Dear John,

I want to share some updates with you from Congress and across the country. Here are four things to know today:

1. I recently announced that CareConnect Health is receiving a $5,626,121 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Center Program to improve and expand health services across Middle and Southwest Georgia. Rural populations face the two-fold problem of higher rates of poverty and lower access to healthcare resources. Over 114,000 patients are served by CareConnect Health centers, of whom nearly half live at or below the Federal Poverty Guideline. As the leader of the House Appropriations subcommittee which addresses rural development, I have worked hard with my colleagues across the aisle to make sure that quality healthcare is available — close to home — for our families in rural communities.
2. This week, I, along with several of my colleagues, introduced the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act to make it easier for military families to qualify for school meal programs. Nearly one in seven military families report experiencing food insecurity, but many do not qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program because service members’ housing allowances are considered income and push them out of eligibility. The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act would stop counting service members’ Basic Allowance for Housing as part of their income when determining eligibility for school meal programs, which would then qualify almost all children of entry-level, active duty service members for school meals, up through ranks E-6. It would also automatically enroll children of eligible service members into school meal programs so service members are no longer required to do burdensome paperwork every time they relocate.
3. On Wednesday, I joined Democrats and Republicans to adopt must-pass legislation that prevents the United States from defaulting on the federal debt. This vote addresses federal debt primarily accumulated during previous presidential administrations. This is not about future spending but meeting the obligations we already have. This includes our obligations to the American people who rely on Social Security and our commitment to our military veterans.
4. Once again I want to highlight that we are almost at the end of the year, and it is vital we hit our fundraising goals before the home stretch. Between new challengers, increased NRCC spending, and the challenges created by redistricting, my campaign is going to need all the support we can get. We must hold the house in 2022, and I am counting on your support to do just that. Please, help us hit our end of year goal by making a donation today.

Thank you for reading my updates and for your ongoing engagement.

Stay well, enjoy your weekend, and know that I am working hard for you every day.

Sincerely,
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.

Paid for by Sanford Bishop for Congress