[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Remembering Johnny Isakson

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, before I begin, I want to express my deep 
sorrow at the death of former Senator Johnny Isakson. I served with 
Johnny for a long time, not just here in the Senate, where we came in 
together as freshman Members in 2005, but also in the House of 
Representatives, and I was honored to call him my friend.
  Johnny was a tremendously effective legislator and, in particular, a 
champion for veterans and a model of decency and graciousness. When I 
came down to the floor to discuss his retirement 2 years ago, I read a 
quote from a politics professor in Georgia that I thought really 
captured Johnny. I think so still. Here is what that professor had to 
say:

       As a political science professor and an administrator, I'm 
     often asked by students if good people can serve in 
     government and keep their integrity. Johnny Isakson is always 
     the first example I come to. It's very often a shocking 
     revelation to most people--that good people can, and often 
     do, serve in government for long periods, fight hard for what 
     they believe in, and remain true to themselves and their 
     principles. And they don't have to sell their souls to do it. 
     It's a great lesson, really.

  Mr. President, that was Johnny--a good man, one of the best I have 
ever known. He came to Washington to serve his State and his country 
and served them faithfully throughout his life.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Johnny's wife Dianne and with his 
children and grandchildren.