Madam Chair, the chairman has said that spending on WIC in 2026 was lower than in 2025. I point out that there was a government shutdown from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. In October, faced with running out of funds, States asked infant formula companies to send out rebates faster so they could keep running their programs. Using the formula rebates made the average per-person food cost in October 2026 $9 lower than in 2025. But if you discount that month, the average monthly food cost in 2026 was higher than in 2025, not lower.
2026 MidtermsLikely SeatR+100$652K raised
Sanford Bishop
Representative · Georgia · Democrat
Sanford Bishop
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 8646. As ranking member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I am deeply disappointed by this bill because it fails every American who relies on us for safe food and medicines, resilient farmlands, and vital rural infrastructure. The FY 2027 House Agriculture appropriations bill is 4 percent below the FY26 enacted levels, a cut of $1.1 billion. It makes substantial reductions across rural development, farm production and conservation, nutrition, and foreign aid programs.
Mr. Chair, I am really deeply disappointed in the bill. I am just reflecting on the reductions in this bill for rural water and waste disposal grants, 44 percent over last year. If you look at what is happening with the chairman's district over in Maryland, the State of Maryland will lose $2.203 million for rural water and waste disposal grants and in the First District, it is $1.340 million of that. The losses for rural energy for America and the REAP program are being cut 50 percent. That is really not doing right by our people in rural America.
Biography
Sanford Bishop began his career as an attorney and local prosecutor before entering public service. Elected to represent Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District in 1992, Bishop focuses on agriculture, veterans’ issues, and rural economic development. He has chaired the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and played a key role in securing disaster relief for Georgia farmers. Bishop’s pragmatic approach and steady leadership underscore his commitment to addressing the practical needs of his district.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
1993–PresentRepresented Georgia's 2nd congressional district for 17 terms.
Member, Georgia State Senate
1991–1992Served one term in the Georgia Senate before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Member, Georgia House of Representatives
1977–1990Served in the Georgia House of Representatives for over a decade prior to his state senate service.
Attorney, Private Practice in Columbus, Georgia
Operated a law firm in Columbus, Georgia after earning his Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law.
Soldier, United States Army
1969–1971Served on active duty in the U.S. Army.
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security27%
Agriculture and Food27%
Government Operations and Politics18%
Congress9%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Sanford Bishop's record in Congress.
Agricultural Support
Secured federal funding and disaster relief for Georgia farmers affected by hurricanes and natural disasters.
Military Infrastructure
Advocated for and obtained funding to improve facilities at Fort Benning and other military installations in Georgia.
Peanut Allergy Research
Co-sponsored legislation to increase federal investment in peanut allergy research and treatment initiatives.
Rural Healthcare Access
Helped secure grants to expand healthcare services and telemedicine in underserved rural communities in Southwest Georgia.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Appropriations
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