Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Homelessness Awareness Month. In Georgia, over 10,000 people do not have housing. This includes fathers, mothers, and nearly 700 veterans. During this month of recognition, many groups across the country are putting on events designed to help people struggling with homelessness. Oliver Maner LLP in Savannah is one of the many groups helping to fight homelessness during this month of recognition. Events such as Oliver Maner's Donation Drive and the Homeless Veterans Stand Down event are essential to highlighting and helping to fight this critical issue. This month is a time when we come together as a community and as a nation to reflect on the issue of homelessness and its impact on countless lives. By raising awareness, we can show our support and help those who need it the most because every family, especially veterans, deserves a safe and stable home. Remembering Bill Miltiades

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

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Connor Daniel, who won sixth place at the Junior World FITASC Championship this summer. FITASC is a unique and difficult shooting sport. It requires participants to keep their guns still until the shooting clay they are targeting becomes visible. This summer, Connor joined Team Beretta USA, an honor in its own right. From there, he traveled and competed in the 2023 World FITASC Sporting Championship Finale Beretta World Cup in Hungary. Connor said that he is honored to have joined Team Beretta, and his results show that he has represented them and his country well. I again congratulate Connor on winning sixth place. I look forward to seeing his sporting career continue to flourish.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Cullen Talton, the longest-serving active sheriff in the State of Georgia. After 51 years of serving his community, Mr. Talton has decided to complete his final term serving Houston County before retiring. Sheriff Cullen Talton was elected in 1972, where he served as a commissioner before becoming a sheriff. He is known for being a trusted, respectable, and devoted servant of his community. To honor his many years of service and dedication, local leaders, community members, and his family gathered at the Houston County Annex before the commissioners meeting to celebrate the longtime sheriff. I congratulate Sheriff Talton on his remarkable achievements and well-deserved retirement. His dedication and years of service are admirable and greatly appreciated.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I know it is hard to believe, and I know that my friends across the other side of the aisle find it hard to believe, but the Iranian regime is not our friend. They are no friend to the U.S., nor to our allies. It is not that we don't care. Yes, we do care. The Iranian regime is one of the world's leaders in state sponsored terrorism, and they cannot be appeased. We know that. That is why it was alarming when President Biden freed up $6 billion in previously frozen funds for Iran in September. I am glad that this was later refrozen due to the pushback from my colleagues and I--who don't trust Iran any further than we can pick them up and throw them--to use that money responsibly. The expectation of receiving the funds no doubt contributed to the uptick in terror we have seen in the Middle East. I think everyone would agree with that. According to our intelligence community, Iran provides $1 million a year to foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah. On October 7, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, killing 1,400 people and taking over 200 hostages. This legislation, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, places immediate and mandatory sanctions on foreign financial institutions that facilitate the transfer of the restricted Iranian funds covered under President Biden's deal. It is imperative that the $6 billion remains permanently off-limits to the Iranian regime. So long as President Biden and his administration continue to weaken our country on the world stage, House Republicans stand ready to respond with strength. Mr. Chair, I look forward to voting for this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to pass this vital legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023. Mr. Chair, these days, every State is a border State, even New York State. Our national parks are treasures that should be enjoyed by the public, not used to house illegal immigrants. That is what the Biden administration wants to do, and we have already seen this unfolding on Federal land in New York. Not only is this unsightly, but there are tremendous security concerns given the lack of oversight; not to mention that this is a horrible misuse of taxpayer dollars, which should be used to enhance our Federal lands for our citizens. Under this bill, President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas will no longer be able to use your tax dollars to shelter illegal immigrants who could be threats to our national security and personal safety. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ariel Brown, a teacher at Savannah Legacy Academy on her recent 2023 First Tee National Teacher of the Year award. First Tee is a youth development organization that enables children to develop personally, athletically, and socially through golf lessons. A First Tee alum herself, Ms. Brown was the first coach at First Tee Savannah when the chapter relaunched in 2021. The organization is making the game more accessible to youth, and it is clearly working as they currently have more than 3 million children in the program nationwide. Ms. Brown's involvement in First Tee shows her commitment to students in and out of the classroom. I thank her for her efforts to help guide her students intellectually, socially, and athletically. Congratulations, Ariel, on this wonderful accomplishment.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Frank ``Sonny'' Seiler. Sonny died in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 90. He was a great attorney who was best known for being the caretaker and owner of the University of Georgia's beloved mascot, Uga. Seiler started the Uga tradition when he and his wife Cecelia brought their English bulldog to the season-opening football game in 1956. Ever since then, Seiler and his family continued the tradition by raising a line of bulldog mascots for the football team. Seiler also served as the lead defense attorney for Jim Williams in a murder case, which served as the centerpiece for the book ``Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'' His contributions to the University of Georgia as a student and alumnus were immeasurable and his loyalty to his alma mater was unmatched. He was, as we say, ``a damn good dog.'' Mr. Speaker, Mr. Seiler's legacy will live on forever and his impact will be felt for decades.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak in support of my amendment, which will allow States to build or maintain their own medical stockpiles and encourage regional coordination of those stockpiles. Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our Strategic National Stockpile, leading to a shortage of critical drugs, vaccines, and medical supplies. We all remember the scramble among States and the Federal Government for limited supplies of diagnostics, PPE, treatments, and other critical medical countermeasures. Each State had different priorities and needs: while one needed ventilators, another needed masks. In my home State of Georgia, healthcare providers and patients struggled to access critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment. That is why it is important to not only ensure that the Strategic National Stockpile is robust, but also to provide ways for States to stockpile treatments and products for their specific needs. To be clear, this amendment would supplement, not replace, the Federal Strategic National Stockpile. This amendment would empower States to build and maintain their own medical stockpiles so they can respond quickly to emerging infectious diseases in the future. That is why I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment before us here today. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, in response I would just say that this is simply to supplement the National Strategic Stockpiles. It is not to replace them. It is not to do anything but give the States the opportunity to have their own stockpiles. This is not a cookie-cutter- type situation that you have here. Different States have different needs. We all understand that, and this is what that addresses. Mr. Chair, this is a commonsense bill and commonsense amendment, and I would ask and encourage my colleagues to vote in favor. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 593, which will rename the Department of Veterans Affairs, as you have heard, the community-based outpatient clinic in Hinesville as the John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor and privilege of representing the First Congressional District of Georgia. We have much to be proud of in the First Congressional District of Georgia. We have a strong military presence in our district. We are home to Hunter Army Airfield, to Kings Bay Naval Base, and to Fort Stewart. Fort Stewart is located in Hinesville, Georgia, in Liberty County. Whenever I travel to Fort Stewart, whenever I travel to Liberty County, I know that they know what they are talking about when they talk about military affairs. I submit to you that the community of Hinesville, Georgia, supports their military as much if not more than any community in America. However, I have to be quite honest with you. Last fall, I was called to a meeting with them and with some community leaders in Liberty County and they told me they wanted to name a VA clinic in Hinesville after four veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam war. When I went into that meeting, I was skeptical. We can't do this. We can't rename a VA clinic anyway, much less after four individuals. I have to tell you when I left that meeting, not only was I convinced, but I was committed to making this happen. Mr. Speaker, you heard the bios that Chairman Bost just read of these young men all in their 20s, all of them with their life ahead of them, all of them gave the ultimate sacrifice. Let's think of what they could have experienced in their life--children, graduations, family memories, but they gave their lives, all four of them gave their lives, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. I sat through that meeting that day and I listened to the families. I listened to their friends tell the stories of their loved ones. I was convinced this needs to happen. Each of them made an incredible sacrifice on behalf of their country and on behalf of their community. They serve as righteous examples of patriotism and selflessness that are deserving of being memorialized permanently by naming the Hinesville clinic after them. This effort is supported by the families and by the community, and we believe that all four deserve to be memorialized for their extraordinary sacrifice and their valor. Mr. Speaker, I thank the community members in Liberty County, in Hinesville, the local elected officials who brought this idea to our attention. Secondly, I thank the Disabled American Veterans Southeast Georgia chapter, The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Georgia State Department of Veterans Affairs for their support as well. Last, but not least, I thank the entire Georgia delegation, Republican and Democrat, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and all the staff involved for their diligent work in getting this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I look forward to working with my friends in the Senate to bring this piece of legislation to passage and signed into law. Mr. Speaker, last weekend we celebrated Veterans Day. These four weren't with us to celebrate Veterans Day, but what they did gave us the opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day. Let's at least do this for the family and for the memory of these four heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the beloved city of Savannah, which has been recognized as one of the best places to retire in the United States by HGTV. Since I have been a resident of Georgia's First District my whole life, I know that it is the best place to live and retire, but it is nice to see Savannah receiving the national recognition it deserves. Affordability plays a pivotal role in the city earning this distinction, with the cost of living notably below the national average, as well as the absence of estate taxes. Other key factors that contributed to the city's rankings include its delightful weather, tax-friendly area, and convenient and accessible transportation. Our historic city squares, riverfront dining, musical and artistic amenities, and southern charm make it the perfect place to live and retire. I have done that all my life and intend to retire there, as well.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Savannah Police Corporal Doug ``Twin'' Herron. Corporal Herron recently passed away after experiencing an unspecified medical emergency while working an off-duty assignment. He was hired at the Savannah Police Department in January 1988 and was promoted to corporal in 1994. In 2002, he was promoted to star corporal. For the last 2 years of his life, he worked at the Savannah Impact Program, which focuses on at-risk youth and adults. His dedication to this program is a true testament to the man that he was. Corporal Herron always put the community first. He dedicated his career in policing to bettering the lives of others. Corporal Herron was a hero, and the entire Savannah community will never forget the good that he did. Madam Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to his family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in support of the amendment by the gentlewoman from Florida to ensure that Congress is conducting the proper oversight of the executive branch. This amendment mirrors the REINS Act, of which I am a proud original cosponsor. This bill passed in the House earlier this year with overwhelming support. It is clear that the American people believe the overreach by the executive branch must come to an end. There are over 2.1 million bureaucrats and not nearly enough transparency into the rulemaking process. This amendment appropriately defines a major rule so that more attention is put into a rule or regulation that has an effect on the economy. It is our constitutional duty to keep the executive branch accountable, and that is exactly what this amendment does. Checks and balances must be reasserted, and we must stop wasteful spending. The American people do not want bureaucrats making impactful decisions when they are struggling to afford everyday items. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Mr. Ogle's amendment, which will prohibit the funds from being used to institute mask mandates. Mr. Chairman, when President Biden admitted that there is no Federal solution to COVID-19, he admitted that the mask and vaccine mandates were never about public health, they were about control. Placing mask mandates on the American people and dictating that they must comply, or else, runs contrary to our commitment to America. Let's not forget that throughout the entire pandemic Democrats ignored their own masking rules while forcing children to wear them at school, and even outside on extremely hot days. Liberal elites were spotted without their masks at hair salons, fancy restaurants, and more. Those same hypocritical leaders shamed others who did not comply with the mask mandates that they ignored. The American people see right through Democrats' masking political theater and will never forget how they played politics with our children by shuttering their schools and masking their faces, even as doctors were noting the harm those mandates were causing our children. As a pharmacist, I trust patients to work with medical professionals and their families to make healthcare decisions that work best for them. A decision to receive a vaccine or wear a mask is a personal one and should only be done in consultation with a trusted healthcare professional. That is why we need policies that empower workers to work, allows children and families to thrive, and encourages patients to foster relationships with their healthcare providers. One-size-fits-all mandates are nothing short of government overreach in its most tyrannical form. Mr. Chairman, I thank Representative Ogles for working on this amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment and oppose President Biden's unconstitutional mask mandates.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tim Malchak, a Savannah native and member of the Band of Brothers, on being nominated for Christian Country Artist of the Year. This nomination is an incredible honor, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Tim. He has spent over 40 years in the music business as a singer-songwriter and as a former MCA/Universal recording artist. Tim first became known in the music industry when multiple songs of his made it to the top 40 hit singles in Billboard's Hot Country Music Charts. He has 24 albums in which he shares his love of Jesus Christ through music and testimony. Tim considers himself extremely blessed to be able to let God's light shine through him and minister to others through his music. Tim has made the First District in the State of Georgia proud. Great work. I look forward to what else he will accomplish in the world of music.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dawn Baker on her induction into the Silver Circle. Ms. Baker is a native of Riceboro, Georgia, and attended both Liberty County and Chatham County public school systems. In 1989, Ms. Baker began her career at WTOC and joined the legendary group of past WTOC honorees, including Doug Weathers, Pat Prokop, Mike Manhatton, Jody Chapin, and Craig Harney with this designation. The longtime WTOC anchor was recently inducted into the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Silver Circle with a ceremony in Atlanta. To be eligible for the Silver Circle, one must have 25 or more years of service and have made significant contributions to one's craft in the Southeast region. We congratulation Ms. Baker on her remarkable achievement. Her dedication to serving the people in the First District is greatly appreciated, and we cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. George Skarpalezos, Sr., an American hero and a father to three children. Upon graduating from basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, First Lieutenant George Skarpalezos led a platoon of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam war. After serving in the military, George returned to his roots of Brunswick, Georgia, to raise three children. Mr. Skarpalezos was also a musician. He performed at many local establishments on St. Simons Island. He also played in several bands, including the Ascots, the Gypsys, and The Fabulous Sixty Minute Men. He also found enjoyment in real estate, leading him to open his own real estate company called Skarpalezos Realty. While we are all sad that he is no longer with us, we will remember the life of Mr. Skarpalezos, his service to the United States, and the contributions to the State of Georgia.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Corporal Leonard Turner who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Corporal Turner is a World War II veteran who was part of the revered Marine Raiders, an elite infantry group that took on the most dangerous tasks during the war. As his 100th birthday approached, his children decided to honor him and celebrate his very special birthday by inviting an array of veterans, generals, colonels, and dignitaries from the State. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Corporal Turner on reaching this incredible milestone of 100 years. His journey through life, including his valiant service during World War II, is an inspiration to us all. His dedication, courage, and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on history, and we will be forever grateful for his service to our country. Congratulating William ``Bill'' Easterlin

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Arlie Maxton McNeill, a resident of Brunswick, Georgia, who passed away on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his family after battling cancer. Arlie was born in Seagrove, North Carolina, in 1936. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 where he became a dental assistant and soon realized he wanted to be a mortician. In 1961 he married his wife, Sheila McNeill, and the following year he graduated from John A. Gupton College mortuary school in Nashville, Tennessee. Arlie returned to Brunswick and started working at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home where he served for over 50 years and became part owner with Johnny Wilson. Arlie was a well-known auctioneer and a 50-year Mason at Lodge 214 F&AM. In 1977 he became an ordained deacon at Norwich Street Baptist Church. He also served on the Georgia State Board of Funeral Services from 1998 to 2004. He was the area manager for the Loewen Funeral Group for 5 years and was a devout Christian. He will be remembered by all, including his family and the community that he served well. Honoring the Life of Mr. George Skarpalezos, Sr.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Queensborough National Bank president William Easterlin on receiving the James Collier Award from the Georgia Bar Foundation at their annual grants meeting in July. The James Collier Award is reserved for individuals, lawyers or nonlawyers, who make exceptional efforts to advance the foundation's primary objective of providing legal assistance to Georgians in need. Mr. Easterlin has shown extraordinary support for the foundation through his counsel as a banker and dedication to assisting disadvantaged Georgians. From growing his family-owned bank's assets from $106 million to $2 billion and expanding to 27 locations, he is committed to providing exceptional financial services and giving back to the community he serves. Mr. Speaker, Bill has done great work. I look forward to seeing what else he achieves. Remembering Arlie Maxton McNeill

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Tom Durden who passed away at the age of 66. Durden was a famous district attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. In 1984, 2 years after earning a law degree from Mercer University, he joined the DA's office as an assistant prosecutor until he was elected DA in 1998. He was a true public servant to the State of Georgia for almost 40 years and led the DA's office for 24 years before retiring in 2022. During his career, Tom Durden worked on hundreds of criminal cases in the Atlantic Circuit, which includes six southeast Georgia counties outside Savannah. He was best known for working on the Tomato Patch murder case and the 2020 Ahmaud Arbery murder. Durden was a hard-working, determined, and endearing person with many great qualities. He also had artistic talents such as singing, playing guitar, and playing piano. Durden will be remembered for being a good person and for his talents in and outside of the courtroom.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Police Chief Rod Ellis, a man deeply committed to public safety and national security. He has proudly served Georgia's First District and his country in vital security roles. During his 36 years of service, Chief Ellis served with the Glynn County Police, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security, and several other law enforcement entities. In 2013, Chief Ellis was chosen to travel to Israel to network and train with Israeli Police and Security Services to identify and stop terrorists. The knowledge he learned in Israel and security publications he has contributed to about counterterrorism have significantly reinforced not just Georgia's security but the United States as a whole. I praise Chief Ellis for his service to the First District and to the American people, and I hope he enjoys this well-earned retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Second Bethlehem Baptist Church's Centennial Celebration that commemorates the lives and accomplishments of Second Bethlehem Baptist church. Founded in 1923, right in the heart of Savannah, this church has been committed to serving its community for a century. The influence that the Second Bethlehem Baptist church has in its community is outstanding, positively influencing over 40,000 individuals in the region, and over 100,000 worldwide. The church has numerous outreach achievements, one being the establishment of Life Skills for Empowerment Center Inc., a non-profit organization that is working to fight against violence in Savannah. Second Bethlehem Baptist Church also offers feeding programs, clothing closets, and various types of assistance to those in need. I thank the Second Bethlehem Baptist Church for being a beacon of hope in our community, and congratulate them on 100 amazing years.