WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported H.R. 6833, a short-term funding bill commonly referred to as a Continuing Resolution, that will keep the federal government open through mid-December as Congressional Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate work towards a final, full-year funding bill. The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 230-201.

“Passing funding laws that keep the lights on and government offices running is the most basic and essential responsibility of Congress as it serves the people,” said Congressman Bishop. “Today’s bipartisan vote prevented a harmful government shutdown that would have adversely affected families, businesses, and local governments as well as hamstrung efforts to recover from the fallout of Hurricane Ian. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come to a consensus on a full-year funding bill so that Americans can plan for the year ahead with greater certainty.”
 
The bill also provided supplemental funding to support Ukraine in its fight against the ongoing Russian invasion of its territory.

In addition to the funding bill, Congressman Bishop also supported several bipartisan bills this week that will expand veteran benefits, strengthen critical suicide prevention tools, ensure veteran food security, and improve whistleblower protections for VA employees. These include: 

    H.R. 3304, the AUTO for Veterans Act, which authorizes the VA Secretary to provide assistance to disabled veterans to purchase or modify vehicles for mobility access.

    H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act, which will establish a VA Office of Food Security that will provide veterans with information about federal food assistance programs and coordinate with other federal agencies to get these resources to veterans.

    H.R. 8875, the Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act,  which will improve home loan benefit eligibility for national guard members and reservists.

    S. 1198, the Solid Start Act which permanently authorizes and expands the Solid Start program, that helps veterans who have left the U.S. military in their first year of separation, easing the transition to civilian life.

    H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Act which improves whistleblower protection and independence and accountability within VA’s Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.

    S. 2794, the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, which increases from $400,000 to $500,000 the maximum coverage amount for members (or former members) of a uniformed service under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program.

In addition to this week’s votes, earlier today Congressman Bishop led a panel discussion on black women veterans health issues. The panel was part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Veterans Brain Trust. Congressman Bishop is the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.