Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary public servant, Pooler Fire-Rescue Chief Wade Simmons, who recently celebrated 36 years of dedicated service as a career firefighter. Chief Simmons began his journey in 1989 with the Southside Fire Department, later joining Savannah Fire in 1998 before bringing his leadership to Pooler in 2008. Under his direction, Pooler Fire-Rescue has grown from a small two-station department to a five-station organization operating six companies and a daily shift commander. Throughout his career, Chief Simmons has been a pillar in the fire service community, known for his mentorship, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He has strengthened departments across Georgia through training, consultation, and collaboration, earning the respect of firefighters statewide. For 36 years, Chief Simmons has dedicated his life to protecting others and preparing the next generation of first responders. His service is an inspiration to us all. Celebrating Joe Fusile

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate excellence that extends far beyond the football field. Joe Fusile, a Georgia Tech student, Richmond Hill High School alumnus, and civil engineering major, has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy. Known as college football's premier scholar-athlete award, the William V. Campbell Trophy honors the absolute best for combined success in academics, athletics, and leadership. This year, the National Football Foundation announced 177 semifinalists across all of college football. The average GPA among them is an extraordinary 3.60 with more than one-half already holding degrees. To be nominated, a player must be a senior or graduate student, carry at least a 3.2 GPA, excel on the field, and demonstrate strong character and citizenship. Participating in the Uplifting Athletes organization, a group that raises awareness for individuals with rare diseases, Mr. Fusile exemplifies what it means to be a true Georgia Tech student-athlete on and off the field. Honoring the Life of Randall Kato

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Randall Kato. A native of Hawaii, Randall carried his island warmth all the way to Georgia, where he became legendary for his dedication to surfing. He made the daily drive from Hinesville to Tybee Island just to greet the waves and his friends. Kato was not only the first one in the water and the last one out, but he was also a devoted father, friend, and mentor, uplifting everyone he met with kindness and wisdom. Those who were lucky enough to know him saw him as a role model with a peaceful spirit and a positive outlook on life. Kato fed off the energy from surfing, forming a physical and mental connection with and a respect for nature. Even in the face of trials, he taught by example that peace and resilience would carry us through. Let us honor that legacy and celebrate the life of a true legend. Celebrating Blake Raulerson

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an important leadership appointment for the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs. Mr. Blake Raulerson has been named the University of Georgia's next vice president for government relations, a position he has earned through his dedication and results for the university. Raulerson has spent the last 4 years representing UGA, first as director of State government relations and most recently as associate vice president. His leadership has been pivotal in securing support for the university's capital priorities, including $50 million in State matching funds for the new school of medicine. President Jere Morehead praised Blake's decade of experience and ability to deliver results for the university. Raulerson's career spans service to Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Senator David Perdue, Georgia Farm Bureau, and Governor Brian Kemp. He succeeds Kevin Abernethy and will oversee UGA's government relations strategy with State, Federal, and local partners. We welcome Blake Raulerson's leadership as UGA continues advancing academic excellence for the great State of Georgia. Recognizing the College of Coastal Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the College of Coastal Georgia, a public college in Brunswick. The college earned its fourth consecutive semester win of the Chancellor's Cup from the University System of Georgia. This achievement reflects the college's continued momentum in enrollment growth and its commitment to student success. The Chancellor's Cup is awarded to institutions that have demonstrated the highest increase in full-time enrollment within their sector. Coastal Georgia has consistently led the State colleges sector, enrolling 12 percent more students this summer than the year before. After the Chancellor's Cup win, the college began the 2024-2025 academic year with its highest first-day numbers and broke last year's dual enrollment record. As Coastal Georgia continues to expand its reach and academic offerings, the Chancellor's Cup serves as both recognition and motivation. Coastal Georgia is a place where students thrive, and that is a legacy to keep building on. I congratulate the College of Coastal Georgia. Inducting UGA Athletes into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three former University of Georgia athletes on their induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. As an avid sports fan, it is great to see these impressive athletes recognized for their prowess. Leah Brown is a 14-time All-American gymnast who rose to the national number one in the all-around, vault, and floor in 1997. She was the first to record a 10.0 in her collegiate debut. John Kasay was a 4-year letterman from 1987-1990 on the football team. He earned second-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors in his senior season before a career in the NFL. Bunny Fuller Harris was a star at Taylor County High School, leading her basketball team to four State titles and 100 straight wins while averaging 22 points per game. She became the leading scorer during the Georgia Lady Bulldogs' first winning season. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these athletes on their recognition of a lifetime. 125th Anniversary of Ritz Theatre

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true jewel of Georgia's cultural heritage, the Ritz Theatre in historic Brunswick, marking its 125th anniversary this year. Since its opening in 1899 as the Grand Opera House, the Ritz has entertained generations through vaudeville, silent films, live theater, and modern performances. Despite years of challenge, including a roof collapse and threat of demolition, the city and community rallied, secured the theater, and restored it to its former glory. For more than a century, the Ritz has been a gathering place where art, music, and shared stories bring communities together. It embodies resilience, creativity, and faith in the power of culture to unite us. On this milestone, we honor everyone who preserved this landmark: past leaders, art advocates, volunteers, and citizens of Brunswick. May the next 125 years see the Ritz grow stronger, welcome new audiences, and continue to light up hearts across our State. Honoring Life and Legacy of Dr. Mark Vann Stewart

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Dr. Mark Vann Stewart of St. Marys, Georgia, who passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. Dr. Stewart was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend whose life was marked by faith, service, and kindness. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, he went on to earn advanced degrees from Valdosta State University and the University of Sarasota. For over 30 years, Dr. Stewart served Camden County Schools as a teacher, coach, administrator, and assistant superintendent, later continuing his work with Coastal Plains High School. Through his leadership, he touched countless lives and shaped the future of education in his community. Beyond the classroom, he was a man of faith who loved the Lord, his family, golf, and the Georgia Bulldogs. His generosity, quiet strength, and compassion left a lasting impact on all who knew him. We honor his life and celebrate his legacy of faith and service. Honoring Dawn Baker

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dawn Baker, a news anchor from WTOC-TV in Savannah. She was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters' 2026 Hall of Fame class. The GAB Hall of Fame requires that one spend at least 20 years in broadcasting and have a meaningful connection to Georgia, significant contributions to Georgia broadcasting, and a strong record of achievement. Dawn joined WTOC as a reporter in 1989 and has been elevating the station's standards ever since. She is a strong leader in the newsroom, guiding hundreds of younger journalists in her time at WTOC. She believes the best part of being a reporter is having the chance to help. Her involvement and dedication to community is second to none, making her very deserving of this honor. The 2026 Hall of Fame class reflects the true spirit of Georgia broadcasting. Their contributions have strengthened local journalism, inspired future broadcasters, and enriched our State. Congratulations to Dawn. Celebrating Dr. DeShaun McGee as Georgia Assistant Principal of the Year

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. DeShaun McGee, assistant principal at Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, for being named Georgia Assistant Principal of the Year by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. McGee stood out among more than 140 applicants, thanks to his servant leadership, tireless energy, and heartfelt commitment to students. He is known for being present in the lunchroom, in the hallways, and among the faculty building relationships, offering guidance, and making a tangible difference every day. Serving the students at Bradwell Institute and the wider Liberty County system, Dr. McGee leads with integrity, compassion, and a clear vision for educational success. His work elevates his school, supports his colleagues, and strengthens his community. Please join me in recognizing Dr. DeShaun McGee for this well-earned honor and in thanking him for his outstanding contribution to education in the State of Georgia. Commemorating 37th Annual Georgia Peanut Tour

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 37th Annual Georgia Peanut Tour. The 37th tour began in Valdosta, Georgia, right around the onset of harvest season, making it the perfect time to showcase some peanuts. This year's preeminent stop was at Swilley Farms in which the Swilley family has been tilling the land for over 100 years. Danny Swilley continues to honor his family legacy, operating alongside his two brothers and his father. The Georgia Peanut Tour contacted Swilley and other local farmers allowing them to showcase their farms and support the industry. The tour forges relationships, providing these businesses with the opportunity to connect with their customer base. Tourists can gain insight into the peanut harvesting process, infrastructure, production, handling, processing, and utilization. I congratulate the Swilley family for highlighting their stories in the peanut industry, from digging to managing diseases that can ruin the harvest.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Kent Hamilton of Norman Park, who has been named Georgia's 2025 Farmer of the Year. Mr. Hamilton serves as the chief executive officer of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, a family-owned and family-operated business founded in 1987. Under his leadership, Southern Valley has expanded to more than 8,500 cultivated acres across Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Mexico. The company grows a variety of fresh vegetables, including green beans, peppers, squash, corn, and cucumbers, and employs hundreds of hardworking individuals who help bring quality produce to families across the country. Mr. Hamilton began farming 37 years ago alongside his uncle and late brother, starting with cotton, peanuts, and tobacco before transitioning to vegetables to ensure year-round productivity. Today, Southern Valley is a fully integrated operation that handles every step, from seed to shelf. Kent's wife and their children each play vital roles in this thriving family business, carrying forward a proud legacy of faith, integrity, and hard work.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism, and there are horrors. Socialism has no place in our country. Unfortunately, so-called woke liberals in New York City don't seem to understand that socialism is nothing more than mutually assured poverty and recently voted to bring these failed policies to their own once-great city. While I am saddened that New Yorkers will be willing victims of Zohran Mamdani's destined-to-fail socialist policies, I have filed legislation ensuring not one dime goes to fund his un-American agenda. The rest of the country should not be forced to subsidize one mayor's destructive actions. Today's resolution builds on those efforts, making it clear that the United States does not stand for, does not support, and does not condone a system of government that makes people poorer, less free, and less safe. With this resolution, we reiterate our Nation's commitment to remaining a free and prosperous society.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3109, the REFINER Act. For too long, America has fallen behind in refining capacity. In fact, we have lost an estimated 1 million barrels of fuel per day due to low refining capacity. The Biden administration declared war on American energy by suspending oil and gas leasing on Federal lands, delaying permits for energy infrastructure, and canceling the Keystone XL pipeline. With President Trump and House Republicans in charge, those days are over with now. The REFINER Act offers a commonsense solution to this critical issue. This bill requires the National Petroleum Council to submit a report to Congress analyzing the capacity of American refining and recommending how we can increase our refining capacity. The American people elected us to lower prices, especially prices at the pump. This bill will provide crucial data and guidance on how we can best reinforce our domestic energy infrastructure and help ensure fuel costs are low for Americans. This bill is an important step toward delivering American energy dominance. It is something the President has worked on and is diligent about. If we are going to power domestic manufacturing, if we are going to beat China in the AI race, and then deliver on affordable energy for all, we must ensure that domestic refining can keep up. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend Representative Latta for introducing this important piece of legislation, and I urge its immediate adoption.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Jud Smith of Barrow County, who has been named Georgia's 2025 Sheriff of the Year. Throughout his career, Sheriff Smith has led with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the people who he serves. His steady leadership during times of crisis, including the tragic events at Apalachee High School, brought comfort and stability to a grieving community and reminded us of the vital role that law enforcement plays in keeping our neighborhoods safe. A lifelong resident of Barrow County, Sheriff Smith has dedicated his life to public service. He has earned the trust of his community through compassion, humility, and an unrelenting dedication to justice. The people of Georgia are grateful for his courage, his faith, and his service. Today, we honor Sheriff Smith for exemplifying what it means to lead with heart and to serve with honor.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Esther Omoyiwola, a graduate student at Georgia Southern University. She was awarded the 2025 Amateur Radio Digital Communication Scholarship, an example of her academic achievement, resilience, and determination. Her determination was shaped by the strength and community she found in Georgia Southern after leaving her home country of Nigeria. After arriving, she immersed herself in research, focused on power converters and machine learning applications. With countless hours of research and lab work, Esther didn't hold back on the scholarship application. She plans to use the scholarship money to purchase tools and resources to support her research, as well as to cover some school expenses. Now, her focus is towards helping the next generation of women engineers and young girls like her who face uncertainty in the next chapter of their life. She wants to pay it forward, as it was a path she didn't take alone.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate First Baptist Church of Savannah on their 225th anniversary. Since 1800, this church has stood as a cornerstone of faith, service, and resilience in our community. From its beginnings on Franklin Square to the historic sanctuary on Chippewa Square, First Baptist Church has been a beacon of steadfast devotion and is recognized as the oldest surviving house of worship in Savannah. Through its leadership and dedicated members, this church has shaped not only life in Savannah but also Baptist life across Georgia and our Nation. It has nurtured faith, advanced education through its connection to Mercer University, and embraced the spirit of service. Between its open-door policy during the Civil War to its recent pipe organ concert series, First Baptist Church has continually worked to build community and welcome all in their congregation. We celebrate them for both a remarkable history and a vibrant legacy of hope for the future. Recognizing Katherine Spies

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katherine Spies, who until recently served as the director of flight test engineering at Gulfstream Aerospace and has now been selected as one of the 10 members of NASA's 2025 astronaut candidate class. Holding a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a master's degree from Harvard University, Ms. Spies has consistently exemplified her dedication to innovation. NASA's astronaut candidate class is among the most competitive programs in the world, drawing thousands of applicants from across the Nation. A former Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot and engineer at Gulfstream, Ms. Spies stood out for her extraordinary record of service and expertise. Her selection continues our State's proud tradition of producing pioneers in science and technology and will inspire young people across Georgia to dream big and pursue careers in STEM. As she begins training for future missions, we are honored that Katherine Spies will continue to uphold Georgia's legacy of innovation and service to our Nation. Honoring Life and Service of Frank Garner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Frank Garner, chairman of the Liberty County Republican Party, who recently passed away. Frank was more than a dedicated leader. He was a proud military veteran and a man of deep faith and conviction. His commitment to his community and to our country was reflected in everything he did. Whether it was placing campaign signs, knocking on doors, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, Frank led by example and inspired others through his actions. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the Republican Party in Liberty County and across Georgia, reminding us that real leadership begins with service and humility. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the example he set for those who followed. We extend our deepest condolences to Frank's family, friends, and the Liberty County community. His life embodied patriotism, dedication, and service to others. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the First Baptist Church of Savannah on their 225th Anniversary. Since 1800, this church has stood as a cornerstone of faith, service, and resilience in our community. From its beginnings on Franklin Square to the historic sanctuary on Chippewa Square, First Baptist Church has been a beacon of steadfast devotion and is recognized as the oldest surviving house of worship in Savannah. Through its leadership and dedicated members, this church has shaped not only life in Savannah but also Baptist life across Georgia and our Nation. It has nurtured faith, advanced education through its connection to Mercer University, and embraced a spirit of service. Between its open-door policy during the Civil War to its recent pipe organ concert series, First Baptist Church has continually worked to build community and welcome all into their congregation. We celebrate them for both a remarkable history and a vibrant legacy of hope for the future.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome to America His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He is the spiritual head of the second-largest Christian church in the world and leads over a million Greek Orthodox in the U.S. He is here this month to meet with government leaders and to receive the distinguished Templeton Prize. Throughout His All-Holiness' decades as Ecumenical Patriarch, he has sought to bring together people of all faiths to combat religious intolerance and enhance understanding. He convened an interfaith international conference on Peace and Religious Tolerance in Istanbul. The conference brought together Christians, Jews, and Muslims to find ways to encourage understanding and peaceful coexistence among followers of the three faiths. The Patriarch has been honored also by the United Nations, the European Union, and dozens of governments, universities, and institutions. In 1997, he was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Speaker, I welcome His All-Holiness to the United States.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 265, and YEA on Roll Call No. 266.