Buddy Carter

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.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jerry Hogan, Sr. Jerry was born in the Old Fort neighborhood of Savannah in 1942. Before his graduation from Benedictine Military School in 1961, he attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. After Benedictine, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with honor and distinction before transferring to the United States Marine Corps Reserve. As well as his Marine Corps service, Jerry was a police officer on Tybee Island. After his stint with the Tybee Island Police Department, he went on to become a stevedore at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Miami. In 1975 he started M.J. Hogan & Company and followed that up in 1991 with Hogan's Marina. He led both companies until his passing. A devout Catholic, he was active in every parish in which he lived and the diocese at large, and he founded the Joseph O'Brien Ramsey Scholarship at his alma mater, Benedictine. Jerry was also active in community and civic associations, being a member of the Jaycees, the Propeller Club of the Port of Savannah, and the Chatham County Tax Assessors Board. A proud Irish American, he served as the general chairman, adjutant, and finally as grand marshal of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day parade. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hogan family during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Fred Alexander of Glynn County, Georgia. Born in 1940 in Vidalia, Georgia, Fred was a standout athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduating from Lyons High School, he went on to attend Georgia Teachers College, then Austin Peay State University in Tennessee on a football scholarship. Along with his brother Bill, Fred owned the Island Grove Motel before joining the local banking industry, an industry he worked in for 35 years. Outside of his professional life, Fred was a longtime member of St. Simons United Methodist Church, a past president of the Brunswick Exchange Club, and a member of Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. Being an avid golfer, he also served on the Board of Directors of the Brunswick Country Club. He enjoyed spending his time off the golf course playing gin rummy and dancing with his beloved wife, Janie. One of his newest hobbies was waving good morning to the Glynn Middle School students as they passed by his Lanier Boulevard home. Fred is survived by his wife, five children, and a whole host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My sincerest condolences go out to the Alexander family during this difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Veronica Sierzant for winning the Lawton M. Calhoun award from the Greater Savannah Athletics Hall of Fame. The Calhoun award is presented annually to the most outstanding athlete across all sports in Chatham County. Veronica is a senior at Islands High School and has committed to playing volleyball next year at Syracuse University where both her parents competed in athletics. She was selected as the Savannah Morning News Player of the Year her junior year and has been the first three-time champion of the Hollis Stacy award, which is given to the most outstanding female athlete in Savannah. During her senior season, she was voted team captain and led the Raiders to a Region 3-4A title. Off the court, Veronica is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, and the Future Farmers of America. Madam Speaker, I wish her the best of luck and know she will represent the First District well at Syracuse University this fall.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Susan Lott Clark of Waycross, Georgia. Susan was born in May of 1925 in Waycross, Georgia. She graduated from Waycross High School, then went on to Wesleyan College, Emory University, and the University of Georgia. She married Dr. William Clark, Jr., an ophthalmologist, and then settled back down in her hometown in 1958. Susan stayed active in the local Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school there and even coauthored a book called ``The History of First United Methodist Church.'' As well as her church activities, Susan founded the Okefenokee Heritage Center and the Southern Forest World Environmental Center. In 2008, Susan went on to spearhead the movement to add Lott Cemetery of Waycross to the National Register of Historic Places. At 92, Susan went on to publish her autobiography, ``Let's Talk About Me,'' which gives an illuminating look back on her life. She was the recipient of many awards during her life, including the Waycross Woman of the Year Award, the Wesleyan College Alumnae Award for Distinguished Achievements, and Wise Owl Award for leadership in Georgia Forestry. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Clark family during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career and retirement of Rev. William Willoughby III of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Savannah, Georgia. William has led the St. Paul's Episcopal Church since 1987. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago. He received his master's in divinity from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. As well as being the reverend at St. Paul's, Reverend Willoughby created the St. Paul's Development Corporation which provides low- income housing to Savannah residents. The reverend also serves as the district chaplain for the Coastal Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a commissioner with the Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services. Although he is retiring from St. Paul's, I am happy to hear that he will continue serving the community and the Episcopal Church in his retirement. Madam Speaker, I hope Reverend Willoughby enjoys his African safari. It is certainly well deserved. The people of Savannah thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my hometown of Port Wentworth, Georgia, and to honor them for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stand Up for America Day Parade. For 50 years, on the last Saturday in April, residents of Port Wentworth and the surrounding areas have gathered to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces, both past and present. When the parade first started, America was still embroiled in the controversy of the Vietnam war. It was started by then-Mayor P.B. Edwards, who was permanently wounded in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. The people of Port Wentworth decided to put on this parade in honor of those Vietnam veterans and all veterans who served in armed conflicts abroad. After a 3-year hiatus, this year's parade drew over 50 entries, ranging from bands to golf carts, all with one purpose in mind: to honor those who have served us. I thoroughly enjoy attending this event every time I am able. It reminds me of just how great our Nation is and how grateful we are for our servicemen and--women. I thank everyone who has helped continue this tradition, from local officials to the community, and wish them the best of luck for the next 50 parades.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary Jean Greco. Jeannie was born in 1955 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. As the daughter of two medical professionals, she always knew she wanted to devote her life to the service of others. Her professional career consisted of many healthcare roles, including being a tech in her father's surgical suite and selling medical equipment for some of the top manufacturers in the country. Outside of her professional career, she was always involved in local issues and advocacy. A devout Catholic, she would pray the rosary every morning before beginning her day. A stranger to no one, Jeannie was well known for her ability to work a room and make friends with ease. Spending time with her family was her favorite activity. She traveled often, especially to visit her sister, who lives in Hawaii. The two of them went around the world, including stops in Russia and Cuba. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Greco family and anyone who had the joy of knowing Jeannie. Celebrating the Life of James Alexander Atwood, Sr.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of James Alexander Atwood, Sr., a great husband, loving father, and proud American. James was born in December 1925 in Sumrall, Mississippi. In 1942, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served with honor and distinction through World War II and the Korean war. He retired from the Navy in 1965 with the rank of chief hospital corpsman. James was rewarded the Good Conduct Medal with four stars, the WWII Victory Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After his career with the Navy, James went on to be a successful pharmaceutical sales rep in Winston, Georgia. An avid traveler, he visited 43 countries and even had tea with the future King of England, Prince Charles III. In 2004, James and his wife of 49 years, Louise, relocated to the Golden Isles. He is survived by his wife, son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Atwood family during this difficult time. Celebrating the Achievements of Ken Griner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Walter Dumas, a great husband, loving father, and proud American. I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Dumas, and I last saw him 2 days before his passing at the Stand Up for America Day parade in Port Wentworth. Mr. Dumas was born in May 1922 in McRae, Georgia. He served his country with honor and distinction during World War II as a proud member of the United States Army. At the end of the war, he was in Tokyo Harbor when the Paris Peace Treaties were signed. Mr. Dumas was an avid outdoorsman, gardener, and fan of the Atlanta Braves. He was a faithful member of my home church, the Port Wentworth United Methodist Church, and he remained a member of the Frank F. Baker Masonic Lodge for 70 years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Pollie, my school bus driver. Survived by his three children, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, Mr. Dumas is certain to be dearly missed. My sincerest condolences are with the Dumas family during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Ken Griner as he is inducted into the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Ken is a Savannah native, playing football and baseball for Savannah Christian before going off to Brewton-Parker Junior College and then to the University of Georgia, where he was a standout baseball player. On the gridiron, Ken went 24-4 as the starting quarterback at Savannah Christian, and on the diamond, he was the most valuable player and team captain. At the University of Georgia, his batting average was .317, and he was a stellar defensive player. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Ken began a distinguished 35-year career in TV broadcasting, working for three different Savannah stations. For the last decade, he has been in various roles at the local Savannah CBS affiliate, WTOC, including anchor, cohost, and sports reporter. On top of his on-the-air duties at WTOC, Ken is also the director of broadcasting at Calvary Day School. Congratulations to Ken and to all the inductees for this year's Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame. Celebrating the Life of Walter Dumas

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Larry ``Gator'' Rivers, a great man, fantastic athlete, and public servant. Gator was born on May 6, 1949, in Savannah, Georgia. During his sophomore year at Alfred Beach High School, Gator was part of the first-ever all-African-American team to win the Georgia high school basketball State championship. The team went on to win two more State titles, bringing Gator's total to three State titles. After his dominating high school career at Alfred Beach High School, Larry went on to play at Mobley Junior College and Missouri Western State University. After college, he tried out and impressed the scouts for the Harlem Globetrotters. For 15 years, Gator toured with the Globetrotters as a dribbler for the team. After his career with the Globetrotters, Larry went on to coach at the high school level and created his own training program, Gatorball Academy. In 2008, Gator moved back to Savannah and continued to run Gatorball Academy in conjunction with volunteering at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club. In 2020, he decided to run for a seat on the Chatham County Commission. He was well known for trying to bring more professional sports to Savannah. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Rivers family. To my friend, we will miss you. You will always be with us.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jenny Gentry, who has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. The Legacy of Leadership Award honors a woman who is a Girl Scout alum and has made a significant impact in the local community. A native of Atlanta, Jenny made Savannah her home after graduating from college. She joined JPMorgan Chase in May 2019 on the commercial banking team covering the Savannah area and surrounding communities. Since moving to Savannah, Jenny has been active in the community, serving on a number of civic and nonprofit boards. She is currently the board chair for Goodwill Southeast Georgia and has previously served as the board chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of the Coastal Empire, and United Way. Jenny also serves on the Savannah Community Foundation Board, as well as the Chatham-Savannah Homeless Authority. I thank Jenny for her continued dedication to the Savannah community and congratulate her on the well-deserved honor.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Bud Stack, a decorated military veteran, loving father, and servant to his community. A native of North Carolina, Bud joined the U.S. Navy, where he became a career pilot and officer and graduated from George Washington University. He served in Vietnam as an A-6 pilot based on an aircraft carrier and received many military honors for his service. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he worked with Grumman Aeronautics, Saudi Arabia Civil Air Safety, and later returned to Savannah with Gulfstream and FlightSafety International. Always dedicated to his family, Bud made frequent trips to Brazil, where his sons lived and grew up. Bud shared his love for Christ with stints in the nursery and as a Sunday school teacher at Bull Street Baptist Church. He also assisted in the college ministry, as well as ministering through meals to the elderly. He participated in several mission trips, with one to Israel being particularly special. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Bud will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Reverend Charles Stanley, an influential Baptist pastor who for more than 50 years preached from First Baptist Church of Atlanta. A native of Dry Fork, Virginia, it was his mother, Rebecca, who first introduced him to the Bible. His paternal grandfather was also a preacher, and at age 14 Reverend Stanley felt a calling to the ministry. He graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor's degree in history in 1954, and 2 years later was ordained at a Baptist church. He later became a pastor at churches in Hendersonville, North Carolina; Fairborn, Ohio; and Miami and Bartow, Florida, before joining First Baptist Church of Atlanta in 1969 as associate pastor. As the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, he was known as one of the leading American preachers of his time, alongside figures like Reverend Billy Graham. In 1984, he was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Nation's largest Protestant denomination. His leadership and dedication to spreading the word of God has impacted many generations of Christians. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kristy Griffis Arnold on her appointment to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board by the USDA. Kristy has been involved with farming and agriculture her entire life. She was born into a farming family, growing up on her family's 465-acre farm which has been passed down through multiple generations. It was on her family farm that she learned the tools of the trade related to cattle farming. In addition to her recent appointment, Kristy has also been awarded the Georgia Producer of the Year Award in 2010 by the Georgia Cattlemen's Association. In 2012, Kristy and her family won the 2012 Wayne County Farm Family of the Year Award. In 2014, they won the Georgia Beef Quality Assurance Award. Kristy has proven time and time again that not only is she one of the most accomplished and knowledgeable farmers in the district, but she is also one of the best in the country. Kristy's expertise in agriculture speaks for itself, and I believe she will be an excellent addition to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. Calling on the FDA to Reverse Restrictions on Alzheimer's Treatments

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Camden County High School wrestling team on their ninth consecutive State championship. It seems like winning a State championship is just part of the yearly routine for the wrestlers at Camden County, but it was not always that way. When Coach Jess Wilder took over the program in 2006, the school had not won a State championship since 1984. Some even called Camden the land of no chance, in reference to its State title aspirations. Coach Wilder and the wrestlers of Camden County did not let that discourage them, and after 2 years of hard work and determination, Camden County won a State championship in 2008. The team took championships home in both 2012 and 2015. Their 2015 win marked the beginning of a yearly State championship run that still continues today. I congratulate the team and Coach Wilder on their hard work and determination. They continue to make their school and the First District proud. Congratulating Inga Cashon and Brittany Nearhoof

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Inga Cashon and Brittany Nearhoof for being recognized as 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists. State school superintendent Richard Woods, who surprised the finalists with their selection throughout the month of March, said each one of them is a shining example of the profession. I could not agree more. Inga Cashon is a science, technology, engineering, and math teacher at North Tattnall Middle School. In 2020, she received the Georgia STEM Scholar Award for her efforts to integrate effective STEM education in the classroom. Brittany Nearhoof is an art teacher at McAllister Elementary School in Bryan County in the First District. She is also a leadership team member and chair of the Fine Arts Night Committee. I congratulate Inga and Brittany for their hard work and their dedication to their students. They are very deserving of this honor.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand with the 6.7 million Americans who are living with Alzheimer's disease, their family members, and their caregivers. One in three seniors dies of Alzheimer's or a form of dementia. These are our sisters, our brothers, our mothers, our fathers, our neighbors, our fellow Americans, who are living with this heartbreaking disease. Thanks to bipartisan efforts in Congress, we have made great progress advancing research on Alzheimer's and dementia, providing hope to families struggling with this tragic disease. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently declined to cover an entire class of FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatments for Medicare patients. This has significantly reduced access to care for our most vulnerable patients with no other options to treat the disease. Unfortunately, this administration continues to put patients last and this decision of restricting Medicare coverage of FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatment is just the latest example. I ask my colleagues to join me in calling on this administration to reverse this restrictive decision and provide those living with Alzheimer's access to FDA-approved treatments. To all the patients, families, and caregivers out there who are struggling with Alzheimer's, I stand with them, and I will continue to fight for them. Congratulating the Camden County High School Wrestling Team

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me begin by thanking leadership and, particularly, the chair of the Budget Committee for all of their hard work in putting this together. Let me also say that my colleague on the other side of the aisle talks about fiscal irresponsibility. Well, if you want to talk about fiscal irresponsibility, you only need to look at the White House and what this administration has done. Day one, they declared war on fossil fuels. You can make the argument, and a valid argument, that what has happened in our economy is a self-inflicted wound brought about by this war on fossil fuels that caused an increase in gas prices, that caused an increase in inflation, that caused an increase in interest rates and put this economy in the shambles that it is in right now. Since the first day of the administration, this Biden administration has recklessly spent taxpayer dollars. As a result, as I say, you see inflation at record highs, stealing money and opportunities from hardworking Americans. Our credit cards are maxed out. The gentleman talks about future spending. That is what this is about, limiting future spending. That is the conversation we are having.

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. 1343, the ITS Codification Act. This legislation would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, which plays a critical role in making spectrum available for commercial use. As we examine how Federal and commercial spectrum is allocated, it is our job as Members to ensure the agencies tasked with managing spectrum have the technical resources they need to be successful in their missions. ITS is an essential part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and we must strengthen its statutory authority to ensure it continues informing important spectrum policy decisions. This testing center will also play an important role in America's ability to stay ahead of international competitors like China on spectrum policy. I am confident ITS will continue to contribute to innovative advancements that are crucial for our global competitiveness. This bill also directs ITS to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in locating trapped individuals in confined spaces. This is an important initiative that has the potential to protect and save American lives. Last Congress, this bill went through regular order and enjoyed unanimous support on the House floor. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Steve Waters, athletic director at Glynn County for being named State Athletic Director of the Year for Class 6-A. Steve has a long history of success in high school sports. He won a State championship in basketball at Christian Renewal Academy and turned around a losing program at Monroe Academy where he took them to the Elite Eight. Steve has been the athletic director in Glynn County for the last 11 years. During his tenure, he has been responsible for large expansion projects centered around the high school football field. He has also been able to add 14 new sports programs to the school system. Outside of work, Steve has a passion for service. He created a foundation that raises money for Morquio research, a rare genetic condition that affects a child's bones, spine, organs, and physical abilities. He recently held a golf tournament and silent auction fundraiser and was able to raise $330,000. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Steve on this great honor and all he has done for our community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wayne County, Georgia, first responders for their efforts in handling a recent plane crash in Wayne County. I also rise to honor the life of Dr. Howard Wasdin. On Thursday, April 6, Wayne County emergency responders answered a dispatch to a report of a missing aircraft. About 30 minutes later, the plane was located approximately a quarter mile from the William A. Zorn Airport. The pilot has been identified as Dr. Howard Wasdin, who was a highly decorated Navy Seal. He served in Desert Storm and was part of the operation to capture Mohamed Farrah Aidid, a Somali warlord. After 12 years of service, he earned his doctor of chiropractor from Life University and lived in Georgia, where he operated a chiropractic clinic. This situation has been particularly difficult due to the impact it has had on Dr. Wasdin's family and the community at large. I thank all of the first responders for their tireless efforts in responding to this tragic accident. Dr. Wasdin will be missed greatly by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of the bipartisan and bicameral H.R. 655, known as the Disaster Reforestation Act. Specifically, this bill would eliminate the ``basis limitation rule'' allowing landowners who farm trees with the intent of sale to deduct the value of their timber loss from a natural disaster, providing forest landowners financial recovery after a catastrophic event. There is currently no Federal program that allows timber farmers to recoup the loss of their timber, leaving them with no way to economically recover after a natural disaster. Private forests in the U.S. are vital to rural economies, strong domestic wood supply, and as a natural climate solution. Our Nation's private forests act as our largest carbon sinks and are essential to providing clean air and water. Fixing this casualty loss issue would provide an immediate and permanent solution for forest landowners to keep their forests working, a vital part of rural economies. Again, this is a bipartisan and bicameral bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 655, the Disaster Reforestation Act.