Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Sandra Collins, who passed away on January 29 at the age of 81. A lifelong member of St. Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church in Savannah, Sandra lived a life rooted in deep faith, integrity, and kindness. Her moral strength and compassionate concern for her fellow Georgians inspired countless others and shined in her devotion to family and friends. Sandra served her community with dedication, lending her talents to the boards of the Georgia Association for Primary Healthcare, the Savannah Branch NAACP, and the Savannah Chapter of the American Businesswomen's Association. Known for her love of travel, she explored 6 continents and 45 States, yet her great legacy was always close to home. She maintained a generous spirit that made the world better through simple acts of fairness, intelligence, and warmth. Though we grieve her passing, we celebrate a life of faith, service, and love. Sandra Collins will long be remembered and deeply missed. Recognizing Judge Kristi Goodwin Connell

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Kristi Goodwin Connell, who was appointed as the sixth Superior Court judge of the Augusta Judicial Circuit. Judge Connell returns to the same circuit where she began her legal career. Judge Connell earned degrees in biology and political science from Converse University. She later received a master's degree in healthcare policy and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University. Judge Connell served as an assistant district attorney in the Columbia Judicial Circuit, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases. She was also a partner at the Connell Law Firm, where she handled civil, domestic, and criminal defense matters. With more than 25 years of legal expertise, Judge Connell brings profound knowledge and expertise to the bench. We are confident she will continue to strengthen the courts of the Augusta Judicial Circuit with integrity and dedication. Judge James ``Jim'' Kiger

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge James Kiger for his recent appointment as superior court judge for the Douglas Judicial Circuit in Douglas County. Judge Kiger has 34 years of legal expertise, previously serving in the Douglas County Public Defenders' Office. Prior to his service as public defender, he practiced with a general law firm in Valdosta, Georgia. Judge Kiger graduated with honors from Valdosta State College and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia College of Law in 1991. He and his wife, Brenda, live in Douglasville, Georgia, and have two children, Atticus and Barbara. Once again, I would like to recognize Judge Kiger for his extraordinary service to the Georgia legal system and congratulate him on a well-deserved appointment. Honoring Judge Pamela ``Pam'' Bettis

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pamela Bettis on her appointment as judge of the State Court of Henry County. Pam was sworn in on February 3, 2026, by Governor Brian Kemp. Judge Bettis brings over 35 years of distinguished service in criminal justice. She began as a Henry County deputy sheriff in 1990, then served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics agent, criminal investigator, and leader at Clayton State University Police. A Georgia State University graduate with BS and MS degrees in criminal justice, Pam earned her JD from Emory University School of Law in 2025. She advanced as assistant solicitor general, co-founded the law firm Bettis & Howard, and was appointed solicitor general by Governor Nathan Deal in 2018, earning Solicitor General of the Year in 2020. A lifelong Georgian and 20-year Henry County resident, Judge Bettis embodies unmatched commitment to justice, accountability, and humble service. Congratulations to Judge Pam Bettis on this well-deserved elevation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant General Thomas Carden. General Carden has been promoted to Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the second highest position in the National Guard, overseeing soldiers and airmen. He is the first vice chief ever to wear the four- star rank. Previously, General Carden served as commander of the Georgia National Guard from 2019 to 2024. He began his journey of selfless service at age 18, when he enlisted as a private in the Georgia Army National Guard. Throughout his career, General Carden has held many leadership roles, serving as a shining example to those he led. He has a strong academic background, with degrees in history, human resource management, and strategic studies. Few people have demonstrated unwavering commitment, integrity, and dedication to duty the way that General Carden has. As a fellow Georgian, I am proud of his exemplary service to our State and to our Nation. I am confident he will lead with honor in this new role. Mr. Speaker, I thank General Carden for his lifelong service to this great country.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 71.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Matt Hanley on his well-deserved recognition as one of Georgia Trend Magazine's 100 Most Influential Georgians for 2026. In just under a year since assuming the role of president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System, Dr. Hanley has demonstrated exceptional vision and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Dr. Hanley's seamless transition to leadership continues Northeast Georgia Health System's remarkable growth, including five hospitals, advanced medical programs, and an economic impact exceeding $7.5 billion. Named alongside leading business and academic figures like Delta Airlines Ed Bastian and University of Georgia President Jerry Morehead, Dr. Hanley is in great company. He credits all recognition to the dedicated staff and workforce at Northeast Georgia Health System for their shared commitment to keeping communities healthy, expanding access to care, and meeting everyday needs. Dr. Hanley has proven his leadership from the emergency room to the board room and now among Georgia's most influential voices. Through his service, Dr. Hanley is helping build a healthier, stronger Georgia for all.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Demarious ``Leone'' Allison Griffis, who passed away on February 5, 2026. We are deeply saddened by her passing but are comforted by her strong faith and the meaningful life she lived. Born in June of 1945 in Mobile, Alabama, Ms. Griffis grew up helping her family run their two restaurants, ``The Stateline Drive-in,'' and ``The Red Pig.'' She loved making everyone's favorite dishes and comfort meals, and, through this, learned the value of hard work and serving others first. Ms. Griffis worked for many years at Container Corporation before embracing her favorite role as ``Nana'' to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a faithful and active member of First Assembly of God in Fernandina and lived her devotion every day. Ms. Griffis taught her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the importance of faith and trusting in the Lord, spending plenty of time creating memories, like teaching them to fish and drive. She will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy of kindness and compassion will live on.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong and unapologetic support of the SAVE America Act, legislation that defends the integrity of our elections and makes one principle perfectly clear: U.S. elections are for U.S. citizens only. This is not extreme. It is common sense. Citizenship matters. Sovereignty matters. Americans alone must decide America's future. Yet radical Democrats have abandoned the standard. New York City has allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. Washington, D.C., has done the same, granting political power to foreign nationals in the Capital of our Nation. Georgia's own Senator John Ossoff, who once said that voter ID was right and appropriate, now supports his party reframing it as voter suppression. The law didn't change. Public opinion didn't change. What changed was he and other Democrat politicians like him realized that illegal immigrants could no longer vote to keep Democrats in office. They oppose this bill because it chips away at their voting base, plain and simple. For years, conservatives warned that this was the radical left's goal, and we were mocked for it. That is exactly what Democrats are doing right now, fighting to allow illegal aliens to vote. This is not only grotesquely unjust, but it waters down the meaning of American citizenship. Mr. Speaker, by passing this bill, we reaffirm a simple but sacred truth. American elections belong to Americans, no loopholes, no exceptions, no apologies.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025. Undersea fiber optic cables carry roughly 95 percent of all intercontinental internet traffic and nearly all transoceanic digital communications. Trillions of dollars in financial transactions--trillions--global trade data, cloud computing, and secure government communications depend on these cables every single day. They are critical infrastructure, just as essential as ports, as pipelines, and our power grids. Yet despite their importance, the United States has allowed overregulation and duplicative permitting to stand in the way of deploying and maintaining this infrastructure, especially on the West Coast, where permitting delays and overlapping approvals have made it effectively impossible to lay new cables in certain areas for decades. The chairman just described what we are talking about here. These projects weren't stopped because they failed environmental review. They were stopped because of bureaucracy. That is the problem that H.R. 261 is designed to fix. Today, even when an undersea cable project has already received full authorization from a Federal or State agency, it can still be forced through an additional duplicate permitting process with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. That extra layer adds years of delay, drives up costs, and discourages investment without providing meaningful environmental protection. H.R. 261 clarifies that once a project has been lawfully approved at the State and Federal levels, it should not be required to obtain an additional permit for the same activity. Let me be clear. This bill does not weaken environmental protections. All existing environmental laws, reviews, and interagency coordination requirements remain fully intact. This is about eliminating redundancy, not eliminating oversight. This matters for States like Georgia. Georgia's economy depends on global connectivity from the Port of Savannah and our logistics and supply chain networks, to manufacturing defense contractors, data centers, and a growing technology sector. Reliable undersea cable infrastructure supports jobs. It supports trade and economic growth across the country. There is also a serious national security component to this. Undersea cables carry sensitive government and military communications. Delays in installing, repairing, or maintaining this infrastructure create real vulnerability to our national security. Even today, our adversaries, like China, are actively targeting global communication networks, especially cutting undersea cables that connect us to our allies, like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Secure, resilient connectivity is not optional. It is a strategic necessity. H.R. 261 is a solution that offers a balanced, commonsense solution. It cuts unnecessary red tape. It preserves environmental safeguards. It strengthens our economy. Most importantly, it protects America's national security. I implore this Congress to pass this legislation to secure America's technological dominance and fortify our national security. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 261.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the newly appointed Georgia State and Superior Court judges. These judges are all accomplished attorneys and legal professionals who are stepping into vital roles within Georgia's judicial system. Among those appointed is a native of Brunswick, Georgia, in my district, Steven Blackerby. Mr. Blackerby, who was a partner at Brown Readdick, will now serve the Superior Court of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit. Mr. Blackerby earned his bachelor of arts in English from Emory University and his juris doctor with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the ``Journal of Intellectual Property Law.'' He was also a member of both the Federalist Society and the Student Bar Association. Mr. Blackerby has devoted more than two decades of his career to a wide range of legal matters, with expertise in representing local governments and serving as city attorney for multiple municipalities. Mr. Blackerby's experience is notable, and he will certainly excel in this new position.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, on his induction into the 23rd annual Living Legends of Aviation. Founded in 2003, the Living Legends of Aviation awards recognize individuals who have significantly impacted the aviation industry. This includes entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record setters, pilots turned celebrities, and celebrities who have become pilots. A Savannah native, Mr. Burns earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Southern University and began working at Gulfstream Aerospace in 1983. Over the course of more than four decades, he has served in numerous leadership roles across the company, including engineering and customer support. In July 2025, Mr. Burns was named president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, proudly leading the organization since then, contributing significantly to its growth and success. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Burns on his leadership in both the aviation industry and his induction into the Living Legends of Aviation. Honoring Former UGA President Michael Adams

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Michael Adams, the former president of the University of Georgia. Unfortunately, Dr. Adams passed away on January 25 at the age of 77. From 1977 to 2013, he served as the University of Georgia's 21st president, transforming our State's flagship university into one of the Nation's most prominent public institutions. Under his visionary leadership, enrollment grew from nearly 30,000 to 35,000 students, Federal research expenditures nearly tripled, and the endowment more than doubled. Dr. Adams oversaw more than $1 billion in campus construction and renovation, creating vital facilities for teaching, research, and student life. His success as a university administrator was recognized by more than 50 higher education awards. He deeply believed in the transformative power of higher education, and his stewardship directly strengthened Georgia for generations. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Adams has left an enduring legacy that will forever touch the soul of our beloved State. Honoring Colonel Stephen ``Tracker'' Thomas

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Stephen ``Tracker'' Thomas, who is retiring from command of Georgia's Combat Readiness Training Center at Savannah Air National Guard Base. Since assuming command in 2023, Colonel Thomas has led this premier training hub with unmatched commitment and devotion. Drawing on nearly two decades of combined Active-Duty and Air National Guard service, he elevated the CRTC's role in preparing warfighters for great power competition. Under his leadership, the center continued hosting quarterly large force exercises, training specialists in theater-deployable communications, and delivering exclusive cross-demand training from Charleston to Orlando. His vision has solidified the CRTC as a vital national asset for the Air Force, Air National Guard, Reserves, and other partners. Mr. Speaker, I thank Colonel Thomas for ensuring global air readiness and dominance. We wish him and his family a fulfilling retirement. Honoring the Memory of George Whittenburg

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of George Whittenburg, a bright young man taken from us far too soon following a tragic car accident on January 30. George was a 21-year-old student at the University of Georgia from Austin, Texas. He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, and friend whose infectious spirit touched countless lives. Through his involvement in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Cru, a religious organization at the University of Georgia, George exemplified faith, leadership, and kindness. His friends would describe him as smart, confident, and a source of comedic relief, a Christlike man who overcame personal struggles to inspire others toward ministry and service. George's personal growth and friendship have left a lasting impact on the Athens community, with thousands praying for him following the accident. Mr. Speaker, our hearts ache for this loss. I pray for the Whittenburg family and all who knew him. May God's perfect plan bring them comfort.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Coastal Area District Development Authority, CADDA, as it proudly marks its 50th anniversary. CADDA was founded in 1976 with a modest grant from the Economic Development Administration, immediately saving critical seafood processing plants and jobs in coastal Georgia. From those humble beginnings, CADDA has grown into a powerhouse of economic opportunity, heavily contributing to Georgia's status as the best State to do business for 12 consecutive years. Over five decades, this nonprofit has delivered more than 1,340 small business loans, investing $526 million in coastal communities. These efforts have created and preserved more than 9,300 jobs across coastal Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. I thank CADDA for their steady commitment to expanding access to capital and building stronger communities.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the retirement of Mr. Ronnie Fender after 44 years of extraordinary judicial service to Cook County, Georgia. For more than four decades, Judge Fender has served with integrity, with patience, and an unwavering commitment to justice as a justice of the peace and as a magistrate judge. His courtroom has been a place not only of law but of fairness and respect for all who appeared before him. Beyond the bench, Judge Fender was an educator who shaped minds with the same care and wisdom he brought to the law. His influence extends far beyond written rulings. It lives on in the countless people he taught, mentored, and served. Though retiring from full-time service, Judge Fender will continue contributing as a senior magistrate judge on an as-needed basis and as a court bailiff. We are grateful for that continued dedication. Honoring Pharmacists as Key Resources

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the invaluable role of pharmacists in supporting older adults as they navigate the difficulties of medication management. This expertise is especially vital as we age when new prescriptions, changing doses, and potential drug interactions become more common, influenced by slower metabolism, reduced kidney function, and heightened drug sensitivity. Pharmacists, after six to eight years of rigorous training, including a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, serve as trusted experts in how medications work, interact, and affect aging bodies. Through services like medication therapy management, they review entire regimens, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements to identify duplicates, unnecessary drugs, or risky combinations that could lead to dizziness, falls, or confusion. Pharmacists ensure medications are effective and taken correctly, while offering simplified routines, clear explanations of benefits and side effects, adherence tools such as pill organizers and synchronized refills, and convenient delivery options. Pharmacists provide accessible guidance anytime, empowering informed decisions that promote safety, independence, and healthy aging. Recognizing Scottish Rite Monuments in Savannah, Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to recognize the monuments being dedicated to the ancient Scottish Rite Valley of Savannah, Georgia. The birth of the Scottish Rite dates back to 1801 when the Supreme Court of the 33rd Degree for the United States of America and the first Supreme Council in the world was established. The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry seeks to better its members and strengthen their communities by teaching and promoting brotherly love, tolerance, and truth. The Rite embraces strong social, moral, and spiritual values that include compassion and dedication to God, family, and country. These monuments serve as symbols of all the values the Scottish Rite stands for. I thank the generous donors: Illustrious Brother Albert Nelson, Jr., and Lady Nellie; Dr. and Sir Knight James Arnold and Lady Barbara; Illustrious Brother Charles White and Lady Nordene; and Brother Morgan Derst and Lady Pam for their kind contributions. Honoring Science Teacher Bill Eswine

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize science teacher Bill Eswine, who has decided to retire at the end of the school year after 54 years of service to Savannah Country Day School. Mr. Eswine was originally hired in 1972, and through his enthusiasm, adaptability, and love for teaching has taught science to generations of children. His impact is visible across the school's campus in the Savannah community, serving as director of the Coastal Ecology Camp and caretaker to various campus educational gardens. Beyond Country Day, Mr. Eswine has been recognized as Teacher of the Year and honored by organizations such as Garden Club of America, the Georgia Independent School Association, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. His commitment to education and fondness for learning has made a lasting difference in Savannah. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Eswine on a well-earned retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Paul W. Brown on his retirement from the FBI, where he served as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. Mr. Brown has served the FBI diligently since 2006, with experience spanning counterterrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Holding degrees from both Western Illinois and Tarleton State University, Mr. Brown built a well-rounded foundation that supported his work in law enforcement and investigations. Mr. Brown's leadership and public service have contributed greatly to safety in our communities and will leave a lasting impact on the United States of America. I congratulate Mr. Brown on his well-deserved retirement. I know the FBI and the American people are forever indebted to him for his work to keep us safe.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Bill Hembree, a dedicated educator, businessman, and former member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Douglas County. Mr. Hembree passed away on January 15 of 2026, at the age of 59, after a courageous 8-year battle with cancer. Today, we recognize his two decades of exemplary public service in the Georgia House from 1992 to 2012, where he represented District 98 and later 67, including the cities of Douglasville and Villa Ricca. Mr. Hembree served his constituents with integrity and with vision. Additionally, we recognize his tireless advancement of Georgia's higher education system, both as an educator and as a representative. This educational legacy shines through with the Bill Hembree Scholarship, established to honor lifelong compassion, leadership, and dedication to empowering student leaders. Above all, Bill was a dedicated husband and father, being survived by his wife, Beth, and their three sons.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Deputy Insurance Commissioner Steve Manders, a dedicated public servant who passed away on January 17 at the age of 64. This recognition celebrates a man who gave 38 years of faithful service to the State of Georgia, rising to the role of deputy insurance commissioner, where he exemplified steady leadership, expertise, and integrity in protecting consumers and overseeing our insurance marketplace. Steve was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mindy; daughters Merritt and Morgan; and three cherished grandchildren. Steve found great joy in golfing, fishing, and creating lasting memories with his family. Steve was also a respected baseball umpire who proudly officiated the College World Series three times, reflecting his passion for the game he loved. Steve's life of service, family devotion, and strength is truly inspirational and leaves an enduring impact on our State. The State of Georgia is stronger because of Mr. Manders, and he will be missed dearly.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wayne Barth, a physical trainer at Union General Hospital, who has been named one of the 2025 Hospital Hero Award recipients by the Georgia Hospital Association. This prestigious award recognizes the amazing hospital workers in our State for their longtime service in healthcare. Mr. Barth serves as director of rehabilitation services, where his team is committed to delivering quality care to their patients and clients in Blairsville and Union County, Georgia. Mr. Barth has provided extensive care for disorders that affect speech, function, movement, and swallowing. His specialization lies in restoring mobility in patients, reducing pain, rehabilitating injuries, and increasing movement and overall health. Mr. Barth's allegiance to his patients highlights the importance of leaders stepping up and caring for patients across Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Barth for all his hard work and for being a trusted and compassionate professional in his field. Honoring Nurse Barbara Harn

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara Harn, a breast health nurse at Northside Hospital Cherokee, who has won the 2025 James Shepherd Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors a hospital employee who has dedicated a lifetime of service to the healthcare field and has made a significant impact in enhancing operations in patient care at their hospital. Ms. Harn is a longtime Northside Hospital faculty member, compassionately caring for patients for more than three decades. She personifies this commitment through her outstanding and unwavering dedication to her patients, colleagues, and hospital. Additionally, Ms. Harn is a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to all those around her. This achievement speaks not only for Ms. Harn's fantastic skills as a professional, but also for her grateful and compassionate attitude. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Harn for her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to her field. Honoring Nurse Heather Daniels