By Kirsten J. Barnes
Communications Director Bishop for Congress

During the Congressional work period Congressman Sanford Bishop spoke to the Artisian City Sertoma Club and Sertoma Foundation Patron Club at the Elks Lodge in Albany.

“The first thing that I know is on all of our minds, the elephant in the room whenever a member of Congress gets up to speak, is gas prices. I want you to know that I am sensitive to that and I have been,” Congressman Bishop told the members of the two clubs.

Bishop said he is hopeful when Congress reconvenes in September that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will allow drilling to come before the House for a vote.

“I’ve been hearing from my constituents and I assure you that the other 434 members of Congress have been as well,” Congressman Bishop said. “We have got to do something about our dependency on foreign oil. It’s not only an economic issue; it’s a national security issue.”

Congressman Bishop told the group drilling is only a part of the answer in a comprehensive energy plan.

“Drilling is an answer, but not the only answer,” Congressman Bishop said.

He stressed his long-time support and interest in bio-fuels and said that just as Southwest Georgia has been a leader in producing food and fiber for the nation it will soon become a leader in the production of bio-fuel.

“We’ve got to decide if we’re going to move forward and be energy independent or if we will remain oil dependent,” Congressman Bishop said.

The Congressman also suggested that with rising problems in the safety of imported food that Southwest Georgia farmers would become a larger part of the economy as safe food becomes a concern for Americans.