Sanford Bishop

In Congress, I am working hard to ensure our country’s armed forces are best prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow by putting our servicemembers, DOD federal workers, and their families as well as the surrounding communities that support them at the heart of that effort. I am part of the U.S. Military Academy’s (West Point) Board of Visitors where I work with Congressional Democrats and Republicans on the Board, as well as other Board members, to oversee the state of morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider. Last week, we met to discuss and work on this continuing mission. I also joined several of my colleagues in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate in sharing our thoughts in @WashTimes DefenseTech Special Section about how we can ensure the U.S. military continues to be the best in the world. https://t.co/ZKCGj7NYbs

From increasing fuel and food costs, to cuts to healthcare, it is becoming harder to raise a family in the past year. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration continues to undermine the well-being of mothers and children by targeting Head Start and Early Head Start programs to cut class sizes and leaving children without enough staff to care for them, eliminating development screenings and protections for children with disabilities, making it harder for foster children to participate, and other restrictions. Last Tuesday, I visited an Early Head Start provider here in Columbus. The program helps mothers, infants and children get ready for school and gives them a better shot at success. It does so through family educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. I will continue working hard in Congress to invest in our community’s children and give them a better shot at leading healthy, productive lives.

Early voting has officially started in Georgia! 🗳️ Casting your ballot early is one of the best ways to make sure your voice is heard. Take a moment today to make a plan to vote: https://t.co/jBCUGdXtr6 https://t.co/4nJslWMkuf

With Hurricane Isaias bearing down on the Gulf Coast and Georgia set to feel its effects now and in the coming days, please be careful, take the necessary precautions, and be prepared. You can visit my website for more information: https://t.co/lT2bixw9CU https://t.co/0QSEZOHCbj

Government should work for the people and earn their trust. When federal investments solve everyday problems in our neighborhoods, government is doing what it was designed to do. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to bringing those critical resources home to Georgia. https://t.co/5IViOZ6BFH

Each year, I have the extraordinary privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's service academies. The opportunity for a fully-funded education and the high honor of attending a service academy make these nominations extremely competitive. The deadline for applying this year is just a week away (Fri., Oct. 16, 2026). You can learn more on my website: https://t.co/vyW6YXA1qX Individuals may seek nominations for the U.S. Military Academy (U.S. Army), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

I am proud to host a Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in Georgia's Second Congressional District! The CAC is a nationwide event, where students can work as individuals or on teams to create an application, or “app,” for web, PC, tablet, mobile or other platform of their choice. Learn more at https://t.co/mCHEXLEoR9. #Congress4CS

When a medical emergency happens in our rural communities, having care nearby can make the difference between life and death. Families shouldn't be forced to drive long distances for basic care. That's why protecting federal support for our hospitals remains my top priority.

My heart remains heavy for the people of Vienna and the entire Dooly County community. We are praying for healing. We are praying for strength. We are praying for justice. And we are praying for peace. Vienna, we stand with you. https://t.co/i5UAbRPFfd

I am glad to join my co-chairs on the Congressional 4-H Caucus in introducing a resolution celebrating 4-H. For over a century, it has helped prepare young people to lead in agriculture, science, and civic life. https://t.co/V7wEFvGifq

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Angie Craig (MN-02), and Andy Harris (MD-01), co-chairs of the bipartisan 4-H Caucus, introduced a resolution today to designate the week of October 4 through October 10 as "National 4-H Week.” As the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System of Land-Grant Universities, 4-H engages young people in hands-on projects in the critical areas of agriculture, health, science, and civic leadership. 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the country, with six million current members and 35 million alumni. “Georgia is proud to be an early home for 4 H, starting in 1904, with programs reaching every county in our state and preparing young people to lead in agriculture, science, and civic life. I’ve had the pleasure to meet with National 4 H Council President & CEO Jill Bramble to discuss how 4 H continues to strengthen youth leadership nationwide. As an Eagle Scout, I know how essential positive role models and supportive environments are for young people, and 4 H delivers that every day. As Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I remain committed to investing in programs that uplift rural communities and build a stronger future for Georgia and our nation,” Rep. Bishop said. “The work ethic and curiosity of each 4-H member I’ve met over the years is one of the reasons I feel so confident in the future of our country's agriculture industry. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize the important work of 4-H members across the country, and encourage others to get involved as well,” Rep. Thompson said. “The work that 4-H does to develop our youth into the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond is more important than ever. American agriculture has come under great pressure, and fostering a love of agriculture in young people is crucial for America’s future. I am proud to celebrate 4-H today and stand with them as they work to empower America’s youth,” Rep. Craig said. “4-H gives young people in Maryland and across our nation the chance to experience agriculture firsthand. Representing farming communities across Maryland’s First District, I understand the hard work that farming requires and why it matters for young people to learn about agriculture and the work behind it. I’m proud to recognize National 4-H Week and the millions of young Americans who participate in 4-H,” Rep. Harris said. “We are grateful for the bipartisan support of the Congressional 4-H Caucus and its recognition of the millions of young people who are building the skills and confidence to be ready for work and life. For nearly 125 years, 4-H and Cooperative Extension have helped young people discover what they’re capable of, explore career skills and opportunities, and become Beyond Ready for what comes next,” National 4-H Council President and CEO Jill Bramble said. Read the full resolution here. ###

See my statement regarding the mass shooting in Vienna, GA, early this morning (Oct. 4). https://t.co/XAZkses3ZG https://t.co/i8wvi3mbM0

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement in the aftermath of the mass shooting in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Vienna, Georgia: “Homecoming is supposed to be about coming home — to family, to old friends, to the neighborhoods that raised us. Early this morning in Vienna, a celebration of home became a scene of unspeakable grief. “Two young men, just 20 and 23 years old, will not come home again. Dozens more are lying in hospital beds, and their families are keeping watch, praying for every breath. “Vivian and I join the people of Vienna and Dooly County in mourning. We lift up the families who lost sons, the wounded and those who love them, and every person who ran toward danger to help a neighbor. I am grateful to the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, first responders, and the doctors and nurses working through the night. “Scripture tells us that the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart. Vienna’s heart is broken today. But this community is strong, and it is not alone. My office stands ready to help in every way we can, and we will continue to pray for healing, for justice, and for peace.” ###

One month until Election Day. Every vote matters, and your participation in the political process is so important. To help make a difference in the final stretch, will you join my team? https://t.co/nb5lm4CdgR https://t.co/U4dauT0CMx

Last week, I visited Middle Georgia Community Foodbank in Macon. Food banks and community organizations that help fight hunger are feeling the strain, as the cost of groceries has gone up over the past year and a half. Food banks like this, across the country, are struggling to keep up with increased demand. Unfortunately, 530,000 Georgians lost access to SNAP this year due to the One Big Ugly Bill (which some are calling the “Working Families Tax Cuts Act”). This bill actually hurts working families by kicking people off SNAP and will continue to do so over the next few years. SNAP is meant to help hungry children, hard working parents, and seniors keep food on the table. Chaotic tariffs and unauthorized wars continue to drive up the cost of fuel, making it more expensive for Georgia’s farmers to grow the food we eat. The Administration also ended the Local Food Purchasing program so emergency feeding organizations like Middle Georgia Community Food Bank can no longer buy food from local farmers. I will work hard in Congress to make sure organizations like the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank are not left alone to fight hunger.

Today would have been former President Jimmy Carter's 102nd birthday. I am grateful to have known him, gained insight from him, and called him a friend. Though we miss him dearly, we take heart knowing that the memory and legacy of this proud son of Plains extends beyond Southwest Georgia, across our country and the globe. His lifelong commitment to peace, service, and humanitarian leadership continues to inspire generations.

Last Wednesday, I visited a Habitat for Humanity site build in Macon, GA. Over the past year and a half, the cost of living has skyrocketed. It is not just more expensive to put food on the table or fill the gas tank, it is also harder to buy or rent a home. Gutting the workers at USDA that help our farmers as well as chaotic tariffs and an unauthorized war in Iran have driving up the cost of fuel, disrupted crucial supply chains for everything from the food we eat to the materials we use to build housing. While I continue to work hard in Congress to rein that in, I was glad to work with Democrats and Republicans this summer to pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act which will help improve the housing supply and prevent large corporations from scooping up chunks of property that make it harder for hardworking Americans to afford a home. I continue working with municipal and county governments as well as community organizations to direct federal funds to local projects that help develop housing right here in Middle and Southwest Georgia so that it is a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.

While representing Middle & Southwest Georgia, I have always been driven by the needs of my constituents. I have always put people over politics and will continue to do so if re-elected this November. https://t.co/75ecjB5KLS

Earlier this month, I met with the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association. Georgia is a forestry leader and the #1 exporter of forest products in the nation. However, this administration’s tariffs have made the U.S. timber industry less competitive and raised equipment prices, which have only added to the challenges caused by pulp and paper mill closures. I will continue to support new markets for our forest landowners.

Every family deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Proud to join Habitat for Humanity in Macon's Napier Heights neighborhood to help build two homes, with 10 more on the way! Watch the full story: https://t.co/Wt9ArYOOaS

Earlier this month, I met with members of the American Counseling Association. We discussed how important mental healthcare is in Georgia, but many counties and rural communities face a shortage of providers. Sadly, the Trump Administration's recent cuts of nearly 2 billion dollars in funding for mental health and addiction programs are making it harder for patients to find and afford a counselor. This just compounds the strain hard-working Americans have faced in the past year as millions lost healthcare coverage due to cuts that have impacted Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Healthcare is part of the foundation of a good quality of life and the ability for people to work, provide for their families and loved ones, and be an active part of their community which is why I will continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to ensure Americans have access to affordable healthcare close to home.

Georgians, now is the time to request your absentee ballot! There's less than one month until the deadline to request an absentee ballot on October 23. Apply by mail or online here: https://t.co/lxQMoFatHE

Last week, I met with the International Fresh Produce Association. Georgia is a leading state for watermelon, blueberries, and cucumbers. We rely on specialty crop growers to supply fresh produce for hardworking families. However, USDA has not provided adequate support for our pecan, fruit, and vegetable growers. Furthermore, due to the tumultuous firings of capable workers in our government agencies, there are not enough staff in place to handle the proper communications or investigations for food safety and nutritional guidance. As a member of the Food Safety Caucus and top Democrat on the Ag-Rural Development-Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work both within my party and across the aisle to support the specialty crop industry and keep our food production safe.

6 weeks until Election Day! The deadline to register to vote in Georgia, October 5, is quickly approaching. Are you ready to vote? 🗳 Check your voter registration: https://t.co/vfKJn0pm6t

For those observing Yom Kippur, may this sacred day of reflection and renewal bring you peace and purpose. G’mar Chatima Tovah! https://t.co/JONsyTfSuS