Washington, D.C. – Today, 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.
“A leading member of the Blue Dog Coalition, Congressman Bishop has remained a staunch advocate of fiscally responsible policies that promote accountability in government and a strong national defense,” said Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. “The Blue Dogs look forward to working alongside Congressman Bishop as he continues to provide fiscally responsible, common-sense solutions to the problems facing Americans today.”
“The Blue Dogs are committed to addressing the serious, long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States," said Bishop. “For 14 of my 16 years in Congress, I have been privileged to be a member of this important Coalition and going forward I pledge to keep working alongside my fellow Blue Dogs to make budgetary discipline and a strong national defense among the highest priorities of the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Under the leadership of Congressman Bishop and the Blue Dog Coalition, the House rules package for the 110th Congress includes key principles of the Coalition’s plan to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government. Specifically, the package requires pay-as-you-go budget discipline, known as “PAYGO,” with no new deficit spending. Early in the year the Blue Dog Coalition also introduced H.Res.97, “Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom Cost Accountability,” a measure which is aimed at restoring fiscal accountability to the funding of the war in Iraq. Key provisions of H.Res.97 were included in the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization bill.
The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Currently there are 47 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.
Congressman Bishop is currently featured on the Blue Dog Coalition website, located at http://www.house.gov/ross/BlueDogs/.
