Biography

Congressman Sanford Bishop is serving his ninth term in the United States House of Representatives, representing the constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia. Known as a consensus builder who works with members on both sides of the aisle, Congressman Bishop has distinguished himself as a leader uniquely dedicated to his constituents.

The middle and southwest Georgia legislator defines his goal in public life as “seeking a higher, better quality of life for all citizens by promoting jobs and a stronger, more diversified economy, a better educated population, safe and secure communities free of crime and drugs, a clean environment, affordable and accessible health care, a safe food supply, energy independence, and a strong national defense -- all within the context of a balanced budget.”

Serving as a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations and as a Senior Whip in the Majority Whip operation for the 111th Congress, Congressman Bishop has emerged as a leader among the fiscally moderate-to-conservative Democrats in Congress, championing policies in support of a strong defense, a sound infrastructure, and an efficient and secure social safety net, as well as tax relief that does not burden future generations. He also championed the largest increase in funding for our nation’s veterans in the 110th Congress (2007-2008).

Bishop has authored a wide range of bills and resolutions, including the widely supported Transitional Health Care bill which was enacted into law as a part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization bill. This bill provides 180 days of transitional health care to service members in the United States Military who choose to voluntarily separate from active duty and join the Selected Reserves (SELRES). He also was a leader in implementing the 2008 Farm bill, which authorized $280 billion in nutrition and farm support programs that affect every American. The bill included a program spearheaded by Bishop and other farm-state legislators which encourages a cleaner, greener method of planting by providing an incentive for farmers to plant their crops in a crop mix rotation. In addition, he is the author of the Healthy Active and Lifelong Energy (HALE) Act designed to target obesity among the nation’s youth, particularly those considering military service.

Bishop has advocated for the values and morals of Southwest Georgians - "God, country, work, family, and guns" - through his support for several Constitutional amendments. Bishop has co-sponsored amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting the U.S. flag against acts of desecration, preserving the institution of marriage as between a man and a woman, ensuring a balanced federal budget, and allowing voluntary, non-denominational prayer in schools and other public localities. He also is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, receiving the grade of “A+” from the National Rifle Association.

Bishop has pushed through many initiatives of special concern to the Second District, including legislation to name the new U.S. Courthouse in Albany for civil rights leader C.B. King and legislation to rename the main post office in Albany for Dr. Walter Carl Gordon, Jr. He has supported bills to expand and improve the Andersonville and Jimmy Carter Historic Sites, as well as efforts to sustain and build new structures at the Second District's military installations, including Fort Benning in Columbus and the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany. He supported the minting of a commemorative coin honoring the United States Army Infantry, with a portion of the proceeds supporting Columbus' National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. Additionally, he has secured more than a billion dollars in federal grants and loans for communities throughout the Second District, making the area one of the nation's leaders in qualifying for federal community development funding.

For more than three decades, Bishop has served the people of Georgia as an elected official, first in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1977 to 1990, followed by the Georgia Senate from 1991-1992, and currently in the U.S. House of Representatives since his election in 1992. A graduate of Morehouse College and Emory Law School, Congressman Bishop is an Eagle Scout, as well as a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, a 33rd Degree Mason (PHA), and a Shriner. He is a resident of Albany, Georgia, where he is a Deacon and Trustee of the Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Bishop is the son of the late Dr. Sanford D. Bishop, Sr., the first president of Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama, and the late Mrs. Minnie S. Bishop, a librarian. Congressman Sanford Bishop is married to the Honorable Vivian Creighton Bishop, who is serving her fourth term as the elected Clerk of the Municipal Court of Columbus, Georgia (court administrator). They have a daughter, Aayesha J. Reese (husband Stephen) of Lithonia, Georgia, and a granddaughter, Londyn.