Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mark Hendrix for recently being named Superior Court Judge for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. Established by the Georgia General Assembly, the six-county circuit covers Liberty, Long, Bryan, Evans, McIntosh, and Tattnall Counties. Hendrix received a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1995. In the years prior, he earned his juris doctor from Mercer's Walter F. George School of Law in 1999. His past work and experience illustrate that he is a valuable addition to the judicial system. Along with starting his private practice, Hendrix has served as solicitor general for Liberty County, Long County, and Richmond Hill. He also served for nearly a decade as an assistant district attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. Hendrix's acceptance for the nomination demonstrates his commitment to the legal field where he has already amassed an impressive 23 years of experience. I thank Mr. Hendrix for working to serve his community, and I look forward to witnessing his future success.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bruce Redmond on becoming the 2024 Georgia Farmer of the Year. Bruce owns Shiloh Farms, which is a 2,800-acre farm located in Effingham County consisting of wet and drylands. Larry Redmond passed down the art of farming to his son, instilling in him the essential skills and values needed to cultivate the land. Bruce is a very successful farmer, having been named the Young Farmer of the Year for Effingham County, Georgia Outstanding Young Farmer, and Effingham County Friend of 4-H. Shiloh Farms is one of the three certified TifQuik growers in the world and the largest producer of Bahia grass seed in the southeast. The University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension named Bruce as Farmer of the Year because of his cooperation with conservation research initiatives and dedication to sustainable farming. He will represent Georgia in competing for Southeastern Farmer of the Year in October. I wish Bruce luck, and I thank Bruce for his dedication to Georgia agriculture. Remembering the Life of Joy Povec

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of Bob Houghton. Bob is a giant in Georgia broadcasting and has worked with over 500 Georgia television and radio stations during the span of his career. Bob is retiring as president of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, a position he has held since 2012. Although born and raised in Chicago, Bob chose to make Georgia his home. Bob has been a live announcer for college football, baseball, and basketball in Georgia. He fondly refers to the University of Georgia as his ``adopted college'' and served for several years on the Grady College Board of Trust before being named a Grady Fellowship Recipient in 2022. During his career, Bob has held management positions at WGST radio, CBS, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and he has advocated extensively for the continuation of AM radio. Bob has earned a tremendous amount of respect in his field, and I hope you join me in congratulating him on a well-earned retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Before I begin, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the sponsor of this bill, Dr. Burgess, for his outstanding work in healthcare, especially as a Member of this august body. For many years he has served here, and I know he is going to be retiring at the end of this year, and we are certainly going to miss his leadership, particularly in the healthcare space, and we appreciate him very much. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3838, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act, which I am co-leading with Dr. Burgess. Maternal mortality is something that I have worked on for many, many years as a member of the Georgia State legislature and now as a Member of Congress. It baffles me as to why Georgia, my home State, would be one of the leading States in the Nation in maternal mortality. I have not been able to get my arms around that and understand why that is, but it is. Our Nation's maternal mortality crisis, which, as I say, severely impacts Georgians, is alarming and trending in the wrong direction. In fact, in Georgia, the maternal mortality rate has increased to over 30 deaths per 100,000 live births. For women of color and people living in rural communities, those numbers are much higher. The United States is trending in the wrong direction, as well, and we need to understand why moms are dying, despite us spending $4.4 trillion on healthcare in 2022. As a father, as a grandfather, and a healthcare professional, I believe that we can and we must do much better. It is time for this to become a national priority, which is why I am proud to be co-leading the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act with Dr. Burgess. This legislation would ensure continued support for the critically important work that the State Maternal Mortality Review Committees have done in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. State Maternal Mortality Review Committees are crucial to collecting data so that each State can form a plan to address maternal health issues impacting their community. This bipartisan bill is an important step toward ending the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. We value women, we value life, and this bipartisan bill prioritizes both. I thank Dr. Burgess again for working with me on this important issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a major accomplishment that has been awarded to Kim Gusby. Kim is a Savannah-raised journalist and has recently been elected to the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. This comes after 20 years of broadcasting in the Savannah area. Kim is an award-winning journalist and the longest-serving morning news anchor in the area. She is known throughout the community for tirelessly giving back at every opportunity. In 2019, Kim founded The Village Scholarship Fund, which provides necessary resources for high school students aiming to start college. Kim was also named Outstanding Georgia Citizen in 2019. Congratulations to Kim. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mr. Colt Brockington. Colt is the 2023-2024 recipient of the Milken Educator Award of the State of Georgia. This award is given to a younger educator who has extraordinary accomplishments and achievements. Only the best of the best receive it. Colt is an alum of Wayne County High School and a graduate of the College of Coastal Georgia. He now serves as a science teacher and mentor to students and faculty at Wayne County High School. Colt develops plans to enhance student learning by collaborating with teachers and students alike to provide a nurturing and academic environment. His leadership abilities in the classroom are also seen on the field, with Colt holding the positions of Wayne County head softball coach, assistant baseball coach, and athletic academic adviser. Colt inspires his students on and off the field with his dedication to the future of education at Wayne County High School. Congratulations to Colt. Recognizing Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Famer Kim Gusby

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Savannah-born singer Megan Moroney for ranking among Rolling Stone's ``The 100 Best Albums of 2023'' list. Born in Savannah, Georgia, Megan Moroney comes from a household steeped in musical talent and traditions influenced by iconic songwriters in classic country, southern rock, and Americana. After completing high school, Moroney set off to receive a degree in accounting at the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs. During her freshmen year at UGA, Megan was provided with the opportunity to open for a well-established country artist at the renowned Georgia Theatre. This unexpected opportunity sparked Megan's interest in crafting her first original song. Reflecting on her journey, she shared that she never thought she would be a singer professionally. Moroney connects with her audience through her music by speaking her truth about the emotional experiences she has faced. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Megan. I look forward to seeing her continued success in the future. In Remembrance of Leanna Piver

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Leanna Piver, a varsity cheerleader and student at Georgia Tech. Leanna has been awarded a posthumous degree by Georgia Tech after her passing. Leanna learned dance and theater, and she was accepted into the Atlanta Workshop Players performing arts company while at Parkview High School. After high school, she was accepted into Georgia Tech and joined the cheerleading squad as a flyer. Leanna tragically passed after a car accident in 1998. She is remembered by all as a loving member of the Tech family. The Georgia Institute of Technology granted a bachelor of science in business administration posthumously for Leanna as a gift to her parents, who celebrated their 50th anniversary and love for Leanna. While Leanna's life was cut tragically short, her legacy lives on through memories, the scholarship created in her name, and so much more. Congratulating Milken Educator Award Recipient Colt Brockington

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Josef Broder for his dedication to the University of Georgia family as he enters retirement. Known as one of the university's most highly regarded educators, Dr. Broder was tasked with enhancing the college's teaching programs. His efforts resulted in record-breaking student enrollments, increased diversity in student representation, and greater participation in study abroad initiatives. As a Georgia resident, Josef Broder held prestigious titles, including D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics; Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Distinguished University Professor. Dr. Broder played a pivotal role in establishing the Congressional Agriculture Fellowship Program and introducing degree programs on the Tifton and Griffin campuses. Having dedicated to two distinct terms as interim dean and director, Dr. Broder skillfully navigated the college through critical transition periods. Even after his leadership roles, he continued contributing his time as the associate dean for academic affairs. May Dr. Broder enjoy his well-earned retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. America used to be the leader in nuclear energy. It should be one of the key parts of our energy security and the awe of the globe. However, we have allowed it to deteriorate and for other countries to take the lead on the global stage. Instead, Russia and China are building a larger and larger presence in global nuclear power. Together, the two account for nearly 70 percent of reactors under construction or being planned worldwide. The United States cannot stand by and allow China and Russia to be the standard bearers of nuclear energy. Just imagine the nuclear proliferation implications, let alone the economic ones. Don't be fooled. This is just another way for China and Russia to exert influence and manipulate countries around the globe. We have seen it with the Belt and Road Initiative, and with nuclear plants, this means decades and decades of developing countries tied to China. Thankfully, this doesn't have to be the case. We can have a new American nuclear renaissance. This bill, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, will provide important steps to do so. We have proved that in the State of Georgia with the two newest reactors built in this country in over 30 years. This bill includes reforms to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to increase licensing efficiency, strengthen our nuclear workforce, make advanced nuclear technology more accessible through fee reductions, modernize reviews, and other important improvements to how nuclear is approached in the U.S. I am pleased to have my bill, the Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act, which I introduced along with Representative Scott Peters from California, included as a section of this bill. This bill will take a multipronged approach to promoting nuclear energy around the globe by providing global nuclear energy assessment, providing a program for training and sharing of expertise, and provide for an International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch. This will inspire coordination, research, and development for the U.S. and our allies, which is extremely important. Lastly, it will prohibit the import of nuclear fuel assemblies from hostile foreign nations, including Russia and China.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, this will encourage energy independence and prevent our country from being reliant on our enemies for our nuclear energy needs. My hope is that my bill will be just one small part of improving the global competition for nuclear energy. This is how we begin to secure a safe, reliable energy future for the United States of America and democracies across the globe.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mark Burns, who recently received the Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award. The Living Legends of Aviation Awards was founded in 2003 by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy to recognize notable individuals who contributed to the aviation industry. Prior to being named Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation's president in July of 2015, Burns worked in various areas spanning the company, including engineering and customer support. While president, Burns has guided Gulfstream during a time of rapid growth, innovation, and investment. Additionally, Burns sits on the board of directors for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Georgia Power, and the Corporate Angel. He is a board member of the National Air and Space Museum, and he is a member of the National Committee for the Performing Arts, amongst others. Burns is also a proud alumnus of Georgia Southern University, where he received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and from there, built a career worth applause and appreciation by Georgia residents. Congratulations, Mark.

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 bill to unleash American energy. There is little doubt that President Biden's LNG export pause is a blatant political decision to appease his radical base at the expense of American energy security and the security of our allies. What is being called a pause now will last indefinitely, and it is a de facto ban. This will cede our energy independence to countries like Iran and Russia and also force manufacturing and business abroad, as well. Sadly, the Biden administration is bowing to its radical Green New Deal factions by imposing a policy that will, in fact, not reduce emissions. If we are concerned about emissions, then the Iranian and Russian gas that will replace us in the market is much dirtier and will lead to more emissions. The world will no longer look to the U.S. as an energy leader, which is especially worrisome for our European allies whom we promised reliable energy. This decision doesn't take a single step towards competing with our adversaries, reducing emissions, or bringing jobs to America. It just doesn't make sense. That is why I am very excited to vote in support of the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support it,

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 51.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of U.S. Army veteran Randall Pifer. Randall was recently recognized with the Veteran of the Year Award by the Brunswick Exchange Club. He grew up in coastal Georgia's Golden Isles where he played high school football. Randall then attended the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point and entered Active Duty service in 1975. He served at Fort Benning, Fort Rucker, Hunter Army Airfield, and in West Germany as a combat helicopter pilot. Randall joined the National Guard in 1989 where he continued to fly missions in the Middle East. He retired in 2014 with over 41 years of military experience where he earned the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and numerous Army medals. Randall Pifer's record speaks for itself. He is a patriot, a hero, and a model we should all look up to.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Madison Jennings for being named a 2024 Rhodes Scholar. Madison is president of the Agnes Scott Prelaw Society and an intern at the Carter Center where she has worked on issues ranging from supporting women's education to activism in Liberia. She is the founder and project executive for Pop-Up Library for Peace, a literacy project she developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on childhood literacy in her community. Jennings will also begin postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom next fall. At Oxford, Madison will pursue a master of public policy and an MS in public policy research. She is also classically trained in ballet and has three ballet productions. Through all her hard work, Madison has built a deep commitment and knowledge of policy and strategy, keeping her motivated to continue working toward her goals. Madison, we in the State of Georgia are very proud of you. Best of luck. Congratulating Rudy Underwood

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Rudy Underwood, a Georgia native. Underwood, the former American Chemistry Council vice president of state affairs and political mobilization, has recently retired after 31 years with the ACC. Mr. Underwood joined the American Chemistry Council in 1992 as the managing director of ACC's southern regional office in Atlanta. In 2015, Underwood was appointed vice president of State affairs and political mobilization. The ACC's mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. His work to champion smart policies has helped create and save chemical and plastics industry jobs and has raised awareness of the critical role chemistry plays in improving the lives of Americans across the country. Congratulations, Mr. Underwood, on your achievements and on your well-deserved retirement. Congratulating Elaine Tuten

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Elaine Tuten for 50 years of loyalty and dedicated service to the Defense Credit Union Council, members, and staff. CEO Elaine Tuten recently received a Hall of Honor award from the Defense Credit Union Council at the group's 55th annual conference. The Defense Credit Union Council's Hall of Honor was set up to celebrate a few select individuals whose continuous hard work have made a difference in the Defense Credit Union community and council. Tuten's contributions go beyond her own credit union as she also works to strengthen the credit union movement in the country of Poland while remaining as a helping hand to those in need. A coworker of Tuten's stated: Elaine's legacy is a testament to her unwavering dedication to our movement. She has shattered glass ceilings as a woman in our industry and has paved the way for countless others. Congratulations on 50 years of service, Elaine. Remembering George Dame Barnhill

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of George Barnhill, a Georgia resident, who passed away peacefully at the age of 91. George grew up on the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp in Clinch County. He loved being in nature since he was a child. He loved farming, gardening, and most of all, traveling with his family. He was an avid quail hunter and a well-known marksman. He graduated from Clinch County High School in 1949, then attended college in Douglas, Georgia, before joining the U.S. Air Force during the Korean war. He was discharged honorably at the end of the war and returned to Clinch County to marry his wife, Maldine, in August of 1954. Shortly after, George completed his degree in chemical engineering at the University of Florida and graduated with honors in May of 1957. He proceeded to pursue a career in pulp and paper where he worked for International Paper in Panama City, Florida; Interstate Paper in Riceboro, Georgia; and Rayonier Mill in Jesup, Georgia. George will be missed by all, and I send my condolences to his loved ones.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Dr. Swati Kulkarni for her time serving as the consul general of India. Dr. Kulkarni, who initially aspired to pursue a career in medicine, made a pivotal shift to Foreign Service. Her journey included work in diverse locations like Oman, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Understanding the responsibility of representing a country with a flourishing economic profile and a population constituting one-fifth of the world, she realized the importance of looking beyond her own community. Throughout her time as consul general, Dr. Kulkarni conducted a series of more than 150 meetings with elected officials across the southern United States. This extensive outreach included interactions with 7 governors, over 20 mayors, and more than 20 congressional leaders. Her efforts were aimed at building alliances and fostering connections that extended beyond regional and cultural boundaries. As a testament to her dedication, Swati Kulkarni was honored with flowers and a plaque commemorating her impactful contributions, marking a momentous occasion in her diplomatic journey. Thank you for your important diplomatic work, Dr. Kulkarni.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Paul Hamilton Ploeger. Paul grew up in Darien, Georgia, before moving to Brunswick where he finished high school at Glynn Academy. Following graduation in 1960, he was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy, and he was stationed in many different States across the country. After serving in the Navy, Paul, his wife, Carole, and his children moved to South Carolina where he worked as an engineer and systems analyst for Allied Chemical in Irmo. In 1975, Paul moved back to Georgia where he worked for the American National Bank in Brunswick and then began his association with Southeastern Bank in Darien in 1983 until his retirement in 2005. Paul was a devoted member of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and the Brunswick Kiwanis Club where he participated in projects to better the lives of children in the community. He also volunteered his time as a mentor for middle school students. Paul will be missed by all, and I send my condolences to his family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, if you go to the VA's website, they have an entire page devoted to QALYs where they say outright, to date the quality-adjusted life year is the preferred metric for estimating health effects. There is a perfect example of what we are talking about right there on the VA website. Mr. Chairman, I had surgery December 28, and I have been on this scooter ever since. It really does give you a different perspective for people with disabilities. For me, it is temporary, but it has made me realize that people with disabilities, people with certain health challenges, it is not temporary for them. They deal with this all the time. Are they any less of a person than I am or than you are? No. That is what we are trying to say here. They deserve the same treatment as anyone else does. I am in strong support of this Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act because it will expand access to lifesaving treatments and prevent discrimination against Americans with disabilities. The way that we come up from the Rayburn Building up to the second floor, to the House Chamber, well, you know those escalators are broken right now. The other day, I am coming up, trying to make it to a vote. Both escalators are broken. I tried to get on the elevator, and someone has changed the elevator to where you have to have a badge to get on it. If there had not been someone who came by with a badge, I would still be sitting there right now. This is serious. This is what we are talking about. These are real people. This is good legislation, and I thank the gentlewoman for bringing this. I support this, and I hope you will, too.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Walter Parker, who passed away last year at the age of 88 in Bloomingdale, Georgia. Walter was a Georgia native. He attended Savannah High School, where he graduated in 1954 before pursuing higher education in Virginia. Walter served in the U.S. Army Security Agency in Germany. After completing service to his country, he became a civilian employee with the Department of Defense. Later on, he returned to Tybee Island, where he owned several businesses, including The Corner, The Ice Cream Cone, Bill's Grill, and Reynolds Apartments. He also served as police commissioner for Tybee Island, and in 1985, he was elected mayor, where he led the city for 16 years. I had the honor and privilege of serving as mayor of another city and serving alongside Walter. He did an outstanding job. Walter loved many things, including playing the piano, classical music, and being a member of the chancel choir. Walter Parker was a devoted public servant who served his country well.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate James W. Putney, Jr., a veteran, patriot, and grand marshal of the 2023 Savannah Veterans Day Parade. Mr. Putney proudly led the annual Veterans Day parade in Savannah, which is dedicated to celebrating America's heroes. His devout service and leadership have been evident since answering the call to join the United States Army at 17 years old. Over two decades of honorable service resulted in his retirement as a staff sergeant at Fort Benning, Georgia. In his military journey, James played vital roles as a construction and combat engineer. Post-retirement, he returned to his roots in Savannah, transitioning to a career at the Chatham County Courthouse, where he continued his service until 2016. Even in retirement, James remained actively involved in various local organizations, as he continues to exemplify dedication and leadership to his community and to his country. I congratulate James and thank him for his service to our country and our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in staunch opposition to President Biden's ban on liquefied natural gas export projects. Under the guise of a pause, President Biden has taken complete control of an important piece of the American energy sector. Do not be fooled. This is, in fact, a ban on LNG exports and a massive gift to Putin. Our European allies are desperately seeking American energy to counter Russia's weaponization of its natural gas exports. But instead of being the leader Americans in the rest of the world need, he is being the puppet that far-left climate activists want. If President Biden were serious about his rush-to-green agenda, he would unleash the production and export of clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG, which has roughly 40 percent lower life-cycle emissions than Russian LNG. Mr. Speaker, these policies are entirely out of touch and widely unpopular. We should be diverting our attention to fixing the economy, solving the question of the national debt, closing our southern border, and aiding our ally, Israel. This White House needs to get its priorities in order. It is causing the American people to suffer.