Bill encourages experienced service members to continue serving, allows service members to receive health coverage during transitional period

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), along with Congressmen Steve Buyer (R-IN), Gene Taylor (D-MS), and Jeff Miller (R-FL), recently introduced HR 5609, a bill to provide 180 days of transitional health care for soldiers in the United States Military who choose to voluntarily separate from active duty and join the Selected Reserves (SELRES).

The Governors of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama came to Washington last year optimistic that a fair and far-reaching solution could be worked out to bring an end to this “water war.” I, too, was hopeful.

But things have only gotten more complicated since October. A hastily adopted water plan passed by the Georgia General Assembly, a desperate attempt to move the Georgia border with Tennessee up to the 35th parallel, secretive negotiations between the governors, a persistent, damaging drought, and pending litigation between the states all have stood in the way of progress. 

Dear Student,

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Interns play an important role in our offices. Duties include helping with general office work such as answering phones, opening mail, and sending faxes, and interns help communicate with constituents and handle basic constituent requests. In addition, we encourage interns to attend hearings, briefings, bill markups, and press conferences. We want the internship experience to provide intellectual challenge, beyond typical intern duties and are looking for proactive individuals who will make the most of their experience.

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop, Representative of Georgia’s Second Congressional District, today announced that the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta recently awarded $360,000 to Pepper Ridge Too, an affordable housing unit in Fort Gaines, Georgia through the Bank’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Southwest Georgia Development Corporation, in partnership with Regions Bank, will use the AHP funds to renovate the 36- unit development to replace water heaters, floors, drywall, appliances and other improvements. Pepper Ridge Too was originally built in 1982 through funding from the USDA Section 515 program.

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop released the following statement in response to the President’s State of the Union address:

“I’m pleased that President Bush is following the example Congressional Democrats set last year by urging action on issues like health care, energy, education, and caring for our nation’s veterans. However, given the President’s track record on implementing his own policy initiatives, I am hesitant to endorse any of these plans outright. 

I do believe the President and the bi-partisan Congressional leadership have crafted a good plan to jump start the economy. Action is needed to lighten the financial burden faced by Americans and this timely, targeted, and temporary package will provide some relief.

Legislation supports next generation of America’s farmers and ranchers

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop today announced he is an original co-sponsor of the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act. The legislation, which was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives, seeks to ensure a strong agricultural economy in future generations by preserving agricultural acreage across the country and making it easier for young farmers and ranchers to own land.

“In Southwest Georgia, the average age of a farmer is 56 years old. We’re going to see many of these producers retire in the next few years, but with fuel, fertilizer, and land prices on the rise, it has become increasingly more difficult for beginning farmers to get a start,” said Congressman Bishop. “This legislation will help usher in a new generation of producers and ensure the stability of America’s rural economies.”

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop, Representative of Georgia’s Second Congressional District, today voted in favor of the HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007 which will revitalize distressed community housing through an $800 million-per-year investment over the next eight years. Since HOPE VI’s inception in 1992, every government dollar has leveraged at least two private sector dollars and has helped transform and revitalize 237 communities across the country.

“We have had resounding success with the HOPE VI program in Georgia’s Second Congressional District,” said Congressman Bishop. “The program is much more than just ‘bricks and mortar.’ By engaging a range of private and public sector entities within the community, HOPE VI grants play a vital role in improving housing and bringing increased opportunities in job training, employment, and education.”

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) and Steve Buyer (R-IN), along with Representatives Gene Taylor (D-MS) and John Shimkus (R-IL), today introduced a resolution that commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve.  The bipartisan resolution was introduced with over 230 original co-sponsors, more than half the current membership in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

“As a former Army reservist, I am very gratified by the outpouring of bipartisan support for this resolution,” Bishop said.  “This resolution indicates the high regard in which the Army Reserve is held among Members of Congress and the American public.  We dedicate this resolution to the memory of all Reserve soldiers who fought and died to defend our nation’s freedoms throughout our history and to the men and women who continue to serve our nation in the U.S. Army Reserve today.”