Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 107th national day of Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for decades, and I would like to wish the people of Taiwan a very Happy National Day. Taiwan has been a strong partner of the United States. Over the last decade, Taiwan has shown that true democracy can be successful even in the face of challenging circumstances. Taiwan embodies strong economic growth and a respect for its people. Our partnership has flourished thanks to a mutual commitment to democratic values and constitutional government. Through its commitment to a peaceful election process, Taiwan serves as a strong example of democracy for not only the Indo-Pacific region, but also the world. We have also made great progress in trade and economic policies. In 2017, Taiwan was ranked as the 11th largest trading partner of the United States, the 11th largest U.S. export market overall and the 7th largest market for U.S. agricultural products. Last year, trade missions culminated in the signing of letters of intent to purchase approximately $2.8 billion in U.S.-produced grains between 2018 and 2019. In September, another trade mission from Taiwan visited the United States to purchase even more agricultural goods. In fact, Taiwan is Georgia's 6th largest export market in Asia, with over $420 million in trade. With such a long history, we look forward to continuing a positive relationship. It is my privilege to congratulate the celebrants of the ``Double Tenth Day.'' I am proud of our cooperation and wish Taiwan the best on this notable day.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 302 the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This is a good piece of legislation that will improve transportation and move our country's aeronautics and space industries forward. I am particularly thrilled that the conferees have included a provision in this bill to create the Office of Spaceports inside the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation. Camden County, in my home state of Georgia, is currently working with the FAA to obtain a launch site operator's license to become the first purely commercial spaceport on the East Coast. I have no doubt this new Office of Spaceports will help the Camden County Board of County Commissioners navigate the complex process of obtaining FAA approval. As this conference report clearly states, making more commercial spaceports available for use by the burgeoning commercial launch industry is an important policy objective. Commercial spaceports, like the future Spaceport Camden in Georgia, play an important role in encouraging space innovation and STEM careers. Commercial spaceports attract significant capital investment in rural areas and provide good, high paying jobs to these communities. And most importantly, commercial spaceports are the cornerstone of National Space Council's mission to ensure American leadership in space. Mr. Speaker, encourage my colleagues to support this conference report and I encourage the Federal Aviation Administration to act swiftly to increase America's launch capacity and approve new launch sites like Spaceport Camden.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate September 25 as World Pharmacists Day 2018. I am glad we have a day to recognize the pharmacy profession, which plays a crucial role in keeping American people healthy. Across our country, there are around 67,000 pharmacies that fill an average of 12.2 million prescriptions every day. Further, pharmacists are consistently ranked among the most trusted healthcare providers, an important statistic because of the responsibility the profession carries. With the current opioid epidemic, pharmacists are possibly more important than ever before because of their position on the frontlines of patients' access to prescription drugs. As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I am glad to see the growing number of young people entering the pharmacy profession, working to make people healthier every day. Thank you to all our pharmacists across the country.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4431, the Correcting Miscalculations in Veterans' Pensions Act and urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation. I introduced this legislation after one of our veteran constituents in the First Congressional District of Georgia brought his own story to my office. In this case, he was a veteran who, after his service in the military, continued to serve our country by working in the Federal Government. Veterans who work for the Federal Government can have their Active Duty time in the military count toward their civil servant retirement pension if they pay a military service deposit. In the case of our constituent, the employing agency made a mistake in calculating his military service deposit, but the Federal Government did not notice the mistake for more than 10 years. Years later, the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, told the constituent that he must pay the miscalculated amount plus the mistakenly accrued interest on the military service deposit that the employing government agency had miscalculated. When he tried to fight the situation, the employing agency said that they had no ability to either waive the payment or pay it on behalf of the veteran employee. We have found multiple occurrences just like this one for veterans working in our Federal Government. More often than not when these situations happen, the costs balloon to tens of thousands of dollars, leaving our veterans on the hook to pay. This legislation seeks to improve this situation by clarifying that the Federal agencies, in the case of a miscalculation, are able to pay the interest that accrues on the military service deposit on behalf of the veteran, which, over time, ends up being the bulk of cost. Our veterans risked their lives to protect our country, and they deserve the best when they return home. It is unfortunate to me that our Federal Government cannot follow through with this commitment for even its own veteran employees. It is even more worrisome that these Federal agencies are putting off their responsibility, instead making their own employees--veteran employees-- take the huge financial hit. With this legislation, we can support our veterans working in the Federal Government.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I want to mark this as an important day for this Congress taking real steps to lower the cost of drugs for Americans. I am proud to have been the lead sponsor for H.R. 6733, the Know the Cost Act of 2018, a bill that includes the core elements of this bill and expands patient protections. Currently, pharmacists are prevented from telling their patients about a lower cost out-of-pocket option rather than utilizing insurance coverage. These gag clause provisions are included in provider manuals and contracts that require broad confidentiality agreements for pharmacists. Often, these contracts offered by the pharmacy benefit manager, the PBM, are a take-it-or-leave-it situation where the pharmacist doesn't have any other options. If they opt not to take the contract, they are often left out of servicing large segments of the patient market. Gag clauses can come in many forms, such as confidentiality agreements between pharmacists and plan sponsors, nondisparagement clauses, and even prohibitions on contacting sponsors, the media, and elected officials. As a result, pharmacists cannot have a transparent relationship with their patients or provide them necessary information that could help guide their best treatment options. Senator Stabenow's bill, the Know the Lowest Price Act of 2018, bans these types of gag clauses in Medicare Advantage drug plans. Although this bill does not contain requirements for beneficiary notification that my bill, the Know the Cost Act of 2018, included, it is still an important step forward. Banning gag clauses has received national support from State legislatures, both Chambers of Congress, HHS, and the President. As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I know all too well about the constraints placed on pharmacists as part of the take- it-or-leave-it contracts, where the pharmacist has no other option if they want to continue providing care for their patients in their community. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their help in bringing this legislation forward. I particularly thank Chairman Burgess. Also, a shout-out to our staff, who has done an outstanding job of bringing this all together. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and I want to assure them that this is only the beginning of what we intend to do and what I intend to do to help to lower prescription drug prices here in America. Madam Speaker, I want to thank also my colleagues on this side of the aisle for all of their help. I ask for support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), the honorable chairman of the full Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as the only pharmacist in Congress and a practicing pharmacist for over 30 years, this issue of an industry forcing the American people at the pharmacy counter hits incredibly close to home for me. Pharmacy benefit managers, also known as PBMs, have put forth restrictions that debase the drug supply chain in the United States. PBMs have existed for decades, but they have grown through mergers and acquisitions to be the middlemen for much drug coverage on formularies. The hope was that PBMs would reduce administrative burdens and be able to negotiate drug prices, yet here we are today voting on two bills to stop them from intentionally defrauding patients. It is unfortunate that we have even reached the point where there needs to be a law passed that prohibits this type of behavior. I appreciate that we are here today voting to sign these two Senate bills banning gag clauses into law; however, I think these bills could go further. My bill, the Prescription Transparency Act, which was introduced earlier this year, deemed any contract containing gag clauses null and void. Furthermore, it applied to every single insured patient. And it not only ensured that patients were notified of the lowest price, but also of any less expensive generic equivalents that might be available to the patient. My other piece of legislation, the Know the Cost Act, not only bans gag clauses in prescription drug plans for Medicare Advantage, Medicare part D, and individual and group insurance plans, but also informs beneficiaries about the consequences of paying out of pocket. My bill received letters of support from the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Global Healthy Living Foundation, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Rite Aid, a clearly diverse group of stakeholders all hoping to lower the price of prescription drugs. States around the country have taken action to address gag clauses, with over 20 States having banned them and countless more considering it. While we have worked through these bills, we have seen the wide- ranging impact it has had. We have even heard in a committee hearing from colleagues like Congresswoman Dingell, who was initially told that her prescription would be $1,300 but then talked to her pharmacist and got an equivalent for $40. I want to repeat that. We have even heard in a committee hearing from colleagues like Congresswoman Dingell, who was initially told that her prescription would be $1,300 but then talked to her pharmacist and got an equivalent for $40. The discrepancy in costs should really be a wake-up call for how formularies are being impacted. Let's get this legislation passed so we can take on the other issues in this space. While I am pleased that we are taking these important steps toward reining in PBMs and drug costs, I think there is still far more work ahead. Again, Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for including these bills on the legislative calendar for today. I sincerely hope that you take the resounding national support for banning gag clauses in consideration in the future and allow patients to regain control of their medical decisions back from multibillion-dollar middlemen. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2554) to ensure that health insurance issuers and group health plans do not prohibit pharmacy providers from providing certain information to enrollees.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 100th anniversary of the 1918 influenza pandemic, one of the most deadly pandemics in human history called the Spanish flu. The illness claimed 675,000 lives. No part of the United States was immune to the Spanish flu, and it claimed victims of all ages, urban and rural citizens alike. Sadly, we still do not know exactly what caused the 1918 epidemic, but, even today, deadly strains of the flu are still possible. It is important that we remember the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic to remind ourselves how important it is to strongly invest in research and development for lifesaving medications that may prevent a future outbreak, like the one in 1918. As we enter into the new flu season, I encourage everyone to see your doctor, see your pharmacist, and get your flu vaccine.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate September being National Recovery Month. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, I encourage everyone to take time this month to reach out to those they know who are suffering or have suffered from mental and substance abuse disorders. Currently, 115 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Clearly, that is way too many and, sadly, only one example of numerous types of mental and substance abuse disorders in the United States. If you or anyone you know is struggling, there are resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, SAMHSA's National Helpline, and more. SAMHSA's website, www.samhsa.gov, has these phone numbers, treatment center locations, grant applications for local governments, and general health information. With hard work, smart policy decisions, and a dedicated American public, we can turn these numbers around.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation introduced by my colleague, Congresswoman Karen Handel from Georgia, H.R. 6691, the Community Safety and Security Act. This is an important piece of legislation for multiple reasons. First, passage of this legislation fulfills Congress' duty to fix a loophole in our Federal legal code that the Supreme Court has decided must be changed. Specifically, the U.S. Supreme Court has said that our definition of ``crime of violence'' is unconstitutionally vague, applicable throughout U.S. Code. This means courts must decide on a case-by-case basis which crimes are of violence and which are not. Unfortunately, this vagueness leads to inconsistencies. Individuals who commit crimes of sexual assault, kidnapping, assault on a police officer, and much more may be set free by the courts because of this vague phrase in our code. With this legislation, we can ensure those committing these acts stay behind bars. And further, fixing this problem is exactly what Congress was designed to do, allowing those elected directly by the people to create and update the laws we live by, creating consistent and clear laws to uphold the rule of law. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important legislation. I thank my colleague from Georgia for sponsoring this legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my good friend, Mr. Johnson's bill, the Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act. As many Members are aware, we are currently in the midst of a natural gas boom, with liquefied natural gas more of a resource than ever before. We have seen how this increase in production has benefited not only the United States, but some of our closest allies and trading partners. Now we have an opportunity to continue to build and foster those relationships while stimulating American industries. For over 60 years, the United States has been a net importer of natural gas, relying on other countries to supply our LNG needs. I have seen it firsthand, as I have a facility in my district that was once an import facility for natural gas. That has changed as they are undergoing a massive overhaul to allow for the export of natural gas. This bill will help to address backlogs and delays in the application process by allowing small shipments of LNG to be exported, so long as they don't go over the threshold set forth in this legislation. That would have major implications for our regional trading partners, especially those in the Caribbean and Latin America, which don't have access to consistent and reliable forms of energy production. I applaud my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for their bipartisan work on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bob Warnock on both his 40-year anniversary practicing as a licensed pharmacist and his retirement from the field. Mr. Warnock is a talented pharmacist who made an impact not only on countless patients, but also numerous aspiring pharmacists. He once said to future pharmacists not to ``accept a diminished role. Make sure every day when you go home you can say the life of at least one patient is better because of your efforts.'' I have firsthand experience with Mr. Warnock's drive to improve the lives of those around him, as he inspired me to do the same. He was one of the first people to help me when I was trying to start my small pharmacy business, and he remains a lifelong friend to this day. Now Mr. Warnock oversees PruittHealth's entire pharmacy business, employing thousands of workers and operating in multiple States, a testament to hard work and a compassion for others. I am proud to know Bob Warnock, and I know his expertise and kindheartedness will be missed in the world of pharmacy.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Edgar M. Edwards, Sr., who passed away on August 1 at the age of 92. Known as Mr. Ed to those around him, he will be remembered for his unending passion to give all Georgia students the best possible education. Mr. Ed began teaching at the Bradwell Institute in Hinesville in 1950, beginning a career that took him through many different perspectives in educating students. He quickly rose from teacher to principal at Bradwell Institute and was rapidly elected superintendent of the Liberty County School system, where he earned the Georgia Superintendent of the Year Award. Even when he retired from direct involvement with students, Mr. Ed began work for an architecture company to build numerous schools throughout the State of Georgia until he was 90 years old. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Ed had perfect attendance for 38 straight years at Bradwell football games. I truly believe that Mr. Ed's passion and energy to impact the lives of all students who step foot into the Liberty County School system is a model we can all learn from. Recognizing Bob Warnock

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Pastor William T. Ligon, who is retiring from the ministry after 60 years. Pastor Ligon's dedication to the Word of God is unparalleled, taking him not only throughout the First Congressional District of Georgia, but across the globe. In the early part of his career, Pastor Ligon served as a Southern Baptist missionary in Barcelona and Valencia, Spain, where he was a professor in the Spanish Baptist Theological Seminary. When he returned to Georgia, he founded the Christian Renewal Church in Brunswick. A testament to his abilities, Pastor Ligon's new church grew rapidly and now includes seven congregations in three different States. He has been the pastor of the Brunswick location for the past 44 years. However, much of this would not be possible without Pastor Ligon's wife, Mrs. Dorothy Jean Ligon, whom he has been married to for 60 years. Thank you, Pastor Ligon, for the wonderful work you have been doing in Georgia and across the world. Recognizing Edgar M. Edwards, Sr.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Georgia's College of Pharmacy's dean, Svein Oie, who stepped down as dean on July 31 after 18 years. Dean Oie's tenure led to great strides in the reach and capabilities of UGA's College of Pharmacy. Also my alma mater, Dean Oie increased the college's class size, added satellite campuses across the State, began training residents, and created the Center for Drug Discovery to develop new drugs to combat diseases that are, so far, incurable. Although Dean Oie is stepping down as dean of the college, I am glad that he is going to continue with his teaching profession. With a shortage of healthcare professionals in the United States, his ability to train these individuals is more important than ever. Thank you, Dean Oie, for your service to the University of Georgia, the field of pharmacy, and healthcare overall in the State of Georgia. Recognizing Pastor Bill Ligon

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the lives of two outstanding Georgians, Joseph and Josephine Mengoni, who passed away last month only a day apart and after 63 years of marriage. Mr. Mengoni dedicated his life to practicing pharmacy, advancing the profession in Georgia for both pharmacists and their patients. He practiced retail pharmacy for nearly a decade before serving as vice president of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, becoming a certified diabetes instructor, and being the chairman of the board for DataRX Management. His work is exemplified by his creation of a program that helped pharmacists help their patients to quit smoking. Mrs. Mengoni devoted her life to her husband and raising their three children. She was deeply involved with the 4-H Club and even started the 4-H Club location in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lived for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Mengoni, their children, and other family members will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Georgia State Senator Ed Zipperer. Senator Zipperer was a dedicated public servant who served coastal Georgia in numerous ways. He was the president of the Chatham County Farm Bureau for 40 years. He also served 8 years in the State Senate representing coastal Georgia. One of his many contributions includes the new State parks he brought to the area. This July in Chatham County, lawmakers named the 204 interchange bridge as the Edward H. Zipperer Bridge, a fitting addition to his legacy because of his work on the assembly's transportation committee. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to see this great Georgia public servant, Senator Zipperer, get the recognition he deserves. Senator Zipperer, you are a dear friend, a great Georgian, and I am grateful for your service.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Houston Astro's right fielder and a constituent of the First Congressional District of Georgia, Mr. Josh Reddick, for his contribution to his hometown: the Josh Reddick Stadium. Mr. Reddick is a highly successful Major League Baseball player with a World Series title and two Defensive Player of the Year Awards. But I am proud of Mr. Reddick for continuing to make his community a top priority and helping to improve the quality of life for children with special needs. Last year, he donated $1 million to build the state-of-the-art Josh Reddick Baseball Stadium in Effingham County, which is accessible for all children, including those with special needs. On Saturday, July 21, the stadium officially opened, ready for play. Thank you, Mr. Reddick, for your gift to Effingham County and for your desire to help all children enjoy the game of baseball. Good luck during the rest of this season in the majors.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in discussing how Americans are better off now. Two years ago, I told the First District of Georgia about our Better Way Agenda, our bold agenda to tackle some of our Nation's greatest challenges and improve the lives of everyday Americans. Now, 2 years later, I am thrilled Americans are experiencing the results. We have instituted sound, progrowth policies, and the economy is booming. Now people are no longer asking: Where are the jobs? Instead, thanks to tax reform, rolling back burdensome regulations, and more, we have more job openings than job seekers. Just last week, I visited a local business called Game Changers, with locations in Richmond Hill and Savannah. While there, I learned their revenue is up at both of their locations. They are hiring new employees at both locations, and they have increased wages and given bonuses to their employees. It is incredible to hear these stories of how local small businesses and hardworking Georgians are thriving again. That is not all. As the proud Representative of every branch of the military, I have been fighting for our troops, veterans, and military families because they deserve better. Republicans have taken historic actions to rebuild our military and fix the VA. After years of neglect, we have provided new investments in training, equipment, and personnel to reverse the damage of the last decade. Members of our military put their lives on the line for our country, and we are working to provide the support to ensure they are the most well-prepared and well-equipped force on the planet. Finally, we have made major strides to make our communities safer, including fighting the opioid epidemic. The House has passed more than 50 bills combating this crisis that is killing 115 Americans every day. The list goes on and on. House Republicans are fighting every day for Americans in Washington to deliver results, not rhetoric. I hear it from small businesses, big businesses, and citizens in the First District all the time. Americans are truly better off now.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz, who passed away in the line of duty at the age of 32. Sergeant Celiz was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield in the First Congressional District of Georgia. On July 12, he was struck by enemy small arms fire during a combat operation in Afghanistan. Sergeant Celiz was immediately taken for medical treatment, but passed away from his injuries. His regiment commander described him as always leading from the front and being a national treasure who led his Rangers with passion, confidence, and an infectiously positive attitude. A husband and father, I will keep Sergeant Celiz's family in my thoughts and prayers. Because of Sergeant Celiz's service and bravery, he has been awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my colleague's bill, the ACCESS BROADBAND Act. Mr. Tonko's legislation would move to establish an office of Internet Connectivity and Growth at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to coordinate and track Federal funding for broadband across every agency. This is important because the Federal Government's grant system can oftentimes be confusing and disjointed, making it difficult for communities and organizations to find grants they may be eligible for. As a result, they may be losing out on opportunities, especially when it comes to broadband needs. Our rural communities continue to struggle, and one area that has been proven to be a boon is access to high-speed internet. By encompassing all of these grants into one area, we can help assist communities and organizations across the country in their search for Federal grant funding. Access to broadband is a recipe for growth, allowing people to take and create new opportunities that may not have been there before. That is why I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Mr. Ronnie Wayne Thompson, who passed away Sunday, July 8, at the age of 71. A lifetime resident of Savannah in Georgia's First Congressional District, Mr. Thompson is leaving a lasting legacy on the city. Mainly, he will be remembered for owning and operating the famous Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House restaurant, which serves some of the best home-style southern cooking in Savannah. Founded by his grandmother-in-law, Mrs. Wilkes, Mr. Thompson did a seamless job of maintaining the quality of food and the southern atmosphere at the restaurant with which he worked for 40 years. He was spotted often in downtown Savannah, enjoying coffee with friends, attending the St. Patrick's Day parade, and just generally making other people's days a little bit brighter. He met his wife, Marcia, at the age of 12 on Tybee Island and spent a great deal of time there in his later years with his grandchildren. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, longtime Savannahian, small-business owner, husband, father, grandfather, and overall genuine person, Ronnie Thompson truly will be missed.