http://www.sanfordbishop.com/news/ Official news releases from the Sanford Bishop for Congress campaign {weblog_language} info@sanfordbishop.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-29T15:11:13+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/fda_commissioner_hamburg_promises_to_review_cases_of_tomato_farmers Agriculture, 2012-02-29T15:11:13+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_joins_others_in_fighting_potential_post_office_closings 2012-02-21T15:08:45+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_bipartisan_payroll_tax_relief_package 2012-02-19T15:05:23+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_statement_on_black_history_month 2012-02-01T15:03:09+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/reps._bishop_crawford_create_bipartisan_congressional_chicken_caucus 2012-01-27T14:56:26+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/house_passes_buffalo_soldiers_national_parks_study_act 2012-01-27T13:51:58+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_statement_on_martin_luther_king_jr._holiday 2012-01-16T15:34:40+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/rep._bishop_statement_on_libya_use_of_force_resolution Defense, 2011-06-04T02:52:39+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/rep._bishop_introduces_legislation_to_help_veterans_find_a_job Veterans, 2011-05-25T02:58:46+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_hails_usda_grant_loan_to_ft._valley Jobs and the Economy, 2011-05-12T04:34:29+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/rep._bishop_receives_legislative_impact_award_from_military_spouse_magazine Military Quality of Life, 2011-05-10T04:36:55+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_breaks_ground_on_new_martin_army_hospital Defense, Military Quality of Life, 2011-04-29T04:44:38+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_statement_on_misguided_republican_budget Budget, 2011-04-15T17:56:54+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_statement_on_march_jobs_report Jobs and the Economy, 2011-04-02T03:57:00+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_helps_to_reduce_regulatory_burdens_on_georgia_farmers Agriculture, Jobs and the Economy, 2011-03-31T04:22:49+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_recognized_for_championing_agriculture_research The Council for Agriculture Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) awarded Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) the Congressional Champions Award for his years of tireless service on behalf of America's land-grant universities. Congressman Bishop has been an advocate for land-grant universities since he came to Congress and secured millions of dollars for agriculture research in Georgia. Agriculture, 2011-03-02T01:20:40+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/rep._sanford_bishop_holds_forum October 4, 2010 – Columbus,Georgia – In an important meeting with seniors in the Columbus area, Representative Sanford Bishop clearly outlined and affirmed his support for protecting Medicare and Social Security. Alongside Max Richtman, Executive Vice President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, he spoke with seniors at the Southwest Georgia Senior Center in Columbus, Georgia.Representative Bishop and Mr. Richtman both spoke and answered question on the importance,future and threats to Social Security and Medicare. The event highlighted the success of the 75-year-old program, and its current pivotal role in Georgia. Jobs and the Economy, 2010-10-07T10:19:07+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_highlights_true_impact_of_keowns_crazy_decisions_in_opening_ad ALBANY, GA – Congressman Sanford Bishop released his first television commercial of the 2010 campaign cycle. ‘CHOICES’ highlights the differences between the two candidates, shedding light on the impact of decisions made by Keown versus the proven leadership of Bishop. Tax Relief, 2010-09-23T19:31:30+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_additional_tax_relief_for_american_families September 22 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today signed onto a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin urging that the U.S. House of Representatives extend the Bush 2003 tax rates on dividends and long-term capital gains. Tax Relief, 2010-09-22T17:28:31+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_urges_house_leadership_to_reform_estate_tax September 16, 2010 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin urging that any legislation the U.S. House of Representatives considers extending the Bush 2001 and 2003 tax cuts will include substantial estate tax relief. Tax Relief, 2010-09-17T08:38:50+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/usda_nrcs_to_provide_lower_flint_river_basin_with_additional_500000 September 2, -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today announced today that an additional $500,000 in financial assistance has been approved for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) in the Lower Flint River Basin project. Environment, 2010-09-04T15:18:08+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_border_security_supplemental August 10 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) Tuesday announced his support for H.R. 6080, the 2010 Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which was approved by voice vote. Defense, 2010-08-10T16:20:01+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_votes_to_save_teacher_jobs_to_help_states_balance_budgets August 10 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today announced his support for H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, which passed the House today by a vote of 247 to 161. The bill, which is fully offset by closing tax loopholes and cutting spending, provides $10 billion for aid to local school districts to prevent layoffs in elementary and secondary schools, saving an estimated 161,000 education jobs nation-wide, and 5,700 jobs in the State of Georgia. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the State of Georgia is estimated to receive under this legislation $322 million in additional education support. Jobs and the Economy, 2010-08-10T16:18:58+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_broadband_development_grant August 4 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today announced that the Windstream Corporation of Georgia will receive an award of over $5.1 million to extend its broadband network to provide broadband service to homes and businesses in Southwest Georgia currently not serviced with broadband. The project stands to benefit approximately 44,000 Georgians. In addition, 2,000 business and nearly 120 community institutions stand to benefit from the project. The Windstream Corporation plans to provide $1.7 million towards the project. Education, 2010-08-04T16:18:01+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_albany_leesburg_transportation_projects July 30 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) announced today that the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill (H.R. 5850) passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night by a vote of 251 to 167. The bill includes funding for two Second District transportation projects: $500,000 for the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Apron and Various Improvements, in Albany; and $450,000 for the North Bypass, in Leesburg. Transportation, 2010-07-30T16:17:19+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_support_for_make_it_in_america_bills July 28 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) announced his support today for a series of bills aimed at increasing American manufacturing and job creation. The three bills introduced also will promote clean energy technology exports to create clean energy manufacturing jobs for Americans. The bills also establish a commission to study the U.S. trade deficit in an effort to decrease U.S. dependency on China. Jobs and the Economy, 2010-07-28T16:16:30+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/keowns_bitten_off_more_than_he_can_chew I am shocked and appalled by the number of inaccuracies in State Representative Keown’s July 17th response in the Thomasville Times-Enterprise regarding Congressman Bishop’s signature (along with the signatures of 58 other Members of Congress) on a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer. First, I would like to set the record straight about Congressman Bishop’s voting record with respect to the voting record of Rep. Pelosi. Rep. Keown accuses Congressman Bishop of voting with Pelosi 97.7 percent of the time. This is an outright lie. 2010-07-21T16:15:33+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_border_security_supplemental1 July 19 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today announced today that the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Columbus Housing Initiative, has been selected to receive an award of $500,000 under the Fiscal Year 2010 round of the CDFI Program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Congressman Bishop strongly supported Columbus Housing Initiative’s pursuit of these funds. Housing, 2010-07-19T17:49:34+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_funds_for_peanut_genome_research July 19 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Services, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit in Tifton, Georgia, in collaboration with the University of Georgia researchers at the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory and the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, has received a $1 million Federal grant for Peanut Genome Mapping and Marker Development. Agriculture, 2010-07-19T16:14:33+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_blue_dogs_growl_at_speakers_spending July 16 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) has signed on to a letter, with fifty-eight (58) other members of the Democratic Caucus – mostly Blue Dogs, urging Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer to address federal deficit spending. The 59 Members pledged to reduce spending and pay for Congressional priorities, present and future. 2010-07-16T16:13:52+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_doj_grant_for_calhoun_county July 14 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today announced that Calhoun County will receive a $75,000 grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, part of the Department of Justice. The grant will allow Calhoun County to offer at-risk youth an opportunity to be mentored by senior citizens. Crime, 2010-07-14T16:12:56+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_escorts_columbus_native_airmen_of_the_year_msgt_r._c._deese_ii July 14 -- Washington, DC -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) escorted Air Force Times Airman of the Year: MSgt Rodney C. Deese, II, of Columbus, Georgia, today at the 10th Annual Military Times Services Members of the Year Awards Ceremony, hosted by Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS). Defense, 2010-07-14T16:12:49+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/house_approves_funding_for_farmers_veterans_educators Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) announced today that the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 239 to 182, H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations bill for FY 2010. This legislation provides $10 billion for an Education Jobs Fund, $4.95 billion for Pell Grants, $701 million for border security, $163 million for schools on military installations, $142 million in additional Gulf Coast oil spill funding, $50 million in emergency food assistance, $5.1 billion for FEMA, $37.1 billion for the war, and $13 billion in mandatory funds to Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Congressman Bishop supported the legislation. Education, Energy, Environment, Military Quality of Life, Veterans, 2010-07-02T16:54:08+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_unemployment_benefits_extension Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) announced today that the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 271 to 153 H.R. 5618, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act, which extends through November 30, 2010 unemployment benefits to 1.7 million Americans, including 75,100 residents of the State of Georgia, who would have lost these benefits on July 3, 2010. Congressman Bishop supported the legislation. Jobs and the Economy, 2010-07-01T15:02:15+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_federal_grant_for_neighborworks_columbus Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) announced today that NeighborWorks Columbus has been awarded an $87,750 grant. These appropriated funds will assist NeighborWorks Columbus in rehabilitating affordable housing and creating financing or lending tools to assist communities adversely impacted by the foreclosure crisis and the economic recession. Housing, 2010-06-29T15:10:47+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_votes_to_stop_physicican_payment_cuts Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved by a vote of 417 to 1 legislation to prevent the scheduled 21% reduction in Medicare physician payments through November 30, 2010, and makes the prevention retroactive to June 1, 2010. The U.S. Senate passed this measure by voice vote last Friday. Congressman Bishop supported the legislation, which is entitled “Senate Amendments to HR 3962, Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries & Pension Relief Act.” Healthcare, 2010-06-24T19:18:24+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/georgia_takes_the_lead_in_great_peanut_debate Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) asks for support for Georgia Peanuts in Roll Call’s “Great American Peanut Debate,” part of the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Agriculture, 2010-06-23T16:42:17+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_announces_two_rural_development_grants_for_ga_2 Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today announces that the Rural Development office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued two grants totaling almost $75,000 for the Second Congressional District of Georgia. Agriculture, 2010-06-23T15:37:28+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/dot_cracks_on_nut_issue Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today received a letter from Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, stating that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will not ban peanuts from airplanes. The DOT clarified the proposed notice that explicitly states that the DOT will comply with Section 346 of the DOT and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-69. Agriculture, Transportation, 2010-06-22T16:36:43+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_speaks_at_crawford_county_young_farmers_tour Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to farmers and the agricultural industry in his remarks at Cooley Farms, Saturday, June 19, as part of the Crawford County Young Farmers Association’s 2010 Summer Tour. Agriculture, 2010-06-22T04:39:33+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_secures_caa_milspouse_tuition_extension_for_ft._benning ongressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today announced that the Department of Labor (DoL) has granted an extension of the CAA MilSpouse program to the 700 spouses at Fort Benning, with $2.8 million in tuition assistance. Additionally, the DoL included 200 more spouses in the program, for a total of 900 Fort Benning spouses who will receive tuition assistance. Defense, 2010-06-18T08:51:53+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_reviews_nmfa_rand_study Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today attended a joint Congressional briefing hosted by the Military Family Caucus for the release of the National Military Family Association’s and the RAND Corporation’s groundbreaking study examining the impact of deployment on military families. Military Quality of Life, Veterans, 2010-06-17T05:41:40+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_addresses_fowl_export_ban Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk urging him to support the Georgia Poultry industry. Agriculture, 2010-06-16T06:53:18+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_pledges_support_for_peanuts Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) issued the following statement iJune 3 in response to the suggested Department of Transportation Airplane Peanut Ban: Agriculture, 2010-06-05T18:11:33+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_bishop_commemorates_memorial_day_weekend_in_andersonville_and_a To commemorate this Memorial Day, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) spoke at Andersonville National Historic Site’s Annual Memorial Day Observance in Andersonville, and at American Legion Posts 30 and 512 in Albany. Veterans, 2010-05-31T18:35:25+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_bishop_encourage_the_restoration_of_benefits_for_military_spous Co-Chairmen of the Military Family Caucus, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressing their concern with the sudden suspension of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Program (MyCAA) and requesting a date for when the program will resume. Defense, 2010-03-03T13:51:14+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/24th_annual_martin_luther_king_jr._unity_breakfast On Monday January 18th 2010 there will be a Martin Luther King Jr. Unity breakfast at 7:10 am. The program will follow breakfast and start at 7:30am. It will be located at the Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center. Education, 2009-12-30T10:28:12+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_vital_research_and_programs_with_defense_appropriations_for Proposed Recipient: Advanced Bio-engineering for Enhancement of Soldier Survivability Program Amount: $5,000,000 Contact: Robert Knotts, Director of Federal Relations, Georgia Institute of Technology, 601 13th Street, N.W., Suite 300 North, Washington, DC 20005 Explanation: The program will provide funding for research in advanced tissue development, bone regeneration, wound care, and treatment issues relevant to military trauma care. Fundamental research advances in these areas can lead to technologies and techniques for better immediate clinical combat care as well as address long term care issues involving limb loss, tissue and organ damage, facial and dental injuries, and reconstruction. Defense, 2009-12-09T22:41:29+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_supports_after_school_programs_police_departments_and_other_resource Proposed Recipient: Academic Success Center Amount: $50,000 Contact: Dr. Marietta Webb, 1112 29th Street, Columbus, GA 31904 Explanation: The purpose of the program is to provide an alternative school in Muscogee County emphasizing small classroom setting. Additionally, college previews and tours, motivational speakers, musical instruments, A/V studio, library books would be facilitated Crime, 2009-11-23T00:15:47+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/agriculture_fy2010_appropriations_requests Agriculture FY2010 Appropriations Requests Proposed Recipient: The Center for Universal Education and Diversity Inc. Amount: $75,000 Contact: Sarah Roche, 247 Orchard Rd., Rex, GA 30273 Explanation: The program will provide funding for the springboard of future involvement around the nation in an attempt to change the way humans see their role in the protection of our planet via global warming. Agriculture, 2009-11-16T00:04:56+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_bishop_votes_to_support_health_care_reform Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted tonight in favor of H.R. 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act.” “After months of studying the various proposals, listening to feedback from my constituents on both sides of the issue in town hall meetings, informal discussions, letters, e-mails and faxes, and after prayerful reflection, I concluded that I must support the health care reform legislation,” Bishop said. “I believe it would improve the lives of my constituents by ensuring that they have access to quality, affordable health care. H.R. 3962, while not perfect, makes substantial progress in this regard.” Healthcare, 2009-11-06T23:43:57+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/u.s._house_passes_2010_interior_environment_appropriations_conference_repor Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced today that the House of Representatives voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior & Environment Appropriations conference report. The bill includes $6.3 million in funding for projects in Georgia’s Second Congressional District. Agriculture, Environment, 2009-10-29T12:50:10+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_joins_fellow_blue_dogs_and_president_obama_to_advance_statutory_payg Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today joined with fellow Members of the Blue Dog Coalition in strong support of President Obama as he urged members of both the House and Senate to pass legislation requiring that any new mandatory government spending be matched with budget cuts or savings elsewhere. Jobs and the Economy, 2009-06-10T10:34:29+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/house_subcommittee_holds_hearings_to_discuss_jimmy_carter_national_historic The U.S. House of Representative’s Natural Resources Committee today held a hearing on H.R. 1471, legislation to expand the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, Ga. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) spoke at the hearing, which was hosted by the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. Agriculture, 2009-05-14T10:37:02+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/schip_approved_by_house Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. announced that the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which currently provides health insurance to 7 million low- and middle-income children nationwide. Healthcare, 2009-01-21T08:14:57+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/happy_new_year On behalf of my wife, The Honorable Vivian Creighton Bishop, my family, and the Bishop For Congress Committee, I wish you a very safe and blessed New Year! I look forward to your continued support in 2009. God bless the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia. God bless America! With warm regards, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. 2008-12-31T01:22:03+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/national_association_of_chronic_disease_directors_supports_legislation_to_c The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) has endorsed the Healthy Activity for Lifelong Energy (HALE) Act recently introduced by Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia), aimed at combating America's obesity epidemic, particularly among young men and women considering military service. Healthcare, 2008-09-30T22:30:13+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_original_co_sponsor_of_beginning_farmers_and_ranches_act 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. Agriculture, 2008-06-23T23:30:20+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_honored_by_blue_dog_coalition_for_leadership_in_restoring_fiscal_res Washington, D.C. – Members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition honored Georgia Congressman Sanford Bishop for his leadership in restoring fiscal accountability to government and enhancing the national security of the United States. As a leading member of the Blue Dog Coalition and member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Congressman Bishop has made significant strides in restoring the fiscal stability and national security of the United States by implementing common-sense policies such as pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budgeting. Jobs and the Economy, 2008-05-04T22:30:24+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_introduces_transitional_health_care_legislation 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). Veterans, 2008-03-17T22:30:32+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/water_war_peace_requires_compromise_by_all 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. Environment, 2008-03-12T22:30:35+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/internships Dear Student, We invite you to apply for unpaid internships in Bishop's congressional offices in both Washington D.C. and in the district. T hese highly competitive positions offer unique opportunities for you to gain an insider's view of the legislative process. Education, 2008-02-01T22:30:40+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/360000_worth_of_improvements_for_fort_gaines_area_development 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. Housing, 2008-01-28T22:30:11+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_sanford_bishop_responds_to_president_bushs_state_of_the_union_a 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. Education, Energy, Healthcare, Veterans, 2008-01-27T22:30:17+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_votes_in_favor_of_hope_vi_reauthorization 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. Housing, 2008-01-16T22:30:26+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/representatives_bishop_buyer_shimkus_and_taylor_introduce_resolution_to_hon 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. Military Quality of Life, 2007-12-12T22:30:01+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_sanford_bishops_statement_on_enda Washington, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives considered HR 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which prohibits employers from hiring, firing, altering compensation, segregating, classifying, or refusing to refer an employee based on that person's actual or perceived sexual orientation. The bill does not establish employment or membership quotas, and the bill’s provisions do not apply to the armed forces or religious organizations. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., who supported the legislation, gave the following remarks during debate on the bill: Jobs and the Economy, 2007-11-06T22:30:16+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_we_will_not_stop_until_10_million_children_are_insured Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted upon legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and provide health care to 10 million children, including 470,000 Georgia children. The vote followed last week’s failed veto override of another version of the legislation. Healthcare, 2007-10-24T22:30:38+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/case_for_rural_broadband_access_heard_in_washington Washington, D.C. – Today on Capitol Hill, the Agriculture Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, of which Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-Albany) is a member, heard testimony from representatives of the telecommunications industry, the federal government, and rural interest groups, including Marty McClendon, Chairman of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District from Leary, Georgia, on the lack of broadband access in rural America. The panelists testified on current impediments to expansion, such as market conditions and infrastructure requirements, as well as the effects of limited broadband access on our national security, education, health care, and the economy. Agriculture, 2007-10-22T22:30:09+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_previews_electric_hybrid_on_capitol_hill (TUCKER, Ga.)—Representatives with electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia traveled to Washington, D.C. on October 2 and 3 to inform Georgia lawmakers that, in the future, motorists could get 100 miles per gallon, due to the latest in fuel technology. Energy, Environment, 2007-10-07T22:30:20+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/flood_insurance_reform_bill_passes_house Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop, Representative of Georgia’s Second Congressional District, today announced that the full House of Representatives passed the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. The legislation aims to help communities better prepare for and mitigate the effects of catastrophic flooding. Environment, 2007-09-26T22:30:24+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/georgia_agriculture_more_than_just_food_on_the_table It might surprise many Georgians that, despite unprecedented job growth in the Atlanta area over the past 15 years, agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry, and still 1 out of 7 Georgians works in agriculture, forestry, or a related sector, according to the Georgia Farm Bureau. They contribute to the production of staple commodities included in some of our nation’s most commonly-used products. In fact, Georgia leads the nation in peanut, poultry, and pecan production, and is among the top producers of cotton, corn, eggs, and tomatoes. It only makes sense, then, for our state’s federal representatives to advocate for legislation to preserve this part of our state’s economy. Agriculture, 2007-09-11T22:29:25+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_joins_congressional_delegation_to_gulf_coast Group of Lawmakers to Visit Region WASHINGTON, DC. Congressman Sanford Bishop today announced that he will be joining a congressional delegation of 14 House members, including the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, to the Gulf Coast region just prior to the two-year anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The trip, which runs from August 12-14, will allow Democratic Members to return to a region they visited a year ago and assess the impact of the legislation they passed in the first stage of their new majority. Environment, 2007-08-09T22:30:50+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/ft._benning_closer_to_gaining_appropriations_for_facility_upgrades Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, announced that the full House of Representatives last night approved the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Defense Appropriations bill, which allocates $459 billion to the Department of Defense for the funding of our troops, including first class weapons, equipment, training, facilities, and health care services. This includes giving a pay raise to all military personnel, rejecting the President’s request to increase TRICARE co-pays, and fully funding the upgrade and purchase of equipment crucial to the continued security of our nation. Additionally, several key provisions of the bill’s language address improving oversight of government contractors, including allocating increased funding to the agencies that audit defense projects. Defense, 2007-08-04T22:31:53+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bill_passes_house_allocates_funding_to_20_georgia_projects Over $11 million for research and development, conservation, and rural programs Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop today announced that the full House of Representatives approved the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The bill includes more than $11 million for research, conservation, housing, and rural programs throughout the 2nd Congressional District and Georgia. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Congressman Bishop helped craft the bill. Agriculture, 2007-08-02T22:33:12+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/farm_bill_makes_critical_investments_in_rural_america_nutrition_programs_an Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop today announced passage of the 2007 Farm bill, which includes vital investments in our nation’s family farmers, renewable energy, rural development, and our most vulnerable citizens. The bill provides a five-year reauthorization of the farm, rural development, conservation, and nutrition programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is fully compliant with the “pay-as-you-go" rules instituted by the House of Representatives at the beginning of this year. Agriculture, 2007-07-26T22:34:24+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/2250000_for_projects_in_swga Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop announced that the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, including provisions that will benefit two projects in the Second Congressional District of Georgia, the Fall Line Ecosystem Restoration Project on the Chattahoochee River and improving the City of Albany’s floodplain mapping system. Environment, 2007-07-11T22:30:18+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/city_of_vienna_receives_500000_for_wastewater_improvement Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Representative of Georgia’s Second Congressional District, announced today that the full House of Representatives has approved the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. While the overall objective of the bill is to ensure a higher quality for America’s water, air and natural resources, a specific provision of the bill will provide $500,000 to the city of Vienna to assist in improving its wastewater system. Environment, 2007-06-27T22:30:21+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/statement_of_congressman_sanford_d._bishop_jr._on_announcement_to_move_fede Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the judges of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia to cease holding federal court in Thomasville: “I wholeheartedly appreciate and understand the importance of keeping federal court in Thomasville to ensure that cases are tried locally and among the people of the community. Thomasville is a vibrant, growing city whose continued livelihood depends in part on accessibility to government and law enforcement services, such as those provided through a federal courthouse. Since being notified of this situation, we have been reaching out to all of the involved parties, including the office of Mayor Lewis and the judges. Moving forward, we will explore all of the available options with a view toward keeping this building open and allowing the federal court to remain in Thomasville.” Crime, 2007-06-11T22:30:30+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_recieves_big_check_for_housing_in_second_congressional_district CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RECEIVES BIG CHECK FOR HOUSING IN SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ALBANY- Congressman Sanford Bishop received a ceremonial big check this afternoon for $6,690,180 from F. Stone Workman, State Director of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for the state of Georgia, to celebrate Homeownership Month. The check represents federal loan funds that helped 171 families in the Second Congressional District become new homeowners in the last year and a half through USDA Rural Development. Housing, 2007-06-01T18:38:32+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_bishop_statement_on_revised_fiscal_year_2007_emergency_appropri Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representative passed the revised fiscal year 2007 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, which will provide funding for continued combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also provides emergency assistance for domestic emergencies such as agricultural disaster relief, Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Gulf Coast Recovery, children,s health care, and veterans and military health care. Earlier this month, President George W. Bush vetoed two previous versions of the spending measure, however, he is expected to sign the version passed today. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Representative from Georgia,s Second Congressional District, voted in favor of the bill. Military Quality of Life, 2007-05-23T18:30:00+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_votes_to_honor_veterans_improve_benefits_and_services_for_returning_ BISHOP VOTES TO HONOR VETERANS, IMPROVE BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR RETURNING TROOPS Washington, D.C. - Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Representative from Georgia,s Second Congressional District, today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to pass legislation to improve benefits and services for America,s veterans. Veterans, 2007-05-22T18:31:58+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/congressman_bishops_statement_on_renovation_of_conagra_plant_and_enhanced_f CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON RENOVATION OF CONAGRA PLANT AND ENHANCED FOOD SAFETY MEASURES Columbus, GA. Today, ConAgra Foods. Inc. announced that it will renovate and install new state-of-the-art equipment before it reopens the Sylvester, GA facility where its recalled peanut butter products were produced. Additionally, it has created a new executive position, Vice President of Global Foods Safety, to bring additional focus and leadership to the area of product safety and design. This follows a two month investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which showed a possible link between ConAgra Foods, peanut butter and a nationwide salmonella outbreak. Congressman Sanford Bishop, representative from Georgia,s Second Congressional District which includes Sylvester, issued a statement following the announcement: Agriculture, 2007-04-04T18:30:52+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/appropriations_bill_extends_peanut_storage_and_handling_program Appropriations Bill Extends Peanut Storage and Handling Program Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop, a Member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that the proposed FY 2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill contains language to provide $74 million for the payment of storage, handling and other associated costs for the 2007 crop of peanuts. Agriculture, 2007-03-11T18:33:48+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/the_honorable_vivian_creighton_bishop_takes_helm VIVIAN BISHOP TAKES HELM Bishop receives gavel as president of Washington, D.C. service club Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia) today congratulated his wife, Vivian Bishop, on the occasion of her becoming President of the Washington D.C.-based Congressional Club. Mrs. Bishop formally received the gavel from the former president, Mrs. Vicki Tiahrt, wife of Congressman Todd Tiahrt, Republican of Kansas. Mrs. Bishop will be the first African American president of The Congressional Club. 2007-01-17T17:34:58+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/bishop_protecting_medicare_patients U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Medicare patients who depend on oxygen therapy during a Thursday visit to Albany Home Patient Care in Albany. Healthcare, 2006-10-26T18:35:02+00:00 http://bishop.ehclients.com/news/release/securing_the_nations_borders_is_the_most_important_part_of_immigration_refo U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop participated in a candidate,s forum Monday, October 2, 2006 in Roberta, Georgia. The forum featured candidates for Congress, state school superintendent, state representative seats and local candidates for school board, county commission and Superior Court judge. Defense, 2006-10-06T16:17:19+00:00