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://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-passage-of-disaster-assistance-bill-and,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE BILL AND CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) released the following statement regarding his support for the disaster assistance bill and the continuing resolution to fund the government. The disaster assistance bill includes $81 billion in assistance for communities impacted by recent storms, fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. It passed the House by a vote of 251 to 169. The continuing resolution, which will fund the government through January 19, 2018, passed the House by a vote of 231 to 188. Although there is more work to be done, the disaster assistance bill and continuing resolution approved in the House today are a step in the right direction. As part of its $81 billion in support for recovery efforts in communities impacted by recent natural disasters, including Georgia, Texas, Florida, California, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the disaster assistance bill provides $3.8 billion for agriculture recovery efforts. I am especially pleased the bill includes my provisions that finally identify cotton seed as a named commodity. This important designation means cotton seed can now be eligible for Title I Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, which will go a long way in assisting with recovery efforts. Unfortunately, the supplemental fails to include important reforms I put forward on the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). These reforms would have made TAP more effective and responsive to the needs of orchardists and tree growers, like those in the pecan industry, who sustained damage by natural disasters. However, I am working with Senate colleagues to include these reforms in the Senate version of the bill. Although the continuing resolution is not a long-term, comprehensive measure, as I would strongly prefer, it includes a much needed extension of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides health insurance for 9 million children across the country. Governor Nathan Deal directly reached out to the Georgia delegation to stress the disastrous consequences that would be faced by Georgias children if CHIP were not extended. Furthermore, the continuing resolution includes necessary funding for the Veterans Choice Program, which provides additional health care options for our nation's veterans. I supported the two pieces of legislation passed today due to their essential provisions for our children, veterans, and disaster-impacted communities. It is vital that Congress completes its work when it returns in January and enacts a robust full-year funding measure that provides certainty to families, businesses, agencies, and communities. Full text of the continuing resolution can be found here. A full summary of the disaster assistance bill can be found here, and complete text can be found here. DISASTER ASSISTANCE BILL HIGHLIGHTS: Package Total: $81 billion President's Request: $44 billion Agriculture Total: $3.8 billion Key language impacting agriculture includes $2.6 billion for agriculture disaster assistance, including those related crop and livestock losses in disaster designated zones: Rural Development $165 million for repairs and mitigation for rural water and waste disposal systems $2 million for technical assistance grants for rural water and waste disposal systems $18.6 million for loans for rehabilitation of damaged USDA multi-family properties Agricultural Research $22 million for repair of damaged Agriculture Research Service buildings and facilities Animal and Plant Health $906 million for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Conservation Programs $541 million for watershed and flood prevention efforts Farm Service Programs $1.6 billion for various programs to help American farmers and ranchers implement the 2014 Farm Bill to aid in disaster recovery efforts, and staffs local Farm Service Agency offices $400 million for emergency conservation efforts to mitigate future disaster risks Removes the cap on livestock crop insurance expenses Allows USDA to issue block grants to disaster-affected areas or to provide direct assistance through the Farm Service Agency Food and Nutrition Programs $24 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program for hurricane and wildfire-affected states and territories Expands 5-state pilot program to address possible duplicate enrollments among SNAP beneficiaries Unfortunately, the third emergency disaster supplemental fails to include a $14 million proposal to rebuild WIC health and wellness clinics in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-reintroduces-bill-support-empower-lgbtq-students-hbcus,"Rep. Johnson reintroduces bill to support, empower LGBTQ students at HBCUs",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) reintroduced the Inclusive Campuses Act of 2017 today (H.R.4699) to authorize the use of Title III funds to establish on-campus resource centers for LGBTQ students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions. Title III provides federal grant funding to assist state and local education agencies. It began as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which authorizes funds to enhance and strengthen HBCUs and other minority servicing institutions. We should be doing all we can to help everyone feel welcomed and included, said Johnson, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston. As a proud graduate of two HBCUs, I feel this legislation is crucial in continuing the legacy of community and inclusion I felt as a student. We cannot allow any educational environment to become one where students suffer in fearful silence and passive intolerance. There are only a handful of HBCUs in the country that have active university-sanctioned LGBTQ-specific organizations on their campuses and many of these historic institutions do not include gender identity/expression and sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination statements; often times leading to the alienation and emotional distress of LGBTQ students. By building upon the innovative efforts to establish LGBTQ resource centers at North Carolina Central University, Bowie State University and Fayetteville State University, the bill will promote full diversity, acceptance and inclusion of all students who attend HBCUs and other minority serving institutions. The bill was introduced with 17 cosponsors, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton of Washington, D.C. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York. Groups supporting the Inclusive Campuses Act include: Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, Campus Pride, National Black Justice Coalition, Trans Student Educational Resources and Fayetteville State University. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-i-voted-no-tax-scam,Congressman Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter: I Voted No on the Tax Scam,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, Today, I vehemently and adamantly voted NO on the Republican tax scam that gives 83 percent of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent while raising taxes on 86 million middle income families. Make no mistake about it -- the numbers prove that this is a tax cut for the wealthy and not for the middle class. Anyone who tries to deceive the American people into thinking otherwise -- shame on you. To make matters worse this tax cut also adds $1.45 trillion to the national debt. Republicans will soon use the debt to justify their ultimate plan, which is to eliminate the social safety net by cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Todays vote proves that Republicans care more about the wealthy and big multinational corporations than they do for ordinary people. Merry Christmas to the wealthy who already have plenty, and to the hordes of special interest lobbyists and campaign donors who have gotten what they wanted. To the rest of America struggling to make ends meet: Bah Humbug! FOR YOUR/MORE INFORMATION: Housing Help | Jobs Center | Healthcare | Small Businesses Seniors | Students | Veterans | Help with a Federal Agency | Opioid Resource Guide As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as e-mails, phone calls and letters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lewis-floor-statement-opposing-second-house-vote-hr-1,Congressman Lewis' Floor Statement Opposing Second House Vote on H.R. 1 Conference Report,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman John Lewis made the following statement on the House Floor opposing the second House consideration of the conference report to H.R. 1, the Republican tax bill (WATCH VIDEO): ""Mr. Speaker, yesterday taxpayers stood up and spoke out against Republicans lining the pockets of their donors by any means necessary. ""Did you hear their cries? Can you feel their pain? ""You did not, Mr. Speaker! You chose to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to their hopes and their dreams. ""This bill is a shame and a disgrace! ""I urge each of you to be on the side of the people, on the side of history, and vote against this bill."" TAX BILL HOME HOUSE:House Ways and Means CommitteeMarkupHouse Rules CommitteeHouse Floor Debate SENATE:Senate Finance Committee Markup ResourcesSenate Budget Committee ResourcesSenate Floor Debate CONFERENCE:Conference CommitteeConference Report Rep. Lewis' PublicStatements about H.R. 1 Rep. Lewis' Missed Opportunities Bills Rep. Lewis' Proposed Amendments to H.R. 1 Official Non-Partisan Analysis of H.R. 1",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397979,Scott Statement on Shameful Republican Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott (GA-13) issued the following statement today after the Republican-led House voted to enact the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Today Republicans in the House turned their backs on millions of hard-working, middle class American families by passing a cruel and deceitful tax scam. This heartless bill provides so-called tax reform by raising taxes on tens of millions of middle class families and giving 83 percent of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent. It is shameful that Republicans rushed to pass this bill and its far-reaching changes without any significant bipartisan input or consideration. It is shameful that Republicans voted today to add $2.3 trillion to our national deficit. It is shameful that this disgraceful bill gives a new tax break to corporations shipping American jobs overseas while depleting Medicare and Medicaid with $1.5 trillion in cuts. And it is shameful that Republicans moved swiftly to check this issue off their Christmas political wish-list rather than buckling down and taking equally swift action to avert a federal government shutdown, reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program that expired months ago, pass the bipartisan DREAM Act, address the VAs appalling budget shortfall to care for our veterans, or provide critically-needed emergency disaster funding for all hurricane- and wildfire-impacted communities. Once again, Republicans in the House shamelessly voted against the interests of children, seniors, families, workers at risk of having their jobs shipped overseas, teachers, police officers, firefighters and veterans. The crushing cuts, that will be necessary because of the bill adopted by the House today, will have devastating consequences for years to come all across this country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-in-opposition-to-misguided-tax-bill,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO MISGUIDED TAX BILL,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement concerning his vote in opposition to H.R. 1, the misguided tax legislation taken up by the House earlier today. This bill will saddle the nation with crippling debt and provide little to no tax relief for thousands of residents of Georgias Second Congressional District. The bill was approved by the full House of Representatives in a vote of 227 to 203. It is expected to be considered by the Senate as early as this evening. Tax reform must make our tax code more equitable, less complex, and not significantly add to the budget deficit. Unfortunately, the tax legislation approved by the House today does not fulfill these requirements: It shifts the tax burden from wealthy taxpayers to middle income families by increasing taxes for 86 million middle income households, while providing 83% of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1%. It explodes the national debt by $1.7 trillion over the next decade, effectively mortgaging the future of our nations children and grandchildren and jeopardizing the fiscal health of vital programs including Social Security and Medicare. It also handicaps the Affordable Care Act, and will lead to the loss of health insurance for 13 million individuals, while raising premiums by 10%. The House legislation also lowers or eliminates many tax credits and deductions that are relied upon by middle income Georgia families. It (1) repeals personal exemptions, which are relied upon by large families with multiple children and other dependents; (2) eliminates the casualty loss deduction, which helps families rebuild after storms and disaster; (3) caps the deduction for state and local income and sales taxes, as well as property taxes; (4) limits the mortgage interest deduction to under $750,000 of mortgage debt; and (5) ends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which is used by employers who hire veterans with a service-connected disability or history of unemployment. Additionally, the bill repeals the deductibility of donations made to college athletic departments for sport ticket rights. These donations are used to fund womens and mens college sports, and repeal of this deduction will lead to the loss of scholarship opportunities for student athletes. I have stated numerous times that I do support tax relief for Georgia families. However, it needs to be fair, balanced, and fiscally responsible both in the short and the long term. The benefits must be shared among Georgians of all income levels rather than just concentrated at the top. The tax legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today fails this test. As an institution, we in Congress are at a moment of truth. The time is now to put our political differences aside, and to find common ground on a rational tax package that is fiscally responsible, grows the economy, creates jobs, and improves the lives of all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/another-lesson-equifax-we-must-end-predatory-consumer-practice-forced,Another lesson from Equifax - We must end the predatory consumer practice of forced arbitration,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/judicial/353776-another-lesson-from-equifax-we-must-end-the-predatory-consumer The recent Equifax data breach jeopardized the economic security of nearly half of all Americans because of the credit rating companys failure to safeguard our most sensitive information, which could now be in the hands of criminals. To make matters worse, many of those affected by this massive security breach are unsure whether they even have legal recourse because of the companys use of forced arbitration clauses. Americans are right to be outraged and frustrated and should be especially concerned about the use of forced arbitration by credit rating agencies like Equifax. Forced arbitration clauses are a predatory consumer practice written into the fine print of contracts. Signers unknowingly waive their right to sue and are forced into arbitration if a dispute arises. Americans should have a right to choose whether to sue or to seek arbitration. Preemptively eliminating our access to the justice system is a violation of every Americans right as a consumer. The justice system is one of the few tools that average citizens have to fight deceitful and harmful business practices, vindicate their rights, and pursue justice. Equifax partially revised its forced arbitration policy in response to public outcry, but a limited change is not sufficient given the systemic nature of this problem and the scope of the lives affected. In recognition of the importance of Americans access to justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule to eliminate forced arbitration from consumer financial product contracts. This protection restores the rights of Americans to seek their day in court, and the transparency that comes with it, if their rights are violated by unscrupulous financial services and products. This protection is vital for the economic security of the American people and our countrys commitment to the rule of law. But rather than support this commonsense protection, credit rating agencies, like Equifax,reportedly campaigned against itand spent millions in political contributions to undermine both the CFPB rule and the CFPB itself. The Equifax data breach shook public confidence in the entire credit rating industry. Companies such as Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian should take this moment to demonstrate their respect for the rights of customers, not undermine them. This is why we wrote to ask the three credit rating agencies to revise their terms of service and eliminate their use of forced arbitration and class action waivers on all the products they offer. Furthermore, we asked that they end their opposition to the CFPB arbitration rule to restore consumers day in court. Forced arbitration clauses are a bald and predatory attempt to shield corporations from liability for their misconduct through the fine print of contracts. The credit rating agencies who we trust with our most sensitive data should not be actively working to undermine consumer rights. They should support the CFPB and the rule against forced arbitration. Congress must also step forward to protect consumers rights. We have led the push in the House to pass the Arbitration Fairness Act, which would eliminate forced arbitration. It deserves a vote. Unfortunately House and Senate Republicans sought a different path. A Republican measure to repeal the CFPB rule, supported by all three credit rating agencies, passed the House of Representatives in July on a nearly-straight party-line vote. It is currently pending in the Senate. We cannot afford to let it pass. The right of your and every other Americans access to the justice system is at stake.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/aspiring-surgeon-highlights-need-pass-dream-act-huffington-post,Aspiring Surgeon Highlights Need to Pass Dream Act (The Huffington Post),2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Like any young girl growing up in Rockdale County, Cinthya Moran, 17, always had a sense of comfort and security living in the friendly confines of metro Atlanta. She made quick friendships in school, loved the neighborhood where she lived and celebrated life in the small-town South. As an aspiring cardiovascular surgeon, Cinthya took her studies seriously accumulating a 3.8 GPA by staying up nights and studying pushing herself to work twice as hard. But now her dreams of becoming a doctor could be shattered forever. Thats because Cinthya is one of about 800,000 DREAMers nationwide young children brought to this country by their parents. Thanks to President Trumps craven decision to reverse the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program or DACA, Cinthyas contributions and those of hundreds of thousands of other DREAMers to our community and country could come to an end. Make no mistake, Congress has to now fix this problem that Trump created. Im hopeful that Republicans can come together with Democrats and pass the bipartisan DREAM Act. Deporting DREAMers like Cinthya means destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of patriotic young people, costing the economy billions and betraying the fundamental values of the American Dream. Young DREAMers in communities across the country are Americans in every way except on paper but the Trump Administration apparently wants to deport them to countries that many of them have never known. Cinthya is in high school, dually enrolled and taking college courses. She is determined to prove that her contributions to our country are worthwhile and challenge the narrative that the undocumented community is a burden to society. And Cinthya isnt alone. DREAMers are models of what we hope our citizens become. They go to school, join the armed forces and become productive members of society. In Georgia, the rescission of DACA could mean that 24,000 people would be deported. It is cruel to banish people to a strange land where oftentimes they dont know the language or culture. Its for constituents like Cinthya that Im proud to join my Democratic colleagues in fighting to pass the DREAM Act. Cinthya has the potential, vision and dedication to become a cardiovascular surgeon, but she wonders how she will be able to apply the knowledge and skills she has acquired if Im hiding away in fear of being taken back to a country I have no memory of? Lets come together and give Cinthya and the hundreds of thousands of other DREAMers the safety, security and certainty they deserve so they can continue to contribute to Americas future. Dreamers make our country richer and are part of our nations fabric. I know I would be proud to be the parent of any of these DREAMers. Four times since the Trump Administration terminated DACA, House Democrats have moved to force an immediate vote on the DREAM Act and four times, House Republicans have blocked an up or down vote. DREAMers had the courage and patriotism to step out of the shadows and enroll in DACA. It is time for House Republicans to have an up or down vote on the DREAM Act. Being on the right side of history outweighs partisan politics now more than ever. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/gop-tax-scam-bad-georgians-huffington-post,GOP Tax Scam Bad for Georgians (The Huffington Post),2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recently, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy published damning statistics on the Ryan-McConnell tax plan. The numbers show that if the package is approved by Congress, more than half a million working class Georgians will see their taxes raised an average of $670 by 2027. Despite President Trumps assurance that he will not attack the middle class, the Ryan-McConnell tax bill will heavily burden Georgias working and middle-income families. President Trump published four broad goals for reforming the tax code, citing bolstering the economy, simplifying the tax code for families, allowing American workers to keep more of their paycheck, and minimizing any increase in the deficit as his main objectives. But the Ryan-McConnell plan, developed behind closed doors without any public hearings, will not accomplish any of these goals. This tax bill package as written mostly benefits the extremely wealthy. It fails to account for a $2.4 trillion-federal revenue loss over the next decade a loss created by giving tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans and it fails to uplift the very families that Trump promised would never be forgotten again. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center confirmed the pitfalls of this framework when they reported that the Ryan-McConnell tax bill would raise taxes on 47 million Americans, significantly increase the deficit ($1.7 trillion in the House version of the bill), and slow the economy long term. When GOP politicians claim that their tax cuts help the average American, they are lying. As the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute notes, the middle income and working people in Georgia would see minimal gains, and could expect an average annual tax cut of $260 in the short term. A tax cut of $260 seems not so bad until its revealed that the richest 1 percent of Georgians could expect an annual tax cut of $83,000, and millionaires could receive as much as $131,000. Last week, I received a letter from my alma mater specifically Clark Atlanta University President Dr. Ronald Johnson. He indicated that the Ryan-McConnell tax bill eliminates important benefits such as employer-provided education assistance, the student loan interest deduction, and tuition remission benefits, to name just a few. These benefits assist students in paying for college and repaying loans, and help Clark Atlanta University remain healthy and competitive, he wrote. The elimination of the student loan interest deduction would affect our most recent graduates just when they are trying to get on their feet. The federal government already makes a profit on the loans they provide to both students and parents, so there is no need to further increase the federal profit margin. I agree. The central failure of the Ryan-McConnell framework lies in its premise. The GOP believes that cutting taxes for corporations and wealthy Americans will somehow create more jobs. This is false. We know that wealth does not trickle down, especially when the holders of that wealth have no incentive or directive to contribute their fair share. The Ryan-McConnell tax framework also argues that cutting corporate taxes will stop companies from doing business abroad and create more jobs in the United States. In reality, these cuts will simply allow companies who have saved billions overseas by keeping profits in offshore accounts and avoiding taxes to bring this money to the United States with a special tax holiday. The proposed tax cuts will also have detrimental effects on Medicare and Medicaid; programs that serve 44 million and 70 million Americans respectively, and are desperately needed in Georgia and across our nation. What Republicans failed to cut in their healthcare reform attempts, theyre now trying to destroy with tax breaks for the wealthy that will slash budgets of these federal programs. As lawmakers, we can agree that tax reform is needed bigly in our country, but I will never support legislation that disproportionately harms the middle class by slashing taxes for the wealthy, exploding the deficit, and gutting public programs. The Ryan-McConnell plan reveals the true nature of the GOP -- they legislate to please a constituency of wealthy Americans. Georgia cant afford it. America cant afford it. And unless this plan is significantly improved through amendments, I plan to vote against it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/president-trump-giving-police-forces-weapons-war-dangerous,President Trump is giving police forces weapons of war. This is dangerous,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"A standing military force, with an overgrown Executive will not long be safe companions to liberty. James Madison, Constitutional Convention (1787). Our Founders opposed using a standing army to patrol our streets, and for good reason. While most of America is rightfully focused on the destructive path left in the wake of tropical storm Harvey this week, Donald Trump lifted the ban on certain military-grade weapons and equipment available from the Pentagon to our local police forces across the nation. Trumps unwise and ill-considered executive order reopening the floodgates of free surplus military-grade weaponry (as reported on CNN) from war zones across the world straight onto the streets of American cities, towns and university campuses, is the fulfillment of a campaign promise to the law enforcement lobby. It is not just bad policy its dangerous. Before Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2015 limiting the transfer of certain types of military equipment under the Pentagons 1033 Program, the Department of Defense transferred more than $5bn in surplus military equipment directly to police agencies across the nation. Because of lax oversight, some of the equipment has gone missing or been sold, possibly falling into the hands of wrongdoers. The Pentagon program creates a pipeline that bypasses normal city council and county commission procurement processes, enabling police departments to acquire expensive-to-maintain and often unneeded military equipment directly from the Pentagon without the approval or even knowledge of government officials elected by citizens. This is undemocratic and cedes too much power to unelected bureaucrats. The citizens are left to pay the price when these military toys are put into the anxious hands of often untrained local law enforcement. What makes it dangerous is the fact that this program requires that the equipment be placed into use within 12 months of being acquired. The use of military-grade weapons at an inappropriate time by an untrained police officer is a recipe for disaster, as evidenced by the Ferguson police departments response to non-violent protesters after the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. Handing our police weapons of war, including but not limited to large-capacity, rapid-fire weapons and ammunition including .50-calibers bayonets, grenade launchers, armored vehicles including military tanks, unmanned vehicles (armed drones), explosives and pyrotechnics, and similar explosive devices, makes us less safe. It also drives a wedge between police officers and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. Militarization runs counter to concepts of community policing, and hurts efforts to bridge the growing chasm between police and our communities. Trumps reckless action highlights why Congress must pass my bill the bipartisan Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2017 (SMLEA), HR 1556 which would restore civilian authority over law enforcement by shutting down the direct pipeline between Department of Defense and law enforcement for certain types of military-grade weaponry. The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act would limit the requirements that incentivize law enforcement to use the equipment. It would also require that recipients account for all military weapons and equipment, create enforcement mechanisms to better monitor and control the transfer of equipment and require the Pentagon to take back weapons from state and local law enforcement agencies that are being investigated by the Department of Justice for civil rights violations. Our nation was built on the principle that there are clear lines between our armed forces and domestic police. Moreover, just like the military, law enforcement is subject to civilian authority. This program blurs those lines. Its time for Americans to stop and take notice of the creeping militarization our streets before it changes the character of our country forever. Militarizing Americas main streets wont make us any safer, just more fearful and more reticent. Its time to stop militarizing law enforcement before its too late.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/wake-republicans-join-dems-co-equal-branch-hold-white-house-accountable,Wake up Republicans Join Dems as co-equal branch to hold the White House accountable,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"No person holding any office of trust shall, without the consent of Congress, accept any present Emolument of any kind whatsoever from any king, prince or foreign state. The Emoluments Clause Article 1 Section 9.8 of the Constitution is clear and unambiguous. It prohibits a person holding an office of trust, including the president, from receiving any Emoluments or earnings from a foreign government without the consent of Congress. The Emoluments Clause exists to prevent foreign governments from corrupting the loyalties of U.S. government officials. The Emoluments Clause speaks to the maxim that a government official cannot well serve two masters and that all such officials, no matter how lofty their status or office, must be beholden only to the American people and not to foreign government officials. Its ironic that President Donald Trump claimed he was coming to Washington to drain the swamp, while ignoring he and his familys own flagrant violation of the Emoluments Clause. Congress should not stand by idly while our Constitution is trampled upon by a president who considers himself, his family and his sprawling business empire to be above the law. Exhibit A is the problematic flow of foreign government funds to the Trump International Hotel in the Old Post Office building a few short blocks from 1600 Pennsylvania that Trump leases from the federal government through the Government Services Administration (GSA). Foreign governments, including Bahrain, Azerbaijan and Kuwait, have all held events at the presidents hotel. We know that many foreign dignitaries stay at the hotel, and that Trumps company hired a full-time salesperson to solicit business from foreign diplomats. These facts alone undeniably prove a violation of the Emoluments Clause. Its why I joined my colleague Rep. Pete DeFazio (D-Ore.) in filingH. Res 437, a Resolution of Inquiry requesting certain documents and communications related to the lease of the Old Post Office building/Trump Hotel. True to form, my Republican colleagues blocked our efforts seeking details of the lease and records of any profits from foreign governments thereby refusing to fulfill the Constitutional duty they swore to uphold. It is unfortunate for the American people that Congress would be complicit asPresident Trump through his Trump Old Post Office LLC flagrantly violates the Emoluments Clause. Moreover, Congress sits by passively as President Trump violates the clear and unambiguous terms of the Trump International Hotel lease agreement, which explicitly prohibits any elected official of the U.S. government from serving as a lessee or from obtaining any benefit that may arise from the lease. The last time I checked, the president of the United States is an elected official. The lease clause that prohibits the president from becoming the landlord was put there to prevent the president from acting for his own benefit rather than to benefit the interests of the American people. We shouldnt trust President Trump to be the tenant and his own landlord! That is exactly what Congress is allowing to happen. Congress must rise above partisan politics and fulfill its oversight responsibilities by conducting its own bipartisan and independent review of the lease agreement to determine whether President Trump is in violation of either the Emoluments Clause in the Constitution, or the clear and unambiguous terms of the lease. Aggressive oversight is the only way to assure taxpayers that our president is not self-dealing, and that he and his family are not compromised by foreign officials looking to curry favor for themselves at our countrys expense. The Framers of our Constitution intended the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government to be co-equal, thus setting up a delicate system of checks and balances with each branch acting as a counterweight on the other. When one branch fails to hold the other accountable, it places our democracy at risk. The stakes are too high for Congress to sit on its hands. The Constitution and the clear terms of the lease trump politics.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/why-caucus-advancement-studio-talent-and-film-diversity-relevant-today,Why the Caucus for the Advancement of Studio Talent and Film Diversity is Relevant Today,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life Oscar Wilde 1889 Given the events of Charlottesville and an administration that continues its us-versus-them mentality, what America needs now more than ever is inclusion and celebration of our great diversity. This summer, I along with two of my colleagues Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) formed the Caucus for the Advancement of Studio, Talent (CAST) and Film Diversity, a bipartisan effort that focuses on diversity in the film industry -- in front of and behind the camera. The caucus is home of debate and dialogue about identifying the context, quality and quantity of the roles available to actors of color. It addresses issues ranging from pay equity issues, carriage of diverse programming, pipeline and roles to directors and producers, financing and entrepreneurship. In every aspect, diversity of race, faith, sexual orientation, male-female, will be paramount in the discussion, and it is our hope that ideas and potential solutions will develop from the issue discussions and forums. Times are tough in America right now, racial tensions are boiling over and our countrys relations in the global community are fraying. CAST provides a way to focus on what makes us American: our diversity. Culture unifies. American culture is an amalgam of race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs. It should be a place where others can feel welcome and invited. Now more than ever, we should focus on what unifies us not what drives us apart. CAST allows us to focus on these important goals. It also provides an economic pathway for success and economic self-sufficiency. In 2017, there are still places in this great country where our fellow citizens may never see an African American, Latino, or any other minority. Television and film might be the sole avenue where many Americans meet these communities. It is imperative that all communities be reflected in film and TV and that it reflects the makeup of America. Even when there are roles for minority communities, they are often portrayed on the fringes of society as pimps, drug dealers, terrorists, womanizers, illegal immigrants, and other negative images. These communities provide so much more to America and actors should be afforded the opportunity to play positive, uplifting roles. Exposure to positive role portrayal will go a long way in breaking down barriers, fears, and even hatred. Media can provide a means to unwrap our ignorance and begin healing. Because Atlanta is the Hollywood of the South where many films are produced, it is important that Atlanta play a role in diversifying the film industry. Thats why I feel my voice is needed. Culture is the highest expression of our civilization. As a civilized nation, we should celebrate all of our constituents. CAST can provide a means for healing, reconciliation, understanding, exposure, and allow others the chance to be successful and live the American dream.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-johnson-speaks-out-against-ban-forbidden-terms-health-officials,Congressman Johnson speaks out against ban on forbidden terms for health officials,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a statement following reports that the Trump Administration is prohibiting top health officials, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from using a list of seven words or phrases when preparing 2018 budget documents. The forbidden terms are vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based and science-based: Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-hank-johnsons-statement-house-passage-republican-tax-scam,Congressman Hank Johnson's Statement on House Passage of Republican Tax Scam,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today released the following statement on the passage of the Republican tax bill: Rep. Johnson's floor speech can be viewed HERE. ""Today, I vehemently and adamantly voted NO on the Republican tax scam that gives 83 percent of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent while raising taxes on 86 million middle income families. Make no mistake about it -- the numbers prove that this is a tax cut for the wealthy and not for the middle class. Anyone who tries to deceive the American people into thinking otherwise -- shame on you. ""To make matters worse this tax cut also adds $1.45 trillion to the national debt. Republicans will soon use the debt to justify their ultimate plan, which is to eliminate the social safety net by cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Todays vote proves that Republicans care more about the wealthy and big multinational corporations than they do for ordinary people. ""Merry Christmas to the wealthy who already have plenty, and to the hordes of special interest lobbyists and campaign donors who have gotten what they wanted. To the rest of America struggling to make ends meet: Bah Humbug!"" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-floor-statement-opposing-final-republican-tax-bill-hr-1,Rep. John Lewis' Floor Statement Opposing Final Republican Tax Bill (H.R. 1 Conference Report),2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WATCH VIDEO Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend, the Ranking Member, Mr. Neal, for yielding. I rise to oppose this conference reportwith every bone in my body. This bill is a $2.3 trillion holiday gift for Wall Street, the rich, and the wealthy. This bill was conceived in the darkness of the night and birthed with the help of your donors and funders. This bill is not for the people. It is not of the people, and, Mr. Speaker, it is not tax reform. You reward your donors so that our children and grandchildren will suffer. This is not fair, it is not just, and it is below the dignity and worth of this body. Mr. Speaker,Ive said on many occasions that you cannot get blood from a turnip, andyou cannot justify robbing poor Peter to pay billionaire Paul. Mr. Speaker, when the bill comes due, the chickens will come home to roost.I urge all of my colleagues to be on the right side of history and to vote against this bill. I yield back. TAX BILL HOME HOUSE:House Ways and Means CommitteeMarkupHouse Rules CommitteeHouse Floor Debate SENATE:Senate Finance Committee Markup ResourcesSenate Budget Committee ResourcesSenate Floor Debate CONFERENCE:Conference CommitteeConference Report Rep. Lewis' PublicStatements about H.R. 1 Rep. Lewis' Missed Opportunities Bills Rep. Lewis' Proposed Amendments to H.R. 1 Official Non-Partisan Analysis of H.R. 1",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/cdc-director-disputes-scientific-words-have-been-banned,CDC director disputes that scientific words have been banned,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"From the very beginning this administration has dealt in fake news and alternative facts, so it is no surprise that it would impose language restrictions on agency employees, said U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. Censorship and the propaganda that results is dangerous. It smacks of what totalitarian regimes do to obfuscate the truth. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-statement-cdc-banned-words-phrases-controversy,Rep. Johnsons statement on CDC banned words & phrases controversy,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"ATLANTA, GA Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a statement following reports that the Trump Administration is prohibiting top health officials, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from using a list of seven words or phrases when preparing 2018 budget documents. The forbidden terms are vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based and science-based: From the very beginning this administration has dealt in fake news and alternative facts, so it is no surprise that it would impose language restrictions on agency employees, said Johnson. Censorship and the propaganda that results is dangerous. It smacks of what totalitarian regimes do to obfuscate the truth. Requiring federal agencies to produce political propaganda leads to the erosion of our Democratic principles, and the competitive edge that has made America great. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-statement-power-outage-hartsfield-jackson-international,Rep. John Lewis' Statement on Power Outage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,2017-12-17,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"ATLANTA I am grateful to all the police, firefighters, electricians, and airport, airline, and MARTA employees for their efforts to assist stranded passengers. I would also like to thank the thousands of passengers who continue to remain calm and patient throughout this unprecedented ordeal. I know it is not easy, but I ask you to continue to follow the guidance of airport and emergency personnel. Once electricity is restored, I look forward to learning more about the cause of the power outage and what safeguards will be implemented to prevent any reoccurrence of this situation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-johnson-delivers-books-fourth-district-students,Congressman Johnson delivers books to Fourth District students,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) delivered more than 50 books on Nov. 27 to three elementary schools in his district. Johnson delivered the books to schools in both DeKalb and Gwinnett counties: Anderson-Livsey Elementary School in Gwinnett; and Fairington Elementary School and Flat Rock Elementary School, both in DeKalb. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/humanities-grant-fund-library-projects-dekalb-rockdale,"Humanities grant to fund library projects in DeKalb, Rockdale",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The DeKalb County Public Library System and Conyers-Rockdale Library System will receive grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities totaling $61,922, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/johnson-hice-split-fcc-s-net-neutrality-decision,"Johnson, Hice split on FCCs net neutrality decision",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Federal Communications Commissions vote to roll back rules on net neutrality Thursday drew mixed reactions from two of Gwinnetts three congressmen. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., was among the list of people, businesses and groups, who spoke out against the decision after it was made by arguing it closed off some access to the Internet and limiting innovation. U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, R-Ga., praised the decision though while arguing that the FCCs action would actually help innovation. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rosenstein-defends-mueller-probe-republicans-express-outrage-over-fbi-texts,"Rosenstein defends Mueller probe, as Republicans express outrage over FBI texts",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"But Democrats also came after Rosenstein at times, as the Deputy Attorney General was repeatedly pressed to tell whether he had been called on the telephone by the President, and told to investigate certain people or issues Rosenstein fended off those questions as well. Youre being very artful in jumping around and evading, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) told Rosenstein at one point, prompting Rosenstein to disagree. Are you afraid of President Trump firing you? Johnson asked. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gop-expresses-outrage-over-fbi-officials-political-texts,GOP expresses outrage over FBI officials' political texts,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"• The DOJ official also said he's not afraid of Trump firing him. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) pressed Rosenstein on whether Trump had asked him to investigate specific individuals, to which Rosenstein replied that he had seen no ""improper"" orders from the White House. “Are you afraid of president Trump firing you?” the congressman asked. “No, I’m not,"" Rosenstein responded. He also said no one has asked him to fire Mueller. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-announces-national-endowment-humanities-grants-fourth,Rep. Johnson announces National Endowment for the Humanities grants for Fourth District libraries,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman reports that more than $60,000 in grants will be awarded between two Fourth District libraries    DECATUR, GA —Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced that Conyers-Rockdale Library System and the DeKalb County Public Library system are receiving grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to the tune of $61,922. The Conyers-Rockdale Library System, under the direction of Project Director Mary Harrison, will use their $11,922 Common Heritage grant to fund their African-American Faith and Heritage in Rockdale County project. This program will serve as an interactive archive to celebrate the history of African-American churches in Rockdale County.    The DeKalb County Public Library System, under the direction of Gina Jenkins, will use their $50,000 Humanities Access Grant to fund their PRIME TIME Preschool program. This family literacy program assists low-income families with creative ways to education their children through expert storytellers.  “I am pleased to announce that these two great institutions in Georgia’s Fourth District are the recipients of these highly competitive grants,” said Congressman Johnson. “These quality projects will benefit this district, help boost public engagement and enrich our communities.”          For more information, visit https://www.neh.gov/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-statement-fcc-s-vote-destroy-net-neutrality,Rep. Johnsons statement on FCCs Vote to Destroy Net Neutrality,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04) today made the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to rollback rules on Net Neutrality. “I condemn the FCC decision today to do away with Net Neutrality. U.S. taxpayers paid for the research and development of the World Wide Web, and we deserve for the Internet to remain a platform open to all content treated equally and without discrimination. “An open Internet means access to all content and applications regardless of origin with no favoring of one source over another or any type of blocking or filtering. Openness is what drives growth and competition. Blocking content stifles innovation and creativity. Openness embraces our core value as Americans: equality of opportunity. Openness is who we are and what we are about. “Openness also separates us from closed, autocratic societies that limit the information that people receive -- and thus the educational and cultural achievements that can be attained -- and the freedoms they enjoy. Look no further than the Great Firewall of North Korea, where people live in a closed society. North Korea is the antithesis of an open Internet. Any restriction on openness is a step towards a closed society. It’s the wrong direction for America. “I condemn the FCC’s wrongheaded decision to undermine Internet openness through this rescission of net neutrality rules. History will not be kind to those who turned their backs on freedom and created rules today that quash an open Internet. ”Should the opportunity arise, I am open to working on a legislative solution that keeps the interests of the American people paramount.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/johnson-delivers-books-anderson-livsey-elementary-school,Johnson delivers books to Anderson-Livsey Elementary School,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Johnson delivers books to Anderson-Livsey Elementary School U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., recently got to play Santa Claus to three local school libraries, including one in Gwinnett County. Johnson delivered books to Anderson-Livsey Elementary School in Snellville as part of his Nov. 27 tour of three schools. The congressman’s office said the books were made available to the schools through the Library of Congress’ surplus books program. In addition to Anderson-Livsey, Johnson also visited two schools in Lithonia, Fairington Elementary School and Flat Rock Elementary School. In addition to the supplies of books, Johnson also gave school principals and media specialists copies of “Women in Congress,” “African Americans in Congress” and “Hispanic Americans in Congress.” Each school also received a flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol. “The guiding principle behind the program is to build library collections, but I must say the short tour served as a great opportunity to talk to some of country’s future leaders,” Johnson said in a statement. “I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the children about what they want to be when they grow up, their favorite books and what they want for Christmas.” Political Notebook appears in the Wednesday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-grills-deputy-attorney-general-rosenstein-judiciary,Rep. Johnson Grills Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein in Judiciary Oversight Hearing,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on whether the President obstructed justice in the Russia investigation, the appropriateness of the President to publicly comment on the Russia investigation and whether he feared for his job: Rep. Johnson Grills Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein in Judiciary Hearing: Link HERE Chair: The chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Johnson, for five minutes. Mr. Johnson: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you for your service to the country, Mr. Rosenstein. Based on the language in your special counsel order or your order appointing the special counsel, does the special counsel have the authority to investigate any individual who may have obstructed the investigation that FBI Director Comey confirmed on March 20th of this year, which was the Russian interference with the 2016 (U.S) elections? Mr. Rosenstein: The Special Counsel does have the authority to investigate any obstruction related to his jurisdiction. Mr. Johnson: Does this authority to investigate possible obstruction include investigating President Trump? Mr. Rosenstein: I hope you won't take an inference one way or the other, but we do not discuss who may or may not be under investigation. Mr. Johnson: I’m not asking you whether or not the president is under investigation. I’m just simply asking whether or not your order appointing the special counsel authorizes the special counsel to investigate the president. Mr. Rosenstein: It authorizes him to investigate anybody who there’s predication to believe obstructed justice. Mr. Johnson: And that includes the president, correct? Mr. Rosenstein: It would include anybody who’s suspected of obstructing justice. Mr. Johnson: All right. Do you think that it's appropriate for the president to comment publicly on any pending investigation? Mr. Rosenstein: Congressman, the decision about whether people in political positions comment on investigations is not my responsibility is to ensure that our investigations are not impacted improperly by any opinion. Mr. Johnson: It would not be appropriate for you to comment about any pending investigation, isn't that correct? Mr. Rosenstein: Correct. Mr. Johnson: And the president is the chief law enforcement officer. …at least he considers himself to be in the country. It would be inappropriate for him then to comment on a pending investigation, would it not? Mr. Rosenstein: I believe over the years there have been presidents who have made comments about investigations. It’s simply not my responsibility to make that decision. Mr. Johnson: Do you think it’s appropriate for the president to call for investigation of specific individuals? Mr. Rosenstein: I’m simply not going to comment on that congressman, other than to tell you it’s my responsibility along with the attorney general to make sure those decisions are made independently by the department based upon the facts and the law. Mr. Johnson: Has the president ever contacted you to urge action in any pending investigation? Mr. Rosenstein: Congressman, I have not received any improper orders and I’m not going to be talking about particular communications I may have which are appropriate communications with the White House. Mr. Johnson: What would be your legal basis for refusing to answer the question whether or not the president has contacted you to urge any action in any pending investigation? What would be your legal basis for refusing to answer that question? Mr. Rosenstein: This is not a partisan issue. I worked on an investigation where the previous president encouraged the department to do an expeditious investigation. So the question for me is are we or are we not appropriately making an independent determination regardless of who comments on it. Mr. Johnson: My question is: Has the president ever con you to urge action in any pending investigation, yes or no? Mr. Rosenstein: I have nothing further to say. Mr. Johnson: So, you're going to refuse to answer a question from a member of Congress seeking to do oversight? Mr. Rosenstein: I’ve told you I have not received any improper orders and I’m simply not going to talk about communications. I think in every administration senior law enforcement officers have to be able to communicate with the president and his officials about appropriate matters within their responsibility and not comment on it. You shouldn’t draw any inference. It’s simply not appropriate for me to talk about communications I may have with the administration. I would tell you if something happened that was wrong if somebody ordered me to do that was something improper but that has not happened. Mr. Johnson: It would be improper for the president to ever contact you about initiating an investigation of someone, would it not? Mr. Rosenstein: We’ve discussed this previously Congressman. Presidents have commented publicly. Mr. Johnson: No, no, no. My question is it would be improper for a president to contact you about initiating an investigation of someone? It would be improper wouldn’t it? Mr. Rosenstein: It would be improper for the president to order me to conduct an investigation. Mr. Johnson: It would be improper for the president to ask you to initiate an investigation, would it not? Mr. Rosenstein: If it were for improper reasons, yes. Mr. Johnson: Is it your testimony today that the president has not asked you to investigate someone specifically? Mr. Rosenstein: I understand what you’re getting at. But as I said, I was in the last administration and the president of the last administration commented on matters. There’s nothing wrong about that. Mr. Johnson: You’re being very artful in jumping around and evading answering my question. So you're not going to answer and that’s unfortunate. Are you afraid of President Trump firing you? Mr. Rosenstein: No, I am not Congressman. Mr. Johnson: With that, I will yield back Chair: The time of the gentleman has expired. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-oversees-hearing-opioid-epidemic,Congressman Johnson Oversees Hearing on Opioid Epidemic,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as Ranking Member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, & Emergency Management, Rep. Johnson examined impact of opioid crisis in Appalachia.    Rep. Johnson focused on the importance of the Affordable Care Act in combating the opioid crisis and how economic development is effected by the explosive use of opioids in places such as North Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. “This is a full-blown crisis that demands the attention of Congress,” said Johnson. “The high rates of substance abuse and mortality in Appalachia compared to the rest of the United States is a serious impediment to sustained economic growth. Although the mortality rate is lower in the Georgia counties in my congressional district covered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, I think there are important lessons to be learned. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past where drug abuse was over criminalized as it was the during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.  The government’s response to drugs in the 1980s did not have the effect of easing the problem but instead only intensified the severity of the problem.  Hopefully, we have learned some things from our past.” For Rep. Johnson’s full statement, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/speeches/opioid-epidemic-appalachia-addressing-hurdles-economic-development-region,The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Statement of The Honorable Hank Johnson Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management hearing on “The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region”​ December 12, 2017   Good morning. I would like to thank the Chairman for holding this hearing on the opioid epidemic in Appalachia. Since the formation of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in 1965, Appalachia has made significant progress in executing its mission of addressing persistent poverty and economic despair. However, the progress made in attracting industry to Appalachia and reducing poverty has been threatened by the current opioid epidemic sweeping the nation.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdoses are now a leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in approximately 52,000 deaths in 2015, or 142 deaths every day. In Appalachia, the problem is even worse.  In 2009, the mortality rate in the Appalachian Region was 24 percent higher than the non-Appalachian United States. By 2016, the mortality rate was 37 percent higher than the rest of the nation.  The opioid epidemic also happens to strike in the most devastating way to men and women between the prime working ages of 25 to 44. Although the mortality rate is lower in the Georgia counties in my congressional district covered by the ARC, I think there can be important lessons learned for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, another economic development commission that I introduced legislation reauthorizing earlier this year. This is a full-blown crisis that demands the attention of Congress. The high rates of substance abuse and mortality in Appalachia compared to the rest of the United States is a serious impediment to sustained economic growth. Employers are seeking a healthy workforce when making decisions about where they will locate their businesses. High rates of substance abuse and mortality make it difficult for employers to find and hire qualified candidates. The ARC, in its mission to promote economic development in the region, has understood the grave threat of opioid addiction to the economic viability of the region. In 2017, the ARC commissioned two reports that clearly outline that men and women of prime working ages are beset with high rates of substance abuse and mortality.  I support ARC’s conclusion that increased access to treatment services, prevention, and overdose medications to address the opioid epidemic is necessary. I am pleased that the approach to the opioid epidemic in all of ARC’s commissioned reports discuss this problem in the context of it being a public health issue as much as it is a law enforcement issue.  We must not repeat the mistakes of the past where drug abuse was over criminalized as it was the during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.  The government’s response to drugs in the 1980s did not have the effect of easing the problem but instead only intensified the severity of the problem.  Hopefully, we have learned some things from our past.  Today the comprehensive reports and testimony before this committee make clear that the genesis and driving force for this epidemic starts with the proliferation of prescription drugs.   I am glad we will have a former DEA official talk about how changes in the law and policy at DEA contributed to the explosion in prescription pills in Appalachia. There is no silver bullet to solve the opioid epidemic but I look forward to hearing from today’s witnesses on how a comprehensive multi-faceted approach could address the crisis.  Back to previous page. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-continuing-resolution,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) released the following statement in response to the House passage of the two week Continuing Resolution (CR). The CR passed the House yesterday by a vote of 235 to 193.   “Our responsibility is to keep the government open and working for the people. We should have continued to work to meet the December 8th funding expiration date with a responsible appropriations measure, instead of kicking the can down the road for two more weeks.    “Federal agencies and our communities require long-term certainty. There continues to be a number of outstanding issues needing immediate attention, which are not addressed in this two week CR. These items include: Providing disaster assistance to communities that have been impacted by storms, hurricanes, and wildfire, including communities in Southwest and Middle Georgia, Reauthorizing the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Community Health Centers, which provide vital health services for our most vulnerable citizens, Passing the DREAM Act, to protect hardworking individuals that are threatened with deportation despite contributing to the American Dream, Funding the fight against the opioid epidemic, Modernizing our defense capabilities and ensuring our service members have adequate resources on the field, and Raising the draconian budget cap that threatens to starve off much needed investments in agriculture, child and adult health, disease research, infrastructure and community development, Social Security disability, nutrition assistance, before and after school programs, student aid and loan assistance, job training, economic and business development, housing assistance, and scientific and environmental research.    “I urge my colleagues to come to the table to finalize a long-term appropriations measure that reflects our priorities and values as Americans and strengthens our country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-december-5-2017,"Congressman Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for December 5, 2017",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, While preparing for the holiday season, you may have heard that Republicans are working to deliver “gifts” to working Americans that raises taxes on tens of millions of middle-class families in order to hand deficit-exploding giveaways to corporations and the richest 1 percent. The GOP tax scam includes ways to repeal the Affordable Care Act and ransacks Medicaid and Medicare of $1.5 trillion. President Trump has described his tax legislation as a great Christmas gift for Americans, but it is more like the “Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” As House and Senate Republicans go to conference this week to settle the differences between their monstrous proposals, the health of millions of Americans and key middle-class tax benefits are on the chopping block. I voted against this legislation and will do so again because: ACA Repeal: Senate Republicans added a provision to unravel the Affordable Care Act, spiking premiums and exploding the ranks of the uninsured by 13 million; State and Local Tax Deduction: The House & Senate both impose an unfair double tax on middle class and working families, driving down home values, and endangering key funding for fire fighters, law enforcement and schools; Bad for Georgia: More than 500,000 working Georgians will see their taxes raised an average of $670 by 2027; Student Loan Interest Deduction & Lifetime Learning Credits: House Republicans pushed to destroy a key benefit for young graduates and workers getting the job training they need to succeed in the 21st century economy; Medical Expense Deduction: House Republicans also pushed to destroy a key deduction claimed by nearly nine million American households, which helps families with children with disabilities, long-term care needs, a need for expensive fertility treatments and many others; Mortgage Interest Deduction: House Republicans are assaulting the dream of middle-class homeownership in communities across America by capping the mortgage interest deduction. On Nov.21, I hosted a telephone town hall to give constituents a detailed look into this tax legislation and for me to listen to their thoughts and concerns. Thousands of residents were on the call, but in case you missed it: here is a link to the town hall .",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-statement-passage-gop-s-guns-everywhere-bill,Congressman Johnson Statement on Passage of GOPs Guns Everywhere Bill,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"H.R. 38, So-Called ‘Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act’ This Extreme, Dangerous GOP Bill Overrides State Concealed Carry Laws and Endangers Public Safety  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the GOP’s H.R. 38, the so-called “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” that creates a dangerous threat to public safety by forcing each state to recognize the concealed carry standards from every other state, even those that have dramatically weaker standards: “Concealed Carry Reciprocity — H.R. 38 — is a chaotic, dangerous policy that would gut every state’s gun laws and make our communities less safe. Rather than create a uniform standard, this bill would effectively turn the weakest state’s laws into nationwide laws. It’s outrageous that Congress is responding to two of the worst mass shootings in modern American history by weakening our federal gun laws. Preventing future tragedies can only happen when elected officials find the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and reject dangerous proposals like this one that put public safety at risk.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-announces-lithonia-resident-winner-congressional-app,Rep. Johnson announces Lithonia resident as winner of the Congressional App Challenge,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA —Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is pleased to announce that 16-year-old Jonathan Daniel is the winner of the 2017 Fourth District Congressional App Challenge. “Science and technology are transforming our world and I’m very proud of the students who participated in this year’s challenge,” said Johnson. “The app challenge allows us to showcase some of the Fourth Congressional District’s brightest young minds as they take on cutting-edge technology that is becoming an increasing part of all our lives.” Seventy-five students entered this year’s app challenge as individuals or in teams of up to four students per team. The judging committee included Georgia Tech professor Jason Freeman; Microsoft Education Partner Dr. Elaine E. Bryan; and President of the Village Tutorial Enrichment Program, Cheryl Allie. Daniel, who is a resident of Lithonia, is currently an 11th grader at the Georgia Cyber Academy and will be recognized as the Congressional App Challenge Winner on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. His winning app, “TEFAP Tracker,” will also be on display in the U.S. Capitol along with other winners from across the country. The TEFAP Tracker– which stands for The Emergency Food Assistance Program app – will help food banks better manage the products they distribute, especially food banks that still use inefficient, paper-and-pencil based systems.  Congressman Johnson’s Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. The competition highlights the value of computer science and STEAM education (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering and Math). Students were judged on the following criteria: Quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; Implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and the ability to demonstrate their coding and programming skills. Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, this nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application (app), or game for mobile phones, tablets, or computer devices. The challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in coding and computer science. Congressman Johnson will host a Congressional App Challenge Awards Reception at the Fernbank Science Center on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 1- 3 p.m. The reception will honor Mr. Daniel and the other app challenge participants from Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. For more information on the challenge or the upcoming reception, please contact Joshua Smith or Xeron Pledger at 770-987-2291.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-questions-fbi-director-judiciary-hearing,Rep. Johnson Questions FBI Director in Judiciary Hearing,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Johnson Questions FBI Director in Judiciary Hearing   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray on questions around Russian interference in U.S. elections, future cybersecurity of U.S. elections, whether or not the FBI is investigating the vulnerabilities of Georgia’s election systems and whether or not Mr. Wray believes the President of the United States can obstruct justice. Below is a transcript and video link of the exchange:   Rep. Johnson Questions FBI Director Wray in Judiciary Hearing: Link HERE   Chair: The chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Johnson, for five minutes.   Mr. Johnson: Director Wray, you’ve led a distinguished career as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia – in Atlanta, we’re homeboys on that part – Justice Department, Associate Attorney General, even serving as Assistant Attorney General heading up the criminal division of the entire Justice Department and then as a litigation partner at the international and premier law firm of King & Spalding, you headed up the special matters in government investigations practice group, which involved sophisticated government investigatory matters involving your clients and also you even represented Gov. Christie during the Bridge Gate Scandal – successfully I presume at this point. So you’ve had a long career in criminal law and in matters involving government. I find it hard to believe that you have not pondered the question of whether or not a president can be guilty of obstruction of justice. You have pondered that question have you not?   Mr. Wray: To be honest, it’s not really something I’ve pondered that is a question that involves complicated questions of separation of powers. This committee won't be shocked to learn I have quite a lot on my plate as it is. I don’t have a whole lot of time to do a lot of pondering.   Mr. Johnson: Is it your belief that a sitting president can be guilty of obstructing justice?   Mr. Wray: That’s a legal question that I haven’t tried to evaluate.   Mr. Johnson: Within the last few days, the House Intelligence Committee has requested documents from you and other government officials from the so-called Steele dossier. To date, you and other government officials have refused to comply with the production of these documents. Why have you failed to produce these documents?   Mr. Wray: We are having extensive interaction with multiple committees about these issues. They involve complicated questions not just of classification. They also effect ongoing investigations in particular the special counsel's investigation. In particular, in many instances, we are dealing with very, very dicey questions of sources and methods, which is the life blood of foreign intelligence and our liaison relationships with our foreign partners.   Mr. Johnson: Earlier this year, the FBI opened an investigation into the vulnerabilities of the state of Georgia’s election systems. Thereafter, Georgia citizens filed a lawsuit over the security or lack thereof of Georgia’s election systems, which were then outsourced by Georgia’s secretary of state to the center for election systems. Four days after that lawsuit was filed, Georgia election officials wiped clean or deleted the election data on CES servers. One month later, two additional servers were wiped clean. So evidence that is critical to the issues raised in the lawsuit and to the FBI investigation perhaps -- that information has been destroyed. Can you confirm that the FBI obtained copies of the data on Georgia’s election servers prior to the data being destroyed by Georgia election officials?   Mr. Wray: Congressman, can’t discuss what the FBI may or may not have obtained in the course of any particular investigation in this setting.   Mr. Johnson: Can you confirm that there is an ongoing investigation into this matter?   Mr. Wray: Again, I don't want to confirm or deny. It’s important that I put both those words in there -- the existence of a specific investigation.   Mr. Johnson: Would you be willing upon your investigation’s completion, if there is an investigation, would you be willing to provide this committee with an update on this issue?   Mr. Wray: If there is information that we could appropriately share on the topic that you’re asking about, I’d be happy to see if there’s something we can do to be helpful and responsive to this committee.   Mr. Johnson: The Department of Justice recently admitted in court that they are treating the president’s disturbing and combative tweets as “official statements of the President of the United States.” Considering the DOJ’s position and the president repeatedly demanding that the FBI investigate his political opponents, do you consider these tweets to be orders that the FBI must follow?   Mr. Wray: That’s a legal question. I’ll be guided by the lawyers on that one.   Mr. Johnson: So have your lawyers given you an opinion as to whether or not the president’s tweets are official statements?   Mr. Wray: Well, without discussing attorney-client communications, I’m still following the ordinary course of business in terms of what orders we follow.   Mr. Johnson: Sir, you have given me every objection for not answering the questions in the books and I appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Thank you.   Chair: The time of the gentleman has expired.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-john-lewis-and-bennie-g-thompson-joint-statement-not-attending,Reps. John Lewis and Bennie G. Thompson Joint Statement on Not Attending Opening of Mississippi Civil Rights Museum,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — “After careful consideration and conversations with church leaders, elected officials, civil rights activists, and many citizens of our congressional districts, we have decided not to attend or participate in the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. “President Trump’s attendance and his hurtful policies are an insult to the people portrayed in this civil rights museum. The struggles represented in this museum exemplify the truth of what really happened in Mississippi. President Trump’s disparaging comments about women, the disabled, immigrants, and National Football League players disrespect the efforts of Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry, Medgar Evers, Robert Clark, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and countless others who have given their all for Mississippi to be a better place. “After President Trump departs, we encourage all Mississippians and Americans to visit this historic civil rights museum.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397978,Congressman David Scott Pays Tribute to Channel 2 WSB-TVs Tim McVay,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) took the House Floor to pay tribute to Channel 2 WSB-TV’s Tim McVay, Vice President and General Manager, on his retirement after 39 years in broadcasting.  Click here to watch video of Congressman Scott’s remarks. “Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise this morning to pay honor to an extraordinary, great American. Mr. Tim McVay, Vice President and General Manager of WSB Television is retiring after thirty-nine years as a top executive with Cox Media Group Television Stations across this nation, from Dayton, Ohio, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to San Francisco, California, and to Atlanta, Georgia – earning Tim McVay the highest award in Television, including the Edmund R. Murrow Awards, the Peabody Awards, the Emmy Awards, the Alfred E. DuPont awards, and the induction into the prestigious Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. “Tim McVay is a great American, deeply rooted in his love of country and his love of family, including his loving wife Cindy and his sons, Sean and Ryan.  His son Sean, Mr. Speaker, is head coach of the Los Angeles Rams and the youngest head coach in the history of the NFL. And his father, the legendary John McVay, was the Head of Football Operations for the San Francisco 49ers, and, Members of Congress, winning five Super Bowls. What a great All-American story. “But there’s more, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Congress that I must tell you about Tim McVay. Tim McVay’s life has been like that shining light on the hill: reaching out, helping other people, loving his neighbor as himself, that most sacred of Commandments. “Whether it’s helping the hundreds of television journalists, young people in their careers who are now leading in the television industry or helping me and hundreds of our employers in Georgia with our annual jobs fair, where we have gotten over 12,000 jobs for Georgians. “Or whether it’s our health fair, which we have every year and where we give breast cancer exams and prostate exams to those individuals who, for reasons of income, don’t have insurance, saving lives. “And our veterans, the work that Tim McVay has helped us with our veterans. Ladies and gentlemen, of Congress, let me tell you it was Tim McVay, under his leadership at WSB television in Atlanta, Georgia and his WSB reporter, Aaron Diamant, who exposed to this nation the tragically high suicide rates of our veterans. And then got behind myself and my Republican fellow member of Congress, Larry Bouchard of Indiana, and helped us pass legislation to get more psychiatrists into the V.A. “God bless Tim McVay and God bless the United States of America, land of the free and home of the brave. Thank you.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-remarks-aclu-rally-supreme-court-masterpiece-cakeshop-case,Rep. Johnsons remarks at ACLU Rally on Supreme Court Masterpiece Cakeshop Case,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— On the morning of Dec.5, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) spoke out against discrimination at the American Civil Liberty Union’s (ACLU) rally as SCOTUS takes up the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case.  “Good morning! My name is Congressman Hank Johnson. I represent Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District and I’m happy to be here to support equal rights for everybody in this country. “The question that the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on today, basically it’s a common sense question: Does religious liberty trump civil rights? Is religious liberty more important than equal protection under the law? If you own a business open to the public, can you refuse service to someone because you don’t like their lifestyle? Because you don’t like the person that they hang out with?  “This case is about two people who were refused service at a business that is open to the public simply because the owner of that business didn’t like their lifestyle. This case ladies and gentlemen is about whether a gay couple living in America has the same freedoms in this country that everyone else enjoys. “Well, that’s the question that is being faced today by the U.S. Supreme Court: whether or not equal protection is equal protection, or whether or not equal protection is equal protection because someone can have religious liberty and decide they want to discriminate against somebody.   ""So, religious liberty ladies and gentlemen does not trump equal protection. And that’s what this case is all about. This is what our fight is in this country: what’s right is right and it’s not right to discriminate against people on the basis of their sexual orientation. And so my grandmamma always said that right wins out over wrong and I still believe that. Do y’all believe it?! Well, because you are standing out here for what’s right I believe that you are on the right course. “If we continue our fight, we will always win. Thank you all so much for being here today.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/conyers-receives-cops-grant-hire-new-officers,Conyers receives COPS grant to hire new officers,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"CONYERS – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, announced today that the Conyers Police Department is receiving more than $440,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services or COPS. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-honors-2017-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Rep. John Lewis Honors 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Representative John Lewis is excited to announce Mr. Maanit Madan as the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. The Congressional App Challenge is designed to spark an interest in students’ participation in STEM and coding technologies. Participants are responsible for designing their own apps, with the goal of showcasing their creative and technical abilities. The judging committee included Ms. Natasha B. Rachell, Atlanta Public Schools; Mr. Asante Bradford, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Dr. Kamau Bobb, Georgia Institute of Technology; and by members of Rep. Lewis' District Office staff. Mr. Madan created the app Chef Cal, which he says is aimed at “receiving tasks from a user and automatically organizing a calendar for them.  This calendar makes sure that the user can comfortably complete the task without missing the due date. The goal of this app is to create a solution for students to get work done without procrastinating, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.” Rep. Lewis expresses his sincere appreciation for Mr. Madan’s participation as well as the hard work and dedication demonstrated throughout the entirety of his presentation of Chef Cal. “I would like to thank all of the participants for competing in this year’s Congressional App Challenge.  I especially congratulate Mr. Madan for his outstanding demonstration and application of coding,” said Rep. Lewis. For more information regarding the 2017 Congressional App Challenge, please click the link: http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397977,Scott Statement Supporting the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) delivered remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 1699. This bipartisan bill preserves access to manufactured housing, which accounts for 12% of the housing in Georgia. A video and transcript of Congressman Scott’s remarks are enclosed below. Click here to watch video of Congressman Scott’s remarks. Transcript: “Thank you so much, Ranking Member. I appreciate that. I want to deal with two things right quick in my two minutes. “First of all, manufactured housing is the cornerstone of affordable housing in this country. Nobody argues against that. Manufactured housing is in every state in this union. In my state of Georgia, it accounts for 12% of all of the affordable housing units. And in some states, it's even higher than that.  “I just simply want to clarify why I support the bill. It's because of two things. One, it's because of the devastating federal regulations that are on it for these hundreds of thousands and millions of customers  and, what it's doing is, it's making the American people unable to purchase manufactured housing. I think we have to look at that. It's also eroding the home values of existing owners of manufactured housing.   “Our bill simply moves to correct it by doing three things. We just simply do some technical clarifications to the definition of mortgage originator, loan originator and the high-cost mortgage.  “And let me just say this. I was an original sponsor of Dodd-Frank. What we did in this bill was to make sure that mortgage protection and Dodd-Frank are protected in here, including anybody steering anyone into any kind of loans with predatory amplifications.  “This is a great debate. There are two sides to it. But when you look at it, it's the millions of Americans who are suffering from an inability to get a mobile home or an inability to keep them. All we're doing is simply making these minor adjustments.  “Now I want to clarify this about Dodd, about the CFPB director. I want to quote, and I want the American people to listen to me, in section 1011 of Dodd-Frank, paragraph 5, it states this:  “the Deputy Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency shall be appointed by the Director and serve as Acting Director in the absence or unavailability of the Director.” “We wrote this, Chairman Hensarling. We wrote this. This is the law. We must abide by it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-marks-world-aids-day,Congressman Johnson Marks World AIDS Day,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) marked December 1st as World AIDS Day and recommitted to addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.  “The AIDS epidemic is a public health crisis that affects every community,” said Rep. Johnson. “But despite the tragic toll of this disease, we are making historic progress to halt this epidemic in its tracks. U.S. initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Ryan White AIDS Program have saved millions of lives around the world and here at home.” “We cannot afford to backslide on our commitments to ending this public health emergency. Despite the tremendous gains we’ve made in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, more than 36 million people worldwide are living with the illness. In the United States, more than a million people are living with HIV – and one out of every seven HIV-positive Americans don’t know that they’ve been infected,” added Johnson. “The United Nations believes we can achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030, but that requires action to address the persistent gaps in education and care. On World AIDS Day and every day, I am committed to saving lives and protecting critical public health programs.” The theme for World AIDS Day 2017 is “Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships.” To find an HIV testing site near you, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-introduces-resolution-honoring-morehouse-colleges-150th,Rep. John Lewis Introduces Resolution Honoring Morehouse College's 150th Anniversary,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) – joined by Morehouse graduates Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) and Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) – introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the 150th anniversary of the founding of Morehouse College.  The text of the resolution can be found here.  Rep. Lewis made this statement: “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution celebrating the 150 year anniversary of Morehouse College’s legacy and tradition of producing men who change the fabric of our nation and inspire movements in every corner of the world. “Morehouse students and graduates, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and those involved in the Atlanta Student Movement, became leaders and pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement.   Their model encouraged generations of Americans, including me, to commit to improving ourselves and our communities.  To this day, students, graduates, administrators, and professors in the Morehouse family continue to contribute to all aspects of American and global life and culture through business, arts, health, science, and public service. “In applying the principles of tolerance, morality, hard work, humility, service, leadership, and excellence, Morehouse College is integral to our nation’s history and future, and it is an honor and a privilege to have an institution with the legacy, spirit, and mission of Morehouse College located in the heart of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District.” The resolution's original co-sponsors include Reps. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA), David Scott (D-GA), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Rob Woodall (R-GA), Doug Collins (R-GA), Jody B. Hice (R-GA), A. Drew Ferguson, IV (R-GA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-remarks-world-aids-day,Rep. John Lewis Remarks on World AIDS Day,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — In recognizing December 1st as World AIDS Day, Representative John Lewis made the following statement:  “We have made tremendous progress in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and we have come too far to turn back now. “The medicine we have today is stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS and saving lives.  Each and every person must get tested.  This year’s World AIDS Day is as about increasing impact through transparency, accountability, and partnerships.  The United Nations says we can reach an AIDS-free generation by 2030.  I believe we can do it, and I am committed to saving lives and protecting critical public health programs.” “Most importantly, I would like all of my brothers and sisters in Georgia’s 5th Congressional District who are living with HIV/AIDS to know that you are loved, respected, and cherished.  I understand that traveling to see doctors and to get medicine is difficult.  It can be overwhelming.   Your life is valuable.  You are beautiful and strong, you must stay the course, and you must continue the fight.  You cannot give up, and you cannot give in.  Please know that you are not alone.  Every second, every minute, every hour, every day, we are here with you and fighting for you.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-bishop-s-opening-statement-on-usda-disaster-recovery-role,RANKING MEMBER BISHOPS OPENING STATEMENT ON USDA DISASTER RECOVERY ROLE,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, delivered the following opening statement earlier today during the subcommittee’s hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) role in current disaster recovery efforts.   Video and background on the subcommittee hearing can be found here. Hearing witnesses included: Mr. Rob Johansson, Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the USDA Mr. Leonard Jordon, Acting Chief for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Mr. Steve Peterson, Acting Administrator, USDA Farm Service Agency Below is Congressman Bishop’s full statement as prepared:   Thank you Mr. Chairman and welcome Mr. Johansson, Mr. Jordan, and Mr. Peterson. We all appreciate your being here today.   Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased we are having a hearing on USDA’s role in this country’s recovery efforts, which will include discussing the Administration’s third disaster supplemental, as well as USDA’s relevant mandatory programs.   USDA has been called upon to help agricultural and rural communities across this nation affected by numerous disasters. This country has suffered from devastating wildfires in the West; tornadoes in Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Louisiana; and catastrophic hurricanes extending from Texas to Georgia and the Caribbean.   Our Nation’s resolve and commitment to take care of its own is being tested, and I, for one, do not want to see us fail. I am sure the Chairman and I are of the same mind in that we are looking forward to working together, along with our distinguished subcommittee colleagues, to ensure that all the needs are met AND that they are met in a timely manner.   I am heartened by the statements that many Members have made in reference to the Administration’s first FY18 budget request, agreeing that it was only the beginning of the conversation and not the last word on how we keep this country moving forward in spite of ourselves. I see this supplemental request in the same way—it is only the start of the conversation and, unfortunately, an inadequate one at that. If enacted as is, it would send the wrong message to our fellow citizens, and the members of the world community, about our willingness and ability to care for our own. It would drastically slow down aid to areas hard hit by disasters, needlessly prolonging their misery and suffering, with particularly harsh effects in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.   The Administration characterized their request as fully covering damages from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, while only covering medium-term needs in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to Hurricane Maria. However, lawmakers in states affected by Harvey and Irma have spoken out to say that they see this request as inadequate. And I agree! This package does not represent enough of an investment to truly get the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on the track to where they need to be. In Puerto Rico alone, it is said that approximately 40% of the island, like the area of Fajardo, is without power and sufficient water, and I recently heard from the Virgin Islands delegation that only 16% of St. Croix has power.   My own home state of Georgia suffered severe damage as Hurricane Irma moved out of Florida and, earlier this year, we led the nation in the number of tornadoes—which is not a record ANY state wants to hold. As many of you have heard me boast before, Georgia is a major agriculture state, with 42,000 farms, now contributing almost $75 billion annually to the state and national economies. It is number one in the nation for the production of poultry, peanuts, pecans, blueberries, and privately owned timberlands. Georgia’s second congressional district, of which I have the extreme honor of representing here in Congress, leads the state in peanuts, cotton, pecans, fruits, and vegetables, as well as family-owned timberlands.   Of the 29 counties that I represent, 26 of those are rural, with average populations between 10,000 to 15,000 people. These counties are some of the most economically disadvantaged counties in the state and the nation. They have suffered losses that have yet to be satisfactorily addressed. I am concerned that the package before us will only serve as a drop in the bucket as we enter the repair and rebuild phase following the disasters of 2017. We are now 32 days away from 2018. If 2018 is anything like 2017, and we continue to nickel and dime the country, the road to recovery will be but a dream.   Now, what we have jurisdiction over is the USDA portion of the disaster package, which totals around $1 billion. In isolation that sounds like a large number; however, when you look at the damage estimates coming in from the affected states and territories, it pales in comparison to the actual needs on the ground.   Mr. Chairman and Mr. Johansson, I am also deeply concerned that we are not seeing any requests regarding how to meet the nutritional needs of disaster victims.   As I have said before, there are limits to doing more with less, and you sure cannot try that approach when an emergency hits. That is when this country needs all hands on deck. It appears that the Administration is still having trouble realizing that, but, I assure you, there are a good many Members of the Congress who know it and who are doing all we can to ensure this great nation does not fall by the wayside. It is my hope that this supplemental will see a lot of improvement before it comes before the full U.S. House of Representatives on the House floor.   As you can see, we have a lot to discuss today. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to welcome our witnesses and to share my concerns. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-announces-cops-grants-conyers-pd,Rep. Johnson Announces COPS Grants for Conyers PD,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Reports more than $400,000 from DOJ for Conyers’ Police Department to Hire 4 More Officers WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, announced that the Conyers Police Department is receiving more than $440,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services or COPS. The grants will be used to fund four additional officers in Conyers. During his tenure in Congress, Rep. Johnson has worked in a bipartisan fashion to prevent massive cuts to the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), which is designed to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct support to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide. Since 1995, the COPS program has invested more than $220 million in Georgia law enforcement agencies, which was used to hire more than 2,700 officers and provide more than $30 million in technology upgrades. “The COPS Hiring Grant Program is a cornerstone of the federal effort to support state and local law enforcement,” said Johnson. “These grants enable our state and local government partners to hire the public safety officers needed to protect our citizens. I’m pleased to fight for this important program and see it pay dividends in our community.” The funding is part of more than $98 million awarded nationwide to hire more than 800 officers.  CHP funding supports the hiring of career law enforcement officers to increase an agency's community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. For more, visit the Department of Justice COPS website. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-works-amend-gop-guns-everywhere-bill-protect-police-officers,Rep. Johnson Works to Amend GOP Guns Everywhere Bill to Protect Police Officers,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman joins Rep. Raskin offering amendment to Conceal Carry Reciprocity so that it would allow officers to carry out their duty to protect and serve. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, joined forces with Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) to offer an amendment to the GOP’s Conceal Carry Reciprocity bill, H.R. 38. The GOP’s reciprocity bill would force states with strong standards for deciding who may carry concealed guns to accept concealed carry by persons from states allowed to carry according to little or no requirements, and who may not even be issued a permit.  Conceal Carry would make it impossible for law enforcement officers to verifying whether a person’s permit is valid as they travel from state to state. The Johnson-Raskin amendment would ensure that law enforcement officers could still investigate whether people are carrying legally beyond a brief investigatory stop and allow officers to detain a person in possession of a concealed firearm for a reasonable period of time while verifying that the person is carrying valid photo identification and a valid permit. “Our amendment would help to protect and support law enforcement officers and the public safety judgements they make as they carry out their duty to protect and serve law abiding citizens, including women and children,” said Johnson. “This amendment makes the bill stronger and protects law enforcement, permitting them to carry out their responsibilities without undue fear of civil lawsuits and liability for the payment of attorney’s fees.” The amendment failed along party lines. Rep. Johnson voted against Conceal Carry, but the bill passed Judiciary Committee and now goes to the House floor for a vote. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-statement-ending-temporary-protected-status,Rep. John Lewis Statement on Ending Temporary Protected Status,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"ATLANTA – Congressman John Lewis made the following statement in response to the administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals living in the United States: “I strongly oppose recent decisions to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Nicaraguans living in the United States.   “These actions do not befit a great and generous nation.  Along with ending DACA, they are part of a pattern of this administration’s assault on immigrant families and communities in Metro Atlanta and across America.  “This decision threatens the security of families and the well-being of the nearly 200,000 American children whose parents built safe, stable lives for them as a result of the TPS program.  Similar to the earlier attack on DREAMers, this action will force families to return to unresolved, unimaginable hardships – strong earthquakes and storms, deadly wars, and harsh famines.  “Public service should strive to bring people together and improve the lives of all who live in our country.  It should not plant seeds of uncertainty and anguish or stoke the fires of fear and division. “Once again, the duty will now fall to Congress to attempt to fix yet another preventable crisis created by this administration.  “We must rise up and work together to develop responsible solutions that respect the dignity and the worth of the thousands of people trying to make a better life here in America.” TPS provides safe harbor to more than 300,000 people who have lived in the United States for years, some even for decades.  In Georgia, these hard-working individuals hold jobs, pay taxes, and contribute more than $300 million to our State’s economy every year.   Congressman Lewis joined letters from the Congressional Black Caucus and more than 70 House Democrats that urged the Department of Homeland Security to protect and renew TPS for Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador, and Syria.   Rep. Lewis is a co-sponsor of — H.R. 4384, the ASPIRE-TPS Act, which would protect TPS-eligible individuals from being sent back to life-threatening conditions at home; H.R. 4253, the American Promise Act, which would provide a path to U.S. citizenship for long-time TPS holders; and H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act, which would provide legal status and a path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of young people brought to the United States as children.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-november-22-2017-e-letter,"Congressman Hank Johnson's November 22, 2017 E-Letter",2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,   I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. 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 recent events to kick off the 2018 open enrollment period for affordable healthcare. Millions of Americans lack quality, affordable, critical  healthcare coverage. Visit www.healthcare.gov to find out how to enroll in health insurance and compare plans to find the most accommodating plan for you and your family. The website is also available in Spanish at www.cuidadoDeSalud.gov.     I also had the distinct honor of recognizing our courageous veterans who live throughout the district, when I served as the guest speaker at the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board of DeKalb County’s 2017 Veterans Day Program. Just as we vow to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we vow to leave no veteran behind-when they return home. Congress is still working towards fulfilling the nation’s responsibilities to the veterans of this country. Just this month, the VA launched the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program, or “RAMP.” The goal of the program is to give veterans a review of a decision on an appeal much faster than the traditional appeals process.   TELE TOWN HALL: On Tuesday, Nov. 21, I held a telephone town hall from my district office. More than 45,000 Fourth District residents were contacted to hear their thoughts on the GOP tax legislation that independent economists say will raise taxes on millions of middle-class households. In fact in Georgia, nearly 890,000 households earning less than $146,000 would see a tax increase as a result of this bill.   I spoke with residents for more than an hour and truly appreciated the opportunity to talk with my constituents on the possible results of this selfish, reckless bill—which among other things, ransack Medicaid and Medicare; proving that some Republicans in Congress will do anything to reward their wealthy campaign donors and once again push through another form of trickle-down economics for the American people.      To listen to the telephone town hall, click HERE.   FEMA: Local Hiring in Georgia For more information, click here     FOR YOUR/MORE INFORMATION:   Housing Help | Jobs Center | Healthcare | Small Businesses Seniors | Students | Veterans | Help with a Federal Agency | Zika Prevention | Opioid Resource Guide   As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now on Tumblr as well as e-mails, phone calls and letters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress and thank you to all our veterans and their families on this special day.         November 22, 2017   About This E-Newsletter   HAPPY THANKSGIVING RECENT EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT GOP TAX BILL TOWN HALL   --------------------------------------- My Staff Arthur D. Sidney, Chief of Staff Kathy Register, District Director   District Shy Armstrong Laveeta Branche Peter J. Butts Jr. Ackeem Evans Eric C. Hubbard Maria Lancheros Andy Phelan Xeron Pledger Josh Smith   Washington, D.C. Brian Duckworth Chelsea Grey Caroline Hunsicker Alem Tewoldeberhan   This is an informational e-mail sent to residents of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. If you would prefer not to receive future mailings, please click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. This mailing was prepared and sent at taxpayer expense.   You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.   This e-mail is not attached to an attended mailbox. Please visit the website and click on “Contact Hank” to send a message.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-hank-johnsons-telephone-town-hall-tuesday-nov-21,"Congressman Hank Johnson's Telephone Town Hall, Tuesday, Nov. 21",2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Hank Johnson held a telephone town hall from his district office on Tuesday, Nov.21 at 6:30 p.m. He called about 40,000 residents in the Fourth District to hear their thoughts on the results of the GOP Tax bill.  Mr. Johnson spoke to residents for more than an hour on not only the GOP Tax Bill, but also on the current state of economy and the Affordable Care Act, also known as ""Obamacare.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-in-opposition-to-house-tax-legislation,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO HOUSE TAX LEGISLATION,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement concerning his vote in opposition to the House’s misguided tax legislation, which would saddle the nation with crippling debt and provide little to no tax relief for thousands of residents of Georgia’s Second Congressional District. The bill was approved yesterday by the full House of Representatives in a vote of 227 to 205.   “I could not in good conscience vote in support of the tax reform legislation considered yesterday by the U.S. House of Representatives. Tax reform must make our tax code more equitable, less complex, and not significantly add to the budget deficit. Unfortunately, the tax legislation approved by the House yesterday does not fulfill these requirements. It would shift the tax burden from wealthy taxpayers to middle income families by increasing taxes for 36 million middle income households.   “The House legislation would lower or eliminate many tax credits and deductions that are relied upon by middle income Georgia families. It would (1) eliminate the deduction for state and local income and sales taxes, and cap the deduction for state property taxes; (2) limit the mortgage interest deduction to under $500,000 of mortgage debt; (3) eliminate the student loan interest deduction, increasing costs for millions of college graduates; (4) abolish the medical expense and dependent care assistance deductions, which are relied upon by millions of families caring for sick and aging relatives; (5) end the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which is used by employers who hire veterans with a service-connected disability or history of unemployment; (6) repeal personal exemptions, which are relied upon by large families with multiple children and other dependents; and (7) eliminate the casualty loss deduction, which helps families rebuild after storms and disaster.   “The legislation would also eliminate tax deductions for teachers purchasing school supplies for their students, while permitting similar deductions for companies purchasing supplies for their employees. The bill has similar disparate treatment for moving expenses – allowing a deduction for business moving expenses, but disallowing such a deduction for an individual.   “Additionally, the legislation would end the tax exemption for Private Activity Bonds, which are used by states and municipalities to construct dorms, classrooms, highways, and other public infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, the bill would repeal the deductibility of donations made to college athletic departments for sport ticket rights. These donations are used to fund women’s and men’s college sports, and repeal of this deduction would lead to the loss of scholarship opportunities for student athletes.    “Congress must ensure that tax relief flows to middle income Americans. According to the nonpartisan Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI), nearly forty percent of the aggregate tax cut in this legislation would benefit the wealthiest one percent of Georgians. These tax cuts for high income households and large corporations would become more generous over time whereas other broader benefits under the legislation for middle and lower income households would shrink and eventually expire. GBPI found that while Georgians earning over $543,000 a year would see their taxes cut by $56,000 in 2018 and $75,000 in 2027, the middle fifth of Georgia households would see their taxes reduced only by $500 in 2017 and $220 in 2027, and nearly 30% of middle income households would actually see a tax increase.   “Congress’s Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that the bill would increase deficits by $1.44 trillion over ten years, saddling the nation with more debt just as more and more Americans are retiring and making use of government services including Social Security and Medicare. Combined with the budget resolution passed late October, this could result in reductions to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment Insurance, nutrition assistance, and our agriculture and commodity support programs.   “While I do support tax relief for Georgia families, it needs to be fair, balanced, and fiscally responsible both in the short and the long term. The benefits must be shared among Georgians of all income levels rather than just concentrated at the top. While the tax legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday fails that test, I remain hopeful that it can be improved in the coming weeks during negotiations with the U.S. Senate.”    The House tax bill is opposed by the AARP, the National Farmers Union, the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Council on Education, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Fire Fighters, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the NAACP, the National Council of Churches, the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Association of Home Builders, Americans for Tax Fairness, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and the National Association of Realtors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397976,Congressman David Scott Denounces Dangerous Republican Tax Reform Bill,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott (GA-13) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in strong opposition to the Republican tax reform bill. Click here to watch video of Congressman Scott’s remarks. “Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Neal. I appreciate this time. My heart is heavy tonight, and it is heavy because we are faced with the absolute, most dangerous, destructive, and deceitful tax reform bill in the history of this Congress. Now, let me tell you why. On the other side, you have heard Member after Member on the other side get up and tell you: This is going to get a tax cut, we are going to give the wealthy a tax cut, we are going to give the corporations a tax cut. But none of them have told you, or the American people, how they are going to pay for it. And the great tragedy is, the most deceitful thing about what my colleagues on the other side are doing to the American people is they are doing these tax cuts for the wealthy and for the corporations, on the backs of the poor and the middle class. Let me tell you why. They won't tell you how they are paying for this tax cut --$1.5 trillion that they will cut from Medicaid, from Medicare. Madam Speaker, Medicaid is for the children. There are literally millions of children on there. You heard one of my colleagues go down and speak. We are losing 20 veterans to suicide every single day. No mention of that. But yet they will cut the veterans program designed to help them to pay for this tax cut. There’s no mention of the student loan interest rate. Young people across this country, you need to rise up. Seniors, we need to rise up. We need to rise up and stand and fight for this country. Let our minds go back to 1773 in Boston at the harbor, when they threw the tea over to start the very foundation of our great democracy.  I ask the American people to stand up and help us defeat this dangerous bill.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-statement-passage-gop-tax-scam,Rep. Johnsons Statement on Passage of the GOP Tax Scam,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted against H.R. 1 – the House Republicans’ corporate tax cut that raises taxes on millions of middle-income families and explodes the national debt so Republicans in Congress can reward their wealthy, selfish campaign donors:   “This GOP tax scam raises taxes on millions of middle-class families, slashes taxes for the wealthiest and for corporations, and it explodes the deficit,” said Johnson. “The bill gives tax breaks to corporations shipping American jobs overseas and ransacks Medicaid and Medicare.  The bill eliminates the medical-expense deduction and imposes new limits on the mortgage-interest deduction. While working Americans might see a temporary tax cut, their benefits expire in a few years while cuts for corporations are made permanent. How many times do Republicans have to stand on the wrong side of history and force failed trickle-down economics on the working people of America?” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/atlanta-passport-agency-hosts-december-passport-day,Atlanta Passport Agency Hosts December Passport Day,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Atlanta Passport Agency is hosting a passport day on Saturday, December 2, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Awareness Campaign.  This year, the State Department’s public awareness campaign focuses on the benefits of getting a U.S. passport and how the passport book and card are great forms of photo identification.  The event on Saturday is a convenient way to apply for children, apply for the first time, or renew your passport.  U.S. passport holders who will have less than six months validity on their passports should consider renewing their passports now. Some foreign countries require six months remaining on the passport expiration date to enter.   Day:  Saturday, December 2, 2017 Time:  8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location:  Atlanta Passport Agency                   230 Peachtree Street N.W., 10th Floor                   Atlanta, GA 30303   Payment:  Credit card, personal check, exact cash (no change is given) Applicants may choose routine service (4-6 weeks) or expedited service (2-3 weeks).  Expedited service costs an additional $60.  Applicants will be seen on a first come, first serve basis and no appointment is necessary.  For information on passport forms and fees, or to learn more about the Passport Awareness Campaign, please visit Travel.State.Gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-floor-statement-republican-tax-cut-legislation,Rep. John Lewis Floor Statement on Republican Tax Cut Legislation,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — This morning Rep. Lewis spoke against the dangerous Republican Tax Cut bill on the House Floor.  He made the following statement (WATCH) – “I rise with a heavy heart to join in opposing this mean-spirited, reckless bill. “Mr. Speaker, thirty years ago, I was elected to fight for and to serve the people of my district.  Today, they are calling and begging for us to slow down and to do this the right way. “In their heart of hearts, the public knows that the safety net will be used to pay for this reckless corporate tax cut. “Taxpayers know that this shameful bill destroys the hopes and dreams of too many as it robs poor Peter to pay wealthy Paul. “You see, Mr. Speaker, you cannot hide the truth from the sick, the elderly, and disabled for whom this bill may mean life or death. “You cannot hide the truth from middle class, working, and immigrant families who need every penny to make ends meet. “You cannot hide the truth from teachers who try to lend a helping hand and students who struggle to get an education. “And I for one refuse to hide the truth about this bill’s attack on the separation of church and State. “Mr. Speaker -- as we abandon our constitutional duty and sacrifice our moral authority -- I fear that history will not be kind to us. “In another time and another period, Members of Congress came together in a bipartisan fashion.  “They met, debated, and passed a tax bill that served the best interest of all people -- not just a select few.  They took their time.  They did it right, and so should we. “Today the record must reflect the sad truth of this missed opportunity.  H.R. 1 steals from our veterans, seniors, children, and from generations yet unborn. “All taxpayers expect, demand, and deserve better – much better -- than legislation, which puts politics before the good of the people. “This bill is a shame, a disgrace, and honestly, Mr. Speaker, it breaks my heart.  I urge each and every one of my colleagues to vote no.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-responds-house-passage-republican-tax-cut-bill,Rep. John Lewis Responds to House Passage of Republican Tax Cut Bill,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — On Thursday, November 16, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Republican tax cut bill, by a vote of 227-205. As the only Georgian serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Lewis worked to ensure that the public received unprecedented access to every step in the House process.  Throughout the four-day markup, the office provided real-time updates on every amendment and every vote.   The site also includes video and text of the Congressman’s speeches and amendments on this bill and links to non-partisan analysis of the House and Senate bills. During the past few weeks, constituents began contacting the office in waves as they began to understand the impact of this unprecedented tax bill on their lives and communities.  In order to ensure that their concerns were a part of the public record, Rep. Lewis was the only Member of the Ways and Means Committee to file additional dissenting views in opposition to the bill.  He also introduced ten bills to direct the Federal government to report examples of what the missed opportunity of bipartisan, comprehensive tax reform would mean for Metro Atlanta residents. After the passage of the House Republican tax cut bill and three days of the Senate Finance Committee’s consideration of the companion legislation, Rep. Lewis made the following comment: ""In November 1986, the people of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District elected me to Congress; I remember like yesterday how honored, humbled, and inspired I was to serve and fight for the people.  It was only one month after the completion of a years-long, thoughtful, bipartisan process to reform the United States tax code.  When I took my oath of office 30 years ago, that historic effort was a model to me.  I worked hard to earn an appointment to the House Ways and Means Committee, the oldest standing committee in this body.  This is the Committee where Congress’ core constitutional authority lies and where great, historic legislative solutions were born. ""As I stood on the House Floor this morning, my heart broke.  This tax bill breaches the sacred pact of public service – it hurts so many people and for what end?  For the past two weeks, my office received constant, frantic calls from graduate students, local public servants, seniors, immigrants, veterans, faith leaders, charities, working and middle class families, and average people trying to make ends meet.  They looked at the House bill and they saw so much meanness – so much spite.   They held their breath hoping for sanity in the Senate, but when Senate Finance added yet another attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, my constituents franticly began losing all hope.  ""It is as if the Republican Members of the 115th Congress forgot about real people and the true impact of our actions.  This bill will decide whether people can keep a roof over their heads, heat in their homes, food on the table, care for their loved ones, continue their studies, and for some – it will mean the difference between life and death.  ""In order to pay for these unprecedented tax cuts – the third in 16 years of war – Congress will trigger sequestration.  Next year, congressional Republicans will be forced to cut practically every single program, which matters to average people.  ""Unfortunately, this is not my opinion; the Congressional Budget Office reported this fact earlier this week.  Yet, still House Republicans are determined to secure a quick political win that will devastate every corner of our country and generations yet unborn.  Today is a sad and dark day, and I pray in my heart of hearts that common-sense and the will to put people before politics will prevail.” ### TAX BILL HOME HOUSE:  House Ways and Means Committee Markup → House Rules Committee → House Floor Debate SENATE: Senate Finance Committee Markup Resources → Senate Floor Debate Rep. Lewis' Press Statements about H.R. 1 Rep. Lewis' Missed Opportunities Bills",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-usda-disaster-assistance-available-for-farms-impacted-by,ADVISORY: USDA DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FARMS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE IRMA,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, in accordance with Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, sent a letter this week designating 83 counties within the State of Georgia as primary disaster areas due to the impacts of Hurricane Irma.   This primary designation includes Baker, Clay, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Grady, Lee, Macon, Marion, Miller, Mitchell, Peach, Randolph, Seminole, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Taylor, Terrell, and Webster counties within the Second Congressional District of Georgia. Additionally, Calhoun, Chattahoochee, Dougherty, Early, Quitman, Talbot counties were designated as contiguous disaster counties.   “On behalf of Middle and Southwest Georgia’s agriculture community, I am grateful that USDA has appropriately responded to our plight,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop. “Having access to programs and available resources will help our growers repair and rebuild their operations stronger following damage caused by Hurricane Irma, and will help ensure that Georgia’s agriculture industry continues to help feed the world.”   The designation as a primary or contiguous disaster area opens up eligibility for certain types of disaster loan assistance. The main disaster assistance program triggered by these designations is consideration for low-interest emergency loans. These designations also trigger access to the Disaster Set-Aside (DSA) program, which enables producers with a direct loan from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to move one annual payment to the end of the loan if the producers are not able to make their payments on schedule.   Background on USDA’s disaster assistance programs can be found here. A copy of Secretary Perdue’s designation letter can be found here. Any determinations concerning eligibility for any USDA programs will need to be made by USDA. Farmers can find contact information for their local USDA FSA Office here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-supports-passage-of-the-national-defense,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) voted in support of H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2018, which would provide $700 billion for our national defense. The legislation contains provisions that would increase the current active troop level by more than 16,000. The bill also includes a 2.4% pay raise for all military personnel.   “This legislation ensures that our military remains vibrant and strong,” said Congressman Bishop. “As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veteran Affairs, I am particularly pleased that the legislation authorizes $10.7 billion for construction within the Department of Defense to strengthen our military infrastructure both home and abroad.”   The measure also prohibits the Defense Secretary from reducing the basic allowance for housing and authorizes the Department to reimburse a service member up to $500 for a spouse's expenses related to obtaining licensing or certification in another state due to a permanent change of station.   “This bill addresses some of the challenges that have impacted our military families,” continued Congressman Bishop. “Measures that boost the quality of life for our military families increase the total readiness of our military force.”   The measure includes a number of provisions for Middle and Southwest Georgia. The legislation increases funding for the Army’s armored brigade, ensuring that when soldiers from Fort Benning’s Maneuver Center of Excellence graduate, they have the equipment they need to defend our Nation. It authorizes increased funding for operation and maintenance accounts, providing units such as the Marine Corps Logistics Command in Albany, GA with additional resources to complete critical ground combat depot level repair work. It also preserves the J-STARS program at Robins Air Force Base and authorizes $417 million in FY 2018 for J-STARS recapitalization.   Additionally, the bill fully funds $8 billion for cyber operations, an increase of $1.7 billion that will provide vital funding for the Army Cyberspace operations conducted in Fort Gordon.   The legislation was adopted by the full House of Representatives yesterday evening in a vote of 356 to 70. The measure now moves over to the Senate where it is expected to pass before going to the President to be signed into law.   The summary and additional details on the contents of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397975,Statement Opposing 21st Century Flood Reform Act,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in strong opposition to H.R. 2874, the 21st Century Flood Reform Act.   Click here to watch video of Congressman Scott’s remarks. Rep. Scott: Thank you ranking member Waters. First, it is very important for us to understand that flooding, Mr. Speaker, is no longer just a coastal lawmaker's problem. Flooding is now running rampant in every part of our country. So I think that every member on the floor today, every member of Congress needs to ask themselves a question and that is, are they really willing to put their name on this bill? Are you really willing to vote for this bill that will drastically raise premiums on their constituents without putting the necessary guardrails in place so those who can't afford the high costs can still buy flood insurance? Now one example I'm talking about is this, Mr. Speaker, and I want to make this clear. I hope there are listeners on C-SPAN, who will tune in. Call your neighbors. Call somebody to listen to this. In this bill, H.R. 2874, it will require policy holders to pay for any assistance they get when their states create affordability programs. Here's an example. My good friend Mr. Duffy's bill allows for the creation of a voluntary state-run affordability program, but here's the catch, Mr. Speaker. There isn't one dime of funding provided in this bill to set up and implement this program. Instead, Mr. Duffy's bill says the cost of any discount given to policy holders will have to be offset by fee increases on other policy holders within the same state. Now, Mr. Speaker, this is the Achilles heel in this flood insurance business. I can guarantee you this would have a gravely negative impact on all of us who are at that low and middle income. Now Mr. Speaker, I made it clear to our distinguished Chairman and Mr. Duffy that we are willing to work across party lines. Speaker Pro Tempore: The gentleman's time has expired. Rep. Waters: I yield to the gentleman an additional 30 seconds. Speaker Pro Tempore: The gentleman is recognized for an additional 30 seconds. Rep. Scott: Thank you so much Madam Ranking Member, but we offered this, as the ranking member said, as an excellent opportunity. This summer we spent week after week on this bill so we could move this bill forward in a way that would address affordability, which was a major concern of mine and the Ranking Member and those of us on our side of the aisle. So there is no affordability in here and it's very important for us to point out that this plan will put an overburden on the states and then they have to pass it on in fees to the others.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-questions-ag-sessions-judiciary-hearing,Rep. Johnson Questions AG Sessions in Judiciary Hearing,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Johnson Questions AG Sessions in Judiciary Hearing   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, questioned U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions about why he recused himself from the investigation into Russian interference in U.S. elections, the sale of CNN as part of the proposed AT&T-Time Warner merger and whether DOJ was conducting a review of cyber-security measures to prevent future meddling in U.S. elections. Below is a transcript and video link of the exchange:   Video: Rep. Johnson Questions AG Sessions in Judiciary Hearing: https://youtu.be/ctv72mfS1nY   Chair: The chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Johnson, for five minutes.   Mr. Johnson: Thank you. (Attorney) General, you have led a remarkable and notable career over the last 42 years as an attorney in private practice, as the Attorney General of Alabama, then the U.S. Attorney in Alabama, later the U.S. Senator of Alabama and now the Attorney General of the United States of America. And you have made a professional judgment call when you recused yourself from the investigation of the Russian interference in the 2016 elections. You have caught a lot of flak for that decision. What I want to know is why did you recuse yourself?   Mr. Sessions: Thank you very much. I told the Senate Judiciary Committee when I was confirmed that I would evaluate those matters. I would seek the counsel of the senior ethics advisor.   Mr. Johnson: My question is why did you recuse yourself?   Mr. Sessions: I’ll get to that. I evaluated that. They showed me something I was not familiar with. Code of federal regulations said if you participate in a substantial role in a campaign, Department of Justice employee should not participate in investigating that campaign. I felt that was correct. It was not because I had.   Mr. Johnson: I agree.   Mr. Sessions: Not concerned about anything I had done previously. It was to me if I were not bound by that I don't see how other people in the Department of Justice could be expected to follow the rules of the department either.   Mr. Johnson: Thank you, sir. After you recused yourself you did participate in the firing of the FBI director who was leading the investigation into the Russian interference with the 2016 elections. Prior to Jim Comey’s termination, were you contacted by the Donald Trump Administration, anyone in that administration, Donald Trump himself or any of his political or campaign officials about their quest to fire Jim Comey?   Mr. Sessions: I am not able to and cannot reveal conversations with the president of the United States or his top advisors.   Mr. Johnson: Let me ask you this question. With regards to the AT&T proposed acquisition of Time Warner, which owns CNN, it appears to be a vertical merger much like the Comcast-NBC-Universal merger that DOJ approved. But unlike its treatment of Comcast-NBC-Universal, DOJ has suggested strongly that it will not approve the AT&T-Time Warner merger unless Time Warner sells off CNN’s parent company -- Turner Broadcasting. It’s well-known that your boss, President Trump, has great disdain for CNN, which he calls fake news. What I want to know is has the White House or any individual in or on behalf of the Trump Administration or the Trump political team or campaign excluding staff from FCC or DOJ, has anybody contacted you, your office, or your assigns regarding that AT&T-Time Warner acquisition?   Mr. Sessions: First, I would say that I don’t accept and cannot accept the accuracy of that news report. We have a professional.   Mr. Johnson: Your department has not told Time Warner that and AT&T that they must shed Turner Broadcasting?   Mr. Sessions: Will I work. They do meet.   Mr. Johnson: Is that a false report or a true report?   Mr. Sessions: I tell you I don’t think I’m able to accept as accurate a news report.   Mr. Johnson: Let me ask you this question. On October 18 when testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Sasse asked you if the department had taken adequate action to prevent election meddling in the future. You stated there was no review under way of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Have you requested a review of what laws need to be updated to protect our elections from foreign influence?   Mr. Sessions: We have discussed those matters, but no completion has been done.   Mr. Johnson: Are you conducting a review at this time?   Mr. Sessions: Yes. Our team is looking at that. The FBI has real skills in that area. I think we're not anywhere near where I would like us to be yet.   Mr. Johnson: What individual with your department is leading that inquiry?   Mr. Sessions: We would be working with our voting rights section. Our criminal section. National security section. Probably is the most knowledgeable in the hacking and -- area. As well as the expertise in the FBI.   Chair: The time of the gentleman has expired.   Mr. Johnson: Thank you.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/follow-republican-tax-cut-legislation,Follow Republican Tax Cut Legislation,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Important Links Watch Ways and Means Markup (begins Monday, November 6, at 12 noon) House Ways and Means Democrats Estimated Revenue Effects of H.R. 1 (from the Joint Committee on Taxation) Notice of Markup Latest Text of H.R. 1 (Chair’s First Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute) Section-by-Section Summary of H.R. 1 (from the Ways and Means Republican staff) Description Of H.R.1, The ""Tax Cuts And Jobs Act” Distribution Effects Of The Chairman's Amendment In The Nature Of A Substitute To H.R.1, The ""Tax Cuts And Jobs Act"" Description Of An Amendment In The Nature Of A Substitute To H.R. 1, The ""Tax Cuts And Jobs Act"" Estimated Revenue Effects Of The Chairman's Amendment In The Nature Of A Substitute To H.R. 1, The ""Tax Cuts And Jobs Act,"" Scheduled For Markup By The Committee On Ways And Means On November 6, 2017 November 14, 2017 HOUSE UPDATES:   The House Rules Committee will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Rule and any amendments to H.R. 1.   Non-partisan Congressional Estimates and Scores of H.R. 1: SENATE UPDATES: November 9, 2017 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MARKUP OF H.R. 1, TAX CUT LEGISLATION NOVEMBER 9, 2017 BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M.    November 8, 2017 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MARKUP OF H.R. 1, TAX CUT LEGISLATION NOVEMBER 8, 2017 BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M.    November 7, 2017 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MARKUP OF H.R. 1, TAX CUT LEGISLATION NOVEMBER 7, 2017 BEGINNING AT 10:00 A.M.    November 6, 2017 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MARKUP OF H.R. 1, TAX CUT LEGISLATION NOVEMBER 6, 2017 BEGINNING AT 12:00 P.M. (NOON)   Chair opening statement Ranking Member opening statement Doggett motion that the committee adjourn and reconvene next Tuesday after the Committee has time to review the findings of the Paradise Papers Motion failed by a vote of 16-24. Committee Members pose technical questions regarding the bill's substance to the Joint Committee on Taxation Committee Members make five-minute, strike-the-last-word statements Rep. John Lewis' opening statement (VIDEO/TEXT) Consideration of an amendment offered by Chairman Brady Amendment was adopted by a vote of 24-16 Committee recessed until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7th. November 3, 2017 On Thursday, November 2, House Republicans introduced H.R. 1, their bill to cut taxes for the richest Americans on the backs of working and middle-class families, students, and seniors. This plan affects every American, and I have heard from constituents across Metro Atlanta who are worried about what this plan means for them and for our country. This tax plan has roots in H. Con. Res. 71, the Fiscal Year 2018 budget resolution passed by the Congress on October 26. This budget resolution directs Congress’ two tax committees – the House Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve as a senior Member, and the Senate Finance Committee – to develop tax legislation. Unfortunately, it also directs other committees to develop deep, harmful cuts for key domestic and safety net programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. I share my constituents' concerns about ensuring equity and fairness in our tax code. This bill does not pass that test. Republicans have proposed serious changes to important tax credits and deductions. The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to mark up their tax cut legislation beginning on Monday, November 6, at noon. You can watch the markup online here. Follow this page for daily updates on this process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-in-recognition-of-veterans-day-this,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT IN RECOGNITION OF VETERANS DAY THIS SATURDAY,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – 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 the following statement honoring our nation's veterans in recognition of Veterans Day this weekend:   “On this Veterans Day, we pause to remember those who selflessly served in the United States Armed Forces and recognize their sacrifice and devotion to protect our freedom.       “To over 20 million veterans in the United States including the 60,000 veterans who live in Second Congressional District of Georgia, I thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country.   “Today and every day, we are grateful for your service to our Country. Whenever and wherever our nation called, you always answered and never faltered; we are forever indebted for your commitment.”   Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is scheduled to participate in two Veterans Day events in the Second Congressional District of Georgia this Saturday. He will speak at the F.D. Roosevelt State Park Veterans Day Celebration and provide remarks at the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-files-three-criminal-justice-reform-bills-restore-police,Rep. Johnson Files Three Criminal Justice Reform Bills To Restore Police-Community Trust,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Reintroduces Grand Jury Reform, Bills That Hold Police Accountable to Public WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced a package of criminal justice reform bills seeking to restore trust between police and the communities they serve and level the playing field to root out discrimination and disparities in the system. Congressman Johnson introduced the Cooling Off Period Elimination Act of 2017 or the COPE Act, the Police Accountability Act and the Grand Jury Reform Act. “I support our law enforcement officers,” said Johnson. “They have a difficult job to uphold the law and to protect and serve the American people and to keep them safe from harm’s way. They should be commended and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. But law enforcement officers are not above the law and should be held accountable like anyone else.” The Cooling Off Period Elimination Act of 2017 or the COPE Act, H.R. 4330, would condition federal grant money on the elimination of cooling-off periods for police officers charged with misconduct. The bill seeks a partial roll back of controversial Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights or LEOBR provisions, which extends extra-constitutional privileges and protections to police officers that are otherwise not unavailable to non-law enforcement and often make holding offending officers unaccountable. Rep. Johnson once again introduced the Police Accountability Act – H.R. 4331 – that would expand the Department of Justice’s authority to investigate wrongdoing by police by making it a federal crime for police officers to commit murder and manslaughter. Responding to calls that the nation’s grand jury system is broken when police are investigated for the killing of civilians, Rep. Johnson filed the Grand Jury Reform Act, H.R. 4332, which would require the appointment of a special prosecutor to conduct an investigation and present the results to a judge in a probable cause hearing, open to the public, whenever a police officer kills an individual while acting in the line of duty.  “People are rightfully demanding an end to unequal justice, and that those who are responsible for the use of excessive force be brought to justice,” said Johnson. “These bills will help ensure a more thorough review of cases involving law enforcement officers, keep bad officers off the streets and begin the necessary healing process needed to regain the trust and respect between communities and the police.” Cosponsors of the bills include Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13), Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Elijah Cummings (MD-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), David Scott (GA-13), Keith Ellison (MN-05), David Cicilline (RI-01), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-statement-ways-and-means-committee-s-passage-republican,Rep. John Lewis' Statement on the Ways and Means Committee's Passage of Republican Tax Cut Legislation: A Missed Opportunity,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — This afternoon the House Ways and Means Committee passed unprecedented tax cut legislation.  As the only Georgian serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Lewis’ website tracked all Committee votes and amendments to ensure that public received timely information.  Following the completion of the four-day markup, Rep. Lewis made the following statement –   “Thirty-one years ago, I was elected to serve in the United States Congress in November 1986.  The Ways and Means Committee Members spent thoughtful days, months, and years studying, learning, and working together to develop historic tax reform legislation was a model to my entire class.  Their work inspired me to work hard for an appointment to the Ways and Means Committee – the oldest standing Committee in the House of Representatives.   This week Ways and Means marked up a bill that is a shame and a disgrace to the example of those Members and the legacy of our Committee, which is responsible for the core constitutional responsibility of the Congress – the power of the purse.  It is a duty, which I do not take lightly.   For 16 years, the United States has been engaged in two wars, and for the first time in our nation’s history, the Congress failed to develop a way to pay for them.  The bill does nothing to support the programs and services upon which veterans and military families, who make the daily sacrifice, rely.  Instead, this tax cut bill pays for these wars on a credit card.  The debt will be passed onto our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  The failure to face this truth is disgraceful.   As people in Metro Atlanta began to study the bill and calculate the costs, my office began receiving frantic phone calls and emails.  They learned that the Republican tax cut bill would penalize students, seniors, the disabled, immigrants, and home owners.  Faith leaders and charitable organizations would be unwillingly pulled into politics.  Workers would lose employer support for training and education benefits, and the major community development, housing, transportation, water and sewer, and health programs upon which Metro Atlanta relies would suffer irreparable damage.   Earlier today, I introduced 10 Missed Opportunities bills that require Federal agencies to report the cost of this dangerous, mean-spirited, and irresponsible legislation to Metro Atlanta and our nation.  It is clear that this Republican Congress has no intention to do tax reform.  Instead, we are considering a tax cut bill, which picks winners and losers.  We need to be honest with ourselves and the American public about what this bill will mean to people today and to generations yet unborn.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-barletta-and-sessions-secure-protections-for-job-corps-program,"BISHOP, BARLETTA, AND SESSIONS SECURE PROTECTIONS FOR JOB CORPS PROGRAM",2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), fellow Co-Chair of the Job Corps Caucus, Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), and House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (TX-32), were joined by 118 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Department of Labor requesting a reevaluation of their proposed cuts to the Job Corps Program.   Following submission of the letter, the Department of Labor announced they will be rescinding the slot capacity cuts initially announced on September 29, 2017.   “For over fifty years Job Corps has empowered its participants to become productive members of society,” said Congressman Bishop. “The program enables its students to reach their goals, achieve their educational aspirations, and learn a trade. This program has substantial and bipartisan support in Congress due to its positive impacts across the nation. I applaud the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to reverse its proposed cuts to Job Corps. This decision will allow students to continue to gain valuable career and social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.”   “One of the best parts about our country is that any one has the ability to achieve anything no matter where they are from or what their background is. It is programs like the Job Corps that continue to make the American Dream possible by creating opportunities for all individuals from all walks of life to succeed,” said Congressman Sessions.   “As a firm supporter of this program, I proudly joined my colleagues in increasing funding for the Jobs Corps"", continued Sessions. “Since we have provided the necessary resources for the program to continue at current levels I was concerned that the Department announced they would reduce the number of students accepted into this program. I commend the Department of Labor for reversing these damaging cuts and look forward to supporting the success of the Job Corps program.”   ""Job Corps is one of the most important programs we have to encourage America’s young adults to succeed and learn the value of civic duty,” Barletta said. “I am very pleased the DOL now understands the importance of this program.”   “When I was a mayor, I met the students from the Keystone Job Corps Center and witnessed the work they did for our community,” continued Barletta. “They helped to build the sidewalks around City Hall and designed the trash receptacles during the downtown beautification project. I’ve also had numerous Job Corps students intern in my Hazleton district office. Job Corps allows young adults to get involved in our community, which benefits everyone. For 50 years the program has empowered the youth of America.”   To read the full letter to Secretary Acosta, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-in-recognition-of-native-american-heritage,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT IN RECOGNITION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, which runs during the month of November:   “This month of November, let us celebrate the rich traditions and heritages of Native Americans and the contributions they have made to the United States as the nation’s first people. Let us not forget the struggles and tribulations Native Americans have experienced and let us honor every Native American to ensure an inclusive future for all.   “As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we must look back to honor the traditions and cultures of Native Americans and ensure that their enduring legacy is remembered.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-repeal-johnson-amendment-hr-1,Rep. John Lewis on the Repeal of the Johnson Amendment in H.R. 1,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Today during the House Ways and Means Committee markup of H.R. 1, the House Republican tax cut bill, Reps. John Lewis (GA), Ron Kind (WI), Judy Chu (CA), Suzan K. DelBene (WA), Lloyd Doggett (TX), Brian Higgins (NY), Danny K. Davis (IL), and Earl Blumenauer (OR) offered an amendment to restore the “Johnson Amendment”.   This simple amendment would restore the 53-year standard that prohibits religious, nonprofit, charitable, and related organizations from engaging in political activities. The amendment would save $2.1 billion based on the JCT estimate.  The cost is based on a good-faith estimate of an expected rapid growth of tax-exempt political contributions.  During the markup, Congressman Lewis made the below statement (WATCH) -- “Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.  First, let me thank my friends and colleagues for joining me as cosponsors of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, our amendment is very simple.  It would save $2.1 billion dollars by striking section 5201 of the bill. Mr. Chairman, I want to be honest with you -- it never crossed my mind that without any notice or warning, this Committee would actually consider a bill to repeal the Johnson Amendment. When faith leaders and charitable organizations began expressing concerns to me earlier this year, I thought they were overreacting.   It was too crazy too unbelievable for this idea to be even possible, but when I reached the end of this bill, I was shocked and appalled.   You see, during the Civil Rights Movement, we fought to tear down pillars of hate and discrimination.  We spent hours in churches, temples, and synagogues organizing, training, studying, because where faith leaders had the moral authority to stand against immoral laws and guide us against indefensible policies.  Our movement was never about a party or a candidate.  We came together because of our shared values, our hopes, and our dreams for our families, communities, country, and world.   People of all races, all religions, and all walks of life were united by a moral purpose for a shared purpose and mission. The bill before us would pit neighbor against neighbor, worshipper against worshipper, and volunteer against volunteer.  It will literally wreak havoc on the last pillars of civility in our country.  Now, some of you may not remember -- or maybe you were not here -- when the House last tried to pass a bill to repeal the Johnson amendment.   I was here, and I remember it like it was yesterday.  Fifteen years ago, I managed that bill for our side on the House Floor, and I joined my colleagues across the aisle as a Republican-led Congress voted down this terrible idea.  Democrats and Republicans came together to preserve the last remaining sanctuaries from partisan politics.   In our heart of hearts, we understood that we had a responsibility to put the good of our nation before campaigns.    My friends, we need that vision and unity again today.  Help us save us from what we might do today.  Now I have spent my entire lifetime, not as a lay person, but as ordained and licensed minister.  I know that there is a separation between church and state.  This is a good amendment, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.” A daily summary of the Committee’s markup proceedings is available at https://johnlewis.house.gov/taxcutbill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-continues-fight-against-hr-1,Rep. John Lewis Continues the Fight against H.R. 1,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Today, the House Ways and Means Committee reconvened to continue markup of irresponsible H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  The committee considered eight amendments offered by Democrats. Republicans voted down amendments that would have helped the middle class by extending the child tax credit, encouraging employers to hire veterans, reinstating the adoption tax credit, and taxing corporations at the same rate domestically and abroad. They voted against the middle class. They voted against what is best for America.  Other amendments that would have provided tax credits for apprenticeship programs and kept the state and local tax deductions were also voted down by Republicans.   A daily summary of the Committee’s markup proceedings is available at https://johnlewis.house.gov/taxcutbill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-update-ways-means-committee-mark-hr-1,Rep. John Lewis' Update on Ways & Means Committee Markup of H.R. 1,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday the House Ways and Means Committee began marking up H.R. 1, the House Republican bill to cut taxes for the richest Americans on the backs of working and middle-class families, students, and seniors.   During the markup, Congressman Lewis made the below statement (WATCH)--   “It is hard to put my feelings into words today.  You see, I was elected to Congress in November of 1986 – only a month after the Tax Reform Act became law.  It was tax reform, not tax cuts. The Members of this Committee inspired our entire class as we took our oath on the House Floor 30 years ago.  They set the gold standard -- a bar to which we all aspired.  Elected by the people, they worked with the people, and they fought for the people.  Back then, the Committee took their time.  They worked across the aisle and across the dome.  Their model inspired many of us to fight for an appointment to the Ways and Means Committee -- the oldest standing Committee in the House of Representatives. Each and every person in the room today knows that the bill we are considering is an insult to their legacy.  This bill is a shame and a disgrace to the spirit and history of this Committee and to the constitutional duties and responsibilities of the United States Congress.   First and foremost, this tax cut legislation does not make the tax code any simpler or any fairer.   If Congressional Republicans pass a tax bill of this size so late in the year, it will be a nightmare for the IRS to implement and for taxpayers to understand this bill, this code by January. Second, this bill is a slap in the face to real people.   You are giving trillions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires.  This is not right.  It is not fair.  It is not just. How can we punish teachers who are just trying to buy supplies for their classrooms?   How can you target the sick, the elderly, and the disabled?  How can you attack immigrant children and DREAMers in a way that is just plain mean and heartless? Most importantly, how can you bury your head in the sand when there are grave issues facing our country like transportation financing, student debt, war funding, affordable housing, and caring for veterans and their families?  After this markup and after the winners pocketed their rewards, the spotlight will move on.  Every single person in this room knows what will happen next from the shadows.  Even the most creative math cannot hide this cold, hard truth: this bill robs poor Peter to pay billionaire Paul.  Away from the cameras, Congressional Republicans will quietly begin to cut safety net programs to pay for their massive, corporate tax cut.   The record should be clear.  This is not about tax reform.  These are tax cuts for the super rich.  This bill turns a blind eye to the middle class and a deaf ear to working families. Members of this Committee must be honest to the people we represent and serve.  This bill picks a few winners as our children, grandchildren, and generations yet unborn will suffer from this reckless Act. Look around us!   We are surrounded by the portraits of those who put people before politics!  We sit in the chairs of those who tackled the deep, hard challenges of their day -- as they designed visionary programs like Medicare, Social Security, and the G.I. Bill.  We walk in the footsteps of those who worked to create a better world for their fellow Americans and future generations. How can we look ourselves in the eye when we know that this bill is our gift to our children and grandchildren?  There are no two ways about it.   In the coming years, there may be small wins, but the damage to our budget and our future is done.  Mr. Chairman -- and I say this with all due respect -- this spiteful, irresponsible tax cut is not worth the paper on which it is written.  Throw this bill out, and let us come together to work for the people.  We can do better.  We should do better, and the American people deserve better – much better.   Let us do what is right, what is just, and what we were elected to do -- to serve the best interests of all Americans, not just a select few.  I yield back the balance of my time.”   A daily summary of the Committee’s markup proceedings will be available at https://johnlewis.house.gov/taxcutbill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tomorrow-congressman-bishop-to-speak-at-usda-poultry-lab-groundbreaking,TOMORROW: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP TO SPEAK AT USDA POULTRY LAB GROUNDBREAKING,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, November 3, 2017, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, will attend and deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new research facility at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia.   The ceremony is set to begin at 10:00am. Congressman Bishop will be delivering remarks at 10:30am. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will also be speaking at the groundbreaking.   WHO: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) The Honorable Sonny Perdue, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Staff from the Office of Congressman Sanford Bishop Staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)   WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory   WHEN: TOMORROW, Friday, November 3, 2017 10:00am to 12:00pm   WHERE: U.S. National Poultry Research Center 950 College Station Rd. Athens, Georgia 30605",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-ag-guestworker-program-legislation-headed-us-house,New Ag Guestworker Program Legislation Headed To US House,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bill to overhaul the federal agricultural guestworker program cleared its first hurdle Wednesday and is headed to the full U.S. House. The Republican-majority House Judiciary Committee passed the bill 17-16 after two days of debate and over the objections of many Democrats. It’s likely to clear the House, though its future in the Senate is unclear. But Democrats countered during the debate that the legislation would lower pay, displace workers who are American citizens and weaken protections for immigrant laborers. “This is setting up a permanent second class of persons in the United States,” U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Georgia, says, adding later, “The whip of oppression is in the hand of the man. The man is not really the farmer, the man is the staffing agency that recruits the workers.” Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-calls-full-disclosure-after-report-detailing,Congressman Johnson calls for full disclosure after report detailing the assassination of slain Honduran activist,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"“The troubling report by the International Advisory Group of Experts (GAIPE), indicates a pattern and suggests that the botched investigation into Berta Caceres’s murder is not an isolated incident,” said Congressman Hank Johnson, who re-introduced the “Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act” in March of this year. The “Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act” would suspend U.S. funding to the Republic of Honduras for their police and military operations, until the Honduran government demonstrates an ability to root out corruption and human rights abuse within its military and civilian security forces, and successfully prosecute and  those responsible for the killings of Honduran human rights activists.  “I want to see The Public Ministry conduct this investigation in a professional manner with the aim of holding accountable those responsible for Berta Caceres’s murder. We cannot stand by and continue to supply security assistance and multilateral loans to the Honduran government if the information in this report is accurate. My colleagues in the United States Congress and I will all pay close attention to the outcome of the Caceres case and call on the Honduran government for acceptance of the legitimate role of civil society and the independent press, as well as top-to-bottom reform of the judicial system, which includes protecting its activists and pursuing those responsible for the crimes in question.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-makes-progress-television-academy-diversity,Congressman Johnson makes progress with Television Academy for diversity,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept.17, Congressman Hank Johnson, a founding member of the Congressional Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent and Film Diversity, was inspired to write a letter to the Television Academy in hopes of addressing the lack of diversity and misrepresentation of Latino actors winning this prestigious award. “Equal rights for others is something I have always felt strongly about and will continue to fight for,” said Congressman Johnson, who also serves as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. “I congratulate the Television Academy for the work they have done to acknowledge achievements by minorities both in front and behind the camera. But there is still more work to be done; particularly with regard to Latino actors.” “Mr. Maury McIntyre, who is President and COO of the Television Academy, called me immediately after reading my letter and acknowledged the problem,” said Congressman Johnson. “Research shows that only nine Latinos have won a total of 13 Emmys in the entire history of the Emmy Awards. Because the Emmys represent the best in television, myself and Mr. McIntyre are looking at ways to address this problem head on. I appreciate our call and look forward to continued, open dialogue to achieve diversity for everyone, no matter their sex, race or national origin.”  View the Congressman's letter to the Television Academy, click here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-nov1-2017-e-newsletter,"Congressman Hank Johnson's Nov.1, 2017 E-Newsletter",2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, Becoming a homeowner can be one of the most memorable moments of our lives. In 2010, the Hardest Hit Fund (HomeSafe Georgia) was established by the federal government to provide foreclosure help to homeowners that were hit the hardest by the steep decline in home prices and rising unemployment rates. HomeSafe Georgia was established by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to administer the Hardest Hit Funds designated to Georgia.      As housing values increase and foreclosures decline, attention is now being focused on homeowners who are “underwater” on their homes. This term refers to homes that appraise for less than the mortgage principal that is owed. Assistance is still available for eligible homeowners through HomeSafe Georgia’s Mortgage Principal Reduction Program, which offers two options; Underwater Georgia and Mortgage Payment Reduction (Also Known As Recast).    If you have received a post card in the mail from DCA, you might qualify for assistance. In an effort to touch homeowners in targeted geographical areas, HomeSafe will be hosting events from Nov.2 – Nov.8.   Additionally, for previous or first time homebuyers, financial down payment assistance is available through HomeSafe Georgia’s Georgia Dream Program.   Please join me in getting the word out so the people who need it most can get the funds they need, and to provide potential homeowners with the knowledge they need to make homeownership a reality.                                       For more information, click here                                     For more information, click here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pilot-partners-congressman-stem-initiative,Pilot Partners with Congressman for STEM Initiative,2017-10-31,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Barrington Irving, the youngest person and the first African American pilot to circumnavigate the globe on his own, is collaborating with Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Georgia) for Irving’s “Mitsubishi Dream & Soar Presented by Barrington Irving.” The event will take place on October 17 in Johnson’s home state of Georgia. The event, which is sponsored by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (Booth: C1062), fits in with the congressman’s Full STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) Ahead Initiative. Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/apnewsbreak-georgia-election-server-wiped-after-suit-filed,APNewsBreak: Georgia election server wiped after suit filed,2017-10-27,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Georgia U.S. Rep Hank Johnson, a Democrat, separately said the server wipe ""appears to be a willful and premeditated destruction of evidence"" by election officials, adding, ""Georgia voters should be as outraged as I am.""   Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-budget-resolution-vote,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON BUDGET RESOLUTION VOTE,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding his vote in opposition to the budget resolution due to its misplaced priorities and dubious economic assumptions. The bill was passed by the full U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216 to 212.   “I could not support the budget resolution that was put to a vote earlier today. It would add trillions of dollars to the deficit through tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent, while increasing taxes on one in three middle income Americans.   “Further, the budget resolution also includes significant cuts to health care, education, child care, housing, nutrition assistance, transportation, and other vital programs. In particular, Medicare would be cut over the next decade by $473 billion and Medicaid by $1 trillion under this budget resolution.   “This budget resolution relies on unrealistic economic growth numbers to support its tax cut and deficit reduction policies, and would further exacerbate our nation's fiscal situation. The bottom line is that this budget resolution is a bad deal for the American economy and the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/open-enrollment-aca-begins-nov-1,Open Enrollment for ACA Begins Nov. 1,2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, Health insurance can protect you from astronomical costs when you’re in a serious accident or you get sick. A three-day hospital stay can cost as much as $30,000. The cost of treating a broken leg can cost up to $7,500. Health insurance can help protect you from unexpected costs that could become a financial burden to you and the ones you love. This may lead to damaging your credit and affecting other aspects of your life. That’s why it’s important for everyone to know that open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins November 1st and ends December 15th. To help get the word out, I will be participating in a Healthcare Open Enrollment Kickoff event on Saturday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m. at the Refugee Wellness Center, 3729 Church Street, Clarkston, Ga. 30021. Join me in Clarkston to meet navigators and other healthcare experts who can provide you with the information and tools you need to complete the enrollment process for health insurance.     If you don’t receive your health insurance through your employer, Medicare, Medicaid or the VA, this event is your chance to make changes and find the plan(s) that work best for you and your family. If you can’t make the event on Nov. 4, keep in mind that Nov. 1st is fast-approaching, so be sure to visit HealthCare.gov or go to Insure GA for dates and times of events that can provide assistance near you. Take the time to learn about your options and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.    FOR YOUR/MORE INFORMATION:   Housing Help | Jobs Center | Healthcare | Small Businesses Seniors | Students | Veterans | Help with a Federal Agency | Opioid Resource Guide   As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as e-mails, phone calls and letters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congres",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/how-forced-arbitration-agreements-cheat-women-workplace,HOW FORCED ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS CHEAT WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE,2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) wrote the act and was the first member of Congress to introduce a bill on the issue.   ""Contrary to popular belief,"" Johnson told Newsweek, ""arbitration decisions are final, binding, non-appealable, and strongly in favor of corporations. The result is a secretive and rigged process that prevents citizens from holding corporate wrongdoers accountable."" Read More",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-highlights-new-report-more-900000-hard-working-georgia,"Rep. Johnson Highlights New Report: More than 900,000 Hard-Working Georgia Families Face Higher Taxes Under GOPs Billionaires-First Tax Giveaway",2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released a new report detailing the deep damage the Ryan-McConnell tax framework would inflict on middle class families across Georgia. While 80 percent of the tax benefits in the GOP plan go to the wealthiest one percent alone, about 911,000 hard-working Georgian families would pay higher taxes. “It is inexcusable that Republicans are pushing a tax plan that hands trillions to the wealthiest while raising taxes on hard-working people in my district,” said Rep. Johnson. “The GOP is asking middle-class Georgian families to pay more, while borrowing trillions from our children in order to pad the pockets of the wealthiest Americans.” The state-by-state report finds that under the Ryan-McConnell framework: About 911,000 or 20.5 percent of Georgian households will pay higher taxes in 2018; The average nationwide tax increase for families earning up to $86,100 would be $794: a significant burden for middle-class families; 1.5 million Georgia households will lose their state and local tax deduction, worth an average deduction of $9,158; The mortgage interest payments deduction, claimed by more than 1.1 million Georgia households would become useless for most families unless their home was worth more than $801,000 – more than five times the median home value in Georgia of $158,000. The report was compiled by the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-october-18-2017,"Congressman Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for October 18, 2017",2017-10-23,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,   It’s been a busy time in Washington and here in the District since I last wrote, so I’d like to share with you my thoughts and some of the issues I’ve been working on.   FIGHTING FOR AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA):Last week, President Trump decided to singlehandedly hike millions of Americans’ health premiums – less than three weeks before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1. – by refusing to make cost-sharing reduction payments that are essential to lowering health insurance costs for low-and-middle income individuals on the exchanges. He also authorized health insurers to sell useless policies across state lines. These are spiteful acts of sabotage leveled at working families and the middle class in every corner of America. I will fight every step of the way to keep the things that are working under the ACA and fix the things that are not. For more, click HERE.   REVEALING AUDIT: I’m proud of the work my office has done over the years to help save constituents’ homes from foreclosure. I was disappointed but not surprised when a new audit – that Rep. John Lewis and I requested -- showed that the Department of Community Affairs badly mismanaged federal funds intended to help Georgians prevent foreclosure. I hope we can work together to get the remaining funds where they are needed most. For more, click HERE.   NURSING HOME RESIDENTS’ RIGHTS: In the wake of disturbing reports of the neglect of nursing home residents brought to light during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, I'm calling on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to maintain current protections for elder Americans against abuse in nursing homes. For more, click HERE.   RECORD-SETTING PILOT AT MLK HIGH: I'm pleased to report that Capt. Barrington Irving, the youngest person and the first African-American pilot to fly solo around the world, partnered with us for my Full STEAM Ahead Initiative. For more, click HERE.   IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL: For my thoughts on the president withholding certification of the Iran nuclear deal, a 2015 agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union that halted Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, click HERE.   EARLY VOTING: In-person, early voting for the Nov.. 7 municipal and special elections began Monday, Oct. 16 and runs through Friday, Nov. 3. In DeKalb, there is a Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) on the ballot and a host of municipal elections. To learn more about the SPLOST and what projects it would fund, clickHERE. Rockdale voters, click HERE. Newton voters, click HERE. Gwinnett voters, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-leads-letter-in-support-of-medicaid-transportation-services,BISHOP LEADS LETTER IN SUPPORT OF MEDICAID TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –  Earlier this week, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) led 10 other Members of Congress in a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee opposing legislation, H.R. 1394, that would allow states to eliminate Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for patients, including kidney dialysis patients. All signatories are members of the Blue Dog Coalition, a caucus of Democrats dedicated to fiscally-responsible policies.   The Members wrote in the letter:   “NEMT is an essential component of our nation’s health care delivery system, especially in rural areas. According to a recent Kaiser study, over half of Medicaid transportation services are utilized by patients with the highest burden of chronic diseases, including those diagnosed with cancer, HIV, mental health and substance abuse disorders, and end-stage renal disease requiring kidney dialysis three times a week.”   The Members continued:   “We would be grateful if you would oppose any attempt to eliminate or undermine Medicaid NEMT and hope that you would support the requirement for States to offer transportation to all Medicaid patients that have no other means to access health services.”   Only Medicaid beneficiaries that have no other means of transportation are eligible for the current NEMT benefit. It has been shown that the NEMT benefit has a significant return-on-investment as, over time, health care costs are reduced when patients have appropriate access to care.    A scan of the letter can be found here. The full letter text can also be found below:   October 17, 2017   The Honorable Greg Walden                                                       Chairman                             Committee on Energy and Commerce                                     2125 Rayburn House Office Building                                                                                                         Washington, D.C.  20515   The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr. Ranking Member Committee on Energy and Commerce 2322A Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C.  20515   Dear Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone:   We are writing to express our concern about legislation (H.R. 1394) that would allow states to eliminate Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for patients that are blind, elderly, or disabled.   As you may be aware, NEMT is an essential component of our nation’s health care delivery system, especially in rural areas.  According to a recent Kaiser study, over half of Medicaid transportation services are utilized by patients with the highest burden of chronic diseases, including those diagnosed with cancer, HIV, mental health and substance abuse disorders, and end-stage renal disease requiring kidney dialysis three times a week.    NEMT is utilized by roughly 10% of Medicaid enrollees and accounts for only 1% of total Medicaid spending.  It is reserved for beneficiaries who have no other means of transportation to and from their medical appointments.  State programs help to ensure the benefit is accessible only to those in need.   We believe that the elimination of NEMT would adversely impact both beneficiaries and state budgets.  Studies have shown that the benefit has a significant return-on-investment as, over time, health care costs are reduced when patients have appropriate, non-emergency access to care.  We would be grateful if you would oppose any attempt to eliminate or undermine Medicaid NEMT and hope that you would support the requirement for States to offer transportation to all Medicaid patients that have no other means to access health services.   Sincerely,                                                                                 Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02)                                                                           Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05)   Rep. Charlie Crist (FL-13)                                                                                               Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28)   Rep. Vincent Gonzalez   (TX-15)                                                                                 Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)   Rep. Daniel Lipinski (IL-03)                                                                                           Rep. Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01)   Rep. Collin C. Peterson  (MN-07)                                                                                 Rep. David Scott (GA-13)   Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bishop-rep-mcmorris-rodgers-work-for-military-families-at-2017,"BISHOP, MCMORRIS RODGERS HOLD 2017 MILITARY FAMILIES SUMMIT AT FORT BENNING",2017-10-18,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC), was joined by fellow Co-Chair Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), officials from the Department of Defense and Fort Benning, representatives from military service organizations, staff from five Congressional offices, and over 200 military family and service members at the annual Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit at the National Infantry Museum near Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.   “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I take seriously my obligation to military families and veterans in Georgia and nationwide,” said Congressman Bishop. “It is our responsibility to listen, learn, and ensure military family voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Spousal employment, state licensure, healthcare and caregiving, and military child education provide unique challenges for military families, and as legislators, we must see to it that the policies we craft ease the burden for those families that support our national defense.”   “Supporting our military families is a top priority of mine because the strength of our military is drawn from the strength of our military families,"" said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. ""This summit and caucus allow us to pay special attention to the unique and diverse issues that military families face, hear their stories, and work to find solutions. I'm so thankful to Congressman Sanford D. Bishop for being a partner in this effort and for hosting this year’s summit at Fort Benning. As a team, we can continue to look for solutions to strengthen our military families and make their lives a little easier.”   “We have made great strides in addressing the challenges facing military families since the founding the Congressional Military Family Caucus in 2009,” continued Congressman Bishop. “However, there always remains room for improvement. The Military Family Summit continues to provide military families a seat at the table and helps Congress and the Executive Branch uncover and address emerging concerns in a swift and productive manner.”   The Military Family Summit brought together military families with Members of Congress and their staff, officials from the Department of Defense, and personnel from numerous military family support organizations to discuss pressing issues impacting America’s service members and their families. The summit included discussions exploring the challenges service members and military families face surrounding spouse employment and child education, compensation and retirement, and military family healthcare and childcare.   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.    Keynote panelists included General (Ret.) Lloyd Austin, former Commander of CENTCOM and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; Joyce Raezer, Executive Director of the National Military Association; and Major General Jeffrey Clark from the Defense Health Agency. The full program, including all panelists and moderators, for the 2017 Military Family Summit can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397968,Congressman David Scott Urges Immediate Reauthorization of Children's Health Insurance Program,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) called for Congress to take immediate action and implement a 5 year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expired September 30.  CHIP provides health care for 8.9 million children across the U.S, including over 130,000 kids covered through Georgia’s CHIP program, PeachCare for Kids. “With the House currently in recess for 10 days, no vote on CHIP reauthorization has been scheduled in the House or Senate and 17 days have already passed since Congress let CHIP funding lapse.  If Congress continues to fail to do its job and not reauthorize PeachCare funding right away, thousands of children in Georgia will lose access to the vital care they need to grow up and stay healthy. Georgia has the 4th highest number of uninsured children in the country. It is estimated that Georgia will run out of PeachCare funding at the beginning of 2018.  Congress should be working to ensure that all children who are eligible for CHIP health care get covered, not squabbling while millions of families wait in fear that the program will end due to Congressional inaction. I call on all of my colleagues in Congress to continue the last two decades of bipartisan support for CHIP and reauthorize it for an additional 5 years.  Don’t pull the rug out from under working families!  Don’t let partisan squabbling jeopardize the health of millions of children! Let’s do our job, so that the thousands of families in Georgia with PeachCare can rest easy knowing that if their child gets sick, they can get the care they need.” The Children’s Health Insurance Program is a partnership between the federal government and states that has helped ensure access to health care for children and pregnant mothers from low-income working families across the United States. Without reauthorization, states will be unable to maintain the current level of access to health coverage for children in low-income families. Thousands of working families in Georgia will be forced to make difficult decisions, as PeachCare primarily covers families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but still can’t afford to purchase coverage in the private market.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tomorrow-congressman-sanford-bishop-to-host-summit-for-military-families,TOMORROW: CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP TO HOST SUMMIT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AT NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM,2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA – Tomorrow, October 17, 2017, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC), will host a Military Family Summit at the National Infantry Museum near Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Congressman Bishop will be joined by his fellow CMFC co-chair, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), as well as senior administration officials, military families, and stakeholder organizations.    The purpose of the Military Family Summit is to connect military families with Members of Congress and their staff, officials from the Department of Defense, and personnel from numerous military family support organizations to discuss pressing issues impacting America’s service members and their families. Military families will be able to participate in panels to discuss issues faced on a daily basis, such as family health, resiliency, spouse employment and education, military child education, transition assistance, retirement, benefits, and financial readiness for the future. Additionally, resources specific to military families will be provided by attending support organizations.   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.    WHO: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus KEYNOTE: GEN (Ret) Lloyd Austin, Previous Commander of CENTCOM Keynote: Joyce Raezer, Executive Director, National Military Association KEYNOTE: MG Jeffrey Clark, Defense Health Agency KEYNOTE PANEL: Daniel and Holly Daily, Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army KEYNOTE PANEL: Ronald and Andrea Green, Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps KEYNOTE PANEL: Steven and Elka Giordano, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Senator Ed Harbison, Georgia State Senator MG (Ret) Jerry White, Academy Nominations Board Chairman Jeri Busch, Director of Military Compensation, Department of Defense Michael Reyna, President, Military Benefit Association Kara Tollet Oakley, Founder of the TRICARE for Kids Coalition Anna Crenshaw, Assistant Director, Benefits Assistance Services, Department of Veterans Affairs John Ballantyne, Chief Operating Officer, Military Child Education Coalition Eddy Mentzer, Associate Director, Family Readiness & Well Being, Department of Defense Patty Barron, Director of Family Readiness, Association of the U.S. Army Brooke Goldberg, Director Military Family Issues, Military Officers Association of America Thomas Owens, Special Assistant to the Director, Defense Commissary Agency Kelly Hruska, Government Relations Director, National Military Family Association Leigh Plott, Director of Development, The Moyer Foundation Cynthia Wesley, spouse of MG Eric Wesley, CG, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence April Stephens, Fort Benning Spouse of the year and Professional blogger Representatives from military service organizations (list below) Congressional Staff Military families, service members, veterans The public   WHAT: Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit; Introductory Remarks, Media Availability, Panels (While content of sessions will be off the record, military families will be available for comment. Please contact Jonathan Black for details)   Availability to support organizations such as: Association of the United States Army; American Legion; Blue Star Families; Fort Benning Army Community Service; Fort Benning Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; Resilience Training on Fort Benning; Gold Star Families; Hiring Our Heroes; Military Child Education Coalition; Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission; Military Officers Association of America; Military OneSource; National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center; National Military Family Association; Warrior Care; Soldier for Life; USO; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Voices of Georgia’s Children; Army Community Service; Georgia Watch; Zero to Three; Heavy Equipment Colleges of America; Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System; Georgia Department of Labor; Neighbor Works Columbus; Operation Caregiver; Army Substance Abuse Program; America’s VetDogs; West Georgia Cancer Coalition; Operation Homefront; Casualty Assistance Office; American Red Cross.   WHEN: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 DOORS OPEN: 8:00 AM EST START: 8:30 AM EST END: 1:00 PM EST   MEDIA AVAILABILITY: 11:15 AM to 11:35 AM If you would like to attend and/or schedule a separate interview with Congressman Bishop, please contact Jonathan Black at jonathan.black@mail.house.gov   WHERE: National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center 1775 Legacy Way Columbus, GA 31903",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397967,Scott Statement on Trump Sabotaging Healthcare for Millions of Americans,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it will end cost-sharing reduction payments: “This week, President Trump took unprecedented steps to sabotage healthcare affordability for all Americans. And last night, hours after Trump signed an executive order undermining the ACA, he struck another blow that will increase premiums and out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans by refusing to pay the ACA’s cost-sharing subsidies. In Georgia, more than 380,000 individuals receive these cost-sharing subsidies.   Nationwide, insurers have increased premiums for 2018 by an average 20 percent due to President Trump’s constant threats to end them. However, in Georgia, 2018 premiums will be more than 50 percent higher due to President Trump’s sabotage. “While my constituents want us here in Washington to work together to make healthcare more affordable, President Trump has spent the week recklessly rolling back coverage for birth control for millions of women, signing an executive order that will increase costs for sicker, older Americans, and ensuring that Americans will pay significantly more for health insurance next year. “Enough is enough. It is time for the partisan games to end. I call on both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to work together to ensure Americans continue to have access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare. This is not a reality TV show, these are people’s lives.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-statement-sigtarp-audit-showing-gross-mismanagement,Rep. Johnsons statement on the SIGTARP Audit Showing Gross Mismanagement of Georgias Foreclosure Funds,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"“This audit is a damning confirmation that while too-big-to-fail banks were getting fatter on federal bailout money, thousands of struggling Georgia homeowners who could have gotten help saving their homes from foreclosure were prevented from doing so because Georgia officials were playing politics. By establishing overly strict and needlessly burdensome qualification requirements and while erecting a Byzantine bureaucratic maze for those seeking help, Georgia prevented tens of thousands of its residents from receiving relief under President Obama’s Hardest Hit Fund. As a result many lost their homes to foreclosure. Unfortunately, this is another example of Georgia failing to work with the Obama administration to help its own citizens for purely political reasons. Shame!”   A Closer Look    Although Congressman Johnson held more than a half dozen town halls with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to assist homeowners facing foreclosure, more than 66 percent of Fourth Congressional District homeowners who applied for assistance were turned away;  Only 1,633 homeowners in GA-04 received assistance, the second highest of the 14 congressional districts in the state;  71 percent of all veterans in the state who applied were denied;  Eight of every 10 people Georgia turned away earned less than $30,000 a year – and most earned less than $20,000.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-statement-trump-decertifying-iran-nuclear-deal,Rep. Johnsons statement on Trump Decertifying the Iran Nuclear Deal,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement after President Donald Trump withheld certification of the Iran nuclear deal, a 2015 agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union that halted Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions: “Despite the wise counsel of the national security professionals around him, President Trump has decided to decertify the multilateral Iran nuclear agreement,” said Johnson. “This reckless and ill-considered approach is short sighted and undermines the ability of the U.S. to lead other nations in peacefully resolving current and future international conflicts. In addition to his own experts, national security experts from across the world, including former Israeli leaders, as well as Democrats and Republicans who voted to approve the deal, agree that we should uphold the Iran nuclear deal and not walk away from it. By decertifying the deal, we are playing with fire. We should be the world’s leader working with our allies in moving towards a world free of nuclear weapons rather than engaging in partisan politics with important international agreements simply because they were negotiated by the Obama Administration. President Trump is taking us down a dark path that reinforces our isolation on the world stage.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-statement-trump-s-decision-end-crucial-cost-sharing,Rep. Johnsons statement on Trumps Decision to End Crucial Cost-Sharing Payments,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today released the following statement in response to the decision by President Trump to end critical cost-sharing payments under the Affordable care Act -- $7 billion in annual subsidies to health insurers that allows more than 7 million low-income Americans to afford healthcare coverage: “Today, Trump continued his crusade against President Obama’s legacy by refusing to pay critical life-saving, cost-sharing subsidies,” said Johnson. “These payments enable more than seven million poor and middle-class Americans in the individual marketplace -- many of them chronically ill -- to purchase affordable health insurance. Along with his Executive Order yesterday that enriches health insurers by authorizing them to sell worthless health insurance policies across state lines, President Trump has delivered a double whammy that dramatically weakens the individual marketplace. His callous and thoughtless actions will cause needless suffering and possible death for the more than seven million Americans who depend on the individual marketplace for affordable health care.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-responds-executive-order-affordable-care-act,Rep. John Lewis Responds to Executive Order on Affordable Care Act,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"“This executive order will begin the process of deconstructing the individual and small group insurance markets health insurance markets.  Additionally, this administration recently confirmed its intent to end support for the cost sharing reductions that help many Americans afford health insurance.   “Taken together, these mean-spirited actions constitute an attack on women’s health, on those living with illness or injury, and on every American living paycheck to paycheck – month to month.  Low-income people will lose their health care.  Seniors who are not yet on Medicare will become more vulnerable, and those struggling to make ends meet will suffer unnecessarily.   Make no mistake:  This is the latest tactic of a piecemeal effort to strip away the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. “I want to be clear – there is no policy justification for this executive order.  The sole purpose is to increase the suffering of countless Americans and score political points.  The health and well-being of Americans should not be the subject of political games.  The American people deserve better – much better.  There is no place for such maliciousness in public policy; too much is at stake.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-lewis-responds-sigtarp-audit-results-and-mismanagement-georgia,Rep. John Lewis Responds to SIGTARP Audit Results and Mismanagement of Georgias Foreclosure Funds,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— In 2016, Rep. John Lewis asked the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) to audit the state-run Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), TARP’s primary federal foreclosure mitigation program in Atlanta. Today, SIGTARP released its final audit.  SIGTARP’s audit discovered statewide mismanagement by Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which is the state’s housing finance agency and Treasury’s HHF contractor.  Known locally in Georgia as the HomeSafe program, HHF promised $7.6 billion to States with high unemployment and home value losses.  In 2010, Georgia was included in the third round of funding.  To date the State has received over $300 million, of which only $130 million remain available to assist Georgian homeowners.  According to SIGTARP, there are currently 22,000 Georgians who are behind in their mortgage payments.  Although DCA’s HomeSafe Georgia website states that the Mortgage Payment Assistance and Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance programs are closed to new applicants, HomeSafe Georgia’s Mortgage Principal Reduction program is still accepting new applicants. For five years, Rep. Lewis repeatedly urged for HomeSafe funding to serve Georgian homeowners most affected by the economic crisis.  He led multiple Congressional initiatives requesting responsible amendments of the contracts between the Department of the Treasury and local housing finance agencies with the purpose of increasing program participation.  Upon reviewing the SIGTARP audit results, Rep. John Lewis made the following statement: “Struggling homeowners expected, demanded, and deserved for government officials not only to hold those who created these crises accountable but also to do all they could to help homeowners recover.  “In response to the Great Recession, Congress provided desperately needed resources to help families stay in their homes.  The responsibility then fell to State agencies to ensure that homeowners received the assistance Congress authorized “SIGTARP’s report shows that the HomeSafe Georgia program was shamefully managed.  Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings, too many Georgian communities never received the assistance they expected and deserved.  Time and time again, the agency failed to reach Georgia homeowners, who only sought the help promised to them.  “Sadly, we know that African-American communities shouldered the worst of the foreclosure crisis and face the slowest recovery.  Too many homeowners continue to struggle through no fault of their own.  They were robbed of their nest egg -- their pathway to the middle class -- and in many cases, working parents were stripped of their children’s inheritance.  This is their reality, and for many it is devastating. “Today, I thank Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, and everyone on her team for responding to repeated calls for accountability and justice. “Every second makes the difference to those who are struggling to keep a roof over their head.  Now that we have the facts before us, I hope that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and State leaders will find the will and the way to do what is right, what is just, and what is long overdue to serve and protect Georgian homeowners.” ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397966,Scott Urges HUD Secretary to Stand Up and Fight for CDBG Program,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) urged U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson to stand up and fight to protect the CDBG program  from elimination during the full House Financial Services Committee Hearing.  Click here to watch video of Congressman Scott’s exchange with Secretary Carson. Transcript of the exchange is included below: Rep. Scott: Secretary Carson, tell me, why do you think President Trump asked you to be Secretary of HUD? Carson: Probably because before I endorsed him we spent a lot of time talking about what was happening, particularly in some of our disadvantaged communities and how we really needed to recognize that if we are going to succeed as a nation all those people have to succeed as well. Rep. Scott: Well, let me tell you, it just seems to me that I believe that the President put you there to give cover to cutting and eliminating the CDBG program. Let me tell you why. First of all, this is the crucible of the whole argument. You should be at the forefront of telling the great story of success of the CDBG program. The fact is that it has created and retained 386,000 jobs for low and moderate income people.  The CDBG program has benefited 42 million low and moderate income persons through public improvements, including senior citizens, child care centers, centers for people with disabilities, veterans, and veterans with disabilities. It’s benefited 133 million low moderate income persons through public services like employment training. The funds have been used to assist credit-worthy, working families with down payments and closing cost assistance on their homes. You should be out here shouting the success of this program but rather, I believe, that the President has you there to give cover to cutting this program and eliminating it. Here’s what the New York Times reported, Mr. Carson, when this issue was brought up. In July of this year, you said that “I know that CDBG has been called out for elimination.” You said, “I know that the CDBG program has been called out for elimination.” Was it President Trump that called that out? Who else would? My impression is that what the President is really saying is that there are problems. Oh and you said this, “I think it was someone on his staff who kind of said, well maybe we should just get rid of the whole CDBG program. Well, I’m here to tell you Mr. Secretary, I’m not going to let you do that. And I believe we have enough Democrats and Republicans because this is a bipartisan program that is doing well. And you would do well Mr. Secretary, to stand up and fight back in this administration. It needs help when it comes down to dealing with hurting Americans. And you are in this position, being Secretary, not just because of what you said, “Well, even if we cut their funds, I believe that the American people are a compassionate people.” Well Mr. Secretary, you should know better than anyone that compassion alone won’t do it. It wasn’t compassion alone that got you sitting where you are right now. Somebody had to give you and your family a financial helping hand. We need you to speak up and fight back in this administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-statement-on-hurricane-relief-legislation,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON HURRICANE RELIEF LEGISLATION,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding his vote in support of a legislative package providing disaster relief for areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.   “This legislation takes great strides in helping impacted areas recover from the series of devastating hurricanes that struck our nation. This bill provides the necessary resources for the Southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to recover after this storm. It addresses food needs, flood recovery, and rebuilding. It is important to note that recovery will take time and it is vital that we remain vigilant to ensure impacted communities have what they need to get on their feet.”   The aid package provides $36.5 billion in disaster relief resources. This includes $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund, including $4.9 billion in low-interest loans for Puerto Rico. The bill also includes $1.27 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to meet increased food needs in the U.S. territories following the storm. In addition, the bill provides $16 billion in National Flood Insurance Program debt relief. Finally, the bill also provides $576.6 million to fight wildfires.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/blog/?postid=397965,"Passport Day: Saturday, October 21",2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Atlanta Passport Agency is hosting a second passport day on Saturday, October 21 as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Awareness Campaign.  This year, the State Department’s public awareness campaign focuses on the benefits of getting a U.S. passport card and how both products (the passport book and card) are great forms of photo identification.  The event on Saturday is a convenient way to apply for children, apply for the first time, or renew your passport.  U.S. passport holders who will have less than six months validity on their passports for upcoming international travel should consider renewing their passports now. Day:  Saturday, October 21, 2017 Time:  8:00am – 12:00pm Location:  Atlanta Passport Agency                   230 Peachtree Street N.W., 10th Floor                   Atlanta, GA 30303 Payment:  Credit card, personal check, exact cash (no change is given) Applicants may choose routine service (4-6 weeks) or expedited service (2-3 weeks).  Expedited service costs an additional $60.  Applicants will be seen on a first come, first serve basis and no appointment is necessary.  For information on passport forms and fees, or to learn more about Passport Awareness Month, visit Travel.State.Gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/media-advisory-congressman-sanford-bishop-to-host-summit-for-military,MEDIA ADVISORY: CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP TO HOST SUMMIT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AT NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM,2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA – Next Tuesday, October 17, 2017, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC), will host a Military Family Summit at the National Infantry Museum near Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Congressman Bishop will be joined by his fellow CMFC co-chair, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), as well as senior administration officials, military families, and stakeholder organizations.    The purpose of the Military Family Summit is to connect military families with Members of Congress and their staff, officials from the Department of Defense, and personnel from numerous military family support organizations to discuss pressing issues impacting America’s service members and their families. Military families will be able to participate in panels to discuss issues faced on a daily basis, such as family health, resiliency, spouse employment and education, military child education, transition assistance, retirement, benefits, and financial readiness for the future. Additionally, resources specific to military families will be provided by attending support organizations.   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.    WHO: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA); Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA); Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Keynote: Joyce Raezer, Executive Director, National Military Association KEYNOTE: MG Jeffrey Clark, Defense Health Agency Senator Ed Harbison, Georgia State Senator Daniel Daily, Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army and his spouse Holly Ronald Green, Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps and his spouse Andrea Steven Giordano, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and his spouse Elka MG (Ret) Jerry White; Academy Nominations Board Chairman Jeri Busch, Director of Military Compensation, Department of Defense Michael Reyna, President, Military Benefit Association Kara Tollet Oakley, Founder of the TRICARE for Kids Coalition Anna Crenshaw, Assistant Director, Benefits Assistance Services, Department of Veterans Affairs John Ballantyne, Chief Operating Officer, Military Child Education Coalition Eddy Mentzer, Associate Director, Family Readiness & Well Being, Department of Defense Patty Barron, Director of Family Readiness, Association of the U.S. Army Brooke Goldberg, Director Military Family Issues, Military Officers Association of America Thomas Owens, Special Assistant to the Director, Defense Commissary Agency Kelly Hruska, Government Relations Director, National Military Family Association Leigh Plott, Director of Development, The Moyer Foundation Cynthia Wesley; spouse of MG Eric Wesley, CG, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. April Stephens, Fort Benning Spouse of the year and Professional blogger Representatives from military service organizations (list below) Congressional Staff Military families, service members, veterans The public   WHAT: Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit; Introductory Remarks, Media Availability, Panels (While content of sessions will be off the record, military families will be available for comment. Please contact Jonathan Black for details)   Availability to support organizations such as: Association of the United States Army; American Legion; Blue Star Families; Fort Benning Army Community Service; Fort Benning Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; Resilience Training on Fort Benning; Gold Star Families; Hiring Our Heroes; Military Child Education Coalition; Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission; Military Officers Association of America; Military OneSource; National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center; National Military Family Association; Warrior Care; Soldier for Life; USO; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Voices of Georgia’s Children; Army Community Service; Georgia Watch; Zero to Three; Heavy Equipment Colleges of America; Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System; Georgia Department of Labor; Neighbor Works Columbus; Operation Caregiver; Army Substance Abuse Program; America’s VetDogs; West Georgia Cancer Coalition; Operation Homefront; Casualty Assistance Office; American Red Cross.   WHEN: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 DOORS OPEN: 8:00 AM EST START: 8:30 AM EST END: 1:00 PM EST   MEDIA AVAILABILITY: 11:15 AM to 11:35 AM If you would like to attend and/or schedule a separate interview with Congressman Bishop, please contact Jonathan Black at jonathan.black@mail.house.gov   WHERE: National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center 1775 Legacy Way Columbus, GA 31903",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-highlights-new-report-showing-gop-tax-plan-raises-taxes,"Rep. Johnson highlights new report showing GOP Tax Plan raises taxes on families, eliminates state and local tax deduction",2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) highlighted a new report showing the Ryan-McConnell tax framework unveiled by Republicans last week would dramatically increase the tax burdens of many families living in Georgia’s Fourth District -- many by an average of $9,158 through the elimination of the state and local tax deduction alone.  More than 44 million American households claim the state and local tax deduction each year. “Real tax reform doesn’t raise taxes on hard-working families while handing hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest one percent, but that’s exactly what the Ryan-McConnell tax plan would do,” said Rep. Johnson. “I call upon all my Georgia Republican Congressional colleagues to join me in opposing this inexplicable provision to raise taxes on working people.  Families in my district shouldn’t be paying more in taxes so Republicans can add trillions to the deficit giving tax breaks to billionaires.” An additional analysis by the non-partisan Tax Policy Center found that 80 percent of the individual tax cuts in the Ryan-McConnell tax framework would go to the wealthiest one percent of Americans. Tens of millions of middle class families could pay more in taxes under the GOP framework. “The Ryan-McConnell tax plan relies on the same tired, trickle-down tax agenda that Republicans have used for decades,” said Rep. Johnson.  “I will fight for the people of Georgia’s Fourth and stand firm in demanding real tax reform that puts the middle class first, with not one penny in tax cuts for the top 1 percent.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johnlewis.house.gov/media-center/federal-grant-announcements/federal-grants-announcement,FEDERAL GRANTS ANNOUNCEMENT,2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,John Lewis,L000287,johnlewis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Periodically, Rep. John Lewis is notified that organizations within the 5th Congressional District have been selected to receive a variety of federal grants.  This federal grants announcement will advise press and constituents of these notifications.  This announcement details about $57,577,850 in federal grants coming to the 5th Congressional District. What is the funding process for federal grants? There are two basic ways the federal government awards funds, through mandatory funding or discretionary funding.  Members of Congress vote on “authorizing” legislation that funds the mandatory commitments of the federal government for programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance and SNAP.  Also every year, levels of discretionary funding are determined during the Congressional appropriations process.  Rep. Lewis and all other members of Congress work to ensure that federal programs which provide key services within their districts are funded at levels requested by local government authorities and constituents they represent.    The federal grants announced by this release fall mainly in the discretionary category.  The money appropriated by Congress is sent to the federal agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which then disburse it directly to the states and local governments.  Sometimes federal agencies issue requests for proposals which place states, cities, and local organizations in competition with others around the country for the opportunity to gain federal support for a local project.  This is where the efficacy of city and state organizations are tested to determine whether they can compete effectively to receive those funds. Rep. Lewis often meets with and advises city, state or local agencies to help them strategize effective methods of engaging the federal agencies throughout the grant process. Pell Grants, Byrne Justice Assistance, veterans’ services, LIHEAP home heating support, early education, COPS, YouthBuild, Jobs Corps, the CDC, minority health programs, TIGER, critical disease research initiatives, tenant and fair housing assistance all stem from Congressional discretionary funding.  Recent successful discretionary grant efforts from the 5th Congressional District of Georgia include the Atlanta Streetcar, the Multimodal Passenger Terminal, the Atlanta BeltLine, and the UTC.  Through his District Office, Rep. Lewis offers grants assistance and workshops to explain the federal grants process.  Please call 404-659-0116 if you are interested in participating in one of these workshops.  Following is the list of the most recently granted federal funds to the 5th Congressional District. If you are seeking more information about any one of these federal grants, please consult the granting information for more details on their selection process. Grants over $500,000 are highlighted. This is to inform you that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the National Science Foundation, The National Institute of Standards and Technology, The National Endowment for the Humanities, The Department of Education, The Department of Energy, The Department of Transportation, The Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Corporation for National and Community Service, The Environmental Protection Agency, and The Department of Agriculture will be announcing the following grant award(s) to recipient(s) within your Congressional district and state.    Grant Notifications   U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Grant Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: In search of an ethno-culturally appropriate approach for the early identification of Cognitive Impairment in African Americans Amount: $117,000 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:186378               Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Adults: Health and Neurobehavior Amount: $265,818 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:187232   Recipient: The Morehouse School of Medicine, Inc Grant Project Title: Replicating Evidence Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs to Scale in Communities with the Greatest Need (Tier 1B) Amount: $1,249,999 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:186864   Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Using DNA/MVA/protein immunization of rhesus macaques to investigate how the background of the HIV-1 envelope and nature of the protein boost shape the genetic and functional antibody landscape Amount: $1,231,309 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:185564   Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Defects in junctional adhesion molecule-A and Intestinal Permeability: Identification of Novel Mechanisms Driving Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Amount: $470,998 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:185581   Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Recruitment principles and injury-induced plasticity in thoracic paravertebral sympathetic postganglionic neurons Amount: $341,250 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:184939   Recipient: Georgia State University Grant Project Title: Novel Therapeutic Approaches For Treatment of Intestinal Inflammation Amount: $340,875 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:184596   Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Regulation of lung TRM maintenance and the decline of pulmonary cellular immunity Amount: $390,000 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:184655 Recipient: Georgia Department of Public Health Grant Project Title: Maternal and Child Health Services Amount: $1,719,680 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:184631 Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Pancreaspalooza- Pediatric Pancreatic Disorders: Where do we stand in 2017? Amount: $15,000 Additional Details: https://hhsgrants.econsys.com/apex/f?p=103:210:0::NO:210:P210_GRANT_ID:184169   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to the HHS Press office at (202) 690-6343.   National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Big Data Regional Innovation Hubs and Spokes Workshop Amount: $33,138 Additional Details: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1736154               Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Simultaneous Physical Field Reconstruction and Property Identification Using Multi-Target Sensing Methods for Metal Additive-Manufacturing and Thin-Walled Machining Amount: $299,929 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1662700   Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Safe, Resilient and Efficient Operation of Autonomous Aerial and Ground Vehicles Amount: $396,512 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1662542   Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Mechanics of Materials: Facilitating a Hands-On Learning Experience with 3D Printing Amount: $299,163 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1710950   Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Collaborative Research: Constraining the flux of magma and magmatic CO2 during early-stage rifting in East Africa Amount: $67,134 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1654557       Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: USENIX Security Symposium '17 Vancouver Amount: $25,000 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1743942       Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: GOALI: Dynamics of Reacting Jets in Cross-Flow Amount: $270,000 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1705649   Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: IUSE/PFE:RED: Transforming for inclusion: fostering belonging and uniqueness in engineering education and practice Amount: $1,999,971 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1730262   Grant Recipient: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. Grant Project Title: Magneto-optoelectronic response in 2D atomic-layered materials Amount: $320,418 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1710302       Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: CSR: Medium: Collaborative Research: Scale-Out Near-Data Acceleration of Machine Learning Amount: $500,000 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1703812      Grant Recipient: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. Grant Project Title: Collaborative Research: CyberTraining: CDL: Preparing Instructors to Offer Experimental Courses in an Updated PDC Curriculum, and Broadening Participation Amount: $19,922 Additional Details:  http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1727556      Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: NSF Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT) Amount: $19,749,999 Additional Details: This award has a start date of October 1, 2017 and end date of September 30, 2022 (Estimated)  https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1648035&HistoricalAwards=false      Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to NSF’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at (703) 292-8070. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Standardizing Botnet Enumeration Amount: $155,744 Additional Details:  Standardizing Botnet Enumeration - Through the award, the recipient aims to assess the impact of various security measures and scientific means to measure the botnet phenomenon.  To assess the impact of various security measures and scientific means to measure the botnet phenomenon. This program will solve two important problems. 1. The first is how to systemically measure the population of botnets. 2. The second involves the periodic exposure of a dataset that researchers can use to study the lifetime of botnets and validate measurement methodology.   Grant Recipient: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Grant Project Title: Quantitative assessment of Atlantic sturgeon spawning runs in the Altamaha River, GA Amount: $179,710 Additional Details: Although previous work on Atlantic Sturgeon (ATS) recruitment has provided important new baseline information regarding current recruitment rates in GA rivers, critical information gaps regarding the recovery status of these populations still remain because (1) historic information on population abundance for juveniles is completely lacking; and (2) quantified estimates of the adult runs have not been attempted for any system other than the Altamaha (Peterson et al. 2008). The unifying goal of the proposed project is to develop, evaluate, and implement a practical and reliable methodology for quantifying adult spawning runs of ATS in GA and other large coastal rivers.   Specifically, we propose to use a combination of side-scan sonar and acoustic telemetry to quantify the annual spawning runs in the Altamaha River, GA. Secondary objectives will include the documentation, description, and mapping of specific spawning habitats in upper Altamaha system, including both the Oconee and Ocmulgee tributaries where putative spawning runs have only recently been identified (Ingram and Peterson, in press).  The specific project objectives of this proposal are (1) to quantify annual spawning runs of ATS in the Upper Altamaha (including both major tributaries); (2) to document ATS spawning at specific sites and then, to describe key habitat conditions at those sites; and (3) Quantify annual recruitment of ATS in the Altamaha 18 months after each spawning run assessment to quantitatively examine the relationship between spawner abundance and annual recruitment; (4) to evaluate genetic structure of the adult spawners and the juvenile cohorts produced from those spawners, as a direct measure of the of variation in individual reproductive output within each spawning cycle. Completion of the proposed study objectives will specifically address 4 of the 7 research priorities identified in the NMFS Atlantic Sturgeon Status Review 2007   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to NIST’s General Grants Information line at (301) 975-4714.   National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grant Recipient: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. Grant Project Title: Courting Liberty: Slavery and Equality Under the Constitution, 1770-1870 Amount: $141,073 Grant Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Communism and American Life Amount: $113,535   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to NEH’s Congressional Affairs line at (202) 208-7122. Department of Education (ED) Grant Recipient: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. Grant Project Title: Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Program Amount: $580,893 Additional Details: The purpose of the SEED program is to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices related to the preparation, development, or enhancement of educators. Grant Recipient: University of Georgia Grant Project Title: Educational Materials in Accessible Formats for Students with Visual Impairments and Other Print Disabilities Amount: $186,481 Additional Details: The Personnel Preparation program assists States in meeting their responsibility for providing personnel to serve children with disabilities.  The program supports competitive awards to:  (1) help address State-identified needs for qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education to work with children with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the skills and knowledge that are needed to serve children with disabilities, and that such skills and knowledge are derived from practices determined to be successful through research and experience. Program funds support projects in a variety of areas, including leadership personnel and personnel to serve children with low- and high-incidence disabilities.  The program also supports projects of national significance that address personnel issues with broad applicability. Grant Recipient: Clayton County Public Schools Grant Project Title: Professional Development for Arts Educators Amount: $255,873 Additional Details: This program awards grants to support the implementation of high-quality model professional development programs in elementary and secondary education for music, dance, drama, media arts, or visual arts, including folk arts, for educators and other arts instructional staff of kindergarten through grade 12 students in high-poverty schools. Grant Recipient: Georgia Department of Education Grant Project Title: Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Programs Amount: $20,526,600 Additional Details: Purpose of the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grant Program is to advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading, and writing, for students from birth through grade 12, including limited-English-proficient students and students with disabilities.  Funds will support State subgrants to local education agencies or other eligible entities for said purpose. Grant Recipient: Georgia Department of Education Grant Project Title: State Personnel Development Grants Program Amount: $1,397,294 Additional Details: The purpose of this program, authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is to assist State educational agencies (SEAs) in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, educational, and transition services in order to improve results for children with disabilities. Grant Recipient: Southeastern Assn. of Educ. Opportunity Prog. Personnel Grant Project Title: Upward Bound Program Amount: $263,937 Additional Details: The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects. Grant Recipient: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. Grant Project Title: Equipping Schools, Communities, & Universities for Excellence in Lang. Acquisition Amount: $532,935 Additional Details: ESCUELA will create durable structures for increasing the number of licensed early learning teachers in EL-serving DLI classrooms using a culturally and linguistically relevant approach. Major project activities include supporting pathways for bilingual community members to become teachers, DLI licensure programs, and ongoing support for current DLI teachers including the development of a MA concentration in Family and Community Engagement. Grant Recipient: Morehouse College Grant Project Title: Upward Bound Math & Science Program Amount: $277,134 Additional Details: The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession. Grant Recipient: Morehouse College Grant Project Title: Upward Bound Math & Science Program Amount: $344,703 Additional Details: The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession. Grant Recipient: Morehouse College Grant Project Title: Upward Bound Math & Science Program Amount: $263,938 Additional Details: The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession. Grant Recipient: Georgia State University Grant Project Title: Upward Bound Math & Science Program Amount: $277,134 Additional Details: The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs division of the ED at (202) 401-0020.   Department of Energy (DOE) Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Highly Active and Contaminant-Tolerant Cathodes for Durable Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Amount: $300,000 Additional Details: This project will focus on the development of highly oxidation-tolerant anodes to reduce reoxidation caused by undesired fuel disruption, depletion, or gas leakage in SOFCs. The ultimate goal of this work is to establish a scientific basis for rational design of durable, high-performance anodes with robust oxidation tolerance.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs division of the DOE at (202) 586-5450.   Department of Transportation (DOT) Grant Recipient: Georgia Public Service Commission Grant Project Title: PHMSA FY 2017 State Base Pipeline Safety Grants Amount: $1,208,762 Additional Details: PHMSA State Base Grants program supports State pipeline safety programs by reimbursing them a portion of each State's total program expenses for a given calendar year based on their performance. The grant awards are based on each State's estimated program cost for CY 2017 and each State's most recent performance scores. The FY 2017 grant award is PHMSA' s commitment to States to pay a portion of their CY 2017 State program costs, and supports States by obtaining budget commitments for continuing their pipeline safety programs. States will receive the full payment of their FY 2017 award in May of 2018 based on their actual expenses for CY 2017, and if they receive a waiver of the MOE. If a State requests a mid-year payment, PHMSA will reimburse the first half of the State's CY 2017 program costs once the grant is approved-based on the State's actual expenses.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to DOT’s Office of Governmental Affairs at (202) 366-4573.   Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant Recipient: Emory University Grant Project Title: Revisiting R.A.C.E.: Leveraging Archival Resources for the Purpose of Reducing AIDS through Community Education Amount: $112,919 Additional Details: The Rose Library at Emory University will partner with the Equality Foundation of Georgia, Inc., the Emory University Centers for AIDS research, and the Southern Christian Leadership Coalition Women's Organizational Movement for Equality Now (SCLC/W.O.M.E.N.) on a community-based project to address the rise in rates of HIV/AIDS in metropolitan Atlanta. The project team will activate the connections among the medical, academic, social service, religious, advocacy, and artistic communities currently combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They will develop a framework by which cultural institutions can deploy their resources to educate and empower communities; serve as a bridge between past efforts and current advocacy; and connect the diverse stories of divergent groups. The project will enhance awareness of the spread of HIV/AIDS in Atlanta, including the historical and societal reasons for disparities in testing, diagnosis, and care. The project will highlight to service groups the benefits of collaborating with libraries and museums as resources to address community needs and contemporary issues.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to IMLS’ Office of Congressional Affairs at (202) 653-4787.   The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Grant Recipient: Georgia Council on Substance Abuse Grant Project Title: AmeriCorps VISTA members Amount: $62,361 Additional Details: The mission of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse (GCSA) is to reduce the impact of substance abuse in Georgia’s communities through education, advocacy and training. GCSA’s AmeriCorps VISTA project will implement a volunteer program that serves people in recovery from substance use disorder or mental health challenges. AmeriCorps VISTA members will contribute to the project by fundraising, building community partnerships, and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorder through a coordinated social media and outreach campaign. This project is expected to benefit thousands of people across the state.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to CNCS’ Office of Government Relations at (202) 606-6867.   Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Recipient: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Grant Project Title: Pollution Prevention Incentives States Amount: $23,709 Additional Details: This action provides funding to Georgia Tech Research Corporation for a project that will focus on pollution prevention assessments and training to reach green principles to achieve process improvements and enhance environmental performance through energy efficiency and improved resource utilization to further sustainability.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to EPA’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 564-4108.   Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Grant Recipient: Atlanta Community Food Bank Grant Project Title: Georgia Food Oasis Atlanta-Fresh Pass Program Amount: $250,000 Additional Details: Georgia Food Oasis Atlanta-Fresh Pass Program provides SNAP incentives on fresh fruits and vegetables at markets and retail locations.   Any questions regarding this notification should be addressed to NIFA’s Office of Congressional Affairs at (202) 720-8187.       ####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397964,Scott Remarks During Hearing Examining Massive Equifax Data Breach,2017-10-05,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) delivered the following remarks during the full House Financial Services Committee Hearing  to examine the Equifax Data Breach.   Click here to watch video of Congressman Scott’s remarks.   Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. First of all, I want to make a couple of points very clear. I represent the great state of Georgia and love Georgia very much. When this first came to me, when my staff first reported it, I immediately wanted to do all I could to make sure that we would be able to make sure that after this Equifax would be standing tall, that they would be clean. That is my objective as the Congressman from Georgia, because as you said, you represent a legacy of our great state. You are a 128 year old company and you employ 20,000-30,000 people, many of whom are my constituents and many of whom work and toil at your company.  And they are great people doing a great job. It is very important for the American people to know that what we have before us is a despicable, shameful situation for 145 million American citizens to lose the privacy of their social security number and all of that. But let it be known that it is the top of management, it is you, who is responsible for this. Now, what I want to do is be at the front of this spear to make sure that Equifax regains the confidence and trust of the American people. So my comments to you will be geared to that. First of all, I want to call Mr. Chairman, and be the first to call, for an investigation by the Justice Department, the CFPB, and certainly by the SEC. Now Mr. Smith you are leaving this company, but there are others who are going to be there and we have to make sure that Equifax comes out clean and standing tall. Now what disturbs me, perhaps more than anything is the timeline. You said you became knowledgeable about this breach on July 31st but here is what happened on August 1st, your executives sold two million dollars worth of stock. Not only that Mr. Former CEO, it was your Chief Financial Officer that lead that charge to sell that stock. Now no one is going to tell me you get information on July 31st and here they go dumping their stock less than 24 hours later. That has to be investigated and cleared if we are going to get the confidence of the American people back. This is inside trading and anyone can see that. I hope your successor, that the guy who is taking your place, I hope he is listening. That would be the first thing. And the second thing, we need to make sure these guys that sold that stock that made $653,000 in savings from that stock with that inside info pay that money back and that they are fired. 145 million people losing this with no justification, we have got to make sure, and you have got to make sure that we clean this mess up. Now I want to talk about the other way in which we can do this. You mentioned multiple times that it wasn’t the intention of Equifax to include the arbitration piece, well some have it and now some don’t. That’s the next thing to be done. No more of the arbitration clause, the public notice. Our job is to clean this mess up and make sure we bring Equifax back, standing tall. We owe that to the American people. Now the other thing that I would like finally, my staff informed me that most mortgage lenders pull all three reports from the big three credit reporting agencies, so when you talk about this new free lifetime lock product it is not going to be effective unless everyone does it. I wish I had more time, but we are going to clean this mess up and restore the integrity and the trust of the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397963,Congressman David Scott Announces Availability of 2017-18 Military Academy Congressional Nomination Applications,2017-10-04,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) announced the availability of applications for students interested in receiving a congressional nomination for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military or Naval Academy. “Having the privilege to nominate Thirteenth District students to attend the U.S. Military Academies is one of my most important and rewarding responsibilities,” said Congressman Scott. “Each year I am more and more inspired by the talent and high character of the students who have received nominations from my office.  They truly represent the best and the brightest of our community.  And I strongly encourage any young person who wants to become a leader and serve our country to consider attending one of the U.S. military academies.  Each academy provides a top-tier education valued at more than $400,000, truly rare experiences, and rewarding careers in military service. ” Interested students should complete a Congressional Nomination Application available on Congressman David Scott’s website here. All completed applications must be submitted by Friday, October 27, 2017 via mail or personal delivery to Congressman Scott’s Jonesboro or Smyrna Office.   To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must be nominated from an authorized person, including a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate.  Applicants must also meet the following requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to a service academy: be at least 17 years old and not older than 23; a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of Georgia’s Thirteenth Congressional District; unmarried; not pregnant; and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. For more information, please contact Congressman Scott’s Military Academy Coordinator Teresa Cooke at 770-210-5073.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/congressman-hank-johnsons-e-newsletter-oct-4-2017,"Congressman Hank Johnson's E-Newsletter for Oct. 4, 2017",2017-10-04,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, This week, I joined the nation to mourn the tragic loss of 59 concert goers in Las Vegas. They were simply enjoying some live music when a barrage of firepower that can only be compared with a military battlefield rained down on them from a hotel window above. More than 500 people were hurt in what is the largest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. While I extend my thoughts and prayers to the victims and applaud our first responders, thoughts and prayers are not enough. Now, more than ever, we must continue the conversation to seek common-sense legislation to prevent gun violence in America. For starters, I’m calling for the establishment of a bipartisan Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and report back common-sense legislation. Thoughts and prayers are all well and good, but they won’t prevent the next mass shooting.   HURRICANE RELIEF: The 2017 hurricane season has struck our nation with particular ferocity. As Texas and Florida begin rebuilding from hurricanes Irma and Harvey, our friends and family in Puerto Rico struggle to recover from Hurricane Maria and are still short of life-sustaining food and clean drinking water. On October 3, I met with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (picture above), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on current hurricane recover efforts. I’m urging the administration to get the Department of Defense more engaged with relief and aid to Puerto Rico immediately.      DREAMERS: If you or your loved ones are currently protected by DACA and your benefits expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, it is critical that you fill out an application to renew before Thursday, October 5, 2017. I recommend all applications to be placed in the mail today, October 3, to ensure they are received before Thursday’s deadline. For more information, visit www.uscis.gov/daca2017 (en español: www.uscis.gov/es/daca2017) and click on “DACA renewal requests.”      EQUIFAX FUMBLING: In the wake of a massive data breach that exposed 143 million U.S. consumers’ most sensitive data, former Equifax CEO Rick Smith is answering tough questions from Congress this week. We must hold Equifax accountable. I’m fighting to restore consumers’ rights when it comes to this historic data breach. IN THE DISTRICT: I had the opportunity to close out September with some excellent events. I want to thank everyone who came out to the Heart of South DeKalb Parade and Festival, the Women's Wellness & Community Health event in Conyers -- sponsored by State Rep. Pam Dickerson -- the swearing in of Junior Rangers at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, the Omega’s Health and Wellness Expo and the Grand Lodge’s 2017 Trailblazer Awards ceremony. For more, click HERE.   ROCKDALE SHOWCASES PROGRAMS: Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will hold important Open House evening during October and November 2017 for the 2018-19 School Specialty and Choice programs. To learn more, click HERE.   FOR YOUR/MORE INFORMATION:   Housing Help | Jobs Center | Healthcare | Small Businesses Seniors | Students | Veterans | Help with a Federal Agency | Opioid Resource Guide   As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as e-mails, phone calls and letters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/johnson-joins-house-democrats-trump-admin-florida-nursing-home-tragedy,Johnson Joins House Democrats to Trump Admin: Florida Nursing Home Tragedy Is a Wake-Up Call to Protect the Fundamental Rights of Residents Against Abuse,2017-10-04,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of disturbing reports of the neglect of nursing home residents in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, 46 members of Congress called on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to maintain current protections for elder Americans against abuse in nursing homes.    In Florida, 12 residents died and more than 100 were hospitalized after a long-term care facility failed to evacuate residents after losing air conditioning in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. In Texas, similar abuse occurred at a facility that refused to evacuate despite severe flooding. The letter is led by Representatives David N. Cicilline (RI-01), John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).   They wrote: “The horrific reports of abuse at facilities in Florida and Texas in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey underscore the need for your agency to reconsider upending the legal protections of those who have worked and saved for their entire lives to retire with dignity. This is a time when we should be protecting our nation’s seniors, not rolling back their fundamental right to hold wrongdoers accountable for neglect and abuse.”   Last year under the Obama Administration, CMS finalized a strong rule that prohibited the use of pre-dispute, mandatory (“forced”) arbitration clauses in nursing home admission agreements.  Nursing-home residents stand to lose virtually every cause of action against unscrupulous caregivers unless these current protections against forced arbitration in nursing-home admission contracts are preserved.    As the letter notes, following an extensive notice-and-comment rulemaking process, CMS determined that forced arbitration undermines the ability of health investigators to prevent and remedy abuse in nursing homes.    But under the Trump Administration, CMS has already begun the process to end this protection.   The letter follows a letter from House Democrats—including Representatives Johnson, Cicilline, Conyers, Nadler, and Sanchez—in 2015 that called on CMS to adopt these protections.    The group of House Democrats denounced plans by CMS Administrator Verma to roll back existing protections, writing “Americans in nursing homes deserve better. It is vital that residents and their families are able to enforce their rights and hold nursing home operators accountable for dangerous facility conditions and the inhumane treatment of residents. We strongly urge CMS to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents, particularly in light of recent events, by maintaining the current prohibition of forced arbitration clauses in nursing home admission contracts.”   Signed copies of the letters are available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z