Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guerry Lumber for its new partnership with People of Action Caring for Kids ahead of the company's 100th anniversary in Savannah. Founded in 1927, Guerry Lumber has served Savannah and the surrounding region for nearly a century. As it approaches this milestone, the company is giving back to the community that helped build it. Through this partnership, Guerry Lumber is sponsoring 100 local children through PACK's weekend food assistance program for the incoming school year. Guerry Lumber employees will also volunteer with PACK each month, helping pack and distribute food to children and families across the Savannah area. PACK works every day to fight childhood food insecurity, ensuring kids have continuous access to meals over weekends and school breaks. I want to thank Guerry Lumber President Will Wheat and PACK founder Malena Stone for their leadership and commitment to Savannah's children. This is a wonderful example of a First District business stepping up for its neighbors. Recognizing Abby Leaventon

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend and former Georgia House of Representatives colleague, Mr. Jim Cole of Mercer University, on his recent retirement. Mr. Cole started his college career as a student-athlete at Mercer, then later returned to serve in administration after serving in the Georgia State House of Representatives. Jim served as Mercer University's athletics director, where he dedicated 16 years to the betterment of student-athletes. Under Jim's tenure, the Mercer Bears upset Duke in the 2014 NCAA men's basketball tournament. From 2010 to 2026, they won 51 conference championships in numerous sports. Jim's dedicated efforts ensured that students could succeed on and off the field through enhancing athletic facilities, increasing game day programming, and finding pathways for students to excel in the classroom. As Jim moves into the next chapter of his life, I would like to thank him for his long-term commitment to Mercer University. I am grateful for his selfless leadership and his dedication to the Macon community. Recognizing Guerry Lumber's Partnership with PACK Savannah

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Catherine Sumner on her appointment as district attorney of Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. Governor Brian Kemp appointed Ms. Sumner to fill the vacancy left by the passing of District Attorney D. Robert Busbee. She has served the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit for 12 years, including six years as Bulloch County's elected solicitor general. Sumner graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in political science. She earned her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2014. As a former assistant district attorney, she led felony prosecutions involving four sheriffs' offices, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She also serves on the Bulloch Family Violence Task Force and is a past president of the Bulloch County Bar Association. Congratulations to Catherine on this well-earned appointment. The State of Georgia is in great hands. Honoring Jim Cole

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William ``Bill'' Dunlap of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who passed away July 17 at the age of 92. Bill graduated from Georgia Tech, where he played varsity basketball and led his fraternity chapter, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as president. He served his country in the Army Reserve at Fort Detrick, working as an air control engineer. He went on to earn his MBA at Emory University before joining Georgia Power and its parent company, Southern Company, where he spent 25 years as a senior vice president. Bill served as the president of the Atlanta Association of SAE, Atlanta Black Tie Club, and the Nine O'clock. He was a long-time member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and remained a faithful member of Wesley Church at Frederica. Bill is survived by his wife Sandra and his family. Coastal Georgia is grateful for his decades of service and leadership. Honoring Catherine Sumner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan Gardner of the Georgia Ports Authority, who has recently been promoted to the role of chief information officer. Susan previously served as vice president of operations, where she oversaw daily port operations in Savannah, which handles around 40 ships per week and 15,000 truck transactions daily. Joining the Georgia Ports Authority in 2020, Susan first served as the senior director of operations and projects. Prior to her work with GPA, Gardner worked for the terminal operations software company Kaleris/Navis. The Georgia Ports Authority is one of the greatest drivers in our State's economy. Susan's long-term commitment will ensure that the GPA sees continued growth and development. I am confident that the leadership in the Georgia Ports Authority is in good hands, and I would like to further congratulate Susan on her new role. Honoring William Dunlap

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of retired Glynn County Fire Rescue Chief and former Glynn County Commissioner Carl Johnson, Sr. Chief Johnson began his career with Glynn County Fire Rescue in 1971 and dedicated over 33 years protecting coastal Georgians. Through hard work, integrity, and leadership, he rose through the ranks before serving as fire chief from 1992 until his retirement in 2004. His commitment to Glynn County did not end with retirement. He served as a member of the Glynn County Board of Commissioners from 2006 to 2010, always putting the needs of his community ahead of his own. Chief Johnson understood that public service is not simply a profession. It is a calling. Whether leading firefighters through emergencies or helping guide the future of Glynn County, he exemplified an unwavering dedication. As his family, friends, former colleagues, and the people of Glynn County gather to celebrate his remarkable life, we join them in remembering a man whose impact will be felt for generations. Recognizing Bill Gross

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend, Bill Gross, of Kingsland, Georgia, on his appointment as chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. Mr. Gross is the third generation of his family to grow up in Camden County and founded W.H. Gross Construction in 1983. Under his leadership, the firm became a leading developer of tax credit-financed senior and affordable housing across southeast Georgia. His company has also restored historic landmarks, including the Ware Hotel in Waycross and the Romana Riley Lofts in Savannah. Bill is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Georgia, where he received the program's Frederick B. Kerr Service Award in 2022. He currently serves on the boards of the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation and Cooperative Healthcare Services and previously chaired the health system's Camden Advisory Committee for 11 years. He also received the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation's 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The First District of Georgia is grateful for Bill's years of service. Honoring Colonel Robert Fairel

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Robert Fairel on assuming command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. Colonel Fairel, a native of Rockmart, Georgia, commissioned as an Army Engineer Officer in 2001. He most recently served as Command Engineer for the U.S. Forces Command and U.S. Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg. He commanded the 40th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Bliss and deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Throughout his years of service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. Fairel will be replacing Colonel Sturgeon, who I thank for his service, including his leadership on the construction of the Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, along with his work with Robins Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base. The First Congressional District is grateful for the Corps' work protecting our coast and supporting our military installations. Honoring Lone Wolf Lounge

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lone Wolf Lounge of Savannah, Georgia, for earning a spot on USA Today's Bars of the Year list for 2026. Owners Andrew Ripley and Tom Worley opened Lone Wolf Lounge in Savannah's Starland District in 2018. Through its welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, they have built a reputation on their Caribbean feel, referencing the Savannah-Caribbean trade routes established in the 1700s. The lounge has earned the spotlight for their creative cocktail menu, crafted by some of Savannah's most skilled bartenders. USA Today Network food journalists named it one of 38 bars nationwide honored on this year's list. The recognition follows Lone Wolf Lounge's selection last year as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar. This honor reflects the kind of small business success that strengthens Savannah's Starland District and draws visitors from around the country. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Andrew, Tom, and the entire Lone Wolf Lounge team on this well-earned recognition. Congratulating Carl Gilliard

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my good friend, State Representative and Reverend Carl Gilliard, on his 43 years of public service to Savannah and the State of Georgia. A Savannah native, Representative Gilliard is a graduate of Beach High School and Morris Brown College. He went on to launch the Gilliard Foundation and the Feed the Hungry Foundation, which has served 2 million meals to families in need over 17 years. He then served a decade in the Georgia General Assembly, chairing committees and authoring significant legislation for our community. On July 31, the State of Georgia and the Savannah community gathered at Savannah Technical College to honor him with the Rosa Parks Civil Rights Award. Representative Gilliard was also recognized for his work on the television series ``The Family Business'' and ``Shameless.'' His decades of service reflect a deep commitment to the people of Georgia's First District, and we are proud to call him one of our own. Congratulating Bread and Butter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bread and Butter on being recognized as one of America's best new places to eat. Bread and Butter is the largest venture from Auspicious Baking Co., a local favorite that first opened its doors in Savannah in 2017 and has since grown to multiple locations. Today, Bread and Butter has become a destination all its own, combining an inviting atmosphere with exceptional food, handcrafted pastries, and the hospitality that makes coastal Georgia so special. Last month, the restaurant even hosted a six-course wine dinner overlooking Turner Creek, bringing together outstanding local cuisine and beautiful waterfront views in our vibrant community. Businesses like Bread and Butter do more than just serve great meals. They create jobs, support our local economy, and showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Georgia's First Congressional District such a special place to live and work. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone visiting the Savannah area to stop by and experience this outstanding local establishment for themselves. I congratulate the entire Bread and Butter team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for representing coastal Georgia so well. Congratulating Susan Gardner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Mann, a devoted husband, father, and servant leader who passed away on July 28 after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. Michael dedicated more than 16 years to Chick-fil-A of Athens. He began as a team member in 2010 and most recently led as the director of development. He led with humility. He served without hesitation, and he believed leadership meant putting others first. He challenged people to grow. He celebrated their successes, and never stopped encouraging those around him. Michael served faithfully as an elder at Cleveland Road Baptist Church, as his greatest desire was to be with Christ, sharing his love for Him with his church family and community. He is survived by his wife of nearly 10 years, Stephanie, and their two sons, Estiven and Thomas. Michael's legacy lives on through his family, his church, his Chick- fil-A family, and his vast community of friends.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill Henderson, a Savannah-based commercial truck driver, on a milestone achievement in American trucking. After 37 years behind the wheel, Bill recently completed four million consecutive accident-free miles, becoming just the fifth driver in XPO's history to reach this distinction. To put that number in perspective, four million miles is roughly 160 trips around the globe. Every one of those miles was driven while hauling freight that keeps Georgia's economy moving and our shelves stocked. Bill's discipline behind the wheel has kept his fellow drivers and everyday Georgians safe on our highways. Professional truck drivers like Bill are the backbone of our supply chains, and safety records like his are a testimony to his daily commitment. On behalf of the 1st District of Georgia, I congratulate Bill on this remarkable career achievement and thank him for his decades of service on our roads.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Today, I rise in support of the SAVE America Act and the Protect America Act because it is about security, and it is getting back to common sense. The American people are tired. They are tired of Washington playing political games. They want to secure elections. They want us to finish the job in Iran. They want to know that the government is standing with the farmers, ranchers, and producers who put food on our tables every single day. This resolution does exactly that. It strengthens confidence in our elections with commonsense voter ID protections, gives the troops the tools they need to defend this country, and provides certainty for our agricultural community because food security is national security. People back home in Georgia understand that freedom isn't free. They will understand elections should be secure, and that our farmers deserve policies that help them succeed. This is about putting America first, doing what the American people sent us up here to do, and delivering real results, instead of Democratic political theater. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the SAVE America Act and the Protect America Act.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Darlyn Martin of Richmond Hill, Georgia, a happy 100th birthday. Dar celebrated the milestone with a surprise party at Magnolia Manor Senior Living Facility. She was surrounded by friends, family, fellow residents, Richmond Hill Mayor Christie Cox, a DJ, cake, balloons, presents, and dancing. When asked for her secret to a long and happy life, Dar credited staying active and never backing down from a new challenge. Her birthday also marks what would have been her wedding anniversary with her late husband, a reminder of the family she built in our community. As she looks ahead to her second century, Dar's wish is simple: that things look brighter for everybody in the future. Georgia's First District is fortunate to call Dar Martin a neighbor, and I join her family, friends, and the entire Magnolia Manor community in wishing her a very, very happy 100th birthday. Honoring Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled for being recognized at the 2026 Library of the Year by the Library of Congress. The GLS is a free library service that reaches over 11,000 Georgia residents of any age who are unable to read standard print due to physical, visual, or reading disability. The system offers magazines and books in braille or audio forms and uses postage-free mail or downloads to reach patrons across the State. This honor by the Library of Congress shows how the GLS makes incredible strides to reach people in all corners of Georgia. I am proud of the work that the Georgia Library Service has accomplished to assist readers across Georgia who otherwise wouldn't have access to literature with their accommodations. I congratulate GLS on this remarkable achievement and dedicated service to the people of our State. Honoring The Church of Christ Holiness unto the Lord

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Church of Christ Holiness unto the Lord as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 in Savannah, Georgia, by Elder Major Solomon Bennett, the church is dedicated to the headship of Christ while preaching the pure Gospel. Their name was chosen from Scripture such as ``Church of Christ'' from Romans 16:16 and ``Holiness unto the Lord'' from Zachariah 14:20. Through the late 1920s and 1930s, the church expanded throughout Georgia through evangelical outreach, revival meetings, and spirit-led ministries. Today, the church has experienced a new expansion with ministries throughout Georgia and Florida. I congratulate the church on its longstanding commitment to discipleship and its continued effort to grow its congregation. I congratulate the church on this remarkable milestone, and my prayers will be with them as they continue working through Christ. Honoring Master Chief Tracy Crihfield

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Master Chief Tracy Crihfield of the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia's First District. A native of Clendenin, West Virginia, Crihfield enlisted in the Navy in 1996 as a submarine sonar technician. He graduated from Navy A School before reporting to his first command, USS West Virginia, at Kings Bay in 1997. He went on to serve aboard the USS Maryland, the USS Wyoming, and the USS Rhode Island. As chief of the boat on USS Tennessee and USS Georgia, he helped lead the successful integration of enlisted women on submarines. He later served as command master chief of strategic weapons facility, earning a strategic systems programs award 2 years in a row. I thank Command Master Chief Crihfield for nearly three decades of service to our Nation. Honoring Trish DePriest

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trish DePriest of Georgia's First Congressional District for her 34 years of dedicated service to the people of southeast Georgia. Born and raised in Wauchula, Florida, Trish got her start as a receptionist at WTOC before Congressman Lindsay Thomas hired her as a caseworker. She went on to serve 22 years as casework manager for Congressman Jack Kingston and then continued the legacy of service in my own office. Serving over three decades, Trish helped constituents with everything from passports to veterans benefits to Federal tax issues. She earned a reputation as a trusted problem-solver for Georgians. Trish was married to her husband, Roy, for 50 years until his passing in 2012. Roy served as an engineer with the signal department at CSX railroad. Together, they raised two children and were blessed with four grandchildren. Georgia's First District thanks Trish DePriest for her decades of faithful service to the people of southeast Georgia. We love her and thank her for her service to our constituents. Honoring Scott Sweeney

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Commissioner Scott Sweeney, a devoted public servant who spent decades strengthening public education across Georgia. Scott served 8 years on the Cobb County Board of Education, including a term as board chairman. He went on to chair the Georgia State Board of Education, improving education policy for the entire State. Most recently, he served as the commissioner for the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia. Those who worked alongside Scott remember both his leadership and his character. He prioritized students' success, health, and safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Georgia's schools faced unprecedented challenges. He brought decades of business experience to his public service, helping Georgia's schools operate more efficiently while keeping students at the center of every decision he made. Scott truly had a lasting impact on Georgia's students, educators, and families. Our thoughts are with his wife, Sandy, and their family during this incredibly difficult time. Recognizing Parker's Kitchen

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Parker's Kitchen, which was recently named the Wounded Warrior Project's 2025 Corporate Partner of the Year. Headquartered in Savannah, Parker's Kitchen has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting the men and women who have served our Nation. This year, the company contributed $375,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, helping provide life-changing programs and services to wounded veterans and their families across the country. Parker's Kitchen founder, Greg Parker, continues to emphasize veterans as an essential part of the company's team, acknowledging that their sacrifices make possible the freedom we enjoy each day. Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walt Piatt praised Parker's Kitchen's unwavering support, noting that partnerships like this make it possible to help veterans not only return from service but truly come home. I thank Greg Parker and his entire team for their continued commitment to Georgia's First District's strong military community. 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. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2027. This amendment addresses a serious defense industrial base and national security issue: ensuring the United States can efficiently recycle, recover, and reuse materials from defense articles and scrap metal without being blocked by inconsistent State and local rules. Our military depends on secure and reliable access to strategic and critical materials. At a time when China controls or influences major portions of global critical mineral and metal supply chains, the United States cannot afford to waste recoverable materials from our own defense systems, equipment, and munitions. This amendment ensures that the physical or mechanical processing of scrap metal, as well as the disposition and recycling of defense articles, is governed by a clear Federal standard rather than a patchwork of conflicting State and local requirements. While this amendment is expressly focused on critical metals that often incorporate sensitive military technology, the amendment prevents non-identical State or local rules in this narrow area while preserving applicable Federal standards. It is limited in scope to ensure chemical treatment, stabilization, fixation, and neutralization of waste are expressly excluded, preserving State authority over hazardous chemical processes and maintaining existing environmental protections. We have repeatedly heard from both Republicans and Democrats a litany of concerns over how dependent the United States is on foreign sources for critical minerals. We know how incredibly difficult it is to build a new mine and refining capacity in the United States. I would like to hope that we can at least come together and agree to keeping sensitive technology and the materials that can be recovered from our military equipment within the domestic supply chain. This is not about lowering safety or environmental standards. This is not about lowering safety or environmental standards. The amendment is narrowly focused on physical and mechanical scrap processing and defense article recycling. It does not cover chemical treatment, stabilization, fixation, or neutralization of waste generated by that processing. At a time of growing global instability, we should be doing everything possible to strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce dependence on adversaries, and support the defense industrial base. This amendment is a commonsense national security measure that helps ensure critical materials from defense articles can be responsibly recovered, recycled, and reused for America's security needs. Mr. Chair, I respectfully urge my colleagues to support this amendment and its inclusion in the NDAA, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, will you make sure that the gentleman is looking at the same amendment that I am proposing here, because he obviously does not understand it. This is not about lowering safety or environmental standards. This amendment is narrowly focused on physical and mechanical scrap processing and defense article recycling. It doesn't cover chemical treatment. It doesn't cover stabilization, fixation, or neutralization of waste generated by that processing. Mr. Chair, respectfully, I ask you to make sure he is looking at the right amendment here, and I reserve the balance of my time.