Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Tim Monahan for his 15 years of service to the House of Representatives. A native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Tim began his service to the House by working with the Chief Administrative Officer. He later joined the staff of the House Appropriations Committee, where he worked on the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. Tim then joined the House Administration Committee, where he rose through the ranks, first as director of oversight, then deputy staff director, and finally staff director. At the beginning of this Congress, Speaker Kevin McCarthy elevated Tim to the director of House operations in the Office of the Speaker. He remained in this position to assist with the transition to Speaker Mike Johnson. In every position, Tim brought an unmatched level of understanding and creativity. He has implemented enterprise reforms that have helped make this a better place to conduct the people's business and improved the lives of everyone who works here. Tim has become a trusted adviser and friend to everyone, from those serving at the heights of power to the men and women with the often thankless job of keeping this place operating. While Tim's service to the House is coming to an end for now, I know each of us will continue to experience the benefit of that service for years to come. I thank Tim and wish him good luck in all that is to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate James W. Putney, Jr., a veteran, a patriot, and the grand marshal of the 2023 Charleston Veterans Day Parade. Mr. Putney proudly led the 23rd annual Veterans Day Parade, which was dedicated to 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 to serve 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. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate James and thank him for his service to our country and to our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, Georgia tragically lost three of our soldiers in an attack on our military in Jordan. Two were from the First District of Georgia. All three were Army reservists assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade at Fort Moore, Georgia. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett was 23 years old. She was a native of Savannah. She went to Windsor Forest High School where she was a member of the Mighty Marching Nights drum majors. Kennedy Ladon Sanders was 24 years old and from Waycross. Flags are at half staff in Waycross and Ware County in honor of Sanders. Both women were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve during this Jordan deployment. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Ferguson) to tell us about the third servicemember.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, our brave servicemembers put their lives on the line every day, and we owe our freedoms and security to them. I ask my colleagues representing the State of Georgia and all those here to join me in a moment of silence in honor of our brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jack Murphy who passed away at the age of 74. While attending Mercer University, Jack was introduced to Mrs. Peggy Jewel Womack, and they married in 1959. The couple remained in the area to allow Jack to begin his surgical residency at Macon Hospital. After starting a family of three children, Dr. Murphy worked as a surgeon at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. He also worked as the first team physician for local K-12 schools in Savannah, hoping to encourage kids to remain in sports and away from drugs and violence. Dr. Murphy also served as the chairman of the St. Joseph's/Candler Central Credentials Committee and the Health System's Board of Directors. Nurses who noted Dr. Murphy's energetic and personable character gave him the nickname ``Happy Jack.'' In 2006, the Georgia Medical Society honored Dr. Murphy's contributions with a ``Healthcare Heroes'' award. Dr. Murphy will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his friends, and his community. His legacy of serving others will live on forever.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 21. personal explanation

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, which will block a Biden administration proposed rule prohibiting States from funding pregnancy resource centers which support the lives of both mothers and their unborn children. Pregnancy resource centers offer compassionate support and care to women as they choose to become mothers and bring life into this world. Unfortunately, the Biden administration is trying to take away resources from facilities that provide women and families with quality healthcare services, emotional support, and supplies, like diapers. The result is pregnant women having less access to maternal care critical to both the health of the mother and unborn child. This is despicable. As a pharmacist, I swore an oath to do no harm and to protect the sanctity of human life. That means standing up for pregnancy resource centers, which in my district provide valuable, life-changing support for women and children. I encourage any of my colleagues who are unwilling to support these facilities to go and visit them. I have, and I saw for myself how the work they do is changing lives. We value women, we value life, and this bill prioritizes both. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and prevent the defunding of these critical health centers.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lauren Curry on becoming the new Chief of Staff for Gov. Brian Kemp. Lauren has made history, once again, this time becoming the first woman to permanently hold the position. Previously, she made history when she became the first female deputy Chief of Staff to the governor. Lauren graduated with a bachelor's from Wofford College. She then pursued a master's from the University of Georgia. Her entire career has been dedicated to public service. She has held an array of impressive positions in state government, such as Deputy Director of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division, and Director of government and public affairs at the Georgia DNR. Lauren is also a veteran of Governor Kemp's staff, having served as his Chief Operating Officer and as his director of governmental affairs and policy. I congratulate Lauren. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this position.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lauren Curry on becoming the new Chief of Staff for Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Lauren has made history becoming the first woman to permanently hold this position after making history when she became the first female Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor. Lauren graduated with a bachelor's degree from Wofford College. She then pursued a master's degree from the University of Georgia. Her entire career has been dedicated to public service. She has held an array of impressive positions in State government, such as deputy director of Georgia's EPA division and director of Public and Governmental Affairs at the Georgia DNR. Lauren is also a veteran of Governor Kemp's staff, having served as his chief operating officer and as his director of governmental affairs and policy. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Lauren, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this position.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mamie Bacon, who recently celebrated a historic anniversary. Last October, she was recognized for 50 years of work for King and Prince Seafood in Brunswick, Georgia. Mamie started working for King and Prince Seafood in 1973 and has not looked back since. She originally planned to retire 7 years ago but chose to continue working her job in quality assurance. She is quoted in the Brunswick News saying: ``I love my job and I love the people.'' For her service to King and Prince, the company plans on building a new pavilion and dedicating it in her honor. Mamie is simply one of the many examples of the First District of Georgia's rich and selfless sense of community. We wish Mamie the best of luck. Savannah Airport

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Hobart Manly, Jr., a veteran of the National Guard and an avid golfer. Hobart was raised in Savannah and excelled in multiple sports in high school before going on to attend the University of Georgia. He is perhaps best known for his career as an amateur golfer. He competed in three British amateurs, two French amateurs, and the Canadian Open. Hobart has also won the North-South Championship located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. In 1969, Hobart was inducted into the Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame, and 22 years later, he was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. Hobart lived on Isle of Hope outside of Savannah with his wife, Marilyn, of 67 years. Hobart's competitive spirit and love for sport is something I find incredibly admirable and strive to implement in my own life every day. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Manly family during this difficult time. Recognition of EMT Rosemary Mitts

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Savannah EMT Rosemary Mitts. Rosemary was raised in a military family, leading her to learn the importance of having a strong work ethic from a young age. She modeled her choice to work in healthcare after her grandfather, as he was a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Rosemary began her work as an EMT at Chatham Emergency Services. She also earned her medic license through her time at paramedic school and soon after went on to teach others to become EMTs like herself. Rosemary consistently strives to better herself and others in her work environment. She is always looking for ways to provide the best care possible for the people in her community. Rosemary was recently chosen to be a member of the American Ambulance Association's 2023 Stars of Life Class, a program that celebrates the distributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to others. We congratulate Rosemary. We can't think of anyone more deserving. Congratulating Mamie Bacon

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for being nominated as one of the Best Airports in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler. The Savannah Airport has been voted the number one airport in the Nation for the fourth consecutive year by the Conde Nast Traveler 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. This achievement is the result of several key factors, such as the airport's beautiful town square-inspired layout and great amenities. The charming visitor center has a historic southern street style that makes visitors feel right at home. The airport also features great food and great shops to keep travelers fed and entertained. This Georgia airport was also once named ``the happiest airport in the country.'' We congratulate, again, Savannah's airport for continuing to hold its first-place designation and congratulate the staff that made that happen.

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. 9, and ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 10.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Ward Sweat, who is retiring after 54 years of working at Sweat's Furniture. Mr. Sweat was originally from north of Waycross where he spent his early years before moving to Brunswick with his family. He graduated from Glynn Academy in 1964 and the University of Georgia in 1968. Shortly after graduation, he completed basic training in the National Guard and started working at the furniture store located in Fitzgerald in 1969, which his dad and the Singletons owned, along with a second location in Brunswick. In 1984, his father bought out the Singletons, and Ward and his brother Dwight came to work there. The family business will continue to live on with Dwight's son Jonathan, who is taking over management there, which marks the third generation of Sweats in the store. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Sweat on his upcoming retirement. I thank him for his service to the community. Remembering Bob Griffith

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Bob Griffith, who passed away at the age of 79. Bob Griffith, Sr., was a longtime Effingham County football coach and was best known as a family man with dedication to his sport, his fellow coaches, and his players. Griffith was a former Virginia Tech team captain, having also coached at Effingham County High School, Appling County, and Colquitt County. He was also a member of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and he was awarded both State and regional Coach of the Year back in 1987. Griffith worked for some time at Georgia Tech where he was honored with a scholarship established in his name, endowed by many of his former players. However, coaching was about much more than any wins or awards. Friends of Griffith have spoken to his character, explaining how he was always helping out the Effingham program by showing up to spring practices and helping to raise money. Bob Griffith's legacy will be remembered by his teams, family, friends, community, and so many more. Congratulating Ricciardi's Pizza

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a Georgia restaurant that has been recognized for making the best Chicago-style pizza in Georgia according to a Washington Post analysis. Ricciardi's Pizzeria and Bar in Richmond Hill, located about one-half hour from Savannah, was one of the six Georgia pizza spots highlighted by the national outlet for its Chicago-style pizza. The Windy City specializes in making delicious Chicago-style pizzas. The Washington Post used millions of Yelp reviews and have developed a formula to identify the best pizza options in each State, which led to Ricciardi's being ranked No. 3. Congratulations to Ricciardi's on this wonderful accomplishment. I wish them continued success in serving great pizza to the people of the First District. Chatham Emergency Services Firefighters

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of four Chatham Emergency Services firefighters who put their lives on the line to save others. The Savannah Exchange Club recently named Robert Bateman as the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Donte Boykin as Rookie Firefighter of the Year, Dustin Turk as Professional Firefighter of the Year, and Lieutenant Ray Jennings as Paramedic of the Year. Chatham Emergency Services CEO, Chuck Kearns, spoke of the crews and community board saying they ``are some of the most dedicated and service-oriented professionals and volunteers'' he has encountered. As Chatham Emergency Services begins its 63rd year of service, I again thank Robert, Donte, Dustin, Ray, and all its members for their hard work to keep our community safe.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this important Congressional Review Act resolution, which prevents the Biden administration from lining the Chinese Communist Party's pockets in an effort to further its rush-to-green agenda. Last Congress, my colleagues across the aisle and the Biden administration forced through massive spending packages with billions and billions of dollars for their Green New Deal agenda. In fact, the IIJA included $7.5 billion for EV charging grant programs. One of my colleagues' biggest arguments in support of their massive spending packages was that it was all in the name of bringing businesses and manufacturing back to America. How does waiving the Buy America requirement help American manufacturing? I will tell you that it doesn't. It benefits Chinese producers with lower wage and environmental standards and can undercut American industry. China may be producing so-called clean energy technologies like EVs and solar panels, but it is being done with an engineering portfolio that increases emissions. Forcing Americans into EVs as fast as possible is not going to reduce global emissions when the planet's largest emitters are enabled by our demand. Mr. Speaker, I support this measure.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Alan Yovich, who passed on September 14, 2023, at the age of 77. Alan was born in Union City, Pennsylvania, and later on moved to Savannah, Georgia, with his wife. Promptly after his high school graduation, he joined the Marine Corps and proudly served our country as an E5 sergeant in Vietnam. Alan then became a pharmacist, receiving his degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Alan always enjoyed cars, boating, and travel. In his retirement, Alan was active with the Marine Corps League and served on the board of the Savannah Navy League Council of the United States. He was a role model for so many of the enlisted men and women. He will be remembered by many, including his family; his patients; his friends; his best buddy, Dexter; and his community and Nation, which he served well.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for hosting this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss CMS' Medicare physician fee schedule which threatens seniors' access to healthcare, exacerbates vertical consolidation within the market, and will further drive patients toward higher cost sites of service. Physician costs are growing, but their reimbursements are shrinking yet again. In America, we all want the same thing when it comes to healthcare. Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or whatever, you want accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare. Everyone wants that. This is causing all three to suffer. Accessibility is decreasing. More physicians and more physicians are no longer accepting Medicaid and are no longer accepting Medicare. The issues are accessibility, affordability, driving patients to higher cost sites, and, of course, quality. Quality goes down when we lose quality physicians, and we are losing them. They are getting out of the practices because they can't afford to stay in the practices. In fact, Medicare doctor payments have been cut by almost 10 percent over the last 4 years. This is simply unsustainable. Fortunately, we have a window of opportunity to right this wrong and support the thousands of hardworking men and women serving millions of Medicare beneficiaries. Over the holidays, I spoke with doctors in my district who are preparing to make painful decisions including service reductions and hiring freezes. For patients, this means an inability to get even basic healthcare services close to their homes or longer wait times as overwhelmed staff race to keep up. That is why I am working closely with my bipartisan colleagues on a permanent solution, but we need to stop the full 3.37 percent cut and ensure that physicians have the financial support necessary to care for our seniors. This is the United States of America. We have the greatest healthcare system in the world, and we are ruining it. Again, I don't care if you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, red, blue, or green. I don't care. We all want the same thing. We want accessible, affordable, quality healthcare. This is ruining it. We have got to compensate our physicians.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in regard to the City of Brunswick, Georgia, being voted Among the 15 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the United States. This past year, according to the list, Brunswick is among the most affordable beach towns to live in the country. Apartment Therapy stated that: Brunswick offers low-country living at an affordable price plus the small town charm of a coastal southern city. Brunswick provides easy access to both Jekyll and Sea Islands, as well as a nicely preserved historic district with Victorian-era homes dating back to the early 1800s. The city is fond of community and often gathers to celebrate the area's rich cultural history. Brunswick plays host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, while offering arts, music, unique cuisines, and so much more to get involved with.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring recognition to the city of Savannah, Georgia, as it was named among the best places to retire by Southern Living. This travel publication considered numerous factors such as cost of living, home values, hospitality, accessibility, and others. Savannah was even nicknamed the ``Hostess City of the South.'' The city was highlighted for its arts and culture, as well as its historic charm. Being an important asset to the city, the Savannah College of Art and Design fills nearly 70 buildings downtown and hosts an annual sidewalk arts festival named ``Chalk of the Town.'' However, there is much more beyond this incredible culture. The city dates back all the way to 1733, which shines through the carefully preserved historic buildings, roads, and homes. Savannah offers trolley rides through picturesque squares, as well as dozens of historic cemeteries. The city holds the key to the most excellent quality of life. The city is my home. It is where I have lived all my life, and I am so very proud of the city of Savannah.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club in Savannah, Georgia. The Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club was started by Frank Callen in 1917, and the club was accepted into the national organization in 1922. Since its inception, this club has served Savannah youth by being a safe place to learn and a safe place to play. It also serves as the home of some world-class athletes. LSU basketball star, Flau'jae Johnson and University of Georgia football star Nolan Smith are both proud alumni of the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club. Both of these amazing athletes have graduated to winning national championships in their respective sports, and they have not forgotten their roots. Both have recently made generous donations to the place where they got their start. I also thank Mark Lindsay who serves as the executive director of the club. People like Mark are essential in the development of our youth and our communities as a whole. I, again, thank everyone involved with the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club for the positive impact they are having on our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Ronald Booker, a Savannah resident. After spending 34 years as head basketball coach for the Beach High School women's basketball team, Ronald Booker was named the special assistant to the head coach for the women's basketball team at Savannah State University. During his career, Coach Booker led the Lady Bulldogs to 12 subregional championships and made 30 State championship basketball tournament appearances. His teams were ranked by The Atlanta Journal- Constitution in the State's top 10 teams for 26 seasons. He concluded his coaching career--get this--with a 786-190 overall record. In his honor, the city of Savannah has decided to name a portion of Hopkins Street in front of Beach High School Coach Ronald Booker Way. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Booker on his remarkable achievements and on his well-deserved honorary designation. Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club