The congressman I have chosen to research and write about is Timothy Bishop,  Democratic representative of New York's First Congressional District. This district encompasses the Eastern end of Long Island, stretching from Smithtown to Montauk Point. I have a home in East Hampton (encompassed within the first district) which is why I have chosen him as a member I wish to study, for his decisions have direct impact on my life.
    Timothy Bishop is a 12th generation Bishop on Long Island, having been born and raised in Southampton on June 1, 1950. He received his Bachelors degree from Holy Cross College in Worcester Massachusettes, and later his Master's degree from Long Island University. He worked for Southhampton College for a number of years before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2003.
    Since being elected to Congress, Timothy Bishop has been labeled a "populist leaning Democrat". He has voted for various liberal reform, such as Obama Care, and voted against repealing it. Bishop also voted for the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These bills all helped raise the debt ceiling, showing that the immediate aid that Obama believed was needed was also believed to be needed by Timothy Bishop.
    Perhaps the biggest thing Mr. Bishop has been an advocate of is the affordability of higher education for students. He helped pass legislation that made new loans available to families at no new cost. For this Bishop was named the 2011 recipient of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities' Award for Advocacy of Independent Higher Education. In March 2008, he received the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities’ highest award and was also the first recipient of the Torch Award from the Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations honoring public figures who demonstrate leadership and effectiveness in expanding availability of student financial assistance.
    Looking at various poles from varying organizations, it is clear to see that Timothy Bishop is also socially liberal. He has received an 88% rating from the HRC, showing a pro-gay rights stance, a 97% from the NAACP, showing a pro-affirmative-action stance, and a 100% rating by the LCV, reflecting pro-environment votes, among others.
    Back home on Long Island, Bishop has worked very hard to protect the rights of the citizens located within his district. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Bishop has worked to protect the Long Island Sound and other waterways, as well as to bring back federal funding to improve the infrastructure and put Long Islanders to work. He has fought hard to protect the Long Island Sound, defeating a plan to dump contaminated dredge spoil as well as leading the opposition against a plan to industrialize the Sound. He has worked hard to promote legislation to protect Long Island’s shoreline and beaches, by means such as rebuilding the beaches to fight off erosion. He has also been working hard with local municipalities to prevent the massive damages seen during superstorm Sandy by bringing in experts to help with planning.
    The relationship Timothy Bishop has with the people he represents is overwhelmingly positive. He has grown a strong relationship with the Native group, the Shinnecock tribe, in his district. In 2010 he even succeeded in having the group recognized as its own tribe. In 2012 members of an Occupy Long Island rally were seen protesting outside Timothy Bishop's office, and when the leader was interviewed he said he did not oppose Mr. Bishop but rather sought his support, because "Mr. Bishop has been responsive to us".