{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"GA\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-passage-of-fy-2016-omnibus", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF FY 2016 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, released the following statement regarding his support of the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Omnibus Appropriations government spending bill. The bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 316 to 113, was approved by the U.S. Senate, and has been signed into law by the President.\nThe House of Representatives came together with a balanced compromise to provide the resources needed to create jobs, boost our economic growth, bolster education, invest in our infrastructure, and support our working families. Overall, the bill achieves a number of victories for Georgia and the American people, especially in providing foreducation, job training, medical research, worker safety, child care, and food security.\nRegarding the MilCon/VA section of the bill, anumber of the bills highlights will have a profound impact on the lives of our nations veterans. For example, the amount of funding for Hepatitis C treatment to was raised to $1.5 billion in an effort to eliminate the disease among the veteran population. Additionally, in order to combat veterans homelessness, suicide, and PTSD, we have also included $7.5 billion for mental health care services. Additionally, I am confident that the FY2016 bill provides our military the resources it needs to defend our country and fund the services our veterans may need to carry out successful, productive lives.\n\"Within the Agriculture section of the Omnibus, we worked to prioritize support for American farmers and ranchers, approving $21.75 billion in discretionary funding and $925 million above last year's enacted level. The strong funding for agriculture production, safe food and medicines research, and rural development will go far to promote U.S. agriculture, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.\nThat being said, it is high time Congress returns to regular working ordera process that starts with a realistic allocation, rejects the omnibus model, returns to passing individually tailored spending bills, and utilizing the entire legislative process to determine how our government responsibly invests in the American people. Truly, regular order is better for the governmental process, the Members, and this august institution in which we serve.\n\nBACKGROUND:\nGEORGIAPROJECTS:\n$113.7 million to complete the remaining design and construction of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgia. This is in addition to the FY2015 appropriation which provided $45 million to begin a phased design and construction project for the facility, which is the highest priority facility recommended for modernization. It will be the primary research laboratory studying the avian flu, which has devastated the US poultry industry, particularly in the west and Midwest regions of the country\n$90 million for a command and control facility at Fort Gordon\n$7.851 million for ground source heat pumps for the Navy in Albany\n$8.099 million for industrial control system infrastructure for the Navy at Kings Bay\n$48.279 million for a bombing range expansion (Phase 2) for the Navy at Townsend\n$10.9 million to replace a pump-house and truck fill stands at Moody Air Force Base\n$9 million for a C-130 squadron operations facility at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for the Air National Guard\n$770 thousand for the Army Corps of Engineers construction on Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake\n$8.663 million for the Army Corps of Engineers construction on Savannah Harbor disposal areas\n$21.050 million for the Army Corps of Engineers construction on Savannah Harbor Expansion\nFor more information regarding the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs section of the FY2016 Omnibus,please click here. For more information regarding the agriculture section of theFY2016 Omnibus,please click here.For more information about the wholeFY2016 Omnibusappropriations bill,please clickhereandhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-welcomes-fort-valley-state-university-president-dr", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. PAUL JONES", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fort Valley, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) welcomes Dr. Paul Jones as the new President of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia named Dr. Jones as FVSUs president after the strong recommendation by the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, Hank Huckaby.\nGiving our students the ability to receive a quality education is vital in todays competitive society, said Congressman Bishop. I have faith Dr. Jones will build upon the 1890 Land Grant institutions exceptional legacy at Fort Valley State University by continuing his proven track record of supporting meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and service through the higher education system of Georgia.\nDr. Jones has served in numerous senior roles at Georgia College & State University, including vice president and interim president. Additionally, he has held positions on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and of the Central Savannah River Area as well as on the Executive Committee of Washington County Archway. Dr. Jones has been serving as the interim president of Darton State College (DSC) since 2013.\nDuring his presidency, Dr. Jones focused on improving DSCs administrative functions, legal affairs, and internal audit departments. Furthermore, he successfully increased the number of online degrees offered at DSC and worked to improve the transfer process between Darton and Albany State University for students to earn their degree. An 1890 Land Grant institution with strength in the STEM fields, agriculture research, and extension services, Dr. Jones new challenge will be building upon FVSUs rich history of agriculture research and community development.\nFor more information about on FVSU, please click here. For more information about Dr. Paul Jones, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397624", "Rep. Scott Supports Terrorism Finance Restrictions", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman David Scott supported the bipartisan passage of the Hizballah International Financial Prevention Act of 2015 (H.R. 2297).  The legislation passed by a vote of 425 to 0 and now is awaiting the president's signature to become law.\r\nI have investigated terrorism financing for years, as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Rep. Scott said. With significant funding from Iran and Syria, Hizballah continues to pose a threat to the United States and our allies. I am concerned that the Iranian nuclear agreement could open billions of dollars that could flow to Hizballah and other terrorists to fight in Syria or against Israel. This legislation is a major step to curtailing their operations.  H.R. 2297 imposes additional sanctions on Hizballahs fundraising channels and restricts the organizations ability to use its funds to support global terrorist activities. The legislation also targets Hizballahs media arm, al-Manar, and forces other critical reports to highlight the terrorist organizations illicit activities. A section-by-section summary of the legislation is available at on the Foreign Affairs Committee website.\r\n During the debate on H.R. 2297, Congressman Scott was recognized as a leader on terrorist financing by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Congressman Scott also spoke at length about his concerns with terrorism in the Middle East and the Iranian influence in the region.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-welcomes-albany-state-university-president-arthur", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ARTHUR DUNNING", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) welcomes the University System of Georgia appointment of Dr. Arthur Dunning as the President of Albany State University (ASU). Dr. Dunning has served ASU as interim president since November of 2013.\nWith such an increased importance on higher learning in todays competitive world, it is critical that our universities continue to improve the education of our young adults, said Congressman Bishop. Dr. Dunning displayed excellent leadership and dedication to the student body during his time as interim president, and so I have every confidence in Dr. Dunning to lead ASU into the future.\nDr. Dunning has consistently demonstrated his abilities to improve the educational system in Georgia. Previously a full tenured professor in the University of Georgias Institute of Higher Education, Dr. Dunning has held a number of executive roles at the University System of Georgia and the University of Alabama system, and served as chief executive officer of Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, Inc.\nDuring his time as interim president, Dr. Dunning worked to improve administrative efficiency, educational outreach, and enacted articulation agreements enabling students from Darton State College and Albany Technical College to seamlessly transition to ASUs variety of degree programs.\nFor more information about on ASUs new permanent president, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-strengthens-border-security-visa-process", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STRENGTHENS BORDER SECURITY, VISA PROCESS", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) strengthened border security and addressed vulnerabilities in the current Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by co-sponsoring and voting to pass bipartisan H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation prohibits individuals who have been to Syria and Iraq from entering the United States unless they are interviewed by U.S. officials and get a regular visa, even if they are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. H.R. 158 also updates the requirements for countries to participate in the program, including requiring fraud resistant electronic passports containing certain biographic and biometric information.\nIn todays dangerous world, vigilance is essential to our national security, said Congressman Bishop. H.R. 158 bolsters the screening process for foreign nationals and addresses security vulnerabilities found within the Visa Waiver Program, making our nation more safe and secure.\nThe Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from 38 countries, 30 of which are in Europe, to enter the United States as visitors for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Nationals from participating Visa Waiver Program countries are required to complete a U.S. government online security screening form, referred to as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), prior to departure for the United States and at the port of entry by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official.\nGenerally, travelers from non-VWP countries who want to enter the United States as visitors must obtain a visa from the State Department, which involves undergoing more extensive security screening, including biometric (i.e. fingerprint) security screening, and an in-person interview with a Department of State Consular Officer at a consular post abroad prior to travel.\nH.R. 158 bill makes nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to Iraq, Syria, designated state sponsors of terrorism (Iran and Sudan), and other countries or areas of concern since March 1, 2011, as well as anyone who is a dual national of one of those countries and a VWP country, ineligible to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. Instead, they are required to obtain a visa, as visitors from non-VWP countries have to do. They now also have to have an in-person interview with a U.S. Department of State Consular official and undergo more extensive security screening, including biometric (i.e. fingerprint) security screening.\nH.R. 158 was approved by the House of Representatives in a vote of 407 to 19. For more information regarding the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-hails-passage-of-highway-funding-ex-im-bank", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HAILS PASSAGE OF HIGHWAY FUNDING & EX-IM BANK REAUTHORIZATION", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) joined with 359 Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives to adopt the conference agreement on H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act -- a measure that reauthorizes $281 billion in guaranteed funding for highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years.\nWhile the bill significantly increases funding needed to repair and rebuild our aging system of roads and bridges, it only puts the effort in gear and on the road, said Congressman Bishop. Future transportation legislation must take our crumbling infrastructure seriously and find a long-term, sustainable source of funding for highways, bridges, and transit to fully address this challenge while strengthening our economy in the process.\nThe measure also reauthorizes the critically important Export-Import Bank for four years, which helps American workers and businesses compete in the global economy. In the Second Congressional District from 2014 to 2015, the Export-Import Bank reported an authorization of $51 million to provide insurance policies, loan guarantees, or direct loans to facilitate exports. It further reported that $98 million has been disbursed in total insured shipments, guaranteed credit, or disbursed loan amounts supported by Ex-Im Bank. The total dollar value of exports related to Ex-Im Bank's authorized financing was $382 million. Ex-Im financing went to four exporters in the Second Congressional District, all of which are small businesses. Recipients include; Swift Spinning in Columbus, Thrush Aircraft in Albany; Grid Power Products in Macon; and Easterlin Pecan Company in Montezuma.\nHere in the Second District alone, some 4,000 jobs are directly related to the financing provided by the Ex-Im Bank, said Congressman Bishop. It is vital that the U.S. companies and workers are competitive in a global economy, so todays win is a boon for all American jobs, small businesses, and our rural communities.\nSince 2009, Ex-Im programs have supported about $217 billion in U.S. exports and 1.3 million private-sector jobs. Last fiscal year, Ex-Im supported an estimated $27.5 billion in exports and 164,000 jobs nationwide. Nearly 90 percent of Ex-Ims FY 2014 transactions were for the direct benefit of small businesses. Ex-Ims loan and loan guarantee programs help to fill gaps in private-sector financing, which is particularly important during financial crises, when credit can dry up. Ex-Ims authorizations tripled between 2007 and 2012, as the bank stepped in to support U.S. exports during the recession and in its immediate aftermath. Ex-Im does not cost taxpayers a dime. In fact, since 1992, investments made by Ex-Im have brought a profit of $7 billion to the Treasury, including $675 million last year.\nOffsets within H.R. 22 cover the cost of reversing a $3 billion cut to crop insurance made as part of November's two-year budget deal placing a cap on the overall rate of return for private insurers of crop insurance.\nGroups supporting H.R. 22 include the American Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Transportation Alliance, National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, National Cotton Council, Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, AFL-CIO, International Union of Operating Engineers, North Americas Building Trades Unions, American Public Transportation Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, and others.\nThe conference agreement H.R. 22 was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 359 to 65 and now goes to the President for signature. For more information on the Export-Import Bank activity in Middle and Southwest Georgia, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397622", "Rep. Scott Votes for Major Transportation Improvements", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. David Scott voted to approve a major bi-partisan transportation bill. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years. The FAST Act (H.R. 22) passed by a vote of 359-65.  I have a message to fed-up commuters in metro Atlanta  help is on the way, Congressman Scott said. Metro Atlanta has some of the most dangerous intersections and some of the worst traffic congestion in America. After years of inaction on long-term transportation funding, Congress has finally agreed to a plan that will fund transportation work for five years. The FAST Act will create jobs for engineers and contractors and help get Georgia moving ahead. \r\nThe FAST Act (H.R. 22) includes a number of key provisions:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Dedicated funding specifically for freight projects, including freight rail, for the first time\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Authorizing $10.2 billion for intercity passenger rail investment, including Amtrak\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Expands funding available for bridges off the National Highway System\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Streamlines the environmental review and permitting process without sacrificing environmental protections\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Eliminates or consolidates at least six separate offices within the Department of Transportation\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Promotes private investment in our surface transportation system\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Promotes congestion management technology\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Increases bus funding\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Encourages states to increase safety awareness of commercial motor vehicles\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Improves the auto safety recall process to better inform and protect consumers\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Prevents the rental of cars with safety defects\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Strengthens passenger and commuter rail safety, and track and bridge safety\r\n    \r\n \r\nFor a detailed summary of the FAST Act, click here for a summary from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A final version is expected to soon be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397621", "Rep. David Scott Praises Passage of K-12 Education Bill", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman David Scott praised the bi-partisan agreement to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replace the No Child Left Behind law. The Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177) was approved by the House with a vote of 359-64. \r\nI am proud to support a new direction in K-12 education for Americas students, educators and families, Congressman Scott said. The Every Student Succeeds Act will end the era of the No Child Left Behind Act by restoring local control of education from Washington. The bill ends high-stakes testing, repeals the burdensome Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) system and helps at-risk students. \r\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177):\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Aims to reduce over-testing\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Gives states the autonomy to set academic standards and success measures\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Does not require states to implement or maintain Common Core\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Ends federal mandates on teacher evaluations\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Increases state and local reporting requirements to provide families and communities with more information about student and school performance.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides formula funding for high need districts\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides more flexible use of federal funding for rural districts\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Incentivizes charter school accountability\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Uses multiple measures, beyond testing, to measure student learning and school success to determine school rating\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Provides dedicated funds for early learning.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Will not alter or affect collective bargaining agreements.\r\n    \r\n \r\n\r\nThe measure is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President. For a detailed summary of S. 1177 from the House Committee on Education and Workforce, click here. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397620", "Recognizing World AIDS Day", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we recognize the 28th World AIDS Day, we have much progress to celebrate. We also have new challenges to address. \r\nConsider that the CDC ranks Atlanta as 5th in the nation with new HIV infections and the South ranks first in the nation for its rate of new HIV cases. In 2013,the South had a rate of 20.5 HIV infections per 100,000 residents.\r\nCompared with members of other races and ethnicities, African Americans account for a higher proportion of HIV infections at all stages of disease from new infections to deaths. According to the CDC, African Americans accounted for 44 percent of all new HIV infections in that year.In Georgia, African Americans represented 30 percent of the total population in 2009, but 74 percent of all diagnosed HIV cases. \r\nCongressman Scott is a strong advocate for awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS. He was a leader as a member of the Georgia State Senate in writing the first sex education program in Georgia. Each year, hundreds of AIDS tests are provided to district residents for free at his health fair by partners like AID Atlanta and the Clayton County Community Services Board. At the 2015 event, 125 HIV tests were conducted and in 2014, 203 tests were conducted. \r\nDo you know your HIV status? If you dont, please get tested. \r\nFor more information about HIV/AIDS, please visit the comprehensive website: www.aids.gov \r\n\r\nHIV/AIDS related legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Scott in 2015:\r\nHR 1706: Real Education for Healthy Youth Act of 2015\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants for comprehensive sexual education for adolescents and higher education institutions as well as training for faculty and staff to teach comprehensive sexual education to elementary and secondary school students.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove limitations on using AIDS prevention program funding for education or information that promotes sexual activity or intravenous substance abuse.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Amends Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow funding to be used for Contraceptive distribution in schools.\r\n    \r\n \r\nHR 6: 21st century Cures Act\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Reauthorizes National Institute of Health through 2018.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Establishes the NIH Innovation Fund to fund the development and implementation of a strategic plan, early-stage investigators and high-risk, high-reward research.\r\n    \r\n \r\nRep. Scott Signed Letters to Appropriations Committees In Support of AIDS Research and Programs:\r\nAdolescent Sexual Education and Pregnancy Prevention - Programmatic funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (TPPI), the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), and the elimination of funding for the ineffective abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) grant program in FY2016.\r\nNational Institutes of Health Funding - The National Institutes of Health are our nations preeminent medical research centers and represent our best hope for finding cures, improving treatments, and gaining a better understanding of the diseases and conditions that affect millions of Americans. NIH research is a critical part of meeting health care challenges, strengthening our economy, inspiring the next generation of scientists, and maintaining our nations leadership in innovation. Continued investment in the NIH can leverage existing resources for maximum impact and will build on current progress to further help the American public.\r\nTitle X Family Planning Services - Far beyond just family planning services, Title X provides critical access to preventive health care services such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, HIV tests and immunizations. For many of the patients Title X serves, this program is the only source they can rely on for these services.\r\nHIV/AIDs Prevention - The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program works with cities, states, and local community-based organizations to provide services to an estimated 536,000 people each year who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources to cope with HIV disease. The majority of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funds support primary medical care and essential support services. A smaller but equally critical portion is used to fund technical assistance, clinical training, and the development of innovative models of care. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397619", "You Can Start Saving For Retirement With MyRA", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many people have not begun saving for retirement. Maybe their employer does not offer a retirement plan or they do not know how to get started. A new government savings plan has been started that allows anyone to start saving with just a few dollars. This plan was created specifically for those people who have not started saving. It costs nothing to open a MyRA plan and there are no fees. The investments are backed by the Treasury. You can withdraw the funds at any time. However, it would be best to continue building the account so that one day it can be converted to a traditional or Roth IRA. Try several savings ideas using the online calculator. To learn more, visit https://myra.gov/Low income earners who save money in their work sponsored retirement plan or contribute to a savings plan like an IRA are eligible for a tax credit. The credit is based on your adjusted gross income for the year. To learn more, visit the IRS Savers Credit page.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397618", "Rep. Scott Addresses Visa Waiver Program Security Gaps", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Scott Addresses Visa Waiver Program Security Gaps\r\n  \r\n    Terrorists in recent attacks have travelled to Syria and Iraq with European passports. Manywestern countries participate in thevisa waiver programwith the U.S. This program allows for visa-free travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days under specific guidelines.Each year, almost a third oftemporary visitors to the UStravel under these waivers.Congresswoman Scott joined as a co-sponsor of a new bi-partisan bill (H.R. 4122), which wouldstrengthen U.S. security by addressing security gaps in the visa waiver program. \r\nH.R. 4122 wouldsuspend the visa waiver program fortravelers who havevisited a country designated as a state sponsor of terror (Iran, Sudan, Syria) in the last five years. The bill also includes visits to a countries with active global terror networks (Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria). The Secretary of State would be able to add additional countries if there is a known threat.UPDATE: On December 8, Congressman Scott joinedthe House inoverwhelminglyapproving the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act(H.R. 158), by a vote of407-19.This legislation will help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identify and stop terrorists with Western passports from entering the United States. It would require countries participating inthe visa waiver program to continually share terrorism and foreign traveler data with the U.S.and screen all passengers against all INTERPOL databases and notices. The Senate is expected to approve H.R. 158. To track this legislation or other bills, visit https://www.congress.gov/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-fights-to-bringbackourgirls", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP FIGHTS TO #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) fights to bring back the 219 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram by co-sponsoring H.R. 3833, a bill requiring the United States to develop a strategy to defeat Boko Haram. Introduced by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24), the bill directs the Secretaries of State and Defense to develop a 5-year strategy to assist the multinational task force in defeating Boko Haram and to rebuild the regions infrastructure to prevent the rise of another terrorist organization.\nIt is an atrocity that the 219 Chibok schoolgirls have still not been returned home safely a year and a half after their abduction by Boko Haram, said Congressman Bishop. The United States must fight Boko Haram not only for their egregious violations of human rights, but for the security of the region and the world as a whole.\nBoko Haram, an ISIS-linked group, is responsible for using kidnapped girls as young as 10 as suicide bombers, the displacement of 2.2 million Nigerians, and the deaths of 15,000 people in the region since 2009.\nH.R. 3833 directs the Secretaries of State and Defense to develop a joint 5-year strategy that would assist the Nigerian government, Members of the Multinational Joint Task Force to Combat Boko Haram, and other international partners in countering the regional threat of Boko Haram. The strategy should also help the Nigerian and neighboring governments with their efforts to address the complaints of vulnerable populations in areas affected by Boko Haram.\nTo read a summary of the bill, click here. To read the text of the bill, click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-syrian-refugee-situation", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING SYRIAN REFUGEE SITUATION", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the issue of Syrian refugees:\nFirst and foremost, our most pressing responsibility is to protect the American people. The brutality shown by ISIS during the recent attacks in Paris and Beirut exemplifies the necessity for vigilance across the Homeland as well as the urgency to proactively counter future terrorist threats to the United States. Ensuring all refugees seeking asylum on our shores continue to be subjected to the highest level of intensive screening in order to weed out those who would do us harm from those tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to be free, our nation must remain a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution, for future Americans, and for the rest of humanity.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397617", "USDA Announces $18 million grants for 1890 schools", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this year, Congressman Scott lead an effort to bring the 1890 Land Grant institutions to Washington to testify before the House Agriculture Committee. This was the first time that 1890 schools were asked to testify before the committee.The Second Morrill Act of 1890 was enacted by Congress to support states in establishing the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. These Historically Black Colleges and Universities are committed to providing educational opportunity through scientific research and extension programs.There are nineteen 1890 schools whichcultivate leadership in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and agriculture. On Novever 16,USDA announced 53 grants totaling more than $18 million to support research, teaching, and extension activities at 1890 historically black land-grant colleges and universities. To see the full list of grants,click this link.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-on-funding-our-national-security", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ON FUNDING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY", "2015-11-09", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report for Fiscal Year 2016. The agreement authorizes $515 billion, in discretionary base budget authority, including roughly $496.4 billion for the Department of Defense base budget and $18.6 billion for defense-related activities of the Department of Energy. However, the report would also authorize more than $89.2 billion for DOD overseas contingency operations. The Administration requested $50.9 billion. The report identifies the difference of roughly $38.3 billion as discretionary budget authority in support of base budget requirements.\nPassage of the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act protects our bases, strengthens our military capabilities, and brings about a collective sigh of relief from service members and their families who have sacrificed so much to receive so little in return. Among our highest priorities as a nation should be the defense of our citizens and the values and freedoms we hold dear and the support and protection of those who so bravely put their lives on the line. Mission and family readiness at Fort Benning, the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Robins Air Force Base, and other bases in Georgia are vital to our national defense and to our communities, realities that this bill underscores in a very prominent fashion.\nThe report institutes a minimal one-time increase of TRICARE Pharmacy co-pays and would implement a more robust financial benefit training program to improve the financial literacy and preparedness of service members. The report requires the Department to take into consideration the recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission and the Boston Consulting Group report on commissaries and provide an implementation plan to execute a cost-neutral system.\nThe report prevents the Department of Defense from conducting another round of BRAC. The measure authorizes funding for train-and-equip efforts in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine as well as $3.8 billion for the Afghan National Security Forces. The measure extends the administration's authority to train and equip Syrian rebels fighting both ISIS and the Assad regime and authorizes funding to help train the Iraqi Army in its fight against ISIS.\nThe NDAA conference report was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 370 to 58 and goes to the President for his signature. For more information regarding the Continuing Resolution and its provisions, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-the-passing-of-jane-willson", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JANE WILLSON", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of Jane Willson, a businesswoman and philanthropist from Albany, Georgia:\nMy heart is heavy with the news of Jane Willsons passing. She helped make Albany the city it is today through her dedicated service to local organizations. Though she enjoyed great success with business, making Willson Farming and Sunnyland Farms global successes, she will most likely be remembered for her dedication to philanthropy and improving her community.\nMrs. Willsons selflessness has been an inspiration to all who knew her, including myself. She donated much of herself, and became a prominent part of the fabric of the charitable institutions she supported. Truly, her generosity will live on in Albany for years to come.\nJane Willson has left behind a strong legacy of humanitarianism to her family, friends, and the state of Georgia and we will mourn her passing deeply. I send my sincerest condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time. I pray they will be comforted by her memory and the graciousness she showed to our community.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-hails-house-passage-of-ex-im-bank-reauthorization", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HAILS HOUSE PASSAGE OF EX-IM BANK REAUTHORIZATION", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) hailed the passage of a reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the use of a rare discharge petition, Republicans and Democrats came together in support of H.R. 597, the Reform Exports and Expand the American Economy Act, which would reauthorize and reform the Ex-Im Bank as well as strengthen it for the future. A wholly owned U.S. government corporation, the Ex-Im Bank is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the United States and finances and facilitates U.S. exports of goods and services while supporting U.S. employment.\nHere in the Second District alone, some 4,000 jobs are directly related to the financing provided by the Ex-Im Bank, said Congressman Bishop. It is vital that the U.S. companies and workers are competitive in a global economy, so todays win is a boon for all American jobs, small businesses, and our rural communities.\nIn the Second Congressional District from 2014 to 2015, the Export-Import Bank reported an authorization of $51 million to provide insurance policies, loan guarantees, or direct loans to facilitate exports. It further reported that $98 million has been disbursed in total insured shipments, guaranteed credit, or disbursed loan amounts supported by Ex-Im Bank. The total dollar value of exports related to Ex-Im Bank's authorized financing was $382 million. Ex-Im financing went to four exporters in the Second Congressional District, all of which are small businesses. Recipients include; Swift Spinning in Columbus, Thrush Aircraft in Albany; Grid Power Products in Macon; and Easterlin Pecan Company in Montezuma.\nJob creation at Ex-Im financed companies is where the rubber meets the road, and if we want a flourishing American economy, Ex-Im Bank is the kind of government agency we ought to be supporting, concluded Congressman Bishop.\nSince 2009, Ex-Im programs have supported about $217 billion in U.S. exports and 1.3 million private-sector jobs. Last fiscal year, Ex-Im supported an estimated $27.5 billion in exports and 164,000 jobs nationwide. Nearly 90 percent of Ex-Ims FY 2014 transactions were for the direct benefit of small businesses. Ex-Ims loan and loan guarantee programs help to fill gaps in private-sector financing, which is particularly important during financial crises, when credit can dry up. Ex-Ims authorizations tripled between 2007 and 2012, as the bank stepped in to support U.S. exports during the recession and in its immediate aftermath. Ex-Im does not cost taxpayers a dime. In fact, since 1992, investments made by Ex-Im have brought a profit of $7 billion to the Treasury, including $675 million last year.\nH.R. 597 was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 313 to 118 and now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. For more information on the Export-Import Bank activity in Middle and Southwest Georgia, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-election-of-new-speaker-of-the-house-paul", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ELECTION OF NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, PAUL RYAN", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the election of a new Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin:\nTo everything there is a season, and today, the leadership of the Peoples House shifts from the Honorable John Boehner of Ohio to a proud son of Wisconsin, Representative Paul Ryan. The inability of members of Congress to cooperate with each other cries out for a renewed commitment to joint problem solving for the common good of the nation. Only time will tell, but under Speaker Ryans leadership, I am hopeful for a new season, defined less by dysfunction and more by bipartisan progress for the American People.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-budget-agreement-debt-limit", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING BUDGET AGREEMENT, DEBT LIMIT", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House passage of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. The agreement provides two years of sequester relief for both defense and non-defense priorities. The deal prevents a sharp increase in Medicare Part B premiums for certain beneficiaries in 2016 and includes a clean debt limit suspension until March 2017.\nAfter years of damage due to sequestration, the bipartisan budget agreement as passed by the House finally represents a step in the right direction, said Congressman Bishop. Reflecting the values held by many in Georgia, we have worked across the aisle to pass a budget to protect our seniors, invest in job training and veterans medical care, and keep America safe.\nThe agreement provides additional resources and the funding stability needed to protect our country, counter future threats, and take care of the nations Armed Forces. It provides significant resources for the Department of Defense to ensure military readiness and prepare for threats faced in the future. The passed version of the budget agreement avoids proposed cuts to crop insurance. The budget agreement will also avoid harmful funding cuts for national security activities at non-defense agencies like State, Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.\nThe budget compromise will avert a manufactured crisis, help our economy continue to strengthen, and provide crucial investment in our nations future as the agreement is major step forward for education, health care research, and our economy, continued Congressman Bishop.\nAnalysis of CBOs previous estimates suggests that this budget agreement will lead to 340,000 additional American jobs in 2016 alone. It boosts growth and job creation, provides greater certainty to American businesses and workers, and avoids the manufactured crises that have led to shutdowns and fiscal brinkmanship in the past.\nLegislating from one fiscal crisis to another is no way to govern. The budget agreement proves that Congress can still solve problems by working together in a bipartisan manner. It is a win for the American people, concluded Congressman Bishop.\n\nBACKGROUND:\nThe budget agreement prevents the deep budget cuts that would result from locking in sequestration. Instead, it allows for us to increase investments in key areas like:\nDefense Budget: The deal would boost the spending restrictions on the base defense budget by $25 billion to $548 billion in FY 2016 and by $15 billion to $551 billion in FY 2017. In addition, it would provide some $59 billion for the war budget in each of the next two fiscal years, resulting in an overall defense budget of $607 billion and $610 billion, respectively.\nCrop Insurance: Congressman Bishop worked with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway and Ranking Member Collin Peterson to reverse a disastrous provision within a previous draft to avoid cuts to crop insurance.\nResearch: This agreement will allow us to increase research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). By contrast, despite bipartisan agreement that we need to invest in these areas, a full-year continuing resolution (CR) at sequestration levels would result in $1 billion less in NIH funding and nearly 1,000 fewer NSF grants than under the Presidents budget.\nEducation: This agreement will allow us to invest in education and Head Start. By contrast, under a full-year CR at sequestration levels, per-pupil education funding would fall to the lowest levels since 2000, adjusted for inflation, and Head Start would be flat-funded, which would mean roughly 2,000 fewer children served than in 2015, all else equal, and roughly 17,000 fewer children served than in 2014.\nVeterans Medical Care: While Democrats and Republicans agree that we need to invest more in vets medical care, this agreement is necessary to make that possible. By contrast, a full-year CR at sequestration levels would mean $1 billion less for Veterans medical care relative to the Presidents Budget request.\nBalanced Budgeting: The agreement is paid for in a balanced way  including tax compliance measures and avoiding harmful cuts to Medicare or Social Security beneficiaries, or other problematic entitlement reforms.\nJob Training: While a full-year CR at sequestration levels would result in two million fewer workers with job training and employment services compared to the Presidents budget, this agreement will allow us to increase investments in job training.\nMedicare: The legislation prevents a roughly 50 percent increase in the Medicare Part B premium in 2016, protecting millions of seniors from cost increases. The legislation prevents an unprecedented increase in the Medicare Part B premium of roughly 50 percent in 2016 by spreading out the cost of replenishing the Medicare Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund over a number of years  and prevents the same problem from happening in 2017. The health savings included in the agreement focus on tackling well-documented areas of overpayment and improve program integrity, squeezing waste out of the system.\nSocial Security: The agreement avoids deep cuts to Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) benefits that would occur at the end of next year, ensuring that the program can continue to pay full benefits without reducing benefit levels or imposing new eligibility restrictions.\nTax Reform: It includes $11 billion in revenues from tax compliance, mostly from significant reforms to improve tax compliance among investors in hedge funds, private equity funds, and other large partnerships.\nCongressman Bishop supported passage of H.R. 1314. The bill was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 266 to 167 and now goes on to the Senate for consideration. For more information regarding H.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015, please click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-hhs-announces-over-3-billion-in-funding-for-energy-assistance", "ADVISORY: HHS ANNOUNCES OVER $3 BILLION IN FUNDING FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families has announced the release of over $3 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016. LIHEAP aids individuals and families, especially seniors and children, heat their homes in the winter, cool their homes in the summer, and assist with insulation to ensure that their homes are energy efficient. Grantees with completed FY 2016 LIHEAP plans will receive award letters with their individual allotments. Each grantee that submitted a complete LIHEAP plan for FY 2016 received the funding available under the Continuing Resolution.\nGeorgia has received $48,814,457 in LIHEAP funds for FY 2016. HHS previously awarded $3.05 billion nationwide in June 2015, for a total of $3.35 billion year-to-date. Congress appropriated these funds under the Continuing Appropriations Resolution FY 2016, Public Law 114-53, which was signed into law on September 30, 2015.\nFor more information about LIHEAP, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/proposed-sabal-trail-raises-environmental-justice-health-concerns", "PROPOSED SABAL TRAIL RAISES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, HEALTH CONCERNS", "2015-10-26", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) spearheaded a letter with Congressmen John Lewis (GA-05), Henry Hank Johnson Jr. (GA-04), and David Scott (GA-13) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) raising concerns regarding Sabal Trails application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct a 516-mile-long, 36-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline through Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The letter especially cites the proposed location of the pipeline and an accompanying compressor station in Albany, Georgia, which is located in Dougherty County. The proposed location raises serious environmental justice issues that have not been fully addressed by FERC in its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project.\nCongressman Bishop, as well as Representatives Lewis, Scott, and Johnson, are members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), which has highlighted issues of environmental justice. The Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as, the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Among the CBCs initiatives on this issue are health disparities and the environment, the impact of Hurricane Katrina on minority communities, and opposing the location of a dangerous plastics plant in a poor, black community in Louisiana.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below:\nOctober 23, 2015\nNorman C. Bay, Chairman\nTony Clark, Commissioner\nCheryl A. LaFleur, Commissioner\nPhillip D. Moeller, Commissioner\nColette D. Honorable, Commissioner\nFederal Energy Regulatory Commission\n888 First Street, N.E.\nWashington, D.C. 20426\n\nRe: Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC\nFERC Docket No. CP15-17-000\nDear Commissioners:\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding Sabal Trail Transmission, LLCs (Sabal Trail) application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct a 516-mile-long, 36-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline through Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. If approved, approximately 160 miles of the pipeline would traverse nine counties in southwest Georgia, five of which are located in Georgias Second Congressional District represented by Congressman Sanford Bishop.\nWe are especially concerned about the proposed location of the pipeline and an accompanying compressor station in Albany, Georgia, which is located in Dougherty County. The proposed location raises serious environmental justice issues that have not been fully addressed by FERC in its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project.\nThe population of Dougherty County and the City of Albany is approximately 72% African-American. The median household income is only $28,871 for a family of four. Approximately 32% of the population lives below the poverty line. The unemployment rate also is higher than the state average.\nIn the southern part of Dougherty County, the communities are overburdened by pollution with 259 hazardous waste facilities, 78 facilities producing and releasing air pollutants, 20 facilities releasing toxic pollutants, and 16 facilities releasing pollutants into the waters of the United States. Cancer rates and cancer-related deaths are higher in southwest Georgia than in the rest of the state.\nSabal Trails proposed pipeline and compressor station will further burden an already overburdened and disadvantaged African-American community in this area. Sabal Trails proposed route will go through Albany and Dougherty County and will run through low-income African-American neighborhoods. The proposed industrial compressor station facility would sit right in the middle of an African-American residential neighborhood comprised of two large subdivisions, a mobile home park, schools, recreational facilities, and the 5,000-plus member Mount Zion Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation. The statement in FERCs DEIS that the compressor station would not be located in an environmental justice community is not correct. In fact, FERC acknowledges in its DEIS that 71% of environmental justice populations would be affected by the Sabal Trail Project and that the percentage of environmental justice populations in Doughtery County is 85% (see DEIS at p. 3-217).\nThe compressor station would occupy several acres, have a height of six stories, and have two 21,000 horsepower turbines running 24 hours a day every day of the week. It would be lit up all night long, emit thousands of tons of pollutants into the air each year, and constitute a non-stop source of noise and vibration. The undisputed evidence in the record shows that this massive compressor station would emit so much pollution that it would further contribute to the City of Albany exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the federal Clean Air Act for nitrogen oxides.\nIn addition, studies have documented that noise pollution causes adverse health effects including vibro-acoustic disease, hypertension, heart disease, hearing impairment, communication problems, sleep disturbance, and adverse cognitive effects including memory loss and behavioral problems. The nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals that the compressor station would emit are known to harm respiratory, cardiological, neurological, and kidney functions as well as cause premature death. Even small levels of nitrogen oxides can cause nausea, irritation of the eyes and nasal passages, fluid in the lungs, and shortness of breath. The area already has among the highest incidences of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. This residential area therefore is the last place where such a facility should be placed, and it most certainly should not be located near a disadvantaged African-American neighborhood that has already borne more than its fair share of pollution.\nFurthermore, the proposed pipeline route and compressor station location would lie in a limestone karst-laden area that is highly prone to the development of sinkholes  a fact highlighted in the DEIS. Indeed, the pipeline route through Dougherty County alone features nearly 70 actual and potential sinkholes. Of even greater concern is the fact that the pipeline will run through Albanys well field that is already pockmarked with over 40 sinkholes. The well field provides drinking water for 35,000 of the Citys residents. The development of a sinkhole beneath the pipeline or compressor station would create a substantial risk of pipeline collapse, rupture, and explosion that could cause untold property damage, bodily injury, and death. Given the demographics of Albany and Dougherty County, such an event would adversely impact African-Americans living there. The potential for a catastrophic explosion is not a speculative concern in light of the many pipeline accidents that have occurred in recent months including an explosion on a Spectra natural gas pipeline beneath the Arkansas River earlier this year and a compressor station explosion that killed three people in Louisiana earlier this year.\nAs you may be aware, 18 C.F.R.  380.15 requires that any compressor station be located in an unobtrusive location. It is clear to us that placing Sabal Trails proposed compressor station in the heart of an African-American residential neighborhood hardly qualifies as an unobtrusive location. Moreover, in accordance with Presidential Executive Order 12,898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations), FERC is obligated to address environmental justice issues that may be raised by Sabal Trails proposed pipeline project with respect to minority and low-income communities (Exec. Order No. 12,898, 59 Fed. Reg. 7629 (Feb. 11, 1994)). Proper application of that Order mandates moving the proposed pipeline route and compressor station location.\nApart from the above legal considerations, common sense would suggest that a pipeline carrying a highly flammable substance and a massive polluting industrial facility should not be placed in any residential community, much less an environmental justice community. It should be more evident when the underlying karst geology creates a significant risk of substantial harm and when other alternative routes and locations exist. It would be reasonable to slightly alter the route of the pipeline outside the largest urban area in southwest Georgia and to move the compressor station to a more rural location given that much of the surrounding area is comprised of agricultural land. Surely this modification can be done for a pipeline that would run for 160 miles through southwest Georgia.\nIt is essential that FERC require Sabal Trail to abandon its proposed pipeline route and compressor station location and to propose alternatives that will not adversely impact environmental justice communities in southwest Georgia. We would greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and would request a prompt written response.\nSincerely,\nSanford D. Bishop, Jr., Member of Congress\nJohn Lewis, Member of Congress\nHenry C. Hank Johnson, Jr., Member of Congress\nDavid Scott, Member of Congress\nTo view a scan of the letter, please click here.\nCongressman Bishop has written two letters to the FERC  in November 2014 and May 2015  raising serious concerns about the route of the pipeline through Southwest Georgia, the use of eminent domain, the location of the compressor station near Albany, and whether the citizens of the Second Congressional District actually will stand to benefit. Earlier this month, he wrote to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about Sabal Trails application for a Section 404 permit under the Clean Water Act which is needed to encroach upon numerous waters of the U.S. Bishop successfully urged the Corps to extend the public comment period for the Section 404 permit by two months until December 11, 2015.\nTo view the entire U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public notice regarding the Sabal Pipeline project, please click here. To view the joint public notice of extension, please click here. To read the FERC Environmental Impact Statement, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397616", "Congressman David Scott Statement in Recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month", "2015-10-26", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman David Scott issued the following statement in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a disease that is important to my family, breast cancer. This devastating disease strikes 1 in 8 women, affecting our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and loved ones. In Georgia, breast cancer is a particularly serious problem as it is the most common type of cancer and the second most deadly type of cancer among women in the state. According to the nonprofit Sisters by Choice, 6000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1000 will die from breast cancer in Georgia each year. This epidemic is made worse by the fact that 19 percent of Georgians do not have health insurance, 33 percent of Georgia counties do not have mammography machines, and 75 percent of Georgia counties are medically underserved. Due to slow detection caused by these facts, 30 percent of breast cancers will have metastasized and be present in other places throughout the body by the time they are found.\r\nDespite the disheartening statistics about cancer, I know that there is still hope. Detection and treatment advances found in the past few years will help to both lessen the risk of cancer and win the fight to eradicate cancer. I am pleased that Georgia is a hub for medical innovation in the fight against cancer, utilizing public and private partnerships to research the disease. Moreover, the CDC and the internationally regarded cancer centers at Emory University, Georgia Regents University, the University of Georgia, Northside Hospital, and other centers throughout the state have pioneered effective, yet minimally invasive ways to treat this disease. \r\nAdditionally, the CDC has contributed to this effort through public outreach programs aimed at improving surveillance so that cancers can be caught early. In addition, the internationally-renowned Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University has tested 75 percent of FDA-approved new cancer treatments in the past seven years. At another renowned institution, researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a vaccine that attacks a previously unassailable protein. This vaccine is vitally important because this protein is found in the majority of killing cancers and in the triple-negative tumors common in a particularly dangerous variant of breast cancer. \r\nIn addition to the work done by the professional research institutions in Georgia, I am proud that the Georgia community has come together to support those who are suffering from not just breast cancer, but cancers of all types. For instance, Sisters by Choice, a nonprofit organization centered around helping underinsured and underserved women to find and treat breast cancer, is working on creating a mobile clinic that will provide screenings, diagnostic services, access to clinical trials, and other resources to these disadvantaged populations. In addition, wonderful nonprofit organizations working with cancer centers, such as the Cancer Support Community Atlanta and the Treehouse Gang, an organization based around supporting children with a parent suffering from cancer, provide vital assistance and hope to cancer sufferers and their families. Finally, the Atlanta 2-Day Walk has raised $11 million in just 13 years to help find new ways to treat and prevent breast cancer. Through these initiatives, and the hard work of the cancer centers in Georgia, I know that definite progress has been and will continue to be made to treat and eradicate this deadly disease.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-encourages-public-comment-regarding-sabal-trail", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ENCOURAGES PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING SABAL TRAIL PIPELINE", "2015-10-15", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) encouraged interested stakeholders to take advantage of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers extension of the public comment period for Section 404 permits under the Clean Water Act with respect to the construction of the Sabal Trail natural gas pipeline.\nThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for Section 404 permits, which are needed to encroach upon numerous waters of the U.S. (i.e. wetlands, streams, and rivers) that the pipeline would run through or under if Sabal Trails application is approved.\nCongressman Bishop was contacted by constituents and stakeholders concerned that the original thirty-day deadline was insufficient for the public to thoroughly review Sabal Trails application. In response, Congressman Bishop urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to extend the public comment period for Section 404 permits under the Clean Water Act with respect to the construction of the Sabal Trail natural gas pipeline, and they responded. The new deadline to comment is December 11, 2015.\nGiven the potential impact of the project on Southwest Georgia, I urge the public to use the comment period extension to let your opinion be heard regarding the issuance of Sabal Trail Section 404 permit by the Corps of Engineers, said Congressman Bishop.\n\nTHE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS ON DECEMBER 11, 2015.\nComments can be submitted in writing to:\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers\nSavannah District Regulatory Division\nAttn: Mr. Terry Kobs\n1104 North Westover Boulevard, Suite 9\nAlbany, Georgia 31707-6626\nSabal Trail is a 465-mile gas pipeline (55 miles in Alabama, 196 miles in Georgia, and 214 miles in Florida) that will be capable of transporting up to one billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. Much of the Georgia route of the pipeline with run through the Second Congressional District.\nTo view the entire U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public notice regarding the Sabal Pipeline project, please click here. To view the joint public notice of extension, please click here. To read the FERC Environmental Impact Statement, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-announces-266230-grant-for-first-choice-primary-care", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $266,230 GRANT FOR FIRST CHOICE PRIMARY CARE IN MACON", "2015-10-14", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MACON, GA Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is proud to announce a $266,230 grant has been awarded to First Choice Primary Care, Inc. in Macon, Georgia by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The grant will go towards facility planning and construction, health services planning and technical support, program development, as well as improving and expanding general health and medical services. The grants will also be used to improve education and training programs for health care employees.\nI am very grateful that First Choice Primary Care will be able to expand resources in providing services to the Macon area, said Congressman Bishop. The importance of ones health cannot be understated and now this non-profit organization will have the means to improve the delivery of primary and preventive health care.\nThis supplemental funding from HRSA will help First Choice Primary Care expand its efforts to provide patient centered primary care to the underserved, increase behavioral health services, improve services for patients with cardiovascular disease, and strengthen our quality programs, said Katherine McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Primary Care.Our partnerships with River Edge Behavioral Health, the Bibb County School District, Communities in Schools and others will help us make the most of this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Middle Georgia residents.\nFor more information regarding First Choice Primary Care, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-welcomes-halt-of-waters-of-the-us-wotus-rule", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP WELCOMES HALT OF WATERS OF THE US (WOTUS) RULE", "2015-10-14", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) welcomed the U.S. Court of Appeals decision to halt the nationwide enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) water pollution rule.\nLast Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit halted the enforcement of an unnecessary regulation targeting vital resources of farmers and small business owners in rural America, said Congressman Bishop. Thankfully, the EPAs overbearing regulation wont go into effect, and I applaud the courts for halting the potential confusion and governmental overreach.\nLast year, Congressman Bishop supported passage of H.R. 5078. The measure would prohibit the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing either guidance or a rule proposed last year that would supposedly clarify the federal government's authority to regulate certain intrastate waters under the Clean Water Act, and requires the agencies to consult with state and local officials to develop a new regulatory proposal.\nTo view Congressman Bishops previous statement on the rule, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-releases-statement-regarding-passage-of-cr-0", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING PASSAGE OF CR", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported the Continuing Resolution (CR) for Fiscal Year 2016. The legislation continues funding for all government operations through December 11, 2015 and was approved by a vote of 277 to 151.\nIt is vitally important that Congress averts a government shutdown so crucial services provided by the government continue to be available to seniors, families, small business, veterans, and our communities in Georgia. I am pleased that this government funding bill will ensure continued operations, but this is no victory to celebrate. Our government cannot afford to continue investing in its priorities through short term, haphazard funding measures, and so, I look forward to passing all twelve appropriations bills for complete government funding before the end of the year.\nFor more information regarding the Continuing Resolution and its provisions, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-statement-on-pope-francis-address-to-congress", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT ON POPE FRANCIS ADDRESS TO CONGRESS", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after Pope Francis historic address to the Joint Meeting of Congress:\nAs a Christian and as a public servant, I was pleased to be in the presence of Pope Francis as he spoke at the White House and again at the Joint Session of Congress. His dialogue with the American people inspired us regardless of political party to continue in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.\nIt was a message of peace, but also a message of caution. Speaking directly to a United States Congress weighted down with partisan bickering, Pope Francis words encouraged us to stand up to polarization and conflict with a response of peace and healing. Though todays world is often characterized by callous acts of violence and greed, a dangerously shifting climate, and serial injustice towards our fellow man, if weas a peoplecan focus on loving our neighbors and our family, resetting our nations priorities, and pursuing the American Dream once again, our United States will continue to remain the rightful Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.\nIt was an honor to hear Pope Francis dialogue in person, and look forward working with my colleagues to reflect the vision and grace of Pope Francis for the American people.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-statement-on-resignation-of-speaker-boehner", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF SPEAKER BOEHNER", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today after Speaker John Boehner announced his resignation:\n\"The resignation of my friend, Speaker John Boehner, reflects the frustration that many Americans feel as a result of a Congress that has proven increasingly dysfunctional over the last few years. The inability of members of the Republican Conference to cooperate with each other, let alone with Democrats in the House, cries out for renewed commitment to less finger-pointing and more joint problem solving for the common good of the American People. I thank John Boehner for his service and his friendship and wish the best for him and his family going forward.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-statement-in-support-of-iran-nuclear", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF IRAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding his support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) relating to the nuclear program of Iran:\nWHY I SUPPORT THE IRAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT\nAfter careful review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), analysis by experts pro and con, consultation with advocates from AIPAC, and prayerful consideration, I have concluded that the JCPOA is a strong, verifiable agreement which, if implemented, provides the best available option, short of military action, to prevent Iran from securing a nuclear weapon.\nIsrael is our nations closest friend in the Middle East and one of our nations key allies. Our relationship is based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and our Judeo-Christian heritage. I have witnessed first-hand Israels remarkable culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, and patriotism, especially when I traveled to the Holy Land.\nDrawing from my experience as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I have an acute appreciation for the tremendous security challenges Israel and its people face as the nation seeks to survive and thrive in a very hostile neighborhood. Consequently, I have always supported funding for Israels missile defense programs; a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct and bilateral talks; and efforts such as the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2013 to promote closer military, scientific, and economic ties between our two countries.\nMoreover, I have consistently supported international sanctions against Iran, not merely to inflict economic hardships on the government and people of Iran because of their anti-American, anti-Israeli, and anti-Semitic conduct, but to ultimately bring Iran to the negotiating table to deter its nuclear weapons program, which poses a real and grave threat to Israel, the United States, and the entire world.\nBecause the threat of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon is so ominous, our country was able to persuade a multitude of nations to join us, albeit reluctantly, in imposing these severe sanctions which have effectively brought Iran to the negotiation table regarding its nuclear weapons program. On July 14, 2015, negotiators from Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China, along with the European Union, announced completion of a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran  the JCPOA.\nThe JCPOA requires that the full extent of the Iran nuclear program will be under constant surveillance  24 hours a day, seven days a week  by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for at least 15 years, which is the strongest nuclear non-proliferation monitoring agency anywhere in the world. Even after 15 years, Iran will be permanently obligated to follow all international Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty requirements. Monitoring of the most sensitive parts of Irans nuclear program will continue indefinitely.\nThe JCPOA affirms that under no circumstance will Iran ever seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear weapons. It also places severe restrictions on Irans uranium enrichment facilities, dismantles its plutonium production capabilities, and provides the IAEA access to all known and potential covert sites.\nIf Iran complies with the JCPOA, international sanctions will be lifted and Iranian funds frozen in foreign banks will be released. However, if Iran violates the agreement, sanctions will snap back into place and all options  including the use of military force  will remain available to the United States, Israel, and our allies to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. These options will only be strengthened by the intelligence gathered from the IAEA monitoring and inspections, as well as by the vast array of U.S. intelligence assets across the region and the world.\nThe JCPOA is not perfect. Neither side got everything they wanted. And a skeptical international community has deep concerns about Irans long and nefarious record of human rights violations, financing of terrorism, hostility to Israel and the United States, as well as its destabilizing role throughout the Middle East.\nMany Americans, Israelis, and other allies have serious doubts as to whether Iran will actually comply with the terms of the JCPOA, and believe Iran cannot be trusted. I share these concerns. But the JCPOA is not based on trust but on verification through constant monitoring.\nWhile intense inspections by the IAEA under the agreement are not sufficient to satisfy some critics, over 70 nuclear non-proliferation experts such as former Senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar; Generals Brent Scrowcroft and Colin Powell; 29 top U.S. scientists; 440 Rabbis; more than 60 former Israeli Security Officials; over 50 Christian leaders; and more than 100 former U.S. Ambassadors have endorsed the agreement publically. The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to support the JCPOA as well.\nFrom a practical perspective, it makes little sense for the United States to walk away from the JCPOA given the broad diplomatic consensus and lack of reasonable alternatives to rolling back Irans nuclear program. Our negotiating partners, who had reluctantly agreed to sanctions in the first place, have said in no uncertain terms that a better deal with Iran under current circumstances cannot be found. In fact, if the U.S. were to now reject the agreement, the broad international support currently in favor of sanctions would disappear, the guarantee of nuclear inspections would vanish, and our nations diplomatic stature in the world would be greatly diminished.\nTo be sure, it is vital that the JCPOA be backed by a strong commitment to ensuring that Iran remains in full compliance or face overwhelming military force. Current intelligence confirms that Iran is within months of developing nuclear weapons capability. Under no circumstances should Iran ever be allowed to pursue a nuclear weapon. Yet, before military action is pursued, I firmly believe that our nation must, as it has through the JCPOA, exhaust all of its diplomatic options and give peace a chance.\nIn His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Waging peace is hard and requires far more than trust and good intentions. It requires verification and transparency, which this agreement more than provides. For these reasons, I will support the JCPOA and OPPOSE the passage of H. J. Res. 64, disapproving of the agreement transmitted to Congress by the President on July 19, 2015 relating to the nuclear program of Iran.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/service-members-and-families-discuss-issues-find-solutions-at-2015", "SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES DISCUSS ISSUES, FIND SOLUTIONS AT 2015 CONGRESSIONAL MILITARY FAMILY CAUCUS SUMMIT", "2015-09-03", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GA  Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (D-GA), co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC) and Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies was joined by co-chair Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), staff from over twenty Congressional offices, officials from the Department of Defense and Fort Benning, representatives from military service organizations, and over 100 military family and service members at the annual Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit at the National Infantry Museum near Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.\nPersonal experiences in my family, my constituents families, and military families from across the United States have taught me that our service members and their families serve our nation and sacrifice together, said Congressman Bishop. Our military families are impacted in countless ways  seen and unseen  and we have an obligation to do right by them.\n\"It's my honor to participate again in this annual summit to hear from military families. Through these events weve addressed critical issues that uniquely challenge military families, including mental health, Wounded Warrior support, health care, military spouse employment, multiple deployments, and education, said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. As we work to create a military for the 21st Century, we need to also embrace forward-looking, technology-driven solutions to help support our military familiesfrom making it easier to transfer medical records when families PCS to a new duty station to working to connect spouses with employment opportunities. I'd like to thank Congressman Bishop for his continued collaboration and leadership on these critical issues.\"\nAll too often, the tremendous hardships military families must endure, are endured in silence. But not today, concluded Congressman Bishop.\nThe Summit serves as a direct channel between the Caucus and military families. Held by the CMFC annually, the Summit works to connect military families with Members of Congress, the Department of Defense, and private sector groups to discuss the challenges and pressing issues impacting Americas servicemen and their families as well as offer resources. Led by three panels of experts, discussed subjects included healthcare, spousal employment, benefits, and transition out of the military.\nThe CMFC is a bipartisan congressional caucus that educates elected officials, congressional staffers, senior military leaders and the public on a wide range of unique issues that affect military families. Currently, over 80 Democrats and Republicans are members of the CMFC.\nTo view or download photos from todays event from todays event, please click here. To view todays live-tweet conversation through #CMFCSummit, please click here. For coverage of the 2014 summit at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington, please click here. For coverage of the 2013 summit at Fort Benning, Georgia, please click here. For coverage of the 2012 summit at Fort Benning, Georgia, please click here. For coverage of the 2011 summit at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington, please click here. For more information about the Congressional Military Family Caucus, please click here.\n\nBelow is the full text of Congressman Sanford D. Bishops prepared opening remarks at the Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit: \nThank you all for joining us this morning at todays Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit! To everyone visiting Columbus for the first time, welcome to our beautiful city!\nIt is a real pleasure to be with those who make America great  the brave families of service men and women who admirably defend our nation and safeguard our liberties. In fact, I would like to personally thank the service members, military families, and veterans with us today. Our nation will forever be indebted to you for your service and countless selfless sacrifices.\nI am proud of the military families living at Fort Benning in Columbus, the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, and the communities around Robins Air Force Base here in Georgia.These volunteers are a living embodiment of the eternal optimism we hold in our country. Truly, military families are the backbone of our military.\nToday, I am honored to be joined by my friend, colleague and Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington States Fifth Congressional District. Married to a Navy pilot retired after 26 years of service, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers knows firsthand the sacrifices our military families make as their loved ones fight to defend our nation. I want to thank both Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and Brian, her husband, for their respective service to our great nation.\nThe Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit would not be possible without the assistance of the numerous contributions from todays speakers, moderators, panelists, and support organizations. Your expertise will provide us with background on issues most important to the spouses, widows, and children of military service members stationed across the world. Also, 25 Congressional Offices have sent staff to directly gather information today to bring back to Washington. Finally, my staff and the staff of the National Infantry Museum have gone above and beyond to ensure today is a success. Thank you!\nHealthcare, education, jobs, housing, benefits, transition, mental health, and child care. Issues common to all Americans, but as we know, holding a unique set of circumstances for military families.\nAll too often, the tremendous hardships military families must endure, are endured in silence.\nBut not today.\nDuring the past five summits, feedback received was vital to our efforts educating elected officials, congressional staffers, senior military leaders, and the public on the wide range of issues that affect military families. Also, it provides our caucus feedback upon which to base policy solutions. And so I encourage you to speak your mind and share your story as it is your input that points us to where we need to go.\nAs we continue to work through sequestration and constrained defense budgets, we must ensure that our obligations to military families are met.\nWe cannot forget -- military service is about people. How we care for service members and their families determine the success of the most professional all volunteer force this world has even seen, now and into the future.\nFor myself, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers, and many of our colleagues in both the Congressional Military Family Caucus and Senate Military Family Caucus, the issues discussed today are important to us not just because of our constituencies, but due to our deeply personal connection as well.\nExperiences like my wifes have taught me that our service members and their families serve and sacrifice together. These families are impacted in countless ways  seen and unseen  and we have an obligation to do right by them.\nAlmost five years ago Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and I founded this Caucus to honor the debt our nation holds for the sacrifices military families continue to make. Help us fulfill that promise.\nAgain, we hope that you will actively participate in the breakout sessions and help us to work together, improve military families quality of life, and expand your opportunities.\nGod Bless.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-the-passing-of-louis-stokes", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF LOUIS STOKES", "2015-08-21", "2015", "2015-08", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of Former Congressman Louis Stokes, the first African-American Member of Congress from Ohio:\nI am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my mentor, friend, and colleague, Congressman Louis Stokes. Throughout the many years I have known him, I was blessed with his wise counsel and sage advice in my congressional career. I will always remember how he assisted me in my quest to get on the House Intelligence Committee and helped me see the need for diversity in the intelligence community.\nMoreover, through his service on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Stokes effected change not just in Ohio, but throughout the country, and particularly in Georgia. With his help and guidance, the city of Columbus, Georgia was able to obtain federal funds to improve its water and sewer system. This led to the transformation of downtown Columbus, which came alive with the Columbus State University campus, the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, and the WhiteWater Express.\nA fierce defender of social and economic justice, Congressman Stokes was an extraordinary Member of Congress and public servant. Through his unwavering dedication, strong values, and an avid pursuit of civil and human rights, Congressman Stokes made a tremendous impact in his community, in the United States Congress, and on our great nation. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Jay, his children, his grandchildren, and other family members and friends.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-army-ranger-graduation", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING ARMY RANGER GRADUATION", "2015-08-21", "2015", "2015-08", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement congratulating the graduates of the U.S. Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia:\nI would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to all the brave men and women graduating from Ranger School today! This intensely rigorous course is designed to develop a special class of leaders trained to prevail in the most arduous combat conditions. I am proud to say that for the first time in history, two women have taken their place among this extraordinary rank of soldiers.\nThe Army imposes the highest of high standards on all Ranger candidates. Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver met these extreme standards not in spite of their gender, but because of their personal determination and perseverance to achieve their full potential, just like any other Ranger candidate. I am confident that every single one of todays graduates will make significant contributions to helping the United States of America continue to be the most prepared and respected military force in the world.\nToday, 96 students graduated from Ranger School, the Armys most rigorous training course. The first gender-integrated course began on April 20, 2015 with 381 men and 19 women. In addition to training in woods, mountains, and swamplands with minimal food and little sleep, students had to undertake an intensive and grueling physical fitness test. Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver are the first female soldiers to graduate from the school to date.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-holds-hydrilla-focused-town-hall-meeting-with-us-army", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HOLDS HYDRILLA-FOCUSED TOWN HALL MEETING WITH U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS", "2015-08-19", "2015", "2015-08", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DONALSONVILLE, GA  On Tuesday evening, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) held a hydrilla focused Town Hall Meeting at the Seminole County Courthouse in Donalsonville, Georgia. Congressman Bishop was accompanied by Colonel Jon Chytka, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District. Well over 100 members of the public were in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to get feedback from the public on the issue.\nAs everyone can plainly see, the ongoing problem of hydrilla and other invasive aquatic plants remains a danger to the natural ecology of Lake Seminole and Lake Walter F. George, said Congressman Bishop. In order to maintain and improve access to the lake for boaters, fisherman, and other recreational users, I believe we must do whatever is necessary to better manage the hydrilla infestation to allow full use of the lakes once again.\nI look forward to working with Congressman Bishop to address this important issue affecting residents and the recreating public at Lake Seminole, said Colonel Chytka.\nLake Seminoles hydrilla infestation poses a serious danger to the lakes aquatic inhabitants. The weeds ability to multiply at alarmingly high speeds has enabled it to dominate the vegetation within the lake. As hydrilla grows, it gradually creates a thick, blanket-like cover near the waters surface, which drastically impedes sunlight and oxygen from reaching the lakes submerged plant life.\nThe unfettered growth of hydrilla in Lake Seminole and Lake Walter F. George also raises economic concerns. The dense network of hydrilla that forms near the waters surface significantly limits boat use and other forms of water recreation. Furthermore, it may lead to a decrease in property values of real-estate surrounding Lake Seminole as the recreational-related resources within the area are negatively impacted.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-the-passing-of-julian-bond", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JULIAN BOND", "2015-08-17", "2015", "2015-08", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of Julian Bond, civil rights advocate and former NAACP chairman:\nI am deeply saddened to have lost a longtime friend and colleague, Julian Bond. I first met Julian when he was with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He later paved the way for me and others to serve in the Georgia General Assembly. I was blessed to have his sage counsel after I was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives while he was serving in the Georgia Senate.\nJulian Bond spent most of his life standing. He stood for human and civil rights, stood against inequality and injustice, and stood out as a dedicated public servant in Georgia and throughout the nation. He will truly be missed but his great legacy will remain standing as a testament to the progress that has been made and that which is still to come.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-to-jimmy-carter", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT TO JIMMY CARTER", "2015-08-17", "2015", "2015-08", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PLAINS, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding his friend and constituent, former President Jimmy Carter of Plains, Georgia:\nPresident Carter has been a stalwart advocate of peace and democracy around the world, a tremendous servant leader, a personal friend and political mentor to me, and a source of pride for our communities in Southwest Georgia. People of faith around the world will be praying for a full recovery. We extend our best wishes and support to President Carter, Rosalynn, and the Carter family during this challenging time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-stands-up-for-stronger-va-responsible-government", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STANDS UP FOR STRONGER VA, RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROCESS", "2015-07-31", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) spoke during the U.S. House of Representatives floor debate about the dire need to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as return Congress to a responsible government funding process. The bill under debate, H.R. 3236, works to address a Department of Veterans Affairs $3.348 billion budget shortfall for veterans health care in Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. The measure would allow for the authorization of the $3.348 billion needed to address this shortfall to come from the Choice Program which is an emergency fund set up by Congress in 2014 to help ensure that Veterans can see a doctor in a timely manner. While the House-passed FY 2016 MilCon/VA appropriations bill adds $970 million for VA medical care advance appropriations within the FY 2015 bill, the amount still remains $330 million below the VA request  most likely leading to another budget shortfall in FY 2016.\nThis situation is a prime example of how the sequester caps, imposed by the Budget Control Act and locked in by the Republican budget, constrain our ability to deal with issues responsibly and in a timely manner, said Congressman Bishop. It is well past time we come to the table to break the cycle of irresponsible funding levels shortchanging our veterans health care.\nWithout this legislation, the VA could run out of money by September, potentially shuttering VA centers across the nation. Costs have exploded by more than 10% in the last year as a result of higher demand, while the budget increased by only 2.8%. Additionally, costs for treatments have increased. For example, due to new life-saving Hepatitis C medicine costing as much as $1,000 for a single pill, the VAs $700 million FY 2015 budget for Hepatitis C medicine has already been exceeded with more than two months left in the fiscal year.\nTodays bill is only a band-aid, a temporary solution, over budget caps. To be clear, we cannot continue to govern in this fashion. If we continue to ignore the new reality of increased demand and higher costs, delivery of health care services to millions of currently enrolled veterans, and the large number of new veterans seeking care, will be devastated for the foreseeable future, concluded Bishop.\nH.R. 3236 was approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 385 to 34. To watch Congressman Bishop call for Congress to take the next step towards a more responsible government funding process, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-announces-broadband-expansion-initiative-in-albany", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES BROADBAND EXPANSION INITIATIVE IN ALBANY & MACON", "2015-07-22", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is proud to share that both Albany and Macon were selected as two of 27 participants in ConnectHOME, a nationwide U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) Digital Opportunity Demonstration Program pilot initiative that will accelerate broadband adoption by children and families living in HUD-assisted housing. Albany and Macon were selected through a competitive process that took into account local commitment to expanding broadband opportunities in the community.\nHigh-speed Internet is a necessity in todays information-based economy, said Congressman Bishop. ConnectHOME will help low- and middle-income families access the information superhighway so that they can better compete for twenty-first century jobs.\nConnectHOME seeks to create a shared platform that brings together local governments, members of private industry, nonprofit organizations, and other interested entities that will produce locally-tailored solutions for bridging the digital divide. This new initiative with communities, the private sector, and federal government seeks to expand high speed broadband to more families across the country. Internet service providers, non-profits and the private sector will offer broadband access, technical training, digital literacy programs, and devices for residents in assisted housing units.\nParticipating communities and stakeholders will be required to develop standards for measuring the effectiveness of the initiative and to report on their results. While HUD will not devote any federal funding towards this initiative, the Department has identified strategies that will provide our existing programs with greater flexibility to address barriers to broadband access.\nClick here for more information about the ConnectHOME Initiative.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-honored-for-long-time-support-of-national-parks", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HONORED FOR LONG-TIME SUPPORT OF NATIONAL PARKS", "2015-07-16", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) awarded Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) the Friend of the National Parks Award for his long-time protection and enhancement of Americas national parks.\nNational parks are our heritage while also providing economic, cultural, and social benefits to all Americans. said Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. I will always be in support of that effort, and am honored to be recognized by the National Parks Conservation Association.\nEarlier this year, Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA) introduced H.R. 482, which, when passed, will expand the Ocmulgee National Monument from approximately 702 acres to over 2,800 acres, providing protection to additional archaeological resources, linking two currently noncontiguous areas, improving the sites connection to Macon-Bibb County, and creating Georgias first National Historical Park. For more information regarding H.R. 482, please click here.\nIts an honor to recognize Congressman Bishop for supporting our national parks on the floor of the House during the 113th Congress, said NPCA President and CEO Clark Bunting. As the 114th Congress works on policies and funding levels impacting our national parks, I look forward to working with Congressman Bishop to ensure national parks have safe roadways, are well maintained, and have the resources they need to thrive for their upcoming centennial.\nNPCAs Friend of the National Parks Award was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members votes on significant park issues. Click here for more information about the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/macon-arts-alliance-beautification-program-receives-134000-nea-grant", "MACON ARTS ALLIANCE BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM RECEIVES $134,000 NEA GRANT", "2015-07-16", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MACON, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is proud to share that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded the Macon Arts Alliance an Our Town grant of $134,370. The funds will support the Alliances efforts to establish an artist residency program and cultural plan for the Mill Hill neighborhood. The Our Town grant program supports creative projects that help transform communities into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core.\nI am grateful to NEA for this opportunity extended to the Macon Arts Alliance, said Congressman Bishop. Macon-Bibb is filled with many historic neighborhoods and I am confident that this grant will be very beneficial to the beautification of the Mill Hill area.\nThe Macon Arts Alliance demonstrates the best in creative community development and whose work will have a valuable impact on its community, said Jane Chu, Chairwoman of the NEA. \"Through Our Town funding, arts organizations continue to spark vitality that support neighborhoods and public spaces, enhancing a sense of place for residents and visitors alike.\"\n\"The NEA's Our Town awards are some of its most competitive and ambitious. We're excited to have this award to support programming as a catalyst for the Mill Hill: East Macon Arts Village,\" said Jan Beeland, Executive Director of Macon Arts Alliance. \"This is only the beginning of what we believe will be the next great neighborhood revitalization story of Macon.\"\nThe Macon Arts Alliance will use the grant to support a two-year artist residency program in Mill Hill, hiring both local artists and nationally recognized, social practice artists to create projects in collaboration with neighborhood residents. The artist residency program will empower artists and neighbors to fight blight, identify and develop existing creative assets, and create a neighborhood cultural plan with a shared vision for the future.\nClick here for more information about the National Endowment for the Arts.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-releases-statement-regarding-nuclear-agreement-with", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING NUCLEAR AGREEMENT WITH IRAN", "2015-07-14", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding the agreement announced this morning between Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, plus Germany) regarding Irans nuclear power and potential threat of nuclear weapons:\nEven though an agreement has been reached regarding the Iranian nuclear program, it is vital that the United States Congress scrutinizes the deal between the P5+1 and Iran to ensure the U.S. and its allies' security interests are maintained for the future. We must remain especially vigilant by ensuring the agreement holds Iran to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.\nThe opportunity to improve our relationship with Iran could potentially lead to greater stability in a region torn apart by war and religious strife. Nevertheless, we must not be nave. The prospect of peace and stability can only be realized if the world is assured Iran will not threaten its neighbors with nuclear aggression.\nIn the coming weeks, Congress will review the agreement closely to ensure that it will stand the test of time. It is vital that the international community has full access to Iranian military and research installations to ensure that Iran does not engage in illicit nuclear enrichment. Inspectors must be able to determine whether Iranian nuclear infrastructure has been dismantled so that its capacity to build a nuclear weapon is measured in years, not weeks. In addition, Iran must adhere to all United Nations Security Council Resolutions requiring detailed explanations of previous efforts to obtain nuclear weapons.\nThirty five years of hostility and mistrust against the United States, Israel, and its allies cannot simply be swept away by the signature of a pen in Vienna, Austria. It will take vigilance on our side to ensure that Iran keeps its word now and into the future.\nFor more information on the details of the deal, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fort-valley-state-university-receives-400000-grant-from-the-national", "FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $400,000 GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION", "2015-07-14", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FORT VALLEY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is proud to share that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Fort Valley State University (FVSU) a $399,049 grant to examine the effect of toxins or toxic chemicals on the environment and living organisms. The funds will be used to support toxicology research and instruction at FVSU.\nI applaud the National Science Foundation for providing Fort Valley State University this wonderful opportunity for students to continue to connect and grow through science and research by bolstering the programs undergraduate research training, said Congressman Bishop.\nWere elated to receive such tremendous support from the National Science Foundation for our research initiatives at Fort Valley State, said Dr. Jessica Bailey, Interim President of FVSU. Our desire is to continue encouraging students to get engaged and excited about research and these funds will play a vital role towards reaching that goal.\"\nSpecifically, FVSU will use the grant to improve and update the Biology and Chemistry curriculum through the inclusion of toxicology instruction and undergraduate research. It includes: 1) establishing curriculum for Principles of Toxicology and Investigations of toxicology; 2) establishing a core toxicology teaching laboratory suitable for implementing inquiry-based course instruction; 3) establishing undergraduate research opportunities in toxicology through institutional collaboration; and 4) enhancing FVSU faculty knowledge and research expertise in toxicology.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-encourages-veterans-to-apply-to-wounded-warriors", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ENCOURAGES VETERANS TO APPLY TO WOUNDED WARRIORS CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM", "2015-07-13", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced his office is seeking a Wounded Warrior Fellow to serve as a Veterans Advocate and Outreach Coordinator in his Albany, Georgia Congressional Office. Primary responsibilities of the position will include facilitating and coordinating responses to a wide range of requests received from military, veterans, and other stakeholders in the region. The position will assist veteran constituents navigate government agencies and aid Congressman Bishop and staff to stay updated on issues related to the VA, defense, and national security.\nWe have been fortunate to have Wounded Warriors work with us in the past, and so I am looking forward to participating in this wonderful program once again, said Congressman Bishop For those who relish the opportunity to participate in the legislative process and assist fellow veterans in Middle and Southwest Georgia firsthand, I encourage all those interested who meet the eligibility requirements to apply as soon as possible.\nThe Congressional Wounded Warrior Fellowship program is limited to veterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, with less than 20 years of service and a minimum 30% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To apply, please submit a resume, a copy of the last issued DD214 (page 4) and a letter from the VA indicating a 30% or greater rating (not necessary if medically retired) to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov. Please do not send resumes directly to the Office of Congressman Sanford D. Bishop.\nThe Congressional Wounded Warrior Fellowship program was established to create potential employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within the House of Representatives. Those selected for the program will be employed by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer and will be given the opportunity to work in Member, committee and leadership offices. If a fit is found, transition into full-time employment may ensue at the conclusion of the two year fellowship, but is not guaranteed.\nInterested veterans should visit https://cao.house.gov/job-title-veterans-advocate-and-outreach-coordinator for more information. Resumes will be reviewed until an applicant has been chosen for the fellowship.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397556", "Congressman David Scott Welcomes 1890 Universities to Washington", "2015-07-13", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WHAT:  Congressman David Scott welcomes the 1890 Land-Grant institutions to Washington, D.C.  The presidents of all 19 universities designated as an 1890 Land-Grant institution will attend a hearing by the House Agriculture Committee on the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act. That Act created the 1890 Land-Grants. Six presidents will testify before the committee. This is the first time that the Committee has held a hearing exclusively on 1890 institutions.\r\nWHEN:  Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 10:00 a.m.\r\nWHERE:  1300 Longworth House Office Building\r\nWHO:  Testimony of the following 1890 Presidents: Dr. George C. Wright, President, Prairie View A & M University; Dr. Jessica M. Bailey, Interim President, Fort Valley State University; Dr. Brian L. Johnson, President Tuskegee University; Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr. Chancellor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; President Elmira Mangum, Florida A&M University; Dr. Juliette B. Bell, President, University of Maryland Eastern Shore.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-reaction-to-us-army-decision-to-draw-down-forces-from", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP REACTION TO U.S. ARMY DECISION TO DRAW DOWN FORCES FROM FORT BENNING", "2015-07-09", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FORT BENNING, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, reacted to the United States Armys decision to draw down forces from Fort Benning in compliance with the U.S. Armys overall brigade reduction plan:\nOur national security should not be held hostage by sequestration. Due to the Majoritys avoidable budget caps, the Army is being forced to reduce troop strength, training, and readiness. I believe it will adversely affect families and businesses around the Chattahoochee Valley. Congress must redouble its efforts to lift the budget caps and adequately fund all our nations strategic needs.\nBackground:\nThe Army is continuing a process to reduce its total active end-strength from 570,000 to 450,000 by Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 as part of the militarys overall budget reduction. As part of the drawdown to 450,000, the Army is reducing its active component Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) from 45 to 30 BCTs by FY 2017. BCTs at Fort Benning will be drawn down from 12,655 soldiers to 9,040 soldiers, a net reduction of 3,402 soldiers (29% of Fort Bennings force), after 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division will be converted to a maneuver battalion task force.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397555", "What an Iran nuke deal must never do", "2015-07-07", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "What an Iran nuke deal must never do\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n    Posted by\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    on\r\n    July 7, 2015\r\n   | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    The deadline for an agreement on Irans nuclear program is rapidly approaching. Several failing states in the Middle East are being overrun with terrorist groups and Iran is influencing these civil wars directly and by proxy like the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria and controlling the army in Iraq. Many of our allies in the region fear that Iran will dominate the entire Middle East. The U.S. must continue to fully enforce sanctions until any Iran nuclear weapons option is completely eliminated.You can read the rest of my article which appears on CNN.com", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-va-secretary-mcdonald-hold-columbus-veterans-focused", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP, VA SECRETARY MCDONALD HOLD COLUMBUS VETERANS-FOCUSED TOWN HALL MEETING", "2015-07-02", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Honorable Robert McDonald, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), held a veterans-focused town hall meeting at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia while on tour through Middle Georgia.\nOur appreciation of our veterans should be expressed not just with words, but also with deeds, said Congressman Bishop And so, as Congress wrestles with budgetary issues, we want to hear your concerns in order to determine what we need to do to ensure all veterans get the timely care, benefits, and consideration they have earned through their service to our nation.\n\"It is important to hear directly from veterans and employees as we go through the largest restructuring in VA's history,\" said Secretary McDonald. \"More veterans are using VA across the nation including here in Georgia. We have made real progress by completing more appointments, extending clinic hours and hiring thousands of clinicians. But, we still have more to do and that includes improving our customer service.\"\nToday, Congressman Bishop and Secretary McDonald held a public town hall meeting with over 300 veterans in attendance to gather feedback on implemented improvements to service in Middle Georgia. On Wednesday, the Congressman and the Secretary held a town hall meeting at Central Georgia Technical College with over 200 in attendance, met with staff at a VA clinic in Macon and a VA clinic in Columbus, as well as toured Martin Army Community Hospital and a joint Department of Defense / VA care facility at Fort Benning.\nIn addition to providing oversight of the VA as the management culture within the Department shifts, Congressman Bishop has been working to improve VA service and overall quality of life for our military veterans. The intent of the tour is to improve VA transparency and highlight the District-specific needs of veterans in Middle and Southwest Georgia.\nTo view and download photos of this weeks tour, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-va-secretary-mcdonald-hold-macon-veterans-focused", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP, VA SECRETARY MCDONALD HOLD MACON VETERANS-FOCUSED TOWN HALL MEETING", "2015-07-01", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MACON, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Honorable Robert McDonald, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), held a veterans-focused town hall meeting at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia while on tour through Middle Georgia.\nOur appreciation of our veterans should be expressed not just with words, but also with deeds, said Congressman Bishop And so, as Congress wrestles with budgetary issues, we want to hear your concerns in order to determine what we need to do to ensure all veterans get the timely care, benefits, and consideration they have earned through their service to our nation.\n\"It is important to hear directly from veterans and employees as we go through the largest restructuring in VA's history,\" said Secretary McDonald. \"More veterans are using VA across the nation including here in Georgia. We have made real progress by completing more appointments, extending clinic hours and hiring thousands of clinicians. But, we still have more to do and that includes improving our customer service.\"\nThroughout the day, Congressman Bishop and Secretary McDonald met with staff at a VA clinic in Macon and a VA clinic in Columbus as well as toured Martin Army Community Hospital and a joint Department of Defense / VA care facility at Fort Benning to gather feedback on implemented improvements to service in Middle Georgia. Tomorrow, the Congressman and the Secretary will be holding a public town hall meeting at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia at 7:30 AM.\nIn addition to providing oversight of the VA as the management culture within the Department shifts, Congressman Bishop has been working to improve VA service and overall quality of life for our military veterans. The intent of the tour is to improve VA transparency and highlight the District-specific needs of veterans in Middle and Southwest Georgia.\nTo view and download photos of todays tour, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-supreme-court-ruling-on-same-sex", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING SUPREME COURT RULING ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE", "2015-06-26", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage:\nOver time, I have found that gay and lesbian couples who are truly committed to each other want similar things from marriage as the rest of usthe simple freedom to build a life together based on love and commitment. If a couple is willing to stand up in front of friends, family, and God to make a lifetime promise of fidelity to each other, its not for us to deny them that opportunity. As todays decision does not affect churches first amendment rights and equalizes marriage rights for all Americans, I am in support of todays decision.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397540", "Marietta Daily Journal: Georgia lawmakers decry health care ruling", "2015-06-26", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "by Ricky Leroux June 26, 2015 12:20 AM  \r\n  \r\nThe Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the nationwide tax subsidies underpinning President Barack Obamas health care overhaul, but most of Georgias federal lawmakers denounced the decision and pledged to keep fighting against the law. The justices said in a 6-3 ruling that the subsidies that 8.7 million people currently receive to make insurance affordable do not depend on where they live, as opponents contended. Obama greeted news of the decision by declaring the health care law is here to stay. He said the law is no longer about politics, but the benefits millions of people are receiving. Nationally, 10.2 million people have signed up for health insurance under the Obama health care overhaul. That includes the 8.7 million people who are receiving an average subsidy of $272 a month to help pay their insurance premiums. Of those receiving subsidies, 6.4 million were at risk of losing that aid because they live in states that did not set up their own health insurance exchanges. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio said Republicans will continue our efforts to repeal the law and replace it with patient-centered solutions that meet the needs of seniors, small business owners, and middle-class families. Several Georgia lawmakers echoed Boehners comments. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia, has voted to defund or repeal the Affordable Care Act more than 60 times since initially voting against the law in 2009.  Isakson said Thursday the Supreme Courts decision will not stop him from continuing to try to get rid of the law. Today the Supreme Court failed to recognize how terribly flawed President Obamas health care law is for millions of Georgians suffering under the laws health insurance premium spikes and intrusive mandates, Isakson said in a statement. Despite this action by the Supreme Court I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to repeal and replace Obamacare. Sen. David Perdue, R-Georgia, said the Supreme Courts ruling doesnt change the fact that the law is a disaster and should be repealed. Right now, many Georgians are seeing their premiums skyrocket by double-digits, their hours cut back because of the employer mandate, and less access to the doctors of their choice because of the empty promises made by President Obama, Perdue said. These arent theoretical problems discussed in a courtroom. They are real-world economic problems caused by Obamacare. I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a patient-centered alternative. Rep. Tom Price, R-Roswell, said the ruling endorsed the status quo and should not dissuade lawmakers from pursuing a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Price also offered his health care bill, a version of which he has filed in each of the last four Congresses, as an alternative to the Affordable Care Act. A better way to address the challenges in our health care system is to put patients and their doctors in charge of health care decisions, Price said in a statement. HR 2300, the Empowering Patients First Act, is legislation that does just that. It makes coverage more affordable, expands access to health care choices so folks can find and purchase the coverage they want for themselves, not what Washington says they must buy. While disappointed in the Courts decision, I believe that we must continue our efforts to rid the country of Obamacare and start over with positive solutions that empower the American people, not Washington, D.C. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, called the ACA a system of broken promises and the only prescription to fix it is a full repeal of the law. With the Supreme Courts ruling to uphold Obamacares health care subsidies, it is now more important than ever to push for a full repeal of the law, Loudermilk said. In this disappointing 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court reinforced the dangerous idea that government knows whats best for American families and our personal health care decisions. Loudermilk said the law has increased health care costs and put Americans personal data at risk, an issue he said he plans to investigate. I intend to diligently pursue this matter and ensure the illegal collection of data by our government is stopped, and the previously collected data is permanently removed. Our citizens deserve better than this, and I am committed to ensuring that America is once again a nation that is free, safe and full of opportunity, Loudermilk said. On the other side of the aisle, Rep. David Scott, D-Atlanta, praised the Supreme Court decision. Scott said the tax credits at issue in the Supreme Court case have helped 37,000 Georgians in his district, which includes south Cobb, get health insurance. The Affordable Care Act is working, Scott said. As a member of Congress, I will continue to focus on payment reforms and pilot projects that look at how we can improve our health care system to meet 21st century needs. I will also continue to work to protect our doctors from frivolous lawsuits and focus on real medical malpractice reform.  I will continue to advocate for public and private partnerships that focus on improving patient quality and outcomes. I will not however, vote for any piece of legislation that will repeal the Affordable Care Act. Unlike his Republican counterparts, Scott said he intends to strengthen the ACA. We have come too far in the way we look at and how we pay for health care, Scott said. We cannot go back. I am proud that our nations highest court has confirmed that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. Please rest assured, I will continue to work to strengthen the law to ensure that all Georgians have access to quality affordable health care.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-welcomes-us-supreme-court-decision-upholding-health", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING HEALTH CARE TAX CREDITS", "2015-06-25", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) welcomed the United States Supreme Courts King vs Burwell decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by ensuring all eligible Americans, regardless of where they live, have the access to premium tax credits to afford life-saving health care:\nMillions of Americans now have access to affordable health care thanks to the Affordable Care Act, so the U.S. Supreme Court decision over King vs Burwell is truly a victory for common sense and for all American families, said Congressman Bishop. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled, I am hopeful that the wasteful partisan battles over the ACA will end and our nation can move forward on finding commonsense ways to strengthen the law, expand Medicaid coverage of low-income Georgians, and improve the quality of health care for all.\nThe tax credits targeted in the Supreme Court case have helped millions of Americans across the nation get health insurance coverage and lower their premiums by an average of 72 percent in the Federal health insurance marketplaces:\n Access for Georgians: As of March 31, 2015, 452,815 Georgians were enrolled in the health insurance marketplace, 91.1% (412,385) of whom took advantage of the Advanced Premium Tax Credit.\n\tDecline in the uninsured: After five years of the Affordable Care Act, more than 16 million Americans have gained coverage and the nations uninsured rate now stands at its lowest level ever  at 11.9 percent.\n\tHistorically slow growth in health care prices: Health care prices are rising at a slower pace than at any time in the past 50 years.\n\tNo more discrimination against pre-existing conditions: Up to 129 million Americans who could have otherwise been denied coverage or charged higher premiums now have access to affordable coverage.\n\tMarketplace enrollment is strong: As of March 31, 10.2 million people were enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan for 2015 coverage.\n\tCoverage is affordable: About 85 percent of people who enrolled in the Marketplace in 2015 are getting tax credits to make the coverage more affordable. Among consumers who selected plans in the 37 HealthCare.gov states, 8 in 10 could choose a plan with a premium of $100 or less after tax credits.\n\tYoung adults getting covered: 5.7 million young adults ages 19-25 have gained coverage since 2010, improving access to care and benefiting our economy. These gains have cut the uninsured rate among young adults in this age group by more than 40 percent.\n\tMedicaid expansion: Over 12.3 million additional Americans were covered under Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in March 2015 compared to before the ACA open enrollment started.\n\tQuality of health care is improving: As estimated 50,000 fewer patients died in hospitals and approximately $12 billion in health care costs were saved as a result of a reduction in hospital-acquired conditions from 2010 to 2013.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397554", "Atlanta Journal-Constitution: David Scott on the dangers of giving up the war on gun violence", "2015-06-20", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Jim Galloway - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn 1974, six months after Hank Aaron hit the dinger that crowned him Americas home run king, his brother-in-law won a seat in the state House.\r\nBut baseball is not what defined the early political career of David Scott. That was accomplished by a disturbed young black man who walked into historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta one hot Sunday, some two months after No. 715.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe young man had intended to gun down Martin Luther Daddy King Sr., but couldnt get close enough. So he shot and killed his wife, Alberta King, as she sat at the organ  then another congregant. Six years after the death of her son, Martin Luther King Jr., the city too busy to hate had gained a reputation as a heavily armed camp.\r\nThat is what motivated me, Scott, 68, said Thursday. We were called a murder capital. The No. 1 issue was what we called Saturday night specials. Kids were using them. [Adults] could ride up to the high school, and sell them right there. If the police came and saw them, it was just a misdemeanor.\r\nBefore moving on to Congress, Scott would spend nearly 30 years in the state Capitol, sponsoring gun bill after gun bill. He lost more often than he won, but one of his first victories was a measure that made the sale of a firearm to a minor a felony.\r\nMy name was on it, but the little success we had was because the community rose up, Scott said.\r\nOn Wednesday night, a disturbed, 21-year-old white man prayed with 10 black members of the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Then he preyed on them, shooting nine dead, with the far-fetched intention of starting a white-on-black war.\r\nThe racial overtones of the incident make it different and terrifying. But otherwise, we are all familiar with the plot: A young man legally obtains one or more guns, and murders many people. Outrage ensues.\r\nExcept this time there was no White House call to the battlements. President Barack Obama quickly signaled that he would not tap his remaining political capital for another push to target gun violence  not as he did in 2012, after the elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn., where 20 children and six adults died.\r\nIt is in our power to do something about it. I say that recognizing the politics in this town foreclose a lot of those avenues right now, he said. But it would be wrong for us not to acknowledge it. And at some point, its going to be important for the American people to come to grips with it.\r\nThe presidents tone was one of sadness, frustration  if not surrender. Which is why I put a call into Scott. His flight from Washington had just touched down, and the congressman was waiting for a line of thunderstorms to pass before he headed to the parking lot.\r\nIts very depressing to see this. And I imagine that hes so discouraged at this point, Scott said. But he wished the presidents tone had been more positive.\r\nMy fear is, if we throw up our hands to this, then people will react with a sense of alarm. Then its every man for himself, Scott said. We would find ourselves tumbling toward a sidearm society.\r\nIm not critical of the presidents response. I am understanding of it. Ive gone through the trenches on this year after year. Ive been discouraged, he said. But had I given up, we wouldnt have what little we have now.\r\nOne can argue that, when Scott worked at the state Capitol, he was the resident of a different world. The U.S. Supreme Court hadnt yet decided that the Second Amendment was a guarantee that applied to individuals rather than a well-regulated militia. The National Rifle Association hadnt quite locked down, nor was it pestered by even more conservative, competing groups that threatened to steal away its membership.\r\nIn 1989, a conservative governor  Joe Frank Harris  could propose a statewide ban on military-style assault weapons, even if it was at the tail end of his time in office. Twenty-six years later, another conservative governor  this one Nathan Deal  would be required to acknowledge that, yes, legislation he signed does give a fellow the right to stroll through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with an AR-15 and a hundred rounds of ammunition.\r\nScott was elected to Congress in 2002. He has had no success with gun legislation in Washington and doesnt expect any. Obama was right about that. If we come at this for more gun control, and all that kind of stuff, youre just going to rile up the people at the NRA, Scott said.\r\nBut there is always something to be done. And if the legislative climate doesnt exist, Scott said, maybe we need to address the social climate. Parents, perhaps.\r\nIn the case of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, Scott pointed out, the disturbed miscreants mother made weaponry available to her son. How the Charleston shooter obtained a gun has yet to be pinned down. An uncle says the youths father gave him the .45-caliber pistol. Other reports say the father gave him the birthday cash, and the young man purchased the weapon himself.\r\nWhatever. Socially, if not legally, we need to put more of a focus on the enablers, Scott said.\r\nWhen you go get a gun thats going to kill people, there comes a very strong and righteous need for you to be responsible for that weapon. Youre the one that bought it, so you must be held responsible for it, to make sure it doesnt get in the wrong hands, Scott said. This is what the pattern is.\r\nYou can imagine the public service announcement: Mom and Dad, if your son is borderline nuts, or harbors dreams of a racial apocalypse, do yourself and your neighbors a favor. Keep him away from live ammunition.\r\nAdmittedly, this is a low bar. But to Scotts point, the alternative is to do nothing. And to do nothing is to accept the current situation as our new normal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-remembers-the-victims-of-the-charleston-church", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP REMEMBERS THE VICTIMS OF THE CHARLESTON CHURCH SHOOTING", "2015-06-19", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the recent shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina:\nSimply putthis horrific massacre goes beyond the realm of reason and comprehension. Once again, a racially charged and horribly violent act has reopened a deep tear in the fabric of our society. As Dr. King so aptly put it; We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or we are going to perish together as fools. Truly, we must work together to ensure that these horrific occurrences of violence become a thing of the past in our great country. My heart and prayers go out to the families, the communities, and millions in our nation grappling with the impact of racism day in and day out. I ask that you to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Charleston as we all strive to heal from the wounds induced by this most recent atrocity.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-opposes-fast-track-trade-authority", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES FAST-TRACK TRADE AUTHORITY", "2015-06-12", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the follow statement regarding his vote to deny the President Fast-Track authority to negotiate international trade agreements:\nCongress must have a meaningful role throughout the negotiating and approval process of any trade agreement, said Congressman Bishop. These agreements have a significant impact on many sectors of the nations economy. It is vital that Congress voice is heard loud and clear to ensure that any final trade pact protects workers rights, the environment, and jobs.\nAs a long-time proponent of the separation of governmental powers, I wholeheartedly believe that the Legislative Branch should not cede fast-tracking authority over trade negotiations to the Executive Branch, concluded Bishop. Voting against fast-track authority will not derail negotiations with our partners across the Pacific, but instead allow Congress to provide metered and thoughtful insight on one of the most important trade deals of our time.\nThe Fast-Track trade authority was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 219 to 211. Legislation implementing international trade agreements would be subject to a straight up-or-down vote in Conges, and no amendments would be permitted.\nThe legislation passed by the House today differs from the fast-track measure approved by the U.S. Senate on May 22, 2015. The Senate bill included fast-track negotiating authority as well as an extension of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which provides a number of benefits and re-employment services to the U.S. workers harmed by foreign trade. The House had a separate vote on TAA, which was defeated 126 to 302. Consequentially, the fast-track bill will only make it to the Presidents desk if the U.S. Senate approves the measure approved by the House today.\nFor more information on TAA and TPA, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-works-to-protect-us-beef-pork-chicken-markets", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WORKS TO PROTECT U.S. BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN MARKETS", "2015-06-12", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge his colleagues to support the repeal of the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law by approving H.R. 2393, the Country-of-Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015.\nIf Congress fails to repeal this harmful government mandate, Canada and Mexico have made clear that they will retaliate against a range of U.S. products within a matter of months by imposing onerous tariffs resulting in higher costs and lost market share for U.S. producers  up to $3.5 billion a year. A hit of that magnitude could be devastating to the U.S. beef, pork, and chicken industries, said Congressman Bishop.\n\nTo view a video of Congressman Bishops full remarks on the floor, please click here.\n\nSince its enactment in 2002, the COOL labeling law has led to tensions between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Canada and Mexico argue that COOL has hurt their livestock industries and have taken the U.S. to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which has ruled against the United States on four separate occasions. Canada and Mexico now can request authorization to retaliate against the U.S. in order to repair the damages they claim the COOL law has caused to their economies.\nH.R. 2393 was approved by a vote of 244 to 187 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. Congressman Bishop is one of the original cosponsors of this bill.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/passage-of-thud-spending-bill-encourages-exploration-of-passenger-rail", "PASSAGE OF THUD SPENDING BILL ENCOURAGES EXPLORATION OF PASSENGER RAIL THROUGH MIDDLE AND SOUTHWEST GEORGIA", "2015-06-12", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Member of the House Appropriations Committee, is pleased to announce the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act encourages the exploration of passenger rail opportunities throughout Middle and Southwest Georgia, opening the door to rail lines between Macon and Atlanta as well as Columbus and Atlanta.\nThe possibility of passenger rail lines to Macon and Columbus present many exciting business prospects and transportation opportunities for many Georgians, said Congressman Bishop. Not only would the initiative strengthen our states economy and create jobs, but also broaden regional access to our wonderful communities in Middle and Southwest Georgia!\nTo meet our transportation needs now and in the very near future, Georgia needs to be planning today for passenger rail, and I want to thank Congressman Bishop for his leadership and vision of an alternate way to connect our cities and states, said Robert Reichert, Mayor of Macon-Bibb County. We cannot continue to support only wider and wider roads as people move closer to the urban cores and are seeking ways to travel other than their cars. Transit and intercity passenger rail options will determine our future.\n\"We are thankful Congressman Bishop sees the economic development potential of intercity rail. We applaud his leadership on this important issue for our transportation future,\" said Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor of Columbus.\nNewTown Macon applauds Congressman Bishop for continuing to plan for comprehensive transportation to handle Georgia's growth, especially rail, said Josh Rogers, President and CEO of NewTown Macon.\nCongressman Bishop is responsible for specific language within the government spending bill urging the Federal Railroad Association to engage stakeholders in the Southeastern region of the United States to develop a multi-state planning process for improving the intercity passenger rail network. As a result, this language encourages the Georgia Department of Transportation to pursue the option of developing an inter-city commuter and passenger rail between Atlanta and cities in Middle and Southwest Georgia.\nIn total, the bill includes $17.2 billion in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2016. This amount is $1 billion below the Fiscal Year 2015 enacted level and $6.8 billion below the Presidents request. Congressman Bishop ultimately did not vote in favor of the THUD bill, as the funding level within the bill shortchanges the effort to renew Americas aging transportation infrastructure.\nThe bill was approved Wednesday night by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216 to 210 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. For more information on funding levels and key provisions in the FY 2016 Transportation and HUD Appropriations Bill, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397538", "Congressman David Scott Announces 11th Annual Health Fair - August 15", "2015-06-10", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman David Scott announced that he will host his 11th Annual Health Fair on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Mundys Mill High School. This event will feature free health screenings and information provided by many of the regions leading healthcare providers and organizations.  Free health screenings include: Clinical breast cancer exams;prostate cancer (PSA); HIV/ AIDS;Diabetes (glucose);Blood pressure;Asthma; Cholesterol;Mental health; Memory (Dementia); Sickle cell;Glaucoma & Routine Vision; Dental; Instant Kidney Function; Blood Donation services; and more. The Atlanta VA Medical Center and Atlanta VA Regional Office will be on site to provide: counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); mental health services; and health eligibility representatives. Congressman Scotts Health Fair is also partnering with HomeSafe Georgia to deliver mortgage assistance to homeowners facing unemployment or underemployment. HomeSafe counselors will be available on site to provide direct counseling.\r\n\r\nWHAT: Congressman David Scotts 11th Annual Health Fair \r\n\r\nWHEN: Saturday, August 15, 2015  9 am to 2 pm \r\n\r\n\r\nWHERE:Mundys Mill High School | 9652 Fayetteville Rd. | Jonesboro, GA 30238   \r\nWHO:  \r\n\r\nA Family Dental Place\r\n\r\nAbbvie\r\nAFLAC\r\nAID Atlanta, Inc\r\nAID Social Services, LLC\r\nAll About Developmental Diseases (AADD)\r\nAlliant Quality\r\nAlzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter\r\nAlzheimer's Services Center\r\nAmbulatory Surgery Center Association\r\nAmerican Cancer Society\r\nAmerican Diabetes Association\r\nAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Metro Atlanta Chapter\r\nAmerican Heart Association\r\nAmerican Kidney Fund\r\nAmerigroup\r\nAtlanta Black Nurses Association\r\nAtlanta Medical Center\r\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\r\nCDC Foundation\r\nChildren's Health Care of Atlanta\r\nChristian City Rehab Center\r\nClayton Center Behavioral Health Services\r\nClayton County Board of Health\r\nClayton County Board of Health (Breast and Cervical Cancer Program)\r\nClayton County Fire & Emergency Services\r\nClayton County Sheriff's Office\r\nClayton Senior Services Department (RSVP Program)\r\nClayton State University Department of Dental Hygiene\r\nD&E Power Group\r\nEmory Eye Center\r\nEmory University Hospital\r\nEnroll America\r\nEye Specialists of Georgia\r\nFight Colorectal Cancer\r\nFood and Drug Administration\r\nFulton County Breast and Cervical Cancer Program\r\nGeorgia Lions Lighthouse\r\nGeorgia Power\r\nGeorgia Prostate Cancer Coalition\r\nGeorgians for a Healthy Future\r\nGrady Health System\r\nGreat Expressions Dental Centers\r\nHomeSafe Georgia\r\nJenCare Medical Center\r\nJerusalem House\r\nKaiser Permanente\r\nKunkes Ear, Nose & Throat \r\nLifeLink of Georgia\r\nLifeCord\r\nLifeSouth Community Blood Centers\r\nLymphedema Advocacy Group\r\nMARTA\r\nMercy Medical Supply\r\nMorehouse School of Medicine\r\nNational Diamondback Pharmacy Alumni Council\r\nNational Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc.\r\nNew York Life\r\nNot One More Life\r\nNovo Nordisk, Inc.\r\nPain 2 Wellness Center\r\nPeach State Health Plan\r\nPlanned Parenthood Southeast, Inc.\r\nPrevent Blindness Georgia\r\nRadiotherapy Clinics of Georgia\r\nRegions Bank\r\nRight from the Start Medicaid\r\nRiverdale Foot, Ankle & Leg Clinic\r\nSaladmaster\r\nSickle Cell Foundation of Georgia\r\nSimpleC, LLC\r\nSisters By Choice\r\nSocial Security Administration\r\nSouth Atlanta Association of Health Underwriters\r\nSouthern Crescent Sexual Assault & Advocacy Center\r\nSouthmetro Chiropractic Center\r\nSparlin Healthcare\r\nThe White Dress Project\r\nVA Medical Center\r\nVA Regional Office\r\nWellstar Health System\r\nYoung Survival Coalition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397537", "Congressman David Scott to Keynote 28th Annual Summerhill Prayer Breakfast", "2015-06-04", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman David Scott to Keynote 28th Annual Summerhill Prayer Breakfast\r\n  \r\n    Congressman David Scott (GA-13) will provide keynote remarks at the 28th Annual Summerhill Prayer Breakfast. This annual event brings together current and former members of one of Atlantas oldest communities and supports the Summerhill Neighborhood Development Corporations efforts to revitalize the area and provide services for seniors and youth. Summerhill is located directly south of Downtown Atlanta, between the Atlanta Zoo and Turner Field, and is bordered by the neighborhoods of Grant Park, Mechanicsville, and Peoplestown. WAGA Fox 5 Atlantas Anchor Deidre Dukes will serve as Mistress of Ceremony for the Prayer Breakfast.In 2002, David Scott was elected to the United States Congress and is currently in his seventh term representing Georgia's Thirteenth Congressional District, which includes 6 counties around metro Atlanta: Cobb, Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton and Henry. He began his public service by being elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 1974. In Congress, David Scott is a strong voice for jobs, healthcare, education, our veterans, our children, and transportation. He serves on the Financial Services Committee, Agriculture Committee, and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.The public is invited to attend this event. For more information, please call 404-586-0150.\r\nWHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2015, 9:00 a.m.  11:00 a.m.\r\n\r\nWHERE:Martin Street Church of God,148 Glenwood Avenue, SE,Atlanta, GA 30312", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-remembers-the-sacrifices-of-our-service-members-and", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP REMEMBERS THE SACRIFICES OF OUR SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES", "2015-05-22", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the upcoming Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2015:\nOn this Memorial Day, we come together to remember and pay respect to the men and women  our husbands and wives, our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters  that made the ultimate sacrifice and demonstrated true dedication and selflessness by living and dying for our country. We owe these patriots a debt we can never repay. Regardless of where you spend your Memorial Day  at the office, church, or at home with your family  we must remember to keep our fallen heroes in our hearts and in our minds. Truly, without the noble sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, our nation would not be the great country it is today.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-offers-congratulations-to-new-fsa-appointees-mr-bill", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OFFERS CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW FSA APPOINTEES, MR. BILL BRIM AND DR. IVERY CLIFTON", "2015-05-21", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, gave his congratulations to Mr. William Brim and Dr. Ivery Clifton who have been appointed to the Georgia State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee:\nI am delighted to congratulate Mr. Bill Brim and Dr. Ivery Clifton on their appointments to the Georgia Farm Service Agency! Bill Brim exhibits a passion for Georgias agriculture, as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve the states farmers well at the State Committee. Dr. Ivery Clifton has unparalleled expertise in the business of agriculture by virtue of his extensive educational, teaching, and practical experiences in Agriculture and brings phenomenal knowledge and wisdom to the Committee. Both of these individuals will undoubtedly help Georgias farmers access the services of FSA so they can continue producing the highest quality, safest, most abundant and affordable food and fiber in the world.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-sba-federal-economic-injury-disaster-loans-available-in-georg-0", "ADVISORY: SBA FEDERAL ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS AVAILABLE IN GEORGIA", "2015-05-20", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA As a result of the drought beginning on August 19, 2014, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations within the affected areas of the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia that June 15, 2015 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans. The working capital disaster loans are can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4 percent for eligible small businesses and 2.625 percent for non-profit organizations, and terms up to 30 years.\nThe low-interest disaster loans are available for the following Georgia counties: Baker, Brooks, Calhoun, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas, Tift, and Worth counties. The loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. To be considered for this assistance, eligible entities need to apply by the deadline.\nTo learn more about the application process for FSA disaster assistance loans, please click here and here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-on-underfunding-national-security", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ON UNDERFUNDING NATIONAL SECURITY", "2015-05-15", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) opposed the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016.\nThe budget caps, which Congress refuses to change, will be damaging to our national security. Today, the rubber meets the road, said Congressman Bishop. While the NDAA has never been perfect, the version offered by the Majority shortchanges our service members and the safety of our nation, effectively rejecting the opportunity to meet the challenges of our time, improve how our government allocates taxpayer resources, invest in the American people, and provide critical long-term certainty for our armed forces.\nBut instead of giving our military and our budget certainty, Republicans are asking Congress to vote for a blatant, short-term, and irresponsible accounting gimmick amounting to tens of billions of dollars. As Defense Secretary Ash Carter testified last week, Republicans approach is clearly a road to nowhere, managerially unsound, and unfairly dispiriting to our force.\nBased on the Republican Budget, the bill allocates $38 billion to the overseas contingency operations (OCO) account to pay for base budget requirements, using this gimmick to claim to be complying with the Sequester Cap on Defense\n This bill is based on the Republican Budget, adding $38 billion to OCO to pay for base budget requirements, using this gimmick to claim to be complying with the sequester cap on defense. The effect of the Republican Budget is to lift the sequester on defense (using the gimmick of OCO), while keeping in place the sequester on non-defense.\n\tSpecifically, the bill authorizes $496 billion in discretionary funding for the base budget for the Department of Defense and $19 billion in discretionary spending for the defense-related activities of the Department of Energy in FY 2016  totaling $515 billion.\n\tHowever, the bill also authorizes $89.2 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding in FY 2016, which is $38.3 billion more than the Presidents OCO request. The bill identifies the difference of $38.3 billion in discretionary budget authority in support of base budget requirements.\n\tThe total funding of $604.2 billion in discretionary spending for defense in the bill is equal to the Presidents request.\n The White House has promised a veto on the NDAA if passed with irresponsible levels of funding for our military. A number of human rights, civil liberties, national security, and religious organizations have also urged Congress to vote no on the current NDAA bill and pass a more responsible budget for our armed forces. Those groups include: American Civil Liberties Union; Amnesty International USA; Appeal for Justice; Bill of Rights Defense Committee; The Center for Victims of Torture; The Constitution Project; Council on American-Islamic Relations; Defending Dissent Foundation; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Human Rights First; Human Rights Watch; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; National Religious Campaign Against Torture; National Security Network; Reprieve; Win Without War.\nBACKGROUND\nProvisions Regarding Our Troops and Their Families\nGives the Military a Pay Raise\n Supports the current law on military basic pay for FY 2016, which equates to a 2.3 percent increase and does not include any of the DOD proposals for decreases in basic allowance for housing.\n\tAuthorizes an extension of a wide array of bonuses and special and incentive pays for our men and women in uniform.\n Modernization of the Military Retirement System\n Overhauls the military retirement system to blend the current all-or-nothing annuity benefit with a matching Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), making it more reflective of a civilian 401(k) plan and offering financial benefits to individuals who do not serve at least 20 years in uniform. Under current rules, soldiers must serve at least 20 years to qualify for a pension.\n\tDelays implementation of the reform until October 2017 to allow the Armed Services Committee to hear from the Department of Defense on a plan to implement and receive any necessary legislative language corrections.\n   End Strength \n Authorizes the end strength for Active Duty personnel of the Armed Forces at the end of FY 2016 at 475,000 for the Army, 329,200 for the Navy, 184,000 for the Marine Corps, and 320,715 for the Air Force.\n Provisions on Guantanamo\n Extends for another year the ban on the Department of Defense transferring any Guantanamo detainee into the United States.\n\tExtends for another year the ban on constructing facilities for Guantanamo detainees in the United States.\n\tRepeals the current statutory authority to transfer Guantanamo detainees to the custody or control of a foreign country, and replaces it with a provision that would prohibit the use of DOD funds to make such transfers through calendar year 2016, unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that numerous conditions have been satisfied, including measures to prevent re-engagement in terrorist activity and information-sharing arrangements with host countries.\n\tProhibits transfers to any country in which a previously transferred Guantanamo detainee was confirmed to have re-engaged.\n Provisions on Sexual Assault in the Military\n Standardizes the training and timeframe of the training for Special Victims Counsel, establishes performance measures and sets minimum experience levels of Special Victims Counsel and provides Special Victims Counsel services to civilian employees of the Department of Defense who are victims of an alleged sex-related offense.\n\tRequires a strategy and policy to prevent retaliation against service members who report or intervene on behalf of the victim in instances of sexual assault and a plan to improve sexual assault prevention and response when the victim is a male member of the Armed Forces.\n Provisions on Iraq and Syria\n Authorizes $600 million for the Syria Train and Equip effort and $715 million for the Iraq Train and Equip effort. The bill requires that 25 percent of the Iraq Train and Equip assistance be provided to the Kurds and Sunnis. Further, it requires the Administration to assess progress towards political reconciliation in Iraq and, if they cannot assess adequate progress, would substantially decrease assistance provided to the Government of Iraq and increase aid provided directly to the Kurds and Sunnis.\n Provisions on Ukraine\n Authorizes $200 million for a Train and Equip effort in Ukraine and specifically allows for the disbursement of lethal equipment of a defensive nature.\n Provisions on European Reassurance Initiative\n Authorizes a total of $789 million for the European Reassurance Initiative, mainly to support U.S. deployments and training in Eastern Europe to reassure NATO allies and deter Russia.\n Provisions on Afghanistan\n Authorizes a total of $4.1 billion for the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), $338 million above the Presidents request, to maintain a force level of 352,000 in the ANSF.\n Provisions on Jordan\n Allows for the reimbursement of up to $300 million to the Jordanians for expenses for efforts to control their border. The bill also authorizes $300 million for the enhancement of Jordanian military capability and an additional $16.5 million for Jordanian operations.\n Provisions on Acquisition Reform\n Includes the provisions of a bill introduced by HASC Chairman Mac Thornberry and Ranking Democrat Adam Smith that is designed to reform some parts of DODs acquisition reform system.\n Provisions on Space\n Allows the use of Russian RD-180 engines that were fully paid for or on contract before the Russian invasion of Crimea.\n\tSupports competition for reliable and affordable space launches for national security missions.\n Provisions on Missile Defense\n Authorizes approximately $10 billion for missile defense programs.\n\tMaintains authorizations for the continued deployment of a national missile defense system based in Alaska and California.\n\tAuthorizes funding for missile defense sites in Romania and Poland.\n\tAuthorizes funds for planning and design of a new East Coast interceptor facility, which the Pentagon has not requested.\n\tMandates proof of concept for space-based interceptors.\n\tSupports Israeli missile defense by adding over $315 million above the Presidents request.\n Provisions on Nuclear Weapons\n Adds $238 million to nuclear weapons funding above the $8.85 billion budget request.\n\tRequires quarterly notifications on Russian violation of intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, and adds $25 million to begin development of military responses to counter Russias violation of this treaty.\n\tProhibits the dismantlement of nuclear weapons retired after 2009, and prohibits the dismantlement of all W84 warheads.\n\tRestricts the number of personnel at the National Nuclear Security Administration.\n Provisions on Nuclear Non-Proliferation\n Requires the Director of Naval Reactors to submit a plan for developing naval reactor fuel using low-enriched uranium (LEU), rather than highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and authorizes $5 million to start initial development and testing.\n\tIncludes a permanent prohibition on funding for fixed portal monitors that detect radiological and nuclear weapons-usable materials at major border crossings and ports in foreign countries.\n\tRestricts certain nuclear verification and detection technology R&D.\n Provisions on Cyber\n Fully resources U.S. Cyber Command programs and activities.\n\tFull resources all Military Service cyber programs.\n\tDirects a review of Department of Defense cyber support to civil authorities.\n\tDirects the identification and assessment of cyber vulnerabilities on legacy weapons systems and mission systems.\n Provisions on Special Operations, Counter-Terrorism, & Unconventional Warfare\n Fully resources U.S. Special Operations Command activities and programs.\n\tMakes permanent the authorization for the NATO Special Operations Headquarters.\n\tExtends family support program authority for Special Operations Forces and their families.\n\tIncreases congressional oversight of sensitive operations.\n\tIncreases authority that allows U.S. Special Forces to partner with surrogate or indigenous forces.\n\tMakes permanent authorities to provide rewards to individuals providing information or non-lethal counterterrorism assistance.\n\tDirects development of a strategy to counter Unconventional Weapon threats.\n\tProvides new pilot program authorities to counter enemy propaganda efforts.\n Provisions on Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction\n Fully funds and authorizes activities for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.\n\tExtends an authority to engage with foreign countries for incidents involving weapons of mass destruction.\n\tDirects the GAO to conduct a review of assistance to state and local first responders during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives incidents.\n Provisions on Aircraft\n Authorizes $18.6 billion for Navy aircraft and $16.0 billion for Air Force planes. Among its provisions, the bill:\n\t\tProhibits the retirement of A-10 Warthog aircraft as proposed by the Air Force. Authorizes $682 million in unrequested funds to keep the aircraft operating.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $11.8 billion for continued development and procurement of 63 F35 aircraft, including funds for six unrequested aircraft.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $3 billion for 16 Poseidon aircraft, a Boeing 737 commercial derivative that is the Navys next-generation, maritime, anti-surface warfare surveillance aircraft.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $2.7 billion in procurement and development funds for KC-46 aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $1.2 billion in unrequested funds for 12 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, the Navys principal fighter plane.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $1.4 billion for 19 V-22 Osprey aircraft for the Marine Corps.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $1.3 billion for 64 AH-64 Apache helicopters for the Army and additional funding for UH-60M Blackhawks for the Army National Guard.\n\t\t\n Provisions on Shipbuilding\n Authorizes $16.3 billion for major Navy vessels, $327 million (2%) less than requested. Among its provisions, the bill:\n\t\tAuthorizes $5.3 billion for construction and long-lead components for the next boats in the Virginia class of new attack submarines.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $678 million for refueling complex overhaul operations for the USS George Washington nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Navy had previously suggested that the carrier would be taken out of service because of budget reductions. The measure also authorizes $2.5 billion for construction of the next class of carrier.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $1.4 billion for three Littoral (coastal) Combat Ships, a small, specialized variant of the DDG family of future surface-combat ships.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $3.2 billion for the next two DDG-51 Destroyers, equal to the request.\n\t\t\tProhibits the use of funds for the inactivation or storage of Ticonderoga-class cruisers or dock landing ships in FY 2016. The Navy has sought to take 11 cruisers out of service to modernize them.\n\t\t\n Energy-Related Provisions\n Prohibits the Department of Defense from making bulk purchases of drop-in fuel for operational purposes, unless the cost of that drop-in fuel is cost-competitive with traditional fuel.\n\tExempts DOD from Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which prevents DOD and other federal agencies from purchasing fuels with higher lifecycle emissions than that of conventional petroleum fuels.\n\tProhibits DOD from awarding contracts for bio-fuel refineries.\n Other Provisions\n Prohibits the Department of Defense from conducting an additional round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC).\n\tPrevents the greater sage grouse bird from being listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act for 10 years.\n Administrations Position\n The Administration has issued a veto threat on the bill.\n\tIn the SAP, the Administration indicates that it objects to numerous provisions in the bill.\n\tIn the SAP, the Administration states, The President has been very clear about the core principle that he will not support a budget that locks in sequestration, and he will not fix defense without fixing non-defense spending.  The use of OCO funding to circumvent budget caps in defense spending also ignores the long-term connection between national security and economic security.\n\tIn the SAP, the Administration also states, Further, the bill fails to adopt many of the needed force structure and weapons system reforms included in the Presidents Budget The Presidents defense strategy depends on investing every dollar where it will have the greatest effect, which the Administrations FY 2016 proposals will accomplish through critical reforms that divest unneeded force structure, slow growth in compensation, and reduce wasteful overhead. The Committees changes would constrain the ability of DOD to align military capability and force structure with the Presidents defense strategy and to reduce unneeded costs.\n The House approved its version of the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 269 to 151. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. For a full summary of the bills provision, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397536", "Rep. Scott Introduces Uterine Fibroids Resolution", "2015-05-15", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representatives David Scott and Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) introduceda resolution (HRES 268) that designates July 2015 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.\r\nAfter meeting with my constituent, Tanika Gray Valbrun, I learned that uterine fibroids are a serious health problem affecting many American women, Congressman Scott said. I also learned that African American women are disproportionately affected by uterine fibroid tumors.  Tanikas efforts through The White Dress Project have raised awareness of this condition. Yet, it has not received the attention, nor the funding, it deserves. I am promoting Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month to educate more women about their treatment options.\r\n I thank Congressman Scott for joining me during National Womens Health Week to introduce this important resolution recognizing the most prevalent medical condition affecting women, as an estimated 80 percent of women develop an uterine fibroid by age 50, Edwards said. We need to recognize the need for greater uterine fibroid research and the disparity rates of African-American and Hispanic uterine fibroid patients.\r\n Uterine fibroids are a major public health problem that affect a majority of American women, and representing one of the most prevalent benign gynecologic problems in our nation. HRES 268encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling on the United States to observe the month with appropriate awareness and educational activities. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397539", "Congressman David Scott Announces Winners of 2015 Congressional Art Competition", "2015-05-09", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman David Scott announced the winning student entries for his 13th Annual Congressional Art Competition. The announcement was made during a special presentation at the Douglas County Courthouse. \r\nHeather Middleton, a senior at Union Grove High School, earned First Place in the competition. Her winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. She received a $12,000 scholarship from the Savannah College of Art; a $10,000 scholarship from the Art Institute of Atlanta; and a $1,500 scholarship to the college of her choice.\r\nAdditionally, the Art Institute of Atlanta provided a $5,000 scholarship for Second Place winner Bryce Landingham of McEachern High School and a $2,500 scholarship for Third Place winner Rylee Stephens of Douglas County High School. The Savannah College of Art and Design also provided a full summer seminar scholarship to the 2nd place winner; partial summer seminar of $750 to the 3rd place winner; and special awards for the 4th and 5th place winners. The second place winners art will hang in Congressman Scotts Washington Office for 1 year and third place winners artwork will hang in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for 1 year. \r\nI am so proud of the artistic talent and level of participation in this years competition, said Congressman Scott. The arts have played a major role in our schools by helping young people focus and hone their talents. While everyone may not become a professional artist, the skills that come from disciplining yourself and connecting with your inner self to create art are invaluable, as I can personally attest. \r\nTo date, Congressman Scott has awarded over $403,000 and more than 45 scholarships to local student artists. Special partners for the scholarships awarded this year include the Art Institute of Atlanta; Savannah College of Art and Design; AT&T; Southern Company; Chick-Fil-A; Georgia Pacific Foundation; and Six Flags Over Georgia. \r\nThe complete list of winners includes:\r\n1st Place: Hannah Middlebrook, Union Grove High School\r\n2nd Place: Bryce Landingham, McEachern High School\r\n3rd Place: Rylee Stephens, Douglas County High School\r\n4th Place: Samantha Peacock, Union Grove High School\r\n5th Place: Alyson Smith, Union Grove High School\r\nHonorable Mentions: Laura Davis and Amina Smarr, both of Union Grove High School \r\nCongressman David Scott extended deep appreciation to the Douglas County Government and Courthouse for hosting and curating the exhibit of art submissions from 90 students of the Thirteenth Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-fy-2016-energy-and-water", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING FY 2016 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL MARK UP", "2015-05-07", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the full Appropriations Committee approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The government spending bill now goes to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for its consideration.\nProvisions in the bill support various construction efforts in Georgia including just over $47 million for the Savannah Harbor, common sense solutions to potential issues with the conservation of energy in Georgia, and reinforcement of industries dependant on imports and exports, said Congressman Bishop. Nationally, the bill prioritizes funding for nuclear security, environmental cleanup activities, energy research, and the Army Corps of Engineers. These provisions will positively affect public safety, job creation, and the economy as a whole.\nA summary of the subcommittee draft of the fiscal year 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations bill follows:\n\nBACKGROUND & BILL HIGHLIGHTS:\nThe bill totals $35.4 billion  $1.2 billion above the Fiscal Year 2015 enacted level and $633 million below the Presidents request.\nThe bill delivers strong support for our national security, providing substantial increases for nuclear weapons programs above fiscal year 2015. The bill also protects funding for critical national and regional waterways  which handle commerce valued at more than $1.7 trillion annually  through the Army Corps of Engineers, and programs that encourage energy independence and economic competitiveness. To meet these needs, the legislation contains targeted reductions to lower-priority or unnecessary programs.\nGeorgia  The bill provides $47.034 million for the Savannah Harbor; $21.050 million for the Savannah Harbor expansion (SHEP), $17.321 million for operations and maintenance, and $8.663 million for disposal areas. The bill also provides $1.525 million to the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, Flint Rivers and $12.141 million to Buford Dam and Lake Lanier for expenses necessary for the operation, maintenance, and care of existing rivers and dams.\nNuclear Security  The bill provides a total of $12.3 billion for DOEs nuclear weapons security programs, including Weapons Activities, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Naval Reactors. This is a $922 million increase above the fiscal year 2015 level. This critical national defense funding will allow the U.S. to uphold its nuclear deterrence posture and prepare for current and future nuclear threats by maintaining the safety and readiness of our nuclear stockpile. This includes:\n $8.7 billion for Weapons Activities  $526 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level;\n\t$1.3 billion for Naval Nuclear Reactors  $86 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level; and\n\t$1.9 billion for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation  $291 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level.\n Army Corps of Engineers  The Army Corps of Engineers is funded at $5.6 billion, an increase of $142 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $865 million above the Presidents budget request. The bill focuses funding on activities that will have an immediate impact on public safety, job creation, and the economy, including those that help ensure our waterways stay open for business. For example, the bill provides:\n $2.4 billion for navigation projects and studies, including $1.178 billion in funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and full use of estimated annual revenues from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, to help advance American competitiveness and export ability; and\n\t$1.6 billion to support public health and safety by funding flood and storm damage reduction activities  including $310 million for the most critical dam safety improvements.\n Environmental Cleanup  Included in the legislation is $5.9 billion for environmental management activities, $39 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This includes;\n $5.1 billion for Defense Environmental Cleanup to safely clean sites contaminated by previous nuclear weapons production, as well as additional funding for various other non-defense related nuclear sites.\n Energy Programs  Funding for energy programs within DOE is $10.3 billion  an increase of $64 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $1.3 billion below the President's request. Within this total, the bill prioritizes and increases funding for energy programs that encourage U.S. economic competitiveness and that help advance the nations goal of an all-of-the-above solution to energy independence.\n $605 million  an increase of $34 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level  for research and development to advance coal, natural gas, oil, and other fossil energy technologies, which will help the country make greater use of our rich natural energy resources and help keep down energy costs; and\n\t$936 million  an increase of $23 million  for funding for nuclear energy research, development, and demonstration activities; and\n\t$1.7 billion for renewable energy programs, which are cut by $279 million from last years enacted level.\n Science Research  The bill includes $5.1 billion for science research  an increase of $29 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This funding will help strengthen the nations science and technology innovation by supporting basic energy research, development of high-performance computing systems, and research into the next generation of clean energy sources. This basic research will lay the groundwork for more efficient and practical domestic energy solutions to help reduce the nations dependence on foreign oil, and help promote future growth in American businesses and industries.\nBureau of Reclamation - The legislation contains $1.1 billion  $35 million below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $1 million below the Presidents request  for the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation to help manage, develop, and protect the water resources of Western states.\nYucca Mountain  The bill continues congressional efforts to support the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository, providing $150 million for the Nuclear Waste Disposal program and $50 million for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to continue the adjudication of DOEs Yucca Mountain License application. The legislation also denies an Administration proposal for non-Yucca nuclear waste activities.\nOTHER WATER & ENERGY ISSUES:\n The bill prohibits any changes to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.\n\tThe bill prohibits any changes to the definition of fill material and discharge of fill material for the purposes of the Clean Water Act.\n\tThe bill restricts the application of the Clean Water Act in certain agricultural areas, including farm ponds and irrigation ditches.\n\tThe bill includes language allowing the possession of firearms on Corps of Engineers lands.\n For the complete text of the subcommittee draft of the FY 2016Energy and Water Appropriations bill, please visit:https://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-114HR-SC-AP-FY2016-EnergyWater-SubcommitteeDraft.pdf\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-on-fy-2016-milconva-appropriations-bill", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ON FY 2016 MILCON/VA APPROPRIATIONS BILL", "2015-05-01", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, voted against H.R. 2029, the Fiscal Year 2016 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations governmentspending bill. The bill weakens national security, sidelines necessary military construction, and shortchanges our nations investment in medical care for veterans. Most of the nations Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, were highly critical of the bill passed by the House of Representatives.\nWithout a doubt, the Department of Veterans Affairs has struggled to provide quality accessible care to our nations veterans, said Congressman Bishop. The Majoritys move to deny the VA vital resources will undercut much needed internal reform. Rather, their reductions will have very real consequences by creating dangerous gaps in access and utilization of vital services provided to our veterans and their families, lowering overall quality of care, hurting the middle class, and weakening our economy in the process.\nLeaders in the advocacy for veterans and their families, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and The American Legion have noted H.R. 2029 is set to penalize disabled veterans and impede VA's mission if signed into law with the proposed inadequate levels of funding.\nThe VA cannot fulfill its mission without proper funding, but the House for whatever reason now wants to ration care, eliminate infrastructure projects, and stop improving upon the programs and services that the VA was created to provide, said John W. Stroud, VFW national commander and leader of the 1.9 million-member VFW and its Auxiliaries. This bill is bad for veterans and any vote for it is unconscionable.\nSecretary McDonald has been upfront and, above all, realistic in asking for full funding of the presidents FY 2016 request, said Matthew Miller, Chief Policy Officer of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Reform of the VA, its facilities and its infrastructure are monumental tasks. Unfortunately these challenges become almost unobtainable with a reduction in funding outlined in the Houses mark.\n\"Regardless of political gamesmanship being played between Congress and the White House, The American Legion expects VA to be fully funded,\" said Michael D. Helm, National Commander of the American Legion. \"We agree with Secretary McDonald that cutting his department's budget by more than a billion dollars is unacceptable.\"\nRegarding H.R. 2029, please clickherefor more information regarding the stance of the VFW,herefor more information regarding the stance of The American Legion, andherefor more information regarding the stance of the IAVA.\nAs the leader on this bill and Ranking Member of the MilCon/VA Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Bishop managed the Floor debate for House Democrats. He also offered an amendment to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs.\nH.R. 2029 passed 255 to 163 and now goes on to the Senate for debate.For more information on funding levels and other key provisions in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Bill,please click here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\nVeterans Affairs Medical Care\nThe $585 million reduction to the FY 2016 Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Care request would negatively impact medical care services for tens of thousands of veterans and reduce VA's ability to activate new and replacement facilities with sufficient staff and equipment and to adequately maintain facility infrastructure.\nVeterans Affairs Construction\nThe $582 million reduction to the FY 2016 VA major construction request would prevent building upgrades and renovations, including necessary expansions to medical facilities and national cemeteries that would improve services to our veterans. The bill would significantly constrain VA's ability to make progress on its highest priority capital projects.\nOther Veterans Affairs Reductions\nAs VA attempts to enhance staffing to deliver better care to veterans, the $159 million in reductions to the VA requests for employee awards, bonuses, and the proposed 1.3 percent pay raise for Federal employees will hinder the Department's ability to recruit and retain personnel critical to the provision of benefits and services to veterans.\nMilitary Construction\nThe Committee's under-funding of military construction in the Pentagons FY 2016 base defense budget by $1.3 billion will delay or defer projects that serve critical needs for members of our Armed Forces and their families. The projects requested in the FY 2016 Budget reflect the highest priority projects for the Department of Defense. But the bill that was considered by the House of Representatives eliminates funding for four Major Construction projects and cemetery expansion projects, reducing the ability to provide burial honors for as many as 18,000 Veterans and eligible family members every year.\nOverseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Funds\nThe Committee's use of $532 million of OCO funds intended for wars and not subject to the budget caps to pay for long-term infrastructure investments is bad budget policy and bad defense policy, since it undermines long-term planning.\nDetainee Matters\nSection 512 of the bill prohibits the use of funds to construct, renovate, or expand any facility in the United States to house individuals held in the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. This provision would constrain the flexibility that the Nation's Armed Forces and counter-terrorism professionals need to best protect U.S. national security, intruding upon the Executive Branch's ability to carry out its mission.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-warns-of-republican-budget-consequences-for-georgia", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WARNS OF REPUBLICAN BUDGET CONSEQUENCES FOR GEORGIA AND OUR NATION", "2015-04-30", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) warned of Republican budget consequences for Georgia and our nation after voting against the Republican Budget Conference Report.\nIf our budget ultimately is a statement of our nations values and priorities, then I am deeply concerned that we could be mortgaging our future for the sake of misplaced priorities. While I strongly support the goal of putting our nations fiscal house in order, I do not believe that reducing the deficit should come at the expense of jobs, economic growth, and vital investments in health care, education, and our workforce.\nIt makes little sense then to support a budget which would destroy millions of jobs, create dangerous gaps in service for our veterans, weaken national security, transform Medicare into a voucher program, decrease economic growth, pave the way for a tax plan that ends higher education tax credits, end the boost in the child tax credit, ignore our crumbling infrastructure, and surrender American leadership in education, research and innovation.\nEven more astounding is that this budget would repeal all of the benefits and patient protections in the health reform law, driving up the out-of-pocket cost of health coverage and reducing access to quality care. Truly, for millions of Georgians and Americans across the nation, the motto for this budget should be all pain, no gain.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397533", "Congressman David Scott to honor students at 13th Annual Congressional Art Competition", "2015-04-27", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman David Scott will host a special presentation to honor all participating students of his 13th Annual Congressional High School Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. To date, Congressman Scott has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to local student artists. \r\nDuring the ceremony, the top winners of the competition will be announced. The first place entry from Congressman Scotts district will join other first place winners from around the country and be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Scholarships will be presented as follows: $10,000  first place, $5,000  second place, and $2,500  third place, all by the Art Institute of Atlanta; and $3,000/ year to the first-place winner by the Savannah College of Art and Design. Additional awards ranging from $250 to $1,500 will be presented to the top winners by AT&T, Chick-fil-A, Georgia Pacific, Georgia Power, Greystone Power and Six Flags Over Georgia.\r\nWHEN: Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\r\nWHERE: Douglas County Courthouse Art Gallery, located on the third floor of the Douglas County Courthouse at 8700 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134.\r\nWHO: Participating high schools include: Arlington Christian; Campbell; Chapel Hill; Douglas County; Dutchtown; Heirway Christian Academy; His Masters Voice; Jonesboro; Landmark Christian; Langston Hughes; Lithia Springs; Lovejoy; Martha Stillwell School of the Arts; McEachern; Mundys Mill; New Manchester; Pebblebrook; Riverdale; Stockbridge; Union Grove; and Whitefield Academy.\r\nThis years competition includes a special partnership with Douglas County Government and the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville and Douglas County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397534", "Thousands attend Congressman David Scotts 12th annual job fair", "2015-04-24", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Published April 24, 2015  \r\nBy Elizabeth Montgomery  \r\nClayton News DailyMore than 15,000 people lined up in the Georgia International Convention Center with the hope of leaving with a job.\r\n The annual jobs fair was started by Congressman David Scott 12 years ago. Fridays event saw 70 employers including Georgia Power, Allied Barton Security, Clayton County Public Schools, Kroger, Emory and U.S. Foods looking to fill 5,522 jobs.\r\nIf people would have told me a long time ago, what I know now  said Sondra Rush, who arrived to the center an hour before the doors opened.\r\nRush was recently separated from her job at American Cyber Systems. She is looking for new employment.\r\nThe job I had was sent to India, a lot of jobs are being outsourced she said. But the key is to find a job thats going to look for you. Our generation, we have to depend on ourselves.\r\nScott says you can depend on him and his partners, Camila Knowles of Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Leslie Wiggins, medical center director at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who provided employment, health and benefits resources for veterans at the job fair. We are making a special effort to reach veterans, said Scott, who has also been an advocate for getting mortgage relief into the community. Through his efforts, the House and Senate have passed bills that give homeowners mortgage payment assistance.\r\nRepresentatives from Home Safe Georgia, a federally funded mortgage payment assistance program, attended the job fair to deliver mortgage assistance to homeowners facing unemployment.\r\nPeople are struggling with mortgage payments, and we need to help that struggling homeowner, said Knowles. We have $140 million left and if we dont get this out within 20 months it goes back to the treasurer.\r\nKnowles said 6,500 families across the state have taken advantage of the assistance.\r\nMany job-seekers left Fridays event with more than what they expected.\r\n\"Job fairs are like kryptonite for chefs, said applicant Jeffery Moody. Moody has been a chef for 15 years and walked out of the job fair with an interview. I have a cooking demo with Gate Gourmet next week, he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/congressional-record-statements/in-commemoration-of-1890s-day", "IN COMMEMORATION OF 1890s DAY", "2015-04-23", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Bishop of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of 1890s Day, which commemorates an influential piece of legislation that took effect 125 years ago yet is still very relevant today.\nIn 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act into law with the intention of giving federal land grants to states so that they would in turn sell them to establish land-grant universities with the funds. Academically, these institutions were to specialize in fields such as agriculture, military strategy, and engineering, initiatives that would have a distinct impact on local economies and technological developments in years to come.\nTwenty-eight years later, the second Morrill Act of 1890 was enacted and we celebrate that moment today. It was significant because it specifically addressed the former Confederate States. In order to combat extensive racial discrimination faced by African Americans in the post-Civil War South, the Act required that States wishing to receive federal support must either omit entry restrictions based on skin color at their universities entirely, or else establish separate institutions specifically designed to accommodate African Americans. Many historically black colleges and universities came into existence as a result of this rule.\nPrior to the Civil Way, there were few opportunities for African Americans to receive a higher education. Those African Americans who did receive such schooling studied at home or in informal settings. In fact, during the era of slavery, it had been a crime to instruct an African American in anything except the most rudimentary skills.\nWithin the Second Congressional District of Georgia, one concrete outcome of this landmark legislation was the 1895 founding of Fort Valley High and Industrial School, which would later become Fort Valley State College and, finally, Fort Valley State University. This historically African-American institution remains Georgias only 1890 land-grant university.\nProving itself over decades of scholastic distinction and educating thousands of students in the sciences as well as the arts, this renowned establishment is still alive and flourishing today. It was all made possible through that groundbreaking decision made more than a century ago. Since the 1890 Act directly addressed concerns of discrimination against African Americans, it has served to provide opportunities for all students, regardless of their race.\nMr. Speaker, it is indeed my privilege to bring attention to this important day, and to recognize the changes the Morrill Act of 1890 has brought to our communities and to our nation. For it is through the diversity and the inspiration of our youth that we are able to grow as a society, in innovation and in hope. Let us celebrate these developments today and anticipate a bright future to come tomorrow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-fy-2016-milconva-appropriations-bill", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON FY 2016 MILCON/VA APPROPRIATIONS BILL MARK UP", "2015-04-22", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Fiscal Year 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act out of the full U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee.\nThe Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act has a strong reputation for finding bipartisan common ground as members work together to fund the construction of military facilities and strive to improve the quality of life and care afforded to our veterans and military families. I am pleased the Committee continues to demonstrate strong support of our service members, but recognize that serious challenges remain in fulfilling our responsibility to veterans and moving the appropriations process forward under such inadequate sequester funding levels.\nPassage of this bill maintains the tough but fair reporting requirements for DoD-VA Electronic Health Records integration, prioritizes the elimination of the VA claims backlog, as well as provides necessary funding for military maintenance and construction of military family housing, information technology, and medical facilities.\nHowever, I believe that it is well past time to be more strategic about how we handle our federal budget, so we can eventually stop lurching from one fiscal crisis to the next. The Majority chose to lock in sequester levels of funding, forcing a shift in a portion of the Military Construction budget into the Overseas Contingency Operations account, and a major reduction in the VAs construction budget. Todays markup is another step in a long appropriations process, and while I am concerned about the impact of these reductions, I am hopeful that these concerns will be addressed as we move further towards full passage.\nBelow is a list of highlights of funding levels and other key provisions in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Bill:\nBACKGROUND & BILL HIGHLIGHTS:\n2016 Mark: $76.057 billion\n2016 OCO: $532 million\n2015 Enacted: $71.808 billion\n2015 OCO: $221 million\nPresident's Request: $78.785 billion\nMILCON/VA IN GEORGIA:\nDefense-Wide\n $10.9 million for replacement pump house and truck fill stands at Moody Air Force Base;\n Army\n $90 million for a Command and Control Facility at Fort Gordon;\n Navy\n $7.851 million for ground source heat pumps in Albany;\n\t$8.099 million for industrial control system infrastructure at Kings Bay;\n\t$48.279 million for bombing range expansion Phase II in Townsend;\n Air National Guard\n $9 million for C-130 Squadron Operations at Savannah/Hilton Head IAP;\n MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: $7.151 billion, an increase of $593 million above the FY 2015 enacted level and $1.286 billion below the Presidents request, is provided for Military Construction programs.\n The total funding for Reserve Components is $512 million, which is $85 million above the FY 2015 enacted level, and $39.1 million below the Presidents request.\n\tThe bill fully funds the 2015 budget request for Family Housing construction at $1.413 billion, which is $222.6 million more than the FY 2015 enacted level.\n\tThe bill fully funds the 2016 budget request for the BRAC account at $251.3 million, a decrease of $63.7 million from the FY 2015 enacted level.\n VETERANS AFFAIRS: The Committee recommendation includes $68.662 billion in discretionary funding, which is $3.6 billion above the 2015 level, and $1.4 billion below the Presidents request.\n Unlike previous years, the subcommittee recommendation fails to meet the discretionary budget request in several areas, including Medical Services; Medical Support and Compliance; Medical Facilities; Medical and Prosthetic Research; Construction, Major Projects; General Administration; and Information Technology.\n\tAs authorized by Congress in 2009, the VA medical services accounts are provided funding one year in advance. The recommendation includes $967 million of the $1.1 billion requested for the current year budget request, which is in addition to the FY 2016 advance appropriation provided in the FY 2015 law.\n\tThe subcommittee recommendation provides $606.8 million for Medical and Prosthetic Research, which is $17.8 million above the FY 2015 enacted level, and $17.8 million less than the Presidents request.\n\tThe subcommittee recommendation provides $561.8 million for Construction, Major Projects, which is equal to the FY 2015 enacted level and $582 million less than the Presidents request. The bill also shifts responsibility from Congress to the VA to decide which projects would be funded and which would not.\n OTHER VA ISSUES:\n Electronic Health Records: Like the FY 2015 Appropriations law, the subcommittee recommendation includes language requiring the VA to provide information on the VistA Evolution system before release of 75 percent of the funding provided.\n\tDisability Claims Backlog: The subcommittee recommendation continues monthly reporting requirements from regional offices on disability claims processing performance and quality reports on remediation efforts at the poorest performing regional offices.\n\tConstruction Funding: To enhance oversight on VAs facility construction efforts:\n  No funding greater than $5 million may be reprogrammed between construction accounts without approval by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations;\n\tAny change to the scope of a construction project is prohibited without the approval of the Committees; and\n\tVA must report any bid savings of $5 million or more on projects as soon as they are identified.\n For more information on funding levels and other key provisions in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Bill, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-invites-students-to-seek-2015-service-academy", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP INVITES STUDENTS TO SEEK 2015 SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS", "2015-04-16", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MACON, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is strongly encouraging the young men and women from Georgias 2nd Congressional District to seek nominations to the United States service academies, which can provide an all-expense paid college education along with leadership training for military service to the nation. Nominations are available for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The deadline for submission of the nomination forms for 2016 high school graduates is October 30, 2015.\nIt is a privilege and an honor to nominate exceptional young men and women to United States service academies, said Congressman Bishop. I highly encourage the bright and motivated students from Middle and Southwest Georgia to pursue this life-changing opportunity of distinction, education, and inspiration through future service to their community and their nation.\nThough the nomination process is competitive, top tier students from the Middle and Southwest Georgia have been able to receive fully-funded appointments to each of the military service academies. In the past year, William Butler from Fort Benning and Skyler Dexter from Upatoi received an appointment to West Point Academy; and Matthew Carter from Macon received an appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy.\nEach applicants process begins by sending one personal letter to Congressman Bishop indicating his or her interest in joining the academy nomination process and to which academy he or she wishes to join. Eligible candidates for a Congressional nomination must be United States citizens, reside in the Georgias second Congressional District, and be between the ages of 17 and 22 on the year admitted.\nTo request an application packet and apply, candidates should contact Toni Pickel in the Albany office at 229-439-8067 or by email at toni.pickel@mail.house.gov. In order for applications to be reviewed and processed in a timely manner, applications must be submitted to the district office by October 30 of the student's senior year.\nFor more information and to download the nomination application forms, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-ftc-phoebe-putney-court-agreement", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON FTC / PHOEBE PUTNEY COURT AGREEMENT", "2015-04-02", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the finalized consent agreement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Phoebe Putney Health System, HCA Inc., and the Hospital Authority of Albany-Dougherty County over the merger between Phoebe Putney Health System and Palmyra Medical Center in Albany, Georgia.\nThis decision has had an impact on Phoebe Putneys ability to recruit new doctors and medical personnel, financially affecting the hospital and thus our community. This agreement has been a long time in coming, and now that it is here, I look forward to Southwest Georgia moving forward with the assurance of the world-class health care we have come to expect from Phoebe Putney.\nFor more information, please click here and here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-applauds-new-peanut-standards-board-member", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP APPLAUDS NEW PEANUT STANDARDS BOARD MEMBER", "2015-03-27", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02), member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, applauded the appointment of Martin Marty L. McLendon of Leary, Georgia to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service Peanut Standards Board.\nMarty has shown himself to be an extraordinary leader as a major producer in the Peanut Industry and I am thrilled to hear that he will be representing Georgia on the Peanut Standards Board, said Congressman Bishop. The Peanut Standards Board is an important asset to peanut farmers in Georgia, and across the nation, and I am positive that Marty will do his absolute best to work with the other members and the USDA to keep the Peanut industry growing stronger than ever.\nMartin L. McLendon was born and raised in Southwest, Georgia and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Being a major producer in the Peanut Industry, he also serves on the Georgia Flint River Commission and is very active in civic activities in his community. As a member on the board he will work with the USDA to help improve quality and handling standards involving the production of peanuts.\nThe Peanut Standards Board members are appointed by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and represent the Southeast Region, covering Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The Peanut Standards Board is authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-works-to-strengthen-health-care-in-georgia", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WORKS TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH CARE IN GEORGIA", "2015-03-27", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted in favor of the bipartisan package H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which will strengthen health care for older Americans, poor children, and families by permanently fixing the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula for Medicare physician payments, providing funding to pay Medicare Part B premiums, supporting community health centers, and extending the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for two years.\nThis vote ensures that doctors will be able to continue providing high quality health care services to our seniors and veterans without the threat of ever-larger fee cuts followed by short-term patches, said Congressman Bishop. Overall, the bipartisan legislation will restore clarity to our budget, stability to health care providers, and certainty to our seniorsa win for the dedicated physicians of Middle and Southwest Georgia who strive to provide outstanding services for their patients and a hopeful nod towards a Congress that can work together to get the job done for the American people.\nIn addition to replacing the broken SGR formula  which is used to determine annual Medicare physician fee updates  with fairer growth targets to keep doctors pay steady, the bill also promotes primary care by providing an extra growth allowance for primary care services that can keep patients healthier longer. H.R. 2 was approved by the House of Representatives with a vote of 392 to 37 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.\nFor more information, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/time-to-end-the-death-tax-s-hold-on-family-businesses-farms-and-ranches", "TIME TO END THE DEATH TAXS HOLD ON FAMILY BUSINESSES, FARMS, AND RANCHES", "2015-03-27", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia), Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas), U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), and Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) are calling on Congress to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, which takes up to 40% of a persons property (cash, real estate, stock, or other assets) that he or she leaves to his or her children. Also referred to as the death tax, it punishes success and traditional American virtues of hard work and thrift. According to the Tax Foundation, repealing the estate tax would create 39,000 new jobs and boost federal revenue.\nI have heard from farmers, funeral home owners, newspaper publishers, radio station owners, and garment manufacturers about the need for estate tax relief. I believe that the estate tax is politically misguided, morally unjustified and downright un-American, said Congressman Bishop.It undermines the life work and the life savings of farmers and small- and medium-sized businesses in Georgia and across the nation.\nImposing a tax rate as high as 40 percent on savings is not just bad for the economy, its unfair to families that have saved and built job-creating small businesses in their local communities, said Senator Thune. Currently more than 70 percent of family businesses do not survive to the second generation, and 90 percent of family businesses do not survive to the third generation. This legislation will finally give farmers, ranchers and family business owners the peace of mind of knowing that they no longer have to spend substantial sums on planning to minimize their death tax liability. I believe there is now a majority in both the House and the Senate who agree with us that the death tax punishes a lifetime of hard work and I hope to see movement in both chambers on this legislation this year.\nThe Death Tax is still the number one reason family-owned farms and businesses in America arent passed down to the next generation, said Congressman Brady, a senior member of the tax-writing Ways & Means Committee and lead House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee. Its the wrong tax at the wrong time and hurts the wrong people. After a family loses a loved one, why should Uncle Sam swoop in and take much of the nest egg they spent a lifetime building?Especially when it forces the survivors to take out loans or sell their land or business just to try to keep some of what they worked so hard to earn. I have families in my district that have paid this tax multiple times on the same property. They deserve better.\nThe death tax creates an unfair situation for minority businesses which have primarily started to accumulate wealth within the last 60 years. Many minority-owned family businesses are first-generation businesses, where children work alongside their parents. These business owners do not want to sell out at fire-sale prices to pay the estate tax and eliminate the livelihoods for the next generation in addition to the jobs for those whom they employ, said Harry Alford, the president and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.\nThis level of taxation continues to pose a serious threat to the likelihood that present-day African American-owned businesses can be preserved as part of a family long-term legacy. Full repeal of the estate tax would allow African Americans to pass the full fruits of their business success to the next generation and thereby laying the foundation for a permanent minority ownership class that can contribute to the economic growth and development of the United States economy, said Robert Johnson, Founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET).\nThe National Black Chamber of Commerces Harry Alford, the 60 Plus Associations James Martin, Reliable Contractings Patricia Baldwin and the South Dakota Cattlemans Associations Todd Wilkinson also participating in the news conference in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Hearing Room.\nTo view a picture from the press conference, please click here.\nLinks to Bios of the participants\nU.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia)\nU.S. Representatives Kevin Brady (R-Texas)\nU.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)\nU.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD)\nHarry Alford, National Black Chamber of Commerce\nPatricia Baldwin, Reliable Contracting\nJames Martin, 60 Plus Association\nTodd Wilkinson, South Dakota Cattlemens Association\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-hails-uscg-decision-to-continue-service-on-acf", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HAILS USCG DECISION TO CONTINUE SERVICE ON ACF WATERWAY", "2015-03-25", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GEORGETOWN, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) welcomed the United States Coast Guards (USCG) decision to continue maintaining the Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) at the Lake Eufaula United States Coast Guard (USCG) station. The ANT Eufaula maintains the navigation system on the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint River (ACF) waterway, which helps to keep Lake Walter F. George, Lake Seminole, and the river system safe for boaters and fishers. Originally planned to close operations due to budget constraints, the Coast Guard has reconsidered due to safety and community concerns.\nThe United States Coast Guards decision to keep ANT Eufaula operations open is great news for boaters and fishers in Georgia and Alabama, said Congressman Bishop, For the sake of safety, commerce, and recreation, it is imperative that the ACF waterway remains securely navigable, and so I applaud the Coast Guards wise assessment.\nThe continuation of federal aid from the USCG to ANT Eufaula helps commercial barge traffic and also greatly benefits the usage of recreational boating traffic on these waterways. The aid also benefits the local economy by supplying more jobs and revenue from boating sales and activities in the community. Last month, Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-AL), Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), and Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) sent a letter to Admiral Paul Zukunft of the Coast Guard, joining the many community voices expressing strong opposition to the removal of the river navigation aids. To view the letter, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-stands-up-for-voting-rights", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STANDS UP FOR VOTING RIGHTS", "2015-03-24", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) committed to supporting voters throughout Georgia and across the country by serving as an original co-sponsor to H.R. 12, the Voter Empowerment Act of 2015. The bill would extend greater access to citizens at the ballot box, and would more effectively protect voter rights.\nBy enhancing voter participation, this bill reflects the true character of the nation, holding leaders more directly accountable to the populations they represent, said Congressman Bishop. Modernizing voter registration will improve the integrity of the election system and, during this 50th anniversary of the monumental Voting Rights Act, will serve to advance the mission of equal rights for all Americans.\nEven if the days of poll taxes, literacy tests, and brutal physical intimidation are behind us, disenfranchisement tactics that aim to suppress voter participation are alive and well. The Voter Empowerment Act eliminates such divisive barriers separating voters from the ballot box and takes advantage of modern technology to bring our elections into the 21st Century, concluded Bishop.\nIntroduced by Congressmen John Lewis (GA), James Clyburn (SC), Steny Hoyer (MD), John Conyers (MI), and Robert Brady (PA), the Voter Empowerment Act draws support from dozens of Members of Congress, House Caucuses and civil rights advocacy groups. Among other important provisions, the Act would enable same-day voter registration, create a national voter protection hotline, and establish mandatory paper trail and voting machine standards. It would also allow online voter registration, expand early voting, ensure the equitable allocation of polling place resources, and prohibit voter caging and other deceptive practices that deter people from exercising their constitutional right to vote.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-women-s-history-month-0", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING WOMENS HISTORY MONTH", "2015-03-24", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement in recognition of Womens History Month during March of 2015:\nThroughout this Womens History Month, please join me in honoring women who have gone above and beyond to inspire and advance our nation. For example, during the Revolutionary War, Deborah Sampson took a major risk by disguising herself as a male soldier and serving in the Continental Army. Her story is an inspiration to the brave women serving in our armed forces today. Susan B. Anthony tenaciously fought for the womens right to vote, helping push for equality with the eventual adoption of the 19th Amendment. As the first woman in space, Sally Ride opened the hatch for women to boldly explore and expand our knowledge of the final frontier. In present day, Aflac President Teresa White and Executive Vice President Audrey Tillman are role models for us allserving with distinction as the first females within the highest ranks of Aflacs executive officers.\nTruly, outstanding women hold their place in the history books as visionaries and groundbreakers, but also inspire our lives as mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. It is my sincere hope that during this Womens History Month, Americans will continue to reflect on the contributions all women have made to creating and enhancing the quality of life for all of humankind.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/bury-the-death-tax-once-and-for-always", "Bury the Death Tax Once and for Always", "2015-03-18", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S. Representatives Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia), who are leading the charge to repeal the controversial federal estate tax, this week introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015.\nThe Death Tax is still the number one reason family-owned farms and businesses in America arent passed down to the next generation, said Brady, a senior member of the tax-writing Ways & Means Committee. Its the wrong tax at the wrong time and hurts the wrong people. After a family loses a loved one, why should Uncle Sam swoop in and take much of the nest egg they spent a lifetime building?Especially when it forces the survivors to sell their land or business just to try to keep what they worked so hard to earn.\nBishop points out the fastest growing sector of the American economy are women and minority owned small businesses building wealth for the first time.\nI have heard from farmers, funeral home owners, newspaper publishers, radio station owners, and garment manufacturers about the need for estate tax relief. I believe that the estate tax is politically misguided, morally unjustified and downright un-American, said Bishop.It undermines the life work and the life savings of farmers and small- and medium-sized businesses in Georgia and across the nation.\nA study by the Joint Economic Committee reports the onerous estate tax hurts economic growth by discouraging savings and small business growth. Many studies have indicated that ending the estate tax would actually increase overall federal tax revenue by encouraging more investment. \nTaking out loans for Uncle Sam while trying to keep a family farm or ranch afloat is wrong,added Brady. I have families in my district that have paid this tax multiple times on the same property. They deserve better.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-statement-on-retirement-of-ralph-paige", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF RALPH PAIGE", "2015-03-18", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Ralph Paige, the Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (LAF):\nI would like to express my sincere gratitude towards my good friend Ralph Paige for his decades of dedication to the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. Since it was founded in 1967, Ralph has spent a career assisting minorities succeed as farmers, interfacing with 1890 land grant institutions, providing technical assistance, as well as helping rural families purchase and keep the rights to their land and home. With his support, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF has strengthened our communities and bolstered the economy of our great state. I know his presence as the Executive Director will be sorely missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to serve the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF well for years to come.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bury-the-death-tax-once-and-for-always", "Bury the Death Tax Once and for Always", "2015-03-18", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S. Representatives Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia), who are leading the charge to repeal the controversial federal estate tax, this week introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015.\nThe Death Tax is still the number one reason family-owned farms and businesses in America arent passed down to the next generation, said Brady, a senior member of the tax-writing Ways & Means Committee. Its the wrong tax at the wrong time and hurts the wrong people. After a family loses a loved one, why should Uncle Sam swoop in and take much of the nest egg they spent a lifetime building?Especially when it forces the survivors to sell their land or business just to try to keep what they worked so hard to earn.\nBishop points out the fastest growing sector of the American economy are women and minority owned small businesses building wealth for the first time.\nI have heard from farmers, funeral home owners, newspaper publishers, radio station owners, and garment manufacturers about the need for estate tax relief. I believe that the estate tax is politically misguided, morally unjustified and downright un-American, said Bishop.It undermines the life work and the life savings of farmers and small- and medium-sized businesses in Georgia and across the nation.\nA study by the Joint Economic Committee reports the onerous estate tax hurts economic growth by discouraging savings and small business growth. Many studies have indicated that ending the estate tax would actually increase overall federal tax revenue by encouraging more investment. \nTaking out loans for Uncle Sam while trying to keep a family farm or ranch afloat is wrong,added Brady. I have families in my district that have paid this tax multiple times on the same property. They deserve better.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sanford-bishop-statement-on-retirement-of-ralph-paige", "CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF RALPH PAIGE", "2015-03-18", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Ralph Paige, the Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (LAF):\nI would like to express my sincere gratitude towards my good friend Ralph Paige for his decades of dedication to the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. Since it was founded in 1967, Ralph has spent a career assisting minorities succeed as farmers, interfacing with 1890 land grant institutions, providing technical assistance, as well as helping rural families purchase and keep the rights to their land and home. With his support, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF has strengthened our communities and bolstered the economy of our great state. I know his presence as the Executive Director will be sorely missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to serve the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF well for years to come.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-anniversary-of-bloody-sunday", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY", "2015-03-11", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GACongressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965. On that day, up to 600 civil rights activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and out of Selma, Alabama on U.S. Highway 80. Led by John Lewis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Reverend Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Bob Mants of SNCC, and Albert Turner of SCLC, the peaceful protest met violence from a waiting line of state troopers and deputized civilians. The resulting brutality and bloodshed, broadcast on national and international media, bolstered the campaign to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965.\nThe 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March is one of the most seminal and pivotal events in Americas civil rights movement, said Congressman Bishop. The combined efforts of civil rights leaders, political leaders in the Johnson Administration, and our esteemed colleague, John Lewis, who put his life on the line when he crossed the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965 -- made the Voting Rights Act a reality. Not only are the events of Bloody Sunday a vivid memory from the past, but also a stark reminder that it is up to all of us to protect our sacred right to vote for future generations.\nTo learn more about Bloody Sunday, please click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-anniversary-of-bloody-sunday", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY", "2015-03-11", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GACongressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965. On that day, up to 600 civil rights activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and out of Selma, Alabama on U.S. Highway 80. Led by John Lewis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Reverend Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Bob Mants of SNCC, and Albert Turner of SCLC, the peaceful protest met violence from a waiting line of state troopers and deputized civilians. The resulting brutality and bloodshed, broadcast on national and international media, bolstered the campaign to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965.\nThe 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March is one of the most seminal and pivotal events in Americas civil rights movement, said Congressman Bishop. The combined efforts of civil rights leaders, political leaders in the Johnson Administration, and our esteemed colleague, John Lewis, who put his life on the line when he crossed the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965 -- made the Voting Rights Act a reality. Not only are the events of Bloody Sunday a vivid memory from the past, but also a stark reminder that it is up to all of us to protect our sacred right to vote for future generations.\nTo learn more about Bloody Sunday, please click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-announces-395400-grant-for-neighborworks-columbus", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $395,400 GRANT FOR NEIGHBORWORKS COLUMBUS", "2015-03-09", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GAToday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced the awarding of a new $395,400 grant from the NeighborWorks national organization to assist NeighborWorks Columbus in their efforts to revitalize and sustain communities, promote and preserve affordable housing options, as well as create and sustain jobs in Columbus, Georgia during the 2015 fiscal year. The national funding is appropriated through the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015.\nI commend NeighborWorks America and its willingness to invest in Columbus and support the American dream by providing this significant grant, said Congressman Bishop. I am very thankful for the diligent work of NeighborWorks Columbus, as their effort to help families find a home not only creates jobs and provides basic security, but also strengthens our communities throughout the greater Chattahoochee Valley.\nWe acknowledge that NeighborWorks America has enjoyed bi-partisan support of the work its affiliates do in the field every day, said Justin Krieg, NeighborWorks Columbus Board Chair. This allocation will allow NeighborWorks Columbus to continue to pursue our vision of eliminating substandard housing in Columbus. We are very appreciative of Congressman Bishops support.\nThe NeighborWorks Columbus chapter is a part of the national, public nonprofit organization which supports and builds the capacity of over 240 local and regional nonprofit partner NeighborWorks organizations, comprised of local private-sector business leaders, local government representatives, and community residents. Established by Congress in 1978, NeighborWorks and the NeighborWorks network assisted 323,400 families with housing and created and maintained 35,000 jobs during the 2014 fiscal year alone.\nFor background on previous grants to NeighborWorks Columbus, please click here and here. To learn more about NeighborWorks Columbus, please click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-invites-students-to-participate-in-2015-congressional", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP INVITES STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2015 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION", "2015-03-09", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) invited all students in Grades 9 through 12 from Georgias 2nd Congressional District to participate in the 34th Annual Congressional Art Competition.\nI have long believed that in our southwest and middle area of Georgia, we have some of the best, the brightest, the most creative, and the most talented young people in the world, said Congressman Bishop. From Columbus to Cairo to Cordele to Colquitt, the Congressional Art Competition is an excellent medium through which we can channel the creativity and imaginations of our young students, promote art education, and give recognition to the outstanding work that our schools are doing to enable young people to realize their potential.\nThe winner of this years competition will have his or her artwork displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, a busy underground walkway to the U.S. Capitol from the House office buildings. All participants will be invited to attend a reception at the Albany Museum of Art at 311 Meadowlark Drive, Albany, Georgia on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 2:00 PM. The winner will also be invited to join Congressman Bishop at a national awards reception in Washington, D.C.\nAll artwork must be submitted to the Albany District Office at 235 West Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 114 no later than Monday, April 13, 2015. The official competition rules can be foundhere. For more information, please contact Toni Pickel in the Albany District Office by email at toni.pickel@mail.house.gov or by phone at 229-439-8067.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-announces-395400-grant-for-neighborworks-columbus", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $395,400 GRANT FOR NEIGHBORWORKS COLUMBUS", "2015-03-09", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, GAToday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced the awarding of a new $395,400 grant from the NeighborWorks national organization to assist NeighborWorks Columbus in their efforts to revitalize and sustain communities, promote and preserve affordable housing options, as well as create and sustain jobs in Columbus, Georgia during the 2015 fiscal year. The national funding is appropriated through the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015.\nI commend NeighborWorks America and its willingness to invest in Columbus and support the American dream by providing this significant grant, said Congressman Bishop. I am very thankful for the diligent work of NeighborWorks Columbus, as their effort to help families find a home not only creates jobs and provides basic security, but also strengthens our communities throughout the greater Chattahoochee Valley.\nWe acknowledge that NeighborWorks America has enjoyed bi-partisan support of the work its affiliates do in the field every day, said Justin Krieg, NeighborWorks Columbus Board Chair. This allocation will allow NeighborWorks Columbus to continue to pursue our vision of eliminating substandard housing in Columbus. We are very appreciative of Congressman Bishops support.\nThe NeighborWorks Columbus chapter is a part of the national, public nonprofit organization which supports and builds the capacity of over 240 local and regional nonprofit partner NeighborWorks organizations, comprised of local private-sector business leaders, local government representatives, and community residents. Established by Congress in 1978, NeighborWorks and the NeighborWorks network assisted 323,400 families with housing and created and maintained 35,000 jobs during the 2014 fiscal year alone.\nFor background on previous grants to NeighborWorks Columbus, please click here and here. To learn more about NeighborWorks Columbus, please click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-invites-students-to-participate-in-2015-congressional", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP INVITES STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2015 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION", "2015-03-09", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) invited all students in Grades 9 through 12 from Georgias 2nd Congressional District to participate in the 34th Annual Congressional Art Competition.\nI have long believed that in our southwest and middle area of Georgia, we have some of the best, the brightest, the most creative, and the most talented young people in the world, said Congressman Bishop. From Columbus to Cairo to Cordele to Colquitt, the Congressional Art Competition is an excellent medium through which we can channel the creativity and imaginations of our young students, promote art education, and give recognition to the outstanding work that our schools are doing to enable young people to realize their potential.\nThe winner of this years competition will have his or her artwork displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, a busy underground walkway to the U.S. Capitol from the House office buildings. All participants will be invited to attend a reception at the Albany Museum of Art at 311 Meadowlark Drive, Albany, Georgia on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 2:00 PM. The winner will also be invited to join Congressman Bishop at a national awards reception in Washington, D.C.\nAll artwork must be submitted to the Albany District Office at 235 West Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 114 no later than Monday, April 13, 2015. The official competition rules can be foundhere. For more information, please contact Toni Pickel in the Albany District Office by email at toni.pickel@mail.house.gov or by phone at 229-439-8067.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397510", "Congressman David Scott to Host 12th Annual Jobs Fair - April 24, 2015", "2015-03-05", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "David Scott", "S001157", "davidscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Company\r\n            Website\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            A-Supreme Nursing and Home Care, LLC\r\n            http://asncare.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Aflac\r\n            http://www.aflac.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Allconnect\r\n            http://www.allconnect.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Allied Barton Security Services\r\n            http://alliedbarton.jobs/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            AMS Consulting Services, LLC\r\n            http://ams-consultingservices.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Amerigroup\r\n            http://www.amerigroup.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            AT&T\r\n            http://att.jobs/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Atlanta Job Corps Center\r\n            http://atlanta.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Atlanta Technical College\r\n            http://www.atlantatech.edu/resources/jobs.php\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Bank of America\r\n            http://bankofamerica.com\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Chime Solutions\r\n            http://chimesolutions.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            CHRIS Kids, Inc.\r\n            http://www.chriskids.org/home-page\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Citizens Trust Bank\r\n            http://ctbconnect.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            City of College Park\r\n            http://www.collegeparkga.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            City of Douglasville\r\n            http://www.ci.douglasville.ga.us/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            City of Smyrna\r\n            http://www.smyrnacity.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Clayton County Government\r\n            http://www.claytoncountyga.gov/default.aspx\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Clayton County Public Schools\r\n            http://www.clayton.ga.us\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Cobb County Police Department\r\n            http://cobbcounty.org/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Comcast\r\n            http://www.comcast.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Columbus Police Department\r\n            http://www.columbusga.org/police/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Cox Enterprises\r\n            http://www.coxenterprises.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Dart Container Corporation\r\n            https://dartcontainer.com/home/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Drake Staffing\r\n            http://drakestaffing.net/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            EMCOR Services Air Conditioning\r\n            www.aircond.com\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Emory Healthcare\r\n            http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Employment Seeker\r\n            http://employmentseeker.net/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Experience Works\r\n            http://www.experienceworks.org/site/PageServer\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Experis Manpower Group\r\n            http://experis.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Federal Air Marshals\r\n            http://www.tsa.gov/about-tsa/federal-air-marshals\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)\r\n            http://www.fbi.gov/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            FedEx SmartPost\r\n            www.fedex.com/careers\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Floor and Dcor Outlets of America\r\n            http://www.flooranddecor.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            First Data Corp.\r\n            http://firstdata.com/salutes\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Fulton County Schools Police\r\n            http://www.fultonschoolspolice.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Fulton County Sheriff's Office\r\n            http://www.fultonsheriff.org/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Gainesville Police Department\r\n            http://www.gainesville.org/recruitment\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Gate Gourment\r\n            http://www.gategourmet.com/careers\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            GEL Financial Services, LLC\r\n            http://gelfinance.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Georgia Department of Human Services\r\n            http://dhs.georgia.gov/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Georgia Department of Public Safety\r\n            www.dep.ga.gov\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Georgia Power Company\r\n            http://georgiapower.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency\r\n            http://gvra.georgia.gov\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            GLOCK, Inc.\r\n            http://us.glock.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Goodwill of North Georgia\r\n            http://goodwillng.org/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Greenwood Global Inc.\r\n            http://greenwoodglobal.com\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Gwinnett County Police Department\r\n            http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Hartsfield-Jackson Development Program\r\n            http://www.atlanta-airport.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Hire Dynamics\r\n            http://hiredynamics.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Hyundai Capital America\r\n            http://hyundaicapitalamerica.com\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Jibe Staffing\r\n            http://jibestaffing.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Katlaw Truck Driving School\r\n            KIA Motors USA\r\n            \nhttp://www.katlaw.com/\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Kroger\r\n            https://www.kroger.com/topic/careers\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Lowe's\r\n            http://www.lowes.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Mack II, Inc.\r\n            http://www.mackii.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Manpower\r\n            http://www.manpower.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            MARTA\r\n            http://www.itsmarta.com/careers.aspx\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Morehouse School of Medicine\r\n            http://www.msm.edu/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            New York Life\r\n            http://www.greateratlanta.nyloffices.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            PNC\r\n            https://www.pnc.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Porsche Cars North America\r\n            http://www.porsche.com/usa/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Primerica Financial Services\r\n            http://www.primerica.com/public/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Regions Financial Corporation\r\n            https://www.regions.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Resource MFG\r\n            http://www.resourcemfg.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            RockTenn\r\n            http://rocktenn.com/careers/index.htm\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            SafeLink Wireless\r\n            https://www.safelinkwireless.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Sage Hospitality\r\n            http://sagehospitality.jobs/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Six Flags Over Georgia\r\n            http://www.sixflagsjobs.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Social Security Administration\r\n            http://www.ssa.gov/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Southeast Mortgage\r\n            http://southeastmortgage.com\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Suntrust\r\n            https://jobs.suntrust.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            The Family Health Centers of Georgia Inc.\r\n            www.fhcga.org\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            The Home Depot\r\n            http://careers.homedepot.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Tyco\r\n            http://www.tyco.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            United Parcel Service (UPS)\r\n            http://www.ups.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            United States Citizenship and Immigration Services\r\n            http://www.uscis.gov/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            United States Foods\r\n            http://usfoods.com/index.html\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            United States General Services Administration\r\n            http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100000\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            United States Peace Corps\r\n            http://www.peacecorps.gov/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Visions Outreach\r\n            http://visionsoutreach.org/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Waffle House Inc.\r\n            www.whcareers.com\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Wells Fargo\r\n            https://www.wellsfargo.com/\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            Wellstar Health System\r\n            http://www.wellstarcareers.org/index.asp\r\n        \r\n        \r\n            WorldPay\r\n            http://www.worldpay.com/us", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-releases-statement-regarding-funding-of-dhs", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING FUNDING OF DHS", "2015-03-04", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) supported the passage of H.R. 240, a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The legislation continues funding full DHS operations through the end of September 2015.\nAbove everything, it is vitally important that a DHS shutdown be averted so critical services provided by Homeland Security continue to safeguard and secure our families, businesses, and communities in Georgia and across the nation. House passage of the clean Senate agreement on DHS funding ensures that TSA, border patrol, the secret service, the Coast Guard, FEMA, and initiatives bolstering cyber-security are funded until the end of the fiscal year 2015. It is my hope that in the meantime, rational minds will convene over a long term solution regarding immigration reform, and pass a solution for the benefit of all Americans.\nThe legislation was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 257 to 167. For more information regarding the Department of Homeland Security Continuing Resolution and its provisions, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-releases-statement-regarding-funding-of-dhs", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING FUNDING OF DHS", "2015-03-04", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) supported the passage of H.R. 240, a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The legislation continues funding full DHS operations through the end of September 2015.\nAbove everything, it is vitally important that a DHS shutdown be averted so critical services provided by Homeland Security continue to safeguard and secure our families, businesses, and communities in Georgia and across the nation. House passage of the clean Senate agreement on DHS funding ensures that TSA, border patrol, the secret service, the Coast Guard, FEMA, and initiatives bolstering cyber-security are funded until the end of the fiscal year 2015. It is my hope that in the meantime, rational minds will convene over a long term solution regarding immigration reform, and pass a solution for the benefit of all Americans.\nThe legislation was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 257 to 167. For more information regarding the Department of Homeland Security Continuing Resolution and its provisions, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-urges-georgia-us-senators-to-support-the-nomination", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP URGES GEORGIA U.S. SENATORS TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION OF LORETTA LYNCH FOR U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL", "2015-02-26", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) urged Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Senator David Perdue (R-GA) to support the United States Senates nomination of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch to be U.S. Attorney General. He sent a letter of support to each Senator. If confirmed, Ms. Lynch would replace outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.\nI strongly believe that Ms. Lynch has the qualifications, skills, and temperament to lead the U.S. Department of Justice. Her humble upbringing, strong academic credentials, outstanding record both as a litigator and as the twice-appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York make her uniquely qualified to serve as the nations top law enforcement officer, wrote Congressman Bishop.\nUnited States Attorney Loretta Lynch has led the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) twice; from 1999 to 2001 and from 2010 to the present. In that capacity, she has been responsible for overseeing all federal and civil investigations and cases in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. She is the Chair of the Attorney Generals Advisory Committee (AGAC) for United States Attorneys. U.S. Attorney Lynch manages over 160 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 120 support staff in fighting against terrorism, public corruption, and community violence in some of the nations toughest neighborhoods.\nUnder U.S. Attorney Lynchs leadership, the EDNY has developed a national security practice that has tried more terrorism cases since 9/11 than any other office in the country, prosecuted groundbreaking cyber and international organized crime cases, built an MS-13 anti-gang program that is a national model, crafted institutional change in the construction industry in New York, championed victims of human trafficking, defended the government in litigation, and protected the environment.\nIn United States v. Medunjanin, et al., the EDNY and the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) foiled a coordinated suicide bombings in the New York City subway system. Under Loretta Lynchs leadership, Al Qaeda operative Adis Medunjanin was convicted at trial for his role in the plot and sentenced to life imprisonment. In United States v. Lajud, et al., working with the Secret Service, EDNY prosecutors solved two cyber-heists involving $45 million in fraudulent ATM withdrawals in 26 countries, which used sophisticated intrusion techniques to hack into the systems of global financial institutions, steal prepaid debit card data, and eliminate withdrawal limits.\nUnited States Attorney Loretta Lynch is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and was a partner at the New York office of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.\nTo view a scan of the letters to Senators Isakson and Perdue, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-urges-georgia-us-senators-to-support-the-nomination", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP URGES GEORGIA U.S. SENATORS TO SUPPORT THE NOMINATION OF LORETTA LYNCH FOR U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL", "2015-02-26", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) urged Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Senator David Perdue (R-GA) to support the United States Senates nomination of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch to be U.S. Attorney General. He sent a letter of support to each Senator. If confirmed, Ms. Lynch would replace outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.\nI strongly believe that Ms. Lynch has the qualifications, skills, and temperament to lead the U.S. Department of Justice. Her humble upbringing, strong academic credentials, outstanding record both as a litigator and as the twice-appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York make her uniquely qualified to serve as the nations top law enforcement officer, wrote Congressman Bishop.\nUnited States Attorney Loretta Lynch has led the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) twice; from 1999 to 2001 and from 2010 to the present. In that capacity, she has been responsible for overseeing all federal and civil investigations and cases in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. She is the Chair of the Attorney Generals Advisory Committee (AGAC) for United States Attorneys. U.S. Attorney Lynch manages over 160 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 120 support staff in fighting against terrorism, public corruption, and community violence in some of the nations toughest neighborhoods.\nUnder U.S. Attorney Lynchs leadership, the EDNY has developed a national security practice that has tried more terrorism cases since 9/11 than any other office in the country, prosecuted groundbreaking cyber and international organized crime cases, built an MS-13 anti-gang program that is a national model, crafted institutional change in the construction industry in New York, championed victims of human trafficking, defended the government in litigation, and protected the environment.\nIn United States v. Medunjanin, et al., the EDNY and the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) foiled a coordinated suicide bombings in the New York City subway system. Under Loretta Lynchs leadership, Al Qaeda operative Adis Medunjanin was convicted at trial for his role in the plot and sentenced to life imprisonment. In United States v. Lajud, et al., working with the Secret Service, EDNY prosecutors solved two cyber-heists involving $45 million in fraudulent ATM withdrawals in 26 countries, which used sophisticated intrusion techniques to hack into the systems of global financial institutions, steal prepaid debit card data, and eliminate withdrawal limits.\nUnited States Attorney Loretta Lynch is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and was a partner at the New York office of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.\nTo view a scan of the letters to Senators Isakson and Perdue, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-to-serve-as-top-democrat-on-milconva-appropriations", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP TO SERVE AS TOP DEMOCRAT ON MILCON/VA APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE", "2015-02-25", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Due to his years and breadth of experience, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) has been selected as the Ranking Member on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon/VA) for the 114th Congress. Congressman Bishop has also been selected for the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, and Related Agencies as well as the Financial Services Subcommittee.\nIt is a great honor for me to be selected to serve as the Ranking Member on the MilCon/VA Appropriations Subcommittee. In the years to come, our MilCon/VA Subcommittee will play an important role in funding necessary military construction projects and holding the VA accountable for our veterans, said Congressman Bishop. With nine major military facilities and over 700,000 veterans in Georgia, I am committed to supporting our nations military infrastructure, the programs that assist those service members, and the military families who sacrifice so much for our country.\nI am also eager to continue serving on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and am excited for my new position on the Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee. With the vital role of agriculture and business in Georgias economy, I will fight for those who work to produce the highest quality, safest, most abundant and economical food and fiber in the industrial world and the rural communities in which they live and work. Ensuring the funding of the government entities watching over our nations financial system is especially necessary in these times of fiscal uncertainty, and I look forward to undertaking the challenges to get our nation back on track toward fiscal solvency and prosperity, concluded Bishop.\nIn addition to his subcommittee assignments, Congressman Bishop will also continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, the Congressional Peanut Caucus, and will remain a member of a number of other caucuses addressing the needs of the people of the second Congressional District of Georgia.\nTo view a full list and description of Congressman Bishops committee assignments and Congressional caucus memberships, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-to-serve-as-top-democrat-on-milconva-appropriations", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP TO SERVE AS TOP DEMOCRAT ON MILCON/VA APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE", "2015-02-25", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Due to his years and breadth of experience, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) has been selected as the Ranking Member on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon/VA) for the 114th Congress. Congressman Bishop has also been selected for the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, and Related Agencies as well as the Financial Services Subcommittee.\nIt is a great honor for me to be selected to serve as the Ranking Member on the MilCon/VA Appropriations Subcommittee. In the years to come, our MilCon/VA Subcommittee will play an important role in funding necessary military construction projects and holding the VA accountable for our veterans, said Congressman Bishop. With nine major military facilities and over 700,000 veterans in Georgia, I am committed to supporting our nations military infrastructure, the programs that assist those service members, and the military families who sacrifice so much for our country.\nI am also eager to continue serving on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and am excited for my new position on the Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee. With the vital role of agriculture and business in Georgias economy, I will fight for those who work to produce the highest quality, safest, most abundant and economical food and fiber in the industrial world and the rural communities in which they live and work. Ensuring the funding of the government entities watching over our nations financial system is especially necessary in these times of fiscal uncertainty, and I look forward to undertaking the challenges to get our nation back on track toward fiscal solvency and prosperity, concluded Bishop.\nIn addition to his subcommittee assignments, Congressman Bishop will also continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, the Congressional Peanut Caucus, and will remain a member of a number of other caucuses addressing the needs of the people of the second Congressional District of Georgia.\nTo view a full list and description of Congressman Bishops committee assignments and Congressional caucus memberships, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/chairman-charlie-dent-and-ranking-member-sanford-bishop-alan-nunnelee", "CHAIRMAN CHARLIE DENT AND RANKING MEMBER SANFORD BISHOP  ALAN NUNNELEE WILL BE MISSED", "2015-02-10", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and Representative Sanford Bishop (GA-2), the Subcommittee\u2019s Ranking Member, issued a statement today marking the passing of Subcommittee member Representative Alan Nunnelee (MS-01):\nRanking Member Bishop: \u201cMississippi and the entire country have lost a great American. Alan and I shared a passion for supporting veterans and service members, which made it a pleasure to fight for our nation\u2019s veterans and fund the military\u2019s construction needs together through the House Appropriations Subcommittee. His presence and friendship will be sorely missed throughout the Capitol. I offer my most sincere condolences to Alan\u2019s wife and family of as they go through this period of mourning.\u201d\nChairman Dent: \u201cRepresentative Nunnelee was a good man who treated people with respect and dignity. The people of Mississippi\u2019s First District should know that they were well-represented by a gentleman with honor, integrity and heart. He truly cared about veterans and those who serve our country. His devotion to them was evidenced by his fine work on the Committee. He will be greatly missed. My wife, Pamela, and I both embrace Alan\u2019s wife Tori, and his children Reed, Emily and Nathan in our thoughts and prayers.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-charlie-dent-and-ranking-member-sanford-bishop-alan-nunnelee", "CHAIRMAN CHARLIE DENT AND RANKING MEMBER SANFORD BISHOP  ALAN NUNNELEE WILL BE MISSED", "2015-02-10", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and Representative Sanford Bishop (GA-2), the Subcommittees Ranking Member, issued a statement today marking the passing of Subcommittee member Representative Alan Nunnelee (MS-01):\nRanking Member Bishop: Mississippi and the entire country have lost a great American. Alan and I shared a passion for supporting veterans and service members, which made it a pleasure to fight for our nations veterans and fund the militarys construction needs together through the House Appropriations Subcommittee. His presence and friendship will be sorely missed throughout the Capitol. I offer my most sincere condolences to Alans wife and family of as they go through this period of mourning.\nChairman Dent: Representative Nunnelee was a good man who treated people with respect and dignity. The people of Mississippis First District should know that they were well-represented by a gentleman with honor, integrity and heart. He truly cared about veterans and those who serve our country. His devotion to them was evidenced by his fine work on the Committee. He will be greatly missed. My wife, Pamela, and I both embrace Alans wife Tori, and his children Reed, Emily and Nathan in our thoughts and prayers.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/advisory-application-period-to-open-next-week-for-firefighters-grant", "ADVISORY: APPLICATION PERIOD TO OPEN NEXT WEEK FOR FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAMS", "2015-02-05", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On February 9, 2015, the application period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program will open at 8:00 AM and will remain open until March 6, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Additionally, the application period for the FY 2014 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program will open on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 8:00 AM and will close on April 17, 2015 at 5:00 PM.\nThe FY 2014 DHS Appropriations Act provides $340 million for the SAFER program, which provides much-needed funding for career and volunteer fire departments to hire new firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The program is critical to the thousands of fire stations across the country that are currently operating short on staff. When adequately funded, SAFER will bring our nation\u2019s fire departments to staffing levels that improve the safety of our firefighters, and the communities they serve, as they respond to the scene of a fire, auto accident, or other natural or manmade disasters. The FY 2014 FP&S initiative offers $34 million to support efforts to preventatively enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by working to reduce injury and death from fire related incidents in high-risk populations.\nCongressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is a strong supporter of funding for both the SAFER program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Last April, he and a bipartisan group of Representatives stood up in support of this funding so that firefighters and emergency workers all over the country, including those in his own district, would be better able to serve their communities. For more information on Congressman Bishop\u2019s efforts to support funding for firefighting efforts, please click here.\nThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the FY 2015 funding announcements for both programs on December 23, 2014. For more information on the SAFER program and the application process, please click here. For more information on the FP&S program and application process, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-black-history-month", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING BLACK HISTORY MONTH", "2015-02-05", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBANY, GA \u2013 Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02) released the following statement in recognition of Black History Month during February of 2015:\n\u201cBlack History Month remains a perfect time to reflect on the many inspirational events, inventions, and successes of African-Americans, all which that have created an indelible impact on American society for future generations.\n\u201cThroughout history, African-Americans have added much to the melting-pot that is the United States of America. Leaders and activists such as Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr. bravely defended and advanced law and equality for all races. Wonderful entertainers such as Sidney Poitier and Billie Holiday explored the arts with us, vividly presenting the beauty in life and our surroundings.\n\u201cCreative inventors and educators such as Garrett Morgan and Mary McLeod Bethune improved our lives in ways never before imagined. Poignant authors such as Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes brought gravity to our thoughts and deeds, and of course we have all cheered for our sports heroes from Joe Louis and Althea Gibson to Hank Aaron and Michael Jordan.\n\u201cAs we celebrate this month of inspiration, let us look back in pride on the triumphs of African-Americans for the betterment of all humankind, for together, the strength of all races combined draw tighter the fabric of the rich tapestry of our great nation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-application-period-to-open-next-week-for-firefighters-grant", "ADVISORY: APPLICATION PERIOD TO OPEN NEXT WEEK FOR FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAMS", "2015-02-05", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford Bishop", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On February 9, 2015, the application period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program will open at 8:00 AM and will remain open until March 6, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Additionally, the application period for the FY 2014 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program will open on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 8:00 AM and will close on April 17, 2015 at 5:00 PM.\nThe FY 2014 DHS Appropriations Act provides $340 million for the SAFER program, which provides much-needed funding for career and volunteer fire departments to hire new firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The program is critical to the thousands of fire stations across the country that are currently operating short on staff. When adequately funded, SAFER will bring our nations fire departments to staffing levels that improve the safety of our firefighters, and the communities they serve, as they respond to the scene of a fire, auto accident, or other natural or manmade disasters. The FY 2014 FP&S initiative offers $34 million to support efforts to preventatively enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by working to reduce injury and death from fire related incidents in high-risk populations.\nCongressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is a strong supporter of funding for both the SAFER program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Last April, he and a bipartisan group of Representatives stood up in support of this funding so that firefighters and emergency workers all over the country, including those in his own district, would be better able to serve their communities. For more information on Congressman Bishops efforts to support funding for firefighting efforts, please click here.\nThe U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the FY 2015 funding announcements for both programs on December 23, 2014. For more information on the SAFER program and the application process, please click here. For more information on the FP&S program and application process, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 113, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "GA", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 113, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=GA&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 113, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "GA", "label": "GA", "count": 113, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 113, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-02-05,http~3A~2F~2Fbishop~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fadvisory-application-period-to-open-next-week-for-firefighters-grant", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=GA&year=2015&_next=2015-02-05%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fbishop~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fadvisory-application-period-to-open-next-week-for-firefighters-grant&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 199.12021979689598, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}