Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 110. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Barragan (Correa) Brown (MD) (Trone) Cardenas (Gomez) Carter (LA) (Blunt Rochester) Castro (TX) (Correa) Cawthorn (Nehls) Cooper (Correa) Crawford (Long) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) Cuellar (Correa) Evans (Mfume) Frankel, Lois (Wasserman Schultz) Fulcher (Meuser) Gonzalez (OH) (Kinzinger) Gosar (Gaetz) Harder (CA) (Gomez) Hartzler (DesJarlais) Huffman (Stanton) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Joyce (OH) (Garbarino) Kahele (Mrvan) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lamborn (Wilson (SC)) Lawson (FL) (Wasserman Schultz) Mace (Timmons) McHenry (Wagner) Porter (Wexton) Price (NC) (Butterfield) Roybal-Allard (Pallone) Schakowsky (Garcia (IL)) Scott, David (Jeffries) Sires (Pallone) Suozzi (Beyer) Taylor (Fallon) Walorski (Wagner) Wilson (FL) (Blunt Rochester)

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank a good friend, Deputy Director Bill Fallon, of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia, for his great service to our district. Deputy Director Fallon received his bachelor of science degree from Westfield State University and his master's degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He joined the United States Marshals Service in 1988 as a deputy U.S. marshal for the State of Massachusetts. In the summer of 2008, Bill was assigned as the commander of Operation FALCON 2008, which resulted in the arrest of over 19,300 dangerous felons and the seizure of 418 firearms. He was named The Washington Post's Federal employee of the week for his efforts. Bill has also served as the assistant director for the United States Marshals Service Training Division. At FLETC, Bill has been integral in overseeing all operations related to the development and delivery of collaborative law enforcement training for more than 95 FLETC partner organizations. Bill has more than earned his retirement. After his retirement, he will go on to be the new county manager for the Glynn County Board of Commissioners, where I look forward to continuing to work with him. Congratulations on your retirement, Bill, and thanks for all that you have done and will continue to do. recognizing the service of coach jesse crews

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Coach Jesse Crews at Charlton County High School. Coach Crews has long been a titan in Georgia high school athletics. Even before he was a coach, he was a Charlton County High School athlete himself. Jesse was born in Folkston, Georgia, in 1953. He attended Georgia Southern University, receiving a bachelor of science in education, and Valdosta State University, where he received his master's in education. His life of service earned him a well-deserved induction into the Georgia Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame, class of 2022, and the Dr. Lucia B. Norwood award for athletic director of the year for all classifications in 2021. Jesse has also been selected to receive the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Dwight Keith State Service Award this year. When you dedicate your life to the betterment of others, it is hard to avoid these amazing recognitions. Jesse has served on the Charlton County Board of Commissioners, as well as the Georgia High School Association Board of Trustees Executive Committee and Reclassification Committee. His passion for education, athletics, and his community has changed the lives of many students that he has mentored over the years. Jesse, we can't thank you enough for what you have done and what you have accomplished, and I am proud to be a member of the J-Rock Express.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 89.3 The Lighthouse on WECC-FM. Founded in 2002 by husband-and-wife duo Paul and Vickie Hafer, The Lighthouse has been spreading the Word of God 24 hours a day for 20 years. Founding Lighthouse Ministry in 1998, Paul and Vickie selflessly spread the holy Word of God to as many people as they can. Their radio show on WECC-FM now reaches southeast Georgia, northeast Florida, and a worldwide online audience. Their ministry also provides other opportunities for their community, such as a ladies' Bible study group and an intercessory prayer group, and is home to Cub Scout Pack 893. Vickie and Paul have dedicated their lives to spreading the Word of the Lord and ministering to others, and our communities are better for it. Their tireless work has reached the ears of thousands of listeners and will continue to be heard around the world. This 20th anniversary milestone is nothing short of remarkable. Thank you for what you are doing, and keep shining His light. honoring the life of isaac laroche

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Isaac ``Ike'' LaRoche. Ike was born in Darien, Georgia, in 1942 to the late Lawrence ``Junior'' Edison LaRoche, Sr., and Ethel Ward LaRoche. He would go on to serve his country in the United States Army. Following his service, he owned and operated Ike LaRoche & Associates. Ike selflessly served his community by being on the boards of foundations such as the Camp Kicklighter Foundation, the YMCA, the Rape Crisis Center, and the West Chatham Rotary Club. His work led to the creation of the Pooler Fitness Center, as well as the founding of several YMCAs across the State of Georgia. This work and dedication to his community led him to receive the Robert H. Demere Volunteer Award in 2013, the highest volunteer award given out by the YMCA, having only been presented three times since 2004. Ike's wife of 56 years, his three children, and the whole community will miss his presence in their lives, but his legacy will live on in the work he accomplished. honoring the service of bill fallon

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, retired Savannah TV anchorman Doug Weathers remains one of the most recognizable people in the community. He's still remembered and beloved. I believe he could step into a studio tomorrow to do the local news and again dominate the ratings. Walking into a room with Weathers, who still looks fit, has great hair and bursts with high energy at age 91, is like walking down a street in Memphis with Elvis. People shower him with shouts of `Hey Doug,' and they want to bend his ear about something. And Doug, being Doug, will stop and listen, no matter whether it's to hear a story about a lost dog, a widow's prize fruitcake recipe, someone who's down on his or her luck or a gardener's giant zucchini. Weathers was very much the king of local TV news and he had the competition all shook up during his 41 years on the air here. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters recently honored the grand man of the local airways by naming him to its hall of fame. No on-air broadcaster in the state was more deserving of this honor, as Weathers was the face and the voice of two TV stations here during his tenure--WTOC (twice) and WJCL. Former WTOC general manager Bill Cathcart tells a story about how he once hired a consultant to rank every anchor in Savannah and list them according to their popularity. The consultant handed him a list with a folded piece of paper attached to the top. When he started reading the report, he didn't see Weathers' name. The consultant told him to unfold the paper. Doug was so far ahead of his competition that he earned his own page. Among the many reasons that people in Southeast Georgia loved Doug was that he reflected them and their values. He didn't preach, because most of his audience got their fill of that on Sundays. He delivered the news straight and unfiltered. He was humble. He never failed to remember that he and his news staff were invited guests into people's homes. Too few people in the news business know that lesson today. Doug was a showman who liked `hokey' and refused to take himself too seriously. He was fond of calling those news programs that featured grim-faced pontificating prattlers `tube-coolers', in reference to scores of viewers at home hitting their off buttons to turn their attention to something else. Weathers was not too big to do any parade or make any appearance. One of his favorites was speaking at career days in local schools where he told star-struck kids that he got his start at WTOC doing drudge work like splicing film and sweeping up the studio for 90 cents an hour. He was big on getting a college education, even though he himself wasn't a stellar student. ``I didn't graduate `cum laude.' I graduated `thank the Lordy' '' was a favorite punchline. Weathers also burned his own shoe leather hitting the streets to report the latest crime story, hospital hijinks or political scandal, most often scooping his rivals. No story was beneath him. He respected his viewers. Perhaps his greatest strength was his ability to attract, mentor and keep talent, pros like weatherman Pat Prokop, sports anchor Rick Snow, co-anchor Angela Gale and a bevy of fine reporters like Mike Manhatton, Jim Carswell, Janice McDonald, Jim Hildebrandt, George Murphy, Avis Blackmon, Jody Chapin, Dawn Baker, Ron Wallace and Johnny `Get hooked on fishing, not drugs' Cole. Of course, these are also among the many reasons why this newest Georgia broadcasting hall-of- famer probably couldn't find a seat anchoring one of today's network snooze slots. He wasn't elitist. He kept his opinions to himself. He didn't make stuff up. He didn't make his viewers wretch or want to cough up a lung after one of his newscasts. He didn't hurl insults or twist the news to support a personal agenda. If more of the talking heads on the national news programs were more like Savannah's own Doug Weathers, they would gain more trust and viewers and look less like people who were talking out of a different part of their anatomies.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, how is it that we here in Congress, in the face of all the domestic and international crises that we are facing right now, that we are here talking about decriminalizing and descheduling marijuana? Now, we are all going to go home this weekend, and what are our constituents going to be talking about? They are going to be talking about the price of gas. They are going to be talking about the price of food. They are going to be talking about the price that they have to pay to heat their homes. They are going to turn on the TV. What are they going to see? They are going to see in real time Ukrainians being bombed by Russia, fleeing for their lives. And what are we doing here in Congress? Talking about marijuana? You have got to be kidding me. Mr. Speaker, as you know, I am a pharmacist. I know addiction. I know and I have studied addiction. I can tell you, marijuana is nothing more than a gateway drug. It leads to other harder drugs. Don't try to justify this by saying, Oh, alcohol is a drug and it is legalized. That is not what we do. That makes no sense whatsoever. Mr. Speaker, we had a hearing in the Energy and Commerce Committee. We had 10 parents before us whose children had died due to opioid addiction. Not 8 out of 10, not 9 out of 10, but 10 out of 10 of those parents said they smoked marijuana to begin with; 10 out of 10. It is a gateway drug that leads to harder drugs. This is not a Republican-Democrat situation here. This is an American problem. You know that we had 100,000 Americans die of overdose last year. Mr. Speaker this is misguided. This is wrong. This is not what we should be discussing.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Captain James T. Bellew. Captain Bellew was tragically killed in a helicopter crash at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this week, on March 30. He was a native of Charlottesville, Virginia, and entered the United States Army in 2017 as a medical service officer. In 2019, he became an aeromedical evacuation officer, and in 2020, he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. This sudden and tragic loss has dealt a heavy blow to the brigade, division, community, and his family. During his service, Captain Bellew had successfully evacuated critically ill COVID-19 patients to better care across the country and was the top platoon leader in his company. He was decorated with the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other accolades. Captain Bellew was a hero in its truest sense, and he will never be forgotten. May God bless his family, friends, and fellow servicemembers, and may God bless our troops.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Georgia golfing legend, Jack Lumpkin. Jack was a master at the game of golf and a pillar of what Sea Island and Glynn County is today. When it came to the game, Jack was unparalleled in his understanding and knowledge. He spent his life coaching others and was recognized for his teaching ability numerous times. In 1995, Jack was named PGA National Teacher of the Year, and he was named a Top 50 Golf Teacher in America every year since 2000. I will always remember Jack teaching students at the first tee box at the Golf Performance Center, which is now known as Lumpkin's Tee. Jack would take his students to where the Golf Performance Center now stands because the area naturally blocked out the north wind coming from the ocean. It was Jack's ideas, passion, and prowess that made this center possible. My prayers are with his family, friends, and the staff of Sea Island, as well as those that he mentored.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a woman dedicated to the service of her community, Jo Mason. Throughout her years, Jo remained involved in her community in as many aspects as she could. After graduating from Glynn Academy, Jo was active in The American Legion Auxiliary for 78 years, where she held several positions in the local, district, and State levels. The Saint Simons native enjoyed making the lap throws that The American Legion Auxiliary gave out to veterans and their spouses in the local nursing homes in Brunswick. Jo also volunteered at the fire department, helping to man radio station 2 and serving as treasurer for many years. She was involved with the Golden Isles Emerald Society, Elks Lodge, Golden Isles Retired Firefighters Association, Veterans Council of Golden Isles, and the Coastal Republican Women's Club. She set an example for all of us to follow. Her memory will be cherished by the many lives that she impacted, including her husband, Bill, who she met on a blind date in December 1965 while he was serving in the Marine Corps. I am praying for her friends, her family, and her community during this very sad time. Recognizing the Life of Dr. Grover Bell

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a man dedicated to his community and to the people he served, Dr. Grover Bell of Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Bell was born in Sardis, Georgia, in 1928 and went to Georgia Teachers College, where he met his beloved wife, Lourdine. After determining that his calling was to join the ministry, Dr. Bell attended Emory School of Divinity, where he learned to be a shepherd of men. Throughout his career, he served almost 30 churches of the South Georgia United Methodist Conference, including my home church of Wesley Monumental. He was loved as a minister by those he served and truly embodied what it means to put others before oneself. Dr. Bell was also known for his gardening and for his southern, homestyle cooking, two of his passions. His love for daylilies and fried chicken were rivaled only by his love for God and his family. Leaving behind his wife, four children, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and countless others to whom he ministered, Dr. Bell has left a lasting impact on the community that he loved so dearly. His family and friends remain in my thoughts and prayers after this tremendous loss.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my political mentors, the dean of the House, Representative Don Young. I met Don on one of my first days as a Member of the House of Representatives. I walked into this Chamber and took a seat. Minutes later, some old guy starts digging his knuckles into my back. I couldn't believe that was happening. I had no idea what this guy was doing. You can imagine my confusion as I frustratingly found myself another chair, but you can also be assured that I never sat in that seat again. It wasn't until afterward that I learned that I had sat in his seat. I never made that mistake again. Knowing him, he has probably already picked out a seat in Heaven, and I pity the fool who tries to sit there. Don Young is and was a dear friend. At work, he was my mentor, someone whose stalwart belief system and passion for public service inspired me every single day. Don truly loved the great men and women of Alaska. That was obvious from his fearless advocacy for the Last Frontier up here in Washington and even more obvious on our annual fishing trip, where I got to see firsthand the State he loved so dearly. I was able to go with him on three separate occasions on that trip. Every one was a great experience. I will miss those annual fishing trips, not just for the sport of it, but for the comradery I felt with the amazing public servants who joined together to learn from one another. Luckily for Alaska residents and the Young family, Don was a better man and legislator than he was a fisherman. My prayers and support go out to his wife, Anne, his children, and everyone who was privileged to know this great friend, father, and public servant. It was an honor to gather and pay tribute to him yesterday. He made every second count and worked hard to leave this country better than he found it. He was the oldest Member of Congress, and I never let him forget that. I still feel like his time on Earth here was cut short. Don, your presence, your knowledge, and your leadership will be sorely missed, but they will never be forgotten. Remembering Mabel Josephine ``Jo'' Mason

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, for over 30 years I was the one who was on the other side of the counter who had to tell the patient how much their insulin costs. I was the one who watched the senior citizens trying to decide whether they were going to buy insulin or buy groceries. I was the one who watched a mother cry because she couldn't afford the medication for her child. I was the one who watched all this happen, and now I am finally getting the opportunity to address this issue on the House floor. I am saddened that it will do nothing to protect those mothers from the pain of not being able to afford lifesaving medications. Make no mistake about this. We all agree on the same thing, Madam Speaker. We want lower prices for drugs, particularly for insulin. But instead of fixing a broken system, this bill aims to control it. This Socialist plan of requiring every private insurance company across the country to offer certain insulins, not all but certain, at a mandated price will have disastrous consequences on seniors and the 217 million Americans who rely on private insurance. We all know that insurance agencies will shift these costs to patients with other diseases. Don't kid yourself. This is like squeezing a balloon, it is going to go somewhere else. We aren't talking about the bipartisan solutions that currently exist, like the Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2021, H.R. 19. That is what we ought to be talking about. Why aren't we talking about the PBMs, the middlemen? The Berkeley Institute came out with a study last week, Madam Speaker, that said that 37 percent of the price of a drug goes to the pharmaceutical manufacturer and the rest goes to the middleman, the PBM. The solution is right there before us. This is not going to fix it. This is going to control it, but it is not going to fix it. Madam Speaker, I oppose this. We all have the same common goal, but this is not the solution.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a valued member of the Savannah community, Jerry Marshall Gill. Jerry was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, in 1931. He and his family moved to Savannah when he was at the young age of 5. Once in Savannah, Jerry attended Commercial High School, where he stood out immediately as a gifted basketball player. From Commercial High, Jerry proceeded to Armstrong Junior College before answering the call to join the United States Marine Corps. Jerry was called to Active Duty in 1950 and served in the Korean war. Back home, he was a volunteer for the Georgia Affiliates Federal Credit Unions for over 42 years, where he received ``Volunteer of the Year,'' the ``Lifetime Achievement Award,'' and the ``Credit Union House Hall of Leaders Award,'' which is displayed here in D.C. in the D.C. Credit Union House. After retirement, Jerry worked with the Georgia Affiliates Credit Union for another 12 years. Jerry's life of service was further demonstrated in his commitment to his fellow veterans. He volunteered with the USO and was a member of the Veterans Council League for many years. We will all dearly miss Jerry, his wisdom, and his service.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a good friend of mine, Mr. Danny Powers, on his selection to serve as the Grand Marshal of Savannah, Georgia's, 198th St. Patrick's Day parade. The St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah is the third-largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the entire country. We will be expecting around 400,000 spectators to attend Savannah's signature event. Since 1824, Savannah has been the home of this fabulous celebration of the rich Irish heritage of our city. The grand marshal is an honor that recognizes members of our community for their great service, and Danny is well-deserving of that. Danny has been the Chatham County tax commissioner for 27 years, since 1995. During his tenure, Danny has boosted property tax collection rates; integrated online technology to improve accessibility; and has added satellite offices for vehicle tag renewals. Danny has been an integral and influential member of the Savannah community for many years, and we are so grateful to have him. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Danny on this tremendous honor; he has earned it.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, President Biden wants to build back better. What he doesn't realize is that first, we must be able to build. Many otherwise shovel-ready infrastructure projects get trapped in bureaucratic gridlock for years. Developers routinely find themselves navigating environmental reviews that require up to over 60 authorizations from as many as 13 different Federal agencies. Projects starting today with new funding from the infrastructure deal won't be realized for 5 to 7 years, if not longer. After years of project design, engineering, planning, and financing, the 2 to 4-year permitting process commences. This pushes orders for new windmills, solar panels, transmission lines, charging stations, construction equipment, steel, concrete, labor contracts, and whatever else a project may need years into the future. Only after all of that can the 2 to 3 years of construction begin. The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council analyzed 69 major projects and found that bureaucratic delays cost developers $100 billion. New wind and solar projects take 2.3 years, on average, to receive Federal permits; 3.3 years for electricity transmission projects, and 4.7 years for major new road projects. This contrast with the ambitious and radical climate goals Democrats have set, calling for a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030. In that case, a 7 to 10-year development timeline is entirely too long or realistic. Permitting challenges have resulted in extended delays and creating a chilling effect on new infrastructure investment. This isn't just a sacrifice of time. Perhaps worse, it costs money, a lot of money. Twenty to 30 percent of total project funding is wasted on unnecessary red tape. We are wasting millions of dollars a year by just waiting. Instead of fixing that well-known issue, Democrats chose to throw more money at the problem. Now we see how this has brought on record inflation. Sadly, the cost of these unnecessary delays is ultimately passed down to taxpayers, either through taxes, tolls, or increased rates in usage fees. It is no wonder that the U.S.' infrastructure is falling behind other developed nations. What is curious is, why did Biden's so-called infrastructure bill do nothing to speed up the process, and, instead, doubled down on delays and bureaucracy? Republicans and Democrats alike are struggling to build around these roadblocks, and it is high time Congress did something about it. I thank the gentleman again for yielding.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ernest Jones of Waycross, Georgia for his victory with the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. Ernest is no stranger to successful seasons, his Senior year on the Ware County Gators High School Football team, he recorded 112 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and was named first-team Class 5-AAAAA. From Ware County, Ernest committed to play football at the University of South Carolina, where he quickly became a starter following his freshman year. Ernest led the team in tackles following his sophomore and junior seasons with ninety-seven tackles his sophomore year and eighty-six tackles his junior year, with five tackles for loss. The Los Angeles Rams selected Ernest with the 103rd pick of the 2021 NFL Draft and became the starter in week eight of their championship run. In the Super Bowl, Ernest was a force to be reckoned with, amassing seven tackles, one sack, and a pass block in the Rams' victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Ernest is a prime example of hard work, dedication, and has a contagious love for the game of football. His work ethic and drive are examples for us all to follow, and we are blessed to have him here in the First District of Georgia. I Congratulate Ernest on being a world champion.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the tremendous season of the Savannah State University men's basketball team. The upset-minded Tigers have won their first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship title since 1981. Topping off a four-game win streak with a conference championship victory, the Tigers went into the SIAC championship game as the underdog against Benedict College. This historic team struggled throughout the season, entering the post-season 11-13, but came together as a team and found a way to win when it mattered most. I am so proud of the team that Head Coach Horace Broadnax has put together at Savannah State University. He is helping these young men unlock their full athletic potential. The season is not over, as the Tigers are now preparing for their shot at the NCAA Division II National Tournament. This has not been an easy season by any means, but the Tigers have momentum and drive to keep them moving forward. Gentlemen, good luck in the tournament.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a dedicated member of our community, as well as a fellow Young Harris alumnus, Bill Roberts of Fayetteville, Georgia. Bill was the recipient of the Young Harris Medallion, the highest honor that is bestowed by the college for his love and support throughout his years. Recruited to come to Young Harris as a basketball star, Bill was so much more, serving as a champion debater and officer of both the SPAT clubs and Student Government Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics and continued his basketball career at Mercer University, proceeded to Georgia State to earn a business and accounting degree, and finally received a law degree from Woodrow Wilson. He served our great State of Georgia on the financial side, overseeing massive construction projects like the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center. Bill's expertise was put to use as a trustee of the State's Employees' Retirement System where he served on the Investment Committee and was responsible for investing retirement funds to the humble tune of $12 billion. Emeritus trustee for Young Harris, distinguished alumni, veteran, and loved member of our community are just a few of the titles that Bill retained. This is a tremendous loss that will be felt by many. Recognizing the Service of Pam Southard

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of an incredible Georgian, Pam Southard. Pam has served as the executive director of the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. She has selflessly put her heart and soul into her position and worked to better the city of Pooler in any way that she can. As the executive director, Pam was instrumental in creating the shuttle system to and from the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration in Savannah. She also founded the annual Hearts for Heroes Gala Fundraiser to help put Pooler, Georgia, on the map. This upscale, black-tie event has sold out for the past 7 years and has been an incredible event for our community. Throughout her tenure as executive director, Pam has overseen substantial business growth in the city of Pooler, thanks to her guiding hand. Pam has truly been the embodiment of what it means to be a servant to one's community. Her retirement will leave big shoes to fill, and we will certainly miss her. We are grateful for all that she has done for our great city and wish her the best as she enters a new stage of her life. Remembering the Life of Jon Lott

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Jon Lott, a devoted Christian, full of curiosity, and committed to serving everyone he encountered. He attended and graduated from Nicholls School, where he was senior class president and played basketball. After high school, Jon would follow in his father's footsteps by attending North Georgia University, joining the Corps of Cadets. Military life didn't agree with Jon, and he graduated from Georgia Southern University. Jon would go on to be the president of Nicholls State Bank as well as serving in leadership roles in several other banks. At the time of his passing, Jon was serving as the executive vice president of FNB South, where he had worked for almost three decades. He was especially proud of the time he spent with the Coffee Regional Medical board, further helping his neighbors. Jon was a man who was loved and admired by those who knew him and those whom he helped, which were many. My thoughts and prayers reside with his family, friends, and community as they mourn this tremendous loss of a friend, neighbor, loved one, and servant.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Natorra Moody for receiving the Alma-Bacon Georgia Library Employee of the Year award for 2021. Natorra has exceptionally high standards for herself, of her coworkers, and of our library system, helping to maintain the highest caliber of public service. She is dedicated to serving her community by leading programs such as a prom dress donation campaign which helps students who can't afford formal wear by allowing them to borrow the dresses freely from the library. She regularly participates in community events as well to promote her library and the stellar services it provides. This past year, Natorra has taken on the role of managing the Appling County Public Library during the renovation period and beyond. Her dedication, hard work, and love originate from a simple volunteer position at her local library when she was a high school student. I thank Natorra for all she does to benefit others. Remembering the Life of Bill Roberts

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Joel Williams. Joel was born December 19, 1942, in the family farm kitchen in Dacula, Georgia. Unlike many children nowadays, Joel grew up without electricity and indoor plumbing, learning to read by kerosene lamps. His drive and determination revealed themselves early as he earned valedictorian honors at Dacula High School and graduated magna cum laude from Shorter College. He then went on to attend Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University where he was the first honor graduate of the class of 1967. Joel began his legal career as an assistant attorney general of the State of Georgia under Arthur K. Bolton. He then left Washington for Savannah in 1971 to become vice president and chief compliance officer for Savannah Foods and Industries. During this time, he met his wife of 25 years, M'Liss Gurney Williams, and had two beautiful daughters. Joel committed his life to political and community service. Through all of his achievements, Joel was most proud of his daughters and grandchildren. Joel was a loving and devoted father. The children he raised and grandchildren he loved will forever remember the man Joel was throughout his life.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great man, Mr. Jones Webb. Jones was a fellow Young Harris College graduate with an innate love and passion for the college. Young Harris ran in Jones' blood, as his grandfather owned a store and rooming house for male students at the college. His father attended Young Harris Academy and Young Harris College, where he graduated in 1916 and was the editor of the college's first yearbook. Jones was a dedicated servant to the college and served his many years on the Academic Affairs Committee, Executive Committee, Planned Giving Committee, and the Properties Committee. He spent 35 years on the Young Harris College Board of Trustees before being elevated to emeritus trustee status in 2013. Additionally, Jones spent time as the secretary of the board for 17 years, from 1991- 2008, and served as college counsel for several years. He wore many hats and provided his keen insight, legal acumen, and wise counsel to ensure the college that he loved so dearly was even better for the next generation of students. His passion and dedication will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers will remain with his family and friends during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Dr. Ray Farley, the former president of Young Harris College. Dr. Farley was a long-time supporter of Young Harris College, with 35 years of dedicated service to Young Harris under his belt. Beginning as a professor of history in 1955, Dr. Farley worked with the college until his retirement in 1991, after serving as the college president for 20 years. For some of those years I was a student at Young Harris College while Dr. Farley was the president. I got to know him well. He was a fine gentleman and did an excellent job. During his tenure as president, Dr. Farley made it his mission to modernize and expand the services and facilities at Young Harris. He was responsible for taking important steps to strengthen the college endowment, faculty, curriculum, and facilities. Dr. Farley implemented his plan for helping to beautify the campus as well by renovating dining facilities, resident halls, and administrative buildings. The years with Dr. Farley at the helm were integral to the growth and development of the college itself. In April of 2021, Dr. Farley was awarded the Outstanding Friend Award by the Young Harris College Alumni Association for his incredible dedication and service to the college. His legacy and impact will be felt for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I send my condolences to his family and friends as well as the whole Young Harris community.