Congressman Sanford Bishop is serving his eighth 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, accessible health care; and a strong national defense, all within the context of a balanced budget.
Serving as a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, 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. Congressman Bishop has authored and sponsored a wide range of bills, including the 2002 Farm bill and the Healthy Troops Act, which, if enacted, would ensure that all U.S. service members receive a “hands-on” physical both before and after they are deployed to combat.
He 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; bills to expand and improve the Andersonville and Jimmy Carter Historic Sites; efforts to sustain and build the Second District's military installations; and has helped secure 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. Congressman Sanford Bishop has received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2000, 2004, and 2005 for his active role in the promotion of business and economic prosperity in Southwest Georgia. In addition, Georgia Trend Magazine has recognized Congressman Bishop as one of the 100 most influential Georgians for 2005 and 2006.
For 30 years, Sanford Bishop has served the people of Georgia as an elected official: in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1977 to 1990; in the Georgia Senate from 1991-1992 and 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, a 33rd Degree Mason, and a Shriner. He is also a resident of Albany, Georgia, where he is a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church.
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, of Lithonia, Georgia.