New Senate committees for Loeffler, Perdue announced

Lawmakers applaud as Kelly Loeffler, second from right, is introduced Dec. 4, 2019, by Gov. Brian Kemp, left, as his choice to succeed U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, who is stepping down for health reasons. ALYSSA POINTER / ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

Lawmakers applaud as Kelly Loeffler, second from right, is introduced Dec. 4, 2019, by Gov. Brian Kemp, left, as his choice to succeed U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, who is stepping down for health reasons. ALYSSA POINTER / ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

U.S. Sen. David Perdue will replace the retiring Johnny Isakson on the Foreign Relations Committee and Kelly Loeffler, who will be sworn into the Senate next year, will take Isakson's seat on Veterans Affairs.

Perdue noted that with his new assignment he will be the only Republican senator serving on Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, making him a party to high-level talks about international affairs.

“We have made it clear that America’s national security comes first, but America first does not mean America alone,” the senator said. “Defense, development, and diplomacy go hand-in-hand and are key components of an effective national security strategy. “

Isakson’s retirement is effective Dec. 31, but Congress is wrapping up its work for the year. Senate Republicans were expected to vote today to finalize these new committee assignments.

Loeffler, who was appointed to Isakson's seat by Gov. Brian Kemp, will likely be sworn in during the first week of January.

In addition to serving on Veterans Affairs, she will also replace Perdue on the Agriculture Committee and be assigned to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Loeffler said she was happy to serve on committees that have impact on Georgia residents, and her goals include lowering healthcare costs for Americans, improving the quality of education and strengthening programs for those who have served.

"As the daughter and granddaughter of two very special veterans, I am honored to serve our nation's heroes on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee," she said in a news release. "I look forward to carrying on Johnny Isakson's strong commitment to our veterans and their families.”

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