This week, just like last week, has been one of continuous ups and
downs for representative Timothy Bishop. He has faced another week of
criticism through the media for his alleged illegal affairs in his
re-election bid. At the same time certain bills he has championed have
seen considerable gains. He has also done an admirable job back home,
despite all the pressures going on nationally.
The Office of
Congressional Ethics has stated what exactly it is investigating in
regards to the probe involving Timothy Bishop's affairs. As stated last
week it is known that he is being investigated for illegally receiving
donations toward his re-election campaign in exchange for a permit for
the use of fireworks. In its report, the Office of Congressional Ethics
made two recommendations: that the House committee look into whether
Mr. Bishop sought the contributions in connection with an official act
and whether he made sure that the $5,000 donation was in compliance with
federal rules. The leaders of the investigation, K. Michael Conaway, a
Texas Republican, and Linda T. Sanchez, a California democrat, have
stated they will have no further comment until it is completed.
On a more positive note for Mr. Bishop, a bill he introduced into the
House last week was passed fairly easily by the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act
of 2013 (WRRDA), as was spoken about last week, cuts federal red tape
and bureaucracy, streamlines the infrastructure project delivery
process, promotes fiscal responsibility, and strengthens our water
transportation networks, improves America’s competitiveness, and creates
jobs. "It is a bill that reflects the better traditions of this
committee and a bill that moves us forward," Mr. Bishop said.
Back home, the focus this week was on the sale of Plum Island, the
current home of the Animal Disease Research Facility. Timothy Bishop,
along with New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as
well as Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney, petitioned the federal government
to issue an executive order to block the sale, stating it would not
offset the costs of financing the new facility in Kansas. A rep for Mr.
Bishop clarified his standpoint, claiming that if the island is kept for
use as a research facility, then the sale is acceptable. It is if the
island is sold to the highest bidder, he may challenge the ruling of the
division of the island and make it for his own.
It has been a
delicate few weeks for Mr. Bishop, but despite all the pressure being
put on him, he continues to look to benefit his district, be it through
national means or local.
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