url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222015903/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/atlanta-leaders-call-president-obama-withdraw-his-candidates-georgia-northern-district,ATLANTA LEADERS CALL ON PRESIDENT OBAMA TO WITHDRAW HIS CANDIDATES FOR THE GEORGIA NORTHERN DISTRICT BENCH,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"ATLANTA--A broad coalition of elected officials and community leaders will announce their opposition to the slate of candidates nominated last Thursday by the White House to sit on the bench in the Northern District of Georgia at a news conference on Monday, December 23rd.
 
The news conference will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 449 Auburn
Avenue, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312, at 11:00 a.m on Monday December 23rd.
 
The group cites serious concerns that the proposed candidates do not adequately reflect the diversity of the northern district and that the selection process lacked meaningful community
input.  Additionally, the coalition finds it troubling that several of the nominees include persons
who have advocated in favor of Georgia’s voter ID laws and for including the Confederate Battle
Emblem as part of the Georgia State Flag.
 
Three recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom--Rep. John Lewis, the Rev.
Joseph Lowery, and the Rev. C.T. Vivian--will speak, as well as U.S. Reps. David Scott and
Hank Johnson.  Representatives of the Gate City Bar Association, members of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Georgia Alliance of African American Attorneys, the Atlanta and Georgia Chapters of the NAACP, The Coalition for the People's Agenda, and the SCLC will also be present.
 
For more information contact Charles Johnson (Charles.johnson@hklaw.com) or Suzy
Ockleberry sockleberry@yahoo.com For Rep. Lewis contact, Brenda Jones
(brenda.jones@mail.house.gov or 202.226.4673).
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221115339/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/rep-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-december-2013,Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for December 2013,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,
Last week in Washington, I voted in favor of the bipartisan budget proposal. It wasn’t everything that I wanted, but it represents a modest step toward enacting a budget and preventing further manufactured crises that only harm our economy, destroy jobs, and weaken our middle class.
Some members of the House went into these budget talks insisting on cuts to initiatives that families and seniors depend on – but the bipartisan deal does not cut Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid benefits.
Some insisted on continuing the job-killing sequester, but the agreement replaces almost two-thirds of the sequester’s impending cuts to important domestic investments like education, medical research and law enforcement next year.
Unconscionably, the agreement does not include an extension of unemployment insurance that many House Democrats have been fighting for.  Last week, 166 House Democrats, including myself, called on Speaker Boehner not to let Congress go home for the year without extending the vital unemployment insurance that is set to expire for more than one million Americans, right in the middle of the holidays.
Unfortunately, Speaker Boehner refused. Now he must deal with presiding over one of the all-time least productive years in Congressional history, with its failure best illustrated through the government shutdown in October that put another unnecessary drag on our economy. My focus will remain on lifting the sequester, growing the economy, creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and continuing to reduce the deficit in a balanced and responsible way.
HONORING MR. MANDELA: Since my last e-letter, we lost civil rights icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela. In 1990, just after Mr. Mandela was released from a South African jail, I attended his speech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta during his 8-city tour of the United States. What impressed me most about Nelson Mandela was his humble spirit of forgiveness and love towards those who persecuted him. Neither angry nor vindictive, and with great courage and dignity, he endured 27 years in prison, sacrificing his liberty for the sake of all South Africans. To see my floor speech honoring Mr. Mandela, click HERE.
HELP FOR HEALTH CENTERS: I’m pleased to announce an additional $1.8 million from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is coming to Georgia for health centers that are currently assisting uninsured Americans with the new health insurance coverage options. Of the $1.8 million, more than $117,000 is coming to the Fourth District for Oakhurst Medical Center in Stone Mountain and Four Corners in Norcross. For more, click HERE.
EXTENDING DEADLINES FOR HEALTHCARE: Consumers now have more time to pay premiums for health coverage thanks to an extension worked out between the White House and insurance companies. America’s Health Insurance Plans announced Dec. 18 that consumers who select plans by Dec. 23 on the Affordable Care Act’s federal and state exchanges will be allowed to pay premiums as late as Jan. 10 for coverage that begins Jan. 1. For more, click HERE.
FAST FOR FAMILIES: Last week, I fasted for a day as part of the Fast for Families call for comprehensive immigration reform and the need for a vote on immigration in the House. I took up the fast from Rep. Jim McGovern and passed it to three California colleagues: Reps. Judy Chu, Zoe Lofgren and George Miller. For more, click HERE. For more on Fast for Families, click HERE.
MOBILE APP COMPETITION: I’m excited to announce the new Congressional app competition for high school students in participating districts. As part of the first ever House Academic Competition to promote innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the mobile apps competition will be the first in a series of STEM competitions next year and will be formally launched in February 2014. Please stay tuned for more information.
ART STATION: I want to congratulate Art Station in Stone Mountain for receiving a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This round of NEA funding supports primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations – those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability. For more, click HERE.
DISTRICT DURING HOLIDAYS: My wife Mereda and I had a wonderful time participating in various local holiday parades and celebrations, including Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Conyers and Covington. Thank you for such a warm welcome. For more, visit my Facebook page HERE.
INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG MAN: This week, we honored five-year-old Morgan Steward during “Officer Morgan Day” in Covington. Morgan suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that affects his muscle movement. Despite the difficulties, he has one dream – to be a police officer. So, the Covington Police Department teamed up with 11Alive to hold “Officer Morgan Day” on Dec. 17, where Morgan got to be an officer for a day – writing speeding tickets, helping kids cross the street and giving a speech to the “bad guys.” We’re just glad our office could participate. For more, click HERE.
SOCIAL SECURITY: I want to let you know about some important upcoming changes to the way services are provided by Social Security offices. As of February 2014, the Social Security Administration will no longer offer Social Security number (SSN) printouts and benefit verification information in field offices. However, to ensure a smooth transition, they will continue providing these services if requested until April 2014. Beneficiaries and recipients needing a benefit verification letter can obtain one immediately by registering for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, or through the mail within 5–7 days by calling their national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.
MANUFACTURING COMMUNITIES: The U.S. Department of Commerce announced this week the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) competition. IMCP seeks to enhance the way we leverage federal economic development funds to encourage American communities to focus not only on attracting individual investments one at a time, but transforming themselves into globally-competitive manufacturing hubs. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2014.  For more information, click HERE.
EXPEDITED PASSPORTS: The U.S. Department of State offers expedited passport services to U.S. citizens throughout the year. While U.S. citizens should apply as early as possible for their passport needs, the Department offers convenient options for those who need their travel documents sooner than the standard 4-to-6-week processing time. For more, click HERE.
As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Please have a safe and Happy Holiday season!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221162951/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-december-2013,Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for December 2013,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,
Last week in Washington, I voted in favor of the bipartisan budget proposal. It wasn’t everything that I wanted, but it represents a modest step toward enacting a budget and preventing further manufactured crises that only harm our economy, destroy jobs, and weaken our middle class.
Some members of the House went into these budget talks insisting on cuts to initiatives that families and seniors depend on – but the bipartisan deal does not cut Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid benefits.
Some insisted on continuing the job-killing sequester, but the agreement replaces almost two-thirds of the sequester’s impending cuts to important domestic investments like education, medical research and law enforcement next year.
Unconscionably, the agreement does not include an extension of unemployment insurance that many House Democrats have been fighting for.  Last week, 166 House Democrats, including myself, called on Speaker Boehner not to let Congress go home for the year without extending the vital unemployment insurance that is set to expire for more than one million Americans, right in the middle of the holidays.
Unfortunately, Speaker Boehner refused. Now he must deal with presiding over one of the all-time least productive years in Congressional history, with its failure best illustrated through the government shutdown in October that put another unnecessary drag on our economy. My focus will remain on lifting the sequester, growing the economy, creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and continuing to reduce the deficit in a balanced and responsible way.
HONORING MR. MANDELA: Since my last e-letter, we lost civil rights icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela. In 1990, just after Mr. Mandela was released from a South African jail, I attended his speech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta during his 8-city tour of the United States. What impressed me most about Nelson Mandela was his humble spirit of forgiveness and love towards those who persecuted him. Neither angry nor vindictive, and with great courage and dignity, he endured 27 years in prison, sacrificing his liberty for the sake of all South Africans. To see my floor speech honoring Mr. Mandela, click HERE.
HELP FOR HEALTH CENTERS: I’m pleased to announce an additional $1.8 million from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is coming to Georgia for health centers that are currently assisting uninsured Americans with the new health insurance coverage options. Of the $1.8 million, more than $117,000 is coming to the Fourth District for Oakhurst Medical Center in Stone Mountain and Four Corners in Norcross. For more, click HERE.
EXTENDING DEADLINES FOR HEALTHCARE: Consumers now have more time to pay premiums for health coverage thanks to an extension worked out between the White House and insurance companies. America’s Health Insurance Plans announced Dec. 18 that consumers who select plans by Dec. 23 on the Affordable Care Act’s federal and state exchanges will be allowed to pay premiums as late as Jan. 10 for coverage that begins Jan. 1. For more, click HERE.
FAST FOR FAMILIES: Last week, I fasted for a day as part of the Fast for Families call for comprehensive immigration reform and the need for a vote on immigration in the House. I took up the fast from Rep. Jim McGovern and passed it to three California colleagues: Reps. Judy Chu, Zoe Lofgren and George Miller. For more, click HERE. For more on Fast for Families, click HERE.
MOBILE APP COMPETITION: I’m excited to announce the new Congressional app competition for high school students in participating districts. As part of the first ever House Academic Competition to promote innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the mobile apps competition will be the first in a series of STEM competitions next year and will be formally launched in February 2014. Please stay tuned for more information.
ART STATION: I want to congratulate Art Station in Stone Mountain for receiving a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This round of NEA funding supports primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations – those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability. For more, click HERE.
DISTRICT DURING HOLIDAYS: My wife Mereda and I had a wonderful time participating in various local holiday parades and celebrations, including Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Conyers and Covington. Thank you for such a warm welcome. For more, visit my Facebook page HERE.
INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG MAN: This week, we honored five-year-old Morgan Steward during “Officer Morgan Day” in Covington. Morgan suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that affects his muscle movement. Despite the difficulties, he has one dream – to be a police officer. So, the Covington Police Department teamed up with 11Alive to hold “Officer Morgan Day” on Dec. 17, where Morgan got to be an officer for a day – writing speeding tickets, helping kids cross the street and giving a speech to the “bad guys.” We’re just glad our office could participate. For more, click HERE.
SOCIAL SECURITY: I want to let you know about some important upcoming changes to the way services are provided by Social Security offices. As of February 2014, the Social Security Administration will no longer offer Social Security number (SSN) printouts and benefit verification information in field offices. However, to ensure a smooth transition, they will continue providing these services if requested until April 2014. Beneficiaries and recipients needing a benefit verification letter can obtain one immediately by registering for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, or through the mail within 5–7 days by calling their national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.
MANUFACTURING COMMUNITIES: The U.S. Department of Commerce announced this week the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) competition. IMCP seeks to enhance the way we leverage federal economic development funds to encourage American communities to focus not only on attracting individual investments one at a time, but transforming themselves into globally-competitive manufacturing hubs. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2014.  For more information, click HERE.
EXPEDITED PASSPORTS: The U.S. Department of State offers expedited passport services to U.S. citizens throughout the year. While U.S. citizens should apply as early as possible for their passport needs, the Department offers convenient options for those who need their travel documents sooner than the standard 4-to-6-week processing time. For more, click HERE.
As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Please have a safe and Happy Holiday season!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222015941/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-leads-push-toward-comprehensive-immigration-reform,Rep. John Lewis Leads Push Toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"In recent meetings of the House Democrats, Rep. John Lewis encouraged members of his caucus to send “the strongest possible message” to the Speaker of the House, the Republican House leadership, and the American people that there are members of Congress who want to take action to pass comprehensive immigration reform in this Congress.
The Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi pulled the entire caucus together to join with the Fast 4 Families protest, a coalition of groups fasting for immigration reform in tents near the U.S. Capitol.  Members who fasted and those who are supportive of reform participated in a news conference with some of the 1200 Fast 4 Families lobbyists today. Some members marched to the Fast 4 Families tent after the news conference hand-in-hand with protest leaders and clergy.   This is Rep. Lewis  statement  made at the news conference as written:
 
Thank you, Leader Pelosi, for organizing this effort to send the strongest possible message to the leadership of the House of Representatives. There are members of this body who want to make a difference in the lives of immigrants in this country.
There are young children in America who live in constant fear.  They are afraid to go to school, afraid someone will point them out.  They are afraid their mothers and fathers will be deported. We don’t want to go home and start this holiday season of love, forgiveness and compassion and turn our backs on those who live in fear in America. 
The Senate has already passed comprehensive immigration reform.  The House has a companion bill, H.R. 15, with over 190 bi-partisan co-sponsors.  If the Speaker would bring that bill to the floor, we could begin the process of immigration reform in America tomorrow.  
Mr. Speaker, millions of lives are hanging in the balance as this Congress leaves for a break.  How can we turn our backs on the families who must hide in the shadows of this country?   They help advance our economy and add to the richness of our culture.  We are joining with Fasting 4 Families today to say we want to confront the challenges of immigration, including the issues around citizenship and border security.   
We want to put these issues on the table and begin the process of reforming our law to end the humanitarian crisis our current policy creates.  
We still have time to bring H.R. 15 to the floor for a vote.  Mr. Speaker, as a nation and as a compassionate people, we can do better.  It has been said maybe our foremothers and forefathers all came here in different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.  We’re all one people, one family, the human family.  
 Let’s do what the American people sent us here to do.  Let’s us work together and lead this nation.  Let’s find reasonable and humane solutions to human problems.  Let’s pass comprehensive immigration reform today, in this Congress.  Thank you.
 
                                                                ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221174620/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/due-affordable-care-act-millions-more-americans-will-gain-health-coverage-through,"Due to Affordable Care Act, millions more Americans will gain health coverage through Medicaid",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Johnson urges Georgia to expand Medicaid, so 478,000 Georgians gain health coverage
 
LITHONIA, GA – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released figures highlighting recent data that show that there would be 478,000 fewer uninsured Georgians by 2016 if Governor Deal does the right thing by his constituents and takes advantage of the Medicaid expansion opportunity provided under the Affordable Care Act.
 
“Access to healthcare should be a right and not a privilege for only those who can afford it,” said Rep. Johnson. “People who could be covered shouldn't be denied basic health care because public officials would rather play politics. With more than 2 million Georgians without health insurance, Georgia can’t afford not to do this. Last year alone, Georgia hospitals lost about $1.5 billion in uncompensated care. That hidden cost is unsustainable.”
 
Because of the health care law, states can choose to expand their Medicaid coverage to all adults with incomes below 133% of poverty (around $32,000 for a family of four) and in return receive 100% of federal funding to cover those costs for the first three years and no less than 90% federal support for those costs in the years following. 
 
So far, 26 states and the District of Columbia have taken up this Medicaid expansion opportunity, giving millions of Americans access to affordable health care. In fact, thanks to these states and the opening of the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, we know that 6 in 10 currently uninsured Americans will have access to health coverage for $100 per month or less next year, and that number would rise to 8 in 10 if the states that haven’t expanded coverage – including Georgia – did.
 
Expanding Medicaid is a smart choice for Georgia. It would mean 478,000 fewer uninsured Georgians. Accounting for factors that reduce costs, the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that states as a whole are likely to see net savings from expanding Medicaid. Combining Medicaid costs with a conservative estimate of $18 billion in state and local non-Medicaid savings on uncompensated care, the Medicaid expansion would save states a total of $10 billion over 2013-2022.
 
Helping families take advantage of the benefits of the health care law like expanded Medicaid eligibility should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington. Yet instead of working to fix the law, House Republicans have voted to repeal the health care law more than 40 times, even shutting down the government to prevent new benefits like the opportunity for 478,000 uninsured Georgians to gain access to affordable health care if Governor Deal did the right thing by his constituents.  
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163738/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-welcomes-new-members-usda-peanut-standards-board,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO USDA PEANUT STANDARDS BOARD,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,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 and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies as well as Chair of the Congressional Peanut Caucus welcomed the seven new members of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) appointed Peanut Standards Board. The seven representatives, appointed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, will join the board comprised of 18 members representing the Southeast, Southwest, and Virginia-North Carolina regions of the U.S.
“I am thrilled about the addition of these representatives to the Peanut Standards Board. It is important that we have the most knowledgeable and invested individuals advocating for the peanut industry,” said Congressman Bishop. “The board has been a valuable asset to USDA and peanut farmers, and I trust that these leaders, in conjunction with Secretary Vilsack and the USDA, will continue to do their best to ensure the quality of U.S. peanut production across America.”
The Peanut Standards Board was authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. It consults with the USDA about quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. One third of the board is appointed each year. For more information, please click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163807/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-passing-nelson-mandela,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING THE PASSING OF NELSON MANDELA,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding the passing of anti-apartheid leader, activist, and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
“Dr. King was my most admired hero until I learned of the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. His courage, discipline, humility, and dignity in the face of his life’s struggles inspire me daily. His faith in God and commitment to the principles of freedom and justice for all are reflected in his favorite scripture from the Apostle Paul found in the 8th Chapter of Romans; ‘Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ He would not be separated from his principles of justice for all, no matter the cost. The world is truly a better place because of the example of his life. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and to the people of South Africa.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221174717/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnson-nelson-mandela,Rep. Hank Johnson on Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on news of the death of civil rights icon, anti-colonialist and former ANC and South African President Nelson Mandela. In 1990, just after Mr. Mandela was released from a South African jail, Johnson attended his speech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta during his 8-city tour of the United States: 
“What impressed me most about Nelson Mandela was his humble spirit of forgiveness and love towards those who persecuted him. Neither angry nor vindictive, and with great courage and dignity, he endured 27 years in prison, sacrificing his liberty for the sake of all South Africans. Ultimately, he lived a life of triumph over evil and adversity, leaving the world a better place for his journey amongst us. The spirit of his life will remain in my heart as long as I live.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301093457/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-death-president-nelson-mandela,Rep. John Lewis on the Death of President Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“The whole of humanity has lost one of the most beloved, admired, and inspiring leaders of the last century.  Through his action in defense of human dignity, his unjust, brutal imprisonment, and his attempts to heal a nation he demonstrated to all of us that we must never become bitter or hostile.  He showed us that we each, despite our tribulation, have the power to forgive, that we can be reconciled with the worst offender.  When he walked out of prison with grace, dignity and pride, he taught us how to thrive as members of the human family.
“I had the opportunity to meet and talk with President Mandela on several occasions in South Africa and here in America. I remember as a student, hearing and reading about him long before the worldwide Free Mandela movement emerged.  We identified with him.  We identified with the struggle in South Africa, the Sharpville massacre, and were intimately aware of all the major events that occurred in the struggle against apartheid. 
“The first time I had a chance to meet him was in South Africa after his release from prison.  He gave me this unbelievable hug.  I will never forget it.  He said, “John Lewis, I know all about you. You inspired us.”  I said, “No, Mr. Mandela, you inspired us.”  He said, “The struggle continues.”  I felt unworthy really to be standing at his side.  I knew I was in the presence of greatness. 
“I attended his inauguration, spent time with him alone in the chambers of the U.S. Capitol before he addressed a joint session of Congress, and saw him several times when he came to meet the Congressional Black Caucus.  The last time I saw him in the United States, he said he thought it would be his last journey across the water.
“President Nelson Mandela must be looked upon as modern-day saint.  He was a giant of a man.  Even those who opposed him could not help but admire and deeply respect him. His redemptive, unearned suffering, his dedication to the philosophy and discipline of non-violence, and his magnificent grace are a testimony to the power and endurance of the human spirit.  He was one of those rare individuals, like Mohandas Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr., who come along  only once in a generation who are a blessing to all humanity.  They teach us not just how to liberate the body, but how to free our minds and unleash the power of the human spirit.”                                        
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301093545/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-possible-exhaustion-fulton-county-energy-assistance-funds,Rep. John Lewis on Possible Exhaustion of Fulton County Energy Assistance Funds,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"UPDATED 12/4/2013
“I was very disturbed to hear today that Metro Atlanta residents had gathered near the Department of Labor after being turned away from the Partnership for Community Action on Covington Highway this morning hoping to apply for energy assistance, and they encountered problems.  Even though there have been automatic cuts to some federal spending programs that have dramatically affected many of my constituents in the 5th District, this program is not one of them.
 
“The funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has not been subject to automatic cuts.  In fact, funding was disbursed to Georgia by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at the beginning of November.  I received notices in my office saying that the application process would begin for seniors on November 14 and the remaining applicants in Fulton County on December 1.
 
“Our preliminary review of federal records shows that the state of Georgia actually received slightly more this year than in 2013--$60.441 million in FY2014 as compared to $60.387 million in FY2013, about a $54,000 difference.  And national funding for LIHEAP has also remained fairly steady, FY 2014 - $3.29 billion and FY2013 - $3.21 billion.  Though there are many reasons to try to press this Congress to be more productive, this apparently is not one of them. 
 
“People from my office have been reaching out to HHS and the Fulton-Atlanta Community Action Authority (FACAA) today to determine what happened this morning and why there is some question as to whether funds have already been depleted for this winter.  We have not confirmed this as a fact at this time, but are still inquiring to get more information. When I receive more details, I will share them.”
 
                                                                                                                ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221115605/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/rep-hank-johnsons-2013-thanksgiving-e-newsletter,Rep. Hank Johnson's 2013 Thanksgiving E-Newsletter,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, 
I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and to those celebrating – Happy Hanukkah. I’m back in town this week meeting with constituents, and I’m looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the DeKalb County School District’s Parent Educational Awareness & Empowerment Conference at Georgia Piedmont Technical College this past Saturday. It was the culmination of a month’s worth of involvement and engagement events aimed at energizing students, parents and educators on how we must continue to improve student and school achievement. For more, click HERE.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, I was pleased to join Commissioner Stan Watson in honoring seven of our community leaders – mostly from south DeKalb – during the Trail Blazer Awards at the Porter Sanford Center. It was good to hear the honorees speak from the dais and share their stories of success. … and struggles – overcoming obstacles only makes us stronger, and their leadership serves as the ultimate example to all of us.
The honorees were: Jennifer Parker, editor/publisher of CrossRoadsNews; Carolyn Jernigan Glenn, co-publisher of The Champion; Valerie Morgan, editor/publisher of On Common Ground News; Olympic gold medalist Gwen Torrence; legendary high school football coach William “Buck” Godfrey of Southwest DeKalb; CEO of Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home Inc. Gregory B. Levett Sr. and south DeKalb activist and longtime educator Gil Turman. For more, click HERE.
MOBILE APPS COMPETITION: I’m excited to announce the new Congressional app competition for high school students in participating districts. As part of the first ever House Academic Competition to promote innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the mobile apps competition will be first and will be formally launched in February 2014. Please stay tuned for more information beginning in early 2014.
KENNEDY ANNIVERSARY: Friday, Nov. 22 was the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Across the country, people recounted their memories of that tragic day in American history. To read my thoughts on that fateful day, click HERE.
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: Seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare prescription drug plan coverage saved $8.9 billion to date on their prescription drugs thanks to the Affordable Care Act, according to new data released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
In Georgia, nearly 100,000 seniors and people with disabilities saved more than $82 million or an average of $875 per beneficiary, during the first 10 months of 2013. Overall, seniors in Georgia have saved more than $250 million since passage of the Affordable Care Act. At the same time, these seniors will be free to use more of their Social Security benefit cost of living adjustment on what they choose because the Medicare Part B premium will not increase in 2014, thanks to the health care law’s successful efforts to keep cost growth low. For more, click HERE.
CHANGING THE FILIBUSTER: I was pleased to offer my support to Sen. Harry Reid after the Senate’s vote to eliminate the use of the filibuster and allow up-or-down votes on presidential nominees except for those to the Supreme Court. For more, click HERE.
As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Please have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221111325/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-wishes-all-happy-thanksgiving,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WISHES ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING,2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28, 2013.
“Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on all of the blessings afforded to us as Americans and as children of God. Personally, I am thankful for the Lord’s blessing of health as His hand guides me through this period with cancer as well as for my colleagues, friends, and family who have stood with me, never wavering in their strength and support,” said Congressman Bishop. “Let us use this holiday, not only as a time to break bread with our loved ones, but as a chance to assist our brethren in need and to send a prayer to our service members away during the holidays. It is my wish that everyone in Georgia, and across the entire country, enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. God Bless.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163612/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson%E2%80%99s-statement-50th-anniversary-president-kennedy%E2%80%99s-assassination,Rep. Johnson’s statement on the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement today on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy:
“As I reflect back 50 years ago when I heard the news of President Kennedy’s assassination, I’m struck by the same emotions I felt as a 9-year-old boy growing up in Washington, D.C.  That fateful day left an indelible mark on me and certainly left an indelible mark on the country.
“For me, just a few days before, my father, accompanied by my mother, was being celebrated at the White House with President Kennedy as one of the highest ranking African-Americans in the Bureau of Prisons. The zenith of my father’s career would become one of the nadirs in America’s history as President Kennedy was assassinated just a few days later.
“When JFK was struck down on Friday, Nov. 22, 1963, it shattered our psyche as a country. It was unthinkable that such a despicable  act took  away our  vibrant, forward-thinking leader who inspired us to be ever greater. 
“The Kennedy presidency was an exciting time, and the Kennedys gave us a sense of hope and optimism. President Kennedy and the first lady made an indelible mark on American life, and made us feel that there was nothing we could not do – that we were a people of limitless possibilities.  And through  those dark days, we slowly  recovered as a nation and in  the aftermath of his death we continued to  accomplish great things such as the Civil Rights Act,  Medicare and fulfilling his promise of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth.  While we lost a certain innocence that dark day in 1963, we proved that we could overcome and since then through assassinations, wars and economic uncertainty we have persevered.
“As we look for common ground, even today, we are still inspired by the  words of our young, fallen president.  ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ Those words, his life and example continue to inspire us 50 years hence. I will never forget the assassination as it marked one of the lowest points in America’s recent history – a time marked by success by this country and a time highlighting some of our tragic failures. This country has come a long way in 50 years, in large part due to the measures begun by President Kennedy before his death. This country owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221105217/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-supports-domestic-energy-production,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) supported two measures that will increase domestic energy production, create jobs, and reduce the high cost of energy for consumers: H.R. 2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act; and H.R. 1900, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act. Congressman Bishop voted in favor of both bills.
“I have always held a long-standing commitment to lessening our dependence on foreign energy imports and decreasing energy costs, often working across the aisle to place dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Americans across our great nation,” said Congressman Bishop. “The passage of H.R. 2728 and H.R. 1900 are positive steps toward ensuring that the U.S. stays on the forefront of energy production and that new well-paying jobs continue to be available for industrious Americans.”
H.R. 2728, Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act: Rejects a one-size-fits-all federal regulation process by allowing states with carefully devised state-specific rules for energy production take into account the state's unique geography and energy production considerations when enforcing regulations on hydraulic fracturing of land for energy exploration, circumventing a costly and burdensome implementation of an unnecessary set of new regulations. H.R. 2728 passed 235 to 187.
H.R. 1900, Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act: Sets deadlines for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve or deny a pipeline construction certificate within 12 months of receiving a complete application for a natural gas pipeline. If a decision has not been issued within the required time frame, approval will be automatically granted. This measure will codify existing regulations and bring certainty to businesses planning pipeline projects. H.R. 1900 passed 252 to 165.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301093649/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-legacy-president-john-f-kennedy,Rep. John Lewis on the Legacy of President John F. Kennedy,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. John Lewis made this comment while reflecting on the death and assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963.
                “When President Kennedy was assassinated, something died in those of us who knew him, and something died in America.  He was the first American president to say that the issue of civil rights and social justice was a moral issue.  He represented our hope, our idealism, our dreams about what America could become.  He made us believe that we could do anything, tackle any challenge, and that through our efforts we could help heal the problems of the world. 
“Many people, some who still serve in public office today, got involved with public service because they were inspired by President Kennedy.  People joined the Peace Corps, they ran for public office, they volunteered and gave their assistance not simply due to a mandate, but because his leadership made them believe they could make a difference.  When he died, a light went out in America and the nation has never quite been the same since. 
“The last time I saw President Kennedy alive was the day of the March on Washington.  He invited all the speakers to the White House after the march was over.  I can still see him standing in the door of the Oval House beaming, waiting to greet us.  He shook the hand of each person saying, “You did a good job.  You did a good job.” And when he got to Dr. King he said, “And you had a dream.”
“President John F. Kennedy represented the youth, the vigor, the intellect, the imagination and ingenuity of the American identity.  We lost a great leader in Dallas on November 22nd.  I am not so sure we will be so lucky or so blessed to ever see his likeness again.”
                                                                                ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221172330/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-proposes-strict-gun-law-airports-nationwide-0,Rep. Johnson proposes strict gun law for airports nationwide,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman introduces ‘common sense’ bill to protect traveling public, federal employees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seeking to make airports around the nation safer for the general public and the law enforcement officers who patrol them, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced the “Airport Security Act of 2013” (H.R. 3484).
“We live in a post-911 world where terrorists continue to look at planes and airports as prime targets,” said Johnson. “And with the recent shooting death of a TSA official at LAX, it defies logic that we would allow anyone other than law enforcement officials to carry a loaded gun within an airport? This bill is simply common sense.”
The bill would prohibit people other than local law enforcement and Homeland Security employees from carrying guns – concealed or otherwise – in airport terminals, lobbies, baggage claim areas, ticket counters and outside in pick-up and drop-off areas.
Law-abiding gun owners would still be able to carry guns used for hunting if they are unloaded and contained in clearly marked, locked cases. Airports would also be required to post signs that clearly indicate they are gun-free zones.
If passed and signed into law by President Obama, Rep. Johnson’s bill would expand Homeland Security’s jurisdiction to include non-secure areas of airports and would take precedence over any city or state laws that allow weapons in any airports nationwide. The gun ban would include public transportation stops within airports if the gun owner departs the transit station at an airport.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and its Million Mom March and Brady Chapters support H.R. 3494.
Cosponsors include: Reps. André Carson (IN), John Conyers (MI), Keith Ellison (MN), Alan Grayson (FL), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), Barbara Lee (CA), John Lewis (GA), David Scott (GA), Jackie Speier (CA) and Henry Waxman (CA).
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301093815/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-senate-judicial-nomination-process,Rep. John Lewis on Senate Judicial  Nomination Process,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. John Lewis made this statement today in support of the nominations of Judge Robert Wilkins to the U.S. District Court and Rep. Mel Watt to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency:
I am glad to add my voice to those of my colleagues here today in support of the nomination of  Judge Robert Wilkins and other capable candidates to the D.C. Circuit Court.  All of these candidates are qualified.  Judge Wilkins is qualified.  Mel Watt, the President’s nominee to lead the Federal Finance Housing Agency is qualified.  But their nominations have been blocked by unfair filibuster in service to the worst kind of partisan politics I have seen in my 26 years here serving in Congress.
In 2005, Chief Justice John Roberts delivered a lecture entitled “What Makes the D.C. Circuit Court Different?” according to The New York Times.    He explained that the D.C. Circuit court, more than any other court in the federal appeals system, has a “special responsibility to review legal challenges to the conduct of the national government.”  About two-thirds of the cases heard before that court involves review of the actions of the federal government.
I had to ask myself and the American people should ask themselves, what troubles my Republican friends in the Senate so much that they cannot allow any recent nomination by President Obama to go through?  Could it be they are afraid that an impartial review by judges of impeccable merit, like Robert Wilkins or Nancy Pillard, would slay some of their “sacred cows”?   Could it be they are afraid an impartial hearing might bring an end to the cloak of partisan protection that has allowed this Congress to focus on work that has not represented the will or the interests of the people of this country?
If these positions were necessary when Justice Roberts was appointed to the 9th seat of the D.C. Circuit Court, when Justice Clarence Thomas was appointed to the 10th seat, and when Justice Scalia, Judge Douglas Ginsburg and former Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr were appointed to the 11th seat, then why are they suddenly so unnecessary now? 
For members of the Senate to try to shape the character of the judiciary through pure, unvarnished partisanship is a discredit to the dignity of this body and a disservice to the American people.  
Let the nomination of a qualified candidate like, Judge Robert Wilkins, named by Legal Times as one of the Greatest Washington Lawyers of the last 30 years come up for a vote without partisan interference.  Let the nomination of Rep. Mel Watt to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency come up for a vote without partisan intervention.          
Let the House and the Senate get back to the work of representing the needs and the concerns of the good people of this nation, instead of wasting our time and the people’s money on partisan politics that serves the interest of a few, and not the many people of this nation.  We can do better.   The people of this nation deserve better. Thank you.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                        ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221115656/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/rep-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-nov-15-2013,"Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Nov. 15, 2013",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,
As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to take time out to catch you up with what’s going on here in the Fourth District and in Washington, D.C. I was very fortunate to give keynote speeches at both the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s 20-year anniversary on Nov. 6 and at the DeKalb County Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 7. 
 
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee since 2007, I’m inspired every day to work on behalf of all our military personnel and veterans. Ensuring that quality services are being delivered to each of you is one of my greatest joys as a public servant. I thank each of you for your service and can assure you that as long as I am in Congress, your needs will remain a priority for me and my staff.  
LITHONIA CHAMBER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS: I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 6 at This Is It! Restaurant on Panola Road. After 20 years of committed service to businesses, large and small, this milestone makes the Chamber and the city of Lithonia justifiably proud.  
The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce has provided for the small business community and its members through the years. Strong, healthy communities need thriving businesses, and I commend the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce for fostering success and opportunity. To view more photos, click HERE.  
To see the Veterans Day celebration coverage, visit DCTV’s website live stream HERE. 
 ROCKDALE COALITION: I was pleased to participate in the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families’ first community resource networking event for elected officials earlier this month. It was an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the great work local social service programs and providers are doing as well as understanding where the gaps in services are in our communities. The Rockdale collaborative brings together individuals and community organizations to identify needs and share resources to address the most pressing issues. Keep up the great work! For more, click HERE.
 STONE MOUNTAIN CID: The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District (CID) announced Ryan Hoyt as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Ryan is a Leasing Manager with Prologis in Atlanta. His commercial real estate leasing and asset management experience has accounted for more than 15 million square feet of industrial and office space throughout the metro area. Welcome Ryan. For more, click HERE. 
 POTUS ADDRESSES CANCELLED HEALTH POLICIES: This week, President Obama announced that insurers can offer consumers who buy private health insurance plans (people who get their insurance through their job, Medicare, Medicaid or the VA are not affected) the option to renew their 2013 health plans in 2014, without change, allowing them to keep their plans. Insurers must notify enrollees that they can purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they can potentially qualify for premium tax credits. And they must tell consumers what protections they are giving up to keep the plan they have. This fix will give consumers more information and choices, including keeping their old plans. I will continue to support the ACA and work with my colleagues to improve it, not tear it down. For more, click HERE (Preview) 

	
		
			
			ARABIA MOUNTAIN FALL COLORS: This might be the last weekend for spectacular fall colors. There’s no better place to take in the beautiful foliage than Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The National Heritage Area has dozens of picturesque places to watch the leaves turn, but the website below features three of the best. For more, click HERE.
			 
		
	

 NEA GRANTS: Applications are now being accepted for 2014-2015 Big Read grants. The Big Read, managed by Arts Midwest, provides nonprofit organizations nationwide with comprehensive resources to help inspire their communities to read and discuss a single book or poet’s body of work. Organizations interested in applying should visit The Big Read website for guidelines and application instructions. Eligible organizations may apply for a grant ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. All applications must be submitted electronically via eGrant on or before Tuesday, January 28, 2014.
 
FIGHTING FOR VICTIMS OF ABESTOS: This week, I voted against a bill that creates new barriers and delays for victims of asbestos, a known human carcinogen that has killed millions of people over the last several decades, in receiving compensation and justice from asbestos trusts. In some cases, the bill would delay compensation beyond the life of the person suffering from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and other cancers.  To watch the floor speech, click HERE. 
AIRPORT SAFETY: Seeking to make airports around the nation safer for the general public and the law enforcement officers who patrol them, I introduced the “Airport Security Act of 2013” (H.R. 3484) this week. The bill would prohibit people other than local law enforcement and Homeland Security employees from carrying guns – concealed or otherwise – in airport terminals, lobbies, baggage claim areas, ticket counters and outside in pick-up and drop-off areas. With the recent shooting death of a TSA official at LAX, it defies logic that we would allow anyone other than law enforcement officials to carry a loaded gun within an airport. This bill is simply common sense. 
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW: On Nov. 5, I visited Mountain View Personal Care Home in Decatur and presented a U.S. flag that was flown in their honor over the Capitol back in June. I took a tour of the facility, met with residents and board members. This is a wonderful jewel in the Fourth District.  
VETERANS’ DENTAL CARE: Beginning today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is partnering with Delta Dental and MetLife to allow eligible veterans, plus family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), to purchase affordable dental insurance. More than 8 million veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can choose to purchase one of the offered dental plans. Participation will not affect entitlement to VA dental services and treatment.  For more, click HERE.
 As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221115741/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/rep-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-oct-31-2013,"Rep. Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Oct. 31, 2013",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,
October has been a busy month here in the Fourth District and in Washington. My district office held three important community events in the past month – two to help prevent foreclosures and one to provide information about the new health care law – all during the government shutdown that finally ended Oct. 17. I want to thank both my Washington, D.C. and District staffs for continuing to serve the people of the Fourth District with distinction despite the difficult shutdown.Members of my district staff continue to go out into the community to help people understand what the health care law means for them and to raise awareness about the constituents services we provide. If you, your church or your neighborhood association would like us to come out to your meeting, please call my District Director Kathy Register at 770-987-2291.
For more on our Affordable Care Act event, click HERE. For more photos from this event, click HERE.
LITHONIA CHAMBER CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY: I am honored to be the keynote speaker at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 6. After 20 years of committed service to businesses, large and small, this milestone is one that should make the Chamber and the city of Lithonia justifiably proud.The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce can take great pride in the outstanding services and advocacy it has provided for the small business community and its members through the years. Strong, healthy communities need thriving businesses, and I commend the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce for fostering success and opportunity.
SOCIAL SECURITY INCREASE: Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 63 million Americans will increase 1.5 percent in 2014, the Social Security Administration announced this week. The 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 57 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2014.  Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2013. For more, click HERE.
SATURDAY FALL FESTIVALS: It was great to be home last weekend. My wife Mereda and I visited the Conyers Olde Town Fall Festival, Covington’s The Enclave at Gross Lake Festival and at the 4th Annual Harvest Festival in DeKalb. To see photos of our great day, visit my Facebook page HERE.
TAX SEASON PUSHED BACK: Early tax filers will have to wait an extra week or two to get tax refunds in 2014. The Internal Revenue Service said this month that it will delay the start of next year’s filing season by up to two weeks to give programmers time to finish updating the agency’s computers. The 16-day government shutdown this month prevented the IRS from working to update more than 50 systems used to process returns. The IRS is working to shorten the delay and will announce the exact start date in December. The April 15 deadline for filing individual tax returns, which is set by law, remains unchanged.
For more, click HERE.
CONSUMER PRIVACY ON MOBILE DEVICES: This week, I sent a letter to President Obama encouraging the president to consider my bipartisan APPS Act (H.R. 1913) as the basis for comprehensive privacy legislation. Politico reports that the White House is coordinating with the Department of Commerce to draft legislation that will “boost online privacy safeguards for consumers” by building upon the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, the blueprint for privacy protection that the White House released last year. The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights a watershed moment in consumer privacy, and I plan on working with the White House to strike the right balance between innovation and responsibility when it comes to consumers' privacy on mobile devices. The APPS Act answers this call. For more, click HERE.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: The Asian American Legal Advocacy (AALAC) is holding a public safety event: Know Your Rights When Stopped by Police on Tuesday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College Street, Norcross, Georgia 30072. Law enforcement officers are there to protect and serve our communities. Often times community members fear law enforcement officers because community members do not know their rights. The event is also being sponsored by Latin American Association, the Vietnamese American Community of Georgia and the Norcross Police Department. Dinner will be provided to guests who RSVP to Alice Kim at alice@aalegal.org or 404.585.8446 by Nov. 4.
NEA GRANTS: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has recently posted guidelines and application materials for Our Town, the agency’s program that supports communities that are using the arts to revitalize neighborhoods and reignite local economies. Pending availability of funding, grants will range from $25,000 to $200,000. The application deadline is January 13, 2014. For more. Click HERE.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States, resulting in almost 40,000 deaths in this country annually. Typically, the cancer produces no symptoms during its initial stages when it is most easily and least invasively treatable. Therefore, one of the key aspects to fighting and surviving breast cancer is early detection. Many of us have a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, or another loved one who has been diagnosed, suffered, and fought breast cancer. Unfortunately, too many of us have lost a loved one because of the disease. I join with my staff to raise awareness and support legislation that would make regular mammography screenings a reality for millions of underserved women.
SNAP CUTS: As mandated by federal law, the 2009 Recovery Act’s temporary boost to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is scheduled to end Nov. 1.  This will result in a benefit cut for every household that receives food stamps. Benefit cuts will range depending upon household size and income. For example, the cut could be approximately $29 per month or depending on household size and income (around an average of 5% of the total allotment). Customers will experience this reduction starting with their food stamp benefits issued next month. For more, click HERE.
DISASTER RELIEF: Every year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA must provide annual notification of the maximum amount of assistance provided to individuals and businesses that are affected by a natural disaster. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act prescribes that FEMA must adjust these limits annually. FEMA’s adjustment is based on an increase in the Consumer Price Index of 1.5 percent for the 12-month period, which ended in August 2013. For more, click HERE.
HONORING A TRUE HERO: This week from the House floor, I honored Lithonia teen Mary-Pat Hector as one of 10 winners nationwide of the inaugural Peace First Prize for her campaign to combat gun violence. Miss Hector launched the “Think Twice” campaign in April 2013 after the senseless shooting deaths of a 14-year-old Grayson High School student in Loganville and a 15-year-old student in Chicago. She’s an everyday hero, a young constituent who has set an example we would all do well to follow. To watch to floor speech, click HERE.
As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Please have a safe and enjoyable Halloween 2013!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163841/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-veterans-day,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING VETERANS DAY,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,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 and Co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC), released a statement honoring our nation's veterans in advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday.
“On Veterans Day, we will gather to remember those Americans who have served our country with honor and distinction.  We must remember that freedom isn’t free. It has been paid for with a price, and that price has been paid for by the sacrifice of our veterans.
“Veterans are courageous, humble people of integrity who provide a foundation of patriotic citizenship that the country cannot do without. If the nation is not being served well, veterans always get busy and do everything possible to get it back on track. They refuse to be complacent at times when the country is not living up to its potential for greatness.
“On this Veteran’s Day, we should take pause and give thanks to our veterans and their families of the past, present, and future for their dedication to serving our nation, defending our liberties, and sacrificing so much for the cause of life, liberty, and the pursuit of justice in our great nation.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163910/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-connects-military-families,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP CONNECTS WITH MILITARY FAMILIES,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Wednesday, November 6, 2013, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC) and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies hosted a Military Family Summit for over 200 members of the extended military family at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center near Fort Benning, Georgia.
“Whenever I meet with military families, two people who frequently come to mind are my father-in-law and my wife,” said Congressman Bishop, “I mention my wife and her family’s experiences because often we tend to focus primarily on the service members who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms we cherish. However, we cannot forget that the families they leave behind sacrifice just as much as our heroes who deploy on missions for our country. These families are impacted in countless ways – seen and unseen – and we have an obligation to do right by them.”
Military families were introduced to Members of Congress, officials from the Department of Defense, and personnel from numerous military family support organizations to discuss pressing issues impacting them. Six panel discussions designed to open a dialogue for military families addressed critical issues such as family health, resiliency, spouse employment and education, military child education, transition assistance, retirement, benefits, and financial readiness for the future with attending military families.
“The issues that will be discussed today…are truly informative to us, and are issues we will take back to Washington with us, because they are of national importance,” continued Congressman Bishop, “We have no choice but to see that our troops, veterans, and their families have the support they need. Together, I know we can get the job done.”
Also joining Congressman Bishop in giving remarks were Congressman John Culberson (R-TX), member of the Congressional Military Family Caucus; Sergeant Major Bryan Battaglia, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; Mrs. Lisa Battaglia, spouse of Sergeant Major Battaglia; Lt. General Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Maj. Gen Jim Butterworth, Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard; Mrs. Katie McMaster, spouse of MG H.R. McMaster of Fort Benning; COL (P) Leopoldo A. Quintas, Commandant of the US Army Armor School; LTG (Ret) Carmen Cavezza, Chairman of the National Infantry Foundation; MG (Ret) Jerry White, Chairman of the Academy Nominations Board; Isaiah Hugley, City Manager of Columbus; and Ed Helton, Executive Director of The Leadership Institute.
The 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. 
To view or download photos from today’s event from today’s event, please click here. To view today’s live-tweet conversation, please click here. For more information about the Congressional Military Family Caucus, please click here.
In his opening remarks, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. noted the importance of giving back to our nation’s veterans and military families. Below is the full text of Congressman Bishop’s prepared remarks: 
 
PREPARED REMARKS FOR
THE HONORABLE SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
CMFC FAMILY SUMMIT – NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM
COLUMBUS, GA - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013
Good morning!
Thank you all for joining us this morning at today’s Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit! It’s a pleasure to be in a room with those who make America great – the brave families of service men and women who admirably defend our nation and safeguard our liberties.
Today, I am honored to be joined by so many that care so deeply about the lives and wellbeing of military families.
I want to thank everyone here that is taking part in today’s forums. To everyone visiting Columbus for the first time, welcome to our beautiful city! Today’s event would not have been possible without the assistance of the numerous contributions from this morning’s speakers, panelists, and support groups. Also, my staff, the staff at Columbus State University, and the staff of the National Infantry Museum have gone above and beyond to ensure today is a success. Thank you!
Lastly and most of all, I would like to personally thank the service members, military families, and veterans that are here with us today. Our nation will forever be indebted to you for your service and countless selfless sacrifices.
Founded several years ago, my colleagues in the Congressional Military Families Caucus and Senate Military Family Caucus, such as co-chair Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and co-member Congressman John Culberson, find it important to educate elected officials, congressional staffers, senior military leaders, and the public on a wide range of issues that affect military families such as:
 The range of physical and psychological issues arisen over the last 12 years that our service members, their families, and caregivers deal with on a day by day basis.
  The challenges military parents and their children deal with during the process of frequent moves between different states and school districts, not to mention the obstacles to learning your child faces when a parent is deployed overseas.
  The unique difficulties surrounding re-certifications, licensing, or lack of transferability faced by so many of our military spouses when they want to continue their education and seek employment.
  To educating our service men and women with young families on how to properly budget finances, buy a house, invest in a thrift savings plan or IRA, save for your kids’ college expenses, and to not be taken advantage of by high interest predatory loans.
  And to families preparing to leave the military community and transition into the civilian world, away from the support of a military base. The transition can be difficult for a family if they are not prepared with the right employment, health care, and educational information.
 Since the Caucus’ founding in 2009, the Senate launched the Senate Military Family Caucus and the White House has joined ranks by creating the amazing Joining Forces initiative. And in case you haven’t heard—last week President Obama signed a proclamation officially naming November as Military Family Appreciation Month!
The issues that will be discussed today in the panels are truly informative to us, and are issues we will take back to Washington with us, because they are of national importance. We hope that you will actively participate by listening, asking questions of the panelists, engaging in the discussions with our panels, visiting the resources section upstairs, and giving feedback after the summit. The stories you share and input you provide will help us to effectively work together to improve your quality of life and expand your opportunities.
In closing, I will briefly share with you that whenever I meet with military families, two people who frequently come to mind are my father-in-law and my wife. My father-in-law served in the U.S. military for several years and my wife was a military child. In fact, when my wife was a child, her family moved every two or three years. She spent her formative years at home and overseas.
The constant change of station impacted her family both positively and negatively. Due to all of her family’s travels, my wife grew-up as a very well-rounded child in that she was able to gain exposure to different people and various cultures. However, the flip side of the coin is that with the frequent travels her family was forced to address hard pressing issues such as saying goodbye to old friends and acclimating themselves to new re-assignment locations.
I mention my wife and her family’s experiences because often we tend to focus primarily on the service members who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms we cherish. However, we cannot forget that the families they leave behind sacrifice just as much as our heroes who deploy on missions for our country. These families are impacted in countless ways – seen and unseen – and we have an obligation to do right by them.
I look forward to continuing the good work of the Military Family Caucus and the other 85 Members of Congress who make up this Caucus. We have no choice but to see that our troops, veterans, and their families have the support they need. Together, I know we can get the job done.
Thank you all again for being here this morning and I very much look forward to today’s insightful dialogue.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140420104629/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-adamsvillecollier-heights-0,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - Adamsville/Collier Heights,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140420104700/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/2013-clayton-county-meet-and-greet,2013 Clayton County Meet and Greet,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman John Lewis  invites you  to the  5th Congressional District of Georgia  2013 Clayton County Meet and Greet
Frank Bailey Senior Center  
	6213 Riverdale Road  
	Riverdale, Georgia  30274
Saturday, November 16, 2013
9 - 11am
Congressman Lewis and his staff  will be present to answer questions and   assist with issues involving the federal government.
· This event is open and free of charge to residents of Clayton County   Georgia’s 5th Congressional District
· Light continental breakfast will be served.
RSVP  via email at GA05rsvp@mail.house.gov or by calling  404-659-0116.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140420104734/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-stewart-lakewood-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - Stewart-Lakewood Branch,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163623/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-applauds-progress-mobile-apps-privacy-guidelines,Rep. Johnson applauds progress on mobile apps privacy guidelines,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), author of the first bipartisan mobile privacy bill the APPS Act of 2013, issued the following statement on news that short-form privacy notices created by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) mobile app negotiators are set to start undergoing user testing and implementation:
“We are at a critical juncture in protecting consumers’ privacy on mobile devices.  The vast majority of consumers want apps that protect their privacy, and will avoid the ones that don’t.  We need to equip users with the right tools. That’s why having clear notices about how an app collects and uses data on mobile devices is so important.  I applaud the App Developers Alliance and ACT for their leadership in testing the NTIA code of conduct for transparency.  This rigorous, bottom-up approach to mobile privacy is essential to producing smart notices that work.”
Background:
In August, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) concluded a multi-stakeholder process to develop an industry code to inform consumers of data collection on mobile devices.  As part of this code, developers must provide notices to users about the data an app collects and shares “where practicable.”  ACT and the Application Developers Alliances are working toward implementing the NTIA code through privacy short-form notices. In October, Congressman Johnson sent a letter to President Obama encouraging the president to consider H.R. 1913, the APPS Act, as the basis for comprehensive privacy legislation.  “By bringing baseline privacy protections to mobile devices, the APPS Act would protect and empower consumers with transparency, notice, and control on mobile devices,” Johnson wrote in the letter.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360124,Shameful Cuts to Vital Food Program,2013-11-01,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott submitted this editorial about cuts to the SNAP program to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  The paper published his views this morning. Shameful cuts to vital food program  By David Scott  Republicans in the House of Representatives recently voted to cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  These cuts target our most vulnerable citizens, like seniors, children, veterans and disabled persons. In fact, veterans are the fastest-growing group receiving food stamp benefits. Census data indicate that about 900,000 veterans receive SNAP each month. And this figure is understated, because the Census data do not consider homeless veterans receiving SNAP benefits.  This program is a critical support for many households with veterans. Stars and Stripes reported that food purchases paid for with SNAP at commissaries tripled from 2008 to 2011. Feed our Vets, a nonprofit group that establishes food pantries for veterans, has estimated that nearly 3 million veterans and their families don’t get enough food to eat each month.   
This terrible Republican cut of $40 billion reduces the food assistance program by half.  The Republicans held no hearings or did any an analysis of the hurt and pain and hunger this cut will cause the people of our nation. This cut is not only irresponsible, it is downright mean to the American people.  Unfortunately, some in the Republican Party think a SNAP beneficiary is usually black, urban or an illegal immigrant. But here are the facts: 37 percent of food stamp participants are white, 23 percent are African-American, and 10 percent are Hispanic, according to USDA.  
   
SNAP serves more than 47 million Americans; 99 percent live below the poverty line. And that number has been growing due to the recession; our nation lost 300,000 jobs per month between 2008 and 2010.  Thank God we had SNAP as a safety net for people to fall back on. Jobs are now coming back, albeit slowly, and people are getting off food stamps. SNAP is a temporary benefit that helps those struggling to put food on the table until they can get back to self-sufficiency. The average SNAP recipient receives benefits for nine months.  On the issues of waste, fraud and abuse, the facts tell us that SNAP abuse is lower than it’s ever been. In Georgia, the most recent data from FY 2011 show that the SNAP accuracy rate was more than 97 percent, and part of the 3 percent was actually underpayments, which save the government money.  This cut is irresponsible and hurtful. It is especially shameful because we are the United States of America, and we are indeed an exceptional people, because we are a nation with a rich history of care and compassion for the most vulnerable among us. These food assistance cuts for our most needy truly makes us look so little, not the proud and exceptional America that God has truly blessed us to be.  We will not let this Republican $40 billion cut to our vital food and nutrition assistance happen. We must focus first on jobs before cutting food assistance.  Georgia Congressman David Scott, a Democrat, represents the 13th District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163635/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-honors-lithonia-teen-receiving-peace-first-prize,Rep. Johnson honors Lithonia teen for receiving Peace First Prize,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) honored Lithonia, Ga., teen Mary-Pat Hector from the House floor for being among 10 winners nationwide of the inaugural Peace First Prize for her campaign to combat gun violence.
Hector launched the “Think Twice” campaign in April 2013 after the senseless shooting deaths of a 14-year-old Grayson High School student in Loganville and a 15-year-old student in Chicago.  Hector earned $50,000 as part of her award and will use the funds to attend Spelman College, improve the “Think Twice” website, purchase public announcements and travel to schools spreading her message of peace.
In his floor speech, Johnson called Hector an “everyday hero, a young constituent who has set an example we would all do well to follow.”
“Mary-Patricia refused to sit idly by while children died in playgrounds, funerals outnumbered graduation ceremonies, and violence begot more violence. Her campaign encourages youth to think twice before picking up guns. I am proud of her achievements and glad to have the privilege of representing her.”
Peace First is a national non-profit organization based in Boston that exists to create the next generation of peacemakers. Winners of the Peace First Prize were chosen based on the criteria of courage, compassion and the ability to create collaborative change.
For more on Miss Hector and “Think Twice,” visit www.justthink2wice.com. For more on Peace First, visit www.peacefirst.org.
To watch the floor speech, click HERE.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163939/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-honors-veterans-supporting-veterans-service-bills,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HONORS VETERANS BY SUPPORTING VETERANS SERVICE BILLS,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, supported six measures to honor veterans and ensure access to resources needed for a successful transition into civilian life. H.R. 2189 passed 404 to 1. H.R. 2011, the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act, passed 404 to 2. H.R. 1405; H.R. 1742, the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013; H.R. 2481, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013; and H.R. 3304 all passed by voice vote. Congressman Bishop voted in favor of passage for all six bills.
“The VA disability claims backlog and issues surrounding homelessness have plagued our veterans for too long,” said Congressman Bishop. “In addition to formally honoring these brave men and women, it is my hope that these six pieces of legislation will tear down obstacles veterans face every day, and help secure these matters as priorities in the future.”
H.R. 2189: Establishes a commission or task force to evaluate how to reduce the backlog of disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 1405: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision for denial of benefit sought.
H.R. 1742, the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013: Prohibits service-related disability benefits and expenses to be considered when calculating income eligibility for Section 8 rental assistance and public housing programs.
H.R. 2481, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013: Extends certain homeless veterans reintegration programs until 2018, expands education benefits for survivors of deceased service members, and creates an office within the Veterans Affairs Department to administer assistance with vocational and education programs.
H.R. 2011, the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act: Extends the operating authority of the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education through 2015, and authorizes the Veterans Affairs Department to advise training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-related disabilities.
H.R. 3304: Requests the President award Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army with the Medal of Honor for their acts during the Vietnam Conflict, and authorizes the award of the Medal of Honor to other veterans previously recommended.
In efforts to further support and provide resources to members of the military and their families, Congressman Bishop will be hosting a Military Family Summit at Fort Benning, GA on November 6. For more information, please click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=357054,Reducing the VA Backlog,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott is committed to making sure that veterans have timely access to benefits they have earned and he is working to end the disability claims backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA).The number of VA disabilities claims has increased in the last few years as more veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began seeking benefits, and as eligibility for benefits was provided for new diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. There are over 700,000 disability claims pending, with over 400,000 in the backlog.  Over the last six months, the backlog had been reduced by over 30%, or 190,000 claims. However, the unnecessary government shutdown reduced the progress made on the veterans backlog and halted appeals.  Today the House passed H.R 2189 by a vote of 404-1.   H.R. 2189 establishes a special panel to seek ways of eliminating the VA's backlog of disability claims and speeding up the claims appeal process. It also requires the VA to take a number of actions to speed up claims by prioritizing the processing of claims for the elderly and those with life-threatening illnesses.  It also directs the VA to enter into agreements with other agencies to expedite the transfer of medical records and it establishes a training program for newly hired claims processors. We have an obligation to care for and honor America's servicemen and women, their families, and our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. If you have a concern with your VA case, please contact Congressman Scott's office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140420104802/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/2013-fulton-county-meet-and-greet,2013 Fulton County Meet and Greet,2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Lewis and his staff  will be present to answer questions and assist with issues involving the federal government.
· This event is open and free of charge to residents of Georgia’s 5th Congressional District
· Light continental breakfast will be served.
RSVP  via email at GA05rsvp@mail.house.gov or by calling  404-659-0116.
Location:
	Assembly Hall  Fulton County Government Building  141 Pryor Street, S.W.,  Atlanta, Ga 30303",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356388,Honoring the 175th Anniversary of the City of Powder Springs,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman David Scott honored the 175th anniversary of the city of Powder Springs, Georgia by making remarks for the Congressional Record.  His statement is posted below.   
   
... Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, every now and then, we have the opportunity to step back and reflect on our history, our accomplishments and struggles and think about how we want to shape our future. October brings a special opportunity for such reflection, as the City of Powder Springs, in my home district in Georgia, observes its 175th Anniversary. Considering that our nation is only 237 years old that is cause for much celebration.  Few people know that Powder Springs is not the original name of the City. It was first incorporated as the town of Springville in 1838. While settlers first came to the town in search of gold, they quickly discovered the medicinal properties of the seven mineral springs in the area. In the 1850s Springville widely became known as a health resort, and people came from great distances to experience the springs. The mineral water from these springs caused the sand around the springs to turn black, resembling gunpowder, which lead the city to be incorporated as Powder Springs in 1859.  The next several decades were hard on Powder Springs. The Civil War put an end to the use of the area as a health resort. After the Civil War, a thriving agricultural industry sprung up, but the coming of the boll weevil in the 1920s and the Great Depression devastated the region.  But the hard-working people of Powder Springs never gave up. With a population quickly approaching 16,000, the city is once again prospering. Its beautiful parks, nature trails and recreation centers draw in visitors from afar. The Silver Comet, for example, is a well known 59-mile ``rails to trails'' multi-use trail that runs through the heart of the City. Residents also have access to over 100 acres of permanently protected green space. I am always amazed at the level of community involvement in Powder Springs, which in part streams from the excellent leadership of Mayor Pat Vaughn, who was the city's first female mayor. My fellow colleagues, I hope you will join me in celebrating this historical milestone and this remarkable city. ...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163646/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-calls-white-house-look-apps-act-foundation-consumer-privacy-bill-rights,Rep. Johnson Calls on White House to Look to APPS Act as Foundation for the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights,2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to President Obama encouraging the president to consider H.R. 1913, the APPS Act, as the basis for comprehensive privacy legislation. 
Politico reports that the White House is coordinating with the Department of Commerce to draft legislation that will “boost online privacy safeguards for consumers” by building upon the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, the blueprint for privacy protection that the White House released last year. 
In his letter, Congressman Johnson called the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights “a watershed moment in consumer privacy.” 
Calling on President Obama to “strike the right balance between innovation and responsibility,” Congressman Johnson also called on the White House and Department of Commerce to continue protecting consumers in an open and transparent approach through a multi-stakeholder process. 
In August, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) concluded its first multi-stakeholder process to develop a code of conduct for transparency of data collection on mobile devices.  Congressman Johnson applauded the process, noting that it demonstrated “the willingness of developers, stakeholders, and public-interest groups to come together with principles to inform and protect consumers.” 
In 2012, Congressman Johnson launched AppRights as an open, bottom-up approach to drafting legislation that will protect the privacy of mobile device users.  The result was the APPS Act.  The bill was based on the thoughts and values of the people who weighed-in through AppRights, and it’s also the first bipartisan mobile privacy legislation. 
At the 5th Annual State of the Mobile Net Conference this past summer, Congressman Johnson delivered a keynote address where he noted the increasingly mobile nature of our economy. 
“[M]ore companies are looking to mobile as the future of media,” Congressman Johnson noted, while the “‘digital divide’ means that minorities are more likely to access the internet from a mobile device than from a stationary computer.” 
The conflux of these two events means that, more than ever before, we need to build protections into the technologies we use, and we need privacy legislation that works for us.       
The APPS Act answers this call.  By bringing baseline privacy protections to mobile devices, the APPS Act would protect and empower consumers with transparency, notice, and control on mobile devices.
Click HERE to view the letter.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221072401/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-works-improve-access-georgia-water-resources,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WORKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO GEORGIA WATER RESOURCES,2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) worked to improve access to Georgia water resources by supporting the bipartisan passage of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRDA). The legislation includes provisions authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to start work on the $652 million Savannah Harbor Expansion Project which will deepen 30 miles of the Savannah River to improve shipping access to the Savannah Harbor.
“In addition to improving access to critical waterways, this bill will create jobs and boost our economy by opening access to vital infrastructure projects across the country,” said Congressman Bishop. “The Savannah Port will be a major driver of economic development throughout the entire state. Dredging of the Savannah River is long overdue, and once this bill is enacted into law, larger cargo ships will be one step closer to traveling and trading through our world-class port.”
H.R. 3080 authorizes the construction of 23 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resource related projects; establishes new processes for water selection, permitting, and project deauthorization; encourages non-federal participation in developing water infrastructure by establishing a pilot program for private-public partnerships; and other measures.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resource related projects include the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project with an estimated federal cost of $461 million and an estimated non-federal cost of $201 million. The bill passed the House 417 to 3. The United States Senate approved its own version of the legislation on May 15, 2013 by a vote of 83 to 14.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356305,Rep. Scott Applauds House Passage Of Savannah Harbor Expansion Authorization,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which authorizes the development and maintenance of the nation’s waterway infrastructure. H.R. 3080 includes a key provision that authorizes the funding necessary for the Savannah Harbor expansion project to move forward. This provision will end a 14 year delay of the project to deepen the harbor from 42 to 47 feet in order to accommodate new supertankers that will soon be coming from the Panama Canal. The expansion of the harbor will ensure it remains a vital piece of the national infrastructure and have a major economic impact on Georgia and the nation. “The House has finally passed major legislation with bipartisan agreement, including the entire Georgia delegation,""  Congressman Scott said. ""The expansion of the Savannah Harbor is critically important to Georgia's economy.  The deepening of the Panama Canal allows for larger cargo ships to move up the Atlantic coast.  Once WRRDA is enacted into law, the Savannah Port will move to modernize to compete for more global business.  I also call on the House leadership to bring up the transportation appropriations bill for passage in a similar bipartisan manner.”  President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers have deemed the Port of Savannah a “nationally and regionally significant infrastructure project.” Studies by the Corps of Engineers show a 5.5-to-1 benefit to cost ratio, meaning that for every dollar spent on the deepening, the nation will reap $5.50 in benefits. According to the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia’s deep water ports and inland barge terminals support more than 352,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $18.5 billion in income, $66.9 billion in revenue and $2.5 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy.  The House voted 417-3 to pass  H.R. 3080 and on May 15, the U.S. Senate passed its version of WRRDA by a vote of 83-14. The House and Senate must reconcile their differences before sending a final bill to the president to sign into law.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164010/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-passing-former-congressman-major-owens,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN MAJOR OWENS,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Major R. Owens (NY-11):
“With the passing of Congressman Major Owens, we have lost an exceptional community leader, public servant, and friend. A tireless crusader for the underserved and less empowered, Congressman Owens worked throughout his career to improve the lives of marginalized communities across the nation through reform and social change.
“The crucial role Congressman Owens played in both drafting and passing the Americans with Disabilities Act ensured that millions of Americans living and working with disabilities would not face discrimination. I am sure he will be remembered as one who dedicated his career to protect, empower, and secure the rights of all people.
“On a personal note, Major and I were both colleagues in the CBC and graduates of Morehouse College. My wife Vivian worked with Maria in the spouses’ organization. His service to our country, and our shared friendship, will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with his wife Maria and the Owens family during this very difficult time.”
Congressman Major Owens passed away on October 22, 2013 at the age of 77. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 2007 as the Representative for New York’s 11th Congressional District in Brooklyn, NY.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131109200923/http://johnlewis.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-john-lewis-death-former-us-rep-major-owens,Rep. John Lewis on the Death of Former U.S. Rep. Major Owens,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“Major Owens was a wonderful man.  I actually felt it was an honor to have the chance to get to know him and call him a dear friend.  He was a graduate of Morehouse College and Atlanta University, where he studied library science.  He was one of the few librarians ever elected to Congress.
                “As a representative, he was a consistent and persistent champion for justice.  He fought for equal access for the underprivileged and underserved.  One of the highlights of his career was the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act which opened up opportunities for the disabled and made it illegal to discriminate against them.   He also believed that every young American had the right to a quality education, and he fought to defend educational opportunity for the most vulnerable populations.  His district included many Caribbean families, especially Haitians, but he took a stand for immigrants from every continent who were seeking fairness and justice.
                “Major Owens was an honorable man who used his life and his talents to serve humanity.  My heart goes out to his wife and family.  I know he will be deeply missed.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221071025/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-welcomes-agriculture-specialist-dc-office,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES AGRICULTURE SPECIALIST TO D.C. OFFICE,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, welcomed Dr. Nathaniel Tablante, a career veterinarian, to his Washington, D.C. office. He will serve as an American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Fellow, advising the Congressman on key issues facing his district.
“We are blessed to have Nat join us as a Fellow in our D.C. Congressional office, and I look forward to tapping his wealth of knowledge regarding issues important to Georgia and Rural America,” said Congressman Bishop. “The expertise he brings in the fields of agriculture and veterinary health makes him a great asset and an invaluable resource to our team, and I am excited to welcome such a talented and experienced individual to our office.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity Congressman Bishop has given me to serve in his office as an AAAS/AVMA Fellow this year,” said Nathaniel Tablante. “I am eager to learn more about the legislative process while making a positive contribution to the Congressman’s team, the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia, and the rest of rural America, particularly on issues regarding poultry health, agriculture, food safety, education, development grants, and trade”
Dr. Tablante has over 30 years of experience as a veterinarian, specializing in poultry, health management, epidemiology, and biosecurity. He holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of the Philippines, a Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine from the University of California-Davis, and a Master of Science from the University of Guelph. The AAAS/AVMA Fellowship allows fellows to actively participate in the legislative process, counseling members of Congress on issues facing the veterinary profession and public health, for one year.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221072438/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-announces-26-million-dol-grant-central-georgia-technical-college,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $2.6 MILLION DOL GRANT FOR CENTRAL GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Macon, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement announcing the awarding of a new and continuing grant from the Department of Labor to assist Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia. A total of 57 grants were awarded throughout the United States through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program. These grants are used to promote quality targeted trade programs that focus on unemployed workers seeking further skills training.
“I am very grateful for these grants and the positive impact they will have on our unemployment rate and post-secondary education initiatives in Middle Georgia,” said Congressman Bishop. “I commend the Department of Labor for its commitment to increasing access to targeted training for America’s workers. Skills training programs and partnerships with educational institutions will strengthen the American workforce and contribute to long-term economic growth.”
“We are very excited and honored to have been selected as one of the few colleges in Georgia to receive this round of grant funding from the Department of Labor. These opportunities will be open to all students, but our special target groups are veterans, unemployed individuals, and displaced workers as a result of jobs moving overseas,” said Dr. Amy Holloway, vice president for Academic Affairs at Central Georgia Technical College. “By leveraging our existing partnerships with local healthcare providers and our local chambers of commerce, we can create affordable, short-term training programs that target the needs of healthcare employers and help transition these individuals back into the workplace. This is good news for our college and community.”
The Department of Labor granted a continuing award of $2,622,429 to Central Georgia Technical College to create and expand online training programs. The proposed project will be designed for TAA-eligible workers, veterans, and other adult learners to obtain certification necessary for careers in the health care industry.
The grant will support implementation of the Central Georgia Healthcare Workforce Alliance, a local workforce network to provide training for careers in health services/health sciences. The funding will be used to expand support services, such as tutoring, and to upgrade instructional technology infrastructure so that healthcare training can be provided across Central Georgia Technical College’s 11-county service area.
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Program is a multiyear initiative to expand targeted training programs for unemployed workers in order to prepare them for employment in high skill, high wage occupations in fields such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and health care, as well as science, technology, engineering and math careers through partnerships between training providers and local employers. The U.S. Department of Labor is implementing and administering the program in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164043/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-election-lorraine-miller-interim-president-ceo-naacp,"CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON ELECTION OF LORRAINE MILLER AS INTERIM PRESIDENT, CEO OF NAACP",2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Oct 22, 2013                        
                  
        
        
        
        
  
    
    
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released a statement regarding the election of Lorraine C. Miller as the interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP):
“A dear friend of long standing, Lorraine has always demonstrated a keen intellect and professionalism,” said Congressman Bishop. “More importantly for these times, she is a consensus builder and a problem solver and is the perfect leader to take on the many challenges ahead. The NAACP has chosen wisely to select Lorraine Miller as its interim President and CEO.”
Lorraine Miller is the first African-American to serve as an officer of the U.S. House of Representatives. Miller has had nearly two decades of experience working for the House, and also served in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during the Clinton Administration. In 2004, Miller was elected president of the Washington, D.C. Branch NAACP and became part of the NAACP National Board of Directors in February of 2008.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164114/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-passing-congressman-bill-young,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN BILL YOUNG,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Bill Young (R-FL):
“A staunch supporter of our military, a true champion for his District, and a fount of knowledge about the chronicles of the U.S. House, Bill Young will be missed in Washington as well as in Florida. He, along with the late Congressman Jack Murtha, were not only great friends and mentors to me but their wives, Beverly and Joyce, were also friends and mentors to my wife, Vivian.
“Murtha and Young were neither Democrat nor Republican when it came to our national defense. Regardless of which was the Chairman or Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee, the men and women of America’s military would be taken care of. With Bill Young’s death, the nation has truly lost one of the few remaining statesmen. Our thoughts and prayers are with Beverly and the entire family.”
Congressman for the Tampa Bay area from 1971 until 2013, Bill Young served as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and was the longest serving Republican member of Congress at the time of his passing.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175005/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-holds-free-affordable-care-act-info-event,Rep. Johnson holds free Affordable Care Act info event,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA – On Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) held a free information event on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at Georgia Piedmont Technical College on North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkson.
Small business owners and individuals received help applying for health insurance through the marketplace exchanges created under the ACA. Certified community health centers and navigators also assisted qualified applicants.
“It is essential that we take advantage of the opportunity to be in touch with our constituents about the ACA, to explain and help implement the law so people without health insurance can get the coverage they and their family need,” said Rep. Johnson.
“The Affordable Care Act is not only about securing affordable, quality and accessible health care for every American, but it is also about wellness and prevention, economic security and entrepreneurship, the well-being of working families and the strength of the middle class.”
To see photos from the event, click HERE.
◾Rep. Hank Johnson holding Affordable Care Act information event (9-25-2013): http://youtu.be/rHDYyO_mW-s  
	   
	◾Patch: Rep. Johnson Holding Affordable Care Event (10-8-2013): http://bit.ly/174pT6B
◾Gwinnett Daily Post: POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Two Obamacare events set (10-9-2013): http://bit.ly/17bXXQx
◾CrossRoadsNews: Help with the Healthcare Marketplaces: (10-11-2013): http://bit.ly/16nc0BQ
◾On Common Ground News: Rep. Johnson holding Affordable Care forum Friday: (10-14-2013): http://bit.ly/19WMnTn
◾WSB-TV: Congressman Johnson Holding ACA seminar: (10-15-2013): http://bit.ly/1a2ziOo
◾All News 106.7: Rep. Johnson holding free ACA event: (10-18-2013): http://youtu.be/JoLN79Nf27Y
◾11Alive: Rep. Johnson helps people navigate ACA: (10-19-2013): http://youtu.be/MvrJ6xEBtls
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131109200648/http://johnlewis.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-john-lewis-end-government-shutdown,Rep. John Lewis on End  of Government Shutdown,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“It was a shame and a disgrace that the government of the most powerful nation on earth was recklessly shutdown and allowed to slip perilously close to default.  However, I am glad that tonight the great majority of the members of the House and Senate finally came together and did the right thing.  We passed a clean bill, as we should have had an opportunity to do days ago.  We simply restored the government to normal functioning and raised the debt limit so this country can pay its bills on time, as it has for over 230 years.
“Today Standards and Poors released a report estimating $24 billion in damage to our economy from this unnecessary crisis.  Many federal workers, small businesses and institutions, schools, families, and children have suffered.  We may never fully understand the anguish and uncertainty they experienced, not knowing when they would get paid or when they would receive the services they should expect as citizens.  We must never let this happen again.  It is irresponsible to govern from crisis to crisis. 
“The Congress of the United States of America must operate for the good and in the interests of all of the people of this land, and not to satisfy the will of a few.” 
 
#####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221072505/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-budget-deal,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING BUDGET DEAL,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement regarding the recent bipartisan passage of a temporary budget deal (Senate Amendments to H.R. 2775) to avert disaster by re-funding government services until January 15, 2014 and avoiding default by extending the borrowing limit of the United States until February 7, 2014. While this is only a temporary measure, it reopens the government, relieves the threat of the first ever default on our nation’s debt, and will allow Senate and House budget conferees from both parties the opportunity to negotiate a long term solution for America’s dire fiscal crisis in a more constructive environment.
“Emerging from Congress’ seemingly endless deadlock, I applaud the President and my colleagues in the House and Senate for their extraordinary effort in reaching a path to reopen government, cancel furloughs, and raise the debt ceiling,” said Congressman Bishop. “With the lessons of this government shutdown revealed, I remain hopeful that Congress will learn from its mistakes, go into conference, and produce a reasonable, balanced budget that alleviates sequestration, creates jobs, reduces the deficit, and restores stability to our economy for the benefit of all Americans across our great nation.”
The Senate Amendments to H.R. 2775 will allow a bipartisan conference committee of the House and the Senate to continue talks on balanced deficit reduction and replacement of sequestration; provide for a suspension of the debt limit until February 7, 2014; authorize back pay for federal workers furloughed during the shutdown; give additional funding for the Veterans Affairs Department to provide overtime pay to reduce the claims backlog; and to require an expanded income verification process for individuals and businesses eligible for premium assistance under the Affordable Care Act. The deal also gives Congress the ability to vote to deny the Treasury’s extended borrowing authority through February 7, 2014, subject to a Presidential veto. 
Congressman Bishop voted in favor of the Senate Amendments to H.R. 2775. The measure passed the Senate 81 to 18; passed the House 285 to 144; and has been signed by the President. The government is expected to be opened today, providing relief to federal workers, veterans, seniors, families, small business, and communities in Georgia and across America.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355807,Rep. Scott Speaks in Support of the Budget Deal,2013-10-16,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tonight, Congressman David Scott spoke on the House floor in favor of the budget agreement to end the government shutdown.  The agreement, H.R. 2775, was passed by a bipartisan majority and signed into law by the President.  The new law reopens the government, puts hundreds of thousands of federal employees back to work and provides lawmakers the opportunity to reach an agreement on a long-term budget. A budget conference on long-term deficit reduction must make recommendations by December 13, 2013.  You can watch a video of his remarks at YouTube/RepDavidScott.   This is the text of the Congressman's remarks from the Congressional Record:            Madam Speaker, I rise to support this very needed legislation. 
 
Let me make a point here. There is a very important part of this legislation which sets up the budget commission. I would just like to make an appeal to that commission to not only get to us a good budget by December 15, but take some time to see how we can get some mechanisms in place to prevent us from ever again shutting down the Federal Government. 
We take a solemn oath here to defend the Federal Government, to support the Federal Government, to uphold the Federal Government. We must honor that. Maybe we can do mandatory arbitration in its place. But we have got some smart people in this place. We hurt too many people when we shut down the Federal Government. 
Hopefully, we can put the Mitch McConnell rule in place. God bless that Senator from Kentucky, and the courage that he had to step forward in a bipartisan way so that we can put that mechanism in place so that we will never again put our good faith and credit at risk in this country. 
 
          Finally, let us, Democrats and Republicans, work together, beginning tonight, and pass this bill.  All bills and statements in the Congressional Record can be found online through the Library of Congress' Thomas site.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221071057/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-advocates-cotton-and-peanut-industries,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ADVOCATES FOR THE COTTON AND PEANUT INDUSTRIES,2013-10-16,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), on behalf of the peanut and cotton industries, urged Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to use his discretion and not impose a 5.1% reduction to the marketing assistance loan to growers and buyers. Secretary Vilsack announced on September 30, 2013 that as of October 1, 2013, the proceeds of marketing assistance loans (MAL’s) would be reduced by 5.1% and loan processing will be suspended for up to two weeks or more while computer software is updated - - both of which are exacerbated by the current government shutdown.
 “While I understand there is a requirement to reduce outlays through sequestration, applying sequestration to [MALs] is unlikely to achieve any significant savings since loans are repaid with principal and interest,” wrote Congressman Bishop. “The impact of these actions will have a severe effect on the peanut and cotton industries in my district and nationwide, with a negligible contribution to budget savings.”
Each year during cotton and peanut harvest, marketing assistance loans allow growers to securely market their yield while still being able to run the day-to-day operations of a farm. Reductions in the marketing loan assistance program could likely force a de facto reduction in loan rates, resulting in price reduction by up to $18.11 per ton for peanut producers, while cotton producers could lose $13.00 per bale.
Congressman Bishop is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
Please find the text of the letter to Secretary Vilsack attached.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175104/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-holding-free-affordable-care-act-info-event,Rep. Johnson holding free Affordable Care Act info event,2013-10-15,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA – On Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will hold a free information event on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at Georgia Piedmont Technical College on North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkson.
Small business owners and individuals can receive help applying for health insurance through the marketplace exchanges created under the ACA. Certified community health centers and navigators will assist qualified applicants.
“It is essential that we take advantage of the opportunity to be in touch with our constituents about the ACA, to explain and help implement the law so the American people can finally have affordable, quality and accessible health care,” said Rep. Johnson. “The Affordable Care Act is about securing affordable, quality and accessible health care as a right, not a privilege, for every American; yet it is also about wellness and prevention, economic security and entrepreneurship, the well-being of working families and the strength of the middle class.”
WHO:  Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Dept. of Health & Human Services, Georgians for a Healthy Future, Oakhurst Medical Center, AARP, American Cancer Society, Grady Hospital, Small Business Majority and Georgia Voices.
WHAT:   2013 Affordable Care Act Healthcare Information Event
WHEN:   Friday, Oct 18, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:   Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021.
FOR MORE:  HANKJOHNSON.HOUSE.GOV
VIDEO: http://youtu.be/rHDYyO_mW-s
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164146/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-temporary-health-issue,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON TEMPORARY HEALTH ISSUE,2013-10-11,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In order to keep citizens of the 2nd Congressional District fully informed, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding what is expected to be a temporary, yet serious, health issue:
“During the summer, I noticed a small lump in my neck near my shirt collar. My doctors conducted some diagnostic tests and discovered that the lump was a lymph node that was involved with a cancer that started in my throat. Last month, I began a course of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor that will be followed by a surgery to remove any that remains.
“My doctors at the George Washington University Hospital, near the Capitol, carefully searched for other areas of my body that might be involved and found that it was limited to my neck. They are optimistic that this tumor will be cured and my therapy will conclude in the next few months. While this is a serious health condition, my faith in God and confidence in my medical team in Washington, and at home, make me equally optimistic.
“I do not expect to be away from my duties for more than a brief period and look forward to continuing my ministry of public service to the people of the 2nd District as your Representative, now and for years to come.
“My wife, Vivian, and our entire family thank you for your prayers and support as we move through this period of treatment and recovery.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=353442,Congressman David Scott is Accepting U.S. Military Academy Applications,2013-10-09,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott is Accepting U.S. Military Academy Applications
  
    Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) announced that his District Offices are accepting applications from students interested in receiving a nomination to attend one of our nation’s military service academies.“The privilege of nominating qualified students to the United States Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies is one of my most important and rewarding responsibilities,” said Congressman Scott. “The education provided at our nation’s prestigious service academies is of the highest quality and offers challenges that develop our young people into future leaders.”Interested students should contact Congressman Scott’s Office and complete applications available online on the Congressman's military academy page link.  Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of academic performance, leadership ability, moral character, adequacy of preparation, and commitment to attend a service academy.  All completed applications must be mailed to or delivered by Friday, October 25, 2013 to Congressman David Scott’s Jonesboro or Smyrna District Office. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements established by law and be nominated from an authorized person including a Member of the United States Senate or the House of Representatives.  Applicants must also meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to a service academy:  must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday; must be a United States citizen; must be a legal resident of Georgia’s Thirteenth Congressional District; and must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221070154/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-works-reinstate-survivor-benefits-fallen-service-members%E2%80%99-families,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WORKS TO REINSTATE SURVIVOR BENEFITS FOR FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS’ FAMILIES,2013-10-09,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, stood up for military families by joining Rep. Ron Barber (D-AZ), Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Rep. Christopher Gibson (R-NY), Rep. Danny Heck (D-WA), Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) as an original co-sponsor of the Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance Act, a bill to amend the Pay Our Military Act by requiring the Department of Defense to disburse the standard survivor benefits to families of fallen service members.
On Sunday, our nation lost four brave service members in an improvised bomb attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Shortly after they were killed, their families were notified that the standard survivor benefits could not be paid due to the government shutdown.
“This is a disgrace and an outrage,” said Congressman Bishop. “These brave service members gave their lives in defense of our country and we hold an obligation that their families will be cared for. Now, due to the shutdown, that sacred commitment has been broken and abandoned. We must fix this grave injustice, pass this bipartisan bill for our nation’s military families, and open the government once again for all Americans!”
The Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance Act would require the Department of Defense pay out standard death gratuity, monetary reimbursement for funeral expenses, payment of Survivor Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), monetary reimbursement for funeral travel, and monetary reimbursement for travel associated with dignified transfer, in spite of the government shutdown.
The Leadership has drafted another bill with similar language, which is expected to be introduced and acted upon by the full House of Representatives in the next few days. Congressman Bishop has been invited to co-sponsor that bill as well.
Earlier today, Congressman Bishop released a statement regarding the news of the deaths of 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, Sgt. Joseph M. Peters, and Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, killed in an improvised bomb attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Hawkins and Pfc Patterson were both assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA. To read the statement, please click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164221/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/update-congressman-bishop-works-reinstate-survivor-benefits-fallen-service-members%E2%80%99,UPDATE: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WORKS TO REINSTATE SURVIVOR BENEFITS FOR FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS’ FAMILIES,2013-10-09,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to uphold the government’s obligation to military families who have lost a loved one in service to our nation. Congressman Bishop joined a bipartisan group of fourteen Republicans and Democrats as an original co-sponsor of H.J. Resolution 91, a bill to amend the Pay Our Military Act by allowing the Department of Defense to disburse the standard survivor benefits to families of fallen service members, despite the government shutdown. H.J. Resolution 91 passed 425 to 0.
“Imagine the pain these families are going through, coping with the death of their loved one. Now imagine being greeted with the cold shoulder of a shuttered government. Their country turning on them, all because of an unnecessary shutdown,” said Congressman Bishop. “This is not minimal. These are our sons and daughters we have sent to combat in faraway lands and they should never have to question our nation’s resolve in taking care of their families. We must reopen our government so that such inconveniences do not continue to plague our nation.”
To view Congressman Bishop’s full remarks, please click here.
On Sunday, our nation lost four brave service members in an improvised bomb attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Shortly after they were killed, their families were notified that the standard survivor benefits could not be paid due to the government shutdown.
Yesterday, Congressman Bishop co-sponsored a similar bill, the Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance Act. To read more, please click here.
Congressman Bishop also released a statement regarding the news of the deaths of 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, Sgt. Joseph M. Peters, and Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, killed in an improvised bomb attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Hawkins and Pfc Patterson were both assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA. To read the statement, please click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221070233/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-mourns-loss-soldiers-afghanistan,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP MOURNS LOSS OF SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN,2013-10-08,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"FORT BENNING, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement lamenting the deaths of 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, Sgt. Joseph M. Peters, and Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, killed in an improvised bomb attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Sgt. Hawkins and Pfc Patterson were both assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA.
""I am deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, Sgt. Joseph M. Peters, and Pfc. Cody J. Patterson in Afghanistan,” said Congressman Bishop. “While their sacrifice reflects the strength, courage, and bravery of our armed forces, their personal legacy will remain for years to come. Our grateful nation's thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, and units during this difficult time of loss.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221072533/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-stands-our-nation%E2%80%99s-federal-employees,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STANDS UP FOR OUR NATION’S FEDERAL EMPLOYEES,2013-10-07,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) stood up for our nation’s furloughed federal employees and voted in favor of H.R. 3223, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. The bill would retroactively compensate Federal employees furloughed as a result of the government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2013.
“Our nation’s federal employees are not political bargaining chips. They are a national treasure and should not be penalized for this unnecessary government shutdown,” said Congressman Bishop. “I am still concerned that the Majority refuses to end government shutdown by passing a clean government funding bill. In the meantime, I am proud to be able to support our federal employees and aim to fulfill our obligation to those who protect our borders, monitor our food supply, preserve our environment, maintain our national security, and perform all other services provided by our Federal Government.”
H.R. 3223 was approved by a vote of 407 to 0. It now goes to the United States Senate for its consideration.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352604,Rep. David Scott Urges an End to the Shutdown,2013-10-05,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. David Scott Urges an End to the Shutdown  
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Congressman David Scott joined 200 Democrats to send a letter to House Speaker Boehner demanding a vote on a clean budget to end the shutdown and fund the government. A vote on the legislation would open the entire federal government immediately. “After shutting down the government for a week, House Republicans refuse to allow an up or down vote on a clean budget,” said Congressman Scott. “Americans want to move forward and rebuild the economy. These reckless actions threaten to derail the economic recovery.”  Since the shutdown, House Democrats have tried seven times to bring up a vote on a clean continuing resolution, which would fund government at levels agreed to by both chambers of Congress and end the shutdown immediately. However, House Republicans blocked a vote on each of the Democrats’ measures.  “This is no way to govern and no way to run the largest economy in the world,” Congressman Scott said. “It’s time for House Republicans to allow for a bipartisan vote to end the shutdown and get our government working again for the American people.”  Every day the shutdown continues, it damages our economy. It halts loans to small businesses; stops government backed home mortgages; disrupts work at federal contractors; and furloughs 800,000 federal employees.  ###   
    
  
  
  
    
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https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175157/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/hank-helps-homeowners-prevent-foreclosures-2nd-homesafe-ga-event-2013,Hank helps homeowners prevent foreclosures with 2nd HomeSafe GA event in 2013,2013-10-05,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Johnson connects struggling homeowners with HomeSafe program, CredAbility counselors 
LITHONIA, GA – Local homeowners participated in Saturday’s HomeSafe Georgia foreclosure prevention event at Salem Bible Church in Lithonia hosted by Rep. Hank Johnson along with representatives from credit counseling agency CredAbility.
The event provided opportunities for homeowners to meet with counselors to see if they are eligible for HomeSafe Georgia or a loan modification.
HomeSafe is designed to provide temporary assistance to Georgia homeowners who are able and willing to work but have suffered a substantial income loss due to involuntary unemployment or underemployment.
More than two years ago, Georgia received $340 million from President Obama’s “Hardest Hit Fund”– known as HomeSafe in Georgia – to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosures. Johnson said at the time not enough was being done to get the word out and to get the funds where they are needed most.
Photo above:
Misty Martin of CredAbility speaks with a homeowner about the HomeSafe GA program and a loan modification during Rep. Johnson’s Save the Dream foreclosure prevention event at Salem Bible Church.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175243/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-urges-speaker-boehner-end-republican-shutdown,Rep. Johnson Urges Speaker Boehner to End the Republican Shutdown,2013-10-05,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), joined by 199 Democrats, sent a letter to House Speaker Boehner today demanding a vote on a piece of legislation that would end the shutdown and fund the government. A vote on the legislation would open the entire federal government immediately.
“Today marks the fifth day of the government shutdown and yet House Republicans continue to take our nation on their dangerous, ideological path that’s threatening job growth, leaving families with less security and our country with less certainty and stability,” said Rep. Johnson. “Our message is clear, we demand a vote to end the shutdown and reopen our entire government so Americans can move on with their lives.”
Since the shutdown, House Democrats have tried seven times to bring up a vote on the Senate-passed continuing resolution, which would fund government at levels passed by both chambers of Congress and end the shutdown immediately. However, House Republicans blocked a vote on each of the Democrats’ measures.
“House Republicans continue to drag out this damaging shutdown by voting a cynical, piecemeal approach to funding government,” said Johnson. “This is no way to govern and no way to run the largest economy in the world. It’s time for House Republicans to drop the political games and join Democrats to bring a vote to the floor immediately to end the shutdown and get our government working again for the American people.”
This unnecessary shutdown is having a devastating impact on our economy, costing more than $300 million in taxpayer dollars a day, halting much-needed loans to small businesses, and forcing roughly 800,000 federal employees that work hard to make our nation a safer and better place to live to be furloughed.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352348,Congressman Scott Asks to Fund the VA and Open the Government,2013-10-03,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday afternoon, Congressman Scott spoke from the House floor and asked the Republican leadership to open the government and fund the entire VA budget.  The Republican leadership has refused several times to allow an up or down vote on a clean budget to open the government. ...... Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).  Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the Republican Party is a party with such a rich legacy. It's the party of Abraham Lincoln, who saved this country; it's the party of Dwight David Eisenhower, who put the expressway and the interstate system together; it's the party of Everett Dirksen, and without him we wouldn't have the Civil Rights Act; it's the party of Ronald Reagan, who sat down with Tip O'Neill and put the great tax cut in that helped the economy; and it's the party of George Bush, who gave us Medicare part D.  I bring these things out because I believe if all of these gentlemen were here--each one of them--they would say to you, Please, let's cut this out. Let your leader, Mr. Boehner, bring a clear, clean CR for just 6 weeks. That's all we're asking.  This is what that leadership would be. This is what Mr. Boehner wanted to do. John Boehner is a decent man. That's what he wanted to do.  I urge you to do what is right. Honor the rich legacy of your party. If you want to honor the veterans who gave their lives to fight for us, they would say, Don't use us for a pawn here.  Open it all up for all America.  ........ VETERANS BENEFITS CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION, 2014 -- (House of Representatives - October 03, 2013)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221070329/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-fights-comprehensive-government-funding-bill-veterans-america,"CONGRESSMAN BISHOP FIGHTS FOR COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL FOR VETERANS, AMERICA",2013-10-03,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to fight for a Fiscal year (FY) 2014 Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds the entire federal government and keeps it open for all Americans. The measure under consideration, House Joint Resolution (H.J. Res.) 72, would have reduced veterans’ programs by $6.2 billion as compared to the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that was approved in June of 2013 by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 421 to 4. Under House rules, H.R. Res 72 failed to reach the necessary two-thirds vote to approve the measure and send it to the United States Senate for its consideration.
To view a video of Congressman Bishop’s floor remarks from yesterday evening, please click here.
For more information regarding the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, please click here.
 
Please note the transcript of Congressman Bishop’s floor remarks below:
“I yield myself such time as I may consume.
“Mr. Speaker, this I believe is really a fraud. This is just a part of the cynical game that has been played to justify keeping this government shut. The proposed rate of $2.5 billion is the same amount provided in the House-passed MilCon/VA bill earlier this summer, which passed 421 to 4. It is the same funding request level by the administration, and this CR does not touch or do anything for the remaining VA discretionary accounts.
“In fact, the CR fails to include $155 million for veterans’ benefits management system, it fails to include $136 million for the Veterans’ Claims Intake Program. These two programs are vital to speeding up the claims process, yet they’re not included. The medical research account: not included. Construction, major and minor: not included. Office of the Secretary, including the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, $438 million: not included. The VA Office of the Inspector General, $116 million: not included. The VA IT, [$3.68] billion: not included. Grants to state veterans’ homes, to state cemeteries, the National Cemetery Administration: not included.
“On June 4, we passed a full bill, a complete bill, a bipartisan bill, 421 to 4. Mr. Speaker, if this measure goes on to become law, which I doubt that it will, a majority of the federal government will still be shut down. For example, the Department of Defense will not have the material support needed to conduct training to ensure the readiness for the forces at home. Regular training exercises, including large-scale training rotations, depend on equipment that is in proper working order, facilities that have been properly maintained, and supplies needed to support the soldiers, the sailors, the marines, and the airmen in their training efforts. Under this bill, pay would still be denied to more than 42,500 federal law enforcement agencies and correctional workers at the Department of Justice, 4,000 weather forecasters and other National Weather Service employees. And other extreme weather events, we won’t have employees to protect us.
“Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress, we don’t have the luxury to pick and choose which parts of the federal government we want to fund. It’s our responsibility under the Constitution to fund the entire federal government. Let me repeat, the entire federal government. So instead of playing games, let the House of Representatives vote on a clean Senate CR and end this shutdown very quickly.
“I’m disappointed, I’m downright disgusted. I truly resent the way that those on the other side of the aisle are trying to use veterans as pawns in this cynical game of government shutdown. All we have to do is pass a clean CR. This CR, this budget, should not be a Democrat CR, it should not be a Republican CR, it should be an American CR for all of us. I urge that we defeat this cynical effort and we adopt a full clean CR. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.”
“I thank you very much. We live in the greatest country on the face of the earth. We enjoy freedoms that no – they enjoy no place else like in America. But freedom is not free. The freedoms we enjoy were bought with a price, and that was the price of the men and women who sacrificed, and I am very very saddened tonight that our colleagues would use and would hide behind the garment of sacrifice of those veterans and put forth a CR that does not fund, as the Senate CR does, the discretionary budget fully, the mandatory budget fully. But theirs, this CR will not. I urge the defeat of it, and let’s not allow them to hide behind the sacrifice of our veterans.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084555/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/house-republicans-don%E2%80%99t-seem-get-it,House Republicans don’t seem to get it,2013-10-03,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As seen in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. 
House Republicans control just one half of one of the three branches of government, but they tyrannically seek to impose their will on the majority by shutting down government unless we agree to stop Obamacare.
Love it or hate it, Obamacare is the law of the land. It was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Obama, declared constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court and ratified by a majority of Americans, who reelected the president for a second term.
The tea party extremist wing of the Republican house caucus is literally holding America hostage in a selfish and reckless attempt to undo what has been lawfully done. Shutting down the government unless Congress kills Obamacare – otherwise known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – would destroy the extension of affordable healthcare to 50 million uninsured or underinsured Americans. Its passage was won fair and square. This attempt to kill a hard-won victory by shutting down the government is undemocratic and destructive to the nation’s economic recovery, and it stains our image at home and abroad. It is also selfish and imprudent.
And this didn’t have to happen.
A resolution funding the government sits in the House awaiting a vote. If Republican leadership allowed a simple yes or no vote on the “clean” continuing resolution already passed by the Senate – it would pass and government could reopen. The funding of our government is the issue before us, not tired, old and parroted talking points that the ACA is a train wreck.
Even though they’ve already voted 45 times to defund or delay the health care law, this group of House Republicans is so obsessed with sabotaging the ACA that they’re willing to take the nation's economy hostage to do it.
And while the shutdown is bad enough, we now face the prospect that extremists will repeat this plot with the upcoming vote on raising the debt ceiling, which could cause the U.S. to default and create a global economic crisis.
The consequences of the shutdown are already being felt: 800,000 government employees thrown out of work, more than a million more without pay, offices that provide important services shuttered, and hungry children who depend on nutritional programs cut off from assistance.
Just as we’re recovering from the recession, some in Congress think it’s a good thing to shut down the government  to exact ideological demands – costing the nation $150 million a day and about $1 billion a week.
Why? So we can put insurance companies back in charge? So we can prevent 50 million Americans from getting affordable insurance? So insurance companies can discriminate against women and people with pre-existing conditions?
Since going live at midnight Oct. 1, healthcare.gov – a one-stop shop for the exchanges – has been visited more than 3 million times. Enrollment for 2014 has officially begun.
To all of this, my Republican colleagues say “no.” And of course they do so at the nation’s peril.
According to a new Quinnipiac poll, seventy-two percent of Americans are opposed to Congress shutting down the federal government to block implementation of the ACA. Nearly 60 percent of Americans reject cutting off funding to stop the law.
The myopic obsession of the tea party with destroying health care reform and wounding the president has led Republicans astray.
A new United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection poll shows a plurality of Americans say that causing political problems for President Obama is now the GOP’s top priority in Washington.
The American people understand. Why don’t House Republicans get it?
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352120,"Ag Panel Explores Ways to Improve Customer Protections, Avoid Another MF Global",2013-10-02,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ag Panel Explores Ways to Improve Customer Protections, Avoid Another MF Global   
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Today, Rep. K. Michael Conaway, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, and Ranking Member David Scott, held a fourth hearing on the future of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in advance of writing legislation to reauthorize the agency. The purpose of this hearing was to explore ways to improve customer protections and understand how best to avoid or prevent the collapse of another futures commission merchant (FCM) that disproportionately impacts farmers and ranchers in light of the failures at MF Global and PFG Best. ""Improving customer protections in futures markets is a topic that members on both sides of the aisle have been eager to explore for some time. For many of our constituents, the failure of MF Global and PFG Best added a new worry to their already overcrowded plate of concerns. An essential part of our job as lawmakers is to figure out the best way to restore confidence that an investor’s funds will always be safe, no matter what happens to other market participants. Our challenge is to put in place systems and processes that ensure mistakes are caught swiftly and wrongdoing is made exceptionally difficult. As we do so, we must examine whether the costs of new regulations outweigh the benefits to the marketplace,"" said Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX).  ""We must ensure that whatever regulatory regime the CFTC moves to put into place to protect our farmers, ranchers and co-ops in the future works well for all involved in the market by reducing risk and protecting customer funds without significantly raising the price of doing business. But, as we continue to place burdens upon the CFTC to do more and to do better, we must also ensure they have adequate fiscal support to do the tasks they’re charged with,"" said Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA).  This is expected to be the final hearing in the series on the future of the CFTC. The first one was a full committee hearing to gain perspectives from the market. The last two were subcommittee proceedings to hear from the CFTC Commissioners and end-users directly.  ###
    
  
  
  
    
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http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351964,New Affordable Health Insurance Options Begin Today for Georgians,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott announced that, beginning today, thousands of Georgians will have access to affordable, quality health insurance as new online Health Insurance Marketplaces open. “Starting today, my constituents can purchase affordable, quality health insurance through the new online Marketplace,” Rep. Scott said. “It’s your health choices, made simple. This new online Marketplace provides a very simple way to get health insurance: insurance that will meet your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget at any income level.”  In the new online Marketplace, Georgians who are looking for coverage will be able to shop among affordable choices. It is estimated that most of those shopping in the new Marketplace will qualify for discounts on their monthly premium, based on their income, which will make the premiums more affordable. There is no denial for pre-existing conditions, no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, and no higher rates for women compared to men.The open enrollment period for the first year of the Marketplaces runs from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014.  Georgians looking for health coverage should go to www.healthcare.gov and by putting in their state and zip code, they will be able to see and compare plans and premiums in our part of the state. If constituents have questions about the Marketplace, they can call 1-800-318-2596, a toll-free hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Because of the Affordable Care Act, 105 million Americans have already received access to free preventive services, 6.6 million seniors have saved more than $7 billion on their prescription drugs, and more than 100 million Americans have benefited from no longer having a lifetime limit on their coverage.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131109195228/http://johnlewis.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-john-lewis-federal-government-shutdown,Rep. John Lewis on Federal  Government Shutdown,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. John Lewis made this statement early this morning after the federal government was shutdown for the first time in 17 years:
 
                “I am very sorry that some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do not believe in government and the collective good it can do to help citizens, businesses and communities lead more humane, productive lives.  They do not share our democratic values and seem to feel compassion and support should not be extended to every citizen, but should be reserved for a privileged few.  They did not see fit to keep the federal government open to serve the millions of Americans who depend upon it.  And they had no regard for the over 700,000 federal employees and their families whose lives hang in the balance because of this reckless and unnecessary action.
 
                “Throughout the past years of budgetary and funding struggles, Democrats have made serious compromises and agreed to deep cuts to programs we believe need to be sustained in order to avoid reaching this kind of impasse.  But no serious concession was ever made on the other side.  We have fought very hard to defend Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare from attempts to end those programs as we know them.  We also fought, in this instance, to extend healthcare benefits to millions of Americans who currently have no access to coverage.
 
                “It is irresponsible for the House majority to allow the federal government to shutdown.  We must get back to the true work of governing, which involves fair negotiation and mutual compromise.  That’s what the American people expect and that is what they deserve.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221070401/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-government-shutdown,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) released a statement regarding the failure of Congress to pass a budget or ‘continuing resolution’ to fund the government and keep services open for all Americans:
“As you may have heard, rather than seek a bipartisan consensus, a small minority in the United States Congress resorted to brinksmanship at the eleventh hour in order to achieve their goals, forcing the government to shutdown. Frankly, I do not believe the Founders of our great nation intended for Congress to shun its constitutional and moral responsibility to keep the government operating for all Americans. It’s no wonder that the American people are mighty fed up.
“This partisan bickering is threatening the livelihoods of millions of Americans, rattling the stock market, threatening investments, and potentially disrupting our long-term economic recovery. Locally, many vital services that veterans, seniors, families, small business, and our communities rely on for healthcare, education, and economic development will be delayed. Federal offices have closed and many hard-working Americans are going unpaid.
“Everyday Americans employed by the Federal Government will be met with hardship at work and at home. Rent, taxes, mortgages, children’s tuition, food, and travel all will be impacted as paychecks are delayed. As hundreds of thousands of employees wait for their pay, local economies and communities will feel the brunt of Congress’ failure to pass a funding bill.
“Recalling the lessons we learned after the last government shutdown in 1995-1996, I remember first-hand how it affected Middle and Southwest Georgia. It didn’t make sense then and it surely doesn’t make sense now. I remain hopeful that we can stop this manufactured crisis and end this Republican government shutdown for the good of the American people.”
As a guide on affected government programs, please note the designations below on what services will be affected during this government shutdown:
U.S. Military:
Nearly 1.4 million active duty military personnel deployed at home and overseas defending our nation’s interests will be paid for their work during the shutdown, but civilian employees are subject to furloughs.
Federal Workers:
Hundreds of thousands of Federal employees are immediately and indefinitely furloughed, and many Federal employees and contractors that continue to work will not be paid during the shutdown, including many at Fort Benning, the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, and Robins Air Force Base.
National Parks and Museums:
All national parks and federal wildlife refuges are closed for the duration of the shutdown, including the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and the Andersonville National Historic Site. About 9 million visitors were turned away from parks, museums, and monuments run by the National Park Service in the mid-1990s, the last time the government shut down temporarily.
Head Start:
19,000 children have been left without Head Start Services.
Housing:
Housing loans to low and middle income families in rural and urban communities are put on hold, as will start-up business loans for farmers and ranchers.
Jobs and Small Business:
SBA will stop approving applications for small businesses to obtain loans and loan guarantees. In a typical month, SBA approves over $1 billion in loan assistance to small businesses. Army Corps of Engineers construction has stopped, hurting private companies, preventing job creation, and forcing closure or reduced hours for 2,500 Corps of Engineers Sites.
Veterans Services:
Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue, though they may be delayed due to furloughs. Additionally, VA claim processor’s output could drop from 6500 to 4500 claims a day, decreasing the VA’s effectiveness of cutting into its claims backlog. Operators will continue to staff the crisis hotline and claims workers will still process payments to cover disability and pension benefits. Those veterans appealing the denial of disability benefits to the Board of Veterans Appeals will have to wait longer for a decision because the Board will not issue any decisions during a shutdown.
Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security:
Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other mandatory programs will not be affected for existing recipients, though providers’ payments to doctors and hospitals may be delayed. Processing of new applications and other administrative duties may be delayed due to furloughs.
Science:
Important government research into life-threatening diseases, environmental protection, and other areas would be halted. NASA will furlough almost all of its employees, but it will continue to keep workers at Mission Control in Houston and elsewhere to support the International Space Station.
Mail:
Deliveries would continue as usual because the U.S. Postal Service receives no tax dollars for day-to-day operations. It relies on income from stamps and other postal fees to operate.
Courts:
Federal courts will continue to operate normally for about 10 business days after the start of a shutdown. If the shutdown continues, the judiciary will have to begin furloughs of employees whose work is not considered essential. Cases will continue to be heard. The U.S. Supreme Court also is scheduled to begin its new term on October 7. In previous government shutdowns, it continued to operate as normal.
For more information, please refer to the Congressional Research Service guide, “Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects.”
###
 
Please click here to access my guide, Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221111356/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-1st-annual-tri-city-latino-festival,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON 1ST ANNUAL TRI-CITY LATINO FESTIVAL,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today in recognition of the First Annual Tri-City Latino Festival, which was held on September 21, 2013 in Columbus, Georgia:
“The First Annual Tri-City Latino Festival was a magnificent success and the beginning of a wonderful new tradition in the tri-city area of Columbus, Georgia; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Phenix City, Alabama. Our area has long had an exigent need for an event such as this to promote and celebrate the diversity within the area. I am looking forward to joining in on the festivities for years to come.”
Congressman Bishop submitted a statement to the Congressional Record and it was presented to the founders, Columbus City Councilor Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson and Mr. Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion, at the event. The text of the Congressional Record Statement can be found below.
###
 
Congressional Record Statement
In Celebration of the 1st Annual Tri-City Latino Festival in Columbus, Georgia
Mr. Bishop (GA) – Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the start of a new tradition in Columbus, Georgia, the 1st Annual Tri-City Latino Festival, which will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the South Commons at 400 4th Street in Columbus, Georgia. The festival is being supported by the tri-city area of Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. The festival will celebrate diversity within the Latino cultures found in the tri-city communities.
The Tri-City Latino Festival came about from a vision to unite people from all walks of life for one unique purpose. This dream was shared by Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion and Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson and together, they began working to make it a reality. They brought on Carlos Huertas and created a board of members to form a plan of action. Unfortunately, a number of difficulties arose and the board faded out of existence. But the original members were persistent. After overcoming these obstacles, they formed a new group and consulted with Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson, who was enthusiastic about supporting the event.
Unfortunately, another obstacle presented itself and the event had to be cancelled again. However, the group brought on Roberto “Tito” Aron to contribute his talents and expertise. The group consulted with the Panamanian Association of Columbus, Georgia, who was thrilled to sponsor the event, and the planning continued in full force, culminating in this magnificent occasion.
The Tri-City Latino Festival will kick off with a 5k Run at 10:00 a.m. There will be an opening ceremony at noon, followed by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament, Señorita beauty contest, Zumba demonstration and dominoes tournament. There will also be art displays by local high schools and a Kid’s Zone for children. In the evening, there will be a main show by an international recording artist, followed by cultural dances, a dance contest, and performances by local and international musical groups. It is sure to be a day filled with innovative, vibrant and enjoyable displays of Latino art, talent and culture. 
The tri-city area has long had an exigent need for an event such as this. A large number of Hispanic countries are represented in the tri-city area, and this is a great opportunity to educate the community about them and celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures.
Our nation is struggling today because of inefficient and ineffective laws from the past, a disagreement about how to address the consequences, and a divided interest in what is best for the future of America. These incongruities have a harsh effect on the lives of millions of people every day. A mother worries she will be separated from her children, a father puts in long, grueling hours of hard labor just to put food on the table, a high school graduate is denied the chance to go to college, all because they are unable to become citizens or legal residents of the country they call home.
In the past year, our nation has taken a step forward in trying to repair our immigration system and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. We cannot afford to lose the momentum we’ve gained and many working immigrant families cannot afford to continue to live in uncertainty. It is imperative that we continue working to keep the American dream in reach for all those who seek it.
A Spanish proverb often cited says, “A mal tiempo, buena cara” or “in bad weather, a head held high.” I believe this proverb is very accurate of the Latino people here in our area. In the face of adversity, they keep their good spirits and work harder, push longer, and believe greater. 
I am proud to be a part of an area that thrives on its diversity and unites members of the community to honor the struggle, sacrifice and success of their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This partnership between Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning has fostered the spirit of community that is so deeply anchored in these ancestral roots.
 Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the residents of Columbus and Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama as they come together to celebrate the 1st Annual Tri-City Latino Festival. This spirited celebration is sure to be the beginning of a great tradition that brings people of all walks of life together to celebrate diversity, to rejoice at how far we have come as a society, and to reflect upon how far we have yet to go.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175326/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-highlights-scientific-evidence-human-influence-climate-change,Rep. Johnson Highlights Scientific Evidence of Human Influence on Climate Change,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia’s 4th District and a member of the Safe Climate Caucus spoke on the House floor Sept. 27 on the IPCC report findings that human influence has been the dominant cause of climate change.  The Safe Climate Caucus is a group of Democratic members who highlight the need for action on climate change through daily floor speeches and other activities.  Click here to watch Rep. Johnson’s speech and see below for a full transcript:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Safe Climate Caucus.  How much longer will the Republicans deny the science of climate change?
Today, the world’s leading climate change scientists said that it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of climate change and, in fact, just reading last night in the BBC, there is an article about a UN report that finds that with 95% certainty mankind has contributed mightily to climate change.
Last week, scientists from Stanford and Purdue University found that the eastern and central United States will likely see more severe weather by the middle of this century due to climate change. Despite this overwhelming evidence, Republicans proudly proclaim themselves as science deniers. 
When will my colleagues take their heads out of the sand and work with Democrats to preserve our climate and economy for the future?
I yield back.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221074758/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-continuing-resolution-0,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2013-09-30,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02), the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies opposed House Amendments to Senate Amendment to House Joint Resolution (H.J. Res.) 59, the Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. The measure, as amended, links the continued funding for most government operations through December 15, 2013 to a one-year delay of key provisions of the Affordable Care Act. In addition, H.J. Res. 59 continues the harmful sequester cuts to vital programs affecting veterans, students, senior citizens, and low-income children. The amendment pertaining to delaying the implementation of the Affordable Care Act was approved by a vote of 231 to 192, although both the United States Senate and the President have indicated that they will oppose the CR with its inclusion.
“The American people are mighty fed up with this partisan bickering, which is threatening the livelihoods of millions of Americans and will potentially disrupt our economic recovery,” said Congressman Bishop. “Rather than seeking bipartisan consensus, a small minority in the United States Congress have resorted to brinksmanship in the eleventh hour in order to achieve their goals. I do not believe the Founders of our great nation intended for Congress to shun our Constitutional and moral responsibility to fund the government. And so, instead of this dangerous course of action, it is time for us to work together and do the job the American people expect us to do.”
If the FY 2014 Continuing Resolution is not enacted into law by the beginning of the fiscal year at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, the federal government will shut down and more than 800,000 federal workers would face furloughs. Nearly 1.4 million active duty military personnel deployed at home and overseas also would not receive their paychecks.
In addition, closing the federal government would lead to the closure of our own nation’s 401 national parks; the disruption of veterans disability payments; the suspension of approval of Small Business Administration loan applications; and a shortage of funds for food and nutritional support for millions of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. Furthermore the cost to taxpayers of a government shutdown would be $150 million per day.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175354/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/advisory-rep-johnson-fighting-foreclosures-2013-%E2%80%98save-dream%E2%80%99-event,ADVISORY: Rep. Johnson fighting foreclosures with 2013 ‘Save the Dream’ event,2013-09-30,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Johnson, CredAbility, DCA are hosting community event to help struggling homeowners
LITHONIA, GA – On Saturday, Oct. 5, Congressman Hank Johnson is hosting a community event to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure.
In conjunction with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ HomeSafe Georgia program and certified credit counselors CredAbility, Rep. Johnson is holding the free events to help struggling homeowners.  The event will be held at Salem Bible Church in Lithonia, 5460 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058.
Since 2011 more than 700 homeowners in the Fourth District have been approved for HomeSafe resulting in nearly $14 million in relief, more than any other congressional district in Georgia. Rep. Johnson held his first Save the Dream event of 2013 on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Conyers. This is the Congressman’s sixth foreclosure prevention event since 2009.
“Our goal is to help more than 18,000 Georgians save the most significant investment they will ever make – their home,” said Rep. Johnson. “The event Saturday is a good place to continue our work helping homeowners who qualify. But more must be done.”
HomeSafe is designed to provide temporary assistance to Georgia homeowners who have suffered a substantial income loss due to involuntary unemployment or underemployment and who are able and willing to work.
The event will also provide opportunities for homeowners to meet with counselors to see if they are eligible for a loan modification through the federal Making Home Affordable program. To pre-qualify and to register for the Oct. 5 event, participants can call CredAbility at 404-653-8833.
WHO:        Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), DCA, CredAbility, U.S. Treasury.  WHAT:     “Saving the Dream” Foreclosure Prevention Event  WHEN:      Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  WHERE:    Salem Bible Church, 5460 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia, GA 30058  MARTA:     MARTA Bus 111 to Panola Road and Hillandale Drive
##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175434/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/hank-holds-homesafe-ga-foreclosure-prevention-event-conyers,Hank holds HomeSafe Ga. foreclosure prevention event in Conyers,2013-09-28,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Johnson connects struggling homeowners with HomeSafe program, HUD-approved counselors 
CONYERS, GA – More than 100 homeowners participated in Saturday’s HomeSafe Georgia foreclosure prevention event at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers hosted by Rep. Hank Johnson, along with representatives from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and HUD-approved counseling agency D&E.
HomeSafe is designed to provide temporary assistance to Georgia homeowners who are able and willing to work but have suffered a substantial income loss due to involuntary unemployment or underemployment.
The event also provided opportunities for homeowners to meet with counselors to see if they are eligible for a loan modification.
“We want everyone who attended, regardless of their situation, to be armed with knowledge and hope that they need to save their home,” Johnson said from Washington, D.C., where he is dealing with government funding issues this weekend. “That is our mission and our goal. Don’t’ give up – see this process through. We want everyone who attended to be optimistic and prayerful that they received the help they needed today.”
More than two years ago, Georgia received $340 million from President Obama’s “Hardest Hit Fund”– known as HomeSafe in Georgia – to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosures.
Johnson said at the time not enough was being done to get the word out and to get the funds where they are needed most. Rep. Johnson has since held four events promoting the HomeSafe GA program.
Rep. Johnson will hold his next foreclosure prevention event Saturday, Oct. 5 at Salem Bible Church in Lithonia.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175525/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-announces-920000-cops-grant-dekalb-county-pd,"Rep. Johnson announces $920,000 COPS grant for DeKalb County PD",2013-09-27,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman: Federal funds to help county hire 10 additional officers
LITHONIA, GA — Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, announced today that the DeKalb County Police Department will receive a $920,000 grant from Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office to hire 10 additional police officers.
It is part of funding awards that will go to 263 cities and counties, aimed at creating 937 law enforcement positions. More than $125 million will be awarded across the country, including nearly $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions. 
“There isn’t anything we do that is more important than supporting local law enforcement and giving them the tools needed to keep our communities safe,” said Johnson, who has voted to protect the COPS program against budget cuts and provided a letter of support for the DeKalb COPS grant. “These funds will help protect our children while they’re at school.”
“In the wake of past tragedies, it’s clear that we need to be willing to take all possible steps to ensure that our kids are safe when they go to school,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.
“These critical investments represent the Justice Department's latest effort to strengthen key law enforcement capabilities, and to provide communities with the resources they need to protect our young people. Especially in a time of increased challenges and limited budgets, our top priority must always be the safety and well-being of our children.”
DeKalb Police Chief Cedric Alexander said the COPS funding would go a long way in boosting the county’s law enforcement efforts.
“The continued support from our federal partners strengthens the efforts of this department to protect the community, and additional officers on the street is a crucial component to combating crime,” said Chief Alexander.
Since 1995, the COPS program has invested more than $180 million in Georgia law enforcement agencies, which was used to hire more than 2,500 officers and provide more than $25 million in technology upgrades.
Since 2007, Rep. Johnson – a longtime supporter of the COPS program – has helped his district receive nearly $5 million in COPS grants that were used to hire more than 30 additional police officers. In 2012, Johnson helped Newton County receive a $900,000 grant for seven additional officers.
Rep. Johnson has been fighting for local funds for law enforcement since he introduced a bill in 2007 to reauthorize Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program in addition to protecting COPS funding.
For more information, visit http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164252/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-passing-mrs-evelyn-lowery,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF MRS. EVELYN LOWERY,2013-09-26,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sep 26, 2013                        
                  
        
        
        
        
  
    
    
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released a statement regarding the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Lowery, wife of the Reverend Joseph Lowery.
“Mrs. Evelyn Lowery was an extraordinary woman. Her quiet leadership made a profound impact on the nation and the world,” said Congressman Bishop. “Not only was she a pillar of strength with love and devotion for Rev. Lowery and his work with the Civil Rights Movement, but her leadership and support of women in the Movement reflected her personal commitment to gender equality as part of the larger Human Rights Movement. Our prayers go out to Dr. Joseph Lowery and his family during this difficult time.”
Mrs. Lowery founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference/Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now, Inc. (SCLC/W.O.M.E.N.). Through the organization, she created the Drum Major for Justice Award, an annual award recognizing outstanding people who have made contributions to social justice. She led the establishment of monuments in various parts of Alabama to honor those who were instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement. In addition, she spearheaded many education and awareness projects and programs. Mrs. Evelyn Lowery passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2013. Funeral arrangements are pending.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175606/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnson-evelyn-lowery-wife-civil-rights-leader-joseph-e-lowery,"Rep. Hank Johnson on Evelyn Lowery, the wife of civil rights leader Joseph E. Lowery",2013-09-26,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on news of the death of Evelyn Lowery, the wife of civil rights leader Joseph E. Lowery:  
	   
	“Mrs. Lowery was a devoted mother, wife and friend who exemplified the strength of purpose that has marked the life that she and Dr. Lowery built and shared throughout their more than 65 years of marriage. Her life’s work fighting AIDS, preserving history, protecting the health and welfare of our communities and her tireless efforts strengthening black families is her legacy. America has lost a great patriot for truth and justice. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Dr. Lowery, their children, and the family.”  
	   
	###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301094010/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-passing-mrs-evelyn-lowery,Rep. John Lewis on Passing of Mrs. Evelyn Lowery,2013-09-26,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. John Lewis made this statement upon hearing about the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, the devoted wife of the Reverend Joseph Lowery and the founder of the SCLC Women, Inc. and the Drum Major for Justice awards.
            “When I heard that Mrs. Evelyn Lowery had passed, I was actually chairing a Whip meeting for the Democratic Caucus in the U.S. Capitol.   I asked all the members to stop for a moment of silence in her honor.  Mrs. Lowery was a pillar of our community, a valuable participant in the struggle for civil rights, and an admired role model to the young people she mentored. 
She supported her husband in all his work, but she was a leader in her own right, born into the struggle through the activism of her parents in Memphis, Tennessee.
A few years ago, she organized a campaign, called the Drum Major for Justice Award, which commemorates some of the participants in the Civil Rights Movement by placing markers that help to tell their stories.   Among the awardees were the Rev. James Orange, the Rev. Hosea Williams, Viola Liuzzo and other non-violent soldiers who sacrificed a great deal for the cause of civil rights and social justice.  Her steadfast devotion to her husband was admirable, and her unwavering commitment to the issues of social justice will be hard to replace.  Mrs. Lowery will be deeply missed.”
 
                                                                                                ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=350956,Mental Health Coverage and the Affordable Care Act,2013-09-25,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, adults with mental illness lack coverage at significantly higher rates than those without mental illness. In addition, about a quarter of young adults between the ages of 19-25 are uninsured during the years that many will experience their first mental health condition. Plans in the health insurance Marketplace include mental health and substance use disorder services. This includes behavioral health treatment, counseling, and psychotherapy. Under the Affordable Care Act, you cannot be denied insurance due to a preexisting conditions such as a mental health condition. For more information about how the Affordable Care Act can help you or your loved ones obtain mental health coverage, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350919,Georgia Health Insurance Marketplace - Lower than Expected Premiums,2013-09-25,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"A new report released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that in Georgia, consumers will see increased competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace, leading to new and affordable choices for consumers. According to the report, Georgians will be able to choose from an average of 50 health plans in the Marketplace. Premiums nationwide will also be around 16 percent lower than originally expected before taking financial assistance into account. “I am pleased to hear that the Georgia Marketplace will offer lower premiums than originally projected,” said Congressman David Scott. “Consumers have often been denied or priced-out of quality health insurance options, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act, new affordable coverage options are affordable.”  Starting October 1, the new Marketplace will be open for millions of Americans to purchase health insurance coverage in one place. Consumers will be able to find out whether they qualify for premium assistance and compare plans side-by-side based on pricing, quality and benefit levels. No one can be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition. The new insurance coverage begins as early as January 1, 2014.  Georgians will have an average of 50 qualified health plan choices. Plans in the Marketplace will be categorized as either “gold,” “silver,” or “bronze.” Young adults will also have the added option of purchasing a “catastrophic” plan. In Georgia, the average premium for the lowest-cost silver plan will be $304 and for the lowest cost bronze plan it will be $265.  Premium and plan options are broken down by state where information is available. For example, the report shows that a 27-year old living in Georgia who makes $25,000 per year will pay $103 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking tax credits into account. For a family of four in Georgia with an income of $50,000 per year, the lowest bronze plan would cost only $132 per month.  In metro Atlanta, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $105 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. For a family of four in metro Atlanta with an income of $50,000 per year, the lowest bronze plan would cost only $138 per month. And Atlanta-area consumers will be able to choose from among 68 qualified health plans.  Consumers can get help finding Marketplace coverage through a number of different resources. They can get more information through www.HealthCare.gov or they can call 1-800-318-2596 toll free (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to speak with a trained customer service representative.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164512/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-introduces-bipartisan-best-practices-act,Rep. Johnson introduces bipartisan BEST Practices Act,2013-09-25,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Legislation updates battlefield trauma training methods phasing out live animals use; Sen. Ron Wyden introduces Senate version
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced a bipartisan bill today addressing the use of live animals in military battlefield trauma training exercises.
The Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training Practices Act of 2013 (H.R. 3172) or BEST Practices Act, prohibits the use of animals in live combat trauma injury and chemical and biological training after 2016.
Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) submitted the corresponding Senate bill.
“The BEST Practices Act provides a framework for the Department of Defense to phase out its use of animal-based training in favor of superior, human-based simulator technologies that have made great strides in the last decade,” said Rep. Johnson. “Using pigs and goats in live battlefield training is not the best option for our troops, and is inhumane treatment of animals.”
According to Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the U.S. military uses about 8,500 animals every year in its combat trauma training courses.
“It’s wrong to kill animals when better training methods exist,” Wyden said. “Today’s technology can provide extremely life-like training simulations that better represent the anatomy of a soldier and more realistically simulate the conditions on the battlefield. The Department of Defense should phase out the use of live animals in favor of more realistic and humane technologies that will provide better overall trauma training.”
Civilian trauma center directors have found that operating on an anesthetized, unconscious goat or pig doesn’t adequately prepare medical professionals for treating human traumas. Overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates the same. Many studies have found that simulators are as good or better at training doctors for real-world situations.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164332/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-continuing-resolution,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2013-09-24,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) opposed House Joint Resolution (H. J. Res.) 59, The Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. The legislation linked the continued funding for most government operations through December 15, 2013 to permanently defunding the Affordable Care Act. In addition, H. J. Res. 59 continues the harmful sequester cuts to vital programs affecting veterans, students, senior citizens, and low-income children. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the continuance of sequestration will cost the nation up to 1.6 million jobs by the end of FY 2014 and seriously harm the economy. The legislation was approved by a vote of 230 to 189.
“Our nation’s economy and the continued functioning of the federal government should not be held hostage to proponents of sequestration and defunding health reform,” said Congressman Bishop. “I remain hopeful that cooler heads ultimately will prevail and a clean continuing resolution that simply funds the government without any harmful provisions soon will be enacted. The American people deserve better than this partisan brinksmanship.”
Defunding the Affordable Care Act would wreak havoc on millions of seniors, people with disabilities, children, and pregnant women by disrupting provider payments under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It also would end the Medicare benefit improvements enacted under the health care law such as additional prescription drug coverage, the annual wellness exam, and free preventive care.
In addition, continuing the sequester cuts for FY 2014 would mean a significant degradation of our military’s readiness, five million fewer meals to low-income seniors through Meals on Wheels, 57,000 fewer children in Head Start and Early Head Start, and a $1.5 billion reduction in life saving research at the National Institutes of Health.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205163659/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-johnson-hold-affordable-care-act-info-event-clarkston,Rep. Johnson to hold Affordable Care Act info event in Clarkston,2013-09-21,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA – On Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will hold a free information event on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at Georgia Piedmont Technical College on North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkson.
Small business owners and individuals can receive help applying for health insurance through the marketplace exchanges created under the ACA. Certified community health centers and navigators will assist qualified applicants.
“It is essential that we take advantage of the opportunity to be in touch with our constituents about the ACA, to explain and help implement the law so the American people can finally have affordable, quality and accessible health care,” said Rep. Johnson. “The Affordable Care Act is about securing affordable, quality and accessible health care as a right, not a privilege, for every American; yet it is also about wellness and prevention, economic security and entrepreneurship, the well-being of working families and the strength of the middle class.”
WHO:  Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Dept. of Health & Human Services, Georgians for a Healthy Future, Oakhurst Medical Center, AARP, American Cancer Society, Grady Hospital, Small Business Majority and Georgia Voices.
WHAT:   2013 Affordable Care Act Healthcare Information Event
WHEN:   Friday, Oct 18, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE:   Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021.
FOR MORE:  HANKJOHNSON.HOUSE.GOV
VIDEO: http://youtu.be/rHDYyO_mW-s
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=350980,History of 225 Cannon Office Building,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott currently uses 225 Cannon House Office Building as the office for the constituents of the 13th Congressional District. The Cannon Building, completed in 1908, is the oldest congressional office building and is a significant example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture. After the Cannon Building opened in 1908, all members of the House of Representatives had an office for the first time. Before the Cannon Building, some committee chairmen used their committee room as an office, but most members worked at their desk in the House Chamber.The Office of the Clerk researched the history of 225 Cannon and found some notable occupants, including former Vice President Dick Cheney.  You can research past Members of Congress on the Clerk's website. 225 Cannon occupantsCharles Tirrell of Massachusetts 1909-1910 
John Mitchell of Massachusetts 1911 
Frank Wood of Iowa 1909-1919 
George Lindsay of New York 1909-1913 
John Moore of Texas 1911-1913 
Harry Dale of New York 1913-1919 
Robert Thomas of Kentucky 1913-1915 
William Rodenberg of Illinois 1915-1922 
Christian Ramseyer of Iowa 1919-1932 
Charles Faust of Missouri 1924-1925 
Edward Fenn of Connecticut 1926-1931 
Charles Millard of New York 1932 
Charles Underhill of New York 1932 
Edward Kelly of Illinois 1933-1942 
John Burke of California 1933-1934 
James McAndrews of Illinois 1935-1940 
Alfred Beiter of New York 1941 
Robert Rockwell of Colorado 1942-1944 
Winifred Stanley of New York 1943-1944 
Michael Mansfield of Montana 1945-1948 
- Senate Majority Leader, serving sixteen years, from 1961 until his retirement in 1977, (longest-serving Majority Leader)  
- Senate Majority Whip under Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson from 1957 to 1961. 
John Sheridan of Pennsylvania 1945-1946 
Angier Goodwin of Massachusetts 1947 
Harold Donohue of Massachusetts 1948-1960 
Theodore Irving of Missouri 1949 
Earl Chudhoff of Pennsylvania 1950-1956 
Harry Haskell, Jr., of Delaware 1957-1958 
Cornelius Gallagher of New Jersey 1959-1966 
Richard Schweiker of Pennsylvania 1961-1962 
Louis Wyman of New Hampshire 1963-1964 
James Howard of New Jersey 1965-1968 
Joe Skubitz of Kansas 1967-1968 
John Wydler of New York 1969-1970 
Nick Galifianakis of North Carolina 1971-1972 
-uncle of comedian Zach Galifianakis 
Wilmer Mizell of North Carolina 1973-1974 
James Jones of Oklahoma 1975-1978 
John LaFalce of New York 1979-1980 
Dick Cheney of Wyoming 1981-1986 
-House Minority Whip 
-Chairman of the House Republican Conference. 
-Vice President 
William Lowery of California 1987-1988 
Douglas Bosco of California 1989-1990 
Richard Ray of Georgia 1991-1992 
-Mayor, Perry, Georgia 
-Administrative Assistant to Senator Sam Nunn 
James McCrery III of Louisiana 1993-1996 
Robert Franks of New Jersey 1997-2000 
Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey 2001-2006 
Timothy Bishop of New York 2007-2008 
David Scott of Georgia 2009-Present",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221071126/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-votes-against-increasing-hunger-america,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP VOTES AGAINST INCREASING HUNGER IN AMERICA,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) opposed increasing hunger in America by voting against H.R. 3102, the “Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act,” which will cut basic food aid (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) by nearly $40 billion over ten years, denying nutrition assistance for nearly 4 million Americans next year. The measure was passed by a vote of 217 to 210.
“This legislation is wrong on many levels. It literally takes food out of the mouths of the hungry; ultimately harming children, seniors, veterans, Americans looking for work, and our nation’s most vulnerable,” said Congressman Bishop. “Plainly stated, this bill is all pain and no gain. Voting against these draconian cuts was the right thing to do.”
It is estimated that the “Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act” will cause between four and six million low-income individuals lose their SNAP benefits entirely. As many as 210,000 children could potentially lose their school meals and 850,000 households could see their benefits slashed by an average of $90 per month. In Georgia’s Second Congressional District, over 62,000 households (or 24.9%) received SNAP benefits in 2011. Many of them could be in jeopardy of reduced benefits or a loss of benefits altogether if these cuts are enacted.
For the past 50 years, the Farm Bill has included agriculture subsidies and nutrition assistance. There is an economic reason for including nutritional assistance in the Farm Bill. For example, every time SNAP benefits are claimed, grocers, banks, and farmers benefit from the food eaten and commerce stimulated. Moody’s Analytics estimates that for every $1 spent on SNAP, $1.70 is generated in economic activity. Directly translated, $40 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would cut economic output by $68 billion.
“Not only does this bill disadvantage those among us who need the assistance the most, it does it in a ‘penny wise but pound foolish’ fashion, benefitting no one at the end of the day,” concluded Congressman Bishop.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221114221/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-celebrates-hispanic-heritage-month,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15:
“Each year, Americans join together during National Hispanic Heritage Month in celebration of the countless positive contributions of the Latino community throughout the history of our great nation.
“Whether it’s the veteran who has fought on our front lines, the construction worker who helped to build our home, the doctor who cares for the ill, or the small business owner who provides goods and services to the community, Latinos have helped build our nation from the ground up and continue to be an integral part of the fabric of this nation. 
“In the past year, our nation has taken a step forward in trying to repair our immigration system and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. We cannot afford to lose the momentum we’ve gained, nor can working immigrant families, Latino or otherwise, afford to continue to live in uncertainty. Every day that our country doesn’t act on immigration reform hinders our efforts to pursue enhanced innovation, greater job creation, faster economic recovery, and more secure communities.
“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us look back to honor the invaluable contributions of the Latino community as well as look forward to working to keep the American dream in reach for all those who seek it. Our nation was built upon the strong values and democratic principles of our ancestors from all walks of life. Our vibrant ethnic diversity is a large part of what makes the United States of America the greatest nation in the world.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175719/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/advisory-rep-johnson-hold-senior-meet-greet-snellville-city-hall-0,Advisory: Rep. Johnson to hold Senior Meet & Greet at Snellville City Hall,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA – On Monday, Sept. 23, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will hold a Meet & Greet for senior citizens at Snellville City Hall on Oak Road.
The event will help seniors navigate through the often confusing and complicated process of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, IRS and the Veterans Administration. Officials from each department will be on hand to assist seniors.
“Helping constituents, especially our seniors, solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day,” said Rep. Johnson, who received 100 percent scorecard by the Alliance for Retired Americans.
“I’m proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority.”
Since taking office in 2007, Rep. Johnson has held more than a dozen senior meetings throughout his district in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton and Gwinnett counties.
WHO:            Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), officials from Social Security, Medicare and the VA.
WHAT:          2013 Senior Meet & Greet
WHEN:           Monday, Sept. 23, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m.
WHERE:          Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, GA 30078.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221080732/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-regarding-navy-yard-shooting,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT REGARDING NAVY YARD SHOOTING,2013-09-18,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding Monday’s tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard:
“The horrific events that unfolded at the Washington Navy Yard yesterday mark a tragic time for our nation. I offer my condolences to the families of those men and women killed yesterday, and my thoughts remain with the injured and their loved ones.
I thank all the brave law enforcement officials who worked diligently to secure the area and prevent any further instances of violence during yesterday’s prolonged periods of uncertainty following the shootings. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to stand with the members of our armed forces and all those affected by this tragedy during this difficult time and in the future.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164402/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-fights-pecan-industry,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP FIGHTS FOR PECAN INDUSTRY,2013-09-18,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, stood in support of Georgia’s pecan industry in regards to unfair tariff discrepancies. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, Congressman Bishop called for fair pricing of pecan imports from the United States to India.
“There is a disturbing discrepancy between import tariff rates which have been applied by India to various tree nuts. U.S. growers have visited India, met with potential buyers and participated in trade shows, yet they continue to find the current tariff rate a major barrier to U.S. pecans entering India,” wrote Congressman Bishop. “As part of the upcoming discussions with India’s Prime Minister, I would be grateful for your efforts to urge India to lower their import tariff rates on U.S. pecans. With lower rates, India could be as important of a market for U.S. pecans as China.”
“The opportunity to export pecans to India with a reduced tariff could contribute millions of dollars to the rural economy of Georgia and the other 14 pecan producing states,” said Randy Hudson, President of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association.
Commercially produced in 15 states, pecans are the only native tree nut grown in the United States. Approximately 80% of the world’s pecan production is located in the United States. U.S. growers produced 125,000 tons of pecans in 2011, with almost half the U.S. market exported to other countries. Congressman Bishop’s district, the Second Congressional District of Georgia, is the largest pecan producing Congressional District in the nation.
To view the letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, please click here.
 
The full text of the letter is as follows:
 
The Honorable Michael Froman
United State Trade Representative
600 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C.   20508
Dear Ambassador Froman:
As the Member of Congress representing the largest pecan-producing Congressional District in the United States, I would like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention a major problem facing American pecan growers with respect to trade with India. 
There is a disturbing discrepancy between import tariff rates which have been applied by India to various tree nuts. Other U.S. tree nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, enter India at a tariff rate of 10 percent or less, while U.S. pecans face a tariff rate of 36.26 percent. U.S. growers have visited India, met with potential buyers and participated in trade shows, yet they continue to find the current tariff rate a major barrier to U.S. pecans entering India. The industry believes that the potential for U.S. pecan exports to India compare to our current pecan exports to China which totaled over 22,000 tons in 2011. With an annual growth in GDP of 8.5 percent and a rising middle class, India represents to the pecan industry a very large potential market.
As you may be aware, pecans are the only native tree nut grown in the United States and are produced commercially in 15 states. Approximately 80% of the world’s pecan production is located in the United States. U.S. growers produced 125,000 tons of pecans in 2011, with almost half the U.S. market exported to other countries. Our pecan growers have successfully used the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program to expand exports, especially to China, which is currently the largest foreign market for U.S. pecans.
As part of the upcoming discussions with India’s Prime Minister, I would be grateful for your efforts to urge India to lower their import tariff rates on U.S. pecans.  With lower rates, India could be as important of a market for U.S. pecans as China.
With warmest personal regards, I remain,
Sincerely,
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
Member of Congress
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221080804/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-statement-911-anniversary,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON 9/11 ANNIVERSARY,2013-09-12,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today to commemorate the 12th anniversary of 9/11:
“The tragic and heartbreaking events of 9/11, which destroyed so many American lives and affected so many families, have irreversibly affected the United States of America. But instead of cowering in fear of the darkness that might engulf the heart of America, our nation stood strong and bound together, confident that we could overcome any challenge. From the heroism of our first responders to the bravery of our service members to the fortitude of the everyday American, our resilience shone a light through the dust of 9/11, through today and into the future.
Our great nation continues to persevere in the face of global threats to Democracy and our American resolve. It remains as important as ever for the American people to stand together as a nation as well as for each individual to give thanks for the family, friends, and close ones we hold dear. Despite our differences, we must reflect on the experiences surrounding and following 9/11 and continue to work together to push our great nation forward. 
As a Member of Congress, I will continue to bear in mind the lessons learned from 9/11; work to ensure the protection and security of our citizenry; and stand with our police, firefighters, first responders, and armed forces, both now and in the future.”
To view a picture of Congress’ 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, please click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164431/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-presses-health-care-affordability,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP PRESSES FOR HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY,2013-09-12,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sep 12, 2013                        
                  
        
        
        
        
  
    
    
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) fought to ensure the availability of affordable health care by voting against H.R. 2775, the No Subsidies Without Verification Act. The legislation would have prohibited federal financial assistance from being provided to individuals to purchase health care in the new state exchanges beginning October 1, 2013 until a new income verification program is established. The vote today marks the 41st time the U.S. House of Representatives has voted to weaken the health care law. The measure was approved by a vote of 235 to 191, but is not expected to be passed by the Senate and would certainly be vetoed by the President.
“Make no mistake. The real purpose of the No Subsidies Without Verification Act is to weaken the health care law and prevent thousands of Georgians from receiving the help they need to secure quality, affordable, health care coverage,” said Congressman Bishop. “There are already sufficient protections under the current law to prevent any potential fraud and recoup overpayments.”
Under the health care law, millions of low- and middle-income Americans will be eligible to receive tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to purchase health care coverage. H.R. 2775 is unnecessary because the Secretary of Health and Human Services has already put in place an effective and efficient system for verification of eligibility for premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions. This legislation’s requirements would impede opening the state insurance exchanges on October 1, 2013, driving up out-of-pocket health care costs for millions of Americans and reducing timely access to much needed and long denied affordable coverage.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140920093554/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/service-academy-forum,Service Academy Forum,2013-09-12,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"5th Congressional District of Georgia’s
2013 U.S. Service Academy Forum
 
Saturday, 14 September 2013, 11:00 am -1:00pm
Georgia Power Auditorium
241 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
 
 
Informational Presentations From: 
 
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Military Academy
U.S. Naval Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20130922103626/http://hankjohnson.house.gov:80/press-release/rep-johnson-fights-keep-commissary-fort-mcpherson-open,Rep. Johnson fights to keep commissary at Fort McPherson open,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman leads GA delegation on letter to Defense Secretary Hagel
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urging the Defense Department not to close the commissary at Fort McPherson in College Park before a new one is built at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta.
Rep. Johnson’s letter was signed by Georgia Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss, and Reps. John Barrow, Sanford Bishop, Paul Broun, Doug Collins, Phil Gingrey, Tom Graves, John Lewis, Tom Price, Austin Scott, David Scott and Lynn Westmoreland.
“The commissary at Fort McPherson serves thousands of veterans and service members across northeast Georgia, including the Atlanta region,” the letter said. “These heroes have earned this benefit through service to our nation. In these difficult economic times, with veterans and service members facing the impact of sequestration, reduced benefits, and the effects of two recent wars, it is deeply disappointing that the Department would make the decision to deprive Atlanta-area veterans of a commissary.”
To read the full letter, click HERE. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131019010423/http://johnlewis.house.gov:80/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-east-point-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - East Point Branch,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175843/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/press-release/rep-hank-johnsons-remarks-12th-anniversary-911-attacks,Rep. Hank Johnson's Remarks on the 12th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"""Today, I join my colleagues to honor the lives we lost 12 years ago. On that fateful September day, innocent men, women, and children boarded planes and some set off for work as they had so many times before.
Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across our nation and the world. As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, firefighters, first responders and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks.
God Bless the United States of America.""
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140301094038/http://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-president-obama%E2%80%99s-speech,Rep. John Lewis on President Obama’s Speech,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. John Lewis made this comment in response to President Barack Obama’s speech tonight regarding American intervention in Syria:
“I was very encouraged to hear that President Obama and his administration are prepared and willing to give diplomacy a chance to succeed.  I look forward to the U.N. report that is forthcoming and to hear the results of our talks with Russia.  We must continue to do everything in our power to avoid military conflict.”
 
                                                                        #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140420105033/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-mechanicsville-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - Mechanicsville Branch,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140420105159/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-carver-homes-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - Carver Homes Branch,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140920093432/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-west-end-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - West End Branch,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140920093458/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-washington-park-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - Washington Park Branch,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140920093522/http://johnlewis.house.gov/event/congress-community-atlanta-public-library-southwest-branch,Congress in the Community at Atlanta Public Library - Southwest Branch,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,web.archive.org,,,legacy,Each Congress in the Community event lasts about two hours and is an opportunity for 5th District residents to get advice or assistance from members of Rep. Lewis' staff with challenges they may have involving the federal government.  They can also use this opportunity to communicate any concerns they have to the congressman representing them.  A member of Rep. Lewis’s staff will be on hand at the library to meet with constituents.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 404-659-0116.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053730/http://bishop.house.gov/made-america-textile-industry,MADE IN AMERICA: The Textile Industry,2013-09-06,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Fourth of July has always been a time for communities to reflect on the journey of this great nation. As we celebrate our nation’s birth, we must never forget the provisions of justice, freedom, and equality set forth in the dreams of our forefathers as established in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. We must also never forget the many service members who have dedicated their lives to protect this land.
Remembering how we won our independence, we may use this time to reflect upon the generational sacrifices of our armed forces that span the course of our nation’s history. Furthermore, the holiday represents an opportunity for us to renew our longstanding commitment to provide them with the tools and resources they need to safely defend our nation at home and abroad. While the American textile industry supplies customers in all parts of the country, no customers are more important to textile manufacturers and their employees than the men and women of the United States armed forces.  
The Defense Department’s purchasing supply center in Philadelphia estimates that it purchases over 8,000 different textile items annually - from flame retardant uniforms to ballistic gear - all of them from U.S. textile companies, over 30,000 items when individual apparel sizes are estimated. That’s over $2 billion dollars a year of the highest quality textile products in the world produced and delivered to meet the strict timetable demanded by the military. Supplying the military’s textile needs is more than an important business relationship for the management and workers of America’s textile mills. It is a privilege and cherished responsibility to provide our servicemen and women with the materiel they can rely on as they risk their lives to defend our country.
The textile industry manufacturers employ more than half a million patriotic Americans, most of them in rural communities, for much better wages and benefits than workers in the service and retail industry receive, and incomparably better than most foreign textile workers earn.
Thanks to the productivity of our textile workers and technological innovations in the industry, and to fair international trade agreements that helped level the global playing field for American goods and services, our textile industry has begun to recover recently and has created more good paying jobs in areas of our country that were hurt the worst in the last recession.
America’s textile industry would like to support the new trade agreement – the twelve member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP should result in even greater demand for American textile products, but only if the TPP includes and enforces rules that made previous trade agreements successful and mutually beneficial.
Regrettably, one country, Vietnam, is seeking to change the rules and tilt the playing field to its advantage. Vietnam wants to eliminate the “yarn forward” rule of origin included in previous free trade agreements which ensures that only textile industries in the countries that are party to the agreement enjoy the benefits of that agreement. In its place, Vietnam wants to substitute a “flexible” rule of origin, which would open the markets of other TPP countries to apparel Vietnam manufactures with textiles imported from countries that are not part of the TPP.
The “yarn forward” rule requires all yarns, fabrics and final garments exported within the TPP to be made in TPP countries. A “flexible” rule of origin, however, requires only that the sewing of garment exports be done in TPP countries, which would allow Vietnam to export duty free to the U.S. and other TPP members, garments made with products it imports from China.
Our workers cannot compete with China’s heavily state subsidized textile manufacturers. Nor should they be forced to. If the U.S. accedes to Vietnam’s attempt to tilt the playing field to it’s and China’s advantage, U.S. textile manufacturers will be forced out of business or see their business greatly reduced, and hundreds of thousands of American workers will lose their jobs.
As they lose customers to China’s subsidized products, American textile workers would also lose the opportunity and privilege of supplying American armed forces with the best uniforms and other apparel in the world. No longer would our armed forces and all Americans be able to wear textile products marked, “Made in America”.
With our nation’s historic independence in mind, and the celebratory pride of our nation’s most symbolic and uniquely American holiday, the Obama Administration must insist that the TPP maintains fair principles so that we retain the ability to supply the brave men and women of our armed forces. This fundamental practice represents the best of who we are as Americans, but more importantly, it provides those on the front lines with assurance that the labels we wear are as trustworthy, true, and reliable as the spirit and love of country inside each and every patriotic American on Independence Day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053802/http://bishop.house.gov/open-letter-and-invitation,AN OPEN LETTER AND INVITATION,2013-09-06,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"To the Constituents of the Second Congressional District in the greater Macon area,
First and foremost, it is my absolute pleasure to greet you as your Congressman! It has been seventeen years since my office last served the good people of Bibb County, and I am blessed to be back in Macon once again. 
As many of you know, due to the redistricting process, the Second Congressional District of Georgia now includes Macon and other parts of Bibb County.
Many things have changed in the past ten years, but the people of Middle Georgia still strive for better jobs, increased access to education, and greater prospects for their family. As your Congressman, I will do my dead-level best to assist you in opening those doors to better opportunities.
In order to give you direct access to the available resources and services of the Congressional Office, my office will be opening up a new location in downtown Macon. I am honored and downright excited to announce that Opening Day for your new Macon Congressional Office is set for tomorrow!
Come one and come all! We will be holding a ribbon-cutting and open house at our new Macon location on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:30 AM. The address is 682 Cherry Street, Suite #302. I look forward to meeting you over time, tomorrow and throughout the future.
Tomorrow’s launch of a third office in the Second Congressional District now opens the opportunity to provide services to constituents who need help navigating the federal government, including issues relating to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, military service, and various other matters. Our two other district offices, located in Albany and Columbus, also provide these services to Southwest and Middle Georgia.
Not only does the location of the new Macon office bring the wide range services we provide closer to home for the people and communities of Middle Georgia, but it allows the Office to join the thriving, diverse, decidedly historic cultural identity of Macon. Truly, it is a blessing for my office to be able to call Macon home once again.
I invite everyone from throughout the Second Congressional District to visit our offices, get to know our staff, and to receive assistance whenever you may need it.
Again, I look forward to representing you in the upcoming years. If you have any questions about my views, work, or transition to the greater Macon area, please feel free to contact me or my offices at any time.
 
With warmest personal regards, I am
 
Sincerely yours,
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
Member of Congress
 
MACON OFFICE
682 Cherry Street, Suite #302
Macon, GA 31201
478-621-4552",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053841/http://bishop.house.gov/him-who-shall-have-borne-battle%E2%80%A6,FOR HIM WHO SHALL HAVE BORNE THE BATTLE…,2013-09-06,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Our service members and veterans are the lifeblood of our great nation. They frequently are called to put themselves in harm’s way to safeguard our homeland and defend our liberties. Their sacrifices must never go unnoticed or unrewarded. We as a nation shall forever be indebted to those brave individuals who make up our armed forces units, the strongest military in the world. Without their blood, sweat, and tireless devotion to America, none of us would be able to say that we are citizens of the greatest country in the world.
Unfortunately, return from combat can be traumatic for a service member. Veterans may struggle with unemployment, post-traumatic stress disorder, or homelessness on a day to day basis. For example, the current economic environment has left millions of Americans out of work and has made it exceptionally difficult for them to find jobs.  This problem is particularly acute in our nation’s veteran community. Data has shown that veterans, especially those who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, have faced a high unemployment rate upon discharge.  This situation is simply unacceptable.
As they have fought to safeguard our freedom, we need to safeguard their future. As the Congressman for Georgia’s Second Congressional District, which includes Fort Benning and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, it is my duty to represent my constituents by not only maintaining adequate salary, benefit, and readiness levels for our nation’s military, but to also keep our promise to our veterans and military retirees. With this directive in mind, I worked with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in sponsoring the Hiring Heroes Act, a program that expands education and training opportunities for veterans. Introduced and passed last year, this bill has gone far in addressing the high rate of unemployment in the veteran community.
I came to Congress in 1992 with the strong desire to go the extra mile for those who have so bravely defended our homeland. One of my first assignments in the House of Representatives was regarding Veterans Affairs, and ever since, their issues have continued to be at the forefront of my legislative agenda. Today, I am privileged to serve as the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriation Committee’s Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, of which I have been a member since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2003. As budgets grow tighter throughout the entire nation, the need to fund necessary programs for veterans becomes more and more critical with each passing year.
Thankfully, the necessity to finance veterans programs can be agreed upon in a bipartisan manner. Most recently, the FY2013 Military Construction/VA bill has gone forward with immense support. Funding major components of the Veterans Administration, the MilCon/VA bill is vitally important to the strength and well-being of our military, our veterans, and the families who sacrifice so much to defend our country. Working with Chairman John Culberson and the members of the subcommittee, we crafted a bill that will address the funding needs for military construction and family housing for our troops and their families as well as other quality of life construction projects. In addition, it will provide funding for many important VA programs as well as agencies like the Veterans Court of Appeals and the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The appropriations bill of year 2013 contains $54.4 billion in advance appropriations for medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities at the VA, which is nearly $2 billion above the amount included in this year’s bill. Advance funding provides timely and predictable funding for the veterans’ health care system, providing the VA with more time to plan the implementation and delivery of its health care services. In addition to other measures, the bill goes on to recommend funds for the mandatory VA programs providing compensation and pensions, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance, and housing loan programs.
Doing whatever we can do to improve the overall quality of life for our military veterans is not new with this Congress. Under the leadership of a Democratically controlled House of Representatives, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee doubled the FY2008 budget for Veterans Affairs by an unprecedented $6.7 billion above the FY2007 level, making it the largest single increase in the 77 year history of the Veterans Administration. It provided the largest increase in VA healthcare in American history and added 1,100 new claims processors to help reduce the backlog within the VA.
I was proud to take part in this action as a voting member of the Subcommittee, and have since followed the example of my predecessors in leadership. The current fiscal year Veterans’ bill will touch every soldier, sailor, marine, and airman in the service as well as impacts military spouses, their children, and veterans that participate in VA programs. After numerous meetings and hearings with veterans, active service members, and military families, the Subcommittee crafted a bill that gives the military and Veterans Administration the resources they need to succeed.
“…To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan...”
The wise words of President Abraham Lincoln and the motto of the Veterans Administration remind us so vividly why we in Congress need to work on behalf of our nation’s veterans. Today, millions of Americans are the beneficiaries of those service members who have made great sacrifices in preserving our democracy, protecting our freedom, and defending our liberties.  In response, we, as a nation, have a responsibility to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans and preserve the memory of their patriotism by ensuring that they are provided with the resources they need to live successful lives following active duty.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053912/http://bishop.house.gov/reflections-national-memorial-dr-martin-luther-king-jr,"REFLECTIONS ON THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.",2013-09-06,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As final preparations get underway for the dedication of the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Mall, it is important that we all reflect upon and applaud the many outstanding achievements of this great American patriot and iconic humanitarian. With his life he proved that non-violence is an effective way of perfecting social change. His leadership helped propel our nation from the dark and regressive grips of the Jim Crow era to a more enlightened period where the goals of achieving equal opportunity and respect for universal human rights are now becoming more intricately woven into our society.  
The August 28, 2011 unveiling ceremony of the memorial will mark the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech during the historic March on Washington in 1963. This speech and Dr. King’s unyielding commitment to service have been sources of inspirational motivation for me from the time I met him during my freshman year at Morehouse College, through law school, my years in the Georgia state legislature and throughout my tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
But in looking beyond the historical importance of the upcoming anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech and Dr. King’s commitment to service, I believe that it is extremely important for Americans to fully appreciate the significance and substantive relevance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
When looking at the monument’s symbolic importance, it is worth noting that Dr. King will be the first African-American to be honored with a memorial on the Mall and it will be the only one that does not commemorate a president or a war. Additionally, the placement of Dr. King’s memorial should not be overlooked as his statue will stand on four acres of land positioned directly between the Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln memorials.   
And while I will certainly join others in celebrating the fact that Dr. King is the first African-American to have a memorial on the Mall and absolutely rejoice in his monument’s prominent location, it is my sincere hope that visitors to his memorial will be forever reminded and struck by how his leadership positively transformed our society and catalyzed other social justice movements around the world.       
Since Dr. King’s passing in 1968, there have been many liberation movements that have drawn inspiration from his teachings. When examining South Africa’s departure from apartheid or analyzing the freedom movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, one cannot help but appreciate how these events are the fruits of seeds whose origins come from Dr. King’s life and legacy.           
The overarching message of this memorial to current generations and generations yet unborn should be that Dr. King’s achievements helped make our union a more perfect union. Moreover, his achievements are yet working to ensure the promise of our constitution to protect the rights of all Americans. Finally, it is important that this memorial’s ultimate impact be to help citizens of the world better understand and embrace the goal of freedom and equality for all mankind.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221073331/http://bishop.house.gov/press-release/congressman-bishop-welcomes-news-regarding-albany-post-office,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES THE NEWS REGARDING ALBANY POST OFFICE,2013-09-06,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"ALBANY, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) welcomed the news that the United States Postal Service (USPS) recently signed a one-year lease through September 30, 2014 to keep the Albany Post Office on Broad Avenue open. The USPS has for some time been facing severe financial challenges resulting in proposals for post office closures around the nation, one of which was shutting down the Broad Avenue Post Office in Albany. However, many Albany leaders and residents protested, and argued closure of the Broad Avenue Post Office would have a detrimental impact on downtown Albany and the surrounding neighborhoods.
""The re-signing of the lease is welcome news to the businesses and residents of Albany that rely on our downtown Post Office!"" said Congressman Bishop. ""Regarding the extension of the lease after 2014, I look forward to continuing work with Mayor Hubbard, Dougherty County Commission Chairman Sinyard, concerned citizens, and the USPS to ensure that people in the Albany area are provided the services they need from the United States Postal Service.""
In March, Congressman Bishop hosted a productive meeting in his Washington D.C. Congressional Office with community leaders from Albany and representatives from the United States Postal Service. To see pictures from this meeting, please click here.
For more information regarding Congressman Bishop’s efforts to keep the Albany Post Office open, please click here and here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084625/http://hankjohnson.house.gov/governing-means-seeking-solutions,Governing means seeking solutions,2013-09-06,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"By Hank Johnson (as it appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013)
The events surrounding last month’s 50th anniversary of the March on Washington provide a good illustration of the partisan divide.
Although Republican leadership — including both Bush presidents, House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor — were invited to speak at the landmark event, all declined.
It’s part of a larger pattern of Republicans snubbing Democrats, and especially the president, at all costs. They simply refuse to reach out to engage the president for fear their extreme base will punish them.
How can we get anything done when this extreme hyper-partisanship exists over something as symbolic and iconic as the historic March on Washington?
A case in point is Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who announced his retirement earlier this year, explaining, “I don’t see the legislative gridlock and partisan posturing improving anytime soon.”
It’s a sad day in America and for our political system when a member of Congress who reaches across the aisle to try to solve big problems is lampooned as a “traitor” by the very core of the party he or she represents.
I am optimistic that gridlock will gradually give way to cooperation. But as long as people like Sen. Chambliss are retiring (or being forced out) over threats to their careers because they seek bipartisan solutions, then we’re in real trouble.
We got into this mess in large part over campaign spending. To truly fix the problem, we need to curb the ubiquitous influence of corporate cash in Washington policymaking.
Lawmakers will have to show courage for there to be compromise on issues such as the budget, tax reform and immigration.
I know bipartisanship is possible, because I’ve done it. I have secured Republican co-sponsors for several bills I have initiated including my APPS Act — co-sponsored by Reps. Steve Chabot of Ohio and Joe Barton of Texas, both Republicans — that protects consumers’ privacy on mobile phones and iPads. I also received Republican support for my RARE Act, which will help secure rare earth elements crucial to technological manufacturing.
When I worked to help ensure Historically Black Colleges and Universities, clean energy and metro Atlanta’s solar industry were getting the boost they needed in the National Defense Authorization Act, I reached across the aisle to get it done.
When I tackled the high costs of prescription drugs that accompany crippling diseases — mostly for our elderly — I made sure I had Republican support. And when I dealt with increasing awareness and funding for hepatitis and emerging diseases of poverty, I turned to both Democrats and Republicans for support.
It’s why, when I offered legislation to give start-ups and small businesses tax breaks to help their bottom line, I enlisted Democrats and Republicans to get the job done.
This is the kind of spirit we need in Washington. We should never fail to reach across the aisle and seek bipartisan support for good ideas and legislation. I will continue this practice.
Leadership is not paying homage to political orthodoxy above all else. To govern is to lead and seek solutions — and that means compromise.
I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue dialogue and search for the points of agreement rather than contention. When we put country above party, we accomplish great things.
Hank Johnson represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z