GA lawmaker on Russia-Georgia war

The US Congress will fully support the country of Georgia, a US ally, in the now five day war with Russia, says House member Phil Gingrey. The Peach State congressman says that could include congressional approval to send in American peacekeeping troops.

Top US officials have intensified their criticism of Russia as the former soviet state continues their five day military incursion into the country of Georgia. Speaking at a local GOP barbeque in Rome over the weekend, Republican Representative Phil Gingrey says congress will work quickly to authorize any requests from the President to send troops or other aid.

“That’s where you see bi-partisan support,” said Gingrey, “on something like this you will see Republicans and Democrats coming together quickly.”

Gingrey sits on the Armed Services Committee, and says this is another sign Russia is looking to antagonize western interests and allies. Russian jets have been bombing the Georgian region of South Ossetia since Thursday. That northern territory is controlled by Georgian separatists, and is home to a vital oil and natural gas pipeline.

Water war hits U.S. Senate

Boat docks nearly high and dry at Lake Lanier. (Susanna Capelouto)

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama added language to an omnibus spending bill that prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from implementing new water control plans for the Chattahoochee River basin. Shelby is a senior member of the powerful appropriations committee.

The move angered both Georgia Senators, Johnny Isacson and Saxby Chambliss. They said the language shouldn't have been allowed without consultation of senators from affected states. The language they say injects Congress into an issue that should remain in the hands of the
Governors of the three affected states.

In October the U.S. Army Corp of engineers said it would start updating it's water contol manuals used to regulate flow in the Chattahoochee and Coosa, Tallapoosa river basins.

The current manuals are almost 20 years old and do not reflect the population growth in Georgia. The language in the spending bill specifically prohibits the Corps from using funds to implement any new water control manuals for the two river basins.

Senator Isaacson says he has the votes to change the language before the appropriaions for the corp of engineers go into effect.

Earlier this week, the Governors of Georgia Alabama and Florida agreed to come up with a drought plan and continue their talks over how to resolve the 17-year-old water dispute.

Lovett Lions To Face Buford Wolves

The Lovett Lions bested the Cook Hornets 29-16 in second AA semifinal game this afternoon at the Georgia Dome. The first half belonged entirely to the Lions, and included a 67 yard intercepted touchdown by linebacker Campbell Wilson. The Hornets rallied in the 4th and picked up 16, but couldn't overcome the Lions lead.

The Lovett Lions will face the Buford Wolves next week in AA finals.