Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which ensures fairness and safety in girls athletics. For the past 4 years, the Biden-Harris administration and congressional Democrats have made it very clear: They want men competing against our daughters and granddaughters. They want to force schools to allow biological males to share private spaces with biological females and compete in women's sports. That is wrong. In fact, the vast majority of Americans agree that men do not belong in women's sports or in women's locker rooms. Ask working-class Americans if Michael Phelps should have swum the women's 200-meter freestyle. The answer is no. That is why we must protect women's sports, and under President-elect Trump's leadership we are already fulfilling that promise. This week, the House of Representatives will stand with all young women and girls who deserve to have the opportunity to compete safely and fairly. As a grandfather to six wonderful, capable granddaughters, this is important to me. This bill will safeguard and uphold the integrity and safety of women's sports and the true intention of Title IX, allowing all women the opportunity to achieve excellence in sports. I commend Representative Steube for working on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of former McIntosh County Sheriff, Charles Wilbert ``Chunk'' Jones. Mr. Jones lived an honorable life, serving in the U.S. Army's D Company. He also served in Vietnam back in 1968. Mr. Jones' career in law enforcement began in 1971 with the Brunswick Police Department and he later joined the city of Darien Police Department. After joining the city of Darien, Mr. Jones was promoted to the chief of police. After his time at the Darien Police Department, Mr. Jones joined the Georgia State Patrol where he graduated as a State trooper. He also returned to his hometown and accepted the captain position with the city of Darien. He then won his first sheriff's election to serve the community from 1993 to 1998. Mr. Jones was also a commercial shrimp fisherman and captain of his shrimp boat, Lady Vanessa, which was named after his daughter. Mr. Jones married his high school sweetheart, the late Brenda Marie Jones, with whom he shared three children: Christopher, Vanessa, and Felica. Madam Speaker, today we honor his life and hold his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Patricia Barragan Schreck, who sadly passed away at the age of 95. Ms. Schreck was a longtime organist and choir director for 66 years at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. At just 16 years old, Ms. Schreck became the organist at the cathedral in 1946. She managed several choirs, including the Savannah Catholic Deanery Choir, the SVA Alumnae Chorus, and the cathedral men's choir and women's choir. Ms. Schreck was also the music director at St. Vincent's Academy for 47 years of her career, where she taught choral singing and church music. Her service to the academy was impactful. Ms. Schreck composed the fight song and the academy's alma mater, which are still sung today. Ms. Schreck was awarded a medal for her work in the church by Pope Saint John Paul II and recognized by the city of Savannah, from which she was gifted a key to the city. Additionally, Savannah also declared Patty Barragan Schreck Day on May 31, 1981. Ms. Schreck will forever be remembered as a dedicated servant of God and her community through her service to the church and to the city of Savannah.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Sara ``Mandy'' Reece on her appointment to dean of the School of Pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine known as PCOM. Dr. Reece has been a part of the Georgia PCOM community since 2010, having served as the interim dean, vice chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, and director of Interprofessional Education. Before joining the PCOM community, Dr. Reece served as a pharmacy director and diabetes educator at District 2 Public Health in Gainesville, Georgia. Dr. Reece's appointment as dean is only one of her many accomplishments, among being named the PCOM School of Pharmacy Teacher of the Year for Pharmacy Practice in 2019 and Faculty Preceptor of the Year in 2022 and 2023. In Dr. Reece's new role as the dean, she will continue to advance the great mission of PCOM School of Pharmacy throughout the State of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely congratulate Dr. Reece on her accomplishments and share the excitement with the Georgia PCOM community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to grieve the loss of Dr. Bob Nichols, who passed away on December 20. Dr. Nichols was a renowned professor at Young Harris College with an impressive 35-year teaching career at the school. He taught math and coached tennis at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Gainesville State College, and Young Harris College. Dr. Nichols was an All-American tennis player during his time at Georgia Tech and earned a spot in the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Nichols impacted thousands of students during his 42-year teaching career. In September 2011, Young Harris College named their campus tennis complex in honor of Dr. Nichols. Additionally, Dr. Nichols designed a strong advising program and was the chair of the mathematics and science division at Young Harris College. The college's board of trustees awarded him professor emeritus status in 2010 for his decades of dedicated service, and he received several other remarkable awards. Dr. Nichols will always be remembered as an outstanding coach, an outstanding mentor, and a friend to all.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of the chief information officer of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FLETC, Mike Vesta. Mr. Vesta was appointed as the assistant director and chief information officer of FLETC in August of 2016, and he will retire on December 31. Mr. Vesta has an extensive background in providing training resources to State, local, campus, Tribal, and international law enforcement. He held a crucial role in Federal law enforcement training, as FLETC serves as a law enforcement training agency for over 90 Federal agencies and other partner organizations. Mr. Vesta began his career in the Federal Government in 1986 where he spent 4 years enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He also held many roles within the National Weather Service beginning in 1991. In 2002, Mr. Vesta became the CIO of the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center where he influenced change with information technology in the healthcare world before joining FLETC in 2006. I celebrate Mr. Vesta's impressive knowledge and impactful career that has supported the U.S. Air Force and advancements in information technology and Federal law enforcement training. I congratulate Mr. Vesta on his retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. Lamborn, for hosting this tonight. I also want to pay tribute to him for his years of service as a Member of Congress and let him know that he has been an inspiration to many of us here, and we wish him well in his retirement. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Bible Week and to share with you that I am actually reading through the Bible this year. I am almost finished. We only have a few more days left this year. I am almost there. I am in Revelation, Micah. One of my favorite verses is Micah 6:8. It is very special reading through it. I think it is important to note that the study that I am using was given to me, the book was given to me, by the chair of Energy and Commerce this year, Cathy McMorris Rodgers. She gave it to us. I really appreciate her doing that. She, too, is retiring this year. I certainly wish her well. She has done an outstanding job as a Member of Congress. I want to rise today in celebration of what is one of my favorite times of the year for several different reasons: Christmastime, a time that brings family, friends, food, fun, and football, all of those things, but it is important that we remember during this time the reason that we are celebrating this holiday, and that is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of Christmastime and to forget about what is most important. I am certainly as guilty of that as I am sure all of us are. The Christmas season is a great opportunity for us to remind ourselves and each other that no matter what happens or what we do, we are surrounded by the love of God. There is no better exhibition of this than the Christmas story. We are all familiar with the Gospel of John, chapter 3:16, that tells us: ``For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.'' This is one of the most popular verses in the Bible, and for good reason. It paints a clear picture of God's never-ending love for His creation, us. No matter the sins that we commit--and we do--or how often we neglect the meaning of Christmas, God still loves us so much that He offers each of us a chance at eternal life. That is certainly a gift none of us deserve but all of us can have. I hope everyone will join me in rejoicing in the love of God this Christmas season. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Again, I thank Mr. Lamborn for hosting this tonight. God bless you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his gracious words. He will be one of the people I miss when I retire in January after 18 years of being here. There are so many great people I will miss, and there are things I won't miss, but there are some people I truly will miss. Representative Allen mentioned Biblical prophecies being fulfilled, and there are hundreds of very specific prophesies that you can find in the Bible that were fulfilled exactly as foretold. It may have taken years for it to happen, but they were fulfilled exactly. If you were to put odds on that, it would become astronomical that all of that could be the case as opposed to something that are legends and fairy tales that were just made up by human invention. Another source of verification, validation of the Bible, is archaeology. Every time there is an archaeological discovery in the Holy Land, it validates the Biblical accounts. It never contradicts the Biblical accounts. One example from a few decades ago was the Dead Sea Scrolls. Those were exactly word for word what other sources had said was the book of Isaiah, the Book of Psalms, other Old Testament Scriptures, and they were exactly the same. There was a validation there. Mr. Speaker, I am going to conclude. It has been an honor to present this National Bible Week this week, and for so many years in the past. I thank my colleagues who were here. I am thankful for the word of God in my own life and in the life of this country, and in the life of my wife and children and grandchildren as well. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I thank her for her leadership on this committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3448, the Never Again Education Reauthorization Act. I am proud to lead this important bipartisan bill with Senator Rosen, and I thank her for her work. The bill before us today reauthorizes the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's program to disseminate Holocaust education resources through fiscal year 2030. Since the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, pervasive discrimination and bias against Jews has been on full display. The Anti-Defamation League reports more than 10,000 incidents of anti- Semitism in the United States between October 2023 and September of 2024. This is hateful, disgusting, and despicable. Nowhere is this more visible that on college and university campuses where there was a staggering 321 percent increase of anti-Semitic incidents in just 1 year. During that time, the American people watched anti-Semitic mobs rule over so-called elite universities including Columbia University, Harvard University, George Washington University, and many, many more. Not only were these demonstrations morally reprehensible but they also incited violence against Jewish students and staff. Yet, as these mobs raged on campuses, the American people witnessed three Ivy League presidents refuse to unequivocally state that calling for the genocide of Jews would violate their institutions' code of conduct. Think about the example that sets for today's college students. Three adults in a position of power believe calling for the genocide of Jews would be in line with their school policies. Jewish students deserve better. We must speak out against hate and educate our students on the history of anti-Semitism to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never repeated. You have heard the saying: Those who don't know their history are bound to repeat it. We must set a better example than that for our children, and the recent pro-Hamas demonstrations happening at colleges and high schools across the Nation are proof of that. No one should be discriminated against because of their faith or their culture or their heritage. When we say never again, we mean it. Let me be clear. October 7 was the worst day in Jewish history since the Holocaust, and this bill will ensure that we learn from history instead of hiding from it. That is why I applaud Senator Rosen for working with me on this bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which I am proud to lead with Senator Merkley and Representative Khanna. Before I begin, I will start by thanking Paris Hilton for her hard work, her bravery, and her vulnerability in sharing her story about abuse at the hands of a youth residential treatment facility. This truly was a courageous act on her part. Mr. Speaker, Paris is already making a difference, and I applaud her for using her voice to advance such a critical cause. When Paris first met with me last Congress and shared her story about being in institutional care as a child, I will be quite honest, I was horrified. I believe the words out of my mouth were: This sounds like it is being run by the cartel. Let me tell you, everything that I have heard since that meeting-- from policy experts, advocates, and survivors--has confirmed this terrifying truth. One child, just one child experiencing abuse, is too many. Thousands of children are being funneled into seemingly safe institutional care facilities only to be dehumanized and abused in a crisis, one that I am so glad there is bipartisan and bicameral support to address. There are as many as 200,000 minors in youth residential programs or facilities across the country. At their best, youth residential programs provide counseling, treatment, and care for struggling teens and children. At their worst, they subject innocent children to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, which has led to hospitalizations, prolonged trauma, and even death. Disgustingly, far too many of these centers are operating at their worst. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which I am proud to be the Republican lead of in the House of Representatives, would increase transparency and accountability for these programs so that parents and children alike have an accurate understanding of the practices, goals, and ethics of these centers. It will also help to establish best practices for health, safety, care, and treatment so that there is a Federal standard for how institutionalized youth are treated. This will also give parents the information they need to make an informed decision about whether institutional care is the best option for their child. Mr. Speaker, I am not trying to intervene on State rights here. Yes, they are regulated by the States, and I want to be clear to my colleagues that the States will continue to regulate them. This simply calls for more transparency, responsibility, and accountability. It gives parents the opportunity to see if these centers truly are using seclusion or physical restraints. It does not intend to interfere with the States regulating these facilities. As you know, I am a healthcare professional, and we abide by the Hippocratic oath, do no harm. It is time institutional care facilities were held to that same standard. There are a lot of good facilities out there, there is no question about that, but there are some bad ones. That is what we are trying to identify here. Every profession has bad actors. I am a pharmacist, the second most well-respected profession in America. We have bad actors, just like every profession does. That is what we are trying to identify here. It is time that institutional care facilities were held to the same standards of the Hippocratic oath, do no harm. This bill has already passed the Senate, and I thank Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, and many others for bringing this bill before the House here today. We have the votes, and it is time to get this done. Who would vote against this? We all want our children safe. This is simply calling for more accountability and more transparency. This is simply calling for best practices. This is an attempt to identify bad actors. The children in these facilities can't wait another Congress for change. Sunlight is the best disinfectant there is, and we are going to light the institutional care industry up with transparency and oversight because our children deserve it. I commend Senator Merkley and Representative Khanna for working on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Savannah business leader David Paddison, recipient of the 2025 Leadership Award from the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum. Mr. Paddison serves as the president of Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, a private insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm in the southeastern United States. Not only has David achieved business success during his more than 30- year career, but he has also advocated for community involvement and support of nonprofit organizations. As a Savannah native, Mr. Paddison has been a leader on many boards within his community. He has served as the chair of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Union Mission, the Armstrong State Foundation, and he currently holds numerous other board positions. Along with his wife, Jeanne, Mr. Paddison founded the Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center to provide rescue and rehabilitation resources to the region's animals. I sincerely congratulate Mr. Paddison for receiving this honorable award and for his outstanding contributions to the Savannah community. I congratulate my friend.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for hosting us here tonight. I rise today in honor of my good friend and colleague and one of my mentors, Dr. Michael Burgess, for his impactful time in Congress. Dr. Burgess has dedicated his congressional career to bettering not only the lives of his constituents in Texas but also the lives of all Americans. I have had the distinct privilege of serving with Mike Burgess on both the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Budget Committee and together in the GOP Doctors Caucus. In all of these roles, Dr. Burgess has worked diligently to put America's patients first. He has worked on legislation to improve access to care for patients and improve the lives of those suffering from sickle cell anemia. Dr. Burgess has also worked hard to increase maternal health outcomes and the enhanced quality of care for mothers. I can confidently say that Dr. Burgess has spent every second of every hour here in Washington, D.C., working toward the betterment of life for all of us. He has been a model Member of Congress, and we will certainly miss him. I am excited for him to get to experience the relaxation of life after Congress. After the many years of service to our country, there are few more deserving of a great retirement. Thank you, my friend. I really do appreciate all of your guidance, all of your work, all of your mentorship.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in support H.R. 1377, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2023. Mr. Speaker, I thank the bipartisan sponsors of this bill for working to protect our national security and global competitiveness. Our adversaries such as China are working diligently to gain an edge over the U.S. when it comes to wireless technology and deployment. Let me be clear. Economic security is national security. Again, economic security is national security. It is imperative that we maintain our lead in the wireless space specifically with 5G advancement. We must continue to be at the front line of innovation which means participating in international standard- setting organizations. I was proud to support this legislation when it passed committee unanimously, and I urge my colleagues to support this act as well. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to pay my respects to Chairman Walberg and congratulate him on his new chairmanship. I will miss sitting beside him in Energy and Commerce. It has been a pleasure to work with him for the last 8 years. Mr. Speaker, I would also be remiss if I did not mention that in the first year of this session, I had the opportunity to serve as vice chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. I thank Chairman Latta for the wonderful job that he did and for his inclusion of me in all of our meetings and his leadership on this great subcommittee and on this great committee in Energy and Commerce.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3293, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act. I thank the bipartisan sponsors for this bill in working to close the digital divide. There are over 7 million American homes and businesses that lack access to high-speed broadband, and it is often lengthy permitting processes that contribute to this digital divide. In every industry ranging from energy to telecommunications, the permitting process gets in the way of investment and deployment and ends up hurting consumers the most. There are so many benefits to communities having reliable internet access such as educational and job opportunities, expansion of small business operations, and simply allowing people and services to reach new populations and areas. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation ensures that broadband deployment on Federal lands gets reviewed and prioritized in a timely manner, while also holding the relevant agencies accountable, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7224, which reauthorizes the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Act. I am proud to co-lead this important bill with the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen), and I thank him for his work. Mr. Speaker, this bill provides healthcare professionals with training on how to identify and appropriately treat victims of human trafficking. Every 2 minutes, a child in the United States falls into the human-trafficking ring. In 2023, nearly 10,000 cases were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, with over 600 of those occurring in Georgia. At some point during their captivity, many of these victims will come into contact with healthcare professionals. A doctor's visit or an emergency department trip can offer a critical point of intervention for victims and a brief chance when a victim may be able to detach from traffickers. This legislation will teach healthcare professionals how to properly identify and respond to victims of human trafficking. That is why I applaud Representative Cohen for introducing this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act of 2024, which reauthorizes and strengthens the autism spectrum disorder research, education, and support initiative through 2029. The Autism CARES Act is the single most important driver of Federal investment in autism research and training programs over the past few decades. It has led to improvements in early intervention services, a better understanding of the prevalence of autism, and a better understanding of the co-occurring health conditions that individuals with autism experience. Importantly, it has also been responsible for thousands of future health professionals being trained on how to screen, diagnose, and provide interventions to individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities to improve their health and well-being. Thanks to the Autism CARES Act, many health professionals are better equipped to meet the ever-changing and diverse needs of individuals with autism and other people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Located in my home State of Georgia within Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Center is one of the largest autism centers in the U.S. and is actively involved in research to pinpoint the earliest signs of autism and determine better ways to treat the disorder. Marcus integrates research into clinical practice to maximize the potential of children with autism. NIH had historically supported research grants focused on intervention and services, and I am hopeful that with engagement from Congress and stakeholders, NIH can once again support this important research through the centers of excellence program. I thank Representative Chris Smith for working 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 honor Commander Steve Dmetruk, a distinguished member of my Military Academy Nominations Board and Navy veteran whose life of dedicated service exemplifies the very best of America. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Commander Dmetruk served 6 years on Active Duty and 16 years in the Navy Reserve. As a supply officer aboard the USS Rogers, he bore the heavy responsibility of supporting a 300-member crew, ensuring they were well equipped during critical operations in Vietnam. His ship witnessed the emotional release of American POWs at the war's end, a moment etched in history and in the hearts of all who served. Commander Dmetruk's commitment extended beyond Active Duty. In the Reserves, he modeled the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment while continuing to impact lives through his civilian career and volunteerism. Today, Commander Dmetruk and his wife, Suzy, serve as guardians for Honor Flights, welcoming veterans home and ensuring they feel the gratitude they deserve. He reminds us of the enduring importance of saying: ``Thank you for your service,'' a simple act of recognition that carries profound meaning. We salute Commander Dmetruk and all veterans who have shaped our Nation's legacy. May we honor their sacrifice with unwavering gratitude.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Daniel Howard Bradley of Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Bradley sadly passed away on December 3 in the presence of his family. Born at the old Telfair Hospital in Savannah, Mr. Bradley was a lifelong resident of Savannah. He attended local schools and earned his degree in industrial management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. Bradley was an extremely hardworking individual, serving as the president of the Dixie Plywood Company for over 56 years. Mr. Bradley also remained active in the Georgia Tech community for many years. He served as a trustee of the Georgia Tech National Alumni Association, a member of the Georgia Tech National Advisory Board, and a member of the Georgia Tech Regional Engineering Program, and several others. For over 76 years, Mr. Bradley was an active member of the Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, serving on several boards within the community. It is here that I met Mr. Bradley, and I will tell you, he was one of the finest men I have ever met. He also served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army for two decades. Mr. Bradley was a generous, faithful man, known by all for his integrity and loyalty. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his friends and family. Congratulating Effingham County Middle School Students

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate five Effingham County Middle School students on their selection for the REACH Georgia scholarship. The recipients of this scholarship are Grace Mouhon of Effingham County Middle School, Armon'e Burt and Kellan Langford of Ebenezer Middle School, and Joel Barrera and Ryder English of South Effingham Middle School. At the end of November, all five students signed their REACH Georgia scholarship contracts alongside each other. Due to their stellar academic performance and outstanding attendance and behavior, these students will graduate high school with a $10,000 scholarship that is eligible for use at HOPE institutions. Each student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, work with mentors, and remain drug- and alcohol-free throughout high school. Our district is incredibly proud of these hardworking, accomplished students. I look forward to the opportunity to follow the future successes of these students, and I wish them the very best along their academic journey. Honoring Dan Wright

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Dan Wright. Mr. Wright, nicknamed ``Skip,'' acquired the name from his father, who enlisted in the Army as a captain after his graduation from dental school. Mr. Wright was an excellent athlete throughout his life. He showcased his athletic prowess as an outstanding football player and a black- diamond skier. Mr. Wright attended school at the Citadel prior to being drafted into the Vietnam war, where he received a Bronze Star for his service to his beloved country. Upon his return home, Mr. Wright finished school at East Carolina State with a degree in business and finance, which propelled him into his impressive career as a mortgage banker in both Atlanta and St. Simons until his retirement. He was a dedicated member of both Christ Church Frederica and his cherished golf club, Sea Island. Mr. Wright was preceded in death by his two sons, Dan and Thomas, and his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Wright. Mr. Wright will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and golf partners. My heart goes out to all of them.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first ever Energy and Commerce Committee chairwoman and my friend, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, for her excellent work in leading the most bipartisan committee in Congress. Under her leadership, the committee has worked effectively, efficiently, and in a bipartisan manner to advance legislation that will improve the life of all Americans. Chair Rodgers introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide necessary resources for Down syndrome research. She has also led us in combating the Biden administration's damaging overregulation and war on American energy. I was proud to work with her on the ADVANCE Act to enhance our civil nuclear leadership, which is now law. She also held insightful hearings on TikTok and the threat that it poses to our youth and national security. Her time as the chair enhanced the United States and its citizens, and we will surely miss her. We surely wish her well in her retirement. I thank Cathy for all her work.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ware County, Georgia, for celebrating its 200th year anniversary. Ware County was founded in 1824 and resides in Georgia's First Congressional District, which I have the honor and privilege of representing. Originally carved from Appling County, Ware County was named after the United States Senator, Nicholas Ware, who served as the mayor of Augusta, Georgia, before his term in the Senate. Today, Ware County is recognized as one of the leading counties in south Georgia, as it is home to the 451st militia district, the oldest in our entire country. The county site, Waycross, has grown from a small town with nothing more than a log courthouse to a city serving 14,000 people and large manufacturing companies such as Stewart's Candy Company. Waycross is also bordered by the beautiful Satilla River, which became a busy route in the early 1800s for transporting longleaf pine trees to sawmills on the coast. In fact, Waycross is the largest city in the largest county in the largest State east of the Mississippi. I am proud to celebrate this anniversary with Ware County and our great State of Georgia.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the football teams of two incredible institutions in our State: Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. Last week, these two university football teams played one of the most exciting games many of us have ever witnessed. This incredible game was neck and neck and went into eight overtimes, which is the second most overtimes in a college football game ever, only eclipsed by the 2021 Illinois-Penn State game, which had nine overtimes. More importantly, the respect that the players--these gridiron warriors--staff, coaches, and fans showed each other after such a heated exchange was truly admirable. Our in-State rivalry remains the gold standard of rivalries in college football. After the last whistle blew, both teams showed the deserved respect to each other. Seeing Coach Kirby Smart and Brent Key embrace each other after the game reminds us all of what sportsmanship truly looks like. This was truly the game of the year, a game of clean, old-fashioned hate that ended with the utmost respect. I congratulate Georgia on their win and to Georgia Tech for their incredible resolve. We are so proud of both of these teams.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of the former Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Joe Tanner, who sadly passed away on Sunday, November 24. Mr. Tanner had an impressive career in the State government for 26 years, making him the longest serving commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. He was first appointed to the position of commissioner for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in 1972. Mr. Tanner served as commissioner until 1984 and completed a second term of service from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Tanner accomplished many impressive achievements throughout his career. He was responsible for over 400 legislative efforts and consolidated 38 State agencies into the DNR. Mr. Tanner was a dedicated servant to the environment and law, known for establishing a State single-point environmental permitting system. Mr. Tanner will forever be remembered for his excellence and dedicated service to the State of Georgia. My heart and my thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of working alongside him. Congratulating Cassandra Cannon

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Georgia Tech for ranking number one among public schools in the South. This achievement was recently reported by The Wall Street Journal and deservedly reflects the university's impressive legacy. Georgia Tech has retained its number one spot for industrial engineering and has recently achieved this top ranking for civil engineering. Meanwhile, the university's aerospace, biomedical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering programs all ranked in the top four among all universities nationwide. Georgia Tech is a leader in advancing research and preparing students for careers in technology and innovation. This is an incredible achievement and a source of pride for Georgians everywhere. Our public universities are great options for young people to get a quality education, and Georgia Tech embodies this to the fullest. These well-deserved rankings highlight the commitment of students and staff alike to maintaining a culture of innovation and of excellence. I congratulate the students, the staff, and the alumni of Georgia Tech.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cassandra Cannon for her placement in Inc.'s 2024 Female Founders 250 list. Since launching her luxury lingerie company, Lake, Ms. Cannon has expanded her company immensely, growing Lake's revenue by 50 percent, customer base by 185 percent, and roster of employees by 134 percent in 2023 alone. Prior to launching the company, Cannon was preparing to begin medical school and her cofounder, Anne Read Lattimore, was working in the pharmaceutical industry. The two realized there were improvements to be made in the women's sleepwear industry and decided to exit the medical field to launch Lake in 2014. The company boasts a spectacular headquarters on West Harris Street, coupled with a design studio on Broughton Street in Savannah and fulfillment center in Pooler. Congratulations to Ms. Cannon, Ms. Lattimore, and the dedicated employees of Lake on this stellar achievement. I look forward to watching this company flourish in years to come. Kia 15-Year Manufacturing Anniversary in Georgia