Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor my friend, Pete Robinson, of Columbus, Georgia, who passed away on July 1 at the age of 66. Pete graduated from Emory University and Mercer University School of Law. Following graduation, he began his career in public service and commitment to improving his community. For a decade, beginning in 1985, Pete served in the Georgia General Assembly in the House of Representatives and Senate. In the Georgia Senate, he served as Governor Zell Miller's floor leader for 2 years and became the only president pro tem to be nominated by both Republican and Democratic leaders. Pete's decades of leadership in his community and the Georgia General Assembly played a significant role in making Georgia a better place for all who call it home, myself included. I am thankful for the immense impact he had in Georgia, and I know his legacy will remain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time. Honoring Jesse Crews of Charlton County School System

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 222; NAY on Roll Call No. 223; YEA on Roll Call No. 224; YEA on Roll Call No. 225; YEA on Roll Call No. 226; NAY on Roll Call No. 227; YEA on Roll Call No. 228; YEA on Roll Call No. 229; and NAY on Roll Call No. 230.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 218.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Colonel Edward Wexler, of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on June 30 at the age of 75. Colonel Wexler was a Savannah native who lived a truly remarkable life. After graduating from The Citadel, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Colonel Wexler traveled the world with the United States Air Force, serving in many different countries. He retired from the Air National Guard in 2006, having over 35 years of service. Following retirement, Colonel Wexler continued to serve his community. He became director of the Combined Federal Campaign for Coastal Georgia, president of the Savannah Military Officers Association, and junior vice commander of the Veterans Council of Chatham County. Colonel Wexler's dedication to improving the lives of others will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Colonel Wexler's family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 215, YEA on Roll Call No. 216, and NAY on Roll Call 217.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Patricia Wilkinson of Jackson, Mississippi, who recently passed away at the age of 73. Pat and her husband, Joe, retired to St. Simons Island in my district. I had the pleasure of serving with Joe in the Georgia General Assembly and the greater pleasure of calling Pat and him friends. Following graduation from the University of Mississippi, Pat followed in her older sister's footsteps to become a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. She spent 50 years as a highly respected senior international Delta flight attendant. Outside of work, Pat was an active member of the Sandy Springs Society and the Woodward Academy Parents Council. Pat's love for life and travel was contagious. While she loved flying, nothing could compare to the love she had for her family. Her family was the center of her world, and she brought joy and unconditional love to all. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who knew her during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Mr. Bobby Carpenter, who passed away on June 25 at the age of 89. Bobby graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1948. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years. Once back home, Bobby served as the postmaster of the Richmond Hill Post Office and received his official commission from President Lyndon B. Johnson. Bobby also served as the president of Bryan Neck Cemetery Association for 50 years, church treasurer for 25 years, and a member of the Bryan County Board of Education. He enriched the lives of all who knew him and loved him, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and love. Bobby's dedication to improving the lives of others will never be forgotten. Richmond Hill sorely misses him. My thoughts and prayers are with Bobby's family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rear Admiral Eric Jones for his outstanding career and service as Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District. Rear Admiral Jones has dedicated his life to protecting our country. As District Commander, he is responsible for all Coast Guard operations throughout the Southeast and the Caribbean Basin, which includes Georgia's First Congressional District. Notably, under his command, Coast Guard members responded when a cargo ship capsized in the Saint Simons Sound. This rescue effort was heroic and saved all 24 people on the ship. During his time, Rear Admiral Jones has provided extraordinary leadership and management to the United States Coast Guard. His service has been marked by excellence and has received significant recognition, including four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and various service and unit awards. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Rear Admiral Jones on his next duty assignment and thank him for his years of service to Georgia's First Congressional District. Honoring the Life of Bobby Carpenter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Pastor Bill Ligon of Brunswick, Georgia, for his 90th birthday. Pastor Ligon experienced the call of God at 18 years old. Since then, he founded the Christian Renewal Church in Brunswick, Georgia, and has served as its pastor for over 40 years. Pastor Ligon has served throughout the southeast, but the impact of his outreach remains immeasurable. He is one of the founders of the Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International, with churches in eight States and three foreign countries. Alongside his wife, Pastor Ligon served for 6 years as Southern Baptist missionaries in Spain where they served churches and taught the gospel. Madam Speaker, with his passion to share and teach the gospel, I know Pastor Ligon will continue his tremendous work at Christian Renewal Church. He has dedicated his life to spreading the word of God, and I thank him for his decades of service. Recognizing Rear Admiral Eric Jones

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Mr. Raymond Jones of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, who passed away on June 21 at the age of 72. Ray began his career with the Rich Products Corporation, working for the SeaPak Shrimp and Seafood division in Saint Simons Island. Over the next three decades, he would have a positive impact on the seafood industry and on our community. Ray was a genuine advocate for seafood sustainability and a trusted voice in meeting with Members of Congress. Ray served as chairman of the National Fisheries Institute's technical committee from 1994 to 1996, and was the technical chairman of the National Shrimp Industry Association from 1998 to 2005. In 2017, he was recognized as the seafood industry leader for his decades of commitment to seafood sustainability and quality. Despite Ray's countless career achievements, his proudest role was as a father and grandfather. Madam Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time. Recognizing Pastor Bill Ligon

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Coach Jack Miller of Tybee Island, Georgia, who passed away on June 23 at the age of 91. Jack dedicated his life to mentoring and inspiring young athletes in the community. Jack's head coaching career started at Vidalia High School in 1961 and would span 53 years at 11 different schools. He recorded over 700 wins during his career. Jack was defined by his work ethic, which he passed along to his players. As a lifetime coach, mentor, and motivator, Jack earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Nike Coach of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award and the John F. Hodges Oasis Award for his outstanding achievement in sports in Savannah. The only thing he loved more than coaching was his loving family and friends. Jack's positive impact on his players went well beyond his athletic fields, and I know his legacy will remain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 197; NAY on Roll Call No. 198; NAY on Roll Call No. 199; NAY on Roll Call No. 200; NAY on Roll Call No. 201; YEA on Roll Call No. 202; NAY on Roll Call No. 203; and YEA on Roll Call No. 204.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Vernon Dee Martin of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who peacefully passed away on June 12 at the age of 78. Vernon was born in Oklahoma and moved to St. Simons Island in 1969, after accepting a position with the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Commission. At the time, he would become the youngest executive director of a regional agency in the United States. It is at the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Commission that I met Vernon, as I served as the chair of that commission during the time that he was executive director. Some of Vernon's accomplishments include securing the Federal Law Enforcement Center in Brunswick and the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Camden County. He also proudly served in the Georgia Army and Georgia Air National Guard for 40 years, retiring as a colonel. Through every position he had, he worked to better his community and improve the lives of others. One cannot visit Georgia's First Congressional District without seeing the profound impacts Vernon made for his community. 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. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 193, YEA on Roll Call No. 194, NAY on Roll Call No. 195, and NAY on Roll Call No. 196.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 189, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 190, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 191 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 192.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to show my support for the Second Amendment and draw attention to its importance. I would like to start by emphasizing a line from the Second Amendment. `` . . . the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.'' Let me repeat that: `` . . . shall not be infringed.'' I emphasize this point because today there are many efforts to infringe and abridge this essential right. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the Second Amendment, but let me make it clear, the Second Amendment enshrines the right to self-protection in defense of liberty for all Americans. The right to protect yourself is not given to us by our government. As part of the Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment was not intended to comprehensively define the scope of our right to bear arms. Rather, it serves as a prohibition on certain actions our government can take to infringe on that righ The Biden administration, however, misunderstands this point. In a statement last week, the White House stated that the Second Amendment limits the type of people who could own a gun. Further, it continues to seek to restrain Americans' rights through other actions. A recent example is the administration's move to strictly regulate stabilizing braces that have allowed disabled individuals to more easily enjoy their constitutionally protected right. Americans bought 15.1 million guns during the 7-month period from March through September of 2020, which was a 91 percent leap from the same period in 2019. The FBI also processed more background checks for gun purchases in just the first 9 months of 2020 than it had for any previous full year. Americans want to be safer, and guns give them that sense of security. In spite of that fact, my colleagues across the aisle have made it their mission to restrict this liberty in the name of safety. However, there is no link between the number of guns and gun violence in the U.S. The number of guns in America rose nearly 50 percent between 1993 and 2013. During the same period, gun homicides fell by nearly 50 percent. In fact, violent crime has been decreasing for decades, despite an increase last year, during which we also saw calls for defunding the police. In 2019, the violent crime rate fell to the second lowest total rate since 1971, and the murder rate was less than half of what it was at the 1980 peak. Restricting the Second Amendment is simply not the answer. This right, preserved in our Constitution generations ago, cannot be taken away from ourselves and future generations. We must protect from intrusions on our right to protect ourselves, no matter how hard the left works to strip us of this principle. Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in standing up for our Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Hyde amendment and to denounce President Biden's pro-abortion budget. Since 1976, the Hyde amendment has saved millions of innocent lives by ensuring that American tax dollars are not spent on abortions. For over 40 years, Congress has supported the Hyde amendment with bipartisan support. That tradition seems to have ended with this current administration as President Biden hopes to pass the most pro- abortion budget in our Nation's history. As a healthcare professional, father, and grandfather, I strongly believe in the right to life, just like the majority of Americans. We must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and uphold these provisions set by Congress over 40 years ago to save the lives of the unborn. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 185.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the most important issue facing our country today: the reopening of the U.S. economy. For 16 long months, the U.S. economy has been held hostage by government, both elected and unelected. What started as a 15-day shutdown to allow hospitals to brace for the coming wave of COVID cases has ballooned into over a year of shifting goalposts, evolving science, and political power grabs. Since the pandemic began, over 200,000 small businesses, which the President once claimed were the backbone of the U.S. economy, have been shuttered for good. This has left their owners jobless and futures uncertain. Those whose businesses did survive the long lockdowns still face harsh restrictions. For too long and in too many cases, we have seen restrictions on controlling how many customers they can serve, how their employees can conduct business, and, by default, how much revenue they can bring in. Worse, the reopening of our economy has been prolonged even further by the misguided attempts from the political left to provide relief. The example I hear the most from constituents and businesses back in George's First Congressional District is the increased unemployment benefits. Under these expanded benefits, many Americans have been able to receive more money not working than they did actually working. This is a poor incentive to get people back into jobs, especially as our economy continues to see record-high job openings. Businesses coming out of their long hibernation will continue to struggle to find employees as long as this benefit is in place. There are not enough taxpayer dollars in the world to give these businesses the relief they need, but we can remove the Federal Government as an obstacle to returning to normalcy. We need policies that incentivize Americans to find jobs and allow businesses to stand on their own. Ultimately, we need to put an end to all COVID business restrictions nationwide. It is hard to say what the long-term impact of prolonged shutdowns will be, but it does not take a Harvard economist to know that losing 200,000 jobs in small businesses alone does not spell good fortune. The sooner we get Americans back to work and our economy back to full capacity, the sooner we can return to normal or, at the very least, stop the damage from continuing. To borrow a quote from President Trump, we built the greatest economy in the world, and we will do it a second time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Wayne Seay of Pooler, Georgia, who peacefully passed away on June 21 at the age of 81. A lifelong resident of Pooler, Wayne attended Chatham Junior High, graduated from Savannah High School and Georgia Southern College. He was then drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served in the 1st Infantry Division. After completing his military service, he joined the faculty of Robert W. Groves High School where he taught history and social studies for 28 years. Wayne was a devoted Pooler resident and was elected to the city council where he served as mayor pro tempore. I had the honor and privilege of serving on the Pooler City Council with Wayne Seay. He was an outstanding member. I also had the honor and privilege of being a former student of Mr. Seay. I know everyone will remember his kind and gentle spirit. I am thankful for the immense impact Wayne Seay had on the Pooler community and on myself, and I know his legacy will remain. 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 recognize the 75th anniversary of Freddie's Garage and Towing in Tybee Island, Georgia. In August of 1946, Freddie's opened on Tybee Island, Georgia. Although Freddie's transitioned from a gas station to a garage over the years, Freddie's continues to operate in their original location. Residents of the Tybee Island community have trusted Freddie's through multiple generations. For 75 years, customers are relieved to know that Freddie's dependable service will always be there to keep their car running. Freddie's Garage and Towing is a perfect example of a hardworking American business. As a small business owner for more than 30 years, I commend the hard work and dedication that Freddie's Garage and Towing has shown to their customers. The team at Freddie's Garage and Towing works hard to maintain the trust of the Tybee Island community, and I congratulate them for 75 years of success.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the president of Young Harris College, Dr. Drew Van Horn. In 2017, Dr. Van Horn was selected as the 23rd president of Young Harris College and has been a tremendous addition to the school with his wealth of knowledge and expertise. Dr. Van Horn has brought more than 30 years of experience in higher education to Young Harris College, including nine years as president of Brevard College in North Carolina. As a graduate of Young Harris College, and a friend of Dr. Van Horn, I appreciate his dedication and his work on behalf of Young Harris College. I know the entire Mountain Lion community joins me in thanking Dr. Van Horn for his service to our beloved college. Dr. Van Horn, we love you and appreciate you. Congratulating Fort Stewart

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fort Stewart as the winner of the Army Environmental Award for Natural Resources Conservation for a large installation. Located southwest of Savannah, Georgia, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. Fort Stewart is home to the 3rd Infantry Division and seven species protected by the Endangered Species Act on 284,000 acres of pine forest, wetlands, and blackwater rivers. The Fort's land is managed by a team tasked with balancing military readiness and environmental stewardship. This dedicated team ensures that conditions are set for soldiers to train and prepare for deployment, while also managing environmental assets that include wildlife management and cultural resource management. The Army Environmental Award for Natural Resources Conservation reflects the hard work of Fort Stewart's leadership, staff, and personnel in defending not only the people of the United States, but its environment as well. I am proud to rise today to recognize this tremendous achievement and commend the hard work of Fort Stewart soldiers. Freddie's Garage and Towing Celebrates 75 Years in Business

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend James Owens' commission as a provisional elder in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Owens has served at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in Savannah, Georgia, for the past 7 years. Before moving to Savannah, Reverend Owens earned a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of Georgia and a master of divinity from Denver Seminary and Duke University Divinity School. As a provisional elder, Reverend Owens will faithfully serve Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church and the Savannah community. With his passion to share and teach the gospel, I know Reverend Owens will continue his tremendous work as a provisional elder at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. I am proud to rise today to recognize Reverend Owens for his tremendous achievement, and I know that he will continue to inspire his congregation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember and honor the life of Fritz Noack, who passed away on June 3, 2021. After serving as an organ building apprentice in Germany, Fritz immigrated to the United States and founded the Noack Organ Company in 1960 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. As a leading figure of the organ revival movement, Fritz influenced the American organ building scene during the late 20th century. After priding himself on the production of first-rate organs for 55 years, Fritz retired in 2015. Fritz directed the construction of 160 organs during his time in the industry. His instruments are found across America, as well as Iceland and Japan. In fact, Fritz's 100th organ is located at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in Savannah, Georgia. The music provided by this organ has entertained the congregation of Wesley Monumental for many years, and I am certain Fritz's legacy will continue through his instruments around the world. Honoring the Service of Harry Strack