Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor schools from Georgia's First Congressional District--Lyman Hall Elementary, Midway Middle School, and Savannah Arts Academy--for winning the regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition in Valdosta. With their hard-fought victory, they now move on to compete in divisional competition in Statesboro on March 7. The competition started more than 30 years ago when Helen Ruffin, a librarian from Georgia, wanted to find a way to make reading more exciting for students at her school. The Reading Bowl gained traction, and now it is a statewide tournament. In the competition, participants from each school answer questions prepared by the committee for points. Teams of students that answer the most questions correctly about certain award-winning children's books win the competition. These three schools from the First Congressional District of Georgia beat over 40 teams to make it to the next level. I am proud we have this degree of passion for reading in Georgia, and I am thankful these schools are working hard to teach their students the value of reading. Madam Speaker, I congratulate them on their accomplishments this year, and best of luck to them in Statesboro at divisional competition.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two units from the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion for their participation in Operation Atlantic Resolve in Poland, Romania, and Lithuania; and I want to welcome them back home to the First Congressional District of Georgia. Stationed at Fort Stewart, these battalions are integral to our Nation's ability to be successful overseas. Throughout different periods of its history, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalions have provided maintenance, convoy security, supply transportation, and more for branches of the U.S. Army fighting to restore democracy abroad. As a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, these battalions worked hard to increase their readiness and build cooperation between our own forces and our allies in Europe. At any one time there are 6,000 American soldiers participating in Operation Atlantic Resolve conducting exercises across 17 countries. To Lieutenant Colonel David Alvarez, Command Sergeant Major Ryan Stamos, and everyone involved with the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalions, I thank you for your service, and welcome home.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Dr. Wesley Ball who passed away on January 8 at the age of 88. Originally from Moultrie, Georgia, Dr. Ball came to Savannah in 1964 where he practiced surgery for over 33 years. Not only an exceptional surgeon, his work transcended that of just healthcare by breaking down political, racial, and international borders. He became a lifelong member of the NAACP where he helped build plans to desegregate the school system. He made numerous medical mission trips to Haiti. And he was a mentor to many up-and-coming doctors to whom he was known as the Godfather of Medicine for his loving and kind manner. I am proud to have had someone like Dr. Ball working in the First Congressional District of Georgia. Simply put, Dr. Ball is leaving Savannah and much of the rest of the world a better place than he found it. Dr. Ball's family 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 the Savannah Art Association, which will be 100 years old this February. The oldest art association in Georgia, it was founded in February of 1920 in the basement of Mills B. Lane's home. From there, the Savannah Art Association moved to the Telfair Museum and, now, has two galleries at Chippewa Square and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. It has come a long way over the 100 years since those members meeting in the Lanes' home. Today, the Savannah Art Association has over 150 members from all artistic levels, beginner to professional, who are constantly helping each other and improving their techniques. They work diligently to make our community a better place to live through their exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, education programs, and partnerships with local businesses to showcase their artwork. Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone involved with the Savannah Art Association for their work in our area. Congratulations on your 100-year anniversary.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Suzanne Shank, who is one of the 2020 honorees at the Savannah College of Art and Design's Women of Vision recognition ceremony. A native of Savannah, Ms. Shank is the president, CEO, and cofounder of Siebert Williams Shank & Company. Under her watch, the company has grown from a startup investment banking firm to now being involved in over $2 trillion in municipal and corporate bonds. In 2010, the company became the first female- and minority-owned firm in Wall Street history to be ranked in the top 10 municipal bond underwriters. Additionally, U.S. Banker Magazine ranked Ms. Shank as one of the most powerful women in finance. But her work transcends finance through her commitment to mentor inner city youth, her service on industry associations, and her work with the Spelman College Board of Trustees. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ms. Shank on her honor as a 2020 Savannah Woman of Vision. Keep up the great work. Mr. Speaker, I thank SCAD for honoring this Savannahian, who is a true trailblazer. Recognizing the Savannah Art Association

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Freddie Smith, who retired this past year as pastor of the Sweat Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, after leading the church for the last 25 years. Leading people to the Word of God has been Mr. Smith's passion since he was 13 years old. At the time, he was headed with his family to a revival in Ocala, Florida, when he asked his father to pull over the car so that he could walk to the church with the day's guest preacher. The preacher told him: Don't be afraid to walk toward the Lord. Pastor Smith started preaching only a few years later. During his time at Sweat Memorial in the First Congressional District of Georgia, the services he led were known by everyone in the area for being beautifully orchestrated and welcoming, reflecting the personality of Pastor Smith. Mr. Speaker, I thank Pastor Smith for his work in Waycross over the last 25 years. Even in his retirement, I know he will continue working in the community to make it a better place to live. Congratulations. Recognizing Suzanne Shank

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Clermont Huger Lee for being one of the 2020 honorees at the Savannah College of Art and Design's Women of Vision recognition ceremony. During the middle 1900s, Mrs. Lee was a true trailblazer in our community for her groundbreaking work as a landscape architect. In Savannah, she became the first female landscape architect with her own practice. Additionally, she was considered the foremost expert in re- creating the historic landscapes that are so critical to Savannah's downtown. Although she passed away in 2006 at the age of 92, her work is still extensively studied at SCAD and can be seen across Savannah in gardens at the Davenport House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the Owens- Thomas House, and more. Now, in the 21st century, female landscape architects are leading a number of important projects across the country. Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone involved with the Savannah Women of Vision recognition ceremony for honoring such an important woman. Recognizing Freddie Smith

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mrs. Anne Cox Chambers, who passed away on January 31 at the age of 100. Her friends and family remember Mrs. Chambers as a wonderful, kind, and elegant lady, whose influence spanned the globe. An influential businesswoman, legendary philanthropist, and dedicated public servant, her many talents included co-owning the family media company, Cox Enterprises, for 33 years, and serving as the United States ambassador to Belgium. Mrs. Chambers was Atlanta's first female bank director, as well as the first woman to serve as a director of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Chambers was also a director of The Coca-Cola Company. Mrs. Chambers supported many causes anonymously, but was especially dedicated to the arts with her contributions to the High Museum of Art. A force to be reckoned with who made Atlanta and the world a better place, Mrs. Chambers will be dearly 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 recognize Mr. Paul Grassey, who received the French Legion of Honor by the Consul General of France on January 28 for his role in liberating France during World War II. During the war, Paul flew B-24 bombers for the Eighth Air Force in 13 missions. After the war, Mr. Grassey returned to Savannah and became heavily involved with the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, helping to educate people in the area about the Eighth Air Force's role in the war. Paul gives tours at the museum and often goes into local schools to talk about the importance of World War II and freeing Europe from Nazi Germany. In 2013, Paul wrote a book outlining his story before, during, and after the war while discussing the six pillars of having good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The French Legion of Honor is the highest military honor in France, and I could not be more proud that the Consul General has awarded it to Mr. Grassey of the First Congressional District of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Grassey on his award. I thank him for his experience, knowledge, and passion with people of all ages in Savannah.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mr. James Blackburn, who passed away on January 22 at the age of 94. Mr. Blackburn dedicated his life to practicing law and using his craft to make the Savannah area a better place to live. He was sworn in to the bar over 70 years ago and worked as the city attorney for the city of Savannah until he was 86. He even continued to legally represent the Savannah Airport Commission until just last year, when he was 93 years old. But his service to the public went much further than the law. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a radarman on a tugboat, was a recorder with the Alee Shrine, and was a former president of the Kiwanis Club of Savannah. Through all of his work, he believed in treating all people with fairness, dignity, and compassion. His 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 Mr. Kevin ``Catfish'' Jackson, who was honored at this year's Opportunity Award Gala at the Savannah Technical College Foundation for his business acumen, vision, and commitment to developing the next generation of Georgia's leaders. This award is much deserved for all the hard work and dedication that Mr. Jackson has poured into the Savannah business community. He is the founder and CEO of EnviroVac Holdings, which employs over 1,000 people, and the chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the board of the Georgia Ports Authority, and he has continued to volunteer with numerous charitable organizations around town. This is now the third major award he has won in Savannah for his accomplishments. He won Entrepreneur of the Year awards in both 2015 and 2018. I am so proud that the Savannah Technical College Foundation chose Catfish for this year's honor. Congratulations, Catfish. Keep up the great work.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak against H. Res. 826, a resolution that was hastily put together that opposes the administration's Healthy Adult Opportunity demonstration initiative in Medicaid. The use of waivers to grant States more flexibility in managing their healthcare systems is foundational to health reforms from both parties throughout the years. In fact, most Medicaid programs across the country today are currently operating under some form of waiver. In the latest waiver proposal, the Trump administration would allow States more flexibility to manage their Medicaid expansion population by choosing to accept their Federal funds in a per person or lump sum basis. States would be able to take that Federal money and more efficiently treat these patients and then share in the savings. The Medicaid program was built to be a safety net for our children and the poor, not to be our Nation's largest insurer. This waiver would not affect how Medicaid cares for children, seniors, or those with disabilities. The Healthy Adult Opportunity waivers are designed only to help States manage the rapidly ballooning costs from able-bodied adults who are now on Medicaid after ObamaCare. Medicaid benefits and patient access to care will not be cut in this proposal. Any State pursuing a Healthy Adult Opportunity waiver will still be held responsible for the accessibility of services to beneficiaries. As much as my friends across the aisle seek to demonize this proposal and use every scare tactic in the book, this is sound policy to help the growing number of States struggling to manage the costs of their growing Medicaid programs. Mr. Speaker, I commend President Trump, Secretary Azar, and Administrator Verma for their work, and I urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Ms. Bonnie Duvall, who passed away on January 18 at the age of 61 after a brave battle with cancer. Ms. Duvall was known to many as the first lady of American agriculture. She was married to Mr. Zippy Duvall, the president of the American Farm Bureau, and enjoyed accompanying him to Farm Bureau events across the country. She was also the loving mother of one of my former staff members, Zellie, who was with me on my first day here at the Capitol. Throughout her life, her dedication to the farming community made a lasting impact on agriculture in southeast Georgia, and there is no doubt that she is leaving it in a better place than she found it. On her own farm, she used her business expertise gained at the University of Georgia to keep the books. She was named the 1982 National Young Farmer and Rancher of the Year, and she was a consistent member of the Greene County Farm Bureau Women's Committee. Most importantly, she was an overall inspiring and genuine person who will always be remembered for her optimistic attitude. Ms. Duvall is going to be deeply missed throughout the agriculture community. Zellie, Zippy, and the entire Duvall family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Long County Deputy Sheriff Sheldon Whiteman, who died in the line of duty on January 23 at the age of 44. Deputy Whiteman was assisting in a vehicle pursuit in the First Congressional District of Georgia when his vehicle left the roadway. Deputy Whiteman had been with the Long County Sheriff's Office for only 4 months at the time of the incident. Previously, Deputy Whiteman worked with the Chatham County Police Department and was a POST Certified Peace Officer since 2016. Deputy Whiteman is survived by his wife, Alisa Ann, and his three sons. It is, unfortunately, times like these when we remember the risks that our law enforcement officers take every day that they put on their uniforms. I encourage everyone to take some time to thank our law enforcement officers for the work they do to keep our communities safe. Deputy Whiteman's family and friends, as well as the Long County and Chatham County police departments will be in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mr. Timothy Sweezey, who passed away on January 11 at the age of 50. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the city manager of Darien, in the First Congressional District of Georgia. In his own words, that position was the dream job he always wanted. And, as city manager, Mr. Sweezey did an exceptional job managing the unique challenges in Darien, including multiple hurricanes, preserving historical buildings, and new developments in the downtown area. But nobody reaches their dream job without hard work. Prior to his time with the City of Darien, he worked as a substitute teacher, led city recreation departments, and headed a marine institute, all of which prepared him for his excellent public service in coastal Georgia. Mr. Sweezey is certainly leaving Darien a better place than he found it, and his work in the city will be missed. His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James Gregorius, the associate director for training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FLETC, who will be retiring this week after more than 40 years of public service. Mr. Gregorius began his career in law enforcement as a police officer with the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department. From there, he transitioned to Federal policing, where he served as a special agent within both the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the National Security Agency. This experience and this expertise positioned him perfectly for a high-level career with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, which is headquartered in the First Congressional District of Georgia. During James' time there, he did an exceptional job of managing training operations in Georgia, New Mexico, South Carolina, and the D.C. metropolitan area. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Gregorius for his service to our country and congratulate him on his retirement. James' presence, leadership, and expertise will all be missed.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of S. 3201 to extend the emergency scheduling of fentanyl and its analogues. Fentanyl is a synthetic, which means man-made, opioid. It is 50 times more potent than heroin, and 100 times more potent than morphine. And while fentanyl is a schedule II drug, traffickers have been able to make small changes to the drug as a way around DEA enforcement. These fentanyl-like substances can be just as dangerous, if not more deadly, than traditional opioids. And the pain they have caused communities across the country is immeasurable. To combat these drugs, DEA used its authority to temporarily ban these products, but that extension expires next week. The fact that we are just now addressing this issue with 1 week to go, has been flirting with disaster. That is why I am so thankful that we are here passing this bill to protect our communities from deadly fentanyl products. This administration has put fighting back against the opioid crisis front and center from day one. And in the past several years under Republican leadership, the House passed a series of comprehensive, bipartisan legislative packages to help American communities combat addiction. We must all keep up that fight. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jamie Durrence who has been selected to serve as the 2020 chair of the Georgia Restaurant Association Board of Directors. I can't think of someone more deserving of this responsibility. In his more than 20 years managing restaurants in Savannah, he has rejuvenated Savannah's restaurant scene with four restaurants that serve fresh ingredients, unique menus, quality service, and overall exceptional dining experiences. Much of Mr. Durrence's penchant for the restaurant industry stems from his youth when he was raised on a working farm just outside of Savannah. As chairman of the Georgia Restaurant Association Board of Directors, Mr. Durrence will be tasked as the chief spokesperson for the industry and will be an integral part of the statewide events. I know that the Georgia restaurant industry is in good hands with Mr. Durrence. Congratulations, Mr. Durrence. Keep up the good work.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Dr. James C. Metts, Jr., who passed away on Monday, January 20, at the age of 88. Dr. Metts had dedicated his life to public service, working as the Chatham County coroner for more than 40 years. He started in 1973, when the officials associated with Chatham County asked for his help in finding a replacement for the retiring coroner. When nobody signed up to run for the county coroner position, Dr. Metts volunteered himself. His colleagues remember him as someone who would always answer his phone, call you back, and perform his duties as coroner with class. In one of his most famous cases, Dr. Metts was called to court to testify about the body of Mr. Danny Hansford, which eventually became the centerpiece for the book, ``Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'' As a doctor, he continued his public service by working hard to lower the rate of heart attack and stroke deaths by founding the Community Cardiovascular Council. Dr. Metts will be deeply missed throughout our community. His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers in this most difficult time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Ms. Debbie Johnson, who passed away from complications due to an illness on Monday, January 13. At the time of her passing, Ms. Johnson was serving as mayor pro tem of Port Wentworth in the First Congressional District of Georgia. Mayor pro tem Johnson's colleagues remember her as a larger-than-life figure, who served the city with the utmost dedication to the people she represented. For 17 years she worked at Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department before becoming one of the first African American women ever elected to the Port Wentworth City Council. While mayor pro tem, she fought for the voices of the unheard and made fundamental rights and equality a top priority. One of her most important projects included coordinating events to feed the hungry during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mr. Speaker, Mayor pro tem Johnson's work and presence will be deeply missed in Port Wentworth. 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 recognize National Pharmacist Day 2020, which was celebrated on January 12. According to Census data, there are over 200,000 pharmacists across the U.S., with another 25,000 pharmacy aides. Every day, these pharmacists are providing vaccines for a number of illnesses and carefully counseling patients on prescriptions to help heal sickness and reduce pain. Through this work, pharmacists are considered one of the three most trusted professions in America. Today and throughout the rest of the year, I encourage everyone to visit their pharmacist, ask questions about their prescriptions, and get to know the people who provide their medicine and work to keep them healthy. As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I am proud to recognize the work these individuals are doing every day to serve their local communities around the country.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Newberg for being named USO Coast Guardsman of the Year for 2019. Stationed in Savannah, Georgia, I am so proud that the USO recognized Officer Newberg for his brave efforts to rescue the crew of an overturned cargo ship off the coast of the First Congressional District of Georgia. In early September, Officer Newberg responded to a 3 a.m. call about the Golden Ray cargo ship capsizing. In early September, he was subsequently lowered from a helicopter, crossed along the side of the ship, and descended inside to rescue the Golden Ray's captain and a bar pilot. His effort, along with the rest of the Coast Guard, rescued all 24 of the ship's crew. In addition to his work with the Golden Ray, he has helped evacuate individuals with health conditions from cruise ships, worked to recover coastguardsmen's bodies that were missing in action since World War II in Greenland, and completed over 125 aerial flight-hours in support of Coast Guard missions. I thank Officer Newberg for his service to our country. I congratulate him on being named USO Coast Guardsman of the Year for 2019. Recognizing National Pharmacist Day 2020

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Georgia State Representative Jay Powell, who passed away in late November at the age of 67. At the time of his passing, Representative Powell had served in the Georgia General Assembly for 10 years and had dedicated his time in public service to helping the rural areas of our State. His colleagues remember him as a straightforward talker and remember that, if he said he was going to do something, he did it. A testament to his honest character, during his tenure, he rose to be one of the most powerful members of the assembly as the chairman of the Rules Committee. There, he played a large part in deciding which bills came up for a vote. One of his most important priorities included introducing a bill that would require small fees collected by the State, like police fines, to be spent exactly where taxpayers are told they would be spent. Representative Powell is going to be deeply missed in Georgia and throughout rural Georgia. His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Recognizing Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Newberg

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mr. Tom Wright, who passed away on January 3 at the age of 76. Mr. Wright dedicated his life to serving both his country and his local community. He served for 21 years as a commander in the United States Navy, including one tour in Vietnam. After his retirement, he continued his work supporting veterans' groups in the local Savannah area. Mr. Wright also dedicated a great deal of his time and efforts to the civilian maritime community in Savannah, including the Savannah Propeller Club and the Savannah Maritime Association. A family man through and through, he could often be found watching North Carolina Tar Heel basketball with his family. His presence will be deeply missed throughout our area. Mr. Wright'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 Mr. Vic Power, who retired as the owner of Kevin Barry's Irish Pub in Savannah on December 31, 2019. Kevin Barry's Irish Pub was not only a stalwart of locally owned business in downtown Savannah, but also an excellent representation of Irish heritage in our city. Although Irish individuals have been calling Savannah home since its founding, the Irish potato famine in the mid-1800s caused an influx of migration to Savannah. By 1860, one in three White households could claim Irish heritage. Today, Savannah has one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the world. This is why it is fitting that, when Kevin Barry's Irish Pub opened in Savannah in 1980, it was the first Irish pub south of Washington, D.C., to offer live music 7 days a week. With its live Irish music, cozy interior, topnotch customer service, and quality food, it quickly became a mainstay. In 2016, Kevin Barry's even won an award for being the most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland. With Mr. Power's retirement, Kevin Barry's will be sorely missed. We congratulate Mr. Power on his retirement. We thank him for letting all Savannahians and visitors, alike, enjoy Kevin Barry's for the last 40 years.