In his first few weeks in Congress, the Clarkston area’s newest U.S. representative is still getting his feet wet.
But with 12 years in the state legislature, Mike Bishop, R-District 8, has things in hand.
‘Things are a lot bigger, but it’s also a lot of the same things,? said Bishop during a visit to downtown Clarkston, Feb. 18. ‘I’m fortunate to have learned a lot about the state and my constituents in state government.?
He also traveled to Lansing, Livingston, and other Oakland County communities, meeting with constituents about issues including veterans? benefits.
‘There always seems to be red tape, so much regulation. We make contacts with the right people and kick them in the tail if needed to make the system work the way people need it to.?
District 8, which includes Clarkston, Independence Township, and Springfield Township, includes much of the same area he represented as a state senator.
International issues are now part of his job ? his predecessor, Mike Rogers, served as chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
‘There are a tremendous amount of issues to address ? ISIS, Russia, the Ukraine,? Bishop said. ‘On all of them, I see a lack of leadership and clear messaging in foreign policy.?
Terrorism of the Islamic State has been an abomination, he said.
‘The U.S. needs a policy, leadership working to do what needs to be done, not to demonize all Muslims, but to address an extreme faction within that religion,? he said.
The representative attended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress this week.
‘It was an honor to hear Prime Minister Netanyahu speak before Congress. America’s long-standing relationship with Israel is based on shared values and an unwavering allegiance to democracy ? a bond that cannot be taken for granted,? Bishop said in a press release. ‘In discussing negotiations with Iran, I agree with the prime minister that no deal is better than a bad deal.?
Domestically, health care remains a major issue, he said, Feb. 18.
‘The end result of Obamacare is no one can afford health care anymore,? he said. ‘Premiums are too high. Deductibles are too high.?
The congressman saw its effects while working in the private sector with International BanCard Financial Services.
‘They are supposed to be at 89 employees by now, but currently have 54 employees ? they’re ready to expand but paralyzed from hiring,? Bishop said.
‘It was supposed to address costs, but it never did,? he said. ‘It doesn’t account for spiraling costs. It’s a tragedy, creating a far bigger problem, and will likely cause destruction of small business in the state.?
The U.S. Supreme Court could rule against the law in spring, he said.
‘If that happens, we all need to be prepared to offer a solution,? he said. ‘I want to see patients in charge of their own health care. We don’t need government control. It’s not sustainable.?
Bishop also visited Clarkston schools, including the Oakland Technical Center Northwest campus in Clarkston, during his visit.
‘The tech center is a great idea, offering options for students going into vocational careers,? he said.
His goal is to reduce regulations on how local schools use federal money.
‘My hope is to get money to the classroom instead of getting hung up,? he said. ‘I have three kids in public schools in Rochester ? I’ve heard nothing but bad things about federal programs, too many strings, too much manipulation.?
Federal regulations in the Common Core curriculum is an example, he said.
‘It’s a top down approach that robs educators of the ability to teach ? it does a disservice to students,? he said.
So far, Bishop has served on the steering committee, Judiciary Committee, and Education and Workforce Committee, where he is working on the Student Success Act, H.R. 5, a bill to ‘reduce the federal footprint and restore local control, while empowering parents and education leaders to hold schools accountable for effectively teaching students.?
Bishop is maintaining his Michigan residency during his tenure in the U.S. House, spending about 9-10 nights a month in Washington.
‘I’m back every weekend without fail,? he said. ‘I have no intention to move to Washington. This is my home.?
For more information, call the representative at his district office at 810-227-8600, and Washington office, 202-225-4872.