Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of two Claxton High School students. Dedicated soccer players, Alexandria Carbone and Marissa Ramirez were at their local Dairy Queen for an after-practice treat when they witnessed a medical emergency. Both Alexandria and Marissa jumped in to perform CPR on the man as they waited for first responders. Their situational awareness and preparedness saved a life that day. While many people may know the basics of CPR, it can be very challenging to put knowledge into action in high-pressure situations. Both of these young women demonstrated selflessness and bravery by stepping up and stepping in. They want this to serve as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and to always be compassionate towards those in need. They were recently honored by their city council, and it is my pleasure to honor these outstanding individuals here today. I thank Alexandria and Marissa for their actions and example.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act. The pro-Hamas protests we are seeing now play out on TV that are taking place on college campuses are living proof of what happens when we tolerate hate and ignorance. I recently spoke with the aunt of a 4-year-old girl who saw her parents and siblings murdered on October 7 by Hamas, and she was held hostage for 51 days, a 4-year-old held hostage after seeing her parents killed in front of her. That is the behavior that anti-Semitic college students are tolerating? It is disgusting, and it is criminal. They are learning it from those at the very top. We had a hearing not too long ago where college presidents refused to state that calling for the genocide of Jews was against their code of conduct. Jewish students should feel safe on campus and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. All students do. The Department of Education needs to use every tool at its disposal to provide Jewish students with a safe environment to learn. Our laws should clearly reflect that discrimination includes the indisputable anti-Semitic rhetoric calling for violence against Jews. There are far too many inexcusable examples from this year alone, and this must stop. It cannot go on.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today sadly to honor the life of one of my dear friends and a friend to many in the First Congressional District and all throughout southeast Georgia, Milton H. ``Woody'' Woodside. Woody was a beloved resident of Brunswick in Glynn County since 1973. He was born in Clinton, North Carolina. During his early adulthood, he graduated from the Military College of South Carolina, better known as the Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was so proud of the Citadel. He had many friends that he always visited with and kept in touch with from the Citadel. He always talked about his experiences at the Citadel. Luckily for us, he moved down to the coast of Georgia, where he served as president of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce from 1985 until his retirement in 2019. He served 23 combined years in the U.S. Army and the Georgia Army National Guard. He also served on the congressional staffs of former Representatives Bo Ginn and Lindsay Thomas. Woody brought this valuable insight back to our home district, where he served as a past president of the Southeast Georgia Chambers and Developers Council, and he was chairman of the CEDO Region 11 of the Governor's Development Council. He was involved in countless other organizations, including serving on the boards of the Southeast Georgia Health System and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executives Association. For his work, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives awarded Woody with the well-earned Kent Lawrence Professional of the Year Award in 2000. In addition to receiving countless other awards, one stood out, wrapping up all of his achievements into one. For 9 consecutive years, the Georgia Trend Magazine named Woody a Notable Georgian. Woody is rightly accredited with also being recognized as Glynn County's best friend for his hard work in serving the community. His instruction and oversight were critical for construction of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and the establishment of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center that is located in Glynco, Georgia. He was also instrumental in major economic development projects in the community, including the Brunswick Harbor deepening and Gulfstream, and he contributed significantly to the growth and success of our region's tourism industry. Without a doubt, Woody's actions were noticed and appreciated by others throughout the community. He was that great guy, touching countless lives and always willing to lend a helping hand. He wasn't one to just talk about a problem. He was the kind of guy who found solutions. Mr. Speaker, speaking for the entire community, his contributions and his community leadership will forever be remembered. I extend my condolences to his family, Ellen, and to his daughter. The positive light that Woody brought will forever be cherished. I am so blessed to have called him one of my best friends. Mr. Speaker, in our lives, there are people and places we remember. I will always remember Woody Woodside.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate William Cofield Widner on his well-deserved retirement from Southern Company after 43 years of service. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Southern Company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to 9 million customers nationwide, including throughout the State of Georgia and its First Congressional District. Throughout his career, Cofield's hard work, dedication and commitment to the communities where he has lived and served has made an indelible mark on our state and Nation. A Georgia native, Cofield began his career at Southern Company in 1981 and has served in various roles including at Georgia Power and Southern Company Gas. A portion of his career focused on serving customers in his hometown of Newnan. He also supported Georgia Power's residential and commercial customers, resource planning, nuclear development and regulatory affairs organizations, which recently announced the successful operation of America's first new carbon-free nuclear energy reactors in more than 30 years at Plant Vogtle. Additionally, Cofield's work with the Georgia Department of Economic Development's ``Georgia Allies'' partnership has helped continually enhance the state's business climate, keeping Georgia ranked as the number-one state for business according to Area Development magazine. On behalf of the people of the State of Georgia, I congratulate Cofield and wish him, his wife Jane, his sons Drew and Jack, and his grandson Bo the very best as he enters the next phase of his life.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 615, the Protecting Access For Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023 led by my friend, Mr. Wittman of Virginia. In 2022, the National Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to ban lead ammunition and tackle in seven National Wildlife Refuges by 2027. To put it plainly, this rule makes no sense whatsoever. It is simply another example of the Biden administration giving in to radical environmentalists who do not hunt nor fish in our national refuges. America's hunters and anglers contribute over a billion dollars a year in conservation funding via taxes on outdoor equipment like ammunition and tackle. On top of that, lead products are significantly cheaper than their lead-free counterparts, often costing 25 percent more. With prices rising on everything--thanks to Bidenomics--from gasoline to fishing tackle, why is it that this administration tries to limit access to wildlife refuges and jeopardize critical wildlife funding dollars? Hunters and anglers are the original conservationists, and without regulation based on science, this rule does nothing but hurt the environment it is attempting to protect. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Ernest Stewart, Jr. A lifelong resident of Waycross, Georgia, Jim graduated from Waycross High School and later pursued a finance degree at the University of Georgia. After graduating, Jim served the Nation in the Army Intelligence Division in Europe and later took up his father's family business, Stewart Candy Company, where he served as chairman of the board for over 65 years. In addition to the family business, Jim took on many leadership positions in his community. He served as chairman of the board of Commercial Bank of Waycross. He also was the founding chairman of the board of Waycross Bank & Trust, WB&T Bankshares, and Southwood School. For his achievements and community involvement, Jim was selected for the Herrin Business Award and the Community Service Award from The Childers YMCA. He was even granted an award in his honor, the James E. Stewart Award, for the service he lent to the community. Jim's community involvement will forever be remembered by friends, family, and all.

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 H.R. 7032, the Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act, led by Ranking Member Boyle and Chairman Arrington. When we in Congress make decisions on legislation and programs, we often look to CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, for their estimates on how it will affect our economy and our Federal budget. With Federal debt reaching new heights every hour, it is of the utmost importance that the fine people at CBO have access to all the data they need when doing their analysis. All this bill does is to clarify and strengthen CBO's access to executive branch data, and that is extremely important. The vital data we need when making decisions regarding the future of our country is the data that we need in order to make these types of decisions, and that is why the CBO needs access to that data, and in turn, we get access to that data. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan piece of legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 142.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Joe Brannen. After Joe graduated from the University of Georgia, he spent 8 years serving on the staff of Georgia Senator Sam Nunn. He went on to have a successful banking career spanning over 40 years. Joe will retire as president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Bankers Association on July 15, his 44th anniversary of joining the association. The Georgia Bankers Association enjoyed its greatest decades of growth and prosperity under the unwavering leadership of Joe. Joe has served on a wide variety of boards, both in and out of the banking community, including the Georgia Bar Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the American Free Market Chamber of Commerce, the State YMCA, and his own local church. Joe is a trusted adviser, a thoughtful leader, and a respected friend to many. In short, Joe is one of the good guys. I wish him and his wife, Vilda, nothing but happiness and a well-earned retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6046, the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act, which I am proud to be a cosponsor of. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I am appalled that I have to say this, but the President of the United States has emboldened Iran to attack our greatest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in that region, Israel. In February of 2021, the Biden administration removed the Houthis from the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations. This was a terrible, terrible misjudgment that mirrors this administration's complete lack of authority on issues of national and international security. Iranian-backed terrorist organizations have repeatedly proven that they will carry out the Iranian regime's radical Islamic ideology to no end. This weekend was a sobering reminder of that. It is time to hold Iran and its proxies accountable for their actions. This requires that the U.S. take a firmer stance against Iran's state-sponsored terrorism. The Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act places the Houthis back onto the list of foreign terrorist organizations, where they should have been all along, and it imposes immediate sanctions on any individual associated with the group. If President Biden refuses to lead, I hope this body will step up in his absence to fight against anti-Semitism and state-sponsored terrorism. Anything less than that, Mr. Speaker, is unacceptable.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William Herbert Hunt, who passed away at the age of 95. Herb was born in Arkansas before moving to Texas as a young child. He attended boarding school in Pennsylvania before earning a bachelor's degree in geology from Washington and Lee University. At university, Herb met his soulmate, Nancy Jane Broaddus. They were married for 72 years and raised a large, loving family. Herb joined the family oil business and had a successful career in oil and gas exploration where he contributed to discoveries and field developments. His success and expertise in the petroleum industry awarded him various seats on oil industry boards. Herb was President of the Boy Scouts of America Circle Ten Council and received awards for his service to youth. He also served on the Presbyterian Hospital Building Corporation and the Wadley Blood Bank board. Herb achieved legendary success in industry and business with extensive civic involvement and philanthropy. However, he found his greatest pride and joy in the family he and Nancy raised together.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Howard Cohen, a member of the Savannah community who inspired and influenced so many. After graduating from the Benedictine Military School at Armstrong College, Cohen served in the Nation's Air Force Division during the Korean war. In 1952, Cohen established Savannah's first weightlifting gym, drawing nationwide attention from those interested and involved in the sport. Cohen's athletic ambitions were taken up by his son, Michael, who went on to make the U.S. Olympic weightlifting team in 1980 under his father's guidance. For himself, Cohen's love, passion, and dedication to weightlifting set him on the path to achieving many notable titles. In fact, he was a 10-time Pan American champion who achieved 32 national championships. His legacy will live on, and he will continue to serve as a role model for generations to come. Celebrating 75th Anniversary of Sharp Memorial Methodist Church

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Sharp Memorial Methodist Church in Young Harris, Georgia. Built in 1948 and opened in 1949, Sharp Memorial Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of the Young Harris community. The church was named after Dr. Joseph Astor Sharp, born in 1864. After graduating from Emory at Oxford, Dr. Sharp served as president of Young Harris College for 35 years. Dr. Sharp dedicated his life to the service of others and deeply inspired his congregation, the community, and generations of students. Standing at the entrance of Young Harris College, Sharp Memorial Methodist Church continues to honor his legacy and serve the community. Mr. Speaker, 75 years later, Young Harris trustees, the local community, and alumni are coming together for a week of celebration, reflection, and looking ahead. The legacy of Dr. Sharp and the ongoing work of Sharp Memorial Methodist Church will undoubtedly strengthen and enrich the community for generations to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Historic Harrington School on St. Simons Island. Originally called the Harrington Graded School, the one-room schoolhouse was built by African-American tradesmen in 1924. The school was the main educational structure for three African-American communities on St. Simons Island. In the 1960s, many students left the school to attend St. Simons Elementary. The building was briefly used as a daycare center until being abandoned in 1970. Restoration efforts were led by the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition and the St. Simons Land Trust in 2024. The restored Harrington School is now a community gathering space for holidays, celebrations, meetings, and other events. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Harrington School on its 100th anniversary. Keep up the good work. Commemorating the Life of Howard Cohen

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donna Camacho's service and leadership at the Alzheimer's Association Georgia Chapter. Donna, a Savannah resident, has contributed over 19 years of volunteer leadership at the Alzheimer's Association. During her time, she has been actively involved in various roles, including serving as co-chair on the board of directors and as Georgia's congressional ambassador of the organization. Donna's involvement in health-related fields extends beyond her time at the Alzheimer's Association. For over 30 years, she served as the Chatham County Health Department's program manager. As a pharmacist, I understand just how vital it is to continue to push for advancements in our healthcare system, especially for Alzheimer's disease, detection, diagnosis, and prevention. Donna has diligently worked to increase awareness for Alzheimer's patients, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors. She is a friend to all, and if you get to know her, she might even bake you one of her most famous chocolate cakes. Commemorating Historic Harrington School's Centennial

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, as you know, I come down here quite often. I consider this to be one of the great privileges that we have in Congress--to recognize people in our districts for the lives that they lived, for the achievements that they achieved. Some of them I know, and some of them I don't. All of them deserve to be recognized because all of them have done great things. Today, I come down to honor someone who was a dear friend. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of my dear friend, Kevin ``Catfish'' Jackson. Kevin grew up in Cartersville, Georgia. Those who knew him recognized his talent and motivated him to pursue a future in athletics and academics. He actually wanted to quit high school. He wanted to become a lineman for Georgia Power. His coaches saw his athletic ability and encouraged him to continue on, and he did. He will be remembered for, among many things, being a member of the 1980 University of Georgia National Championship football team. He played under Coach Vince Dooley and Coach Erk Russell. In fact, Coach Russell told the story about how he got his nickname, ``Catfish.'' Some people say it was because the coach said he fought like a cat and drank like a fish. The coach also said that it might have been because, one day in practice, he was waddling around in the mud and looked like a catfish. Due to his dedication, teamwork, and love for the sport, he was voted by his teammates as co-captain for the Georgia Bulldogs in 1983. Later, he was selected by his coaches for the Coach Wally Butts award for ``the player who pays the price,'' a title that recognized his willingness to sacrifice for others without any ends. After graduating with a degree in business education, Kevin moved to the city of Savannah, my hometown, and he became a very prominent businessman and a very important member of our community. He applied what he learned both in the classroom and on the field to his business ventures and earned a reputation for treating staff with the respect that he hoped to receive in return. His sales career started in 1985. He first worked as a salesman for the Georgia Fastener and Safety Company in Savannah. Then, he went on to serve as vice president of marketing at Scapa Group. In 1999, he founded his own business, EnviroVac Holdings, a company committed to environmental and industrial cleaning services. As president and CEO, he successfully expanded his company across the southeastern region of the Nation. Kevin was a man of many passions. He lived life like he was. He lived life big. He was known for giving his all in everything he worked on. He served as chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. He served on the boards of directors for the Georgia Ports Authority, the Georgia Economic Development Authority, the lottery, and so much more. Despite his many obligations, he always looked out for his community, and his strong faith guided him to tirelessly serve others. He lent his talents to many wonderful organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association, Bethesda Academy, CASA, Leukemia Society, Cure for Cancer, Feed the Hungry, United Way, YMCA, and Savannah Christian Prep School. I would be remiss if I did not mention his involvement in the organization Band of Brothers. In fact, for a while, we met at his business. The Band of Brothers is a prayer group, a Bible study that meets every week on Friday mornings at 6:30. Kevin was a big part of getting that started. He was always there when you needed him, both in his career and his personal endeavors. His heart was always filled with gratitude, and his personality brought joy to all he met. More than anything, he loved his family. I loved following him on Instagram, seeing all the different posts that he would have enjoying his grandchildren. He even built them a zoo, practically a zoo, a farm with all the farm animals. Words cannot express the profound impact that Catfish has left on his community. He will be missed, but his career and service have created a legacy that will never be forgotten. The Savannah and broader Georgia community are praying for Kevin's family. His memory will live on in our hearts forever. We suffered a great void in our community with the loss of Kevin ``Catfish'' Jackson, but his memory will live on forever.

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. 105, and YEA on Roll Call No. 106.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sherry Danello for being inducted into the Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame. The Nursing Hall of Fame was established to show appreciation for the many hardworking nurses in Georgia. Sherry is 1 of 10 nurses to receive the invitation for the 2024 selection. She and her counterparts were chosen on the merits of service and leadership in the field, community life, and philanthropic organizations. Sherry is currently the vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at St. Joseph's Hospital located in Savannah, Georgia. Her responsibilities include covering hundreds of hospital beds, many outpatient services, and other fields of outreach. Along with serving on the Healthcare Workforce Commission, a position she was appointed to by Governor Brian Kemp, she sits on many other community boards. Sherry's strong commitment and relentless service to the medical field is valued and appreciated by the Savannah community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of George Lewis ``Bud'' Dyer. Bud passed away on Easter Sunday, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in 1939 in Daytona Beach, Florida, Bud's life of service began when he joined the Navy in 1961. After his military service ended in 1969, Bud earned a degree from Florida State University. Bud and his wife, Woodie, moved their children to Young Harris, Georgia, where Bud served as admissions director for Young Harris College for over 30 years. Bud also was a decades-long, trusted adviser to the college president and the Kappa Tau Omega fraternity. So known and loved by the entire Young Harris community, he was widely referred to as ``Uncle Bud'' on campus. Beyond his remarkable career, Bud also served the community as the first fire chief of the Young Harris Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. Bud was a dedicated member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church where he faithfully took on a variety of roles. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Woodie, his 4 children, and 10 grandchildren.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Bill Foster. Bill was a longtime Savannah, Georgia, resident, having been born and raised in the area. After graduating from Armstrong College Night School, Bill served our Nation as a member of the Georgia Army National Guard. During this time, he was a commissioned officer in the 118th Field Artillery Battalion. Following service, Bill worked with Thomas and Hutton Engineering as a land surveyor. During his employment, he contributed to multiple landscape development projects. Noting his skills and strong work ethic, the company appointed Bill as chairman of the board of directors where he served until the time of his retirement in December of 1997. Bill embodied the characteristics of a true community man, having raised a wonderful family with his wife, Peggy, while actively participating in local church operations and other community committees. Bill will be remembered for his civic leadership, his community involvement, and his service to our Nation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate two hardworking Georgia establishments that were named among the Nation's top 100 restaurants. Recently, the restaurant review website `Open Table' released its Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2023 list. Both `Elizabeth's' and `The Olde Pink House' made it on the list. The review states that `Elizabeths' has ``Southern hospitality, fine coastal cuisine, and well-chosen wines in a comfortable, elegant 1900 mansion have made Elizabeth on 37th a favorite destination in Savannah since 1981.'' As far as the `Olde Pink House' goes, the review states it is ``Savannah's only 18th-century mansion [and] is famous for memorable dining experiences featuring seafood caught daily in local waters, prime aged beef, and traditional southern fare.'' Congratulations to these establishments, and I wish them both continued success.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two Georgia quarterbacks--Calvary Day School's Jake Merklinger, and New Hampstead High School's RaShawn Truell, for their tied win of the Finocchiaro Award. The Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award, now in its 43rd year, crowns the standout high school player in Savannah and Chatham County. Remarkably, the recent award ceremony marked only the second occasion in its history where two players tied after voting concluded. Merklinger, the senior quarterback who is committed to Tennessee, also took home the Ashley Dearing Award as a junior, which is awarded to the most versatile male high school athlete. Truell says ``this a big honor for [him], especially as a junior, to win this award.'' He followed that by stating, ``It show's that all the hard work that I have put in has paid off. But everything I work for is to help our team--our goal is to win a state championship.'' Congratulations again to both Jake and RaShawn.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Michael Donato for his service at Fort Pulaski National Monument. Michael began working for the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. as a park guide. In 2021, Michael moved to Savannah, Georgia to become an Administrative Officer at Ft. Pulaski. He was promoted to the Chief of Business Management and Operations in 2023. In just a few years, Michael has contributed greatly to the park's organization and development while coordinating beneficial partnerships for the park. His partnership with the Friends of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse helped relight the historic lighthouse. He also worked with Chatham County to enhance the facilities at the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp. Michael has taken a new position back in D.C. as Chief of Staff for National Capital Parks East, but his contributions will serve as a reminder of his public service for generations to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Marcus Scott IV. Dr. Scott has been nominated as one of the finalists for the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principal's Principal of the Year award. Dr. Scott earned a B.S. in middle school education from Armstrong Atlantic State University. He later earned a master's degree in school administration from Cambridge College. During his 22 years of service. he has worked as an educator and administrator in Liberty, Glynn, and Chatham County. Out of these 22 years, he has spent 18 years in an administrative role. Currently, Dr. Scott works as the principal of Lee Roy Myers Middle School in Savannah. He is also a radio host, a youth group president, and a Liberty County school board member. He has helped lead new efforts in improving the performance of students with the school receiving accolades for remarkable improvement. Dr. Scott congratulates his colleagues on helping him receive such an honor, and we all wish him the best of luck when the finalist for Principal of the Year is selected.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my friend from Alabama, Mr. Palmer's bill. As my colleagues have said, this bill primarily does two things: First of all, it repeals and rescinds the EPA's $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Now, $27 billion is a significant amount of money, especially for an agency like--in this case the EPA--that has never operated a program like this. This money also has a requirement that it be spent in just the next couple of years. That is the opposite of fiscal responsibility. Who gives people money and says you have to spend it in this amount of time. EPA's Office of Inspector General has noted that the combination of such large amounts of money in a short timeline to use it may lead to fraud, waste, and abuse, including being used by Chinese entities. Consider the fact that U.S. emissions are already dropping and our solar, EV, and other industries are rapidly growing with plenty of incentives. Why would we risk or waste taxpayer dollars? Eliminating the EPA's green bank slush fund will reduce the budget deficit, protect against government corruption, and stop China from receiving American taxpayer dollars. Secondly, this bill will also repeal the EPA's proposed natural gas tax, which would increase energy costs for Americans and undermine U.S. manufacturing. This move will hinder our energy independence and competitiveness. This administration continues to punish Americans for their own success while failing to address the most damaging actor on the global stage, and that is China. Taking a look at the past 20 years, even if the U.S., EU, and Japan had cut all of their emissions by half and India had stayed stagnant, China alone polluted enough to cause a global increase in emissions. My colleagues may say that China will follow our leadership. If that was the case, why are their emissions increasing while ours are decreasing? Forgive me if I don't take seriously an administration that punishes Americans while doing nothing to compete with the country with emissions that are 80 percent higher than the U.S. and EU combined. Madam Speaker, I support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it to tackle the real energy problems.