Buddy Carter

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. 2365, the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my dear friend from Florida, Representative Gus Bilirakis, for his leadership and his excellent work on this bipartisan piece of legislation. We all admire my friend, and we thank him for his courage. This is the first-ever legislation in Congress focusing on curing and preventing Parkinson's disease and ensuring quality care for those living with the disease. More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson's disease, and there are no treatments to cure, prevent, or significantly slow down the progression. Mr. Speaker, whether you are living with the disease or caring for someone, Parkinson's takes a terrible toll on everyone involved. This issue is also very important to me. As a pharmacist, I have, through my career, experienced this with many patients. I also watched my dear friend, Senator Johnny Isakson, courageously battle Parkinson's disease for over 6 years. Fortunately, we have an opportunity here today to pass one of the single largest congressional efforts to address Parkinson's disease. The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act will build on the great work being done at places like the Isakson Center, named after Senator Isakson, to end Parkinson's once and for all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do what is best for patients and for the Parkinson's community by getting this bill passed.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Reverend Dr. Clarence Williams who passed away at the age of 64. Dr. Clarence Williams was a Savannah resident and a longtime pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Savannah. In addition to his work leading Pilgrim Baptist Church of Savannah, Pastor Williams previously served as the moderator of Berean Missionary Baptist Association, vice president of the National Baptist Convention, music auxiliary, State music director of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, and many other positions. He also served as chaplain of Chatham County Sheriff's Department and the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. Pastor Williams will be remembered by many for his charismatic personality, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to serving others. Celebrating the Achievements of Ronald Booker

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Pierce County Bears who won the Georgia High School Association class 2A football State championship yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia. This win is the second State championship for the Bears and Coach Ryan Herring, and it was not earned easily. This game was tied 14-14 all going into halftime, and it didn't get any easier from there. The Bears had to fight to the very end, eventually sealing the victory in triple overtime. Pierce County quarterback, Caden McGatha, was phenomenal in this victory throwing for two touchdowns to receiver Carson Sloan and running for an additional four touchdowns himself. The Pierce County defense was also outstanding, sacking the opposing quarterback six times. To the Pierce County Bears and to Coach Ryan Herring, I say congratulations on this amazing win. This team earned this championship, it was not given to them. Remembering Pastor Clarence Williams

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club in Savannah, Georgia. The Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club was started by Frank Callen in 1917, and the club was accepted into the national organization in 1922. Since its inception, this club has served Savannah youth by being a safe place to learn and a safe place to play. It also serves as the home of some world-class athletes. LSU basketball star, Flau'jae Johnson and University of Georgia football star Nolan Smith are both proud alumni of the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club. Both of these amazing athletes have graduated to winning national championships in their respective sports, and they have not forgotten their roots. Both have recently made generous donations to the place where they got their start. I also thank Mark Lindsay who serves as the executive director of the club. People like Mark are essential in the development of our youth and our communities as a whole. I, again, thank everyone involved with the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club for the positive impact they are having on our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charles ``Charley'' Stewart, who passed away this past October in Brunswick, Georgia. Charley was born here in Washington, D.C., where his life of service began. He spent time here working in the National Science Foundation. After college, he joined the Air Force Reserve and was based at Andrews Air Force Base, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. Charley eventually moved down to St. Simons Island in 1975, where he continued his military service in the Air National Guard and achieved the rank of master sergeant. In addition to his service in the military, Charley also served his community through time in government. Charley served as the finance director for Glynn County, and he served as a Glynn County administrator for a combined two decades. Charley will be remembered for his life of service. Whether it was the country, community, or his family, he always put others first. He is an example we should all strive to emulate. Celebrating Ron Adams

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the recent success of the Glynn County School System. Glynn County's graduation rate has increased from 95.2 percent in 2022 to 96.5 percent this year. This is much higher than our State-wide average of 84.4 percent. This improvement is not a fluke either. Glynn County is focused on tailored school improvement plans for individual schools and broad- based foundational structure changes to address the needs for all students. None of these changes could have been implemented without the help of individual teachers, students, and administrators throughout Glynn County. I am very proud of Glynn County's achievements, and I look forward to seeing continued improvement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of my friend Ron Adams. Ron is retiring after a fruitful career as clerk of Glynn County Superior and Magistrate Courts. When Adams first took office back in 2017, it was a very difficult time for the courts as a former clerk had stolen more than $1 million. Ron ensured that the court continued to operate smoothly under his leadership while efforts to secure the money were made. Throughout his career, he overcame challenges, including the high- profile Ahmaud Arbery murder case. Adams' hard work made sure that this very emotional case could proceed smoothly and effectively. Adams' dedication and loyalty to his community will continue to serve as a blueprint on how to be an effective clerk, a position that is essential to our justice system's success. I congratulate Ron on his achievements and on his recent retirement. Commemorating Wade Benson On His Retirement

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Wade Benson as he retires after 27 years as a Young Harris College chief financial officer. Wade began at Young Harris College in 1986, coming to the college as an auditor with his father's accounting firm. He joined the Young Harris College administration in 1996 and has had various titles, including business manager, vice president for finance, chief financial officer, and board treasurer. The business office at Young Harris has been renamed The Benson Business Center in honor of Wade's career and service to the institution. Wade oversaw a number of areas in the institution and acted as his project manager for the many construction projects on campus. He balanced operating budgets, reconciled financial statements, and always worked with integrity and accuracy. Wade Benson was the go-to person, but most importantly, Wade exhibited a true love for the college, its staff, faculty and students, and always performed his duties in the best long-term interest of these constituents. I congratulate Wade on a great career. Enjoy your retirement. Recognizing Glynn County School System

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Dale C. Critz, Sr., who passed away at the age of 91. Dale graduated from Duke University in 1955 with a BA in political science. After graduating, he was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy. While attending Duke University, Mr. Critz met his wife, Lila. The two were married in Tallahassee in 1957, and shortly after they moved to Savannah. He had a successful 45-year business career with car dealerships spread across Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida. Mr. Critz served on endowment committees at the Georgia Historical Society, the Savannah Community Foundation, and the George Washington Foundation. His efforts were noticed and greatly appreciated by the community. Dale once said in an interview that one of his main goals in life was to make Savannah a better place to live. Dale Critz was a devoted father, a grandfather, and a philanthropist. He will be dearly missed by all.

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. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. As a pharmacist for over four decades, I have seen firsthand how our healthcare system treats patients with unaffordable prices and inaccessible care. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Rodgers and Health Subcommittee Chairman Guthrie, we can do something about it by reining in the PBMs and putting patients before profits. Included in this bill is my Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act which puts an end to the PBM games by prohibiting spread pricing in Medicaid and increasing transparency and fairness to community pharmacies by allowing them to be reimbursed at an appropriate rate for dispensing medications to Medicaid patients. I am also pleased to see my PBM Accountability Act is also included in this bill. The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is such an important first step towards bringing down prescription drug prices by addressing the root cause: the middlemen who prey on patients for profits. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Braedan Steven Pence. Braedan passed away this past October after courageously fighting multiple medical conditions for his entire life. Braedan's life was cut tragically short, but the impact that he left on others, his friends, his family, and members of our community will be felt forever. He was known for his kindness and the joy that he confidently displayed to others. You could often find Braedan outside enjoying the sunshine or on a walk with his nurse, Bonnie, waving at everyone he passed. Braedan should be an example to all of us on how we should live our lives. Even in the face of adversity and challenges, it is important to always stay positive and to be kind to others. I, again, express my deepest sympathies to Braedan's family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and hosting this Special Order tonight. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Bible Week. As the Christmas season approaches and with all the conflict going on in our world right now, I can't think of a better time to discuss the good news that is our Bible. For many Americans, the Christmas season is a time of giving, a time of joy, and a time for family. For many Christians across the world, this season looks a lot different, conflict rages in Eastern Europe and Israel. Many lives have been lost. Here at home fentanyl plagues our country with Americans being poisoned daily. Sometimes it is easy for us to get lost in the bad, and we forget who is really in control. I am certainly guilty of this, and I am sure you are too, Mr. Speaker. Fortunately, we can turn to the Word of the Lord for comfort in these troubling times. The Book of Romans 8:38-39 remind me that no matter what we go through as individuals or as a nation or as a planet, it cannot separate us from Christ's love. The verse says, For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. This Christmas season, pray for our world, pray for our country, pray for our leaders, and pray for our military. Remember that God loved us all so much He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins so that we may be forgiven. It is for that reason that we celebrate this Christmas season. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Colorado for inviting me to speak today and for hosting this.

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 PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023, which will reauthorize critical programs to expand research and education into premature birth prevention. Every year, 10 percent of babies are born prematurely, putting them and their mothers at an increased risk of complicated health problems. In 2022, there were over 380,000 preterm births, and every year, almost 20,000 babies in the United States will die before their first birthday, many of them from complications of premature birth. Unfortunately, Georgia has one of the highest preterm birth rates in the country. Babies born prematurely shouldn't be at a disadvantage because of a lack of resources. Every single baby born deserves a healthy start and a fair chance at life. That is why it is so important for us to reauthorize the PREEMIE Act, which will continue lifesaving research to prevent premature births and give mothers and babies healthy starts in both motherhood and life. The bipartisan effort will reauthorize critical Federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the reauthorization of this bill and support maternal health.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes important programs that bolster prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that the opioid and mental health crises are continuing to tear our families and communities apart. In 2022, a record number of our sons' and daughters' lives were taken by opioid overdoses, the majority of which were caused by illicit fentanyl poisoning. Every day we are losing almost 300 Americans as a result of drug overdoses and poisonings. This is impacting every single one of us in the communities we call home. Fortunately, we have an opportunity here today to pass one of the single largest congressional efforts to address our opioid and mental health crises. The SUPPORT Act is responsible for increasing access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for opioid and substance use disorders, including fentanyl. Another important part of this legislation is making opioid overdose reversal agents, like naloxone, easier to obtain. The SUPPORT Act also includes my Responsible Mental Health Medications Prescribing Act, which standardizes the oversight and reporting of antipsychotic medications prescribed to Medicaid recipients. This reauthorization ensures that programs supporting our most vulnerable Americans do not lapse and can reach all communities. I urge my colleagues to support the reauthorization of this bill, which will help save lives and help us fight the opioid crisis.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Kevin Exley, who was recently elected city councilman for the city of Rincon on September 21, 2023. The city of Rincon opened polls up for a special election to fill an empty council seat after Damon Rahn's departure in June. Now, thanks to Kevin Exley, that seat is occupied. Exley has made it known that he wants to focus on updating ordinances, adjusting term limits, and adding some neighborhood safety measures. Rincon's special election was, indeed, special. September 19 started out with only a few voters but quickly grew to hundreds showing up to cast their ballots. We congratulate Kevin. We know he will serve the city of Rincon well.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FLETC, chief financial officer, Donald Lewis, who is retiring after 40 years of Federal service. Mr. Lewis started his Federal career when he was just a student back in 1983 as an audit assistant for the Federal Junior Fellowship Program at Kings Bay Naval Base in Georgia. From there, he was able to move up into the procurement career field by taking on different positions with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the Strategic Weapons Facility. In 2004, Donald joined FLETC and worked in different positions before becoming the current assistant director and chief financial officer. As assistant director and chief financial officer, he provides strategic direction and executive oversight of FLETC business activities, which include executing and overseeing an annual budget of over $600 million. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Lewis on his remarkable achievements and on his upcoming retirement. His years of distinguished service are extremely admirable.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill because American consumers are directly impacted by the cost of vehicles. Unfortunately, the EPA is trying to force Americans into only being able to pick from some of the most expensive vehicles on the market-- electric vehicles. The Energy and Commerce Committee received testimony in April that the average price of an EV is $13,000 more than the average price of an internal combustion engine vehicle. Detroit News Editorial Board reported last week that the new average EV list price was 28 percent higher than a gasoline vehicle last month, according to CarGurus. In addition, insurance for an EV is also $44 more expensive per month versus $528 more expensive per year than insurance for gas-powered cars. EVs are 50 percent more expensive to fix in the case of an accident, according to Forbes. The price of a vehicle is incredibly important to my constituents and those of my colleagues because access to a car is tied to improved economic outcomes for low-income households. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill to preserve affordable vehicle choices for Americans.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Herbert ``Herb'' Jones, Jr. On September 16, Herb passed away peacefully at the age of 93. He was a devoted Christian who taught Sunday school and volunteered on mission trips across the U.S. He was a statesman, as well. Herb served in the Georgia House of Representatives for 14 years and spent 6 of those years being the House minority leader. His accomplishments are too numerous for one speech, but some of them include casting electoral college votes for President Reagan, working to expand the Georgia ports, and helping to secure crucial funding for Memorial Medical Center. Herb was humble, gracious, loving, loyal, and kind, always putting others before himself. He was also an inspiration to me as he was there with me when I first went into the Georgia House of Representatives. I will always appreciate his counsel. He will be remembered by all for his years of selfless service to the State of Georgia.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for hosting this Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and to remember the life of the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a trailblazer, a great American, a strong Christian, and an icon in the State of Georgia. Born in 1927 in Plains, Georgia, like her husband, Mrs. Carter came from very humble beginnings. She was the valedictorian of Plains High School, and soon after a proud graduate of Georgia Southwestern College. She married the future President, Jimmy Carter, in 1946, whom she remained dutifully married to until her passing this past November. Rosalynn Carter wasn't just any Georgian. She was one of the best. Her entire life exemplified what it means to be selfless, to serve others and her community. She dedicated herself to improving the lives of those around her, the lives of Georgians, and the lives of Americans. She became a pioneer in the mental health space, helping to found The Carter Center with the mission of alleviating human suffering and advancing human rights. She was also active in Habitat for Humanity, building homes for the less fortunate members of our community. Throughout her entire life, Rosalynn Carter lived with the mission of leaving the world a better place than when she got here. I want to pay particular attention to her work in the mental health space. Rosalynn Carter was a trailblazer in mental health issues at a time when mental health issues were something that weren't accepted in this country. She led. For that I think she will always be thanked. Through her entire life, she lived with the mission of leaving the world a better place than when she got here. I can confidently say she accomplished that mission. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy and her impact have been felt by millions and will be felt by millions in the future. I had the pleasure of serving with her grandson, Jason, in the Georgia State Senate. I remember how proud Jason was of his grandparents. I remember the love that he expressed for his grandmother. Mr. Speaker, in our lives there are people and places we remember. For the State of Georgia, we always will remember Rosalynn Carter, an inspiration to all of us. My prayers are with her family, with former President Carter, and the millions of Americans affected by her loss. I thank my colleague from Georgia, again, for inviting me to speak today and giving me this opportunity to honor one of the truly great Georgians of our time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Laura Lynn McCorkle Miller of Shellman Bluff and Savannah. Laura Lynn was raised in Valdosta and graduated from both Valdosta High School and Valdosta State University. She began her career as a social worker with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services but left for the joy of being a mother. While raising her daughter, she began working part time with Eldercare of Valdosta, providing home care to the elderly and physically disabled. Within 2 years of starting with Eldercare, she and her husband purchased the company. They rapidly expanded it into all corners of the State as well as the Southern region. The Miller family's impact on the home healthcare industry cannot be understated. Through her work with the elderly community, she led the charge for State licensing of home healthcare in 1993. She remained active in the community by serving her synagogues in Valdosta and Savannah. Laura Lynn is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Martin Miller; her daughter, Maura Miller; and two grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Miller family during this difficult time. Congratulating Kevin Exley

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Kevin Exley, who was recently elected city councilman for the city of Rincon on September 21, 2023. The city of Rincon opened polls up for a special election to fill an empty city council seat following Damon Rahn's departure in June. Now, thanks to Kevin Exley, that seat is occupied. Exley has made it known that he wants to focus on updating ordinances, adjusting term limits, and adding some neighborhood safety measures. Rincon's special election was indeed special. September 19 started out with only a few voters but quickly grew to hundreds showing up to cast their ballots. This is a story of redemption for Exley. He served on the council from 2019 to 2020 but vacated his post soon thereafter. The road back to city council was just the beginning. Exley plans to run for mayor in the 2025 election again. I congratulate Kevin. I know he will serve the city of Rincon well. Remembering Hubert Ginn

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Hubert Ginn, who passed away on September 21 at the age of 76. Hubert played college football at Florida A&M University, and after a successful career was drafted into the National Football League. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, playing as a running back for the legendary 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins as well as the Baltimore Colts and Oakland Raiders. His family and friends remember him as an amazing father, brother, son, and man with so much love for his community and people around him. Hubert will be remembered by many for being an upstanding role model and for his talents on and off the football field. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Guyton Elementary Awarded Literacy Leader Banner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Guyton Elementary on being awarded the Literacy Leader banner. Guyton, an Effingham County elementary school, has been recognized for their strides in increasing literacy among its students. To be awarded the banner, a school's literacy test scores must be above 90 percent, or it must rise by more than 15 percent. Only around 200 of Georgia's 2,300 schools are being given this award. One of the main drivers of Guyton's increased literacy rates comes from its third graders, whose reading scores jumped by more than 16 percent. We are so proud to see such a great improvement for the students at Guyton Elementary, and I cannot think of a more deserving group. I look forward to seeing continued growth and more accomplishments from our amazing students at Guyton Elementary.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate William ``Lou'' Reed on being named Rincon's new fire chief. Reed started with the Rincon Fire Department in November of 2011 and has served as a firefighter, an engineer, and a captain. Lou was appointed to be the Rincon fire chief on September 11 after having led the department on an interim basis for 20 months. He recently received a bachelor's degree in fire administration and is working toward a master's degree in public health administration. As the new chief, he has already created goals to reduce the number of fires and fire-related deaths by analyzing response data, providing safety education programs to residents, and enforcing State and local fire prevention codes. Lou has already shown he has the skills of a true leader. I am excited to see what he accomplishes further as the new Rincon fire chief.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Bill Miltiades, who passed away on August 31, 2023. Bill was a knowledgeable and committed Realtor. For many years, he had been dedicated to the success of the Savannah Area Realtors Association. He served on countless boards and received many awards in both his work and personal lives. This past year was Bill's 24th year as a member of the Distinguished Sales Society. Bill received his bachelor's degree at the University of Georgia and his master's at the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, Virginia. He started Bill Miltiades Management in 2011 and then became a broker of his own realty company in 2018. Bill was loved by many, including but not limited to his devoted sister, Marta; brother-in-law, Sean; and his favorite person in the world, his niece, Starlyn. He will always be remembered as a genuine soul with endless kindness and care for the people around him. Bill was very proud of his family, his country, his church, his friends, and his community. Congratulating Connor Daniel