Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary Bullock Demere, a friend to many in Savannah, Georgia. A grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, Mary loved to spend time with her family and was known as the ultimate hostess, always entertaining those dearest to her. You could find Mary gardening, sailing with her husband, or dancing the jitterbug in her free time, and her loving compassion extended not just to her friends and family but also to animals. In fact, Mary would tell you that she could even speak to bears. Her generous and kind spirit led her to become an avid donor to numerous charities, and Mary also dedicated her time and energy to organizations in Savannah like the Savannah Junior League and Savannah Garden Club. I send my thoughts and prayers to Mary's family and thank God for having brought such a beacon of light and joy into this world.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Jerry Lewis Clark, also known as Red Dog. Mr. Clark was born on March 31, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, where he began his life of service to others. He served for 25 years in the military as an Army combat medic in Vietnam and in the Georgia Air National Guard. He was a Purple Heart recipient for his heroics during the Vietnam war, and he retired from the military as a senior master sergeant. Outside of his military service, Mr. Clark was a computer programmer, an English teacher, a medical salesman, and a homebuilder. He also worked as the minister of activity and director of operations at Calvary Baptist Temple. Mr. Clark's record shows what he truly was. He was a patriot. He was a public servant. He truly had a servant's heart. Mr. Clark is a hero who will be greatly missed by his community and by his friends and his family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dick James of St. Simon's Island on his induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame. Mr. James served in the Army for 22 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. In his first tour, he acted as an adviser for a Vietnamese battalion with 750 soldiers. This battalion suffered a high casualty rate, with two-thirds being lost in the 9\1/2\ months he served with them. He later returned to Vietnam as the commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, where he fearlessly led his Rangers in 450 missions, with 229 of them being fights with enemy troops. Mr. James has been the rightful recipient of many awards, including four Bronze Star medals, a Vietnam Service Medal, Superior Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal, among many others. I thank Mr. James for his service and congratulate him for his induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame. His extraordinary dedication to his country and his fellow Rangers makes him the perfect addition. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Starling Sutton

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Mr. Starling Sutton, a dedicated servant to his country and a community activist. During the Vietnam war, Starling cross-trained in four different areas, airborne, special forces medic, combat engineer, and infantry officer. His work in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg led him to pursue a degree in criminal justice, which he then applied to professional and volunteer efforts devoted to helping homeless and marginalized people. Mr. Sutton created two programs for the Atlanta Rotary Club to help inner-city youth learn about the camaraderie of the military, and his work with the Golden Isles Rotary helped homeless veterans find homes. Professionally, he helped create affordable housing in Atlanta and converted two major warehouses into public art spaces. Starling's service to our country and his impact on our State will continue to be felt for years to come, and we mourn his loss immensely. Congratulating Glynn Academy Boys and Girls Golf Teams

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Glynn Academy boys and girls golf teams on their recent 6A State Championship wins. Both teams took a big lead on day one, and they never looked back. After day one, they had to fight through harsh weather conditions that plagued the rest of the tournament, but even that could not derail their efforts. The Glynn Academy boys shot an impressive score of 591 overall to secure their first win since 2001. The Glynn Academy girls finished with a score of 480 to win their second championship in a row. These impressive scores, and the fact that this is the second championship in a row for the girls, speaks volumes. These young adults are true athletes, and I am inspired by their amazing performance on the golf course. I look forward to seeing what these great teams do in the coming season, and I know they will continue to make the First District of Georgia proud. Honoring the Life of Lieutenant Colonel George Allen Tindle

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of retired Lieutenant Colonel George Allen Tindle of the U.S. Army National Guard. Mr. Tindle was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 12, 1941. He was a proud member of the Chicago Police Department for 10 years, until he transferred to the Federal Protective Service in 1974, right here in Washington, D.C. George began his career at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, in 1986. He was the Director of Management Training for U.S. Customs until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement, George began his favorite career as an instructor in the Behavioral Sciences Division. George was an avid fan of the Frederica Academy football team and a beloved member of the Community Church on St. Simons Island. George was an animal lover with a quick wit and a compassionate heart. George Tindle passed away on April 3, 2023, at the age of 81 in Brunswick, Georgia. He is survived by a son, a nephew, and nieces, along with the legacy he left behind in the Brunswick community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the important relationship between two of the largest democracies in the world, the United States and India. India and the United States built our relationship on our shared values for democracy and freedom, but today it is based on so much more. We support India and its emergence as a leading economic power and as a vital partner in promoting peace and prosperity for all. India has grown exponentially in the 21st century, quickly becoming home to one of the fastest growing economies in the world and leading innovation in the fields of information technology, communications, and agriculture. Consequently, India was named the 2023 president of G20 where they have and will continue to work to address major issues in the global economy. Recently, through the U.N., India has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, taking a strong approach on the promotion of important issues such as food security and global health. The Indian community in Georgia's First Congressional District will always have my support in generating good will between our two vibrant democracies. I extend my best wishes to Prime Minister Modi, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the United States and India.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Griff Lynch on his induction into the International Maritime Hall of Fame. Mr. Lynch has been in the terminal operations industry for 34 years, leaving his mark on many ports along the East Coast. He currently serves as executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority, leading 1,800 employees in Savannah, Brunswick, Bainbridge, and Chatsworth. Mr. Lynch carries a great passion for his team and community, prioritizing motivation and support for those who work with him. Under his leadership, the Georgia Ports Authority team has continuously broken cargo volume records, leading them to be recognized as one of the most successful ports in the country. Mr. Lynch currently serves on the board of the American Association of Port Authorities and the National Association of Waterfront Employers. He has been recognized by his alma mater, SUNY Maritime College, as Alumnus of the Year and as Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend magazine. I thank him for all he has done for our district and congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Connor Mathis, a 16-year-old whose tragic passing has impacted our entire community. Set to enter his junior year at Glynn Academy, Connor was a joyous, young boy, always seen with a large smile on his face. His smile lit up every room he entered, and Connor's infectious energy and love, especially for sports, was constantly felt by those closest to him. I mourn the loss of such a caring young man, and I give my most sincere prayers to Connor's family. His family now wears shirts with hearts colored green--Connor's favorite color--to honor him. Madam Speaker, to those listening, next time someone wears green, I encourage them to think of and remember Connor, a life we lost far too early.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Samuel Barnard Adams, a veteran, a banker, and a businessman from Savannah, Georgia. Sam was a graduate of Roanoke College and a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Sam served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Afterwards, he worked as a banking officer with Citizens & Southern National Bank before beginning his own company, Intermodal Shipping Maintenance. Sam was committed to community throughout his life, serving on the vestry of Christ Church, as chairman of the Tybee Island Beach Task Force, and a board member of both Hospice Savannah and Savannah Little Theater. His contributions to the culture and vitality of Savannah will be felt for years, and his presence will be dearly missed. Recognizing the Accomplishments of Michael Holton

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Michael Holton. Michael was recently recognized as the Most Fab School Support Staff member of 2023 by Effingham Living Magazine for his work at South Effingham Elementary School. He is an alumnus of South Effingham Elementary where he currently works as instructional support staff in the technology department. Outside of work, Mike was vice president of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, and he was selected to be 1 of 10 participants on Treasure Maps: The Georgia Storytelling Roadshow. Treasure Maps is a collection of short films that provide a personal viewpoint on living with a disability. He also was an avid moviegoer, current event guru, and a very impressive equestrian. I have had the opportunity to meet with Michael and I know personally that he is deserving of this award. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Michael again, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tommy Dubberly

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Mr. Tommy Dubberly, a committed and heroic volunteer firefighter from Glennville, Georgia. Dedicated to public service, Tommy spent 40 years fighting fires in addition to his work at the Department of Corrections where he retired as a sergeant. At Tattnall County EMS, he served as deputy director, always leading by example and demonstrating unwavering care and support for his community. Even when he was off the clock, Tommy still found ways to build community. As the vice president of his county's Shriners Club, he helped build fraternity and camaraderie among his peers. Mr. Dubberly's devotion to serving others is emblematic of the virtues we should all strive to live by, and I mourn his loss dearly. Honoring the Life of Connor Mathis

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sister Lourdes Sheehan. Sister Sheehan, a Savannah, Georgia, native and Sister of Mercy for nearly 70 years, helped expand Catholic education throughout the Southeast. She earned both her master's and doctorate in education, quickly applying her knowledge and skills not just to the classroom but also to curriculum development. Sister Sheehan oversaw religious education in Richmond, Virginia, served as the executive director of the National Association of Boards of Catholic Education, and was the first woman to ever serve as secretary of education for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops throughout her career. For her dedicated work, she received a medal from Pope Benedict XVI, and numerous other awards from universities and professional organizations alike. We mourn the loss of Sister Sheehan and thank her and God for the thousands of lives she helped to educate.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for hosting us here today. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1640 because, yet again, House Republicans are on the front lines of stopping President Biden's executive overreaching. Last week, it was trucks, and this week, it is gas stoves. This bill will prevent the Department of Energy from telling the American people which stoves they can use in their own homes. According to the Department of Energy, these new rules would eliminate 50 percent of the current stovetops on the market. I am honestly astounded that we even need to pass a bill letting people have the freedom to choose the surface they cook on for their families. The President and his army of unelected bureaucrats will not stop meddling in the personal lives of the American people. I, along with 187 million Americans, use gas stoves every day because it is more affordable and reliable than electric stovetops. My constituents who use gas stoves in their homes save over $1,000 a year compared to all-electric homes. To justify this overreach, the Biden administration is using a study from the Rocky Mountain Institute, which so happens to also be a partner with the Chinese Government. For an administration dead set on forcing a radical climate agenda on the American people, I find it odd that they would take aim at an appliance that emits 22 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable electric model. This is bigger than just stoves, though. Since the beginning of his administration, Joe Biden has had it out for natural gas, a cheap, clean, American source of energy, not to mention that over 4 million Americans are also connected to the natural gas industry in some way. Today, we stand against the Biden administration and say, no, you cannot govern unilaterally from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. Chair, I look forward to voting ``yes'' on the bill, and I urge my friends in the Senate to take up its consideration.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Terry Tolbert on his 50th anniversary working at The Economic Opportunity Authority of Savannah-Chatham County. Mr. Tolbert has truly been promoting positive change his entire life. He grew up in Savannah near Crawford Square, where he began his career with EOA as a teenager, eventually becoming the youngest member on their board of directors. He also served on the Region IV Youth Council, covering eight southern states. With each year that passed, Mr. Tolbert's impact grew as he implemented programs to help the disenfranchised, such as the homeless, veterans, foster grandparents, and low-income families. He has an infectious can-do attitude and always emphasizes the importance of never giving up. Mr. Tolbert now serves as the executive director of the EOA, and after 50 years, he is still working tirelessly to help people climb out of poverty. His expertise speaks for itself, and I thank him for touching the lives of so many in the Savannah area.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Albert Shelander, a courageous veteran and dedicated community developer. At just 18, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, spending 2 years on the USS Janssen destroyer escort in the Philippines. Upon coming home, he attended Emory University, where he served as the captain of the college's golf team. After graduating, Albert dedicated his life to making good things happen in Glynn County. For 25 years, he served as director of the American National Bank of Brunswick and helped develop hundreds of acres of real estate throughout Brunswick and St. Simons Island. As a member of the Salvation Army, he rang the bell regularly at Christmas and also served as senior warden at his local church for 6 years. Albert founded a 150-unit retirement home in Brunswick and directed its growth for 40 years. He was also an active leader in the Museum of Coastal History, Glynn County Chamber of Commerce, Brunswick Rotary Club, and Brunswick Country Club. There is no doubt that Albert's involvement in our community helped shape thousands of lives for the better, and I mourn his passing greatly. Congratulating Savannah Christian High School Girls' Golf Team

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Savannah Christian High School girls' golf team on their 2023 AAA State championship win. As a team, the girls had a combined final score of 488, winning the tournament by a very impressive 52-stroke margin. Not only was this a very decisive victory, but it also marked their second State title in a row. This impressive athletic achievement was a team effort led by golfers such as Mary Miller, who had a score of 64 in one round followed by a score of 73, and sophomore Ava Cottis, who scored an also impressive 81 and 74. I also recognize Coach Annie Keller, who was recently named the Savannah Morning News Girls Golf Coach of the Year. I know her coaching was essential for this victory. I am so proud of these young women, and I know they will continue to represent their school well on and off the golf course. Congratulating Terry Tolbert

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jim Brown, one of the greatest football players of all time and considered by many to be the greatest lacrosse player of all time. Born on St. Simons Island, Georgia, Mr. Brown was a powerhouse both on and off the field, bringing the Cleveland Browns three league championship games while also advocating for civil rights. He spoke out against violence, encouraged young African Americans to get involved in community work, founded the Amer-I-Can Foundation for Social Change to help inner-city youth, and promoted economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses. In his professional career, Mr. Brown was a Pro Bowl invitee every single season he played and the NFL's most valuable player three times. He carried the ball over 2,000 times for over 12,000 rushing yards, scoring 106 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement, those were all records. To date, he is still the only NFL player in history to average over 100 rushing yards each game he played in. Mr. Brown's tenacity and dedication throughout all that he did on and off the field should serve as an example for all of us. We mourn the loss of Jim Brown, and I offer my sincere thoughts and prayers to his family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month. The Jewish-American community has played a critical part in shaping American culture and history since the country's inception. The Jewish community in my home district has strong roots, going back all the way to when Georgia was first founded as a colony. In Savannah, Georgia, you can find Congregation Mickve Israel, or the Hope of Israel, which is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States and the first synagogue built in Georgia. Historic communities like the Hope of Israel synagogue highlight the importance of Jewish-American communities in Georgia's past, as well as how they continue to impact Georgia today. It is a pleasure to be able to honor the Jewish-American community that has had such a big impact on both Georgia's and America's history.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements and retirement of Maureen ``Mo'' Brown. Coach Brown was recognized as the Southeast Georgia Middle School Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year. It is a little bittersweet, as at the end of this year, she will be retiring from Pierce County Schools after 38 years of distinguished service. However, I am happy to hear that Coach Brown will be the director of the Pierce County Recreation Department. Coach Mo was a standout athlete in her own right at Blackshear High School in the late 1970s. She has served head coaching stints as the girls' basketball, softball, and golf coach at Pierce County High School. She led the girls' golf team to two State championships while at the helm. She has been in her current role as Pierce County Middle School athletic director for 29 years. Mr. Speaker, I thank Coach Mo for her years of success and the impact she has made on the students of Pierce County, and I look forward to what the future holds for her. Celebrating Dave Reilly

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to thank Matt Campbell, Buck Holly, and Patrick Kisgen for their work on the Coastal Georgia Honor Flight. On May 13, they had the honor of being the guardians on the annual Coastal Georgia Honor Flight. Coastal Georgia Honor Flight takes groups of veterans annually up from Glynn, Camden, McIntosh, and other surrounding counties. They leave in the early morning hours for a whirlwind tour of the monuments for our servicemembers all day before returning that very same night. The trip includes stops at Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, just to name a few. Matt, who travels a lot for work, saw other regions' honor flight shirts in the airport and decided to look further into volunteering. After learning of his community's honor flight, he asked his two friends, Patrick and Buck, to join him. It did not take much convincing. Reflecting on his trip, Patrick said: ``Having the opportunity to experience our Nation's Capital with the multiple generations of men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect it was something that I will cherish forever.'' I thank all our veterans who have served our country, and I thank the great volunteers who make these special experiences happen.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Dave Reilly receiving the Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award. On May 5, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented Dave with this year's award for distinguished public service. Dave served for 38 years in the United States Navy on assignments from submarines to his final post as commander of the Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. He retired out of Kings Bay and decided to live his post-retirement years in St. Marys, Georgia, where he is also currently a city councilman. In 1998, Dave became a lifetime member of the Camden-Kings Bay Navy League. He served in various local and national leadership positions before becoming national president of the Navy League of the United States in June 2021. As president, Dave has transformed the current governance structure and maintained his promise to keep the Navy League as the premier sea service support organization in the country. His time as president may be up in June, but I have no doubt that Dave will continue to serve the Navy and his community long, long after his term is up. Expressing Gratitude to Matt Campbell, Buck Holly, and Patrick Kisgen

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which would permanently schedule fentanyl analogues as schedule I. Madam Chair, the United States is facing a poisoning epidemic. It is caused by illicit fentanyl and its related substances that are pouring over our southern border. Almost 200 people are dying every day from fentanyl poisoning--200. Included in that number is a family from my district who lost their son, Wesley, to the drug at the age of 22 years. His mother writes: ``My son was a victim of drug-induced homicide. He took one pill that ended up being pure fentanyl and died. He was poisoned because he trusted the wrong person and paid for it with his life.'' We cannot allow the lawlessness and tragedy to continue to tear our communities apart. That is why we must pass the HALT Fentanyl Act that is before us today. Opponents of this legislation are choosing to side with criminals over the safety and well-being of our children. That is despicable. Madam Chair, let's pass this bill, secure the border, stem the tide of the growing fentanyl crisis, and save lives.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Jimmy Wilson. Jimmy was born in September 1946 in Chester, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Savannah High School in 1964, he immediately joined the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, Jimmy went on to graduate from Georgia Southern University with a degree in accounting. While in college, he married the love of his life, Barbara. Post-Georgia Southern, Jimmy worked for Metro Development before launching his business, the James Corde Company. In 1985, he and Louis Young created Great American Builders, and that soon rose to become the largest home builder in the Savannah area. He was also active in trade organizations, such as Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah and was also inducted into the Home Builders Association Hall of Fame. Outside of work, Jimmy was an avid University of Georgia football fan, even attending the 1982 Heisman Trophy ceremony. Jimmy leaves behind his dear wife, Barbara, three incredible children, and his beloved grandchildren. My sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family during this time of mourning.