Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kia on 15 years of manufacturing in the State of Georgia. Boasting 2,200 expansive acres of land in West Point, Georgia, Kia's manufacturing plant is the first North American manufacturing site for the corporation, based in Seoul, South Korea. After its groundbreaking ceremony in October of 2006, Kia has increased its capacity to produce 350,000 vehicles per year. Soon Kia will complete its $217 million expansion to allow for the production of electric vehicles in addition to the plant's customary products. I extend my most sincere thanks and congratulations to Kia and its Georgia team for their hard work and contributions to growing and strengthening American manufacturing. Congratulations to Kia and its Georgia team on this significant milestone. I look forward to watching the company continue to provide jobs, opportunity, and top-notch products in Georgia for many years to come. Congratulating Georgia Tech

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Sheriff John T. Wilcher. Sheriff Wilcher was a veteran law enforcement officer and a lifelong servant of Chatham County. Sheriff Wilcher rose through the ranks, holding nearly every position within the sheriff's office. He retired from the rank of colonel in 2014 and continued his service to Chatham County when he was elected sheriff in 2016. He was then reelected in 2020 without opposition, further establishing his legacy as a trusted public servant. Sheriff Wilcher's excellence extends far beyond his duties as a sheriff. Throughout his career, he won the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Excellence Award, Trial Lawyers Award, the MLK award for elected officials in 2020, and rightfully secured several other incredible honors. Notably, he founded the annual Chatham County Sheriff's Office Poker Run, raising over $350,000 for Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes over the course of 17 years. Sheriff Wilcher is not only an incredible public servant but a dedicated family man. He celebrates his life achievements alongside his wife, Dorothy, and their two children. His honor and dedication to Chatham County will be cherished forever and leave a lasting mark on future generations. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sheriff Wilcher on his retirement.

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. 477 and YEA on Roll Call No. 478.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life of Josie-Tatum Carlson of Blackshear, Georgia. At the age of 21, Josie-Tatum leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and love for her savior, Jesus Christ. Josie-Tatum grew up in Blackshear, Georgia, where she graduated from Pierce County High School as the class valedictorian. She attended Mercer University and was awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship. Upon graduation from Mercer University, she married her high school sweetheart, Ethan Carlson. Josie-Tatum will be remembered for her servant's heart and her willingness to help others. She was a shining light in a world of darkness and will be dearly missed by those who knew her and loved her. Our hearts break for this young lady and her family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of them. Celebrating Coach Mark Stroud

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life of Josie-Tatum Carlson of Blackshear, Georgia. At the age of 21, Josie-Tatum leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and love for her savior, Jesus Christ. Josie-Tatum grew up in Blackshear, Georgia, where she graduated from Pierce County High School as the class valedictorian. She attended Mercer University and was awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship. Upon graduation from Mercer University, she married her high school sweetheart, Ethan Carlson. Josie-Tatum will be remembered for her servant's heart and her willingness to help others. She was a shining light in a world of darkness and will be dearly missed by those who knew her and loved her. Our hearts break for this young lady and her family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of them.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Coach Mark Stroud's career at Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia. Following this season, Mark Stroud will be concluding his time as the head football coach of the Cavaliers. Stroud has coached the Cavaliers for 16 seasons, boasting an incredible 148 wins and 43 losses. During his 16 years at Calvary Day School, Stroud led his team to six regional championships, including the last 4 years in a row. Stroud began his legacy as a head coach in 1992 at Toombs County High School and coached the school's program for 16 seasons until 2007. He also amassed an impressive record with the Toombs County Bulldogs, winning five regional championships. Over the course of his 33 seasons, Stroud put together a remarkable career in the State of Georgia, winning 272 games and earning himself the second-most all-time wins in south Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Stroud on his outstanding career at Cavalry Day School. Honoring the Life of Josie-Tatum Carlson

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, my district is suffering, our Nation is suffering, and Congress has the duty to alleviate it. This year, record-breaking storms have wreaked havoc on homes, businesses, families, farms, and more. Right now, the West Coast is battling a catastrophic bomb cyclone, dumping as much as 1 foot of rain on impacted communities. On the East Coast, this year's hurricane season was especially destructive. Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton, and Beryl, just to name a few, brought destruction to the Southeast, the likes of which I have never seen in my more than 60 years living in the great State of Georgia. We aren't talking about temporary inconveniences. Communities, particularly ag communities, are experiencing generational damage. Our fellow Americans have lost loved ones and property at an alarming rate. Among those casualties is Blackshear Assistant Fire Chief Leon Davis from Pierce County, who was killed during Hurricane Helene while selflessly clearing debris in an attempt to keep his community members safe. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Davis family as they mourn this immense loss. There is nothing we can do to bring our loved ones back, but we can make life better for those who still are with us. We need disaster relief, and we need it yesterday. The number one responsibility of the Federal Government is to protect our citizens from foreign and domestic threats. It brings me no joy to say this, but we are failing in that mission. FEMA and SBA's disaster relief coffers are as empty as the hope many people feel about getting the aid they so desperately need, but we have a window of opportunity to change that. I am calling on my colleagues to work together to seize this opportunity. The White House has submitted a roughly $100 billion request to help our Nation recover from natural disasters. This request is a step in the right direction. Georgia alone, according to Governor Brian Kemp, needs $12.2 billion just for Hurricane Helene damage recovery. That is just one State and just one storm. I don't say this often, not often at all, but I echo President Biden's call to quickly pass a supplemental funding package with no delay. We must work together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to get the American people the help they deserve. Disaster relief is not a red issue, and it is not a blue issue. It is a red, white, and blue issue. We have a responsibility to help our communities recover, and there is no excuse for us to delay any further. We also must ensure that our timber farmers are able to deduct the value of their lost crop, which is why I am pushing for my bill, the Disaster Reforestation Act, to be included in this package. I am ready to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to get this disaster supplemental across the finish line. Anything less than this, Mr. Speaker, will be a dereliction of our duty. Our people need help, and they need it now.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of famed Chatham County District Attorney Spencer Lawton, Jr. After graduating from the University of Georgia's law school, Lawton worked in his family's firm and founded his own law firm before winning the 1980 election for Chatham County District Attorney. Lawton served as the Chatham County DA for over 28 years where he modernized his management office, built an incredible team, and created Georgia's first victim-witness assistance program. Lawton also helped to pass many pieces of legislation, including victim compensation and the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. The victim- witness program Lawton created became a model for prosecutors across the Nation. In addition to this incredible work, Lawton rose to fame for prosecuting Jim Williams in John Berendt's best-selling book ``Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'' Outside of his career, Lawton was deeply involved in community organizations, including the Mediation Center, Coastal Children's Advocacy Center, and the Savannah Music Festival. Our community will forever remember Lawton's service, and I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeff Kole and Diana Morrison for their achievements as the 2024 honorees of the Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame. Jeff Kole is the president of Kole Investment Co. and is actively involved in improving the Savannah community through numerous boards and charity organizations. In addition, he is the founding facilitator and board chair of East Savannah United, a nonprofit that will open a new library and children's center next year. Diana Morrison is the founder and CEO of Ad Specialty. She built her successful business up from just the trunk of her car. Diana contributes her time to many organizations in the Savannah area and has been honored by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce twice for her accomplishments. I am proud to have leaders like Jeff and Diana in our district. I wish them both the very best.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Brittney F. Mobley, who was named the 2024 National Distinguished Principal of Georgia. This award was administered by the National Association of Elementary School Principals National Distinguished Principals program, an annual award that honors the exemplary leadership of principals across each State. In 2020, while educators across the country were facing challenges with remote teaching due to the pandemic, Ms. Mobley was working to open her county's newest elementary school, Frances Meeks Elementary School. Frances Meeks resides in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and serves its students with unique learning experiences such as the elementary agricultural education program that provides students with hands-on learning experiences pertaining to agriculture and creates longstanding community partnerships. Thanks to Dr. Mobley, the school boasts a 95 percent curriculum mastery rate and a growing number of students qualifying for its gifted programs. Congratulations to Dr. Mobley on this award. We greatly appreciate the work she has dedicated to the students of Georgia's First Congressional District.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Love's Seafood & Steaks in Savannah, Georgia, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since 1949, this family-owned establishment has been a cornerstone of our community, offering exceptional coastal cuisine and Southern hospitality. Under the dedicated leadership of Donna Love and her husband, Fulton, Love's Seafood has thrived, becoming a cherished gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Their commitment to quality and tradition has made Love's a beloved institution that is sure to deliver the very heart and soul of Savannah to anyone who steps into its doors. I congratulate Donna, Fulton, and the entire Love family on 75 remarkable years, and may their legacy continue to flourish for generations to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James W. Putney, Jr., who passed away this September at 70 years old. A Georgia native, James was a born and raised Savannah and is widely remembered for his passion for service and dedication to his community. For over two decades, James served in the military specializing in information technology, and once said his favorite place he was stationed in was Panama, as it reminded him of his beautiful home of Savannah. After retiring from active duty, James began working with fellow veterans in the American Legion, and served as the Commander of Post 500, the first African American Legion in the state of Georgia. James also served as the chaplain on the Chatham County Veterans Council, which was another reason he was chosen as the grand marshal for Savannah's 2023 Veteran's Day Parade. My thoughts and prayers are with the Putney family and the Savannah area, as we mourn the loss of a truly impactful member of our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Brittney F. Mobley, who was named the 2024 National Distinguished Principal of Georgia. This award was administered by the National Association of Elementary School Principals' National Distinguished Principals program, an annual award that honors the exemplary leadership of principals across each State. In 2020, while educators across the country were facing challenges with remote teaching due to the pandemic, Ms. Mobley was working to open the county's newest elementary school, Frances Meeks Elementary School. Frances Meeks is in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and serves its students with unique learning experiences, such as the elementary agriculture program that provides students with hands-on learning experiences pertaining to agriculture and creates longstanding community partnerships. Thanks to Dr. Mobley, the school boasts a 95 percent curriculum mastery rate and a growing number of students qualifying for its gifted programs. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Mobley on this award, and we greatly appreciate the work she has dedicated to the students of Georgia's First Congressional District.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Howard Young's 100th birthday. Born on November 25, 1924, in Louisiana, Howard Young has lived an incredible life. Howard grew up in Louisiana during the toughest of times, the Great Depression, and those experiences shaped Howard for the rest of his life. His upbringing instilled in him a love for his church, hard work, and helping those in need. At 17, Howard joined the Navy and served our Nation in the Pacific theater in World War II. After his service, he left the Navy and moved to Houston where he entered college. Even after his retirement at 58, Howard is well-known throughout the community for his busy schedule of volunteering for organizations, including the United Way, the Alzheimer's Association, his church, the VA, and many more. Howard is also a local celebrity in the GOP and often quips that he became a Republican after Governor Huey Long levied taxes on food during his childhood in Louisiana. Today, I ask that we all come together to celebrate this great man and congratulate him on 100 years of a young life. Mourning the Loss of Edward H. Zipperer

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of Gerald ``Jerry'' Couri, the now former GOP deputy chief counsel for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials. Jerry's impressive tenure in the House of Representatives began before me and several of my colleagues here today, during the 101st Congress. After graduating from Marquette University, Jerry worked for Representatives Scott Klug and Paul Gillmor, handling environmental issues related to the Energy and Commerce Committee. Mr. Couri then served on the committee for 23 years, specializing in chemical management and playing a large role in rewriting the Toxic Substances Control Act. While we honor Jerry's dedication to the committee for all these years, we recognize nothing surpasses his love for Marquette basketball and his lovely wife and children. On behalf of my office and the committee, I thank Jerry for his faithful service to the committee and the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Jerry the best in his next endeavors.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Vernon Leon Davis. Leon Davis was a firefighter for over 30 years in Blackshear, Georgia. Mr. Davis worked his way up to assistant fire chief of Blackshear while working part time over his expansive 30-year career. Sadly, Mr. Davis passed in the line of duty while helping the Blackshear community during Hurricane Helene. This hurricane has hit Georgia and the Southeast region of the United States hard. Without the tremendous efforts and service of people like Mr. Davis, our communities would not be able to recover. Mr. Davis was known to be an exceptional man by his family, friends, and all the people he worked with throughout his career. He has deeply touched the Blackshear community and will be greatly missed by many. Our community is forever indebted to Mr. Davis' service, and I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Celebrating Howard Young's 100th Birthday

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Ed Zipperer. Ed was born in Savannah, Georgia, on August 8, 1931, where he grew up working on his family's vegetable farm along Highway 17. Ed attended Savannah High School where he was a standout in football. He then played at Clemson University before earning an agricultural engineering degree from the University of Georgia. He went on to coach basketball in 1965, forming one of the few racially integrated teams in the State. For games on the road, Ed even bought a hot dog machine to feed his team. Ed continued making a difference in his community by serving in the State senate from 1967 to 1975. Ed was instrumental in creating the Skidaway Island State Park, Fort McAllister State Park, and Kings Ferry Ogeechee River public recreational area. His dedication has helped to preserve land in south Georgia for generations to come. Additionally, Ed was the president of Chatham County Farm Bureau for 45 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we take a moment to mourn Ed Zipperer and thank him for his life of service that will always be remembered by the people of south Georgia. Celebrating the Work of Gerald ``Jerry'' Couri

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Lieutenant General Ellie Givan ``Buck'' Shuler, Jr., who passed away at the age of 87 this past October. General Shuler was a proud servant of our country. After graduating from the Citadel in 1959, he spent 32 years dedicating his life to the United States Air Force. With over 7,600 flying hours and 125 combat missions in Vietnam, it is no surprise General Shuler was awarded over 20 medals and distinctions for his service, including being awarded the Order of the Palmetto by South Carolina Governor McMaster. Besides his dedication to his country, he was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and a previous president and chairman of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia, where I served with him on the board of trustees. General Shuler is survived by his wife, Annette Maury Shuler, and their sons, E.G. ``Buck'' Shuler III, Franklin, and Gray. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the Shulers today as they celebrate and remember the truly impactful life lived by General Shuler.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Vernon ``Leon'' Davis. Leon Davis was a firefighter for over 30 years in Blackshear, Georgia. Mr. Davis worked his way up to Assistant Fire Chief of Blackshear while serving part time over his expansive 30-year career. Sadly, Davis passed in the line of duty while helping his Blackshear community during Hurricane Helene. This Hurricane has hit Georgia and the Southeast region of United States hard. Without the tremendous efforts and service of people like Mr. Davis, our communities would not be able to recover. Mr. Davis was known to be an exceptional man by his friends, family, and all the people he worked with throughout his career. He has deeply touched the Blackshear community and will be greatly missed by many. Our community is forever indebted to Mr. Davis's service, and I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dianne Horton, who sadly passed away this September. Mrs. Horton dedicated much of her life to serving the great state of Georgia, working for Senator Roscoe Dean at Georgia's State Capitol and for Mary Hitt's gubernatorial campaign. Enthralled by the whirlwind a life in politics brings, Dianne joined the famous Peanut Brigade, President Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign which began after he served as Governor of Georgia. After her career in politics, Dianne opened her business, VIP Office Furniture and Supply store, in Hinesville, GA. In 2025, VIP will celebrate its 50th anniversary serving the Hinesville community. Dianne is survived by her mother Inez, her sisters Vicki and Joy, and her sons Andy and Brett. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the Horton family today, may Dianne's memory be a blessing.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Mr. Scott Orr from Georgia Power. Mr. Orr has been led an impressive 42-year career and has been a great advocate for Georgians as Georgia Power's Manager of Federal Legislative Affairs. Scott Orr began his career at Georgia Power in 1982, and since then has held a number of roles in the company including customer service, sales, and his role in Federal Legislative Affairs. He has been a great friend not just to our office but to the Georgia delegation as a whole, having worked with several different members throughout his career! Outside of work, Orr's service has made a great impact on his community. Scott has served as the Vice Chair of the Georgia Youth Challenge Academy Foundation's Board of Directors, the Athens Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Northeast Georgia, and many others! Thank you, Scott Orr, for your decades of service to Georgia, and congratulations on your well-earned retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ware County, Georgia for celebrating its 200-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 1800's for transporting longleaf pine trees to sawmills on the coast. 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 congratulate Mike Bell on his retirement from the forestry industry. Mr. Bell dedicated 23 years to Rayonier and is retiring as Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications. During his career, Mike made a remarkable impact on the forestry industry and its surrounding communities. He is certainly leaving the industry better than he found it. Mike built a reputation of fighting for the interests of the timberland owners and foresters. He also recognized the vital roles of guest workers play in the success of this industry, and utilized the H- 2B program to ensure a strong workforce. Mr Bell not only supported the forestry industry, but he was also successful in navigating the complex relationship between the forestry industry and our climate. In addition to his advocacy work, Mr. Bell was a driving instrument in economic and infrastructure improvements that boosted foresters and local communities. Notably, he spearheaded the building of a broad coalition to secure an I-95 interchange in Richmond Hill, Georgia, to improve hurricane evacuation routes and traffic flow, while creating significant commercial opportunities in the process. Mr. Bell embodied the values of a true leader throughout his career. I extend my most sincere gratitude and congratulations to Mike for his dedicated, impactful career that will continue to inspire future forestry professionals.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Fort Pulaski Monument. Fort Pulaski is a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring spilt of Coastal Georgia. This fort, built to protect our young nation, is more than just a brick and mortar structure. It represents a turning point in American military history. Its walls bore witness to the Civil War and the advent of rifled cannon technology, marking the end of traditional fortifications. Fort Pulaski holds deep significance for Coastal Georgia as a beacon of our heritage, drawing visitors from across the country to experience its rich history, natural beauty, and the stories of those who fought to preserve the Union. For the nation, it serves as a reminder of how far we have come, how innovation shapes our future, and how the preservation of such landmarks fosters a deeper understanding of our past. Today, as we honor this milestone, let us reflect on the Fort's legacy and recommit ourselves to preserving this piece of American history for generations to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the death of Investigator Taylor Bristow of Carrolton, Georgia. On Friday, August 23, 2024, Taylor Bristow heroically laid down his life in the line of duty at only 30 years old. Taylor Bristow was born on July 2, 1994, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Investigator Bristow was a dedicated family man and is survived by his wife and two children. When he wasn't out protecting and serving his community, Taylor enjoyed playing with his children and two dogs and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. As an investigator, he was passionate about working with children and animal abuse cases. He wanted to help people, and was successful in that life goal. Our state has lost a hero, and we send our condolences to his family and community.