Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on October 2, 2020, I voted incorrectly on Roll no. 218, on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 1154, ``Condeming QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theory it promotes.'' The record should reflect that my intended vote on this roll call should have been ``aye,'' in favor of passage of the resolution.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of a Good Samaritan and hero from Georgia's First Congressional District, Mr. Timothy Ebert of Richmond Hill. On August 9, Timothy Ebert was on his way to work at the Savannah- Hilton Head International Airport when he got out to help a motorist near the intersection of I-95 and I-16. When he tried to help another driver, he was, sadly, hit by another car and killed on the interstate. Mr. Ebert was one of the kindest, most selfless people. His life was marked by the way he served others. He was an E-7 Marine veteran who served his country, friends, family, and even complete strangers with his utmost abilities. Timothy loved to spend time exploring the outdoors and playing games with his family. His two sons, Bryce and Braden; his daughter, Tinley; and his lovely wife, Lindsay, were his whole world. It is people like Timothy who make our world a better place and inspire us to be the best people we can be. He will always be remembered for his selflessness and kindness, and I know his legacy will continue. His friends, family, and all who knew him will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. John Dorminey Paulk III of Georgia's First Congressional District, who recently passed away at the age of 85. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to countless people, so he was often referred to as the ``Mayor of Jekyll.'' He loved to enjoy the many golfing opportunities on the island so much that he eventually became a teaching golf professional at the renowned East Lake Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1965, he was one of four local qualifiers in the U.S. Open in Atlanta. Two years later, he became Jekyll Island's Head Golf Professional and was eventually inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. He was such a devoted and accomplished golfer that tournaments were named in his honor, including the ``Johnny Paulk Invitational'' and the ``Johnny Paulk Two Man Classic.'' He has shown what it means to be a great ambassador for Jekyll Island and the game of golf. 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 in remembrance of Mr. Malcom Blair ``Mal'' White of Metter, Georgia, who passed away on September 21st. Mal was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend. Mal taught high school math at Savannah Country Day School in Georgia's First District for over three decades. Mal generously and selflessly served Savannah Country Day in various roles, including math department chair, dean of students, Upper School assistant principal. He was dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and equally invested his time to athletics, including assisting with the varsity football and JV basketball teams, serving as the varsity girls basketball head coach, as well as serving as the varsity golf coach for over three decades. He led all teams to numerous victories. I am thankful for the lasting impact Mal made on his community, and I know his legacy will continue at Savannah Country Day School for years to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the countless students, parents, and teachers' lives he touched.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for allowing me the time to speak on an issue that is important to my district and something I want other parts of the country to benefit from as well. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, I know a thing or two about fishing. In fact, Mr. Speaker, it has been said that fish tremble at the mention of my name. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that, if you put me in water, I will catch fish. This is a red snapper. This is a red snapper. It was not caught on the Gulf Coast; it was caught on the Atlantic Coast. You see, Mr. Speaker, I represent the best district in the Nation, the entire coast of Georgia, and this was caught off the coast of Georgia. But in our district fishing, is not just a hobby, it is a way of life. In fact, it is an essential part of coastal economies. That is why it is critical that we maintain and manage our fisheries in a sustainable way. This bill that we are discussing today, the DESCEND Act, would help do just that by expanding mandatory use of descending devices in the Gulf of Mexico when fishing for popular reef fish. We use these devices on the Atlantic Coast now. In fact, I have used them before when I have fished. Reef fish, like red snapper that you see here, are very popular fish to fish for, but they are mostly caught, as was pointed out earlier, near the bottom of the ocean, and often they must be released because they are out of season or because of size restrictions. Unfortunately, though, when they are reeled to the surface, as Representative Graves so accurately described, when they are reeled to the surface, the decreased water pressure on the fish's internal organs allow for gases to expands faster than their bodies can compensate. This makes it nearly impossible for the fish to return to the bottom, where their organs can function normally, resulting in the death of the fish that are caught and released. Descending devices like was shown earlier by Representative Graves fix this issue by releasing the fish into depths sufficient enough for the fish to be able to recover from these damaging effects. This is an effective conservation practice supported by fishermen and regulators alike, and it has been successful in places like my district along the coast of Georgia in the south Atlantic and the West Coast. I support this effort to bring this to the Gulf Coast, and I urge my colleagues to as well. It is a simple and effective approach to improve the survival of fish that are caught and released that will help maintain healthy populations going forward. Mr. Speaker, we want to help our partners in the Gulf Coast so that perhaps, possibly, they could catch a fish this big, and certainly that is the intent, and this will certainly help them.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 20-year veteran harbor pilot Jonathan ``J.T.'' Tennant of Brunswick, Georgia, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of all crew members aboard the Golden Ray carrier when it shipwrecked over a year ago on September 8, 2019. If you visit St. Simons Island in Georgia's First Congressional District, it is hard to miss the Golden Ray, which is a 656-foot-long car carrier that remains capsized in the St. Simons Sound. As the investigation into the incident by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board continues, we have been able to gain valuable insight from crew members and others involved. Although he had steered a city-block-sized cargo ship from the Brunswick River to the St. Simons Sound several thousand times, nothing could have prepared J.T. for what happened the morning of September 8. The Golden Ray was sailing normally, but the rudder and the propeller came up out of the water to where J.T. had no operational control of the vessel, and it started capsizing rapidly. He endured flames melting the steel and smoke emanating from airboxes the entire length of the ship. As testament to his extensive experience piloting more than 5,000 ships in and out of the Port of Brunswick, J.T. drove the Golden Ray as far up on the Sound as possible that day to ensure all 23 mariners aboard were safe and rescued. When you see the giant cargo ship in the Sound and realize there was no loss of life, it is nothing short of a miracle and a testament to the hardworking crew, including J.T. Although it is an unfortunate situation, I am thankful for the courage and determination J.T. and the entire crew displayed that day.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 209.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a great American. Mr. Royce Everett Carter of Blackshear, Georgia, passed away on September 12 at the age of 85. Royce was born and raised in Georgia, and he lived in Pierce County for the past 52 years. Committed to improving transportation and infrastructure in the State of Georgia, he had worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation as a project engineer for the State Highway Department until his retirement. Royce worked on several projects with T.R. Long Engineering over the years, including the Royce E. Carter roundabout on New School Road, which was dedicated to the work he did throughout his life to improve his community. He was a steadfast public servant who was always looking for opportunities to improve the lives around him. In his limited free time, he enjoyed golf, and took his appreciation for it to new heights when he served on the board of the Lakeview Golf Club and eventually became president. Royce loved his friends, his family, his community, and his church dearly, and he used every opportunity to make the most of the time he spent on this Earth. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the life he lived, and I know his legacy will continue for years to come. I know that every time I drive the Royce E. Carter roundabout, I will remember the impact he made on Georgia's First Congressional District.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of 25-year-old Johnathon Grayer, whose selfless actions led to saving the lives of multiple school children and a bus driver in the city of Alma, Georgia. On Wednesday, August 12, Johnathon was driving a box truck that collided with a school bus that was making its normal stops. When it hit the bus, the back was left crumpled like a piece of paper. However, he remarkably jumped out of the truck, rushed onto the bus, and helped pull students out of the school bus to safety. He even lifted some seats off children who were pinned underneath. Unfortunately, following the incident, Johnathon's body gave out, and he later passed away in the hospital. With the help of his courage and selflessness, the lives of 10 children and the bus driver were saved. Although Johnathon's life was tragically taken, his legacy of sacrifice will live on for countless years to come. He will always be remembered as a hero who placed others before himself. His family, friends, and all who knew him will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4447, despite holding out hope that we would have a truly bipartisan energy package moving through this body. As I look at the bill, we can't ignore the tremendous price tag, $135 billion, without discussing the use of valuable taxpayer dollars. This bill's price tag reflects the many subsidy programs that duplicate existing programs without meaningful attention applied to addressing the regulatory burdens facing these industries. If the goal is to transition to a cleaner energy economy, we won't see real progress without a serious discussion about reforming existing regulatory barriers. An example is the cumbersome NEPA review process which has slowed infrastructure projects for years and added countless sums in costs to projects, without any added benefit to the people. Another concern I have with this bill is the focus on larger cities while leaving rural communities, like the ones I represent in south Georgia, on the wayside. If the goal is to spur on economic investments in the energy sector, the rural parts of America must be included. There are also other concerns, such as expensive electric vehicle mandates and experimental technologies that will leave the taxpayer footing the bill. This package, unfortunately, is not reflective of extensive bipartisan work in committee to pass policies that would help us move forward. Instead, it is a wish list of expensive and duplicate programs that will bog down the significant progress that has already been made here. There are some programs and ideas that deserve separate consideration because of bipartisan support, but unfortunately, this package falls short. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Chatham County Commissioner James Holmes from Georgia's First Congressional District, who passed away on August 17. Commissioner Holmes was a devoted public servant who served as Chatham County Commissioner for 16 years, and he was well known for his work with the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club. Everyone who knew him remembered him as always smiling and living his life to serve others. Commissioner Holmes was known as ``Coach,'' since he was a basketball coach at Savannah State University. He spent 35 years as a program director at the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, and he was extremely devoted to improving the lives of youth in his community. Commissioner Holmes was one of the kindest, most devoted people who served his community selflessly. Everyone who knew him was touched by his compassion, generosity, and joy he always exuded. Commissioner Holmes' impact on the Savannah community will remain for countless years to come. I am very grateful for the life that he lived. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during the most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act, which I am proud to have introduced. H.R. 3228, the VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act, is a simple bill that builds on the VA MISSION Act's historic expansion of the veterans health system. One of the most significant parts of the VA MISSION Act was the authorization for the VA to use telehealth and provide care across State lines. The bill began as the result of a visit I had to a VA facility before the current pandemic, as they laid out some of the issues they were trying to overcome. But now with the COVID- 19 pandemic, we are seeing how extremely beneficial these technologies can be for our veterans. In fact, the VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, which serves part of my district along Georgia's coast, had an over 200 percent increase in telehealth medical services during the pandemic when we spoke in May. Even more incredibly, the VA announced it had a 1,000 percent increase in telehealth video appointments using its VA Video Connect Program during the first months of the pandemic. This is an extremely important ability for the VA to have. However, the law did not authorize trainees within the VA to use telehealth technologies, only practitioners with a full license. As telehealth medicine grows in prevalence, we need for interns, residents, and fellows to gain experience using these services, especially considering that many of these trainees later go on to work as doctors at the VA, bringing with them a wealth of experience. Rather than depending on doctors to learn while on the job, which could delay the rollout of care, this bill would allow trainees to gain experience on telehealth systems while properly supervised by credentialed VA staff. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the bill was further improved through the committee process after input from my colleagues in the VA. The bill will not only allow for trainees to participate in telehealth, but it will also expand the ability to practice telemedicine to all appropriately qualified healthcare professionals at the VA, fixing the issue once and for all. While Congress intended for trainees and others to be included from the beginning, the VA's reading of the law did not include them, although they have expressed their desire to include them in telehealth services. The VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act will give VA the certainty to provide essential telehealth programs to our veterans, improving the quality and timeliness of their care. Again, this is a commonsense bill with bipartisan support and has received the support from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, among others.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Every year, close to 800,000 people die by suicide, leaving their family and friends to navigate the tragedy of loss. This is one death every 40 seconds. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that suicide rates are rising, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages. This important month is a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this stigmatized topic. It is beneficial to learn and pay attention to the warning signs of suicide and periodically check in with friends and family members, especially during these challenging times. Additionally, talking about suicide in an open and caring way can help those who are having suicidal thoughts. As the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to grip our world, it is imperative we take our physical and mental health seriously. I encourage everyone to educate themselves about suicide and the patient-centered resources available so we can help protect those in our communities, friends, and loved ones.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Preston Exley of Springfield, Georgia, who passed away at the age of 81 on September 10. Mr. Exley was a selfless leader in every area of his life who was loved by many. Mr. Exley worked for the Savannah Sugar Refinery for 40 years and retired in 1997. Preston loved the Lord, and his life was a testament to that. Preston was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and served in a variety of roles, including Sunday school superintendent, president of the Men's Group, and a member of the Church Council. Preston was committed to serving his country through his service with the Georgia Army National Guard for 23 years, and he retired as a captain. Preston was also dedicated to improving education in his community during his time serving on the Effingham County School Board from 1980 until 1994, and he later went on to serve as Effingham County Chief Magistrate Judge for 12 years. Included in his long list of pursuits, Preston was a farmer for many years in his home place in Clyo. Impressively, Preston was past president of the Effingham County Young Farmers, a member of the County Board of Directors, and served as the Springfield Chapter President. Preston was also a loyal family man, who prioritized his family above all else. I am thankful for the selfless life Preston lived, and I know his legacy will continue in Springfield for years to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him during these challenging times.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our valiant frontline workers and healthcare heroes who have taken care of their neighbors and saved countless lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes nurses, doctors, pharmacists, grocery store workers, truck drivers, and anyone who has risen to the occasion to help others during these unprecedented times. In particular, Jane Spence, Larisa Barnes, Bobbie Sumner, Amanda King, and Lynn Reynolds have exemplified remarkable selflessness and courage as they work to save lives in the Southeast Georgia Health System. Throughout my time in Georgia's First Congressional District, I have visited and met countless heroes serving at Saint Joseph's Candler Hospital, Liberty Regional Medical Center, Clinch Memorial Hospital, Memorial Health Center in Savannah, Wayne Memorial Center, and Winn Army Medical Hospital. This has allowed me to gain insight into the daily sacrifices they make and their commitment to serving their communities. Doctors and nurses who serve at our Veterans Affairs Health Systems are deserving of recognition for their outstanding work, as well. In addition to our healthcare heroes, I also want to honor leaders and local businesses in our communities. Individuals like Tom and Rita Boland converted their Island Drapes and Upholstery business to manufacture thousands of face masks a week. I was also encouraged to see the local nonprofits in Georgia's First Congressional District rise up to address the many challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Computers for a Cause movement was formed thanks to the beautiful work of United Way of Coastal Georgia, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, Communities in Schools, and Coastal Outreach partnering with Coastal Computer Consulting to gather and donate computers for children who don't have access to one. This allowed countless children to continue their education when schools were closed. These folks were working day in and day out risking their own health and safety and spending time away from their families and friends to serve us. I want to express my deep gratitude for the work that they do to make America great, and I am honored to call them my friends and neighbors. Honoring Preston G. Exley

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership. We are going to miss him. I know Dr. Roe is retiring, and there is going to be a great void there with him not being here, but I thank him for his service to the Doctor's Caucus and his service to our country. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the amazing work our Nation's top scientists are doing to get a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine to the American people. Earlier this year, President Trump initiated Operation Warp Speed, a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the private sector to research, develop, and distribute a coronavirus vaccine. The merits of this initiative were quickly realized, and Congress came together in a bipartisan fashion and invested $10 billion to support the effort. The focus of the initiative works by accelerating development of vaccines through staggered clinical trials, completely overseen by Federal regulatory authorities. You have heard that time and time again tonight as each of the physicians here have explained how this is taking place. Traditionally, a vaccine would undergo several separate phases of trials, with the average trial lasting nearly 7 years. Mr. Speaker, we don't have 7 years. Our country--our world--needs a vaccine now, and that is why Operation Warp Speed is on track to deliver vaccines in record speed, potentially even by the end of the year. This is nothing short of a miracle. It is phenomenal. And it is critically important to stress that any vaccine approved by the FDA will be safe and effective. Mr. Speaker, I have been a practicing pharmacist for over 30 years. I have witnessed the process by which the FDA approves medications. They will not approve it unless it is safe and effective. Don't think for one minute that any administration or any person is going to have an impact on that. They are not. It will be safe and effective if it is approved by the FDA. I repeat: Only vaccines that are proven to be completely safe and effective will be allowed for use. But recently, we have heard dangerous rhetoric from certain politicians and candidates about Operation Warp Speed, rhetoric and comments that are lies based in politics instead of science; even doubting the thousands of scientists who have spent their life working to find cures and casting fear on the American people. I have outright confidence in this administration's commitment to safety and science. And I can tell my constituents and the American people right now, I will be in line to get the vaccine when approved. Our communities are suffering, and we are losing loved ones. This effort will save thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of lives. I commend this administration and the thousands of scientists working to find a cure, and I thank them for all they are doing to save lives, to produce a safe and effective vaccine.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of an amazing leader, Paul Beckham, who sadly passed away on August 30. Paul was dedicated to improving my alma mater, Young Harris College, through his work on the Board of Trustees. He served as its chairman for 8 years and improved the lives of countless students and faculty members. Paul had a diversified background in business, marketing, sports, and finance that included television operations. Impressively, he served as Turner Broadcasting System's president. He also served as president of Private Networks, Inc., which is the wholly owned subsidiary of TBS responsible for developing nontraditional television opportunities, including the Airport Channel. Remarkably, he was also chairman and cofounder of Hope-Beckham with Bob Hope when they purchased the events division of Whittle Communication LP of Knoxville. Paul was also a devoted member of his church, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, and was active in multiple charitable and community organizations. His life was marked by service to others and working to improve the greater good. I am immensely grateful for the life he lived. He impacted countless individuals in all his pursuits, and I was grateful to know him. Paul's family and friends will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I know his legacy will remain for many years to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Howard Sepp of Georgia's First Congressional District who retired on July 1. Howard was a long-time vice president and administrator of the Southeast Georgia Health System's Camden campus since 2003. He had overseen the Camden hospital for more than 17 years, during which he oversaw a $30 million renovation and the addition of a wide array of medical services. Thanks to Howard's efforts, the hospital grew remarkably, including adding cancer care services in 2012, the Camden Medical Plaza in 2013, and a new, state-of-the-art care center which recently opened. He also helped spearhead the Coastal Community Health affiliation with Baptist Health System, which led to significant cost savings and improved coordination through the Emergency Care Center. In addition to being a leader for the hospital, he has also been an active civic leader. He has held positions with the Camden County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Camden County, and has helped with Leadership Camden. Howard also serves as chairman of the Camden Partnerships and is a board member for the Coastal Georgia council of the Boy Scouts of America. Camden County is better because of Howard, and I can't thank him enough for his over 17 years of hard work to ensure people in Camden receive the hospital care they need. Congratulations, again.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate General Bobby Christine from Georgia's First Congressional District for being promoted from Colonel to Brigadier General on July 8. General Christine earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, and achieved his Juris Doctorate degree from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham. He worked in the District Attorney's Office in Augusta for a decade, and is one of only a few prosecutors in modern Georgia to win a conviction for a murder case where the body of the victim has never been located. General Christine was appointed Judge of Magistrate Court for Columbia County in 2005, and held that post until November 2017, while serving as Chief Magistrate from 2009 to 2012. At the same time, he also maintained a private law practice. On November 22, 2017, General Christine was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, having been nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate. He has been an Army reservist since the age of 17, as a Combat Engineer and Judge Advocate. General Christine has a long list of military accomplishments, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the parachutist badge. I am sure he will continue to serve our country beyond expectations in his new rank, and I am thankful for his courage, leadership, and perseverance. I want to congratulate General Christine and his family again on this achievement.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alana Smith Shepherd, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She has lived a life of service, and has devoted her life to healing and helping others. Alana and her family co-founded the world-renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta in 1975. Over the years, the Shepherd Center has grown from a six-bed unit to a remarkable 152 bed rehabilitation hospital. The hospital specializes in medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. Thanks to Alana and her family's efforts, they have helped countless individuals get the lifesaving care they need. In addition to her work with Shepherd Center, Alana has advocated for accessibility to Atlanta's MARTA bus system and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is now one of the country's most accessible airports. Alana was named one of the most influential people in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2014, among many other awards. She has also been a civic leader in her community, including serving as former vice president and current member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, and the secretary of the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Paralympic Games. In 1989, Alana was the first woman elected to be a member of the Buckhead Coalition, and in 2003, the first woman elected as chairman of the Coalition. I am thankful for the impact she has made on the state of Georgia, and I am blessed to know her.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Venus Holmes, who went to be with the Lord at the age of 82. To know Venus was to love her. She was a beloved resident of Brunswick and Darien, and she was a woman of faith and character. She was also a champion for civil rights and was a member of the NAACP for over 53 years. Her life was marked by a long list of accomplishments and awards--she was truly a remarkable woman. Venus served as the 3rd Vice President of the Georgia State NAACP Conference, and served as Secretary of the Georgia State Conference NAACP for nine years. In addition to her leadership titles, she received numerous accolades, including the Rudy Hurly Plaque Award for ``Outstanding Service,'' as well as the Thomas B. Murphy ``Lifetime Achievement Award.'' Venus was also chosen as ``Woman of the Year'' for the NAACP twice, served 14 years on the Brunswick School Board, and served as Vice Chair on the Brunswick School Board, as well. She was also a devoted member to her church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a musician for 39 years. Although Venus is no longer here on earth with us, her legacy will remain for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Royce E. Carter. Throughout his adult life, Royce has been a dedicated leader in his community. He has been a passionate and devoted Pierce County resident and played an instrumental role in the implementation of a roundabout that was recently approved by the Pierce County Board of Commissioners. This roundabout is part of a realignment of County Farm Road to make way for the new Pierce County High School, and Royce was responsible for the oversight of the project from start to finish. Because of his immense dedication not just to this project, but every project he has spearheaded in his community, the Pierce County Board of Commissioners named the roundabout the Royce E. Carter Roundabout. This dedication is a simple ``thank you'' for his leadership and for everything Royce has done to make Pierce County a better place. He has always approached every project and challenge with a can-do attitude, and he is kind to everyone he meets. I am thankful to know Royce, and I know he will continue to be an asset for Pierce County.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the USS Tennessee, which is based at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay in the First District of Georgia, for winning the 2020 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Afloat Environmental Award. The SECNAV environmental programs recognize Navy and Marine Corps ships, installations, and people for outstanding performance in promoting environmental stewardship. These programs are important for achieving national defense strategy by taking a proactive role in enhancing mission effectiveness through the implementation of environmental programs. Additionally, they have allowed for expanding mission requirements, protecting and improving the environment, avoiding and reducing future liabilities, and building trust with partner nations. This is not the first time USS Tennessee has been honored for its success. In 2014, they won the SECNAV Award for Excellence in Submarine Safety, and they also won the Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards in submarine category in 2014, 2015, and 2016. USS Tennessee's leadership and crew has demonstrated sustained commitment and success in environmental protection because of their emphasis on the importance of each Sailor's role in environmental conservation. I am thankful for the entire crew's commitment to both serving our country and protecting our environment.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Mr. Lawrence ``Pete'' Conneff of Savannah, Georgia, who went to be with the Lord at the age of 90. Mr. Conneff attended Sacred Heart School, where he was a member of the drum and bugle corps, and graduated from Benedictine Military School, where he played football and basketball. After high school, he attended The Citadel and Armstrong College, and eventually became a member of the Air National Guard. He was a loving, devoted husband to his wife Ann, and wonderful father to his five children. He eventually became a treasured grandfather and great-grandfather to nineteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Among his several family titles, he was a master plumber and owned Conneff Plumbing Co. Inc. since 1960. With Pete at the helm of the company for 60 years, it became one of the leading plumbing providers in the area. He was also a member of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee since 1954, a charter member of the Irish Heritage Society, a member of the Sinn Fein Society, a third-degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 631, and a charter member of Knights of Columbus Council 5588. While there are many aspects to miss about Pete, his character and colorful storytelling always stood out and will leave a lasting impact on all the lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Pete's friends and family during this most difficult time.