Government needs to quit borrowing, Isakson tells chamber

The economy, energy, war and health care were topics of discussion during U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson's (R-Ga.) address today to Augusta business owners.

By Latina Emerson, Augusta Chronicle — Nov 18, 2009

Mr. Isakson was the guest speaker at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Member Economic Luncheon at Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites.

“I went through four recessions when I had my company. I’ve never seen anything like this right now. It’s pervasive, it’s deep and it’s protractive. We’ve got to do some things in Washington, or we’re going to make it worse not better,” Mr. Isakson said.

He recommended for the country to stop borrowing money and creating debt. It’s also crucial to loosen credit so that small businesses can operate, he said.

“The best way to get out of debt is to raise your income. The best way to do that is raise business activity. More business produces more revenue. We need to extend the tax cuts of ‘01 and ‘03, and we ought to make them permanent,” he said.

Earlier this year, Mr. Isakson said that he helped foster the Financial Markets Crisis Commission, a 10-member committee to examine the country’s financial situation.

“We need some experts, fresh eyes and non-politicians looking at everything from Wall Street to Main Street,” he said.

The United States also needs to further engage in trade and exports of U.S. products overseas and increase its use of nuclear energy, he said.

In Iraq, Mr. Isakson expects the U.S. will be able to reduce its level of troops there to below 60,000 before the end of the year. In Afghanistan, he said that troops are understaffed and military leaders are asking for 40,000 additional troops.

“I hope and pray the president will come to a quick decision…and give General McChrystal that troops that we need and bring all of troops home,” he said.