Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, introduced and led the subcommittee in approving its Fiscal Year 2023 funding bill. The funds in this bill will support a wide range of federal programs that cover agriculture, rural development, and the Food and Drug Administration as well as other agencies.
The Congressman also secured the inclusion of two projects in the bill which will improve rural broadband internet infrastructure as well as public safety in Southwest Georgia. One project will support the City of Donalsonville, Georgia in its effort to expand wireless, high-speed internet service to unserved and underserved residents in Seminole County. The other project will support communities served by the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission as those counties update and upgrade public safety communications equipment, so that fire and police departments as well as medical first responders can quickly coordinate emergency responses.
“Every American is affected by federal programs which ensure the United States continues to produce the most abundant, safest, accessible, and affordable food, fiber, and medicine. Helping our rural communities grow is an important part of this. I was especially pleased to include two projects specifically for Southwest Georgia in this year’s bill,” said Congressman Bishop. “These funds will help our emergency services get crucial equipment that helps them coordinate during times of crisis. It will also improve internet access for Seminole County residents — which can affect everything from our children’s education and family access to telehealth services, to our local businesses looking to connect with customers near and far.”
WATCH: Opening remarks by Chair Bishop at the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill markup
The inclusion of this funding in the Appropriations Committee draft bill is the first step in the funding process. Congressman Bishop will continue to fight for this funding as the bill moves to the full Appropriations Committee, consideration on the House Floor, and negotiations with the Senate.
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