went through every portion of the V.A. and found places we had problems and tried to respond to them,” Isakson says, “but in most in particular those that made the front pages of all newspapers.”
Isakson was referring to stories of veterans who died while waiting for care, or committed suicide on the grounds of VA facilities.
When it comes to the recently passed VA reform bill, the most controversial provision gives V-A doctors the power to decide when a veteran can see a private doctor for care.
Right now, that’s limited by where veterans who live more than 40 miles away from a V-A facility, or have to wait more than 30 days for an appointment.
Opponents of the bill say it moves the VA too far toward privatization, but the measure passed with bipartisan support.
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