Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate as a proud alumnus of the recently crowned 2022 College Football National Champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. Going 12-1 on the season, the Georgia Bulldogs came into Indianapolis to face the Alabama Crimson Tide. In true heavyweight fashion, the grudge match opened as a hard-nosed defensive battle without one touchdown being scored in the first half of play. The Dogs came out down in the second half and captained by head coach, Kirby Smart, Georgia was able to score the first touchdown to take the lead. With a defense championed by the likes of Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, the Bulldogs managed to hold Alabama to one touchdown all game. Quarterback Stetson Bennet, who by the way is from Blackshear in Pierce County in the First Congressional District of Georgia that I have the honor and privilege of representing, quarterback Stetson Bennett completed his Cinderella-story season, stepping up when it mattered most. With an interception returned for a touchdown to seal the deal, the University of Georgia was victorious. It has been four decades and some change since the University of Georgia brought a national title home to Athens, and I am so excited to see it finally happen. I was especially excited to see several players from the First District, the aforementioned Stetson Bennett, Nolan Smith from Savannah, and Jack Podlesny from Glynn County help secure this amazing victory. Congratulations to the Georgia Bulldogs. You will live in the hearts of Georgia fans forever. Athens is title town again. Go Dawgs. Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Charley Trippi

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the momentous 100th birthday of the Georgia Bulldog legend, Charley Trippi. Charley is a fixture in Dawg Nation and the football community. A member of both the college football and pro football Hall of Fame, Charley was a dual athlete at the University of Georgia, playing both baseball and football in 1942, 1945, and 1946. While in college, Charley played halfback and quarterback and received the Maxwell Award given to the Nation's top all-around player. Charley was also honored as a unanimous All-American SEC player of the year and as a two-time All-SEC player. In 1942, Charley helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to their first national championship. Selected as the first pick in the first round by the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL draft, Charley continued to have an illustrious career in the pros. The Cardinals organization inducted Charley into the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor following his time in the NFL. We are so happy and excited that Charley has reached this milestone. Happy birthday, Charley. Congratulating the Benedictine Cadets High School Football Team

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Michael Scherneck's selfless 18-year career with the Southeast Georgia Health System. After nearly two decades of dedicated service to residents of Georgia's First District, Mike will retire early next year as CEO of the Southeast Georgia Health System. In 2003, Mike began his tenure as the executive vice president and CFO. In 2015, he was named president and CEO due to his dedication and hard work ethic. Without Mike's tireless advocacy, the Southeast Georgia Health System would not be the top-tier facility it is today. In a tenure wrought with trials, including three hurricanes and a global pandemic, Mike's extraordinary leadership allowed the health system not just to survive but to thrive. While we know that Mike is looking forward to retired life, we are certainly sad to see him go. Mike is leaving the Southeast Georgia Health System better than he found it and decades of future CEOs will surely be inspired by his lasting legacy.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for doing this tonight. This is very, very special. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a political giant, an American icon, and a World War II hero, Senator Bob Dole. Senator Dole was a remarkable man and a driven public servant who I personally strive to emulate. Why wouldn't we? What a great example he set for all of us. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Senator Dole, who even in his old age would brave the cold D.C. winters to sit out front of the World War II Memorial and thank those there to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. I remember being over there. It was cold, and they would set up a stool for Senator Dole to sit on. He would sit there, draped in blankets, and he would not leave until every veteran came by and he spoke to them and he thanked them and he shook their hand. That had to be so special to them. There are not many people, let alone those as accomplished as Senator Dole, who can set aside their ego to thank perfect strangers, but he did just that. He left an unforgettable impression, not only on those that knew him or those he served, but on this entire country. Senator Dole was a generational leader and voice that was heard by all, even those across the aisle. His zest for life and making our country better was infectious. Not everyone can curry favor with those of a different political ideology, but Senator Dole was not like every other Member of Congress. When describing his time in the Senate, he quipped: If you are hanging around with nothing to do and the zoo is closed, come over to the Senate. You will get the same kind of feeling and you won't have to pay. Didn't we love his humor? I imagine he felt the same about his 8 years in the House of Representatives, and I can almost attest to that myself. Senator Dole set an example of conservatism and of bravery. There is no one more deserving of the honor of lying in state at the U.S. Capitol than Senator Bob Dole. An outstanding example of what a public servant should be, his loss devastates us all. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Senator Elizabeth Dole, his daughter, Robin, his family and friends, as well as this country, as we all come together to mourn this tremendous loss.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and ranking member for bringing this important legislation to the floor. The Improving the Health for Children Act is up for vote today. It is an extremely important bill. As we all know, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities does phenomenal work to protect, prevent, and research birth defects and intellectual disabilities for a wide range of conditions. They also provide much needed educational resources to parents and caregivers about the conditions a child may have, and they work to raise awareness about conditions that may be hard to identify. Unfortunately, the center has been operating under an expired authorization since 2007. We must not forgo our commitment to these children. This legislation reaffirms congressional support of the center, expands their scope to study more conditions, and provides an increase, per authorization, so that they can continue to carry out the great work they do. I want to thank the bipartisan supporters of this legislation for the help in authoring this bill, Representatives Trahan, Cuellar, Butterfield, and Hudson, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on passage of this important legislation today.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate the continued accomplishments of Young Harris College Men's Soccer team. On November 14, the team rallied together to defeat Clayton State, securing their sixth Peach Belt Conference title in program history. Furthermore, this victory advanced the team to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Entering the tournament with a 17-0-1 record, the Mountain Lions continued to dominate with a 2-1 win over the Clayton State Lakers for the title. The team is now set to face off against Auburn University at Montgomery on December 2 in the quarterfinals of the Division II tournament. These student athletes are to be celebrated for their spirit of unrelenting perseverance. Their hard work, dedication, and determination will be an example future teams will strive to emulate. I extend my congratulations to the entire YHC Men's Soccer program for their remarkable season and am proud of my alma mater. Go Mountain Lions.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I appreciate her hosting this today. Madam Speaker, I rise today in defense of the lives of our unborn children. I am proud to stand with my colleagues without apology on the side of life. Roe v. Wade was one of the Supreme Court's biggest failures. Today our Justices have an opportunity to right that wrong. At 5 weeks a baby's heart begins beating. At 10 weeks the child has arms, legs, fingers, and toes. That baby can kick and jump if startled while in the womb. They can taste and make facial expressions, yawn, hiccup, and suck their thumbs. Those are the actions of a child, not a clump of cells. More importantly, that child starts to feel pain only 3 weeks into development. Inflicting unnecessary pain on an innocent child in the womb is not healthcare. Abortion is not healthcare. This is not healthcare. This is a child, a life. Madam Speaker, abortion is an evil that has plagued this country for 50 long years. I call for the Supreme Court to act and to defend the lives and rights of our unborn. We must put an end to this torturous practice that has denied almost 20 percent of young children their constitutional right to life.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Bob Hurt is a great Georgian. He is a great American. Most importantly for me, he is a great friend who has helped me tremendously, as he has helped so many people. I wish him well in his retirement. I know that he will be living in my district. I look forward to representing him. We need more people in this world like Bob Hurt. We need more people in the United States and in Congress like Bob Hurt. I thank Bob for his tutelage and for all he has done for our great State and for our great Nation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor a man who has dedicated his life to a better Georgia and a better United States: Robert Hamilton Hurt. Bob Hurt is retiring this year, but his legacy will last generations. You would be hard-pressed to find a better adviser, more loyal friend, or hardworking foot soldier for every cause to which he has dedicated himself than Bob Hurt. This includes his commitment to his lovely wife, Virginia, and daughters Emma and Louisa, who are daily witnesses to Bob's unwavering support. Bob is a proud graduate of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he studied history. During this time reporting for and serving as editor for the campus newspaper, The Cluster, Bob both covered and advocated for the school's desegregation. After graduating, Bob cashed in on a couple of summers interning for the Atlanta Constitution to score a full-time job reporting for the paper. That career was put on hold as Bob was commissioned as an officer for the United States Army through Mercer's ROTC program and was then called to defend our Nation in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he served as an Army infantryman and military intelligence officer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and with the 5th Special Forces, more commonly called the Green Berets. Bob returned to Atlanta following the war, where he continued his career as a journalist covering many beats before moving to Washington, D.C., to report on the happenings inside this building for the people of Atlanta. While in Washington, Bob continued to pursue his goals while studying legislative affairs at George Washington University, where he went on to receive a master's degree. Bob left the Atlanta Constitution and began an illustrious career in the United States Congress working for both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Accumulating an incredible 24 years of combined experience, Bob has truly seen it all, but he never lost his commitment to the people of his beloved Peach State. He served as chief of staff to two of my predecessors, Representative Bo Ginn and Lindsay Thomas, as well as staff director for Senator Sam Nunn. Though his dear friend Frank Norton may have convinced Bob to leave the government service, Bob never stopped working for our State. He has been a trusted adviser to Members on both sides of the aisle to further the interests of Georgians at the Federal level. For more than 40 years, Bob Hurt has had a hand in nearly every project to create jobs and improve lives in the First District of Georgia. He has also been a fierce advocate for our military installations and for ensuring America's troops are the best equipped, highest trained, and most well cared for in the world. While he is the first to roll up his sleeves and commit to doing the hard things, Bob is the last person who will ever take credit for getting the job done. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to shine a light on this faithful public servant who I am honored to call my friend. Joining me in honoring Bob today are former Senator Sam Nunn and my predecessors Lindsay Thomas and Jack Kingston. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record their remarks. November 29, 2021. Dear Bob: It is a pleasure to join with your family and many friends to congratulate you on your well-deserved retirement. (I don't really believe it.) From your work at The Atlanta Constitution and your service in the U.S. Army--to your time as my Administrative Assistant in the Senate and your hard work at Hurt & Norton, you have had an outstanding, impactful, and I am sure, very fulfilling career. In every role, you have served with distinction, integrity, and a great sense of humor, and you have been a force for good for Georgia and our nation. You've given all of us who have been blessed by your company a joyful example of how to live a wonderful life. Considering your news media background, I am reluctant to admit that you are a superb writer, so let's put it this way: I am looking for a speechwriter for my own retirement years. Are you available? I am honored that we've had the opportunity to work closely together over these many years, and I treasure our relationship. Thank you for your friendship, your leadership, your wise counsel and your good jokes, which you have occasionally shared. Colleen and I send our best wishes to you and Virginia for a relaxing and enjoyable retirement. She is the one who really deserves it, and we hope to see more of both of you on the Georgia coast! Sincerely, Sam Nunn.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with gratitude to honor the service and ministry of Pastor Kenny Grant at Calvary Baptist Temple in Savannah, Georgia. It is not often in life that you meet someone with as complete an understanding and unwavering trust in God's plan as Kenny Grant. Kenny has served as senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church for 10 years, and this past Sunday, he delivered his final sermon. Kenny dedicated his life to serving others at 17 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. It was during this time in the Marine Corps that he came to Christ and discovered his calling to preach and minister to others. After 9 years in the Marines, Kenny went straight into the ministry by founding his own church. Kenny took his experience from his time in the Marines and used it in his ministry, growing his church and nourishing the hearts of his brothers and sisters in Christ. Kenny has served the members of Calvary Baptist Temple selflessly, and we are excited to see where God takes him next.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Joe Allen from Folkston, Georgia, who sadly passed away on November 13 at the age of 74. After graduating from Charlton County High School in 1965, Joe earned a bachelor of science in forestry at the University of Georgia. Following his graduation, Joe began a successful career in the forestry and logging industry where he served as a strong advocate for the industry in southeast Georgia. During his time as the executive director of Southeastern Wood Producers, Joe played a vital role in shaping legislation that benefited loggers throughout the United States. A faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Folkston, Joe served as head deacon and a dedicated Sunday school teacher. Known as a reliable friend with exceptional character and unwavering faith, Joe's service to his community is truly remarkable. I am grateful for Joe's service, and I know his memory will always be cherished. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Bible Week and in celebration of my faith and of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the living God. Last week, we got to spend time with our families as we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday, and I was able to use that time for reflection. Recently, my family had the privilege of welcoming our sixth grandchild into the family. On October 28, Mary Emma Carter was born. Psalm 127:3 tells us that ``children are a gift from the Lord; they are reward from Him.'' Spending time with my grandchildren is my opportunity for me to witness true innocence, untouched by the evils of the world, as well as unconditional love. In moments such as these, we are reconnected with the true beauty and splendor of our Lord in His grand design. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells an audience: ``Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.'' We are called to love one another as children do, to emulate this mindset, especially when it is difficult to do so. This past year has been difficult for many Americans. In this time of struggle, discourse, and many disagreements, I find comfort in the Bible, which serves as a reminder of God's love for all of His children. It is this love that guided our Nation through the darkest days of the pandemic, where nurses and doctors selflessly sacrificed their own safety for their neighbor's health and protection. It is this love that drives our men and women in blue to risk their lives to defend, to protect ourselves and others. And it is this love that will fill our homes this Christmas as we gather to celebrate the Savior of the world and His ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. Mary Margaret, Adalay, Christopher, Bennett, Catherine, and Mary Emma, I love you, your Mamie loves you, and God loves you.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Americans are told that they shouldn't have a say in their children's education. They watched as Americans were abandoned behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. They see the crisis at our border. They go to the gas station; they see an increase in gasoline prices. They see increases at the grocery store. This legislation makes it worse. This legislation pours fuel on the fire. Madam Speaker, I sincerely urge all of my colleagues to oppose this misguided and profoundly consequential bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank him for his leadership. It is extremely important. Madam Speaker, I rise today in adamant opposition to what is a disastrous package. Disastrous. This very well may be one of the most consequential votes any of us, any of us have ever taken on this House floor. Yet, it has never, never gone through the proper process. It never received the proper consideration this body demands of any piece of legislation, the least of which would be one of the most consequential pieces of legislation that we have ever considered. I am sure most Members, on both sides of the aisle, do not fully know what is actually in this bill. Has anybody, has any Member actually read this bill? Anybody? My colleagues across the aisle are attempting to pass the most expensive bill, the most expensive bill, not by a little bit, by a lot. It is, yes, it is the most expensive bill by a lot that has ever been passed in American history. It has the largest tax increase ever considered and the biggest expansion of government in a generation; all while they have the slimmest of majorities. This is not a mandate. Look, what is going on? Look, what is happening here? The American people are rejecting this. You saw what happened in Virginia. You see what is happening now. We have got all these things going on.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Katie Hearn for her appointment to the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council. Beginning as an intern for the Atlanta Braves, this year's world champions, Katie's passion for the Braves community propelled her to a full-time position within the organization. However, at the age of 28, Katie was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder that caused her to lose her sight. Her illness forced her to step down from her position as she adjusted to her new normal, but Katie is resilient and soon returned to the Atlanta Braves, where she currently works as a senior coordinator for digital and accessible services. Katie has always been committed to ensuring every visitor has an incredible experience in Truist Park. In 2018 the Braves awarded her with the Walker Banks Award for her extraordinary customer service. Katie's passion for providing opportunities to Georgians with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in our State is truly inspiring. I am honored to recognize Katie for this prestigious accomplishment, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, the spending spree continues this week as Democrats continue to try to ram their ridiculous reconciliation bill down our throats. The radicals have been back-seat driving far too long. Our holiday cheer is now being threatened by this administration's refusal to cut up the credit cards. It is truly astonishing. We are all set to experience the most expensive Thanksgiving in our country's history, thanks to these reckless spending habits perpetrated by the White House. Turkey prices are up 27 percent. Potatoes are up 13 percent. Carrots are up 47 percent. The beloved pumpkin pie from Costco is up 17 percent. The Consumer Price Index is up 6.2 percent overall. This is an indicator of how much extra people are having to pay for their goods. In addition, natural gas is up 40 percent, and home heating oil is up 60 percent. Americans are being forced to pay more to heat their homes at a time when the weather is at its coldest. Nowhere in America should hardworking taxpayers have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. These are not pandemic-related issues anymore. They are government- created issues. This is what socialism looks like. Joe Biden says: Get used to it. Empty shelves, runaway inflation, and government control--this no longer looks like America. It looks like a failed socialist nation. That is what it looks like. We will not cave to the desires of the far left. We will push back. America will remain free, and we will prevail.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in opposition of the President's unconstitutional vaccine mandate. Today, OSHA finally suspended enforcement of its vaccine mandate in response to the Fifth Circuit Court's ruling earlier this month. The only reason this happened is because Republicans and the people demanded that our rights be protected and used the power given to us by our Constitution to defend those rights. And we can't stop now. If these mandates are about public health, why do one-third of physicians disagree with them? If these mandates are responding to an emergency, why do they not take effect until January 4? If the mandates are based on science, why are we only looking at vaccine status and not natural immunity? It is because Washington Democrats are trying to control you, not protect you. Democratic leaders can't seem to follow their own rules and expectations. They party and gather with no masks, yet they expect their constituents to wear a mask at gatherings or even not gather at all. President Biden, hypocrisy is not a viable COVID-19 mitigation strategy.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Ross Tolleson of Perry, Georgia. Ross was a beloved and honored member of the Georgia State Senate, where he served from 2001-2015. Senator Tolleson represented the 20th Senatorial District, and he did so with a servant's heart, always working to better those that he represented. He served on the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, chairing the Natural Resources Subcommittee for Appropriations. Outside of the Senate, Ross served his community as a banker, an insurance salesman, and a tree farmer. He will forever be remembered for his selfless dedication to improving and assisting our great State. I am thankful to have served with Ross and will always hold the time we spent together close to my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 103rd birthday of Willie Mae Hubbard-Wright of Liberty County. Born on November 4, 1918, 7 days before the unofficial end of World War I, Willie Mae has been a staple in her community for many years. During her childhood, she was a proud member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Freedmen's Grove. She attended grammar school at Dorchester Academy and graduated in 1936. After grammar school, Willie Mae became a boarder in Dorchester, where she learned to sew, a talent that would stay with her many years after her time as a boarder. The living embodiment of motherly love, Willie Mae sewed clothes for her family and friends, making full use of the talent God had given her. We treasure Willie Mae and are happy to celebrate this momentous occasion. Happy birthday, Willie Mae, 103 years young.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor the life of former Georgia Secretary of State and United States Senator Max Cleland. Max was a political giant in Georgia, dedicating his life to the service of others. A disabled war veteran of the Vietnam era, Max worked tirelessly to improve the Veterans Administration to help his fellow soldiers. Committed to helping others, Max made it his mission to help our veterans most in need and suffering from mental and physical disorders. As a pharmacist, I am able to personally appreciate his work to make lifesaving medicines more easily available. His dedication and service to his community and country will not go unnoticed. I am thankful for Max's lifetime of dedicated service, and I know his legacy will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time. Oglethorpe Speedway Park Closing

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect upon the closing of the great Oglethorpe Speedway Park in Pooler, Georgia. The Oglethorpe Speedway Park opened in March of 1951 and has hosted some of the most exciting weekends for race fans ever since. Sadly, Oglethorpe Speedway Park will be closing its operations for good. This speedway has become a home for its employees and fans alike such as Darlene Nerich, who has worked each season and every weekend since April 1, 2000. Darlene's daughter took her senior prom pictures and had her wedding at the track so that her mother could continue her streak. Geraldine Jenkins has been attending races since 1951 when she was 14 and has hardly missed a race. Georgians are collectively mourning the loss of this beloved landmark and the memories it holds. We are sad to see it go, but we are excited for what may come next. Remembering Monsignor William Oliver O'Neill

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor the life of the Reverend Monsignor William Oliver O'Neill of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah. Reverend O'Neill served the people of Savannah for 46 years until his retirement in 2013. He served six churches in his time in Savannah and spent much of his time preserving the history of the church in the city. Reverend O'Neill oversaw and managed the $11 million restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah that was completed in 2000. In 2003, Reverend O'Neill successfully stopped an armed arsonist from damaging the church by telling him: Don't point that gun at me. I will knock your head off. He removed smoldering cushions from the bishop's chair and a burning Bible from the pulpit as the arsonist looked on. Reverend O'Neill returned, intent on fighting the fire with a fire extinguisher before police stopped him and firefighters arrived. He was the image of service to others and love for God. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family through this difficult time. Celebrating Willie Mae Hubbard-Wright's 103rd Birthday

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ralph Staffins, III, for being named a member of Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40 Class of 2021. Since receiving his master of public administration from Georgia College & State University, Ralph has passionately served businesses across the State of Georgia. Most recently, Ralph served as the president and CEO of the Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, working hard to maintain its status as one of the best-run chambers in the State of Georgia. An important aspect of the chamber's success is preparing the next generation to be valuable members of the workforce. Serving on the boards of directors at the Coastal Pines Technical College and the Golden Isles College and Career Academy Foundation, Ralph is a committed advocate of workforce education. In every role, Ralph has worked to ensure that businesses and communities across the State flourished. Ralph's dedication to his community is nothing short of remarkable. I am honored to recognize Ralph for this prestigious accomplishment, and I am thankful for his continued service throughout Georgia's First Congressional District.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and applaud the 2021 World Series Champions, the Atlanta Braves. I am enormously proud of the Atlanta Braves, their players, their coaches, and especially their fans for their determination and resiliency on a long road to this championship title. The last time the Braves won the World Series was 1995. I can finally say that my Atlanta Braves are champions once again. With the World Series victory, the Braves completed one of history's greatest championship turnarounds. Plagued by injuries to their best pitcher and outfielder, the Braves had a losing record in August. Through much adversity, the Braves relied on a number of players and others who helped them to regain the World Series title. As Braves fans in Georgia and around the world celebrate, I congratulate this team on a remarkable season, a 2021 World Series title, and a place in the history books. The city and people of Atlanta, the great State of Georgia, and the great Braves nation will be forever grateful to the 2021 Atlanta Braves for breaking the curse and winning it all. The Atlanta Braves are the World Series champions. Go Braves.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate O.C. Fowler, Jr., of Chatham County for being recognized as Veteran of the Year by the Veterans Council of Chatham County. Georgia's First Congressional District is home to many of our Nation's veterans who put everything on the line to protect our freedom. So being recognized as Veteran of the Year is an incredible honor. Mr. Fowler joined the United States Navy in 1967 and flew over 3,300 flight hours in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. After seeing how Vietnam veterans were treated after they returned home, Mr. Fowler dedicated his life to ensure that our servicemembers are unconditionally supported. Among his many lifetime achievements, he helped raise over $35,000 for local charities, including the Chaplain's Fund at Hunter Army Airfield. He is also an active member of the United States Service Organization, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, and the Savannah Council of the Navy League. I can't thank Mr. Fowler enough for his outstanding service to our Nation, and I want to congratulate him again on this wonderful accomplishment. recognizing and honoring deborah rodriguez garcia