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://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D5591622-5DC2-41BC-BDE5-CA8FB264B275,Rep. Lucy McBath Announces Winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-supports-cash-act-desperately-needed-relief,"Congressman Johnson Supports CASH Act, Desperately Needed Relief for Families",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) returned to Washington this week to vote on a stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000 for Americans struggling during the pandemic. The bill passed the House 275-134 and now goes to the Senate. ""There's a light at the end of the tunnel, but until we get there Americans struggling to pay rent, put food on the table and stay healthy need our help,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""This money will go a long way in helping make people whole during this difficult time."" House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly called for larger direct payments for the American people. Unfortunately, House and Senate Republicans have repeatedly rejected this proposal, both during negotiations on the omnibus package and on Christmas Eve, when they blocked an attempt to pass today's bill by unanimous consent. House Overrides Trump NDAA Veto The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has consistently been passed on a bipartisan, bicameral basis for 60 years – the President's reckless veto harms our troops, their families, and our veterans. It also blocks hazard pay for troops, stops a provision that renames confederate bases, and stymies new paid parental leave initiatives. ""The House will do its part to protect the safety of our servicemembers and the security our Nation as we vote to override the President's veto,"" said Rep. Johnson. The House voted to reject the President's veto of the NDAA. It now heads to the Senate, which also must pass the veto override with a 2/3 or greater majority.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-supports-cash-act-desperately-needed-relief-families,"Congressman Johnson Supports CASH Act, Desperately Needed Relief for Families",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) returned to Washington this week to vote on a stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000 for Americans struggling during the pandemic. The bill passed the House 275-134 and now goes to the Senate. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, but until we get there Americans struggling to pay rent, put food on the table and stay healthy need our help, said Rep. Johnson. This money will go a long way in helping make people whole during this difficult time. House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly called for larger direct payments for the American people. Unfortunately, House and Senate Republicans have repeatedly rejected this proposal, both during negotiations on the omnibus package and on Christmas Eve, when they blocked an attempt to pass today's bill by unanimous consent. House Overrides Trump NDAA Veto The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has consistently been passed on a bipartisan, bicameral basis for 60 years the President's reckless veto harms our troops, their families, and our veterans. It also blocks hazard pay for troops, stops a provision that renames confederate bases, and stymies new paid parental leave initiatives. The House will do its part to protect the safety of our servicemembers and the security our Nation as we vote to override the President's veto, said Rep. Johnson. The House voted to reject the President's veto of the NDAA. It now heads to the Senate, which also must pass the veto override with a 2/3 or greater majority. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8138A913-B822-4290-96D4-7E79A9816D22,McBath Votes to Approve CASH Act and Provide Needed Relief to American Families,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2712FC29-8533-4FBE-8AF2-40A7B8E0ECFE,McBath Announces Service Academy Nominations,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-secures-non-emergency-medical-transportation-for-medicaid,BISHOP SECURES NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after legislation to enshrine the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit in the Medicaid law was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 133): The NEMT Medicaid benefit, which had been mandatory by regulation since 1966, was in danger of becoming optional under a Trump Administration regulation. Thousands of Medicaid patients in Georgia and across the nation who relied upon NEMT to transport them to and from health services such as dialysis and COVID-19 testing would have been placed at risk if the benefit had been eliminated. By codifying NEMT under the Medicaid statute, we can rest assured that the benefit will remain protected now and into the future. The NEMT provisions in the Fiscal Year 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act are substantially similar to those in the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act (H.R. 3935), which Congressman Bishop introduced with Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), and Tom Graves (R-GA). H.R. 3935 had been unanimously approved by the United States House of Representatives in September 2020. Medicaid NEMT provides over 100 million rides annually to medical appointments for Medicaid beneficiaries who do not have their own means of transportation. The benefit is used primarily by people with chronic conditions including end-stage renal disease, substance use disorder, and AIDS. These patients who depend on NEMT for access to life-sustaining medical services such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and medication-assisted addiction treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NEMT providers also are repurposing their businesses to deliver meals, groceries, and medical supplies to beneficiaries who are at high risk of COVID-19 infection if they leave their homes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-secures-non-emergency-medical-transportation-for-medicaid-recipients,BISHOP SECURES NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after legislation to enshrine the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit in the Medicaid law was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 133): ""The NEMT Medicaid benefit, which had been mandatory by regulation since 1966, was in danger of becoming optional under a Trump Administration regulation. Thousands of Medicaid patients in Georgia and across the nation who relied upon NEMT to transport them to and from health services such as dialysis and COVID-19 testing would have been placed at risk if the benefit had been eliminated. By codifying NEMT under the Medicaid statute, we can rest assured that the benefit will remain protected now and into the future."" The NEMT provisions in the Fiscal Year 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act are substantially similar to those in the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act (H.R. 3935), which Congressman Bishop introduced with Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), and Tom Graves (R-GA). H.R. 3935 had been unanimously approved by the United States House of Representatives in September 2020. Medicaid NEMT provides over 100 million rides annually to medical appointments for Medicaid beneficiaries who do not have their own means of transportation. The benefit is used primarily by people with chronic conditions including end-stage renal disease, substance use disorder, and AIDS. These patients who depend on NEMT for access to life-sustaining medical services such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and medication-assisted addiction treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NEMT providers also are repurposing their businesses to deliver meals, groceries, and medical supplies to beneficiaries who are at high risk of COVID-19 infection if they leave their homes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-extends-hand-americans-struggling-pay-power-bills,Congressman Johnson Extends Hand to Americans Struggling to Pay Power Bills,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson's (D-GA) Preventing Termination of Utility Services in Bankruptcy Act became law today when it passed both Houses of Congress and was expected to be signed by the president as part of the 2021 Omnibus spending package. The bill, which Congressman Johnson took over from retiring Congressman Conyers in 2018, would end the practice of utility companies forcing individuals to pay additional assurances simply because they have filed for bankruptcy. Amidst a worsening winter pandemic with millions of Americans struggling to pay rent, bills and put food on the table, Rep. Johnson's bill protects consumers from having to pay additional fees to keep their lights on and ensures that they are less likely to have their utilities suspended. Millions of low-income Americans and seniors across the United States struggle to pay their utilities and some even have their electricity shut off during the coldest time of the year. Lack of access to electricity presents serious health concerns, including heat stroke, dehydration, and hypothermia. ""People are really hurting out here and during these cold winter months, with a pandemic expected to grow worse before things get better, the least we can do as lawmakers is protect people from getting their power cut off just because they're in bankruptcy,"" said Johnson. ""Attempts by utility companies to extract additional fees from customers in bankruptcy endangers Americans, particularly in the summer and winter months. This practice needs to end."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-s-bipartisan-bicameral-trademark-modernization-act,"Congressman Johnsons Bipartisan, Bicameral Trademark Modernization Act Becomes Law",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Hank Johnson's (D-GA) Trademark Modernization (TM) Act of 2020 (H.R. 6196/S. 3449), bipartisan, bicameral legislation to give the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office tools to address recent significant increases in fraudulent trademark filings became law today when it passed both Houses of Congress and was signed by the president as part of the 2021 Omnibus spending package. The bill was introduced in March along with Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) and Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-AL), and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). In particular, the bill provides options to combat an influx of trademark applications from China that rely on doctored photographs to procure trademark registrations. The TM Act would also help to ensure that in trademark infringement cases, courts issue appropriate remedies to ensure that confusingly similar trademarks do not remain in the marketplace, because that can undermine a core function of the trademark systemto help ensure that customers can look at a trademark and reliably know who is selling them a given good or service. The Trademark Modernization Act is the first significant update to U.S. trademark laws in some time, said Congressman Johnson (GA). The Lanham Act was enacted in 1946. It is critical that we update the law to respond to contemporary concerns when they arise. Consumers and brand owners rely on trademark laws for confidence in the products they buy and sell. I am pleased to have worked with Representatives Nadler, Collins, and Roby, and Senators Tillis and Coons on this bi-partisan effort to combat fraud in the trademark system, and to ensure that brand owners and consumers are properly protected under the law, said Congressman Johnson. Consumers rely on trademarks to purchase products and services from sources they trust, said Sen. Chris Coons (DE). I am concerned that the recent flood of fraudulent trademark filings, many of which originate in China, have frustrated legitimate branding efforts by U.S. companies. Meanwhile, owners of trademarks for authentic products face unreasonable hurdles when trying to block the use of confusingly similar marks that would mislead the public including dangerous counterfeit products from China. I am proud that Congress passed this bipartisan, bicameral bill that will address both of these problems and modernize our trademark system. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for including the Trademark Modernization Act in the year-end spending package and agreeing that modernizing the United States trademark system to better protect American consumers and brand owners is a priority, said Sen. Thom Tillis (NC). Earlier this year, I proudly co-introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will modernize the trademark system and make changes that protect small businesses and consumers across North Carolina. This much-needed update will help combat fraudulent trademark registrations coming from China and move our trademark system into the 21st century. The TM Act will: Create new expedited ex parte cancellation procedures that would allow a new-market entrant or other third party to request cancellation of a trademark registration when the mark was never used or was not used before registration. The new procedures offer options in addition to traditional inter partes cancellation, which is often a time-consuming and expensive process. Codify additional trademark examination procedures, which gives the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office flexibility and additional authority to gather evidence during examination. Clarify that, notwithstanding the Supreme Court's decision in a patent case, eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange LLC, a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm exists for trademark violations. Clarify that the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office has the authority to reconsider decisions of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. A section-by-section analysis of the bill can be found here. A one-pager on the bill can be found here. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnsons-bipartisan-bicameral-trademark-modernization-act,"Congressman Johnson’s Bipartisan, Bicameral Trademark Modernization Act Becomes Law",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson's (D-GA) Trademark Modernization (TM) Act of 2020 (H.R. 6196/S. 3449), bipartisan, bicameral legislation to give the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office tools to address recent significant increases in fraudulent trademark filings became law today when it passed both Houses of Congress and was expected to be signed by the president as part of the 2021 Omnibus spending package. The bill was introduced in March along with Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) and Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-AL), and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). In particular, the bill provides options to combat an influx of trademark applications from China that rely on doctored photographs to procure trademark registrations. The TM Act would also help to ensure that in trademark infringement cases, courts issue appropriate remedies to ensure that confusingly similar trademarks do not remain in the marketplace, because that can undermine a core function of the trademark system—to help ensure that customers can look at a trademark and reliably know who is selling them a given good or service. ""The Trademark Modernization Act is the first significant update to U.S. trademark laws in some time,"" said Congressman Johnson (GA). ""The Lanham Act was enacted in 1946. It is critical that we update the law to respond to contemporary concerns when they arise."" ""Consumers and brand owners rely on trademark laws for confidence in the products they buy and sell. I am pleased to have worked with Representatives Nadler, Collins, and Roby, and Senators Tillis and Coons on this bi-partisan effort to combat fraud in the trademark system, and to ensure that brand owners and consumers are properly protected under the law,"" said Congressman Johnson. ""Consumers rely on trademarks to purchase products and services from sources they trust,"" said Sen. Chris Coons (DE). ""I am concerned that the recent flood of fraudulent trademark filings, many of which originate in China, have frustrated legitimate branding efforts by U.S. companies. Meanwhile, owners of trademarks for authentic products face unreasonable hurdles when trying to block the use of confusingly similar marks that would mislead the public – including dangerous counterfeit products from China. I am proud that Congress passed this bipartisan, bicameral bill that will address both of these problems and modernize our trademark system."" ""I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for including the Trademark Modernization Act in the year-end spending package and agreeing that modernizing the United States trademark system to better protect American consumers and brand owners is a priority,"" said Sen. Thom Tillis (NC). ""Earlier this year, I proudly co-introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will modernize the trademark system and make changes that protect small businesses and consumers across North Carolina. This much-needed update will help combat fraudulent trademark registrations coming from China and move our trademark system into the 21st century."" The TM Act will: Create new expedited ex parte cancellation procedures that would allow a new-market entrant or other third party to request cancellation of a trademark registration when the mark was never used or was not used before registration. The new procedures offer options in addition to traditional inter partes cancellation, which is often a time-consuming and expensive process. Codify additional trademark examination procedures, which gives the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office flexibility and additional authority to gather evidence during examination. Clarify that, notwithstanding the Supreme Court's decision in a patent case, eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange LLC, a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm exists for trademark violations. Clarify that the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office has the authority to reconsider decisions of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. A section-by-section analysis of the bill can be found here. A one-pager on the bill can be found here. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399464,"Congressman David Scott Votes to Deliver Urgent COVID-19 Relief For Georgia Families, Workers and Small Businesses",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) voted to pass the Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020, a bipartisan legislative package that provides $900 billion in federal funding for families, unemployed workers, small businesses, hospitals and schools in Georgia and across the country. After months of delay and inaction, I am pleased to see Congress finally take action and deliver badly needed assistance for the American people, said Congressman Scott. Sadly, more than 317,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19, and the livelihoods of millions of Americans have been completely upended by this pandemic. Help is on the way to save lives and the livelihoods of Americans struggling during the pandemic. This relief measure provides critical funding for accelerated vaccine distribution, a new round of stimulus payments, extended unemployment assistance, rental assistance, increased food assistance, and aid for small businesses. Scott continued, I'm also proud to see that my bill, H.R. 8620, was included in the Coronavirus Relief Act. This bill will help small businesses utilize Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to make needed technological improvements in order to help them keep their doors open during this public health and economic crisis. The Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 will deliver immediate assistance by: Accelerating free and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Providing Direct Stimulus Payments of $600 for American adults and children. Provides unemployed individuals with an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. Delivering $25 billion for Rental Assistance to expand housing stability. $13 billion to address rising hunger with temporary increase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits and other food assistance programs. Supporting small businesses and restaurants through $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans. Extending the Payroll Support Program for frontline aviation workers. $14 billion for Transit Emergency Relief to support both rural and urban transit agencies. Bolsteringfarmers, ranchers, and growers through extended Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments. Expandingbroadband access and telehealth services for rural communities. Education and Child Care assistance to help schools and colleges mitigate virus transmission and to help parents get back to work. To view the complete text of the Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020, click here. Additionally, a one-page fact sheet on Coronavirus relief and section-by-section summary on Coronavirus relief are available online.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-calls-for-more-covid-19-relief-says-to-do-nothing-is-a,BISHOP CALLS FOR MORE COVID-19 RELIEFSAYS TO DO NOTHING IS A DERELICTION OF DUTY,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 133, the emergency COVID-19 relief and the FY21 funding bill by the full U.S House of Representatives: Georgia is long overdue for more COVID-19 relief, which is why I supported this bill even though I think it does not provide sufficient direct payments, unemployment benefits, or funding for state, local, and tribal governments. In the House, we passed the Heroes Act in two different forms in hopes the Senate Majority Leader would understand the urgency of more aid for the American people. Unfortunately, he rejected our bills containing $1200 direct payments, $600 per week unemployment benefits, and $436 billion for state, local, and tribal governmentsand instead sought to protect the ultra-wealthy and hang working families out to dry. It is unacceptable and heartless. However insufficient I find this relief proposal; it is still better than nothing. If it had been up to the Senate Republicans, Georgians would have received nothing. People are struggling more now than at the beginning of this pandemicto do nothing is a dereliction of duty. In the House, we continued to fight for Americans everywhere who continue to struggle through this pandemic. We were able to negotiate $600 direct payments, $300 weekly unemployment payments, increased nutrition assistance, rental assistance, and an extension of the eviction moratorium. The bill replenishes the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and recognizes we will not be able to revive our economy until we get this virus under control. This bill will accelerate free vaccine distribution to as many Americans as soon as possible, as well as increase testing and tracing efforts so we can finally crush the virus. Though I am critical of the COVID-19 relief, I am very pleased with the FY 21 funding bills as a whole. We made many strong investments in the future of the American people, for the pandemic and beyond. I will continue to fight for more relief for our citizens, state and local governments, and small businesses as we move into the next Congress. The COVID-19 section: Provides $600 direct payments per adult and child Enhanced $300 weekly unemployment benefits Extends the eviction moratorium and provides rental assistance Accelerates vaccine distribution and crushes the coronavirus Increases SNAP and child nutrition benefits Delivers key tax benefits for struggling families Strong support for small businesseswith replenished Paycheck Protection Program Funds education, childcare, and students Delivers and improves affordable broadband access Secures key funding streams for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments Creates good-paying jobs in clean energy and infrastructure to fight the climate crisis Ends surprise billing Supports the global fight against COVID The FY21 Funding Bill: Expands broadband access for rural communities Provides pathways to better schools Supports servicemembers and military families Honors our responsibilities to veterans Supports hardworking taxpayers Expands access to housing Tackles food insecurity Keeps our communities safe Protects our environment Combats climate change Reverses harmful cuts to climate change programs Fights for a more humane immigration approach Combats the gun violence epidemic Bolsters international security and stability A summary of the FY 21 appropriations can be found here and authorizing matters here. A summary of the COVID-19 emergency relief section can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-calls-for-more-covid-19-relief-says-to-do-nothing-is-a-dereliction-of-duty,BISHOP CALLS FOR MORE COVID-19 RELIEF—SAYS TO DO NOTHING IS A DERELICTION OF DUTY,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 133, the emergency COVID-19 relief and the FY21 funding bill by the full U.S House of Representatives: ""Georgia is long overdue for more COVID-19 relief, which is why I supported this bill even though I think it does not provide sufficient direct payments, unemployment benefits, or funding for state, local, and tribal governments. In the House, we passed the Heroes Act in two different forms in hopes the Senate Majority Leader would understand the urgency of more aid for the American people. Unfortunately, he rejected our bills containing $1200 direct payments, $600 per week unemployment benefits, and $436 billion for state, local, and tribal governments—and instead sought to protect the ultra-wealthy and hang working families out to dry. ""It is unacceptable and heartless. However insufficient I find this relief proposal; it is still better than nothing. If it had been up to the Senate Republicans, Georgians would have received nothing. People are struggling more now than at the beginning of this pandemic—to do nothing is a dereliction of duty. ""In the House, we continued to fight for Americans everywhere who continue to struggle through this pandemic. We were able to negotiate $600 direct payments, $300 weekly unemployment payments, increased nutrition assistance, rental assistance, and an extension of the eviction moratorium. The bill replenishes the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and recognizes we will not be able to revive our economy until we get this virus under control. This bill will accelerate free vaccine distribution to as many Americans as soon as possible, as well as increase testing and tracing efforts so we can finally crush the virus. ""Though I am critical of the COVID-19 relief, I am very pleased with the FY 21 funding bills as a whole. We made many strong investments in the future of the American people, for the pandemic and beyond. I will continue to fight for more relief for our citizens, state and local governments, and small businesses as we move into the next Congress."" The COVID-19 section: Provides $600 direct payments per adult and child Enhanced $300 weekly unemployment benefits Extends the eviction moratorium and provides rental assistance Accelerates vaccine distribution and crushes the coronavirus Increases SNAP and child nutrition benefits Delivers key tax benefits for struggling families Strong support for small businesses with replenished Paycheck Protection Program Funds education, childcare, and students Delivers and improves affordable broadband access Secures key funding streams for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments Creates good-paying jobs in clean energy and infrastructure to fight the climate crisis Ends surprise billing Supports the global fight against COVID The FY21 Funding Bill: Expands broadband access for rural communities Provides pathways to better schools Supports servicemembers and military families Honors our responsibilities to veterans Supports hardworking taxpayers Expands access to housing Tackles food insecurity Keeps our communities safe Protects our environment Combats climate change Reverses harmful cuts to climate change programs Fights for a more humane immigration approach Combats the gun violence epidemic Bolsters international security and stability",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5CCDDFDD-417B-4511-8498-4A0E2D0773D1,McBath Votes to Pass COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-hopeful-moderna-vaccine-holds-promise-for-rural-america,BISHOP HOPEFUL MODERNA VACCINE HOLDS PROMISE FOR RURAL AMERICA,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after receiving a briefing from FDA Commissioner Hahn and the Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Dr. Peter Marks, on the details of FDA‘s efforts so far to review and authorize vaccines to prevent COVID-19: ""I am very encouraged by the information I received from Commissioner Hahn and Dr. Marks about the two highly effective COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA. The Moderna vaccine seems to hold promise for rural areas that make up much of the 2nd Congressional District and our nation. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine can be stored in standard freezers for up to 30 days once it arrives at its destination. I am hopeful this will make it quicker for every American, regardless of their zip code, to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. ""The FDA has worked around the clock to apply its rigorous safety standards to authorize numerous diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and now vaccines. I am proud to be in a position to provide the FDA the funding it needs to continue this fight and ensure they have the necessary tools to review future vaccine applications so we can crush the virus, restart the economy, and put this pandemic behind us.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F4C6C8CB-432B-41A1-AA8A-B15C91C92EE3,"Bipartisan Legislation to Support Child Care Providers, Led By McBath, To Become Law",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-receives-first-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine,BISHOP RECEIVES FIRST DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINE,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine: ""Today, I received my first dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine in compliance with government continuity guidelines. Additionally, because of my age and cancer remission, I am considered high risk should I contract the virus and am fortunate to be among the first to get the vaccine. ""I understand many people are skeptical and uncertain, particularly communities of color where there is a long history of nonconsensual experiments and other horrors conducted by medical providers. Please know that I trust the incredibly talented and culturally diverse scientists who created, developed, and evaluated this vaccine. I received it without any reservations whatsoever. The vaccine is 95% effective after both doses and the reported side effects are minimal, especially compared to the terrible effects of the COVID-19 virus. ""This virus has devastated our nation with a disproportionate impact on communities of color. With widespread vaccinations and following the CDC COVID-19 guidelines we can crush the virus, restart the economy, and put this pandemic behind us.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bishop-bill-to-make-carter-historic-site-a-national,HOUSE PASSES BISHOP BILL TO MAKE CARTER HISTORIC SITE A NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after the full U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5472, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Resignation Act. Congressman Bishop is the original sponsor of H.R. 5472 and the bill is supported by the entire Georgia delegation: I am very pleased the House passed our bill to make the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. President Carter has spent his life making Plains, Georgia, and America a better place for all and it is fitting that we honor him with this change. The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park will increase tourism in Plains for many years to come, as President and Mrs. Carter desire. I urge the Senate to bring this bill to the floor for a vote so we can send it to the President's desk to sign into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bishop-bill-to-make-carter-historic-site-a-national-historical-park,HOUSE PASSES BISHOP BILL TO MAKE CARTER HISTORIC SITE A NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after the full U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5472, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Resignation Act. Congressman Bishop is the original sponsor of H.R. 5472 and the bill is supported by the entire Georgia delegation: ""I am very pleased the House passed our bill to make the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. President Carter has spent his life making Plains, Georgia, and America a better place for all and it is fitting that we honor him with this change. The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park will increase tourism in Plains for many years to come, as President and Mrs. Carter desire. I urge the Senate to bring this bill to the floor for a vote so we can send it to the President's desk to sign into law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8674FDF8-C15F-4FCD-B8E5-D53DF2F3EC24,"McBath, Cline Bill Encouraging Humanitarian Innovation to Become Law",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399463,Congressman David Scott Releases Year End Report,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott (GA-13) has been working hard in Washington and Georgia to secure federal support for constituents of Georgia's Thirteenth District. Scott released hisYear End Report highlighting this year's achievements. I am honored to share our Year End Report, Scott said. My staff and I worked hard to deliver results for Thirteenth District families during this year's Congress. As such, we coordinated free COVID-19 testing, provided food and financial assistance, awarded scholarships, secured home mortgage relief, and supported our frontline workers. In addition, we secured $120 million to help our veterans, $80 million for scholarships for students to attend African American 1890's Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, and $380 million in funding for new roads and interstate highways. I humbly appreciate my constituents for allowing me to continue making progress in our community and be their strong voice in the United States Congress. And, as always, my staff and I are here to be helpful whenever we are needed. Click here to view my Year End Report. By the Numbers: Serving You and Providing Resources Total Federal Dollars Secured for GA-13: $1,271,726,004 Total Casework Savings for Constituents: $21,779,408 Total Constituent Cases Resolved: 20,282 Outgoing Constituent Messages: 39,330 (116th Congress) Service Academy Nominations: 22 (116th Congress), 233 (2010-2020) CBC Spouses Education Scholarships Awarded: 8 (116th Congress), 111 (2003-2020) Congressional Art Competition Scholarships Awarded: 9 (116th Congress), 88 (2003-2020) Delivering Results in Washington Bills and Amendments Cosponsored in the 116th Congress: 411 Bills and Amendments Sponsored in the 116th Congress: 21 A+ Rating from the Human Rights Campaign A+ Rating from the Clean Water Action Fund A+ Rating from the National Parks Action Fund",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FBDEC360-14C6-4FC9-A3E7-E52E267350E7,McBath Convenes COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-urges-georgians-support-usps-battle-over-funding-mail-ballots,"Congressman urges Georgians to support USPS in battle over funding, mail-in ballots",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"12/8/2020 239 H.R.8354 Yea 12/8/2020 238 H.R.6395 Yea 12/7/2020 237 S.461 Yea 12/7/2020 236 H.RES.512 Yea 12/4/2020 235 H.R.3884 Yea",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/democratic-rep-hank-johnson-house-passing-police-reform-bill,Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson On House Passing Police Reform Bill,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Here & Now: Democratic Rep. Hank Johnsonof Georgia was among the authors of the massive police reform bill that passed the House on Thursday. With legislation stalled in Congress, we ask the congressman where he sees room for compromise with Republicans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/georgia-democrat-republican-fight-federal-court-paywall,"Georgia Democrat, Republican fight federal court paywall",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"12/8/2020 239 H.R.8354 Yea 12/8/2020 238 H.R.6395 Yea 12/7/2020 237 S.461 Yea 12/7/2020 236 H.RES.512 Yea 12/4/2020 235 H.R.3884 Yea",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-johnson-conducts-oversight-visit-irwin-detention-center-south-georgia,Rep. Johnson Conducts Oversight Visit of Irwin Detention Center in South Georgia,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman: Private company, ICE makes a living by feasting on the misery of the detainees Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, participated in a Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and House Judiciary Committee oversight visit to investigate Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, where multiple immigrant women have been subjected to alleged hysterectomies and other medical procedures performed without their consent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-johnson-urges-senate-pass-george-floyd-justice-policing-act,Rep. Johnson Urges Senate to Pass George Floyd Justice in Policing Act,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"12/8/2020 239 H.R.8354 Yea 12/8/2020 238 H.R.6395 Yea 12/7/2020 237 S.461 Yea 12/7/2020 236 H.RES.512 Yea 12/4/2020 235 H.R.3884 Yea",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/still-crippled-pandemic-atlanta-restaurants-struggle-hang,"Still crippled by pandemic, Atlanta restaurants struggle to hang on",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"AJC:The number of restaurants and other small businesses being forced to close their doors forever is alarming,"" said U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. It is beyond time for the Senate to work with the House to pass legislation replenishing the Paycheck Protection Program and making it more flexible so that small businesses have more ability to pay other expenses while maintaining loan forgivable status. Like Johnson, the National Restaurant Association has also called on Congress to consider short-term assistance by authorizing another round of the PPP, and this time with greater flexibility in how the funds get used to cover operating expenses and payroll.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-reintroduces-bill-battle-neglected-infections,Congressman Johnson Reintroduces Bill to Battle Neglected Infections of Poverty,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced he is re-introducing his bill to address the growing problem of parasitic diseases in America — found mostly in poor, minority populations along the U.S.-Mexico border, the rural South, Appalachia and distressed urban areas. The bill passed the House of Representatives in 2010 but stalled in the Senate. The ""Neglected Infections of Impoverished Americans Act of 2020"" would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress annually on the impact of prevalent parasitic infections, address their threat and make funding recommendations on how to eradicate them. These diseases affect hundreds of thousands of mostly poor, minority residents with no health insurance. People suffer from heart disease, lung ailments, birth defects, seizures, difficult pregnancies and child developmental problems as a result of infection. ""There is no reason that a nation with as many resources as the United States of America should tolerate these kinds of health disparities to exist among the poor and otherwise disadvantaged populations,"" said Johnson. ""These diseases are closely tied with adverse pregnancy outcomes and inhibited child development, and they disproportionally harm Black and minority communities. As the state with the worst maternal mortality rate in the country, addressing these diseases is critical to the safety of women and families in Georgia."" ""It's time that we study and make a plan to battle these preventable diseases. Americans' health should not depend on where they live and how much money they make."" ""It's becoming apparent that parasitic diseases and neglected infections of the poor are now widespread among Americans living in extreme poverty in the U.S.,"" said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. ""As poverty accelerates because of our COVID epidemic, we might expect that neglected infections will continue to dominate and remain important health disparities, especially in the Southern U.S."" The bill now goes to the Energy and Commerce Committee. Cosponsors include: Bass, Beatty, Bishop, Carson, Chu, Grijalva, Hayes, E.B. Johnson, Lee, Norton, B. Thompson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-s-bipartisan-bill-making-federal-court-records-free-public,Rep. Johnsons Bipartisan Bill Making Federal Court Records Free to the Public Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, today announced The Open Courts Act of 2020, H.R. 8235, which would modernize the federal judiciary's court records systems and eliminate the paywall (called PACER) that currently forces the public to pay more than $140 million each year to access these records, passed the House. The new system will provide a centralized, easily searchable site to access court records free of charge. Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) co-introduced the bill, which was marked up and passed out of Judiciary Committee in September. The product of years of bipartisan effort, the Act's common sense solutions respond to mounting alarm that the PACER paywall and the outdated programs PACER fees subsidize have harmed access to justice, infringed on the foundational right of public access to court records, stifled innovation, and fostered wasteful spending. Everyone wants to have a system that is technologically first class and free, Rep. Johnson told The Washington Post recently. A modern system, he said, is more efficient and brings more transparency into the equation and is easier on the pocketbooks of regular people. The new system is projected to cost only $4.6 million per year on average far less than the $140 million per year the judiciary spends on its existing system. The Open Courts Act would: Create a cost-effective, modernized court records system for the federal judiciary. Make court records freely available to the public; eliminate the pay wall currently established by PACER. Ensure that the public can easily search for and access court records. Provide funding for the new system without requiring new appropriations. A section-by-section analysis of the bill as amended can be found HERE. To read H.R. 8235 as amended on the floor, click HERE. Rep. Johnson's floor speech managing H.R. 8235 HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnsons-bipartisan-bill-making-federal-court-records-free-public,Rep. Johnson’s Bipartisan Bill Making Federal Court Records Free to the Public Passes House,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, today announced The Open Courts Act of 2020, H.R. 8235, which would modernize the federal judiciary's court records systems and eliminate the paywall (called PACER) that currently forces the public to pay more than $140 million each year to access these records, passed the House. The new system will provide a centralized, easily searchable site to access court records free of charge. Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) co-introduced the bill, which was marked up and passed out of Judiciary Committee in September. The product of years of bipartisan effort, the Act's common sense solutions respond to mounting alarm that the PACER paywall and the outdated programs PACER fees subsidize have harmed access to justice, infringed on the foundational right of public access to court records, stifled innovation, and fostered wasteful spending. ""Everyone wants to have a system that is technologically first class and free,"" Rep. Johnson told The Washington Post recently. A modern system, he said, ""is more efficient and brings more transparency into the equation and is easier on the pocketbooks of regular people."" The new system is projected to cost only $4.6 million per year on average — far less than the $140 million per year the judiciary spends on its existing system. The Open Courts Act would: Create a cost-effective, modernized court records system for the federal judiciary. Make court records freely available to the public; eliminate the pay wall currently established by PACER. Ensure that the public can easily search for and access court records. Provide funding for the new system without requiring new appropriations. A section-by-section analysis of the bill as amended can be found HERE. To read H.R. 8235 as amended on the floor, click HERE. Rep. Johnson's floor speech managing H.R. 8235 HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DFBE8320-72EB-47E3-BC8A-6DE159735DF3,"McBath Votes to Approve Bipartisan Conference Report on H.R. 6395, the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-more-act,BISHOP SUPPORTS MORE ACT,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 3884, Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2020 by the full U.S. House of Representatives: ""Reforming the federal government's laws on marijuana is long overdue. Forty-seven states have already done so and if this bill becomes law, states will not have to worry about federal intervention. In addition to decriminalizing marijuana, this bill will create taxes on marijuana to fund new grant programs and will expunge previous marijuana convictions of non-violent offenders only. ""States have been on the forefront of this issue and its time the federal government caught up. The MORE Act will right historical wrongs and move our country forward.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399460,Congressman David Scott Named Chairman of House Agriculture Committee,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) was approved by the Democratic Caucus to serve as the first African American Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. The committee is empowered with legislative oversight relating to the U.S. agriculture industry, forestry, nutrition, and rural development. I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said Congressman Scott. I was born on my grandparents' farm in rural Aynor, South Carolina, during the days of segregation, and the hardships, of those, on whose shoulders I now stand. I owe this historic selection as the first African American Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee to a diverse coalition of members from across our nation. And I will use this critical opportunity to represent the values of our entire caucus and advance our priorities for trade, disaster aid, climate change, sustainable agriculture, SNAP, crop insurance, small family farms, specialty crops, and rural broadband. The fault lines dividing our rural and urban communities are running deep, and climate change is now threatening our nation's food supply. As Chairman, I will lead the fight to rise up and meet these challenges. Congressman David Scott has served as a Member of Congress and the House Agriculture Committee since 2003. In his various leadership roles on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Scott has chaired the Subcommittees on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit as well as Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. Scott played a key role in ushering through the three last Farm Bills, including by serving as a conferee, securing critical disaster aid for our farmers, strengthening the food and nutrition programs that help our families, seniors and school children and securing $80 million for new scholarships for students attending 1890 African-American land-grant colleges and universities. Congressman David Scott grew up living and working on his grandparents' farm when his parents moved north to find work. During his 18 years in Congress, he has developed a deep understanding of the critical issues facing farmers today and the practical challenges posed by an agricultural lifestyle. He also understands the critical role agriculture plays in our economy and the importance of policies that preserve our place as the #1 exporter of agricultural products.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-statement-on-congressman-kwanza-hall,BISHOP STATEMENT ON CONGRESSMAN KWANZA HALL,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Dean of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, released the following statement after Congressman Kwanza Hall (GA-05) was sworn in to serve the remainder of Congressman John Lewis' term in the 116th Congress: ""I was proud to be involved in Congressman Hall's swearing in ceremony today. He is a wonderful public servant who will serve in Congressman Lewis' spirit for the rest of his term in the 116th Congress. Congressman Hall knows the Fifth Congressional District and will represent his constituents well until Congresswoman Nikema Williams is sworn in to represent the Fifth District in January for the 117th Congress. Georgians appreciate his service to our state and nation for the remainder of 2020.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-introduces-measure-honor-freedom-riders-gold-medal,Congressman Johnson Introduces Measure to Honor Freedom Riders With Gold Medal,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, introduced a resolution this week calling on Congress to award the Freedom Riders the Congressional Gold Medal. More than 40 members of Congress – including more than 20 members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) – joined Rep. Johnson to cosponsor the bill. The Freedom Rides, which lasted from May to November 1961, included more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives to challenge Jim Crow laws – particularly public transportation – in the South. Despite enduring vicious attacks and imprisonment for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they traveled through the Deep South, the Freedom Riders challenged bitter racism and mob violence with nonviolent activism. ""When we understand that mobility is essential to freedom – to control your own destiny – we see that what the Freedom Riders accomplished was nothing less than holding America to the true meaning of the Constitution,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""As much as anyone, they risked their lives to defend the promise of America."" ""The original riders – including my constituents Hank Thomas and Charles Person and my dear friend and former colleague John Lewis – endured insults and beatings and risked their lives 60 years ago because they believed in a different future for their children and their grandchildren."" The 13 original Freedom Riders, who departed on the morning of May 4, 1961, were: Genevieve Hughes Houghton, Charles Person, Hank Thomas, John Lewis, Edward Blankenheim, James Farmer, Walter Bergman, Frances Bergman, Joseph Perkins, Jimmy McDonald, Mae Francis Moultrie, Benjamin Elton Cox, and Albert Bigelow. The two surviving original Freedom Riders are Hank Thomas of Stone Mountain, Ga. and Charles Person of Atlanta. In 2015, Thomas and Person joined Rep. Johnson for a Black History Month program at MLK High School in DeKalb County to discuss the Freedom Rides. ""A number of Freedom Riders are living and dying in poverty,"" said original Freedom Rider Charles Person, who was 18 at the time of the first rides, making him the youngest original rider. ""Many have ruptured family relationships that can never be repaired. We can never repay these patriots for their sacrifice,"" he said. Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson Sr., a lieutenant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, praised the effort to recognize the Riders. ""Following the 1954 Brown decision, the 1955-56 Montgomery Bus Boycott to desegregate Montgomery, Alabama's buses, and the 1960 Greensboro student sit-ins at Woolworths, in 1961 Freedom Riders got on Greyhound and Trailways buses and risk their lives as they journeyed South to test federal enforcement of the ""equal protection"" principle in Brown,"" said Jackson. ""Their bus was set on fire in Anniston, Alabama, and the KKK beat them with clubs as they escaped, but they journey on there and elsewhere as they desegregated public transportation. Black and white young people faced possible death with profound courage as they helped to bring the cotton curtain down and make America better. The Medal of Freedom clearly belongs to the Freedom Riders."" If approved by Congress, the Freedom Riders would receive the medal as a group and it would be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. Cosponsors (42), including: Reps. Adams (NC), Beatty, Bera, Beyer, Bishop (GA), Bustos, Butterfield, Castor, Clarke, Cooper (TN), DeSaulnier, Doyle, Eshoo, Fudge, Gabbard, Garmendi, Green (TX), Grijalva, Haaland, Hastings, Jackson Lee, Kilmer, Kuster, Langevin, Lawrence, Lee (CA), Lowenthal, Lynch, Maloney (NY-12), Maloney (NY-18), Moore (WI), Nadler, Norton, Peters (CA), Pocan, Sarbanes, Schakowsky, Speier, Thompson (MS), Titus, Vargas, Yarmuth. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6570EA43-184E-4575-9995-B6BA98E4FBE5,McBath Convenes Senior Resource Town Hall,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-congresswoman-fudge-as-agriculture-secretary,BISHOP SUPPORTS CONGRESSWOMAN FUDGE AS AGRICULTURE SECRETARY,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement in support of Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) as a candidate for the Secretary of Agriculture in the Biden Administration: ""President-Elect Biden has said he wants his administration to reflect the highest level of competence while being inclusive of the diversity that is the strength of America. I believe Representative Fudge would be a great Secretary of Agriculture because of her high level of competence in that space. ""She is cognizant of the needs of our farmers and the many challenges they face in producing and marketing their product at home and abroad. She is passionate about assuring that rural America receives much needed attention and resources such as Internet, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development opportunities. She is committed to assuring that every American, rural or urban, has access to the highest-quality, safest, most abundant, and most economical food and fiber in the world. ""She is smart, disciplined, innovative and has the administrative, communication, and political skills to implement the Administration's policies through USDA that will move our country safely through the pandemic; help America's families, businesses, and communities recover; and lead our country into a bright new era of hope and prosperity. ""I have every confidence that President-Elect Biden will make the appropriate choice to lead the agency and as Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Subcommittee on Appropriations, I look forward to working with whomever is confirmed.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2D607E57-7DC9-495D-B73A-F750721D6F6F,McBath Statement on the Murder of Aidan Ellison,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-johnson-speier-torres-urge-gao-review-workplace-harassment,"Reps. Johnson, Speier, Torres Urge GAO Review on Workplace Harassment in the Judicial Branch",2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet; Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), co-chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus and the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence; and Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), member of the House Appropriations and Rules Committees, sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a comprehensive review of the protections against sexual harassment and other forms of workplace misconduct available to federal judicial branch employees. ""In recent years, the extent to which judicial branch employees are protected from workplace harassment — including sexual harassment, other forms of discrimination including racial discrimination, and retaliation — has been the subject of persistent Congressional oversight,"" the Members wrote. ""However, concerns remain as to whether there are adequate safeguards in place to protect employees from and facilitate redress for workplace misconduct. We ask GAO to review the judicial branch's current efforts to stop workplace sexual harassment and other forms of workplace discrimination and retaliation."" The letter requests GAO to examine to what extent the Judicial Branch has implemented and provided oversight of its policies for addressing incidents of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace; whether and how the Judicial Branch tracks complaints and investigations of workplace misconduct; and the extent to which perpetrators are held accountable. The Members have requested GAO's efforts include outreach, to the extent possible, to victims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace misconduct. Chairman Johnson held a hearing on the issue in February. To read the full letter, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-johnson-speier-torres-urge-gao-review-workplace-harassment-judicial,"Reps. Johnson, Speier, Torres Urge GAO Review on Workplace Harassment in the Judicial Branch",2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet; Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), co-chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus and the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence; and Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), member of the House Appropriations and Rules Committees, sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a comprehensive review of the protections against sexual harassment and other forms of workplace misconduct available to federal judicial branch employees. In recent years, the extent to which judicial branch employees are protected from workplace harassment including sexual harassment, other forms of discrimination including racial discrimination, and retaliation has been the subject of persistent Congressional oversight, the Members wrote. However, concerns remain as to whether there are adequate safeguards in place to protect employees from and facilitate redress for workplace misconduct. We ask GAO to review the judicial branch's current efforts to stop workplace sexual harassment and other forms of workplace discrimination and retaliation. The letter requests GAO to examine to what extent the Judicial Branch has implemented and provided oversight of its policies for addressing incidents of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace; whether and how the Judicial Branch tracks complaints and investigations of workplace misconduct; and the extent to which perpetrators are held accountable. The Members have requested GAO's efforts include outreach, to the extent possible, to victims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace misconduct. Chairman Johnson held a hearing on the issue in February. To read the full letter, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399456,Congressman David Scott Honored With Friend of Farm Bureau Award,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott Honored With Friend of Farm Bureau Award Today, Georgia Farm Bureau recognized U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13) for receiving the Friend of Farm Bureau Award for the 116th Congress. The Friend of Farm Bureau Award is presented every two years to members of Congress who support federal legislation and regulatory initiatives to improve the lives of farmers and the rural communities they call home. Congressman Scott has been a good friend to Georgia farmers and rural communities for years in Washington, and we are very pleased to present him with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award for his work to improve the farm safety net, expand rural broadband, and secure much-needed agricultural disaster assistance, to name a few of his initiatives, said Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. Additionally, Congressman David Scott recently announced his intent to lead the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. Mr. Scott would do an excellent job at the helm of such an important committee. I'm confident that the priorities of American farmers and rural communities would be thepriorities of the House Agriculture Committee should he be named Chairman. Mr. Scott has the full support of our organization, said Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B72B10F8-D467-4269-BCA1-94570D5EF8F3,McBath Votes to Pass Legislation Strengthening America’s Workforce,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-bass-secretary-johnson-urge-ag-barr-stop-federal-executions,"CHAIR BASS, SECRETARY JOHNSON URGE AG BARR TO STOP FEDERAL EXECUTIONS",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Karen Bass (D-CA) and CBC Secretary Hank Johnson (D-GA) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr urging him to put an immediate stay in the upcoming scheduled federal executions of Orlando Hall (November 19), Lisa Montgomery (December 8), and Brandon Bernard (December 10). ""Spikes in COVID-19 not only endanger the public, they decrease the accessibility of essential services. The ability to effectively see a client, schedule a hearing, or argue a case decreases as our hospitals fill and our leaders are afflicted. To preserve the sanctity of all Americans' constitutional rights, it is imperative that we maintain a climate where men and women who have been sentenced to death have every available legal recourse in the days before their execution. The only way to ensure this is to stay these executions,"" members wrote. To read the full letter, click HERE or read below. Here's what the experts saying: Cassandra Stubbs, director of the ACLU's Capital Punishment Project ""Proceeding with Orlando Hall's execution this week — as the nation, the state of Indiana, and Vigo County all battle unprecedented surges in COVID-19 cases — is indefensible and dangerous. Federal executions require hundreds of people, many of whom travel across the country by plane, to gather in close contact within the Terre Haute prison complex. The Bureau of Prisons' own records show that this summer's executions contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases within the Terre Haute prison. They reveal that the Bureau of Prisons was not prepared to address or minimize the risk of massive spread of COVID-19 caused by carrying out the executions. The BOP failed to ensure that staff wore masks, failed to promptly isolate individuals who were sick with COVID-19 within the prison, and failed to conduct contact tracing to prevent exposed individuals from passing the illness on to others. The wholly predictable and reprehensible result of these failings was hundreds of COVID-19 infections in people incarcerated within the Terre Haute prison, as well as a demonstrable spike in infections in the surrounding community. ""The stakes are even higher today. As Attorney General Barr plans to execute Orlando Hall on November 19, 2020, Governor Holcomb has imposed new restrictions prohibiting events of 50 or more people in places like Vigo County, where Terre Haute is located, because of the rampant spread of Covid-19 that's been documented there. Two lawyers for Lisa Montgomery, one of the people on death row with a pending execution date, contracted COVID-19 after visiting Mrs. Montgomery in the federal women's prison. Asking spiritual advisors, family members of the victims and defendant, attorneys, journalists, and BOP staff to travel to federal prison with a documented COVID-19 outbreak burdens them with the unfair and unjustifiable choice between protecting their health and their obligations to loved ones or their jobs. This cruel and senseless risk will have consequences far beyond just those who attend and participate in the executions: The public health impact of increased COVID-19 spread extends to everyone incarcerated in the prison, all the staff who work there, the broader Vigo County community, and in the communities where the travelers originate. There is simply no reason these executions should proceed during this pandemic."" Ruth Friedman, Director, Federal Capital Habeas Project ""Orlando Cordia Hall is scheduled to die in the federal death chamber in Terre Haute, Indiana on November 19, two days away. Should the U.S. government carry out his execution, Mr. Hall will be the eighth prisoner executed by federal authorities this year – a number greater than all the executions in the rest of the country combined. While nearly all of the states with capital punishment have halted executions due to the spread of COVID-19, the federal government has singularly pushed forward despite the pandemic. ""The federal death penalty suffers from the same deep-rooted flaws that have been evident in the states now for years. The federal death penalty, as in the states, is concentrated in just a few regions. Texas produces more federal death sentences than any other state. It and two other states (Missouri and Virginia) together account for nearly half of the prisoners on a death row that covers 50 states and several territories. Either all the worst crimes in our country occur in those three states, or there is some problematic reason for that disproportionate use of our system's ultimate sanction."" Vincent M. Southerland: Executive Director, Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law ""Racial inequality casts a long, pernicious shadow over America's criminal legal system. At no point is that fact clearer than when it comes to the administration of the death penalty. Orlando Hall's case is a quintessential, tragic example of the myriad ways racism irredeemably corrupts the system and undermines justice. Black people were unlawfully excluded from jury service at his trial by the trial prosecutors. One of those prosecutors began his career in an office where such practices were policy and repeatedly engaged in racial discrimination in jury selection in capital cases, as detailed by the United States Supreme Court and a federal appeals court. Compounding that injustice, Mr. Hall's trial, conviction, and death sentence were the product of a system that, at every step of the way, is steeped in racial inequality. In Texas federal cases, Black people, when compared to their non-Black counterparts, are six times more likely to have prosecutors request permission from the Department of Justice to seek the death penalty, almost eight times more likely to have that permission granted, and 16 times more likely to be sentenced to death. ""The racism that permeated Mr. Hall's case offends our Constitution and our legal system as a whole. It is intolerable and proceeding with his execution under such circumstances is a grave injustice that diminishes us all."" Chairwoman Bass and Secretary Johnson's letter to AG Barr November 17, 2020 The Honorable William Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530-001 Dear Attorney General Barr, We write to urge an immediate stay in the upcoming scheduled federal executions of Orlando Hall (November 19), Lisa Montgomery (December 8), and Brandon Bernard (December 10). Our nation is weathering a pandemic that has brought it to its knees—one that is projected to worsen in the coming weeks. This will make any scheduled execution a tinderbox for further outbreaks and exacerbate concerns over the possibility of miscarriage of justice. Spikes in COVID-19 not only endanger the public, they decrease the accessibility of essential services. The ability to effectively see a client, schedule a hearing, or argue a case decreases as our hospitals fill and our leaders are afflicted. To preserve the sanctity of all Americans' constitutional rights, it is imperative that we maintain a climate where men and women who have been sentenced to death have every available legal recourse in the days before their execution. The only way to ensure this is to stay these executions. Your agency's persistence in carrying out these executions is an unnecessary health risk that cannot be overstated. Executions like that of Orlando Hall—scheduled for this Thursday—risk the health of thousands, including Bureau of Prison (""BOP"") employees, contractors, attorneys, medical personnel, spiritual advisers, and family members. They also often require interstate travel among those slated to attend, further exacerbating the spread of the virus. On July 14, 16 and 17 of this year, Daniel Lewis Lee, Wesley Purkey and Dustin Honken, respectively, were executed at FCC Terre Haute, a facility in Indiana with known cases of COVID-19. In the weeks following these executions, the county where the prison is located experienced a surge of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Despite this, Lezmond Mitchell and Keith Nelson were executed on August 26 and 28, respectively, at the same facility, and then William LeCroy on September 22 and Christopher Vialva on September 24.[1] As of September 15, three inmates had died from COVID-19. These examples indicate a causal link between executions and COVID-19 surges; therefore, the upcoming scheduled executions must be stayed. These COVID-19 infections associated with executions were predictable, foreseeable, and present an unnecessary risk to innocent life. Prison executions themselves carry with them the inherent risk of being the site of a super-spreader event, given the significant limitations surrounding social distancing. When combined with the hundreds of persons required to carry out an execution, the risks are even further amplified. Despite this, Department of Justice has chosen to continue carrying out these executions, further denying constitutional rights to prisoners while endangering the lives of those around them. These unprecedented risks and challenges have caused direct exposure and illness to legal teams especially. Out of real concern for their health and safety, Daniel Lewis Lee's attorneys had to miss his July 14 execution entirely and Dustin Honkin was denied his right to spiritual counsel at his September 17 execution as a result of the pandemic. Lisa Montgomery is scheduled to be executed on December 8 and is at risk of being without counsel at that time, as her attorneys recently contracted COVID-19 during their visits to her at Federal Medical Center in Carswell, Texas. Currently, the state of Texas has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the nation. Her lawyers are too sick to meet the deadline for her clemency petition set for this Sunday. The Department of Justice denied their request for an extension, despite their battle with this deadly virus. Continuing to execute federal death row inmates during a time when nearly every state in the nation has postponed executions due to significant public health concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic is reckless and immoral. Our agencies should be focused on protecting and saving American lives, not causing senseless and unnecessary risk to innocent persons charged with carrying out federal executions. Hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens have lost loved ones to this deadly pandemic. By stopping these executions, you and your agency can prevent more unnecessary deaths. We reiterate our commitment to the suspension of all federal executions at this time, ask for you to prioritize federal employee lives and stay all pending federal executions, and request a response to this letter within 15 calendar days from its receipt. Sincerely, Karen Bass, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr., Secretary, Congressional Black Caucus ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399455,Scott Issues Statement Seeking Chairmanship of House Committee on Agriculture,2020-11-05,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman David Scott, senior Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture issued the following statement announcing he is seeking the Chairmanship of the Committee. Congressman Scott is chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. ""I am proud to announce that I am seeking the Chairmanship of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Today our nation faces perhaps the most significant struggles any of us have seen in our lifetime. Across rural and urban communities and from young to old, the threats posed by global illness, hunger, financial insecurity, climate change, and natural disasters are significant. As our nation's legislative body, it is the duty of Congress to address, through this Committee, the insecurities plaguing our citizens and provide the means for a more fruitful existence. ""I was born on a farm in rural South Carolina during segregation. After my parents moved north to find work, I spent my childhood years living and working on my grandparents' farm. The core lessons I brought from these experiences still resonate throughout farming communities today, and I have drawn upon them as I have fought to support the needs of rural and urban America. But, our farm systems have evolved and our policies must reflect and urge forward these changes. And I believe that the progress of our nation cannot be true progress if it leaves behind the most vulnerable among us. Since my election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, I have served continuously as an active member of the Agriculture Committee, representing a state whose leading industry is agriculture. I have fought hard to elevate the needs of our vulnerable communities, ensure a stable and skilled farm workforce, and invest in programs that will serve to strengthen our agriculture industry for future generations. ""However, the work of our Agriculture Committee in many ways reflects the most basic needs of our nation--food, nutrition, and financial resources--but also mirrors the greater movements of our time. And, amid a global pandemic, many fault lines already present in rural America have deepened. Even during years of growth, rural economies have lagged behind urban development, and the only pathway to prosperity for many of our young people drew them to seek opportunities beyond the borders of their rural towns. And now, the heavy weight of the virus has fallen on these struggling communities, as access to reliable broadband, education, childcare, and medicine are just out of reach. Rebuilding our economy must be inclusive and equitable, incorporating job growth and revitalization to strengthen our nation as a whole. ""As our nation grapples with a racial reckoning, we must ensure that racial justice and economic equality is brought forth in our farming industry. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, I was proud to secure $80 million in funding for a new scholarship program that provides educational opportunities to 1890s students and will ensure a highly-skilled food and agricultural systems workforce to the ranks alongside this generation's leaders. Building on this progress through supportive financing and opportunities for young and beginning farmers, as well as farmers of color, can strengthen our foothold toward a more equitable agricultural America. If elected, I would approach my role as the first African American to chair the Agriculture Committee, and the first African American from Georgia to chair any Committee, with a principled focus on addressing inequities in Agriculture and advancing racial progress for all. ""With each wildfire, hurricane, or flood more devastating than the last, it is incumbent upon us to ensure food security for future generations. The threat of climate change is a present and growing danger, and we must promote sustainable agriculture solutions that are economically viable, ecologically just, and support the social fabric of our rural communities. Transitioning away from fossil fuels toward ethanol and biofuels can create jobs and foster economic opportunities in our rural communities. And as trade wars and the global pandemic have fractured our supply chains, small and mid-size farmers can partner with local organizations to open new markets and provide fresh produce at fair prices. ""Economic pressures, lost wages, and financial insecurity have brought hunger to the kitchen tables of Americans in nearly every city and state across our nation. While millions of Americans are one financial setback a cut in their hours or an emergency room visit away from food insecurity, it is the duty of Congress to set forth programs that provide a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens. Food and nutrition programs like SNAP, the National School Lunch Program, and WIC ensure infants and mothers get the nutrients they need, children eat a healthy lunch at school, and parents can put food on the table every night. We are among the most wealthy countries on this planet and it is imperative that we use our resources to ensure all Americans can meet their most basic needs so they can rise up, fulfill their American dream, and make this great nation better for the next generation. ""The challenges before us go beyond simply fixing the mistakes of past administrations. The lessons of the past can inform our growth as we respond to the demands of the future. Each hearing, markup, and legislative action must take a step forward toward building a more equitable, dynamic, and resilient agriculture industry that lays forth a new path for future generations. I have cultivated years of expertise and strong partnerships throughout my years of work on these issues, and I believe that I am well suited to take on these challenges. I humbly ask for your support and faith in me to fully utilize the strength of this Committee in the new Congress as we confront this new frontier with strength and perseverance.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-statement-on-passing-of-sheriff-scott-worsley,BISHOP STATEMENT ON PASSING OF SHERIFF SCOTT WORSLEY,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of Miller County Sheriff Scott Worsley: ""I am saddened to hear that Sheriff Scott Worsley has transitioned from labor to reward. May he be remembered for his tireless dedication to serving and protecting the people of Miller County. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Miller County as we mourn the loss of this great public servant.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-praises-instacart-ebt-snap-partnership-with-aldi,BISHOP PRAISES INSTACART EBT SNAP PARTNERSHIP WITH ALDI,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after Instacart announced its Electronic Benefit Transfer and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) integration in partnership with ALDI. This launch will begin in Georgia in more than 60 stores, and will expand to Illinois, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania to more than 570 stores in the coming months: ""With a global pandemic where we are encouraging social distancing and quarantine, it is good to see the private sector work to make grocery delivery accessible to all. This move by Instacart will help increase food security in a time where more than 54 million are experiencing food insecurity. I am very pleased Georgians in Columbus and Macon will be among the first in line to try this out and I hope Americans everywhere will have this option soon.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-johnson-beatty-introduce-new-legislation-combat-discrimination-our,"Reps. Johnson, Beatty Introduce New Legislation to Combat Discrimination in Our Nation’s Financial Services Industry",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, introduced the House companion bill to the Senate's ""Fair Access to Financial Services Act."" The bill would prohibit banks and other financial institutions from discriminating against consumers on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination in certain places of public accommodation, it does not cover banks and other financial institutions. This new legislation would ensure that all people receive equal treatment when trying to access services at financial institutions and hold them accountable when they engage in discriminatory acts. The Senate version – S. 4801 – was introduced Oct. 21 by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). ""Banking While Black isn't a slogan, it's real,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""Just ask Clarice Middleton of Atlanta, who recently tried to cash a $200 check, only to be accused of fraud by three branch employees, who then called the cops. Her experience is just a microcosm of a larger, systemic problem of racial profiling and unequal treatment Black and Brown people face when dealing with banks and other financial institutions."" ""It is truly unconscionable that in 2020—some six decades after the passage of the Civil Rights Act—financial institutions can still discriminate against Americans because of the color of their skin,"" said Rep. Beatty. ""The Fair Access to Financial Services Act will right this wrong, making sure that no customer is denied access to vital banking services as a result of their race or ethnicity. I am proud to team up with Congressman Hank Johnson to introduce this historic piece of legislation and call on all my congressional colleagues to help put a stop to discriminatory banking practices once and for all."" This bill is a direct response to the numerous incidents of discrimination experienced by Black and Brown people when trying to access the financial system. It has been endorsed by several civil rights organizations including Lawyers' Committee on Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and Human Rights, The National Urban League, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), UnidosUS, Americans for Financial Reform, Public Citizen, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Community Reinvestment Coalition, National Action Network, and the Center for Responsible Lending. More information about the bill can be found here, and the bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-announces-new-jobs-in-albany,BISHOP ANNOUNCES NEW JOBS IN ALBANY,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"ALBANY, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Vice Chair of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, announced 100 new jobs will be coming to Albany, Georgia, between now and early 2021 for Outdoor Network (ODN) in the former MacGregor Golf Facility at 1601 South Slappey Boulevard: ""This is really great news for Albany, where many jobs were lost 11 years ago when the former owners of the MacGregor Facility unexpectedly left. For Albany to gain 100 new jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic is wonderful. I will continue supporting efforts to create new jobs and prosperity for Albany and the rest of our district,"" said Congressman Bishop. Douglas Natoce, President of ODN Manufacturing arm, Diesel Outboards LLC, indicated the decision to locate in Georgia was aided by the strength found within the congressional delegation. ""The congressional delegation provided tremendous support and encouragement to bring these jobs to Georgia,"" commented Natoce. ""This facility is in the heart of Congressman Bishop's district and his support will be crucial to our ability to expand manufacturing opportunities."" The House-passed defense appropriations bill includes $2 million for the Navy to purchase the type of diesel outboard motors that will be built in Albany. Outdoor Network will expand its current distribution center into the former McGregor Golf facility, investing approximately $22 million into the project and creating a 230,000 square foot advanced distribution and manufacturing facility. One hundred jobs will initially be created, 40 of which are new manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing jobs are expected to grow at this location over the next several years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399454,"Reps. Scott, Bishop, Johnson and McBath Urge Labor Commissioner to Reduce Backlog of Unemployment Benefits Claims for Georgia Workers",2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, Representative David Scott (GA-13), along with Reps. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Lucy McBath (GA-06), sent a letter to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) Commissioner urging the agency to resolve the significant backlog of unemployment benefits claims for Georgia workers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment rates hit levels not seen since the Great Depression. While these rates have begun to decline, many Georgians have yet to receive their benefits or even reliable communications from GDOL. Throughout the duration of the pandemic, the Representatives' offices have been inundated with a staggering number of inquiries from their constituents concerning the status of their unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applications and benefits. In April, more than 614,000 workers applied for unemployment benefits in Georgia, bringing the state's unemployment rate to an all-time high of 12.6 percent, said Rep. Scott. Sadly, thousands of Georgians are still waiting over six months later to receive assistance or simple and regular updates about their claims from the Georgia Department of Labor. This is unacceptable. Hard-working Georgians who have lost their jobs due to this pandemic and no fault of their own deserve support during their time of urgent need. We need answers now on what steps GDOL will take to reduce their significant backlog. In the time of COVID-19 which has caused record unemployment, we need answers and actions to determine why Georgians are not receiving their unemployment benefits on time, said Rep. Bishop. Late benefits mean late rent checks, late bill payments, and potentially missed meals. I am hopeful we can come to a solution to support Georgians who are struggling during this pandemic. Citizens of our great state of Georgia have been denied the unemployment benefits a bipartisan majority in Congress provided for them in the CARES Act, stated Rep. Johnson. Their unemployment benefits have been caught up in bureaucratic red tape -- their petitions to the Georgia Department of Labor left to languish as rent comes due, more jobs are lost, and family members get sick. We need to understand why these valid claims aren't being met with the attention they deserve and find a way to streamline this process as we move forward. You can read the full letter here or below. ### ---- The Honorable Mark Butler Georgia Commissioner of Labor 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE Sussex Place, Room 600 Atlanta, GA 30303 Dear Commissioner Butler: As members of the Georgia delegation, we write to express our concerns regarding the significant delays our constituents have faced in attempting to obtain their unemployment insurance (UI) program benefits since April. The Federal-State UI program is critical to preventing those who have lost their job through no fault of their own from falling through the cracks, especially during a period of significant economic downturn and a public health emergency like we are facing today. As you are well aware, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment rates hit levels not seen since the Great Depression. While we are relieved that these rates have begun to decline, many Georgians have yet to receive their benefits, or even reliable communications, from the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). Throughout the duration of the pandemic, our offices have continued to receive a staggering number of inquiries from our constituents concerning the status of their UI and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications and benefits. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the hard-working employees at the GDOL, who are under significant stress and working overtime to process the historic number of claims. However, when constituents' inquiries are not sufficiently addressed by GDOL, they have no alternative but to ask their local, state, and federal representatives for assistance. We understand that some cases have special circumstances that require our help, but Georgians should expect to receive consistent communications from GDOL. As such, we request that GDOL develop a process to inform applicants of the status of their claims in a timely manner. We, the Georgia delegation, are committed to working with you in order to ensure our constituents facing economic hardship during these unprecedented times receive their unemployment benefits as swiftly as possible. We all have the same goals we want to ensure all Georgians can keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. We look forward to your prompt response to this letter as well as to the following inquiries: 1. Why are individuals who have already been approved for benefits experiencing a delay in receiving their payments? 2. What changes have you made to address the existing backlog of cases? 3. How many Georgians have pending applications, and how long have they been pending? 4. How many Georgians have consistently received their benefits, uninterrupted, on a weekly basis? Sincerely, Rep. David Scott Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Rep. Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. Rep. Lucy McBath CC: The Honorable Brian P. Kemp",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399453,Congressman Scott Introduces Legislation Expanding Paycheck Protection Program Use for Small Business Technology,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) announced that he has introduced H.R. 8620, legislation allowing small business owners to make needed technology improvements under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The addition of software and cloud computing upgrades to the eligible uses of PPP funds will allow small businesses to transition to curbside delivery, online ordering, and contactless paymentshelping them keep their doors open and serve their customers safely during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Georgia has long been a leader in creating financial technology solutions that help small businesses provide improved service in today's modern economy, stated Rep. David Scott. With more than half a million Georgians out of work, it is critical that Congress prioritize policies that both support small businesses and keep our citizens safe. As the public health crisis forces business owners to adjust to public safety guidelines, this legislation will provide a vital lifeline for millions of small businesses across the country. ETA applauds Rep. Scott's leadership in making it possible for small businesses to apply computer-related and software expenses to Paycheck Protection Program loans, said Scott Talbott, Senior Vice President of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA).By including these types of expenses, Congress recognizes the important role of technology solutions for companies in Georgia who keep the payments industry running. Background: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established under the federal CARES Act, was implemented with the goal of providing small businesses with resources needed to maintain their payroll, pay for necessary expenses, and retain jobs. To date, more than 174,000 small businesses in Georgia have received over $14 billion in PPP loans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-statement-on-court-ruling-for-food-assistance,BISHOP STATEMENT ON COURT RULING FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia blocked a Trump Administration rule that would strip Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) away from millions: ""I am pleased the Court has stopped the Administration from taking food off the tables of American families. It is unconscionably cruel to try and take away SNAP—a matter of life-and-death—from millions of Americans during a pandemic and a recession, particularly without passing another stimulus bill. The benefits of the CARES Act have expired, and 17 million children are now living in a food-insecure household. To take away SNAP benefits, an effective way out of poverty, would be to kick food insecure Americans while they are down and harm our economic recovery. SNAP puts back $1.79 into the economy for every dollar we give it and lowers health care costs by about $1,400 per person. ‘There is no world where cutting SNAP during this pandemic makes sense, humanely or fiscally. This is why we increased SNAP benefits in the Heroes Act by 15 percent, which nearly doubled the minimum benefit to $30 and added assistance to state and local governments. We must keep working to pass another stimulus bill for the Americans who continue to experience the worst of this recession.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-georgia-pecans-and-peanuts,BISHOP SUPPORTS GEORGIA PECANS AND PEANUTS,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, visited Sunnyland Farms in Albany to meet with members of the National Pecan Shellers, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Pecan Commission, and the University of Georgia's Associate Deans of Research and Engineering. Afterwards, he visited the Agricultural Research Service Peanut Lab in Dawson to meet with members of the American Peanut Shellers Association, Alabama Peanut Producers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Golden Peanut Company, and the President of Fort Valley State University. The group received briefings from scientists conducting research at the ARS National Peanut Lab. ""One of the most important things to me as the Agriculture Appropriations Chairman is making sure the crops we grow here in Georgia continue their massive contributions to our local, state, and national economies while also feeding our citizens nutritious food. Pecans and peanuts are very healthy and are also two of our largest agricultural exports as a state. At Sunnyland Farms, we discussed the many issues facing the pecan industry such as prices, Mexican imports, and expansion into additional markets. We also discussed the benefits of the $40 million purchases made by USDA for the TFAP programs and our food banks. Continuing to learn about the cutting-edge research on aflatoxin at the ARS Peanut Lab from Dr. Marshall Lamb and the research scientists keeps me informed on the needs of Georgia's peanut industry,"" said Congressman Bishop. ""Peanut Industry officials gathered at the National Peanut Lab in Dawson, Georgia today to update Congressman Bishop on the tremendous negative impact that aflatoxin has on the peanut industry each year. Congressman Bishop was the driving force in obtaining USDA funds for scientific research on aflatoxin research and ways to mitigate the impact,"" said John Powell, Director of the American Peanut Shellers Association."" The pecan industry requested and the House provided in the FY2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill: $1.5 million for research on pecan cracking and pasteurization technology $1.5 million for pecan breeding and genetics research The peanut industry requested and the House provided in the FY2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-statement-on-passing-of-sheriff-pete-smith,BISHOP STATEMENT ON PASSING OF SHERIFF PETE SMITH,2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith: ""I am deeply saddened to hear that Sheriff Pete Smith passed away. He was a truly dedicated and passionate sheriff for Sumter County who will be missed. I will keep his family and the people of Sumter County in my prayers as we mourn this great man and public servant.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-bishop-and-mcmorris-rodgers-will-hold-annual-military-family,ADVISORY: BISHOP AND MCMORRIS RODGERS WILL HOLD ANNUAL MILITARY FAMILY CAUCUS SUMMIT FRIDAY,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS, GA Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, will hold the annual Military Family Caucus Summit virtually this Friday from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. WHO: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02); Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05); Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Colonel Cassius T. Bentley III, Commander Fairchild Air Force Base Former Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew P. Donovan KEYNOTE: Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper PANEL: Jennifer Drake Patrick, Assistant Professor at George Mason University PANEL: Stacy Huisman, Journalist, Military Spouse, and Author PANEL: Susie Sincock, Teacher and Military Spouse PANEL: Pete LuPiba, Commissioner, Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission PANEL: Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Partners in PROMISE PANEL: Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic PANEL: Jennifer Barnhill, Chief Operating Officer of Partners in PROMISE PANEL: Grace Kim, Principal Attorney at Law Office of Grace E. Kim, Co-Founder of Partners in PROMISE PANEL: Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) PANEL: Jessica Strong, Blue Star Families PANEL: Chelsea Hull, Special Education Teacher and Parent PANEL: Kellie Artis, Chief Operating Officer of MILLIE PANEL: Rick Marsh, DP3 Director of USTRANSCOM PANEL: Megan Harless, PCS Activist and Military Spouse PANEL: Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) PANEL: Colonel Rojan Robotham, U.S. Air Force PANEL: Eryn Wagnon, Director of Government Relations for Military Family Policy and Spouse Programs at MOAA PANEL: Karen Ruedisueli, Director of Government Relations for Health Affairs at MOAA PANEL: Kara Tollett Oakley, Esq., Principal and Founder at Oakley Capitol Consulting PANEL: Maureen Elliott, Military Housing Advocate PANEL: Shannon Razsadin, Executive Director at Military Family Advisory Network PANEL: Michelle Penczak, CEO of Squared Away PANEL: Parisa Fetherson, Director, Marine Corps Community Services, Personal and Professional Development, Quantico PANEL: Dr. Amanda Trimillos, University Professor, Author, Military Spouse, and Mother PANEL: Sue Hoppin, Founder of National Military Spouse Network WHAT: The Congressional Military Family Summit will bring together military families with Members of Congress and their staffs, officials from the Department of Defense, and personnel from numerous military family support organizations to discuss critical issues impacting America's service members and their families during the time of COVID-19. These discussions will explore the military family perspective on education, children with special needs, the Exceptional Family Member Program, permanent change of station, childcare, healthcare, housing, spouse employment and licensing, and military retirement or separation. 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. WHEN: Friday, October 9, 2020 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time LINK: https://ushr.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_6eZL5KgiS5yFFuhS1JMGwA",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-bishop-and-mcmorris-rodgers-will-hold-annual-military-family-caucus-summit-friday,ADVISORY: BISHOP AND MCMORRIS RODGERS WILL HOLD ANNUAL MILITARY FAMILY CAUCUS SUMMIT FRIDAY,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, will hold the annual Military Family Caucus Summit virtually this Friday from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. WHO: Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02); Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05); Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus Colonel Cassius T. Bentley III, Commander Fairchild Air Force Base Former Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew P. Donovan KEYNOTE: Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper PANEL: Jennifer Drake Patrick, Assistant Professor at George Mason University PANEL: Stacy Huisman, Journalist, Military Spouse, and Author PANEL: Susie Sincock, Teacher and Military Spouse PANEL: Pete LuPiba, Commissioner, Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission PANEL: Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Partners in PROMISE PANEL: Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic PANEL: Jennifer Barnhill, Chief Operating Officer of Partners in PROMISE PANEL: Grace Kim, Principal Attorney at Law Office of Grace E. Kim, Co-Founder of Partners in PROMISE PANEL: Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) PANEL: Jessica Strong, Blue Star Families PANEL: Chelsea Hull, Special Education Teacher and Parent PANEL: Kellie Artis, Chief Operating Officer of MILLIE PANEL: Rick Marsh, DP3 Director of USTRANSCOM PANEL: Megan Harless, PCS Activist and Military Spouse PANEL: Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) PANEL: Colonel Rojan Robotham, U.S. Air Force PANEL: Eryn Wagnon, Director of Government Relations for Military Family Policy and Spouse Programs at MOAA PANEL: Karen Ruedisueli, Director of Government Relations for Health Affairs at MOAA PANEL: Kara Tollett Oakley, Esq., Principal and Founder at Oakley Capitol Consulting PANEL: Maureen Elliott, Military Housing Advocate PANEL: Shannon Razsadin, Executive Director at Military Family Advisory Network PANEL: Michelle Penczak, CEO of Squared Away PANEL: Parisa Fetherson, Director, Marine Corps Community Services, Personal and Professional Development, Quantico PANEL: Dr. Amanda Trimillos, University Professor, Author, Military Spouse, and Mother PANEL: Sue Hoppin, Founder of National Military Spouse Network WHAT: The Congressional Military Family Summit will bring together military families with Members of Congress and their staffs, officials from the Department of Defense, and personnel from numerous military family support organizations to discuss critical issues impacting America's service members and their families during the time of COVID-19. These discussions will explore the military family perspective on education, children with special needs, the Exceptional Family Member Program, permanent change of station, childcare, healthcare, housing, spouse employment and licensing, and military retirement or separation. 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. WHEN: Friday, October 9, 2020 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time LINK:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-announces-usda-grant-for-fort-valley-state-university,BISHOP ANNOUNCES USDA GRANT FOR FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the recent Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program Grant awarded to Fort Valley State University by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA): ""Fort Valley State University has long been at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural research and science. I know they will do great things with this grant to improve children's nutrition in the Baldwin County School District with the Baldwin Grows Farm to School Community Action Committee. The things learned in Baldwin County will be helpful to rural school districts across America. Congratulations on this award and thank you for your hard work!"" The purpose of the Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program is to increase the knowledge of agricultural science and improve the nutritional health of children. The program's goal is to increase the capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities, such as school cafeterias and classrooms, while fostering higher levels of community engagement between farms and school systems by bringing together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/constituent-testimonial-kayla-j,Constituent Testimonial: Kayla J Gets Her Passport,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"I work overseas as a science teacher. Unfortunately, a few weeks before my scheduled flight I realized my passport was missing. ""Due to Covid-19, the passport agency was delayed and was not offering the option of expediting passports. The passport agency quoted me 9 months before I would receive my new passport. I contacted the office of Congressman Hank Johnson to see if his office could assist with getting my passport faster than the 9 months quoted by the passport agency. A wonderful woman, Maria (Fernanda) Lancheros, came to my aid and was able to get my passport within two weeks, enough time for me to catch my flight to Kuwait. ""With Maria's assistance, I was able to keep my job and get my passport right on time. Maria was fabulous! She stayed in contact with me and responded to all of my inquiries with urgency. I cannot praise Congressman Hank Johnson enough. Maria (Fernanda) Lancheros was a true Super Star. Kayla J.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-statement-on-president-s-diagnosis-of-covid-19,BISHOP STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT’S DIAGNOSIS OF COVID-19,2020-10-02,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding President Trump and the First Lady's diagnosis of COVID-19: ""I will keep the President, First Lady, and every American who has been infected with this terrible virus in my thoughts and prayers. This virus is not a hoax or joke. Wear a mask, follow CDC guidelines, and stay safe.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399451,Congressman Scott Votes to Pass Updated HEROES Act,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott (GA-13) and House Democrats voted to pass the updated HEROES Act, addressing urgent COVID-19 public health and economic relief needs that have developed since the House passed an earlier version in May. Tonight, I voted to deliver critical aid immediately to the American people, said Rep. Scott.Challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to persist and evolve. Families, small businesses, hospitals and local governments in Georgia and across this country are struggling and looking to Congress for relief during this crisis. The updated HEROES Act passed today in the House would provide $2.2 trillion to help working families keep their livelihoods intact, keep essential workers on the frontline and small businesses stay afloat. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation without delay. The revised HEROES Act will provide immediate assistance by: Bolstering housing assistance and helping struggling families afford a safe place to live with tens of billions in new support to assist renters and homeowners and to prevent homelessness. Providing additional direct payments andcushioning the economic blow of the coronavirus crisis with a second round of economic impact payments of $1,200 per taxpayer and $500 per dependent. Restoring unemployment benefits, ensuring weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through January 2021 and preventing unemployed workers from exhausting their eligibility. This would provide a vital safety net for the record number of Americans who are unemployed, including those connected to the gig-economy. Extending the Payroll Support Program (PSP) to keep airline industry workers paid through March 2021. Bolstering education and childcare by providing $182 billion for K-12 schools, nearly $39 billion for postsecondary education, and $57 billion to support childcare for families. Honoring our heroesthrough $436 billion in funding to state, local, territorial and tribal governments who desperately need funds to pay essential workers, like first responders and health care providers, who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs. Supporting testing, tracing and treatment through $75 billion for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and isolation measures, with special attention to the disparities facing communities of color; ensuring every American can access free coronavirus treatment; and supporting hospitals and providers. The updated bill also includes $28 billion for procurement, distribution, and education campaigns for a safe and effective vaccine. Improving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and providing targeted assistance through another round of loans to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits. Protecting payrollsand enhancing the new employee retention tax credit that encourages employers to keep employees on payroll. Strengthening food security and addressing rising hunger with a 15 percent increase to the maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table as well as targeted support for farmers and producers impacted by the crisis. Safeguarding our democracy and providing new resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census, and to preserve the Postal Service. Preserving health coverage and protecting Americans losing their employer-provided health insurance by making unemployed Americans automatically eligible to receive the maximum subsidy under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the exchanges, as well as a special enrollment period in the ACA exchanges for uninsured Americans. Ensuring worker safety and requiring OSHA to issue a strong, enforceable standard within seven days to require all workplaces to develop and implement infection control plans based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) expertise. The updated Heroes Act is the House's sixth piece of comprehensive legislation to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation follows the first iteration of The Heroes Act, which passed the House on May 15; thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act,enacted on April 24; theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act,enacted on March 27;theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act,enacted on March 18; and theCoronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Actenacted on March 6. To view the text of the revised version of The Heroes Act, clickhere. A one-pager on the legislation ishere. A section-by-section summary ishere. Additional information on the state and local relief provisions ishere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-and-guest-lead-call-for-new-registrations-for-dicamba-products,BISHOP AND GUEST LEAD CALL FOR NEW REGISTRATIONS FOR DICAMBA PRODUCTS,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and Congressman Michael Guest (R-MS) led a bipartisan letter encouraging the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Andrew Wheeler, to issue new registrations for four dicamba products. Because the Ninth Circuit Court's ruling in June of this year vacated prior registrations for Engenia®, Xtendimax®, and FeXapan®, many farmers face an uncertain future about the use of products they rely on to help manage soybean, cotton, and other crops. New registrations of the products would help clarify the use of these critical products as farmers begin making decisions on their management strategies for next year. ""The 9th Circuit court ruling to vacate the registration for dicamba products Engenia®, Xtendimax®, and FeXapan® was disruptive to our farming community nationwide as well as in Georgia. Our farm producers are now faced with identifying alternative weed control methods. As the next growing season approaches, the release of a new registration with the most up-to-date, scientifically based data will aid in meeting the demands for our food supply chain,"" said Congressman Sanford Bishop. ""I am pleased to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort. We are working in support of American farmers and trying to bring confidence and clarity to our producers before the upcoming crop year,"" Congressman Michael Guest said. Last year's court decision put in jeopardy millions of acres of crops across our country, and especially Mississippi. As our farmers continue to battle a pandemic, natural disasters, and fluctuating markets, it is critical they have the tools necessary to a successful growing season."" A bipartisan group of 30 Members of Congress joined the letter. A copy of the letter is available here. You can find the full text of the letter below: Dear Administrator Wheeler: We write today to encourage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue new registrations for dicamba products Engenia®, Xtendimax®, FeXapan®, and Tavium®. We also support issuance of these registrations quickly and in simple, clear, and understandable language so that producers can make herbicide and seed purchasing decisions ahead of the 2021 crop year. We understand that the Agency's decision on new dicamba registrations has been challenging due to the June decision by the 9th Circuit Court to vacate all three registrations. However, we also understand the EPA now has newer data and information on the products, as well as information from states on the effectiveness of stewardship and training programs that have been recently implemented, and we are confident that the EPA will be able to address the issues raised by the court. These three products are used across millions of acres of dicamba-tolerant soybean, cotton, and other crops to manage broadleaf weeds throughout the crop growing season. It is especially important for these crops that weed control is managed throughout the growing season, not simply until crop-emergence. The ability to control weed growth, regardless of when weeds occur during the growing process, ensures a full, successful crop. We hope that any new registration will allow for the over the top application of the dicamba products throughout the growing season. Without new registrations, the industry may not be able to handle the demand shifts that would result from the unavailability of these products. During these trying times for our producers, in which they have battled a pandemic, natural disasters, and fluctuating markets, it would be unfair to subject them to such changes that may impact the cost and effectiveness of their growing season. Without these products, we are also removing an additional crop protection tool that is critical to producers, as they have invested significantly into the dicamba tolerant trait crop. We appreciate the support your agency has provided to our farmers and ranchers. We encourage EPA to proceed swiftly with new registrations for these dicamba products so that our producers can have a clear and understandable direction going into the 2021 crop year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-more-coronavirus-funding,BISHOP SUPPORTS MORE CORONAVIRUS FUNDING,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passage of the updated Heroes Act by the full U.S. House of Representatives: ""The longer this pandemic goes on, the clearer it is we need a strong national response to support our citizens and to combat this virus directly. This updated version of the Heroes Act reflects these priorities and I am proud to support it. I urge the Senate and President to support this bill to help our nation in this extremely difficult time. The American people need and deserve this long overdue aid!"" The updated Heroes Act: provides a second round of direct payments of $1200 per taxpayer and $500 per dependent improves the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses supports testing, tracing, and treatment with $75 billion and ensures every American has access to free coronavirus testing provides more assistance for airline industry workers bolsters funds for education and childcare with $225 billion provides $436 billion for one year of assistance to state, local, territorial and tribal governments to pay employees in danger of losing their jobs due to lack of funds strengthens food security with a 15% increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and targeted support for farmers and producers affected by the crisis boosts housing assistance to help keep renters and homeowners in their homes restores unemployment benefits with weekly $600 federal unemployment payments preserves health coverage and provides opportunities for the uninsured to get health coverage protects workers and their safety with OSHA standards based on CDC expertise protects payrolls by enhancing the new employee retention tax credit for employers safeguards our democracy with new resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census, and well-functioning Postal Service",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-works-bring-copyright-law-digital-age,Rep. Johnson Works To Bring Copyright Law Into The Digital Age,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, participated in a Judiciary Committee hearing on Copyright and the Internet in 2020: Reactions to the Copyright Office's Report on the Efficacy of 17 U.S.C. 512 After Two Decades. The hearing examined the current state of section 512 of title 17, which establishes a notice-and-takedown regime that limits the copyright infringement liability for four types of online service providers (""OSPs""). The hearing came on the heels of the Copyright Office's recent conclusion of a comprehensive, five-year study of section 512. The hearing allowed Members to hear perspectives from the copyright, online, and user communities about their experiences with section 512 and their views on the Copyright Office's report and recommendations, and to consider what, if any, legislative measures are warranted moving forward. Chairman Johnson's hearing statement The IP Subcommittee I chair has spent much of this Congress exploring how to promote and protect intellectual property rights in the patent and trademark space, and today's discussion from the copyright angle has been particularly informative. Copyright law governs the work of artists and innovators, designers and developers, and it is crucial that these creators are able to rely on its protections to make their living. This is even more true in an age where the click of a button can plagiarize a lifetime of work. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Courts, and the Internet, I believe it's important that we work with the Copyright Office to ensure that the rules of the road are clear for content users, platforms, and internet service providers. Section 512 was created before the internet had permeated our lives, and I'm concerned that the law has failed to keep up, not adequately protecting creators and not necessarily providing clear guidance to users and others. This needs to change. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses as to how Congress can help pave the way to that future. Witnesses included: Jonathan Band Counsel, Library Copyright Alliance; Terrica Carrington, Vice President, Legal Policy & Copyright Counsel, Copyright Alliance; Morgan Grace Kibby, Singer & Songwriter; Meredith Rose, Policy Counsel, Public Knowledge; Matthew Schruers, President, Computer & Communication Industry Association; Jeffrey Sedlik, President & CEO, PLUS Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399450,Thirteenth District Awarded $7.9 Million in HUD Grants for COVID-19 Relief,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,Senate,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $7,947,332 in federal COVID-19 relief grants to counties across the Thirteenth District. The grants were allocated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act's $5 billion supplemental funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program. This final tranche is intended to provide temporary financial assistance for up to 6 months to individuals unable to meet rental obligations due to COVID-19. HUD has targeted funding to assist communities most impacted by evictions resulting from significant rates of COVID-19 related unemployment. Communities across the Thirteenth District have borne the economic brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Congressman Scott. From Marietta to Henry County, I am pleased our local communities will receive this crucial funding to help families, first responders, frontline health workers and small businesses during this challenging time. When the CARES Act was passed in March, we were operating under the belief that this funding would be sent to assist in reviving local communities in the wake of the pandemic, not keeping our communities afloat as the pandemic has continued raging many months later. This federal assistance must be supplemented with swift action by Congress to provide additional funding. HUD COVID Community Development Block Grant grants awarded in the Thirteenth District include: $467,230 City of Marietta $1,689,425 Clayton County $3,228,311 Cobb County $1,710,860 Fulton County $851,506 Henry County",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-conducts-oversight-visit-irwin-detention-center-south,Rep. Johnson Conducts Oversight Visit of Irwin Detention Center in South Georgia,2020-09-26,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"ATLANTA, GA – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, participated in a Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and House Judiciary Committee oversight visit to investigate Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, where multiple immigrant women have been subjected to alleged hysterectomies and other medical procedures performed without their consent. Watch Hank's floor speech on his visit HERE. Or on Twitter HERE. The Congressional Delegation also assessed conditions related to the spread of COVID-19. With more than 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the last several months among detained individuals, the virus poses a greater risk of further contagion among the vulnerable immigrants detained there. ""Private, for-profit company LaSalle Corrections and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) make a living by feasting on the misery of the detainees,"" said Johnson. ""You have inmates cooking and cleaning the facility. And when booked into the facility they are not even issued masks. Many received their first mask only yesterday, just in time for our visit. Others were wearing the same masks that they were wearing when they were booked into the facility months ago."" ""We spoke with number of women, including one who felt pressured to agree to a gynecological surgical procedure that she was not convinced was necessary. When she refused the procedure, the doctor ordered mental health evaluation. Being referred to mental health for not wanting a surgical procedure that wasn't explained to her is completely unacceptable. Another woman told us she was subject to invasive procedures without consent and then was not given any follow-up appointments."" The delegation included: Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan (CA-44), 2nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-16), Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-50); Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34); Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46); Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29); Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18); Congressman Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-7). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-mourns-mayor-robert-poydasheff,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP MOURNS MAYOR ROBERT POYDASHEFF,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of former Columbus Mayor Robert Poydasheff: ""I was deeply saddened to the learn of the passing of Former Columbus Mayor Bob Poydasheff. Mayor Poydasheff loved his family, people, his country, and Columbus, Georgia. He played many roles in his life to include husband, father, grandfather, soldier, veteran, practicing attorney and public servant. In each of these roles, he gave it his all. He was committed to diversity and spoke up against injustice whenever he saw it. He never stopped serving and advocating for what was right even when he faced criticism. He was a longtime member of the Black History Observance Breakfast committee in Columbus and his most recent form of advocacy was on behalf of disadvantaged veterans with regard to the location of the new VA Clinic in Columbus. ""On a personal note, Mayor Poydasheff was my friend. He always gave me wise advice and sage counsel. He never told me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. ""Audrey Hepburn once said, ‘You have two hands. One to help yourself, the other to help others.' Mayor Robert ‘Bob' Poydasheff used his hand to help others with an abiding sense of friendship and brotherhood. He will be missed but his legacy will live on through all of those who knew and loved him. My wife, Vivian and I extend our deepest condolences to his wife of 60 Years, Stacy, and his entire family. May she and the rest of the family be comforted by God's grace and mercy in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-continuing-resolution,BISHOP SUPPORTS CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passage of the Continuing Resolution by the full U.S. House of Representatives: ""I am pleased we were able to come to a bipartisan agreement on the Continuing Resolution to avoid a costly government shutdown during the pandemic, wildfires, and hurricanes. The additional $8 billion nutrition assistance for schoolchildren and their families; extended Pandemic EBT; flexible SNAP requirements; and increased resources and accountability for the Commodity Credit Corporation to protect our farmers and ranchers are all necessary additions to keep our nation going through December. ""However, I am disappointed the Senate has not taken up the FY 2021 funding bills and the Heroes Act already passed by the House. I urge the Senate to work to pass these bills for the American people, who deserve our support and more relief during this pandemic.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-holds-hearing-how-special-interests-threaten-judicial,Rep. Johnson Holds Hearing on How Special Interests Threaten Judicial Independence,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, held a hearing on the problem of ""court capture"" — the growing influence of ideology, special interest groups, and dark money on the federal judicial process – and its consequences for the rule of law, the public's faith in an independent judiciary, and the separation of powers. ""Dark money, partisan pressure, ideological litmus tests, attacks by the President, a rubber stamp Senate, and a midnight judicial appointment,"" said Chairman Johnson. ""This is how courts are captured. This is how our judges can be seen to have lost their connection to the American people and the constitution. This is how we lose the faith of our fellow citizens."" Congressman Johnson and subcommittee welcomed witnesses Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); Amanda Hollis-Brusky, Associate Professor of Politics, Pomona College; Nancy Gertner, retired U.S. District Court judge and Senior Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School; Tom Ginsburg, Leo Spitz Professor of International Law and Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago; and Ilya Shapiro, Director, Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute. ""For big special interests, the rewards of an amenable judiciary are immense,"" Sen. Whitehouse said in his remarks to the subcommittee. ""A well-stocked bench can deliver things elected Members of Congress would never vote for: such as letting corporations spend unlimited money – even nowadays anonymous, untraceable ‘dark money' – in our elections. . . . The prizes are enormous, and big special interests have the stamina to play the long game."" The following are Chairman Johnson's opening remarks: This hearing has been rescheduled many times, and I thank my colleagues for their patience as we've worked to find a date and our witnesses for their flexibility. The issue of the politicization of our cherished court system is a matter of great importance to me, and I'm sure this sentiment is echoed by many of my colleagues here today. [Watch HERE] I don't need to tell you that this hearing has taken on new weight given the events of the past week. The loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is something we all feel acutely. She was inspirational — not just as a way-paver and role model for generations of lawyers here and around the world. She fought to protect so many of the rights that shape our lives as citizens of this nation. We are all better off in some small way because she touched our lives. We know her as someone who started her career fighting for women's equality. And we know her as someone who had a deep, heartfelt commitment to our constitution. This is a personal loss to all of us. No one can ever replace her, but we must honor her legacy by continuing to fight for the rights she championed her entire career. And by protecting the institution that she loved. What made Justice Ginsburg so beloved was her commitment to justice. She wasn't a rubber stamp for anyone. Not for a president, not for a political party, not for any ideological society or organization, and certainly not for any corporate interests. In an era when our Constitution is under attack and our fundamental rights hang in the balance, the sanctity of the Third Branch is essential to preserving our fragile democracy. An independent and accountable court system is essential to a free and fair democratic society. Without an accountable and independent judiciary, the fundamental promise that all of us are equal in the eyes of the law becomes a lie. And if the American people believe that justice is no longer equal, our judges lose a principal source of their authority — public faith in their integrity. Unlike the other branches of government, few responsibilities of the judiciary are explicitly laid out in the Constitution. The reason we entrust judges with so much authority today is because we trust them to wield that authority independently of politics, political ideology, and personal connections. Judges should not serve presidents, parties, or political movements. They should not be seen to be compromised by special interests and dark money. Judges should serve the cause of justice. Unfortunately, over the past four years we've seen the rushed appointment of former political operatives to judgeships, a political and ideological organization given undue weight in federal judicial nominations, and tens of millions of dollars spent by political and ideological organizations on federal nominations. We have also seen the president repeatedly attack federal judges in an attempt to intimidate the courts to do what he says. We've also seen little movement by the judiciary to protect its integrity against these assaults on the rule of law. Somehow, the Supreme Court still refuses to adopt a code of ethics. Somehow, the Judicial Conference is unable to advise lower court judges that membership in groups dedicated to reshaping the judiciary is incompatible with their ethical obligations. Somehow, the Supreme Court still uses its shadow docket to make life or death decisions via unsigned, unexplained orders issued in the dead of night. This should worry anyone who cares about the political neutrality and independence of our judicial system. In the last few years, we have also seen the Senate fail to live up to its constitutional obligation to dispassionately consider each and every one of President Trump's judicial nominees. Americans now see the Senate as a rushed rubber stamp, and many of us on this side of Capitol Hill are forced to agree. Dark money, partisan pressure, ideological litmus tests, attacks by the President, a rubber stamp Senate, and a midnight judicial appointment. This is how courts are captured. This is how our judges can be seen to have lost their connection to the American people and the Constitution. This is how we lose the faith of our fellow citizens. It's not too late. As a wise person once said: it's not dark yet, but ladies and gentlemen it's getting there. I, for one, am deeply worried, and it's time we investigate the depth and breadth of this trend. I'm looking forward to hearing from our esteemed witnesses who have agreed to share their knowledge and experiences with us today. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-passing-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg,Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, released the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Ruth Bader Ginsburg: ""real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time."" ""We have lost another figure of historical proportions. Throughout her life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a shining light. Every day, she showed us all how good we can be — the good we can do. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she changed, the women she inspired to enter the legal profession, and the fight she refused to walk away from — we are a more just, more equal, and a more perfect union because of her efforts."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-supports-pregnant-workers,BISHOP SUPPORTS PREGNANT WORKERS,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released a statement on the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by the full House of Representatives: ""This legislation reinforces and clarifies the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees, so they can have the safest pregnancy possible while continuing to do their job. No one should have to choose between a safe pregnancy and financial security, which is even more important right before having a baby. This is a good, bipartisan bill and I am proud to support it.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0389E242-D11A-4E84-A691-42CE40CABCC6,"Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pregnant Workers Passes House, Introduced by McBath",2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BA4D1A81-DFB9-492E-B2CC-2D0A0D4CF5E5,McBath-Led Bipartisan Legislation to Support Child Care Providers Passes House,2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/section-section-explanation-hr-8235-open-courts-act,Section-by-Section Explanation of H.R. 8235 Open Courts Act,2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Section-by-Section Explanation of H.R. 8235Open Courts Act Sec. 1. Short Title. Section 1 sets forth the short title of the bill as the Open Courts Act of 2020. Sec. 2. Consolidating and Updating Electronic Case Management Systems. Section 2(a) requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to, in coordination with the Administrator of General Services, consolidate all federal court records into one system within 2-3 years. Sections 2(b)-(d) establishes requirements for the consolidated system, including searchability, accessibility, and data standards. Section 2(e) establishes the dates when the new systems must go live: 2 years from enactment unless the Director of General Services certifies that an additional year is needed. Section 2(f) provides funding for the modernized courts records system by authorizing the courts to increase fees for very high-volume users of PACER for 2-3 years until all PACER fees are eliminated, and by giving the courts discretion to impose reasonable filing fees under certain circumstances and only to the extent necessary to fund the new system. Such filing fees must be issued after notice and public comment and expire after 3 years unless they are renewed by the same process. Sec. 3. Modernizing Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Section 3(a) requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to, in coordination with the Administrator of General Services, make all court records on the system established by section 2 freely available to the public. Section 3(b) grants authority to the Judicial Conference to designate, after notice and comment, certain categories of records that will be subject to up to a 5-day delay before they are made publicly accessible. Any such designation must be no broader than necessary and be based on a determination of a specific and substantial interest in restricting the public right of access to court records. Any designation expires after 3 years unless renewed via notice and comment. Section 3(c) requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, in coordination with the Administrator of General Services, to ensure that the public can search for and access court records, similar to the requirements under Section 2 of this act. Section 3(d) establishes the dates when all PACER fees must be eliminated and court records are made freely available to the public: 2 years from enactment unless the Director of General Services certifies that an additional year is needed. Section 3(e) provides funding for making court records available free of charge by requiring the Judicial Conference to annually collect from the Department of Justice (DOJ) an amount equal to that which DOJ paid in PACER fees in 2018, adjusted for inflation. Any remaining funds shall be used to fund the system establish in section 2. The Judicial Conference may also impose filing fees on parties to cover the marginal cost of making court records free, but only to the extent necessary. Sec. 4. Rule of Construction. Section 4 provides that the Act shall not be construed to affect the rules governing proceedings in forma pauperis proceedings and by prisoners. Section 5. Digital Accessibility Standards. Section 5 requires that new system established by this act comply with accessibility standards under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clyburn-johnson-johnson-and-lawson-call-senate-pass-george-floyd,"CLYBURN, JOHNSON, JOHNSON AND LAWSON CALL ON SENATE TO PASS THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) and Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Al Lawson (FL-05) held a call with regional reporters calling on the Senate to take up the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed the House in June with bipartisan support. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act reimagines policing for the 21st Century by banning chokeholds, stopping no-knock warrants, combatting racial profiling, eliminating qualified immunity, and mandating data collection, including body cameras and dashboard cameras. A summary of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is available HERE. A recording of the call can be found here In contrast to the historic George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the President's weak Executive Order and Senate Republicans' proposal, which was rejected on a bipartisan basis, both fall sadly and seriously short of what is required to combat the epidemic of racial injustice and police brutality – failing to contain meaningful, mandatory accountability measures to end misconduct. ""The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act over two months ago, and we continue to call on the Senate to take up this bipartisan bill without delay,"" said Whip Clyburn. This legislation gives us an opportunity to live up to what Alexis de Tocqueville observed about America's greatness when he wrote, ‘America is not great because it is more enlightened than any other nation, but rather because it has always been able to repair its faults.' It is long overdue for us to repair some faults in our policing system and apply the greatness of America equitably to all of our citizens."" ""It is imperative that we change the culture of policing. There must be an increase in transparency, better recruiting of officers who have a heart to truly serve, and the opportunity for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to conduct outside investigations with subpoena powers,"" said Congresswoman Johnson. ""Since the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, we have witnessed several violent encounters between Black people and law enforcement. It is my hope that the Senate immediately takes this bill up for consideration before another life is lost."" ""The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act over two months ago, and today we are calling on the Senate take it up without delay,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""Since the murder of George Floyd, we have witnessed several instances of police brutality across our country: Rayshard Brooks, Trayford Pellerin, Jacob Blake, and too many more. In fact, there was another troubling incident this weekend in Clayton County, just south of downtown Atlanta, where law enforcement officers used excessive force against an unarmed Black man. Across the country, Americans are still demanding true police reform, to ensure that everyone receives equal justice under the law. Leader McConnell should take up the House-passed bipartisan bill and do so immediately, so that we can save lives and families across our country."" ""How many more lives will be lost before the Senate will take action?"" Rep. Lawson asked. ""We need to ensure police departments are implementing changes and addressing the way officers are trained to respond to citizens. We rely on our law enforcement to protect us all. Now is the time for transformative police reform. "" The George Floyd Justice In Policing Act has been endorsed by Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice; and John Crawford, Jr., father of John Crawford III as well as leading civil rights and social justice groups such as the NAACP, National Action Network, Urban League and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. More than 750 celebrities and entertainment companies endorsed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act such as Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo, Meek Mill, Elton John, Kelly Rowland, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Jonas Brothers, Alyssa Milano and Ariana Grande, among others. More here. The bill was endorsed by leading corporations, including Hewlett Packard (HP), law enforcement such as National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the National Fraternal Order of Police President issued a positive statement on the bill, noting there are provisions that would have a ""positive impact on law enforcement and policing."" The full list of supporters can be found here. THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT: • Prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement from racial, religious and discriminatory profiling, and mandates training on racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling for all law enforcement. • Bans chokeholds, carotid holds and no-knock warrants at the federal level and limits the transfer of military-grade equipment to state and local law enforcement. • Mandates the use of dashboard cameras and body cameras for federal offices and requires state and local law enforcement to use existing federal funds to ensure the use of police body cameras. • Establishes a National Police Misconduct Registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave on agency from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability. • Amends federal criminal statute from ""willfulness"" to a ""recklessness"" standard to successfully identify and prosecute police misconduct. • Reforms qualified immunity so that individuals are not barred from recovering damages when police violate their constitutional rights. • Establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations to create local commissions and task forces to help communities to re-imagine and develop concrete, just and equitable public safety approaches. • Creates law enforcement development and training programs to develop best practices and requires the creation of law enforcement accreditation standard recommendations based on President Obama's Taskforce on 21st Century policing. • Requires state and local law enforcement agencies to report use of force data, disaggregated by race, sex, disability, religion, age. • Improves the use of pattern and practice investigations at the federal level by granting the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division subpoena power and creates a grant program for state attorneys general to develop authority to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments. • Establishes a Department of Justice task force to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and enforcement efforts of federal, state and local governments in cases related to law enforcement misconduct. A one pager on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clyburn-johnson-johnson-and-lawson-calls-senate-pass-george-floyd,"CLYBURN, JOHNSON, JOHNSON AND LAWSON CALL ON SENATE TO PASS THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) and Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Al Lawson (FL-05) held a call with regional reporters calling on the Senate to take up the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed the House in June with bipartisan support. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act reimagines policing for the 21st Century by banning chokeholds, stopping no-knock warrants, combatting racial profiling, eliminating qualified immunity, and mandating data collection, including body cameras and dashboard cameras. A summary of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is available HERE.A recording of the call can be found here In contrast to the historic George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the President's weak Executive Order and Senate Republicans' proposal, which was rejected on a bipartisan basis, both fall sadly and seriously short of what is required to combat the epidemic of racial injustice and police brutality failing to contain meaningful, mandatory accountability measures to end misconduct. The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act over two months ago, and we continue to call on the Senate to take up this bipartisan bill without delay, said Whip Clyburn. This legislation gives us an opportunity to live up to what Alexis de Tocqueville observed about America's greatness when he wrote, America is not great because it is more enlightened than any other nation, but rather because it has always been able to repair its faults.' It is long overdue for us to repair some faults in our policing system and apply the greatness of America equitably to all of our citizens. It is imperative that we change the culture of policing. There must be an increase in transparency, better recruiting of officers who have a heart to truly serve, and the opportunity for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to conduct outside investigations with subpoena powers, said Congresswoman Johnson. Since the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, we have witnessed several violent encounters between Black people and law enforcement. It is my hope that the Senate immediately takes this bill up for consideration before another life is lost. The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act over two months ago, and today we are calling on the Senate take it up without delay, said Rep. Johnson. Since the murder of George Floyd, we have witnessed several instances of police brutality across our country: Rayshard Brooks, Trayford Pellerin, Jacob Blake, and too many more. In fact, there was another troubling incident this weekend in Clayton County, just south of downtown Atlanta, where law enforcement officers used excessive force against an unarmed Black man. Across the country, Americans are still demanding true police reform, to ensure that everyone receives equal justice under the law. Leader McConnell should take up the House-passed bipartisan bill and do so immediately, so that we can save lives and families across our country. ""How many more lives will be lost before the Senate will take action?"" Rep. Lawson asked. ""We need to ensure police departments are implementing changes and addressing the way officers are trained to respond to citizens. We rely on our law enforcement to protect us all. Now is the time for transformative police reform. "" The George Floyd Justice In Policing Act has been endorsed by Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice; and John Crawford, Jr., father of John Crawford III as well as leading civil rights and social justice groups such as the NAACP, National Action Network, Urban League and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. More than 750 celebrities and entertainment companies endorsed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act such as Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo, Meek Mill, Elton John, Kelly Rowland, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Jonas Brothers, Alyssa Milano and Ariana Grande, among others. More here. The bill was endorsed by leading corporations, including Hewlett Packard (HP), law enforcement such as National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the National Fraternal Order of Police President issued a positive statement on the bill, noting there are provisions that would have a positive impact on law enforcement and policing. The full list of supporters can be found here. THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT: Prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement from racial, religious and discriminatory profiling, and mandates training on racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling for all law enforcement. Bans chokeholds, carotid holds and no-knock warrants at the federal level and limits the transfer of military-grade equipment to state and local law enforcement. Mandates the use of dashboard cameras and body cameras for federal offices and requires state and local law enforcement to use existing federal funds to ensure the use of police body cameras. Establishes a National Police Misconduct Registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave on agency from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability. Amends federal criminal statute from willfulness to a recklessness standard to successfully identify and prosecute police misconduct. Reforms qualified immunity so that individuals are not barred from recovering damages when police violate their constitutional rights. Establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations to create local commissions and task forces to help communities to re-imagine and develop concrete, just and equitable public safety approaches. Creates law enforcement development and training programs to develop best practices and requires the creation of law enforcement accreditation standard recommendations based on President Obama's Taskforce on 21st Century policing. Requires state and local law enforcement agencies to report use of force data, disaggregated by race, sex, disability, religion, age. Improves the use of pattern and practice investigations at the federal level by granting the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division subpoena power and creates a grant program for state attorneys general to develop authority to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments. Establishes a Department of Justice task force to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and enforcement efforts of federal, state and local governments in cases related to law enforcement misconduct. A one pager on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-introduces-marks-bipartisan-bill-modernizing-federal-courts,"Rep. Johnson Introduces, Marks up Bipartisan Bill Modernizing Federal Courts to Make Them More Accessible, Transparent",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, today announced he introduced The Open Courts Act of 2020, H.R. 8235, which would modernize the federal judiciary's court records system (called CM/ECF) and make court records freely available to the public (PACER). The new system will provide a centralized, easily searchable site to file and read court records and monitor docket activity. The Act includes a process to cover the costs of these long-overdue reforms without requiring new appropriations. Currently, the federal judiciary charges 10 cents per page to pull up court files from its online record repository. Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) co-introduced the bill, which was marked up and passed out of Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. It now goes to the full House for a vote. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) leads the Senate companion effort. ""Modernizing and streamlining the federal courts system to eliminate PACER fees is long overdue,"" said Congressman Johnson. ""The Open Courts Act also levels the playing field by making court records as widely available as possible. How much money you have should not dictate access to justice. It also frees the Fourth Estate from over-burdensome and excessive fees when trying to simply do their jobs -- inform the public."" The Open Courts Act would: Require the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to consolidate all federal court records into one system. Make court records freely available to the public; eliminate the pay wall currently established by PACER. Ensure that the public can easily search for and access court records. Provide funding for making PACER free of charge in part by allowing the Judicial Conference to collect from the Department of Justice (DOJ) every year going forward an amount equal to that which DOJ paid in PACER fees in 2018, adjusted for inflation. A section-by-section analysis of the bill can be found HERE. Rep. Johnson's full statement is HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/speeches/statement-markup-hr-8235-open-courts-act-2020,"Statement for Markup of H.R. 8235, the Open Courts Act of 2020",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. 200 Capitol Visitor Center I move to strike the last word. Thank you, Chairman Nadler, for bringing this important bill before the Committee. And I'd like to thank the former ranking member of this Committee, my Georgia colleague Doug Collins and the co-lead of this bill, for his partnership on working to make federal court records freely accessible to all Americans. Anyone who goes to the Supreme Court's website can read any of the documents filed before the Court, free of charge. The same thing is true for the courts in my and Mr. Collins's home state of Georgia. And that's the way it should be, because the public has a fundamental right to know what goes on in its courthouses. But if you want to read most of the records of other federal courts, you have to pay a fee. The prices are like a keep out sign for regular people: ten cents per search, ten cents per page, and up to three dollars per document. It can cost hundreds of dollars to read the filings in just one big case. The business of the courts is important, so it should be no surprise that the judiciary's paywall takes in between $100 and $140 million every year. That's a lot of money taken from people who are exercising their fundamental right to access public court records. And to make matters worse, just last month a court of appeals held that the Administrative Office of the United States Courts was unlawfully using that money to fund a range of programs that had nothing to do with giving the public access to federal court records. Frankly, it's unjustifiable. And it needs to stop. Now, imagine if we were to charge for access to the U.S. Code. Or the Federal Register. Or Congress.gov. Our courts are a vital part of our American government, and we have a responsibility to make them accessible to the rest of our society. The judiciary's paywall imposes unnecessary burdens on journalists, academics, and pro se litigants as they engage in the constitutionally-enshrined activities of observing and reporting on the courts' activities or petitioning the courts for redress. This matters more now than ever before. At a time when many have concerns that the executive branch represents only some of its citizens, a democratic process limited to a select group that can participatethose who can afford itshould concern us all. But this bill is about more than just democratic ideals and transparency. It's about changing the system to make it fairer for everyone. You know, after I graduated law school, I made the decision to strike out on my own. I hung out a shingle and dedicated my legal career to fighting for the little guy. When I think of young lawyers striving to start their own business in today's legal economy and the non-lawyers looking to represent themselves pro se, I remember how hard those first years were. This muscle memorythe feeling of working hard just for the right to work hardis what I try to keep in mind when I'm here in DC legislating. The legal profession shouldn't be a place for just big-pocketed firms. Young attorneys who want to use their law degree to make a difference deserve the same access to the federal court system as their corporate counterparts. I also want to thank the Judicial Conference for their testimony and feedback on this bill and its predecessors. The language in H.R. 8235 was drafted to reflect that input, and I look forward to continue working with them as we move forward. Thank you again, Chairman Nadler, and my co-lead Mr. Collins, and I encourage my colleagues to vote with me in favor of this legislation. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C408F61C-501A-4199-AEA0-75E319B03CFB,McBath Honors Vietnam War Veterans During 50th Commemoration Pinning Ceremony,2020-09-14,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-remembers-september-11th-0,CONGRESSMAN BISHOP REMEMBERS SEPTEMBER 11TH,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"COLUMBUS, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released a statement for the 19th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001: ""Today marks the 19th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation. My prayers are with the people who lost a loved one that tragic day, whose hearts are heavier today. I am grateful to the first responders who heroically rushed into dangerous situations to save others, even though they may not have been able to save themselves. ""We will always remember the 2,977 lives lost, the heroism that day, and the way Americans came together to support each other afterwards. May God Bless America.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-praises-passage-trademark-modernization-judiciary-markup,Rep. Johnson Praises Passage of Trademark Modernization in Judiciary Markup,2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, voted today on an historic markup in House Judiciary Committee of The Trademark Modernization (TM) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that provides new procedures to ensure that the United States maintains a robust trademark system that minimizes barriers to entry and properly protects both consumers and brand owners. Congressman Johnson is the original sponsor of the bill. The bill now goes before the full House for a vote. ""Trademarks contribute significant value to the U.S. economy,"" said Congressman Johnson, when the bill was introduced in March. ""It's important that false and fraudulent statements made in trademark applications not serve to block legitimate market entrants — particularly small businesses — seeking trademark registrations. The Trademark Modernization Act gives the Patent and Trademark office important tools to address and combat these fraudulent practices, and to protect good-faith actors in the trademark system. I am pleased to have worked with Representatives Nadler, Roby, and Collins, and Senators Tillis and Coons on this important effort."" ""Consumer protection is also a key focus of the trademark system. A well-functioning trademark system allows consumers to rely on trademarks to know the source of the products they buy. That is why this legislation clarifies that when a trademark violation is proven in court, a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm exists. In many trademark cases, without injunctive relief, the risk that consumers will be confused is high,"" said Congressman Johnson. The TM Act would: Create new expedited ex parte cancellation procedures that would allow a new-market entrant or other third party to request cancellation of a trademark registration when the mark was never used or was not used before registration. The new procedures offer options in addition to traditional inter partes cancellation, which is often a time-consuming and expensive process. Codify additional trademark examination procedures, which gives the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office flexibility and additional authority to gather evidence during examination. Clarify that, notwithstanding the Supreme Court's decision in a patent case, eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange LLC, a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm exists for trademark violations. Clarify the authority of the USPTO Director to reconsider decisions of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. A copy of the full bill text, as amended, can be found here. A one-pager on the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6FEC4278-3ECF-4EB5-A920-E8612E90A537,McBath Concludes “Summer Storytime” Program,2020-09-08,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399449,Congressman Scott Celebrates Labor Day,2020-09-07,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David Scott (GA-13) released the following statement today in recognition of Labor Day: On Labor Day, we recognize the social and economic achievements of the American workforce throughout our nation's history. Although this Labor Day may be far from normal, the ideals of our nation and our workforce remain sound. From union laborers to essential workers, we honor the contributions of hard-working American men and women to strengthen the prosperity of our state and our country. We also reaffirm our commitment to the principles of dignified work, perseverance regardless of circumstance, and unyielding support for the workers who move our nation forward. As your Congressman, I have strongly supported legislative efforts to preserve collective bargaining rights and provide a livable minimum wage for all workers, secure equal pay for equal work, and prohibit discrimination in the workplace. I believe that it is especially important to continue to support families and workers during this difficult time by ensuring safe and healthy workplaces, providing paid sick leave and lowered health care costs, and promoting job opportunities with a livable wage in today's demanding economy. I will continue fighting in Washington to ensure that every American has access to good-paying jobs to provide a better life for themselves and their families. I wish all of my constituents of Georgia's Thirteenth Congressional District a safe and happy Labor Day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=02C7EAB4-7300-4B4D-90C6-CCC42FEAD2DC,"McBath Hosts Events for Local Students Interested in Coding, U.S. Service Academies",2020-09-03,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-adams-fudge-lucas-and-walker-introduce-resolution-honoring-the,"BISHOP, ADAMS, FUDGE, LUCAS, AND WALKER INTRODUCE RESOLUTION HONORING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1890S LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES",2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,Sanford Bishop,B000490,bishop.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), joined Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Frank Lucas (OK-3), and Mark Walker (NC-6) in introducing a bipartisan resolution ""expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2020, be observed as the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions."" As we celebrate the 130th anniversary of their creation, I must note that 1890s have been at the forefront of research, extension, and education, Rep. Bishop. Our 1890s, like Fort Valley State University, created a space for Black people to gain higher education when no other opportunities were available. For 130 years now, 1890s Land Grant Universities have been touching the life of every American and many overseas too.Agriculture impacts citizens' health, creates jobs, boosts the economy, and even protects our national securityand I thank you for it. The value of our 1890s Land Grant Universities is impossible to overstate. Congratulations on 130 years of changing the world! ""1890s Land Grant Universities, like all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have given so much to our community and our country,"" said Rep. Adams. ""These institutions are more than schools: they represent pathways to the middle class; they're cornerstones of our communities; and they have unlocked so much potential that our country has too often ignored. As a proud 1890s graduate, I am honored to introduce this resolution celebrating the 130th anniversary of these essential institutions."" For 130 years, the 1890 Land Grant Universities have promoted prosperity in underserved communities and expanded educational opportunities to millions of students of color and first-generation college students, said Rep. Fudge. These 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University in my home state of Ohio, play a critical role in making critical scientific discoveries in food, farming, plant and animal health, and other important areas of agricultural research. It is befitting to recognize our HBCUs with a Congressional resolution honoring 130 years of excellence in education, science and agricultural research. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to prioritize funding for 1890 Land Grants to ensure designated institutions have the resources needed to continue educating and training the next generation of Black scientists, farmers and engineers. I am honored to recognize Langston University, Oklahoma's only historically black college in the state, on the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Land-Grant Educational Institutions, said Rep. Lucas. Today, these institutions provide educational access to all through research and extension.Founded in 1897 by the Second Morrill Act, Langston University is an accomplished leader in areas such as agriculture innovation and health care, among many others. Now, 130 years later, Langston University and other 1890s Land-Grant Educational Institutions continue to provide a robust higher education that prepares students for leadership and success in their careers and futures.1890 Land-Grant Universities play a foundational role in our higher education system, and today, I am proud to recognize the many achievements and contributions they continue to make to their communities and country. The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Roger Marshall (KS-01), A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Mike Turner (OH-10), Cherrie Bustos (IL-17), Andy Barr (KY-06), Joyce Beatty (OH-02), Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Rick Allen (GA-12), John Garamendi (CA-03) and Cedric Richmond (LA-02). For the text of the resolution, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-adams-fudge-lucas-and-walker-introduce-resolution-honoring-the-130th-anniversary-of-1890s-land-grant-universities,"BISHOP, ADAMS, FUDGE, LUCAS, AND WALKER INTRODUCE RESOLUTION HONORING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1890S LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES",2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), joined Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Frank Lucas (OK-3), and Mark Walker (NC-6) in introducing a bipartisan resolution ""expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2020, be observed as the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions."" ""As we celebrate the 130th anniversary of their creation, I must note that 1890s have been at the forefront of research, extension, and education,"" Rep. Bishop. ""Our 1890s, like Fort Valley State University, created a space for Black people to gain higher education when no other opportunities were available. For 130 years now, 1890s Land Grant Universities have been touching the life of every American and many overseas too. Agriculture impacts citizens' health, creates jobs, boosts the economy, and even protects our national security—and I thank you for it. The value of our 1890s Land Grant Universities is impossible to overstate. Congratulations on 130 years of changing the world!"" ""1890s Land Grant Universities, like all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have given so much to our community and our country,"" said Rep. Adams. ""These institutions are more than schools: they represent pathways to the middle class; they're cornerstones of our communities; and they have unlocked so much potential that our country has too often ignored. As a proud 1890s graduate, I am honored to introduce this resolution celebrating the 130th anniversary of these essential institutions."" ""For 130 years, the 1890 Land Grant Universities have promoted prosperity in underserved communities and expanded educational opportunities to millions of students of color and first-generation college students,"" said Rep. Fudge. ""These 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University in my home state of Ohio, play a critical role in making critical scientific discoveries in food, farming, plant and animal health, and other important areas of agricultural research. It is befitting to recognize our HBCUs with a Congressional resolution honoring 130 years of excellence in education, science and agricultural research. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to prioritize funding for 1890 Land Grants to ensure designated institutions have the resources needed to continue educating and training the next generation of Black scientists, farmers and engineers."" ""I am honored to recognize Langston University, Oklahoma's only historically black college in the state, on the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Land-Grant Educational Institutions,"" said Rep. Lucas. ""Today, these institutions provide educational access to all through research and extension. Founded in 1897 by the Second Morrill Act, Langston University is an accomplished leader in areas such as agriculture innovation and health care, among many others. Now, 130 years later, Langston University and other 1890s Land-Grant Educational Institutions continue to provide a robust higher education that prepares students for leadership and success in their careers and futures. 1890 Land-Grant Universities play a foundational role in our higher education system, and today, I am proud to recognize the many achievements and contributions they continue to make to their communities and country."" The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Roger Marshall (KS-01), A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Mike Turner (OH-10), Cherrie Bustos (IL-17), Andy Barr (KY-06), Joyce Beatty (OH-02), Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Rick Allen (GA-12), John Garamendi (CA-03) and Cedric Richmond (LA-02).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399432,Congressman Scott Announces Military Academy Nomination Application Deadline,2020-08-31,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Announces Military Academy Nomination Application Deadline Washington, August 31, 2020 Today, Congressman David Scott announced his office is accepting applications from Thirteenth District students seeking a congressional nomination for military academies. A congressional nomination is required for students to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy or U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.Each year I have the honor of nominating exceptional students who are eager to serve our country by attending a military service academy,said Congressman Scott.Service academies provide our students a distinguished and rigorous education with a value that exceeds $400,000. I strongly encourage Thirteenth District students to contact my office to learn more about the unique opportunities our military academies offer and to apply for a congressional nomination. 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 apply directly with the academies and 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. The deadline to apply for an academy nomination from Congressman David Scott is Friday, October 30, 2020. Students may obtain an application and more information on the nomination process by visitinghttps://davidscott.house.gov/constituent-services/serviceacademynominations.htmor calling Congressman Scott's office at 770-210-5073.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F29432C6-8001-4F64-9B2E-09279CA42112,"McBath, Interfaith, and Community Leaders Hold Press Conference at Local Synagogue",2020-08-31,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=65DDF235-8D94-4E27-89BD-956F7E35434A,McBath Volunteers at the “Sweep the Hooch” River Cleanup Event,2020-08-30,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FB9538ED-5A0C-43EF-BE59-8F7DF44181C9,McBath Joins WestRock for Town Hall with Employees in the Sixth District,2020-08-29,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z http://davidscott.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399433,McBath and Scott Encourage Support for Women Veterans at Cobb Multi-Specialty Clinic,2020-08-27,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,David Scott,S001157,davidscott.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, Representatives Lucy McBath (GA-06) and David Scott (GA-13) released the response they received from Atlanta VA Medical Center Director Ann Brown regarding their inquiry into the ongoing development of a new VA Multi-Specialty Clinic in Cobb County. In July, after reports that certain VA clinic projects were delayed by an average of two years, McBath and Scott sent a letter to Director Brown in support of increased care programs and to advocate for services focused on women veterans. As a nation, we owe our veterans and service members the utmost respect and admiration for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice, said Scott.When transitioning back into civilian life, women veterans often face different challenges than their male counterparts. If we are to fulfill our commitment to women veterans, we must prioritize their needs. The new VA Multi-Specialty Clinic will help ensure women veterans in Cobb County and nearby areas receive access to the care they deserve and need. And I will continue working in Congress to strengthen health care and other services for our women veterans. Taking care of our veterans is one of my top priorities, and I am especially concerned on behalf of our women veterans, McBath said. As the population of women veterans continues to grow in Georgia, we must ensure that new facilities and clinics are designed with women in mind. I look forward to continuing this dialogue with Director Brown to see that the needs of women veterans in Cobb County and the state of Georgia are properly addressed. The McBath and Scott letter asks that a new Multi-Specialty Clinic in Cobb County be tailored to fit the needs of women veterans. Director Brown's response, which can be viewed here, detailed several women's health care initiatives that are planned for the new clinic. According to the letter, the new clinic on Bells Ferry Road will staff a minimum of two Designated Women Health Providers and one Women's Health Liaison Nurse Champion. Additionally, the clinic will have exclusive space for social work and gynecology services for women veterans. The Atlanta VA Medical Center takes care of over 20,000 women veterans, more than any other VAMC in the country. The Multi-Specialty Clinic on Bells Ferry Road in Marietta is scheduled to open in August of 2022. A copy of the original letter sent by McBath and Scott can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B6F9A04F-EA0D-431B-A18B-7B21D850A67E,"McBath and Scott Encourage Support for Women Veterans at Cobb Multi-Specialty Clinic, Atlanta VA Details Plan",2020-08-27,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Lucy McBath,M001208,mcbath.house.gov,mcbath,https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/constituent-thanks-rep-johnson-saving-her-home,Constituent Thanks Rep. Johnson For Saving Her Home,2020-08-26,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"I want to thank Congressman Hank Johnson for being a blessing to my children and me. I had not been consistently working a full-time job due to the economic times and we were having a hard time making ends meet. I wasstruggling to pay monthly bills, purchasing groceries, and paying my monthly mortgage payments regularly. My mortgage company began sending letters informing me of their intent to foreclose. I felt hopeless. I even ended up having to gointo the hospital because the stress was overwhelming. Where were we going to live? What was I going to do? I knew there were some options for full-time work right around the corner; however, I knew it wouldn't come intime to save my home. After some time, I received notice that my house was due to go to auction on Tuesday, and here I was on Friday with no options -- or so I thought. This notice came before the president placed amoratorium on evictions and foreclosures so I thought we were going to be homeless. On Saturday, my friend told me the only person she knew that could save my house at the last minute would be Congressman Johnson. She told me it was a long shot, but worth a try. I contacted Congressman Johnson's office onMonday (the day before my house was due to go to auction). I first spoke with Ms. Branche. She was extremely helpful but she said that I needed to speak with Xeron Pledger if I wanted this foreclosure stopped. After sharing my story, he went into overdrive to attempt to help me. Mr. Pledger told me that it would take a miracle to save it at this point,but he was willing to do all they could to help me. I completed some paperwork and he contacted Home Safe Georgia. After many hours of emailing paperwork back and forth and exchanging phone calls with Mr. Pledger and Ms. Lattimore from HomeSafe, plus lifting up prayers andcryingtears, at exactly 5:00 p.m., Xeron Pledger called me and told me that my home had been saved! I could not believe it! My house was due to go to auction the very next morning and they saved it! I thank God for Congressman Hank Johnson and his amazing staff! --Kimya Motley",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/justice-policing-act-critical-first-step-towards-changing-warrior-culture,Justice in Policing Act is a critical first step towards changing the warrior culture of policing,2020-08-26,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"As seen in Medium Rayshard Brooks did not have to die. His life mattered. But if there is anything the past six years has taught us, it is that too many police departments and elected officials throughout the United States, the lives of black people do not matter. Rayshard Brooks needed a guardian to keep him safe. He needed a guardian whose top priority is the protection and sanctity of human life regardless of race, gender, alienage, or sexual preference. Instead, Rayshard Brooks got a warrior, whose main priority was imposing order and punishment. Instead of a guardian, Rayshard Brooks got a warrior, who shot him in the back, imposing untold pain and suffering on Mr. Brooks' family and friends. Mr. Brooks is the latest in a long line of cruel and unnecessary police executions. George Floyd, who police choked to death in broad daylight, did not have to die. Breonna Taylor, who police shot to death while she was asleep in her own home, did not have to die. Walter Scott, Stephon Clark, Eric Garner none of them had to die. Each of them were denied their constitutional right to due process. The consistent message is all too clear and can no longer be avoided or ignored by anyone. Black lives do not matter to police. We are tired of mourning the lives lost through police violence. We want to PREVENT police from killing citizens. In order to do that, we need to change the culture of policing so that when a police officer looks at a citizen, they seem themselves not an enemy combatant. We need to change the culture of policing so that the police see themselves as guardians and not warriors. We need to change the culture of policing so that it is no longer us versus them. It is just us. But nothing will change unless we, the people, change it. We must not lose faith that change is possible but we must believe in our own ability to make it happen. The Justice in Policing Act is a critical first step towards changing the warrior culture of policing. The Act is a first step towards establishing accountability that for too long has been absent and takes a first step towards restoring the community's trust in law enforcement, which as we can see from nearly four consecutive weeks of protest, is completely absent. The Justice in Policing Act takes a first step towards restoring the peoples trust in law enforcement in several ways: First, it makes it easier to criminally prosecute officers who kill civilians in the line of duty or that otherwise violate our constitutional rights. Second, it makes it easier for families that have been injured by police brutality to receive financial compensation for their losses. Third, it bans militarized weapons of war from our streets and neighborhoods. Fourth, it bans racial profiling and requires the collection of demographic data relating to police/citizen encounters, including stops, searches, and applications of force. It promotes national, professionalized standards for policing through the accreditation process, including a national use of force standard. It promotes transparency by requiring the use of body and patrol vehicle cameras. It establishes a national registry to track officers that repeatedly violate departmental disciplinary rules. It bans no-knock warrants And it bans chokeholds. The Justice in Policing Act is a great first step towards fixing a state sanctioned system of racism and brutality that African Americans have been fighting against for over 150 years. But more work can and must be done in order to reach our goal of fully transforming the institution of policing to one that prioritizes human life above all else. Broadly speaking, we need to continue to fight for reforms in the following areas: First reducing the impact that law-enforcement has in the lives of everyday citizens. Not every legal violation requires an arrest or even intervention by a law enforcement officer. We should promote policies that allow armed police to focus on only the most inherently dangerous situations. For example, Mr. Brooks could have been issued a summons for court and escorted home, instead of being handcuffed, taken down to the station, and thrown in jail subject to paying cash for his release. Second giving police chiefs and commissioners the tools to change police culture from within. That means eliminating procedural protections within the administrative disciplinary process that allow officers to escape discipline and violate internal codes of conduct with impunity. One of those provisions is the cooling off period, which prohibits a police officer from being questioned about a use-of-force incident for a period of time ranging up to 10 days following the incident. These types of protections result in officers escaping any internal discipline and sends a message to the entire department that they can violate departmental rules with impunity. It was that level of impunity that was written all over Derek Chauvin's face as he casually choked the life out of George Floyd for over 8 minutes, in broad daylight, in front of a crowd of people. One wonders how many times Chauvin had executed that maneuver, without it being recorded on video. Third we need to strengthen external accountability measures so that it is clear to the public that police misconduct will not be tolerated. For example, I've introduced the Grand Jury Reform Act, which requires that a judge make a non-binding determination of whether probable cause exists to criminally charge a police officer who kills in the line of duty after a public hearing based on evidence presented by a special, independent prosecutor. I will also be introducing legislation to require that each law enforcement officer carry mandatory liability insurance, so that the financial costs of violent and reckless police conduct are transferred from taxpayers to the officers themselves as an additional deterrent to police brutality. This will be a long fight. We've gotten to the first step, and that is due only to the people who have consistently and peacefully protested in the name of George Floyd. To that multiracial, multigenerational coalition of people in Atlanta and across the world, fighting to make their voices heard, I say we hear you, we thank you and please continue to fight. This fight is not unlike the civil rights movement. It took nine years to get from the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where Rosa Parks refused to sit at the back of the bus, to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which eliminated discrimination in public accommodations and employment. The bus boycott itself lasted 381 days. So please, we have a long road ahead, but we are in this together, and let's continue the fight to make sure the world knows that Black Lives Matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/editorials/reflections-contributions-john-lewis-mentor-and-friend,Reflections on the contributions of John Lewis a mentor and a friend,2020-08-26,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"As seen in The Hill It's hard for me to get my head around the fact that I have been a colleague of John Robert Lewis for the past 13-plus years. But during that time as I have reflected on my congressional career, I have come to realize just how important Congressman Lewis has been to me. In fact, I probably would not have become a member of Congress had it not been for Congressman Lewis. The truth is that I don't recall the precise moment when Congressman Lewis and I first met. I think it may have been in 1986 when we were both on the campaign trail he in a winning bid for Congress, while I ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Georgia House. When that campaign was over, I went back to anonymity as a lawyer until I won a seat as a county commissioner where I served for five years before running for Congress in 2006 against a popular incumbent. But Congressman Lewis must have remembered me. Most of the old guard Atlanta civil rights leaders came out openly united behind the incumbent. With no primary opposition himself and looking to secure some campaign experience for one of his young volunteers, Congressman Lewis referred then 18-year-old Jon Ossoff to my quixotic campaign. Jon established the campaign on the then-nascent social media platforms and created a national buzz. Then, the day before the election, Congressman Lewis was quoted as saying words to the effect that he thought Hank Johnson would make a great congressman. This singular statement uttered at an event at Manuel's Tavern, Atlanta's epicenter of progressive thought and politics propelled me to a run-off and helped tip the balance in my favor in winning the 4th District seat. And I have been getting into good trouble with John Lewis ever since. Whether in Atlanta marching with Congressman Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian on National Voter Registration Day or in the nation's capital marching with Black Lives Matter protesters, there have been many opportunities to get in the way. I fondly recall the 26-straight hours on the floor of the House with Congressman Lewis protesting the lack of action on gun reform. And at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport together in 2017, working to win the release of people detained when the Trump Muslim ban went into effect. Congressman Lewis wouldn't give in. He wouldn't give out. And he never, ever gave up. He always kept his eyes on the prize. Although Congressman Lewis was a mentor to me, he was also a friend. Whenever I needed him, he always was willing to help. He was a person who gave unsparingly of himself. He was that way with strangers and even with little children. Always humble and never haughty or pretentious, Congressman Lewis was a regular human being who was close to and walked with the people. He never put on airs or made you feel that you were beneath him. He used his position of great power in service to the people of Georgia's 5th District and the nation and the world not for his own self-aggrandizement. Congressman Lewis was also a man of great courage a man unafraid to repeatedly sacrifice his body for the cause of racial justice, human dignity and civil rights and equality for all. I am comforted in believing that Congressman Lewis was pleased to see a diverse new generation of young people of all races and sexual orientations getting into good trouble, protesting police brutality and systemic racism in this country. No one deserves a much-needed rest more than John Robert Lewis and now we must follow his example and take up the baton to help finish what he started so long ago in Troy, Alabama and at the side of Martin Luther King Jr. After all, I wouldn't be here without him. Congressman Johnson is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and he is Chairman of the Judiciary subcommittee on Courts, Intellect Property and the Internet.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/saving-post-office-ig-live-natl-black-business-month-more,"Saving The Post Office, IG Live, Nat'l Black Business Month & More",2020-08-25,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, This week, I stood up for the Post Office by holding a press conference outside the Wesley Chapel Post Office to support of the institution as a pillar of our democracy, enshrined in the Constitution and essential for providing critical services: delivering prescriptions, Social Security checks, paychecks, tax returns and absentee ballots to millions of Americans, including in our most remote communities. Joining me were DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner, School Board member Vickie Turner, retired letter carrier Dexter Brown, Georgia AFL-CIO President Charlie Fleming, members of the American Postal Workers Union and many concerned citizens. | 11Alive: Congressman speaks on the importance of USPS at Decatur rally | WSB-TV: USPS Changes Postponed | Congressman urges Georgians to support USPS in battle over funding, mail-in ballots | Lives, livelihoods and the life of our American Democracy are under threat from the president and his postmaster. That is why I am returning to Washington today to vote this weekend on Delivering for America Act, which prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1, 2020, and provides $25 billion in critical funding to support the Postal Service: the same level of funding recommended by the USPS Board of Governors, which is composed of 100% Trump appointees. In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central. Americans should not have to choose between their health and their vote. As we protect the Postal Service and access to the ballot, we continue to lead the fight for The Heroes Act as the coronavirus crisis continues to spiral further out of control. The House of Representatives cannot act alone. The Senate must also agree to pass the Heroes Act and the Delivering for America Act and President Trump must sign both bills in order for them to become law. The Senate, however, is in recess until September, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has resisted bipartisan calls to cut the recess short in order to address this crisis. Call your U.S. senators and demand that they immediately return to Washington to pass the Heroes Act as well as the Delivering for America Act so that Americans can access the life-saving resources and services so desperately needed during these challenging times. Finally, call the president to demand that he sign both bills into law. INSTAGRAM LIVE: Tune in this evening at 6 PM ET for the Congressional Black Caucus's next installment of Living While Black in America: Pandemic, Protest, & Politics on Instagram Live featuring me with and Actress, Writer, and Comedian Yvette Nicole Brown. For CBC Instagram, click HERE. @CongressionalBlackCaucus #LETSTALKCBC AUGUST: Is National Black Business Month. Black-owned businesses are less than 1/2 as likely to get financing as white-owned businesses. We must recommit ourselves to Black business owners by recognizing their challenges & will continue to improve legislative responses to financial exclusion and the racial wealth gap. For more, click HERE. COVID-19 RESOURCES | HELP WITH A FEDERAL AGENCY | VETERANS | IRS | MEDICARE & MEDICAID | IMMIGRATION | SMALL BUSINESSES | STUDENTS | UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Please remember you can reach me and get good information on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages by clicking the icons at the top of this e-letter. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. Please continue following CDC guidelines.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-surpasses-61-million-mark-constituent-services,Rep. Johnson surpasses $70 million mark in constituent services,2020-08-25,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"LITHONIA, GA Since taking office in 2007, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has worked to help secure more than $61 million for constituents seeking help with federal agencies from his offices in Georgia's 4th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties and all of Rockdale County. Helping constituents solve seemingly intractable problems is what my district office does every day. I'm proud that my staff has been able to help so many constituents receive the money and benefits due them from the federal government. Taking care of home first is my number one priority. Johnson, whose Washington, D.C. and district offices have a strong reputation throughout Georgia and the nation for strong constituent services, said he will continue to put constituents first. Johnson's office has helped thousands of constituents who have reached out for assistance receive $61 million since 2007. Thefollowing are some success stories: Veterans Affairs: A U.S. military veteran from Snellville, Ga., received $100,000 back pay and a $3,300 monthly benefit following an inquiry and update request from Rep. Johnson's office. The veteran is a Vietnam Agent Orange victim who suffers from PTSD and severe heart condition. Along with this monetary benefit, the veteran will also be receiving additional care at the VAMC. A U.S. military veteran received $30,000 back pay and an $810 monthly benefit following an inquiry and update request from Rep. Johnson's office. The veteran suffers from PTSD and depression, and the office also followed up to ensure he was getting the proper care needed from his doctors. Social Security: A constituent was denied twice for disability benefits and requested assistance from Rep. Johnson's office because his medical condition was dire. The office worked with the constituent to ensure that the Social Security Administration had the medical evidence needed for a favorable decision by the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Within three months of the inquiry, the man's claim was granted, earning him $31,000 in back pay and monthly benefits. Internal Revenue Service: Recently, Congressman Johnson cleared up an IRS issue for a constituent. She left the following message on Rep. Johnson's Facebook page: Congressman, I just wanted to thank you and especially (your constituent services representative) Shy Armstrong! Two weeks after submitting my problem with the IRS, the problem was SOLVED!!!! I owe a debt of gratitude to my congressman. Often we hear all the negatives and low approval ratings of the U.S. House of Representatives. Well, MY congressman truly worked on my behalf, and a 3 month problem was solved within 2 weeks! Thank you so much, Congressman Johnson. You're a man who is FOR the people!! Housing: Since 2009, Johnson's office has helped nearly 1,700 residents deal with pending foreclosures of their homes. Since 2011, more than 800 homeowners in the Fourth District have been approved for HomeSafe Georgia which helps homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own with up to 18 months of mortgage payments resulting in nearly $27 million in relief, more than any other district in Georgia. Rep. Johnson's office has worked with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to get the word out about HomeSafe at two events and helped get DCA's Fourth District outreach off the ground. Example of helping save a home: A constituent contacted the office seeking help with postponement of a foreclosure. Her lender wouldn't reconsider and told her that foreclosure would proceed. She had been previously denied because she had no income but by the time she asked Rep. Johnson's office for help, she was working. Rep. Johnson's office sent an inquiry to her mortgage company asking for reconsideration since she was now working, and requesting postponement of foreclosure to give the lender time to verify her employment. On the day before the scheduled foreclosure, she was notified that foreclosure would be postponed and that she would be approved for a loan modification (she also later learned that she was approved for the HomeSafe Georgia program.) Online Office: Rep. Johnson's staff stands ready to assist residents of Georgia 4th Congressional District with their federal agency problems. For a full list of services, visit Johnson's constituent service section of his Web site:https://hankjohnson.house.gov/. Johnson's website is a one-stop shop for news updates, e-newsletters, speeches, legislation, constituent services, videos, photos and place where constituents can e-mail their representative directly. Rep. Johnson's office has addressed more than 200,000 constituent e-mails and letters since 2007. Town Halls: Since taking office in 2007, Johnson has held hundreds of meetings and participated in a host of community events to hear directly from constituents. In August 2009, Johnson held a town hall on health care reform that was a model for the nation. More than 3,000 people attended. In 2009-10, Johnson held three jobs fairs in the span of 13 months that served more than 2,000 constituents, with some receiving job offers on the spot. In August 2011, Johnson co-hosted a jobs fair with Congressman John Lewis. More than 5,000 people attended. Johnson has held five telephone town halls with more than 100,000 residents since 2009. In 2012, Rep. Johnson held two foreclosure prevention events in conjunction with the Georgia DCA. In 2013-14, Rep. Johnson's office closed nearly 2,000 constituents cases. In 2015, Congressman Johnson held four town halls in a row in every county he represents: DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett and Newton counties. In 2015, Rep. Johnson held town halls in every county he represents. In 2019, the Congressman reached more than 220,000 constituents by holding in-person town halls in every county he represents, four telephone town halls and three Twitter town halls. Pandemic Resources: Congressman Johnson held COVID-19 telephone town halls March 16, 2020 | | April 2, 2020 | Small Business Webinar April 9, 2020 |April 16, 2020.CARES Act Resources:How the CARES Act Helps Georgians|CARES Act Payments|Helping Small Businesses|Unemployment Provisions|Nonprofit Resources|Student Loan Borrowers Provisions|Paquete de Estmulo Econmico| Fourth District COVID Resources page Senior Meet & Greets: From 2007-2019, Rep. Johnson has held a dozen senior citizens meet & greets throughout the Fourth District at senior centers in DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett and Newton counties. Partnership Alliance Learning Series (PALS): Congressman Johnson launched a unique program called PALS that engages nonprofits and small businesses on the importance of leveraging missions to compete for federal grants and small business opportunities. It also connects nonprofits and small businesses to federal, state and local resources. Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Initiatives:Working Together. Making a Difference: Congressman Johnson supports The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families, which offers direct facilitation for a variety of community initiatives as well as various type of support for other community initiatives. Michael Hutcheson, Executive Director and Claire Cline of Rockdale United Way met with the Congressman's staff to build and forge a partnership for the benefit of families and children in the Rockdale community. From that meeting, the Congressman remains committed to providing support where needed, specifically though staff engagement for the Rockdale Nonprofit Resource Summits and letters of support for the nonprofit community. Academy Nominations: Each year Congressman Johnson has the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Since 2007, Rep. Johnson has nominated more than 110Fourth District students to attend the military academies with 33 receiving appointments:https://hankjohnson.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations.These appointments are worth more than $20 million collectively. Arts Competition: Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the 4th District. The over-all winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.https://hankjohnson.house.gov/serving-you/art-competition. To date, these scholarships -- along with CBC scholarship awards -- have been worth more thab $400,000. AppChallenge: Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, this nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating and an application or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in coding and computer science.For more, click HERE. E-Newsletter: Congressman Johnson sends regular updates to more than 17,600 constituents from his office for subscribers of his e-newsletter:https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters. Social Media: Congressman Johnson can also be reached throughFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andYouTube. Offices: For face-to-face meetings and help with federal agencies, Congressman Johnson and his staff are availablein Georgia and in Washington, D.C., Rayburn Building 2240. Rep. Johnson's main district office is located at 5240 Snapfinger Park DriveSuite 120in Lithonia 30035. In Georgia, call 770-987-2291 and in Washington, call 202-225-1605. Please call ahead or for an appointment or request a meeting online athttps://hankjohnson.house.gov/contact-me/request-appearance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-marks-100-days-house-passage-heroes-act-calls-republicans,"Rep. Johnson Marks 100 Days Since House Passage of The Heroes Act, Calls on Republicans to End Deadly Delay and Come to the Table",2020-08-24,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Johnson marked 100 days since the House passed The Heroes Act, an urgently needed bill to secure the strategic testing, tracing and treatment required to reopen safely, to provide strong support for our frontline heroes in state and local government, and to put money in the pockets of the American people. Yet, Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration continue to block this critical relief, presenting insufficient proposals and weak, unworkable executive actions that fail to meet the needs of hard-working Americans – and in those 100 days of delay, 4.2 million more Americans have become infected for a total of over 5.6 million, more than 89,000 more have died for a total of 176,000 tragic deaths and tens of millions remain unemployed. ""As America faces the worst economic and health crisis in our history, Georgia families are hurting and are looking to our government to deliver the resources they need to protect their lives and livelihoods,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""As the Republicans' deadly, 100 days of inaction continues, the coronavirus is spiraling out of control. Democrats have come to the table willing to compromise, but President Trump and Senate Republicans refuse to do even the bare minimum needed to defeat the virus and protect struggling families. On behalf of my constituents, Georgia families, seniors, veterans and small business owners, I call upon Leader McConnell and the Trump Administration to get serious about the needs of working families, stop the unnecessary delays and reach an agreement that puts workers and families first."" Among the strong solutions to combat the coronavirus crisis that House Democrats delivered in The Heroes Act 100 days ago, include: • Commits another $75 billion for the testing, tracing and treatment we need in order to have a science-based path to safely reopen our country and helping ensure that every American can access free coronavirus treatment. • Provides strong support for our heroes with nearly $1 trillion for state, local, territorial and tribal governments on the frontlines who desperately need funds to pay the health care workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other vital workers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs. The Heroes Act will also establish a $200 billion Heroes' fund to ensure that essential workers receive hazard pay. • Puts money in the pockets of workers with a second round of direct payments to families up to $6,000 per household, new payroll protection measures to keep 60 million workers connected with their jobs and extending weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through next January. • Ensures further support for Americans, including for: o Housing security – with $175 billion in new supports to assist renters and homeowners make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments and other housing-related costs. o Food security – with a 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table. o Health security – with COBRA subsidies and a special enrollment period in the ACA exchanges for those without insurance. o Workplace security – requiring OSHA to ensure that all workplaces develop science-based infection control plans and preventing employers from retaliating against workers who report problems. • Supports small businesses by strengthening the Payroll Protection Program to ensure that it reaches underserved communities, nonprofits of all sizes and types and responds flexibly to small businesses by providing $10 billion for Covid-19 emergency grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. • Support for schools, students, teachers and families, with billions in urgently-needed funding that experts say is needed to ensure that schools have the resources to safely reopen, whether with virtual, hybrid or in-person instruction, so that children can learn and parents can get back to work. • Protects the life of our democracy with new resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census, and preserve the Postal Service. ""The coronavirus continues to accelerate and inflict staggering pain on Georgia families and the American people,"" continued Rep. Johnson. ""As elected leaders, it is our responsibility to meet the magnitude of this moment and work together to address the crisis facing hard-working Americans. Republicans have already wasted 100 days, we cannot afford to wait any more."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bishop-votes-to-reverse-usps-changes,BISHOP VOTES TO REVERSE USPS CHANGES,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,"Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.",B000490,bishop.house.gov,bishop,https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Senior Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, released the following statement after the full U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act: ""The changes the Postmaster General has made this year to the Postal Service operations are very concerning and he has not committed to reversing them. This bill will reverse the harmful policies the Postmaster General started and prevent him from making any further ones that will negatively impact the Postal Service's operations. ""Americans depend on USPS to deliver medication, Social Security benefits, paychecks and so much more to every corner of our communities, even the most rural. This year, many Americans will rely on the Postal Service to carry their ballots for them as we all try to stay safe during the pandemic. We need a fully functioning Postal Service to keep America going in this difficult time. I urge the Senate to pass this bill and the President to sign it into law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-votes-save-us-postal-service-right-vote-trump,Rep. Johnson Votes to Save the U.S. Postal Service & the Right to Vote From the Trump Administration’s Assaults,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,"Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr.",J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,hankjohnson,https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, with the U.S. Postal Service under assault from the Trump Administration, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted to pass H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act. The Delivering for America Act requires the Postal Service to return to the Postal Service operations and levels of service that were in place on January 1, 2020, throughout the duration of the coronavirus public health emergency and requires all election mail to be treated as First-Class mail. It also provides $25 billion in critical funding for the Postal Service – the same level of funding recommended by the USPS Board of Governors, which is composed of 100 percent President Trump appointees. The vote comes as newly uncovered internal Postal Service documents warning Postmaster General DeJoy about steep declines and increasing delays nationwide over the last two months, delays that are far worse than originally believed. Yet despite the urgent need for action, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration have repeatedly claimed that there are ""no delays"" with the mail and ""no data,"" suggesting the delays are no more than ""conspiracy theories."" ""The Postal Service is essential to the fabric of our communities, providing Georgia families and all Americans with critical services, including the delivery of life-saving prescriptions, Social Security benefits, paychecks, tax returns and ballots,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""Yet, the Trump Administration and Postmaster General DeJoy have waged a deliberate campaign to degrade postal operations and delay mail delivery in the middle of a pandemic and just months before a Presidential election, threatening to undermine the election and disenfranchise countless voters. While the committed activism of Democrats and the American people forced the Postmaster General into announcing a so-called ‘pause,' it is a wholly insufficient step that does not reverse damage already done. DeJoy even admitted that he has no intention of replacing the sorting machines, blue mailboxes and other key mail infrastructure that have been removed and that plans for overtime, which are critical for the timely delivery of mail, are not in the works. Therefore, in the name of our democracy and Georgia veterans, seniors, families and small businesses who depend on the Post Office, I proudly joined my colleagues to pass the ""Delivering for America Act"" to undo the damage and ensure the Postal Service has the resources necessary to fulfill its vital role at this pivotal moment."" The Delivering for America Act would prohibit: • Any change that would generally affect service on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis; • Any revision of existing service standards; • Closing, consolidating or reducing the hours of any post office or postal facility; • Any prohibition on paying overtime to Postal Service officers or employees; • Any change that would prevent the Postal Service from meeting its service standards or cause a decline in measurements of performance relative to those standards; and • Any change that would have the effect of delaying mail or increasing the volume of undelivered mail. This legislation will also: • Include $25 billion requested by the Postal Service and supported unanimously and on a bipartisan basis by the Trump-appointed Postal Board of Governors; • Require the Postal Service to treat all official election mail as First-Class mail; • Prohibit the removal, decommissioning or other stoppage of mail sorting machines, other than for routine maintenance; • Prohibit the removal of mailboxes; and • Explicitly reverse any changes already implemented to the operations or policies of the Postal Service that delay mail delivery. In addition to this vital legislation, House Democrats have taken swift action to hold the Postmaster General and the Trump Administration accountable. Democrats have written to the Postmaster General three times to demand answers and key documents and information, and to call for a reversal of policies that have worsened the crisis and exacerbated a dramatic increase in delayed and undelivered mail. And on Monday, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform will hold an urgent hearing with DeJoy to answer to the American people as to why he is pushing these new policies that threaten the health of Americans during a pandemic and silence the voices of millions just months before the election. ""I stand with my fellow Democrats and millions of Americans in Georgia and across the country to oppose the Administration's attacks on the Postal Service, which threatens the lives and livelihoods of Georgia families and the life of our American Democracy,"" continued Rep. Johnson. ""I will continue fighting to address the damage done to the Postal Service and ensure that every American can freely exercise their sacred right to vote while also keeping themselves and their families safe.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-votes-save-us-postal-service-right-vote-trump-administration,Rep. Johnson Votes to Save the U.S. Postal Service & the Right to Vote From the Trump Administrations Assaults,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,GA,Hank Johnson,J000288,hankjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, with the U.S. Postal Service under assault from the Trump Administration, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted to pass H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act. The Delivering for America Act requires the Postal Service to return to the Postal Service operations and levels of service that were in place on January 1, 2020, throughout the duration of the coronavirus public health emergency and requires all election mail to be treated as First-Class mail. It also provides $25 billion in critical funding for the Postal Service the same level of funding recommended by the USPS Board of Governors, which is composed of 100 percent President Trump appointees. The vote comes as newly uncovered internal Postal Service documents warning Postmaster General DeJoy about steep declines and increasing delays nationwide over the last two months, delays that are far worse than originally believed. Yet despite the urgent need for action, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration have repeatedly claimed that there are no delays with the mail and no data, suggesting the delays are no more than conspiracy theories. The Postal Service is essential to the fabric of our communities, providing Georgia families and all Americans with critical services, including the delivery of life-saving prescriptions, Social Security benefits, paychecks, tax returns and ballots, said Rep. Johnson. Yet, the Trump Administration and Postmaster General DeJoy have waged a deliberate campaign to degrade postal operations and delay mail delivery in the middle of a pandemic and just months before a Presidential election, threatening to undermine the election and disenfranchise countless voters. While the committed activism of Democrats and the American people forced the Postmaster General into announcing a so-called pause,' it is a wholly insufficient step that does not reverse damage already done. DeJoy even admitted that he has no intention of replacing the sorting machines, blue mailboxes and other key mail infrastructure that have been removed and that plans for overtime, which are critical for the timely delivery of mail, are not in the works. Therefore, in the name of our democracy and Georgia veterans, seniors, families and small businesses who depend on the Post Office, I proudly joined my colleagues to pass the Delivering for America Act to undo the damage and ensure the Postal Service has the resources necessary to fulfill its vital role at this pivotal moment. The Delivering for America Act would prohibit: Any change that would generally affect service on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis; Any revision of existing service standards; Closing, consolidating or reducing the hours of any post office or postal facility; Any prohibition on paying overtime to Postal Service officers or employees; Any change that would prevent the Postal Service from meeting its service standards or cause a decline in measurements of performance relative to those standards; and Any change that would have the effect of delaying mail or increasing the volume of undelivered mail. This legislation will also: Include $25 billion requested by the Postal Service and supported unanimously and on a bipartisan basis by the Trump-appointed Postal Board of Governors; Require the Postal Service to treat all official election mail as First-Class mail; Prohibit the removal, decommissioning or other stoppage of mail sorting machines, other than for routine maintenance; Prohibit the removal of mailboxes; and Explicitly reverse any changes already implemented to the operations or policies of the Postal Service that delay mail delivery. In addition to this vital legislation, House Democrats have taken swift action to hold the Postmaster General and the Trump Administration accountable. Democrats have written to the Postmaster General three times to demand answers and key documents and information, and to call for a reversal of policies that have worsened the crisis and exacerbated a dramatic increase in delayed and undelivered mail. And on Monday, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform will hold an urgent hearing with DeJoy to answer to the American people as to why he is pushing these new policies that threaten the health of Americans during a pandemic and silence the voices of millions just months before the election. I stand with my fellow Democrats and millions of Americans in Georgia and across the country to oppose the Administration's attacks on the Postal Service, which threatens the lives and livelihoods of Georgia families and the life of our American Democracy, continued Rep. Johnson. I will continue fighting to address the damage done to the Postal Service and ensure that every American can freely exercise their sacred right to vote while also keeping themselves and their families safe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z