Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the strong diplomatic partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of India. Our relationship shares important values that are rooted in democracy. I had the privilege of meeting with the consulate general of India last week, and I learned even more about India's partnership with the United States, their economy, India's challenges with combatting COVID- 19, and their state of international affairs. It was a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn more about our friends in India and ways in which we can help each other continue to thrive. In February, President Trump spoke at the Motera Stadium in India, filled with 110,000 spectators, and was given a warm welcome to the country. At the successful event, President Trump discussed ways in which he has been working with Prime Minister Modi on an array of topics that will help both of our nations move forward. Some of these topics include security and defense cooperation, energy, trade, and promoting women entrepreneurs. Additionally, India and the United States are both working on combating terrorism in all forms. I applaud the joint efforts of India and the U.S. in eradicating terrorism. Madam Speaker, I thank Prime Minister Modi for being a friend of the United States.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this ObamaCare wish list legislation. I want to start off by saying, Madam Speaker, how disappointed I am. How disappointed I am that this comes--this partisan healthcare legislation is being moved at such a serious time in our Nation's response to the pandemic. This bill was developed and written without Republican input, which seems to be the thing to do these days. I was up here last week talking about the policing bill, same thing, no Republican input. Now we are talking about the healthcare bill. No Republican input. Partisan legislation, at a time when our country needs bipartisan solutions. You know, when a bill is developed and written without Republican input, that is usually a good sign that there is no real intention of moving this legislation; and there is not. The other side, Madam Speaker, knows that this is not going to move. Unfortunately, Americans are suffering right now, they are suffering from COVID-19. We should be working together, Republicans and Democrats, to create solutions that benefit every American. Unfortunately, this bill has many issues, it is a big government- controlled healthcare agenda. Once again, Democrats are trying to mandate the price of drugs, or tax manufacturers out of the U.S. market if they don't comply, at a time when we need to be bringing back manufacturing to the United States. Now we are doing just the opposite with this partisan legislation. My colleagues across the aisle want fewer cures during the pandemic. Fewer cures during the pandemic. Are you kidding me? That is the last thing America needs right now. This legislation also expands ObamaCare subsidies, allowing some of the wealthiest Americans to get subsidies for insurance paid for by the hard-earned taxpayers' dollars. This is not the time to be partisan, Madam Speaker, this is a time for us to work together. I hope my colleagues across the aisle can set aside these efforts and work with us to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bishop Gregory Hartmayer for being named the seventh archbishop of Atlanta by Holy Father Pope Francis. Bishop Hartmayer has remarkably served several roles in the church for over 40 years, including as a guidance counselor, teacher, and eventually school principal for Catholic high schools. After spending many years in New York and Massachusetts, Bishop Hartmayer moved to Georgia to serve as a pastor and then bishop. He has been recognized by his community, family, and friends as a kind, faithful, and humble servant of the Lord. Bishop Hartmayer was appointed the 14th bishop of the Diocese of Savannah by Pope Benedict the 16th in 2011. I was honored to have him as my guest at Pope Francis' speech to a joint session of Congress in 2015. His life has been marked by graciously sharing wisdom, peace, and clarity with everyone he encounters and freely giving his resources for the good of others. I thank Bishop Hartmayer for his service to the people of the Diocese of Savannah and to Georgia's First Congressional District. I know God will continue to use him in amazing ways as he serves as the seventh archbishop of Atlanta, and I wish him all the best.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Roger Boatright of Alma, Georgia, who passed away on May 8. Roger was a remarkable man of great courage, leadership, and depth, and I had the honor and privilege of knowing him well. Roger retired from the Georgia State Patrol as a trooper first class and was a faithful member to his church and numerous community organizations, such as the Bacon County Exchange Club; the Bacon County Hospital Authority; and the Georgia Municipal Association, to which he served as president. When Roger was elected as a council member for the city of Alma in 1986, this paved the course of his life of service to his community. A few years later, Roger was elected mayor of Alma, where he faithfully served 14 years. In 2009, he was elected chairman of the Bacon County Board of Commissioners and later returned to serve as a council member for the city of Alma. While tremendously improving his city as mayor, he was appointed to the board of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs before he became chair of this statewide board. Roger was truly a pillar in his community, which is why he was rightfully rewarded various accolades. Although Roger had a passion for service and loved his community deeply, he loved his family more than anything. I am thankful for the lasting impact Roger had on so many, including myself, and I know his legacy and influence will remain for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with all who worked with him, knew him, and loved him. Southeast Georgia has lost a great man.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Dr. Leslie Lamar Wilkes, Jr., who went to be with the Lord on April 4. Les and I attended church together at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in Savannah, Georgia, and he was always a devoted member who took every opportunity he could to serve for over 40 years. He was born and raised in Georgia and eventually received his MD degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1965, before becoming a surgeon for the U.S. Navy. Dr. Wilkes was an amazing person with a true passion for the medical field, being one of the first surgeons in Georgia to perform arthroscopic knee surgery and, all in all, performed about 15,000 operations. He received numerous accolades throughout his life, including the Savannah's Best Doctor Award numerous times, and the Georgia Medical Society awarded him the Health Care Hero Award in 2010 as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. He was active in various medical organizations as well as community service organizations, like the Savannah Rotary Club. Dr. Wilkes embodied what it means to be a steadfast and humble servant. He used every area of his life to help others, including his patients, community, fellow church members, friends, family, and his country. His family, friends, and all those impacted by him will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I come here for two purposes: One is to express my opposition to this bill. My second purpose is to express my hope, my hope that we can come together and that we can negotiate a long-lasting and a significant compromise, an American compromise to an American problem. Just yesterday, the Democrats in the Senate blocked Senator Tim Scott's bill, the JUSTICE Act. They blocked it from moving forward with debate. They blocked it from moving forward for compromise and for negotiation. That is not an American solution. We all agree this is an American problem. We all agree we need an American solution, and we all agree that that means we have to have negotiation. That means we have to have compromise. Mr. Speaker, the minority leader in the Senate wouldn't even allow our counterparts in the Senate to discuss solutions and allow them to decide if it is the right path forward. Now, here we find ourselves in the House facing a situation where we have a partisan bill, drafted without Republican involvement, that is being brought to the House floor to be voted on in a rush process. That is not an American solution to an American problem. We have seen calls to defund the police and dismantle police departments across the United States. We all know that can only lead to bad outcomes. We all know that the police are there to protect and to serve. Yes, we all know that there are bad policemen out there. We all know there are bad actors in every profession, and we know that they need to be weeded out. We need to do that. And we also know that those bad policemen are as offensive to the good policemen as they are to anyone. No one wants to see them weeded out more than the good policemen want to see them weeded out. This bill does nothing to address those calls and reassure Americans that things will happen. No, this is a partisan bill with no Republican involvement whatsoever. This bill also doesn't take appropriate steps to ensure that law enforcement officers are working to improve their relations with the community--the community that they serve and protect. We have all said we need community policing. You ask any policeman, any good policeman out there, ``What is the best police practice?'' And they will tell you ``Community policing.'' That is what we need. Mr. Speaker, instead, this bill limits their ability to do their jobs, and it keeps them in their cars rather than interacting with the people in their communities. That is what they want to do. They are not there for the money. We know that. There is not a single police person out there that is there for the money. They are there to protect and to serve. And they want community policing. That is what they want. Mr. Speaker, in my district, we had a tragic death of a young man whose life ended way too early--Ahmaud Arbery. This was something that none of us should accept in our society, and none of us will accept in our society. It should have never happened. We have had protests. We should have protests. I am very proud of the First Congressional District because our protests have been productive. Yes, we should protest and, yes, we are protesting. And we are getting results because we are protesting in the right way. We are protesting to change the system. That is what we want to do. We are protesting to have an American solution to an American problem. Mr. Speaker, the right path forward is discussion and negotiation with our eyes, with our goal, with our mission set on real reforms. This bill doesn't have that. This bill doesn't represent that. This bill is not an American solution to an American problem. That is why I am urging my colleagues to oppose this bill. That is why I am urging my colleagues to negotiate, to compromise. That is why I am encouraging my colleagues to come up with an American solution to an American problem.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of Mr. Arnold Tenenbaum, who passed away on March 24, and his loving wife, Mrs. Lorlee Tenenbaum, who passed away just 5 days later on March 29. Mr. and Mrs. Tenenbaum were pillars in the Savannah community and committed their lives to serving others through their work with United Way, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, food banks, and more. Mr. Tenenbaum was a renowned businessman, philanthropist, and civic leader, and Lorlee joined alongside him in giving back to their community through serving on numerous boards and spearheading projects to promote Savannah's bright future. Arnold was influential in both his business ventures, leading Chatham Steel Corporation, and his pursuits to better the lives of youth in his community through his efforts to improve public education in Savannah. Devoting their lives to helping others and always bringing positivity to every room they entered, they greatly impacted the culture of Savannah. The Tenenbaums loved others deeply and were loved by many, including their four amazing children. I am proud and thankful to have had such an honorable couple dedicate their lives to serving their community in the First Congressional District of Georgia, and I am grateful for the lasting impact they made on Savannah. My heart goes out to their family and friends and the entire Savannah community during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, now is the time for us to discuss solutions for the problems facing the American people, not to put out partisan wish lists. I urge my colleagues to oppose this.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the HEROES Act. This legislation ignores the fundamental issues affecting our country. It is a harmful misallocation of congressional efforts and ignores the plight of the American people. For instance, this package references cannabis more times than it does jobs. It includes hundreds of billions to bail out States, which may be needed, but it is not even ensuring that there are guardrails to prevent reckless behavior and waste. It extends increased unemployment benefits well past the targeted reopening of the country, forcing businesses to compete with a government program for employees. This package would allow illegal immigrants access to direct payments, and it would move to federalize elections. These are just a handful of examples of the misguided and dangerous policies included in this legislation. We have allocated trillions of dollars in aid, and significant amounts of that still hasn't gone out the door. Now is the time to discuss solutions for the problems facing the American people, not a partisan wish list.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of James Wayne Smith of Jesup, Georgia, who passed away at 92 years old on April 22nd. Known to some as ``Hatchet,'' and others as ``The Mayor of Doctortown,'' which had no mayor, he had a talent for making friends and was loved by many. Wayne was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church, and quite literally played a role in its foundation, as he graded the lot where the church now stands. Although his dedicated work in highway construction for over 60 years sometimes took him away from home, he always returned to his beloved Jesup. In his free time, he loved to fish and hike on the Altamaha River, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. A renounced raconteur and spinner of yarns, Wayne's good humor never failed to bring a smile. I am thankful for the immense impact he had on his community, and I know his legacy will remain. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Wayne during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Robert Torras Sr. of St. Simons. Mr. Torras was a remarkable businessman, philanthropist, and visionary who was always thinking of ways to solve problems. Through his work running the family-owned operations including the Brunswick Landing Marina, Kut-Kwick Corporation, and Torco Incorporated; developing the West Point Plantation on Saint Simons Island; and running multiple other commercial real estate holdings in both the Atlanta metro area and Glynn County, he left an indelible mark on the state of Georgia. When Mr. Torras purchased the land now occupied by Brunswick Landing Marina, it resulted in the development of the largest saltwater marina in Georgia. After studying the waterways, marine life, and shipping routes, his work helped spur legislative changes regarding marinas to pave the way for other commercial ventures which benefitted many. I am grateful for Mr. Torras' many years of hard work and for his wisdom, determination, and energy. My thoughts and prayers are with all who worked with him, knew him, and loved him.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greater Valdosta United Way from Georgia's First District. Since 1954, Greater Valdosta United Way has raised over $35 million to support human services across their community. Through their hard work and dedication of numerous businesses, clubs, and individuals, the organization has made a difference in the lives of thousands of Georgians. Greater Valdosta United Way strives to advance the common good by investing in education, income, and health, which are the pillars for a strong and healthy community. Last year, they remarkably exceeded their fundraising goal of $750,000 by 105 percent. I am so thankful for the tremendous work this organization has done to improve the lives of countless individuals across our district for so many years, and for their outstanding volunteers. I want to encourage all involved with Greater Valdosta United Way to keep up the wonderful work they've done, and I wish them the best of luck in the future.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation. This very important legislation, the Paycheck Protection Program, has proven to be a great program that has saved many small businesses in the First Congressional District of Georgia, and there are many small businesses that still need this program. Therefore, the extra funding that we are sending here today is going to be utilized and utilized in a great way by these small businesses. Also, there are $75 billion in there for hospitals, and hospitals-- particularly rural hospitals--are extremely important in this scenario as well. We need to make sure that money gets to them. Oh, by the way, speaking of hospitals, Madam Speaker, heroes come and go but legends last forever. We have heard that before. Today, our heroes are wearing white lab coats. They are our doctors, our pharmacists, our healthcare workers, our nurses, who are providing healthcare services, risking their own health in order to provide these healthcare services to our citizens. I thank them for that. Our country thanks them for that. Their service will be legendary. And finally, Madam Speaker, for all of those in the First Congressional District and throughout our country who have lost loved ones, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bobby Zarem of Georgia's First District for his decades of influence as a legendary publicist. Mr. Zarem is known for helping launch the careers of well-known celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Travolta, and spearheading publicity for movies such as Saturday Night Fever and Dances with Wolves to root them in American cinematic history. He eventually created Zarem Incorporated in New York, which is now one of the most successful public relations and publicity businesses in the country. Notably, he was the creative genius behind the ``I Love New York'' campaign, which is now advertised on t-shirts and hats throughout the world. Although much of his success was on Broadway and Hollywood, Mr. Zarem has been a pillar in making his hometown of Savannah the artistic and cinematic success it is today. He was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Savannah Film Festival to recognize his outstanding accomplishments throughout his life. I want to congratulate Mr. Zarem on making Savannah proud, and I wish him the best of luck in all his endeavors to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. James William ``Jim'' Shinn Jr. of Pooler, Georgia, who passed away on April 10th. Jim was a man of honor and humility who served others in all areas of his life. Through his service in the U.S. Army, being an active member and faithful leader in his church, and coaching his youngest daughters' various sports teams, his life was a blessing to countless individuals. Jim worked for Delta Metals and was a co-owner of the successful family business, Steel Erectors Incorporated, where he worked alongside his lovely wife, Leslie. His servant heart and faithfulness allowed him to not only thrive in all that he did, but leave behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Jim loved and cherished his family above all else and was a remarkable father and husband. Pooler, Georgia, is truly better off because of Jim's devotion and intentionality, and I am so grateful for all that he did for his community. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of Major Curtis Ivins. Major Ivins is currently assigned to the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, which is in Georgia's First District. He is not only a hero in his service with our nation's armed forces, but also with helping people in his local community. In February of this year, Curt was witness to a single vehicle accident in Chatham County, GA. Without hesitation, he immediately engaged and was able to free the mother and two sons from the vehicle before it continued to roll. Curt saw the accident, ran from his vehicle, broke their windows, and cut seat belts to pull them to safety just before the vehicle rolled again. I am proud to represent thousands of military servicemen and women. This includes Curt, and all those who rise to the occasion in all times of need and put their lives at risk for others.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jim Bishop for being awarded the University System of Georgia Regents' Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Achievement Award. Throughout his career, Mr. Bishop has had a passion for creating a better future for education in Georgia. Thanks to his dedication, the two-year Brunswick Junior College was transformed into an esteemed four-year institution called College of Coastal Georgia, which has witnessed immense growth and success since its founding. Mr. Bishop has also been a leader in the legal profession in Georgia's First District for over 60 years and has been steadfast in putting others above himself. Since becoming a regent in 2007, he has been a pillar in the University System because of his high integrity, stature, and proven commitment to higher education in Georgia. I want to thank Mr. Bishop for all he has done for the state of Georgia, and I wish him the best of luck in all his endeavors to come.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bishop Gregory Hartmayer for being named the seventh Archbishop of Atlanta by Holy Father Pope Francis. Bishop Hartmayer has remarkably served several roles in the church for over 40 years, including a guidance counselor, teacher, and eventually a school principal for Catholic high schools. After spending many years in New York and Massachusetts, Bishop Hartmayer moved to Georgia to serve as a pastor and then bishop. He has been recognized by his community, family, and friends as a kind, faithful, and humble servant of the Lord. Bishop Hartmayer was appointed the fourteenth bishop of the Diocese of Savannah by Pope Benedict the 16th in 2011. I was honored to have him as my guest at Pope Francis' speech to a joint session of Congress in 2015. His life has been marked by graciously sharing wisdom, peace, and clarity with everyone he encounters, and freely giving his resources for the good of others. Thank you, Bishop Hartmayer, for your service to the people of the Diocese of Savannah, and to Georgia's First District. I know God will continue to use you in amazing ways as you serve as the seventh Archbishop of Atlanta, and I wish you all the best.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, our country finds itself in uncharted waters. None of us have ever experienced anything like this before. For the past 2 weeks, I have been at home in the First District of Georgia visiting with individuals and with small business owners. I have seen something I have never seen before. I have seen people who are concerned, concerned about their health, concerned about their future. Mr. Speaker, this is something we have to address. I have also seen something I have never seen before either, and that is people pulling together, people doing for each other, people caring for each other, volunteering at food banks and volunteering at service organizations. I have seen healthcare workers putting their own health at risk to deliver services. I have seen the best of America as well. Mr. Speaker, it is our opportunity here, our responsibility to help these people, to deliver to them. No, this is not a perfect bill. If I had the opportunity, I would change a number of things in it, but it is what we need to do, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, more than anything, what we need to do is we need to pray. We need to pray to the God of Abraham and the God of David.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Kent Fountain for being elected the National Cotton Council chairman for 2020. Mr. Fountain is an excellent choice for this important role and knows the cotton industry inside and out. He is the president and CEO of Southeastern Gin and Peanut and has won numerous awards, including Southeastern Ginner of the Year in 2001 and the Horace Hayden National Ginner of the Year in 2016. Additionally, Mr. Fountain works as the director of Cotton Council International, which promotes American cotton abroad. With cotton being so critical to Georgia's economy, I am proud that we have someone from our State with so much expertise leading the national cotton industry. Kent, congratulations on your election. Keep up the good work.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Ms. Dorothy Burns, who passed away on Sunday, February 16, at the age of 84. Throughout her life, Ms. Burns was a trailblazing woman who was heavily involved in Georgia government, advocating for candidates she thought were best for our State. Within the State, she served as the very first vice chair of the Georgia Republican Party. Ms. Burns held leadership roles on countless successful campaigns, including Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson, Mack Mattingly, and Paul Coverdell and Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Additionally, she served numerous times as a delegate to national political conventions and as a Presidential elector. But her dedication did not stop with politics. In Gainesville, Georgia, Ms. Burns taught the speech and hearing impaired how to read braille. She founded the K-12 school, Lakeview Academy, which continues to thrive today. Ms. Burns is leaving our State much better than she found it and will be deeply missed. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mrs. Cindy Wade Tanner. From Waycross in Georgia's First Congressional District, she was loved and cherished by many. Mrs. Tanner was a gifted teacher and a pillar in her community. She taught at Bacon County High School and later moved to Ware County High School. After teaching high school students, Mrs. Tanner worked at Waycross- Ware Technical School and retired in 2017 as vice president for institutional advancement. While there, she planned and coordinated the first community-wide social fundraiser, the Gala. In 1998, Mrs. Tanner was awarded the Rick Perkins Award of Excellence, which is to honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. She dedicated most of her time to teach and lead others, as she was also a beloved Sunday school teacher at her church. Mrs. Tanner's selfless legacy will always be remembered. Her family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mrs. Laura Randolph Stevens Devendorf. Born in Savannah in Georgia's First Congressional District, Laura was a fearless advocate, a talented artist, and dedicated writer who used her gifts for the betterment of others. Laura was an extraordinarily gifted designer. In fact, during the Atlanta Olympic Games, she served as assistant course designer, the first women in Olympic history to be so honored. She was also a dedicated environmentalist and preservationist. In her late sixties, she became a certified Master Tree Farmer and Master Wildlifer and was an instructor for the University of Georgia's Master Naturalist Program in forestry and salt marsh ecology. She served on numerous boards, including the Georgia Forestry Association. In fact, in 2000, she was named Georgia's Tree Farmer of the Year. I was blessed to meet Miss Laura, so I can attest to her empathy, her intellect, creativity, courage, and compassion. She was a pillar in Savannah, and her legacy will live on. Laura's family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alfred E. Beach High School Head Football Coach, Ulysses Hawthorne, who is retiring from the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools system after 21 seasons. Coach Hawthorne is a stalwart in the Savannah athletics scene. At the time of his retirement he was the dean of all the coaches in the area, but, most importantly, he has always been an exceptional role model to his players. Players he coached remember that he pushed them to become leaders on and off the field. Many of his players are now playing at the next level in college. As a unit, his teams were successful against schools from across the State of Georgia. In 2011, Coach Hawthorne took Alfred E. Beach High School to its first appearance in the State playoffs since 1993. During his tenure at Beach, he accumulated 76 wins. I am so proud to have someone like Coach Hawthorne in the First Congressional District of Georgia shaping the lives of young people.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Advanced, Innovative IT Solutions for its acceptance into the National Center for Veteran Institute for Procurement. Located in Ludowici, in the First Congressional District of Georgia, Advanced, Innovative IT Solutions strives to eliminate the high cost of technology for government agencies by providing them with assistance in IT strategy planning, program management, and cybersecurity. With its 15 years of experience, the company has earned an exceptional reputation throughout the southeast. Now, with its acceptance into the National Center for Veteran Institute for Procurement, it is finally gaining the nationwide reputation that it deserves. Acceptance to the institute is highly competitive, and it includes a 3-day certification program for veteran-owned businesses to increase their ability to win government contracts. Graduates from this program increase their revenue on average by 51 percent within the first year of graduation. I am so proud Advanced, Innovative IT Solutions is participating in this program. Congratulations, and keep up the good work.