Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation by Representative Bilirakis, the RANSOMWARE Act. H.R. 4551 amends the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, a tool the Federal Trade Commission uses to protect consumers with an international dimension, which includes increasing cooperation with foreign law enforcement. This bill quite simply requires the FTC to report on cross-border complaints they receive involving ransomware or other cybersecurity- related incidents committed by our foreign adversaries, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. I am sure we all have stories from our districts. For example, a researcher recently located a host in Georgia that could possibly be connected to a Russian host with exploitation tools that are connected to ransomware. With the increase in these attacks, I am glad to see this legislation under consideration today, which will help Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, and other law enforcement entities better understand these attacks and learn how to better combat them. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks).

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of H.R. 3962, the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2022. Historically, notarization has required a person to appear before a notary public. However, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, such in-person appointments were paused, causing States to permit remote online notarizations so as to ensure commerce would not come to a halt when so many other things were. The passage of H.R. 3962, which establishes nationwide standards and technical requirements for remote online notarization, showcases the benefits that technology can have to reduce the barriers on commerce in America and provide an easier way of life for our constituents. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Dean and Armstrong for their work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3962, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible service of a member of our community, Pastor Rosemary Woods. Pastor Woods has selflessly led members of her community for 30 years now and is set to achieve the lifetime achievement award in Brunswick, Georgia. This will not be her first award, as Pastor Woods has also received the key to the city of Brunswick. She is the mother of former Philadelphia Phillies player Dominic Brown, and in 2014, she was named Mother of the Year by the organization. Pastor Woods serves her community through many food drives, Christmas toy drives, and Easter festivals, and she is hoping to start a turkey giveaway this coming Thanksgiving. Her service to our community is remarkable and commendable. Her work feeding those in need came at an essential time and has continued to inspire others to join in and offer a helping hand. Pastor Woods is steering our community in the right direction, and I look forward to hearing about what else she is able to accomplish. Madam Speaker, I thank Pastor Woods for what she has done for the people of Georgia's First Congressional District and congratulate her on her achievements.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the inspiring career of Mr. Bill Edwards, who is a native resident of Savannah, Georgia. After graduating from Groves High School, Bill went on to attend both the University of Mississippi and Armstrong Atlantic State University, completing his education with a master's in the arts and communications. After serving in his high school JROTC, he furthered his interest in the Army by serving in the Army ROTC at Ole Miss and eventually joining the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He continued this career until he reached the rank of captain in a military intelligence unit in Savannah. Aside from his military career, Bill was blessed with a loving wife and seven grandchildren, whom he adores. Once he left the service, Bill focused his energy into a successful career in radio broadcasting, eventually becoming host of what is now ``AM Savannah'' on News Radio. Bill's commitment was rewarded when he was recognized by the Associated Press for sportscasting excellence and when he won the honor of Savannah's Favorite Talk Station for 3 years in a row. I am so grateful for Bill Edwards and his tireless commitment to improving his community. Bill is an outstanding Georgian, and I thank him for all he does for his community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise to speak on the need to provide certainty to blueberry producers who have been affected by freezes. We all know how difficult the job of being a farmer can be. So much of their success is completely dependent on things outside of their control. This is particularly true when it comes to foul weather and disasters. Farmers are at nature's mercy when it comes to these events. This past year, a number of specialty crops across the country saw significant losses caused by freezes, particularly blueberries in my home State of Georgia. The statewide freeze event this past March resulted in losses that exceed $140 million. The last time a similar devastating freeze occurred, Congress was able to come together and provide funding for those losses. I thank the Appropriations' Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee chair, Sanford Bishop, from Georgia, for all of his support already for this effort. The underlying bill includes $10 million for disasters occurring in 2022 and report language expressing Congress' concerns about the impact of extreme weather events on blueberry producers. However, that $10 million will not be enough to assist with the damages from disasters. Chairman Bishop has committed to continue working on this issue and to ensure adequate funding is available to blueberry and other producers affected by freezes in 2022. Mr. Chair, I hope we can continue to demonstrate Congress' commitment to not only providing relief when farmers need it the most but also fixing the larger issue for good so we no longer need to return to this after future freezes.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to thank Cyreia Sandlin, a reporter, for her decade of service to the greater Savannah area. Cyreia first arrived in Savannah in 2011 after graduating from the University of Missouri School of Broadcast Journalism earlier that year. Since then, Cyreia has dedicated herself to keeping the people of Savannah informed and educated, serving as an anchor on Savannah's most popular morning news show. Additionally, her focus on community news has helped the area's growing population maintain its small-town kinship. Cyreia has also helped her community outside of the newsroom. She has served as the president of the Telfair Museums' William Jay Society, sat on the board of the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, and volunteered at the Children's Hospital at Memorial Health. A dedicated voice in her community, Cyreia Sandlin has provided the people of Savannah with a reliable source for news and information for over a decade. I thank her for all that she has given, and I wish her the best of luck in her new position.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a good friend and a remarkable Georgian, Patrick Jones. Patrick graduated from the University of Georgia in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in risk management. A loving father and devoted husband, he and his wife, Kara, have two children and reside in Blackshear, Georgia, in my First Congressional District. Patrick spent over three decades of his career working at Flash Foods alongside his brother. Under their leadership, it became one of the largest convenience chains in the Southeast. It was one of the first convenience chains to establish a loyalty program, a proprietary retail pricing platform, and a robust item-level inventory management system. In 2016, Flash Foods was acquired by CST Brands and subsequently, Circle K. Patrick now serves as the chairman of the board of Primesouth Bank, president of the Jones Company, and President of Walker Jones Automotive Group. An agent of change, Mr. Jones currently serves on the Department of Transportation's Southern Georgia Citizen's Review Panel, which was created through the Transportation Investment Act. He has previously served on the Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board. Mr. Speaker, Patrick Jones has truly made his mark on his community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 8167.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record two articles of attacks on churches and pro-life pregnancy centers. [From the National Catholic Register] Attacks on Churches, Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Continue A pro-life sign at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, about 50 miles northwest of Wichita, was vandalized over the weekend. Since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision on Friday, attacks on Catholic churches and pro-life pregnancy centers have been reported in West Virginia, Washington, Virginia, Louisiana, Colorado, California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Indiana. Below are the latest recorded attacks since the decision. Matt Vainer, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Wichita, said that the perpetrator was followed by a witness who called the police. The perpetrator was arrested, he said. The pastor of St. Teresa of Avila, Father Aaron Spexarth, placed the sign underneath a crucifix in the church, as he believed it was most appropriate to place it at Christ's feet, Vainer confirmed to CNA. All Saints Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon had its sign defaced with pro-abortion graffiti June 25. A photo of the vandalism shows the words ``If abortions aren't safe, neither are you!--XOXO Jane.'' The FBI is investigating, Barbara Custer, a parish secretary at the church, told CNA. A Woman's Friend Pregnancy Resource Clinic in Yuba City, California was vandalized June 27. The clinic had one of its windows smashed by what seems to be one perpetrator according to video footage, the clinic's executive director Kristen Bird told CNA. Video shows the perpetrator throwing three rocks at the window until it broke. Repairs will cost anywhere between $700 and $900. The FBI is investigating, Bird said.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose the unconscionable abortion on demand until birth act. This bill creates a national standard to allow for abortions of unborn children for any reason and at any stage of pregnancy up until birth. As a father and grandfather of six precious grandchildren, I am sickened by the attempt to allow abortion on demand until birth. Now, Madam Speaker, I will speak for just a second about something that was brought up by one of my colleagues across the aisle about pharmacists dispensing prescriptions for abortion. Also, Madam Speaker, if you could, do me a favor and get a message to the President who is trying to sign an executive order to force pharmacists to fill prescriptions against their will for abortion. Let me assure you, you can pass all the legislation you want, and you can sign every executive order that you want to sign, but if you think you are going to force a pharmacist to go against their moral obligation to take care of patients and to take care of babies and dispense a prescription that is going to be used for abortion, good luck with that.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of a young man from my alma mater, Artez Benton. A talented baseball player at Young Harris College, Artez tragically lost his life this past month while in Atlanta. Born in Scottdale, Georgia, Artez was a star on the Druid Hills High School baseball team. He chose to continue his athletic career at Young Harris as an infielder for the Mountain Lions. Artez was wise beyond his years, hardworking, and was working to become a certified electrician with dreams of owning his own home. He would begin his days at 4:00 in the morning, studying for his apprenticeship, and despite his busy and long days, Artez was sure to make time to help his father with his landscaping company and to teach his young nephew the sport he loved so dearly. This tragedy has rocked the Young Harris community and has stolen a bright future from a young man and his family. My heart aches for the Benton family, and my prayers reside with them in this terribly difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a prestigious journalist and outstanding woman, Ms. JoAnn Merrigan of WSAV News in Savannah. With over 20 years in reporting, JoAnn has made quite a name for herself in multiple States for her high-quality news coverage. She started her career in Iowa, following around Presidential hopefuls as they began their journey through the primaries. She also followed local and State-based elections, providing Iowans with the information they needed to make an informed vote. After her term in Iowa came to an end, she relocated to northern California where she continued to deepen her commitment to journalism. After surviving the Loma Prieta Earthquake, JoAnn traveled around speaking to survivors and their families to get a better understanding of this tragedy. From there, JoAnn moved her career to Nebraska, and eventually landing in the greatest city in the world: Savannah, Georgia. Creating quite a respected name for herself, JoAnn has earned an outstanding number of awards, including the Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting, a Gabby Award, as well as an award from the Georgia Associated Press Broadcasters Association in 2013. Her exceptional career in journalism has commanded the respect of many, including myself, and I am proud to honor her today on the floor.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in the 1970s when Roe v. Wade was decided, ultrasound technology was in its infancy. The black and white photos that expectant parents proudly display on their refrigerators and in social media posts today weren't widely available back then. The general public could not see the life that was being created, and the medical community had no clear consensus on when life began. I have been blessed with many beautiful grandchildren, and I remember the warmth and love I felt for them the second I saw those 15-week ultrasound photos. I am beyond grateful. In fact, it is an answer to many prayers that our Supreme Court has finally made a decision and has overturned the catastrophic decision that was Roe v. Wade. What the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision does is give the power back to the States where it belongs, allowing them to decide how they want to approach abortion law. But it doesn't stop here. We must now refocus our attention in a post-Roe world, to providing aid to our mothers. Now, this is very important, Mr. Speaker. The Biden administration has recently come out targeting pharmacists such as myself, trying to force them to distribute abortion medication at the risk of civil rights violations. When I was a member of the Georgia State legislature, I sponsored legislation to allow pharmacists to act in the best interest of their patient. President Biden is using pharmacists as political pawns for his pro- abortion agenda. That is truly despicable. This is not the kind of leadership that should be coming out of the White House. Life is the most fundamental human right; we must continue to work to help make it the best that it can be.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act. However, I want to make sure that my colleagues across the aisle know how disappointed I am in these budget gimmicks that have become a part of this final legislation. As many of you are aware, I have the honor and privilege of representing the First Congressional District of Georgia. We have every branch of the military in our district. With every branch represented in my district, I take pride in my ability to serve and aid our men and women in uniform. I promised them I would vote for this bill. I am going to vote for this bill. But I do so begrudgingly, and the reason why is because I think it is despicable, Mr. Speaker, that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are using our veterans in order to gain the ability to use billions of dollars, almost $700 billion, on pet projects that they want to spend on. I think that is a slap in the face of our veterans. Our veterans did not sacrifice, did not serve, in order to bankrupt our country. But that is what our colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to do. Now, they deserve this. They need it. There is no question about that. Anyone who votes for it or against it agrees they need this, and we are going to make sure they get it. But I want to make sure that the point is made that this is despicable to use a budget gimmick like this against our veterans in order to be able to fund pet projects that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to fund.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Casper, a golden retriever in the service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines for Kids program. To say that Children's Healthcare of Atlanta does an immense amount for the community would be an understatement. Among these services is the Canines for Kids program that provides the tender love of man's best friend to sick children. Casper, and his handler Lisa, were pioneers of this program. In 2009, Casper reported for his first day of work, the inception of the program itself. He was driven by a deep love for children, like the other employees at Children's Healthcare. His floppy-eared smile, paw touches, and intentional eye contact brought comfort to hundreds of patients through his many years of service. Casper became the leader of his cohort of fellow dogs and helped to pave the way for this instrumental program. This is a tough loss for all who knew Casper, but his legacy remains in the dozens of other dogs that continue his service nationwide every day. I thank Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for the work that they do and for introducing all of us to Casper.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mashama Bailey for her achievement of receiving the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. Mashama is a renowned chef at The Grey in Savannah, Georgia, where she has served Southern cuisine since 2014. She traveled to many locations around the world, perfecting her culinary craft, and uses what she has learned to showcase the amazing taste of Southern cuisine. The James Beard Award was established to highlight the exceptional talent and achievements in the culinary arts. Mashama also received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast back in 2019. Throughout her career, she has taken the fine dining world by storm through her exceptional dishes that have helped put Savannah among some of the best culinary spots in the Nation. Mashama's commitment to her passion has fed many Savannahians some of the best food in the world, and she is an inspiration to the First Congressional District. Congratulations, Mashama, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the legendary and beloved Kirk Warner, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a father figure, and a friend to so many in his community, who peacefully passed away last June 16. Kirk was a football fanatic with an apparent gift for the game from a young age, which ultimately led him to play tight end for the University of Georgia and then go on and spend 21 seasons as the head coach of the Liberty County High School football team. From his first day at the school, he made Liberty County his home and was known for being a humble man with a true passion for inspiring the next generations through his coaching. He was known for putting highly competitive teams on the field and took pride in his players being the best they could be, inspiring some to make it to the NFL. The fact that his players respect him as much as they do, truly speaks to his character as a coach and as a man. His legacy has been left for the rest of us to learn from and live by, to help guide the future generations of young student leaders and athletes through faith, love, and respect for others.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the wonderful life of Mr. Paul Lovezzola of Bloomingdale, Georgia, who passed away on Friday, June 3. He was 79 years old. He was the owner and operator of the beloved Lovezzola's Pizza Family Restaurant since 1978, which has proudly fed of city of Pooler for almost 45 years. Above all, Paul was a devout family man who worked hard to support his family and spoil his grandchildren. Paul was orphaned at the age of 12. From that young age, he looked up to our military servicemembers, which led him to serve in the U.S. Air Force. He was communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where he is remembered as a people person, a hard worker, and for always having a story to tell. Paul served the people of Pooler for many years. In fact, he loved the city so much that he faced his restaurant toward Pooler instead of I-95. My prayers are with his wife of 57 years, Juanita Lovezzola, and his three children, Steven, Sherri, and Tim, along with their nine grandchildren whom he dearly loved. Recognizing Southern Soul Barbeque

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Southern Soul Barbeque for winning the Brunswick-Golden Isles Small Business of the Year for their superior barbecue and service to their community. The Small Business of the Year award is awarded to a business that demonstrates excellent knowledge and integrity while providing a valuable service to the community. Southern Soul Barbeque has continuously delivered their mission of support for the citizens and the local business community while exhibiting initiative, creativity, and a can-do attitude. Businesses like this are what binds our precious communities together and keeps our economies moving in the right direction. Plus, it is always great to enjoy some exceptional southern-style barbecue. I look forward to being in St. Simons for many reasons, but the pulled pork from Southern Soul Barbeque is certainly toward the top of the list. It is a must every time for me. It is my honor to recognize a commendable business such as Southern Soul Barbeque, and I wish them great success in the future as they continue to set an example for other small businesses in the community. In Memory of Kirk Warner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pat Cooper for her achievement of being named the 2022 M.H. ``Woody'' Woodside Community Champion of the Year. Pat Cooper is the owner of a not-so- small business known as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate in St. Simons, Georgia. The M.H. ``Woody'' Woodside Community Champion of the Year is given out to a small business that gives back to local nonprofits, events, and organizations through their time and resources to better their community. The founder of the company and Pat's father, Roy Hodnett, built this company and made giving back to his community the foundation of his business. Pat has continued that passion for service with her team of Realtors, staff, and leadership helping give back both financially and with their time through the organizations they support, including Hospice of the Golden Isles, Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, the American Cancer Society, and many more. Among their service to organizations, members of the company have also given back to their community by playing roles in community initiatives such as SPLOST and zoning issues to enhance the quality of life in the Golden Isles. Congratulations to Pat. I commend her for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, we are all witnessing the decline in America's mental health brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Between family members and friends, we all are either affected ourselves or we know someone with a mental health condition. I am a father and a grandfather, and there is nothing more important to me than the safety and well-being of my children and grandchildren. The urgency to address this mental health crisis has become more dire as we are seeing how fear, anxiety, and particularly isolation have compounded these issues. We owe it to our constituents to turn despair into hope and keep our children safe at school and in their community. The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act will help communities provide much-needed lifesaving care to our children. America's children are our Nation's future. It is time we take action and protect our loved ones and pass the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board, FLETA, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary on July 1, 2022. The FLETA board of directors, located in my district, is comprised of 28 senior officials from varying Federal law enforcement agencies, academia, and professional organizations. Since the FLETA Board's inception, more than 75 training organizations, spanning from 47 agencies and 10 departments across the executive and judicial branches of the Government, have submitted training programs for voluntary review and have sought accreditation through FLETA, in which they have completed 389 of those assessments. The FLETA Office of Accreditation is one of smallest entities in the Federal Government, with only seven Government employees. Yet, they have an extensive impact on Federal training and operations. FLETA assists law enforcement agencies in virtually every department of the Federal Government, improving operations through the implementation of more effective and efficient training tactics. The mission of FLETA is more important now than ever before. This agency's efforts are demonstrative of good government in action, practicing accountability through self-regulation, which exhibits the transparency that Americans expect of their government. On behalf of the citizens of Georgia and this distinguished body, I once again congratulate FLETA on their 20th anniversary and wish them much continued success in the future. Recognizing Don Hogan