POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Charles Peeler new U.S. attorney for Georgia’s Middle District

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., gave a thumbs-up to Senate confirmation of Charles E. Peeler of Albany as U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The decision came during a Thursday-evening executive session.

“Charlie Peeler will help enforce and carry out our nation’s laws with skill and dignity,” Isakson said. “President Trump made a wise decision in nominating him, and I am proud that he will be serving our state and nation in this important role.”

Isakson’s office said Peeler has more than 17 years of litigation experience. The founder of an independent litigation firm, he was appointed by district court judges in the Middle District of Georgia to serve on the local rules advisory committee and was appointed by Georgia Govs. Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal to serve on the state Judicial Nominating Commission.

Peeler was confirmed to a four-year term in the position via a Senate voice vote.

Veterans applauded

Isakson and lawmakers representing Georgia in Congress took opportunities to honor U.S. military veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

“We take for granted sometimes all that we have,” Isakson remarked. “But, we should never take for granted the sacrifice that many Americans have given so that you and I can be free to talk … free to work where we want to work, free to raise our families and worship where we want to worship, and say what we think, where we want to say it.

“This is the greatest country on the face of this earth, and it is in large measure because of the great men and women who fought in our military to preserve the great level of liberty that our Founding Fathers put forward for us.”

Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, said, “To over 20 million veterans in the United States, including the 60,000 veterans who live in the Second Congressional District of Georgia, I thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country.

“Today and every day, we are grateful for your service to our country. Whenever and wherever our nation called, you always answered and never faltered; we are forever indebted for your commitment.”

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, said, “My grandfather was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. He was also a POW. I grew up with a deep appreciation for our service members and the sacrifices they make, and I am honored to work in Congress to ensure that our veterans’ sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families are not forgotten.

“The service and sacrifices of our nation’s men and women in uniform have secured our freedom over many generations, and it is our duty and privilege to honor that legacy.”

Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., noted that Congress had made progress in fulfilling its promise to veterans, noting that Isakson, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, had been instrumental in that.

“Our troops who wear the uniform represent the best, and I mean the very best, our country has to offer,” Perdue said. “It is because of their service that we enjoy the freedom that comes with being an American.

“I’m proud of the military tradition of our state. I’m also proud to serve those in uniform as Georgia’s junior senator in the United States Senate. I take that responsibility very seriously. We have a solemn charge to provide our veterans with the utmost respect and best care our country has to offer.”

Tax Reform

Tax reform continues to be at the forefront of Congress’ agenda, and Perdue said lawmakers “are on track to deliver results and fundamentally change this tax code. There’s no denying the positive impact a tax overhaul will have on our country. This will lead to more job opportunities, more capital at work in our economy and more savings for taxpayers.”

Perdue said Thursday the House and Senate have been working in parallel to get a plan on President Trump’s desk by the end of the year. The outline Thursday brought Congress “one step closer to accomplishing this goal,” he said. “You can feel the momentum building, and by the end of the holiday season, taxpayers should have something great to celebrate: tax cuts, a simpler tax code and a more competitive America.”

Ag Dumping

Scott is urging that anti-trade dumping policies be a priority in renegotiations of NAFTA.

In a piece co-authored by Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., published last week in The Hill, Scott said combating foreign subsidized crops sent into U.S. markets below the production cost was one of the biggest challenges that U.S. producers were having to deal with.

Scott and Dunn said U.S. negotiators have to ensure U.S. growers have protections from such unfair trade practices, particularly producers of seasonal and perishable crops. The lawmakers said the influx of specialty crops from Mexico adversely affect U.S. farmers and that remedies are not structured to provide relief effectively under the current trade pact.

Job Corps Funds

Bishop was one of 121 lawmakers who sent a letter last week to the Department of Labor asking it to re-evaluate cuts to the Job Corps Program that were announced Sept. 29. Following the letter, Labor officials announced they will rescind the slot capacity cuts.

Among the affected programs is Turner Job Corps in Albany.

“For over 50 years, Job Corps has empowered its participants to become productive members of society,” Bishop said. “The program enables its students to reach their goals, achieve their educational aspirations and learn a trade. This program has substantial and bipartisan support in Congress due to its positive impacts across the nation.

“I applaud the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to reverse its proposed cuts to Job Corps. This decision will allow students to continue to gain valuable career and social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.”