Buddy Carter

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. 443, Yea on Roll Call No. 444, Yea on Roll Call No. 445, Yea on Roll Call No. 446, Yea on Roll Call No. 447, and Yea on Roll Call No. 448.

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 Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act. As a pharmacist for over four decades, I have seen firsthand the heartbreaking toll sickle cell disease takes on patients and their families. Sickle cell disease is a destructive disease, attacking red blood cells in the body and causing patients strong episodes of pain over time. Unfortunately, Georgia is home to one of the largest sickle cell disease populations in the country, which is why it is so important that we act quickly to save lives and prevent further pain. The bill before us today reauthorizes critical sickle cell disease programs so that patients have the support and resources they need to battle this terrible disease. I have always and will always commit to putting patients first, and I believe these programs do just that. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Burgess 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 thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting the National Alzheimer's Project Reauthorization Act. This legislation reauthorizes the National Alzheimer's Project Act through 2035, providing a roadmap for Federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer's and dementia. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that steals a person's quality of life. As a pharmacist, I have seen firsthand the impact Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia have on patients, families, caregivers, and society overall. People living with Alzheimer's lose their memories, their independence, their relationships, and ultimately their lives. Beyond the patients, caregivers and loved ones endure emotional distress and unthinkable financial burdens. With nearly 7 million Americans suffering with Alzheimer's, there is a critical need for Federal resources to prevent, treat, and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease. In honor of those who have battled and continue to battle this disease, let's continue to work together to raise awareness and pass this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Barry Brown, who sadly passed away this August at 69 years old. Barry was a Savannah native through and through. After graduating from Savannah High School, he dedicated over 20 years to serving the Savannah and Tybee Island communities. From serving on the planning commission, the city council, and as mayor pro tem, Barry's natural- born leadership set a valuable example for everyone around him. Mr. Brown also faithfully served over 25 years on the Marine Rescue Squadron and belonged to both the American Legion Post 154 and the Tybee Island Republican Club. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Sunni, his son, Brandon, and his four grandchildren. We deeply honor and thank Mr. Brown for his service to the Savannah and Tybee Island communities over the years. I send my most sincere condolences to the Brown family. They along with Barry's friends and all those who were blessed to know him are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, EVs have a future in our transportation system. If you want to buy an EV, that is your choice. We will happily sell you one from the State of Georgia, but I don't think government should corner Americans into buying a car based on ideological bureaucrats' preferred models. Rushed government mandates on arbitrary timelines without consideration of geopolitical factors undermine consumer choice, manipulate markets, and will further tie us to China's whims. Congressman James' CRA resolution would restore personal freedom and protect America. I urge its support. EPA asserts its tailpipe standards are not a mandate for widespread EV adoption, but the numbers of the regulation tell a different story. Even more telling, the market is not ready to voluntarily go there. J.D. Power has downgraded projections for EV sales by 25 percent. Cox Automotive's research team has found that the average consumer isn't sold on going electric, and many won't be easily convinced, even with incentives. If we are being intellectually honest, the administration's policy outcome is only possible through this unrealistic market conversion mandate. Why? In addition to buyer sentiment, the regulation's most modest compliance pathway requires increasing the market share of new 2032 all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 62 percent over 8 years. Moreover, car manufacturers have slowed their U.S. production of electric-powered cars. They realize these vehicles with subsidies and mandates are not selling, and the automakers only have so long to offset their losses with gas-powered vehicles. Meanwhile, this rule aids China, which is further expanding its global dominance of inputs to make electric vehicles. This situation is madness, and gaming our regulatory system this way will cripple hardworking Americans. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support Congressman James' CRA.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of Dr. Clay Dotson. Dr. Dotson, the former Young Harris academic dean and, at times, the interim president, spent over 40 years working in higher education. Even in retirement, he stayed involved through his work on this college board. He is noted for hiring most of the staff at Young Harris College as well as developing the faculty growth and development program, which helped the university grow enormously. Dr. Dotson's legacy to Young Harris College reaches beyond the college and into the community. He was an active member of the Towns County Lions Club, which created the Georgia Mountain Fair. He was also a member of the Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church and served on the board of directors for the Bank of Hiawassee. Dr. Dotson left a lasting impact on Young Harris College and Georgia as a whole. I extend my sympathies and prayers to Dr. Dotson's friends and family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act of 2024, which reauthorizes and strengthens the autism spectrum disorder 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 two 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 autistic people experience. Importantly, it has also been responsible for thousands of future health professionals being trained on how to screen, diagnose, and provide interventions to autistic people and other individuals with 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 autistic people and other people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. This bill will ensure ongoing support by NIH of research at institutions like the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta and the Georgia LEND program at Georgia State University. Located in my home State of Georgia within Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Center is one of the largest organizations in the country that blends research on autism with providing clinical services for children on the autism spectrum and their families. 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 thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, which will help families access lifesaving care for children with complex medical conditions. In Georgia, we are blessed to have world-class children's hospitals that care for kids across the country. However, in some cases, patients with rare and complex diseases have to travel out of State to receive specialized care when the services they need are not available in their own State. The process is difficult and full of red tape, often delaying children and their families from receiving the care they desperately need and, in some cases, blocking access to care altogether. The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act will allow States to streamline the process for out-of-State pediatric care providers to enroll in another State's Medicaid program, while also providing important guardrails. This is a commonsense policy that will help children with complex medical conditions access critical care. Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to see the bipartisan amendment includes crucial pharmacy benefit manager reforms for my Drug Price Transparency and Medicaid Act. This provision would prohibit spread pricing in Medicaid and clarify that States should reimburse PBMs contracting with Medicaid managed care organizations for an administrative fee for managing the pharmacy benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries. This will save taxpayers millions of dollars and will protect patients, pharmacies, and others from middleman tactics that drive up prescription drug prices. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) and the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Mrs. Trahan) for working on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024. As my colleagues have pointed out, this legislation reauthorizes the national network of poison control centers. These centers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide free and confidential assistance with emergencies and other information to help prevent poisoning. In fact, the Georgia Poison Center is a critical resource in Georgia, responding to over 80,000 calls last year alone. Poison control centers are also essential to combating the opioid and fentanyl crisis, because not only are these centers often the first resource people seek after an opioid overdose occurs, but they also collect real-time data to alert impacted communities about opioid abuse and misuse. With the rise of elicit fentanyl poisonings across the country, we must prioritize these centers and support them to protect our families and communities. Ensuring the reauthorization of these poison control centers will be another step in the right direction to combat the rise of illicit opioids that continues to plague our communities. I would like to commend my colleagues for their continued leadership on this bipartisan legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7218, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Reauthorization Act of 2024. As my colleagues have pointed out, this legislation reauthorizes programs to drive early screening and detection as well as research initiatives to help identify treatments and cures for Alzheimer's disease through 2029. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that attacks a person's quality of life. As a pharmacist, I saw firsthand the impact Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia have on patients, families, caregivers, and society overall. People living with Alzheimer's lose their memories, their independence, their relationships, and, ultimately, their lives. Beyond the patients, caregivers and loved ones endure immense emotional and financial difficulties. With nearly 7 million Americans suffering with Alzheimer's, there is a critical need for Federal resources to prevent, treat, and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease. I am optimistic that the tide can be reversed. We now have FDA- approved treatments to slow disease progression, and I think we all can agree that we look forward to the day the world has its first survivor of Alzheimer's. Mr. Speaker, while great progress has been made and new therapies are advancing to help patients and caregivers, we cannot let up the fight. In honor of those who have battled and continue to battle this disease, let's continue to work together to raise awareness and pass this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of William Arthur ``Bill'' Hughes who, sadly, passed away at the age of 96. Bill served for 3 years in the United States Marine Corps and attended FAA Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City which launched him into his 28-year career as a dedicated air traffic controller. After his time in Oklahoma City, Bill and his beloved wife, Nancy, lived in Wilmington, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Isle of Hope. After settling down in Isle of Hope, Bill began his second career as a starter of one of Skidaway Island's golf courses. Mr. Hughes was also well known for his incredible athletic skills. Bill played on the Marine Corps football team, was a highly talented bowler, and was a great golfer. In fact, between his two sons, his three grandsons, and himself, they have 14 hole in ones, and all 14 of them belong to Bill. Bill and his wife, Nancy, are survived by their three children, William, Martha, and Jennings. Mr. Hughes was a hardworking individual who will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and co-workers. I send my most sincere condolences to Bill's wife and three children. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends in this sad, sad time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gustavous ``Gus'' Holmes Bell III of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 86. Gus, known by many as Buster, was a dedicated, hardworking man who earned a degree in civil engineering from The Citadel before attending graduate school at the University of Kentucky. Gus was commissioned as a second lieutenant as a reserve commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. After assignments in Virginia, Texas, and New Mexico, Gus moved to Kentucky and was hired in an engineering role. Gus eventually landed in Savannah, Georgia, and was honorably discharged in 1969. Gus was an engineer who was instrumental in establishing a partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. In honor of Gus' contributions to the city, former mayor Eddie DeLoach declared August 11 as Gus H. Bell III Day in Savannah. Gus was also a founder of St. Andrews on the Marsh School in Savannah and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Savannah. Gus was married for 42 years to his beloved wife, Mandy. After her passing, he was blessed to marry Jan Hall. He is survived by his three children, Lisa, Adair, and Holmes, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We mourn his loss and keep him and his family in our prayers. On a personal note, he was one of my mentors who had a great deal to do with helping me and the city of Pooler and our tremendous growth that we experienced while I was mayor. I will forever be grateful for that. Recognizing Ronald Cooper

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Officer Ronald Cooper, who heroically saved the life of a woman who was kidnapped in Brunswick, Georgia. On November 9, 2019, now-retired Glynn County police officer, Ronnie Cooper, responded to a kidnapping call on his police radio. A woman had been abducted from the daycare center where she worked. Bravely, the woman fought back against her attacker, allowing more time for Officer Cooper and the Glynn County Police Department to locate her. The assailant was forced to change his plans, and the brave folks at Glynn County PD were able to locate the victim. Against the clock and all odds, Officer Cooper and his partner, Officer Jeremy Stagner, successfully rescued the victim from the would- be killer. Thanks to Officer Cooper, Officer Stagner, and all the brave law enforcement officers who work diligently to keep our communities safe from violence like this. Recognizing the Retirement of Freddy Howell

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Bryan County Fire Chief Freddy Howell. Mr. Howell has had a wonderful 39-year career serving his community, and we are all better off for and will deeply miss his passionate service. During his time of public service for Bryan County, Mr. Howell led his department in various cleanup efforts and oversaw the expansion of the fire department. He led the cleanup for a tornado in north Bryan that damaged many parts of our community, and Mr. Howell secured several grants that grew his department's team from 36 to over 100 firefighters. The fire department also acquired new equipment, ambulances, and tankers under Mr. Howell's leadership. With his passion for aiding others, Mr. Howell greatly enhanced Bryan County's emergency response capabilities. Following his retirement from the Bryan County Fire Department, Mr. Howell plans to join the private sector as a customer relationship manager. I am grateful for Mr. Howell's impactful public service to Bryan County and the First District of Georgia. Remembering Richard ``Dick'' Berkowitz

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to mourn the loss of Richard ``Dick'' Berkowitz, who sadly passed away this August at the age of 91 years old. He was a dear, dear friend. After attending the Georgia Military Academy, Dick pursued a graduate degree at the Wharton School of Business. Dick proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in France with the Army Finance Corps. Mr. Berkowitz also had a 42-year-long career in investment banking and as a stockbroker. His career was marked with success as he was the youngest general partner ever at a Wall Street firm in 1967. In addition to his military service and professional career, Dick will be remembered for expressing his outspoken political beliefs through writing candid memos and his involvement in the Savannah, Georgia, community. Dick's legacy will surely be carried on by his wife, Lynn, and his five beloved children. My thoughts and prayers are with the Berkowitz family, Dick's friends, and every person he impacted throughout his wonderful life. We will miss Dick. I will miss my friend Dick. God bless him.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Lois Ruth Cason Wooten, who sadly passed away at the age of 95. Lois studied English and library sciences at the University of Georgia. She took her passion and expertise to work as the head librarian at Northside High School in Atlanta, Georgia. After her time in Atlanta, Lois and her husband, Frank, moved to Savannah, Georgia, where they selflessly served the city in a myriad of ways. Lois was greatly involved in the Savannah Symphony. She was greatly involved in the Savannah College of Art and Design and Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wooten are survived by their beloved daughter, Ann, and their wonderful grandchildren. Lois will always be remembered for her service in the Atlanta and the Savannah communities and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere condolences to the entire Wooten family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and Lois' friends today.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Barry Brown, who sadly passed away this August at 69 years old. Barry was a Savannah native through-and-through. After graduating from Savannah High School, he dedicated over 20 years to serving the Savannah and Tybee Island communities. From serving on the Planning Commission, the City Council, and as Mayor Pro Tem, Barry's natural-born leadership set a valuable example for everyone around him. Mr. Brown also faithfully served over 25 years on the Marine Rescue Squadron and belonged to both the American Legion Post 154 and the Tybee Island Republican Club. Mr Brown is survived by his wife Sunni, his son Brandon, and his four grandchildren. We deeply honor and thank Mr. Brown for his service to the Savannah and Tybee Island communities over the years. I send my most sincere condolences to the Brown family. They, along with Barry's friends and all those who were blessed to know him, are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Wayward in Savannah, Georgia for ranking number 6 on USA Today's top 10 list for best hotel bars. The Wayward lies in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, housed in the new and charming Perry Lane Hotel. The Wayward is not your typical Savannah bar. It selves up a unique alternative rock feel, a refreshing change of pace that perfectly contrasts the coastal city. This accomplishment is no small feat, as an expert panel chose 20 widely recognized bars known for their great atmosphere and mixology, and let USA Today readers vote on the top 10. There are no limits to creativity at The Wayward. Patrons may enjoy items from the menu or rely on the skills of the mixologists to prepare unique flavor profiles. I am very proud to share this excitement with The Wayward and the City of Savannah.

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 Company and has been 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 be opening 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 Chamber of Commerce twice for her accomplishments. We are proud to have leaders like Jeff and Diana in our district and wish them both the very best.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the death of the Honorable Sheila Mobley McNeill who recently passed away at 81 years old in the city where she was born, Brunswick, GA. Sheila served as Navy League's 42nd national president from 2003 to 2005. She was the first and only female president in the organization's 121-year history. Additionally, she spent 58 years with the Navy League where she held many distinguished positions before becoming its president. She earned many awards for her service, including the Secretary of the Navy's Distinguished, Superior and Meritorious Public Service medals, the United States Coast Guard's Distinguished and Meritorious Public Service medals, and many more. She also served as a Georgia state senator representing district 3 from January 2021 to January 2023. She was a devoted wife to Arlie McNeill, a Navy veteran who passed in 2023, and is remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Sara ``Mandy'' Reece on her appointment as Interim 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 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 interim 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 interim dean, she will continue to advance the great mission of PCOM's School of Pharmacy throughout the state of Georgia. I sincerely congratulate Dr. Reece on her accomplishments and share this excitement with the Georgia PCOM community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Lois Ruth Cason Wooten, who sadly passed away at the age of 95. Lois studied English and Library Science at the University of Georgia. She took her passion and expertise to work as the Head Librarian at Northside High School in Atlanta, Georgia. After her time in Atlanta, Lois and her husband Frank moved to Savannah, Georgia where they selflessly served the city in a myriad of ways. Lois was greatly involved in the Savannah Symphony, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wooten are survived by their beloved daughter, Anna, and their wonderful grandchildren. Lois will always be remembered for her service in the Atlanta and Savannah communities and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. I offer my sincerest condolences to the entire Wooten family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and Lois' friends today.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two Georgia resorts--the Barnsley Resort and Jekyll Island Club--for being named a top 10 resort in the United States by USA Today. The Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia placed No. 9 on the list, an English-inspired village community spanning over 3,000 acres. The longstanding Jekyll Island Club placed No. 2 on the list, showcasing Southern hospitality and charm since its doors opened in 1888. Here, residents frequently enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich history of Georgia's coast. These two resorts were chosen by a panel of experts and then voted on by USA Today readers. To qualify for the top 10 resort list, these resorts must offer the complete vacation experience, encompassing all that a vacation destination may offer to its guests on one site. I am proud to celebrate this accomplishment for both the Barnsley Resort and the Jekyll Island Club and share this excitement with our great state of Georgia.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Kiwanis Club of Brunswick for 100 years of service to Brunswick and its surrounding communities. Since 1924, the Kiwanis Club of Brunswick has been supporting youth literacy and development. The club has served countless children and communities across the world, cultivating leadership and initiating impactful projects that have positively affected a multitude of communities. Kiwanis was also instrumental in starting the Frank Callen Boys and Girls club and continues to support that organization. The Kiwanis Club brings a spirit of commitment and service to our community, and it is important that we continue to support its engagement and philanthropy. The Kiwanis Club is making Georgia's First Congressional District a better place to live, work, and learn. Congratulations to the Kiwanis Club and its volunteers on 100 years of service to Georgians, and people worldwide.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Wallace ``Wally'' Amos, who sadly passed away at 88 years old. Wally, creator of the Famous Amos cookie empire, left this world much sweeter than he found it. The Famous Amos cookie shop opened in Los Angeles in 1975 and was the world's first cookie shop. Before creating his cookie business, Mr. Amos served in the U.S. Air Force while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wally often traveled between Hawaii and California, fulfilling his duties to the U.S. Air Force and his passion for baking cookies. Mr. Amos is survived by his wife Carol, and his children, Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn. Wally's hard work and entrepreneurial spirit are testaments to his great character, and he will surely be missed by his family, friends, and his Famous Amos community. I send my deepest condolences to the Amos family and Wally's friends. Both the family and friends of Wally are in my thoughts and prayers.