Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an amazing public servant. The city clerk of Hinesville, Sarah Lumpkin, is retiring after over three decades of service in local government. Sarah began her career with the city of Hinesville when she joined the city team as an accounts payable clerk and rose to the rank of assistant city clerk by 1991. Throughout her career, she accumulated a long list of awards and accomplishments, including being named the first recipient of the Hinesville City Hall Employee of the Year Award in 1994, and being designated Certified Municipal Clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 1996. She took her leadership skills to new heights when she served as president of the Georgia Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association of the State of Georgia from 2006 to 2007. Sarah's guidance and expertise throughout her career paved the way for tremendous growth and success for the city of Hinesville, and I am very grateful for all she accomplished. I wish her the best of luck as she begins her retirement. Congratulations to Britnee Kinard

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill, and that is a shame, because this is an area that is ripe for bipartisan compromise. But the House continues to spend its time forcing through another Democratic package that had zero Republican input. We considered this very same bill last Congress, but it only passed the House with three Republican votes in support. Meanwhile, my colleagues, Representative Pete Stauber and Senator Tim Scott, have proposed the JUSTICE Act to positively reform police to serve all Americans equally. However, their sincere efforts have not even been considered by those across the aisle. That bill would improve law enforcement transparency, require more detailed records on the use of force, provide funds for body cameras, ban choke holds, and improve training to intervene in situations and deescalate. These are all things we agree upon. Yet, instead of equipping our law enforcement for success, we are considering this bill that would make it harder for our police officers to keep our communities safe. Every community is different and dictating policy from Washington will only constrain our law enforcement heroes who put their lives on the line. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Mrs. Eleanor ``Sandy'' Torrey West, who passed away on January 17 at the age of 108. Mrs. West was known as a woman who embodied the spirit of Ossabaw Island, which is the third largest of Georgia's barrier islands, just south of Savannah. She established the Ossabaw Island Project in the 1960s and the Genesis Project in the 1970s as ways to allow students, artists, writers, scientists, ecologists, philosophers, and other intellectuals and creative thinkers to reconnect with the natural world and with each other. In the late 1970s, Mrs. West spearheaded her family's effort to ensure that Ossabaw Island would remain preserved and protected. She was the champion of Ossabaw, and her enthusiastic, joyful spirit shined in everything she did. Throughout Mrs. West's long, prosperous life, she inspired countless individuals. I am so thankful for her many contributions to Georgia's First District, and I know her legacy will continue for years to come. 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 in opposition to the underlying bill. This legislation masquerades as a fix to the country's election concerns. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. This bill relaxes ethics requirements with a change in administration. It forces taxpayers to subsidize elections and election outreach. It compromises States' rights and leaves Washington as the arbiter of managing elections, which runs against the Constitution. It would limit free speech and weaken the First Amendment protections that everyone here holds in such high regard. This legislation compromises State voter ID integrity laws and moves to roll back the important work that has been done in this space. It alters the Federal Election Commission's makeup and effectively limits any bipartisan consensus or work that can be done. This isn't a bipartisan bill intended to unite the country and mend concerns about elections. No, this is another partisan package that was rushed to the floor and, subsequently, could have serious consequences for our constituents and our Nation. This bill will weaken what many States are doing to improve election security and establishes a dangerous precedent for the involvement of Federal agencies in election issues. For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the underlying bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Red Cross for celebrating 140 years of service. Since their founding by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross has been paramount in preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. As an organization, they aspire to turn compassion into action so that countless individuals affected by disaster receive care, shelter, and hope. They are part of the world's largest volunteer network found in nearly 200 countries. The American Red Cross developed the first nationwide civilian blood program in the 1940s, and they still provide more than 40 percent of the blood products in this country. As we continue to navigate this health crisis, they remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering much-needed services to communities across the Nation. I am extremely grateful for the work the American Red Cross has done to uplift those in need.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of the reconciliation package we have before us today. My colleagues and I have been saying it for weeks, but I will say it again. This package is simply the wrong plan at the wrong time for the wrong reasons. It is the wrong plan because it will incentivize lockdowns that have harmed our workers and our children for way too long. It is the wrong time because our economy is improving, and we have yet to spend a trillion dollars of the previously approved funding. In fact, just this week it was reported that jobless claims dropped dramatically. Lastly, and worst of all, it is being pushed by colleagues across the aisle for the wrong reasons. Less than 9 percent of this $2 trillion goes to combat COVID-19. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider these implications.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ford Avenue Historic District in an officially designated area in the city of Richmond Hill. After 2 years of planning, the Richmond Hill City Council approved an amendment to an ordinance creating the city's first historic district on January 5. The Ford Avenue Historic District is at the heart of Richmond Hill's history and contains primary locations and buildings Ford Motor Company built between 1925 and 1947. When Henry Ford came to Richmond Hill, the town was known as Ways Station. Upon his arrival, the town grew and become known as Richmond Hill. You can feel the history simply walking down the street. Mr. Speaker, designating this remarkable historic district is just another positive effort by the city to promote, protect, and remember its roots. I am thankful for the Richmond Hill City Council's diligent work on this and everything they do.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Betty Miner of Richmond Hill, who, sadly, passed away at the age of 87. Betty lived a remarkable life and touched countless lives. She was a lifelong resident of Richmond Hill and became the first woman council member for the city in 1971. Betty also served as mayor pro tem. In addition to her work to lead and improve Richmond Hill, she served on the DNR board for the State of Georgia, for which she was instrumental in bringing the fisherman's co-op to Bryan County. Through every position she had, she worked to better her community and every life she touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and all who knew her, during this most difficult time. Recognizing Ford Avenue Historic District

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the longest-serving public servant in Bryan County and a great American. Longtime Bryan County Sheriff Clyde Smith recently retired after more than 54 years in law enforcement. Sheriff Smith's exceptional career was highlighted when he was presented with the key to the city of Richmond Hill by Mayor Russ Carpenter. The key to the city is the highest honor Richmond Hill can give, and it was presented in recognition of Sheriff Smith's honest and faithful service to the citizens of Richmond Hill and Bryan County. Sheriff Smith began his career in law enforcement in Savannah, Georgia, and he positively impacted every resident and business owner there from the start. He is a man marked by his bravery and compassion, and he is the epitome of a dedicated public servant. I would like to express my appreciation for the work Sheriff Smith did throughout his career, and I wish him the best as he begins his retirement. Honoring Betty Miner

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a great Georgian and a great American, William ``Will'' Howard Ingram II of Richmond Hill, who tragically passed away at the age of 43. Will lived a successful life and began his career in the military after remarkably receiving appointments to all three of the United States service academies. He was a 1999 graduate of West Point. After he honorably served his country as an Army officer, Will went on to earn a graduate degree from the University of Washington. Following his Active Duty service, he went on to serve his country as an Army civilian for over 15 years. During that time, he served as the chief of master planning for the Army's 3rd Infantry Division for several years before he took on responsibility as the chief of operation and maintenance at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. Among all of his many accomplishments, Will was most proud of his son, Gabe. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him, during this most difficult time. Recognizing Sheriff Clyde Smith

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize pharmacies assisting in the COVID-19 vaccine administration across the country. Thanks to former President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, the vaccine is now available to about 6,500 pharmacies nationwide. It is expected that the COVID-19 vaccine will eventually be shipped to roughly 40,000 pharmacies across the country. Many of the participating pharmacies have gone above and beyond in their administration of the vaccine doses. For instance, recently, at Costco in Oregon, an elderly couple scheduled vaccinations for themselves within 20 minutes and reported the efficiency and safety in receiving the doses. As a lifelong pharmacist, I thoroughly understand the vital role pharmacists play in fighting viruses, from administering flu shots to COVID-19 vaccines. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all participating pharmacies for their diligent work in ensuring safe and effective vaccine administration across the country. We can look forward to a brighter future because of them.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor those who lost their lives or were injured during the tragic explosion that occurred 50 years ago at Thiokol Chemical in Woodbine. On Wednesday, February 3, 1971, a fire at the Thiokol munitions factory just outside of Woodbine triggered a chain reaction of blazes, culminating with an explosion that filled the sky with flames. The horrible event caused the loss of 29 lives and at least 50 others were injured. Those employees were heroes, as they were working to help our country during wartime with commitment and courage. Following the event, the Thiokol Memorial Project was founded to keep the story of that terrible day alive and to remember the victims. I have had the pleasure of meeting folks from the organization and I have been encouraged by the work they have done to ensure every victim is properly remembered and honored. The Thiokol Memorial Project maintains a beautiful exhibit in Kingsland, Georgia. Although it has been 50 years, the event and the victims will never be forgotten. Recognizing Pharmacies Nationwide

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy 25 birthday to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Located only minutes from downtown Savannah, where the Eighth Air Force was activated in 1942, the museum features over 90,000 square feet of exhibits, interactive displays, historical artifacts, and a remarkable collection of aviation art. Throughout its existence, the Mighty Eighth Museum has preserved stories of courage, character, and patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to the present. One of the projects they worked on in recent years, is the B-17 restoration project. Once completed, the B-17 Flying Fortress ``City of Savannah'' will be restored to its full combat configuration, including operational systems and components. The goal of the project is to make the finest static B-17 bomber display in the world. As the former mayor of Pooler, I have a deep appreciation for the museum and its contributions to the Pooler community. I am thankful for all of the Mighty Eighth's wonderful volunteers and workers throughout the past 25 years, and I am especially grateful for the men and women the museum honors. Thiokol Chemical Explosion Woodbine

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Sheriff Randy Royal, who recently passed away at the age of 57. Sheriff Royal served Ware County in Waycross, Georgia, to the best of his ability throughout his four terms. He was known as a man of faith and deep commitment to bettering his community and those around him. Everyone he worked with can attest to his exceptional work ethic, focus, and innovative mindset. Sheriff Royal selflessly worked without ever complaining, and his legacy will surely last for countless years to come. I am thankful for the life he lived, as Waycross is better off because of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sheriff Royal's family, friends, coworkers, and all who knew him during this most difficult time. Mighty Eighth Museum 25th Anniversary

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Tom Seipel, Jr., who passed away on February 13. Tom had a heart for enriching the lives of countless children, and it shined in all he did. After graduating from Ohio State University, he moved to Seoul, South Korea, to teach English to kindergartners. Tom then returned to the U.S. to serve as a children's minister in Kentucky for several years. He later selflessly moved to Nicaragua, where he opened and operated a children's ministry to provide meals and afterschool tutoring for the poor children of Managua. While there, Tom also taught at Nicaragua Christian Academy. In his final years before losing his hard-fought battle with cancer, he received treatment in Savannah, Georgia. Tom's legacy will surely live on for many years to come, and I am thankful for the positive impact he made on countless lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him, especially the love of his life, Margarita, and their daughter, Mia Isabella.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate SD Gunner Fund's Britnee Kinard for receiving the President's Lifetime Achievement Award because of her outstanding service to fellow Americans. The AmeriCorp's President's Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor of the President's Volunteer Service Award, and it recognizes individuals, families, and groups who achieve a remarkable number of service hours. In receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Britnee is being recognized for her over 4,000 hours of service to ensure the continuation of America's unrivaled commitment to improving countless lives. Britnee is the founder and President of SD Gunner Fund, which is an incredible organization that assists veterans, exceptional children, and first responders in receiving vital resources such as service dogs, therapy dogs, emergency assistance, community advocacy and education, and much more. She was inspired to start the successful SD Gunner Fund when she left her high profile career in business to become a full-time caregiver to her husband after he suffered life-altering injuries while serving our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I want to thank Britnee for her selfless commitment to service through SD Gunner Fund, and I wish her the best. I'm extremely proud to have Britnee here in the First Congressional District of Georgia.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Mrs. Eleanor, or ``Sandy,'' Torrey West, who passed away on January 17th at the age of one hundred and eight. Mrs. West was known as a woman who embodied the spirit of Ossabaw Island, which is the third-largest of Georgia's barrier islands, just south of Savannah. She established the Ossabaw Island Project in the 1960s and the Genesis Project in the 1970s as ways to allow students, artists, writers, scientists, ecologists, philosophers, and other intellectuals and creative thinkers to reconnect with the natural world, and with each other. In the late 1970s, Mrs. West spearheaded her family's effort to assure that Ossabaw Island would remain preserved and protected. She was the champion of Ossabaw, and her enthusiastic, joyful spirit shined in everything she did. Throughout Mrs. West's long, prosperous life, she inspired countless individuals. I am so thankful for her many contributions to Georgia's First District, and I know her legacy will continue for years to come. 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 recognize an amazing public servant. The City Clerk of Hinesville, Sarah Lumpkin, is retiring after over 3 decades of service in local government. Sarah began her career with the City of Hinesville when she joined the City team as an Accounts Payable Clerk and rose to the rank of Assistant City Clerk by 1991. Throughout her career, she accumulated a long list of awards and accomplishments including being named the first recipient of the Hinesville City Hall Employee of the Year Award in 1994 and being designated ``Certified Municipal Clerk'' by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 1996. She took her leadership skills to new heights when she served as President of the Georgia Municipal Clerks and Finance Officer's Association of the State of Georgia from 2006 to 2007. Sarah's guidance and expertise throughout her career paved the way for tremendous growth and success for the city of Hinesville, and I am very grateful for all she accomplished. I wish her the best of luck as she begins her retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a great Georgian and American. William, or ``Will,'' Howard Ingram the second of Richmond Hill tragically passed away at the age of 43. Will lived a successful life and began his career in the military after remarkably receiving appointments to all three of the United States Service Academies. He was a 1999 graduate of West Point. After he honorably served his country as an Army officer, Will went on to earn a graduate degree from the University of Washington. Following his active duty service, he went on to serve his country as an Army Civilian for over fifteen years. During that time, he served as the Chief of Master Planning for the Army's Third Infantry Division for several years before he took on responsibilities as the Chief of Operations and Maintenance at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. Among all his many accomplishments, Will was most proud of his son, Gabe. 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 rise today to remember and honor Betty Miner of Richmond Hill who sadly passed away at the age of 87. Betty lived a remarkable life and touched countless lives. She was a lifelong resident of Richmond Hill and became the first woman councilmember for the city in 1971. Betty also served as mayor pro-tem. In addition to her work to lead and improve Richmond Hill, she served on the DNR board for the state of Georgia through which she was instrumental in bringing the fisherman's co-op to Bryan County. Through every position she had, she worked to better her community and every life she touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to 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 Officer Brian Sicknick, who tragically passed away from the injuries he sustained from the U.S. Capitol riots on January 6th. Officer Sicknick was a New Jersey native who joined the Capitol Police in 2008 after serving in the New Jersey Air National Guard. He went through two different deployments and supported our country during the war in Afghanistan until he was honorably discharged. Officer Sicknick's family said he wanted to be a police officer his entire life and joined the Air National Guard as a means to that end. He is a hero who will be remembered by his untethered commitment to protecting all those within and around the hallowed halls of Congress. I am thankful for Officer Sicknick's legacy, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, the Capitol Police, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ford Avenue Historic District as an officially designated area in the city of Richmond Hill. After 2 years of planning, the Richmond Hill City Council approved an amendment to an ordinance creating the city's first historic district on January 5th. The Ford Avenue Historic District is at the heart of Richmond Hill's history and contains primary locations and buildings Ford Motor Company built between 1925 and 1947. When Henry Ford came to Richmond Hill, the town was known as Ways Station. Upon his arrival, the town grew and became known as Richmond Hill. You can feel the history simply walking down the street. Designating this remarkable historic district is just another positive effort by the city to promote, protect, and remember its roots. I am thankful for the Richmond Hill City Council's diligent work on this and everything they do.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Pharmacist Day, which takes place on January 12th annually to recognize and honor pharmacists across the nation. As a pharmacist myself, I thoroughly understand the role each pharmacist plays as an integrated member of the health care team. Every day, pharmacists are directly involved in patient care and pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals in the country. 95 percent of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy. As we battle COVID-19, pharmacists should be recognized as they are on the frontlines dispensing the vaccine. Because of their work, lives will be saved. They've been vital resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and they will continue to play an active role in combatting the virus. I ask that you join me in recognizing all pharmacists by thanking them for their work.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the National Apprenticeship Act. Like so many issues we debate here, we have a common desire to help the American people, but we disagree about how to go about doing it. In today's case, it is apprenticeships. We agree apprenticeships are incredible pathways to success. An amazing 94 percent of apprentices are employed after completing registered apprenticeships with good- paying salaries. I know in my situation, when I owned my own business, apprenticeships were a great way for people to become employed in our business. However, only a small fraction of the workforce participates in the registered programs. This is because the Department of Labor's apprenticeship program is too burdensome and prescriptive for the actual needs of American businesses. The diversity and variety of American businesses is a highlight of our economy and essential to our constant innovation. If a business has created an apprenticeship model that meets their needs, that should be celebrated and not forced into the Department of Labor's model. Rather than update the outdated program that was created in 1937 to fit the needs of our modern economy, this bill would double down on this one-size-fits-all Federal registered apprenticeship system. The previous administration recognized the need for flexible apprenticeships by creating an Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program. This would have allowed for third-party certifiers to approve apprenticeships that are responsive to employer and workforce needs. Instead, this legislation fails to anticipate the future of apprenticeship programs in a 21st century economy. What is worse is it picks winners and losers by favoring apprenticeship grants for those who partner with labor organizations rather than awarding them based on merit. This would severely limit and stifle our ability to meet the needs for our future. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution so we don't leave behind future apprenticeship opportunities.