Buddy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, when we talk about the Tax Code, it is easy to get bogged down in numbers. But tax reform isn't about percentages, it is about people. It is about small-business owners like Sean Register, in Georgia's First Congressional District, who wants to grow his business that has been his passion for much of his life. Mr. Register is the sole owner of Register International, a shipping business in Bryan County, Georgia: a type of business very important to the Coastal Empire's economy. Mr. Register worked hard to guide his business through the 2008 financial crisis, but, in the economic downturn, was forced to lay off employees, leaving himself as the only one remaining. Now, he would like to hire employees but needs a little push to be able to afford the extra help. With our tax reform plan, Mr. Register will have the ability to grow his business and provide much-needed jobs to citizens in the First District. Tax reform has many faces, more than 300 million, and every single one of them inspires our work in Congress as progrowth tax reform. We will get this done for them.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, we are here over a month late to reauthorize CHIP while the families of 9 million children are holding their breath to see whether their kids are going to have health insurance. We are bringing this up now because my colleagues on the other side of the aisle asked us to delay, and, in good faith, we did. Over 232,000 children in Georgia rely on CHIP for their health insurance. My constituents are asking why we delayed it. I am sad to have to tell them that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle decided to delay our efforts to pass the bill out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and they then decided to delay bringing the bill to the floor for a vote. I would hope that they would have a good reason for these delay tactics, but the truth is that they opposed a provision that was requested by President Obama in his fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 budgets that has a minor impact on the highest earners under Medicare. This is politics at its worst, and I stand here today to say that enough is enough. The Energy and Commerce Committee's markup of this bill was stalled three times because our friends decided to oppose a policy that the previous administration supported. When the American people tell us that they are fed up with the partisan politics, this is exactly what they are talking about. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in putting the needs of 9 million children above short-term political interests.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ObamaCare was packed full of provisions that took power and healthcare choices away from the American people. One of the most egregious examples of ObamaCare's overreach is the Independent Payment Advisory Board, IPAB. The architects of ObamaCare designed the IPAB as a panel of 15 unelected and unaccountable people who were tasked with making arbitrary cuts to Medicare after a certain level of spending is reached. Mr. Speaker, the American people elected Congress to make decisions on healthcare policy, and I know my constituents agree that Medicare is too important to be left in the hands of unaccountable people. The IPAB would take an ax to Medicare spending, adversely affecting untold numbers of vulnerable seniors, instead of allowing Congress to implement patient-centered reforms that increase value to seniors and lowers cost. The IPAB approach would lead to rationing healthcare, which would put bureaucrats--bureaucrats, not doctors--in charge of deciding what procedures folks would receive through Medicare. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve thoughtful and deliberative decisions by their elected officials, and that is why I support repealing the IPAB, and I ask my colleagues to join me in doing so.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 71st Rescue Squadron of the United States Air Force, which is stationed at Moody Air Force Base in the first District of Georgia. They responded as part of the 23rd Wing effort by mobilizing their personnel and equipment in order to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The 71st Rescue Squadron successfully evacuated 308 flood victims and 38 family pets. They repositioned 15 rescue crafts and teams to access difficult areas, saving 1,100 lives. In addition, they moved 83 tons of cargo and delivered 23,000 gallons of fuel, which was used to conduct helicopter search and rescues. Because of their dedication to this country, this group received the That Others May Live Squadron of the Year Award for the Air Force. Thank you, 71st Rescue Squadron, for your extensive efforts to help the citizens of this country.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Dr. Sam Coker, who passed away on October 12, 2017, at 87 years of age. Dr. Coker was an active member of his community, serving as a church leader and board of trustee for 31 years at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. First and foremost, he was a Methodist minister, where he served at multiple churches across Georgia. Dr. Coker's dedication is exemplified by his multiple trips to Jerusalem, where he baptized friends and colleagues in the Jordan River. In 2015, he was awarded the Young Harris College Artemas Lester Award for a lifetime of dedication to Christian service. Because of his love for education and others, he created the Gene Allison Coker scholarship in honor of his late wife. This scholarship enabled many students to achieve higher education and attend Young Harris College. Dr. Coker was a generous man, and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of October 2017 as American Pharmacists Month. During this month, I would like to recognize all pharmacists across America to ensure that Americans have access to important and often lifesaving medications. As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I am proud to recognize the work that pharmacists are doing to promote a healthy America. Every day, pharmacists provide vaccines for a number of illnesses and carefully counsel patients on prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to help heal sickness and reduce pain. Pharmacists are also considered one of the top two most trusted professions in America. During October, as well as throughout the year, I encourage everyone to visit your pharmacist, ask questions about your prescriptions, receive advice about preventative care, and get to know the person who provides your medicine and works to keep you healthy. Thank you, fellow pharmacists, for all that you do. Please know that your work is appreciated and you are an important part of keeping our Nation healthy.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rear Admiral Lower Half Randy Crites for his promotion to Rear Admiral Upper Half. Rear Admiral Crites currently serves as commander of Submarine Group 10 at Kings Bay Naval Base in the extreme southern portion of the First Congressional District of Georgia. Since he signed up to serve in 1985, Rear Admiral Crites has proven himself as an outstanding leader. Among his many accomplishments, he completed four patrols while commanding the submarine USS West Virginia that dissuaded enemies from potentially threatening our country. It would be impossible for me to overstate the work that Rear Admiral Crites is doing at Kings Bay Naval Base, and I trust that he will succeed in his new assignment and make an even greater contribution to the safety of our Nation in his position. The First Congressional District of Georgia appreciates Rear Admiral Crites' patriotism and dedication to the United States.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Hermon Butler, Sr., who passed away on August 21, 2017, at 81 years. Mr. Butler was a man who wore many hats in the Pembroke, Georgia, community. He worked at a barber shop for many years before serving as a Bryan County probate judge. During his judgeship, he hosted three or four city-famous roadside feasts a year, where he cooked quail, venison, chicken, barbecued pork, and low country boil on the courthouse grounds. His events became extremely popular and eventually garnered the title of Cafe, more specifically, the Road Kill Cafe, because of the large amount of choices he served. He served not only courthouse staff and law enforcement, but people from across Pembroke and the State of Georgia, including some of the State's highest officials. He retired in 2000, and his roadside feasts were special for anyone who was lucky enough to attend. Mr. Butler certainly will be missed. Recognizing Rear Admiral Upper Half Randy Crites

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. George Hamilton, who passed away on August 4, 2017, at 88 years old. Mr. Hamilton graduated from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy and owned and operated his own private pharmacy. He was the owner of Hamilton's Apothecary in the heart of downtown Savannah, where he was the primary pharmacist for many citizens of Savannah. It wasn't just his products that brought in his customers, but the genuine care that he showed for people. He opened his business mainly because of his genuine love for neighbors and community. If someone could not afford to purchase their desperately needed medicine, he would give it to them for free. He also stocked his store with basic groceries to keep the elderly people who lived near his store from having to make a long walk to the grocery store. Aside from being passionate about his profession, Mr. Hamilton watched, with his children, his beloved Georgia Bulldogs play almost every Saturday. I thank Mr. Hamilton for his dedication to the Savannah community and the profession of pharmacy. He will truly be missed. Remembering the Life of Mr. Hermon Butler

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the upcoming National Day of Taiwan, which falls on October 10th. I extend my best wishes to the people of Taiwan as they prepare for this important day, and also offer my best wishes for the day itself. As a Member of Congress, I am proud of the actions we have taken through the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the Six Assurances in helping to make it possible for the people of Taiwan to build the strong, prosperous, and democratic society they enjoy today. Our bilateral relationship is as strong as ever, and I am confident it will continue to be in the years to come. Trade between the United States and Taiwan exceeded $65 billion in 2016, a sign of close economic cooperation and friendship. Recently, Foxconn, a Taiwan-based company, made an announcement that they were expanding in to the United States through new facilities. I look forward to working towards closer trade ties and a renewed commitment for economic prosperity. I encourage my colleagues to join me in a message of continuing friendship to the people of Taiwan, and in wishing them a Happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Shaw Carter, who passed away on August 9, 2017, at the age of 24. Shaw was a rare individual who touched the hearts of many people in his life. He was a recent graduate of Young Harris College in north Georgia, and was a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia, where he was working on his master's degree in public administration. Born with a heart defect, he underwent three open heart surgeries before his third birthday and had a heart transplant before his 21st birthday. Through the obstacles with his illnesses, he preserved and selflessly volunteered his time to uplift other kids who had other severe medical issues. For example, he volunteered over 200 hours for Mended Hearts at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. When he was awarded the Young Harris Spirit Award, he was described as the ``indefatigable Shaw Carter.'' There is no better way to describe him. He will truly be missed.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 14, 2017 I was absent due to Hurricane Irma relief efforts. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call No. 516 on the motion to recommit with instructions--Nay; Roll Call No. 517 on the passage of H.R. 3697--Aye; Roll Call No. 518 on the Palmer amendment to H.R. 3354--Aye; Roll Call No. 519 on the Gohmert amendment to H.R. 3354--Aye; Roll Call No. 520 on the Norton amendment to H.R. 3354--Nay; Roll Call No. 521 on the Ellison amendment to H.R. 3354--Nay; Roll Call No. 522 on the Ellison amendment to H.R. 3354--Nay; Roll Call No. 523 on the Ellison amendment to H.R. 3354-- Nay; Roll Call No. 524 on the Mitchell amendment to H.R. 3354--Aye; Roll Call No. 525 on the Huizenga amendment to H.R. 3354--Aye; Roll Call No. 526 on the Jackson Lee amendment to H.R. 3354--Nay; Roll Call No. 527 on the motion to recommit--Nay; Roll Call No. 528 on the passage of H.R. 3354--Aye; Roll Call No. 529 on the passage of H.R. 3284--Aye.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Sybil Lynn as she bids farewell to 12 years of service and dedication to the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors. Ms. Lynn was appointed to the board by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue in 2005. Since that time, she has played a vital role in assisting with the island's revitalization, including construction of the Jekyll Island Convention Center, the new Beach Village, and renovation of island hotels. A testament to her dedication to the betterment of coastal Georgia is that she only missed two meetings during her 12 years of membership on the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors. Ms. Lynn has fed citizens of Wayne and surrounding counties, as well as citizens from all over the United States, for 40 years at Sybil's Family Restaurant in Jesup. Ms. Lynn's insight, service, and commitment will be truly missed by the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes due to work in my Congressional District regarding hurricane relief. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 485.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 3354, the fiscal year '18 appropriations bill. My amendment would withhold funding from the Food and Drug Administration to implement a memorandum of understanding that redefines key terms in the healthcare industry: distribute and dispense. Distributing and dispensing in the healthcare field are commonly understood to be unique and distinct activities. Distributing is understood to mean the sale or transfer of a drug without a prescription, like between a wholesaler and a manufacturer. Dispensing is commonly understood to mean a medicine going specifically toward a patient. The FDA's attempt to redefine these key terms would be especially detrimental to compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies are desperately needed to combine or mix medicines to meet the unique needs of particular patients. In the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA is given limited regulatory authority over how much a compounding pharmacy is allowed to ship across State lines, and more specifically, over how much a pharmacy can distribute across State lines. But since the FDA is now attempting to redefine the word ``dispense,'' the agency is attempting to gain more control over these pharmacies and is now limiting the amount of medicine that can go directly toward patients. With the FDA redefining the word ``dispensing,'' the agency is now also limiting how much a State can dispense across State lines, creating an unnecessary patient access problem, especially for patients served by pharmacies near State lines. This amendment is necessary to convey to the FDA that they do not have the authority to go against the intent of Congress and redefine key terms in agency documents that are directly against what Congress laid out in the statute and the commonly understood meaning of the industry itself. The amendment will also enforce the directives in Congress' last two appropriations reports that have been ignored by the FDA. Mr. Chairman, I want to repeat that. The amendment will also enforce the directives in Congress' last two appropriations reports that have been ignored by the FDA, as well as language in the new FY18 Appropriations subcommittee report. As the only pharmacist in Congress, I have seen firsthand how important access to medications are for the people who need them. I have also seen how important compounded medications are for the individuals who rely on uniquely tailored medicines. It would be a tragedy for the FDA to limit these patients' access to medications because they redefined a term for which they would like to have more control. I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment that is crucial for patient access to important medications and stop the FDA from overreaching and going against the intent of Congress. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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. 439.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ellen Murphy and Ms. Katie Orrel, who will retire at the end of the year after more than 40 combined years of volunteer service at the Southern Technology Advocacy Research Foundation, known as STAR, in Brunswick, Georgia. Ms. Murphy and Ms. Orrel created the STAR Foundation in 1997 to help area citizens gain meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities through career training classes. The training classes at STAR include how to balance a checkbook, to use a computer, and how to write a resume. Ms. Orrel teaches personal financial management and interviewing skills, and pushes her students to do their very best every day. At the same time, Ms. Murphy has been the executive director at STAR since its inception over 20 years ago, and has done a great job to grow the organization and reach more students. I would like to thank Ms. Murphy and Ms. Orrel once more for helping south Georgians to advance their careers.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. James P. Burns of Warner Robins, Georgia, who passed away on April 31, 2017, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. Mr. Burns used his 100 years to make his country and his community a better place to live. Mr. Burns served in the Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force from 1940 to 1960, fighting for his country during World War II and the Korean war. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Mr. Burns worked another 16 years for the Department of Defense before retiring at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. Upon his retirement from the DOD, Mr. Burns and his wife, Lucille, dedicated their lives to helping fellow members of the south Georgia community. In his 20 years, Mr. Burns volunteered over 14,500 hours at the Houston Medical Hospital. When he wasn't volunteering for the hospital, Mr. Burns could be found helping seniors do their taxes or transporting food for the local food bank. I am proud to recognize Mr. Burns' life today and his dedication to the community. He will certainly be missed.

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ernie Lee, who was named the 2016 Teacher of the Year for the State of Georgia. Mr. Lee is a dedicated U.S. Government, civics, and history teacher to his students at Windsor Forest High School on Savannah's south side. After being named as Georgia's Teacher of the Year, Mr. Lee was a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. Before becoming a teacher in 2008, Mr. Lee practiced law for over 20 years. You can clearly tell through his demeanor and passion that he discovered his true calling when he began teaching. Mr. Lee is currently working as a fellow at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., studying the State of Georgia's historical relationship with Indian Nations, specifically the Supreme Court case, Cherokee Nation v. Georgia. His research during the fellowship is centered around writing and publishing lesson plans on the topic. I can't thank Mr. Lee enough for his dedication to Georgia's students and his ability to inspire them to learn about history and government. Recognizing the Life of James P. Burns

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Thomas Kunkel, who retired on July 10, 2017, as the commander of the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, near Valdosta, Georgia. Colonel Kunkel has served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, and he has logged nearly 3,000 hours of flight. As commander of the 23rd Wing, he led over 5,000 airmen spread over four bases throughout the country. An example of his extraordinary leadership and bravery occurred when one of his fellow airmen was shot down behind enemy lines during the Kosovo conflict in 1999. Colonel Kunkel bravely led a successful mission to rescue the missing pilot that was shot down by a missile. Colonel Kunkel was also a part of the Air and Joint Staffs in Washington, D.C., that serve as advisers to the President of the United States. He was stationed all over America, in addition to his time abroad in Iceland and Qatar, defending the freedoms we all greatly enjoy. I am proud to rise today to honor Colonel Kunkel for his leadership, his commitment to our country, and his commitment to our airmen. Colonel Kunkel will now begin service in the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison Office here in Washington, D.C. I wish him all the best. Honoring Ernie Lee, State of Georgia Teacher of the Year

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Scott Waldrup who was a victim of violent crime during the Fourth of July festivities in Savannah, Georgia. A Cary, North Carolina, native, Mr. Waldrup came to Savannah in 2011 to join the city's booming food service industry. He tirelessly worked in the industry until he became the general manager at one of Savannah's most popular restaurants, The Grey. Mr. Waldrup certainly never knew a stranger. His family and friends described him as being adventurous and bold, yet caring and selfless. During the violence in Savannah that night, Mr. Waldrup selflessly helped others to safety until he was hit by the gunman's car during a police chase to apprehend the criminal. By all accounts, Mr. Waldrup was a hero. I wish his family, his friends, and his coworkers the best during this very, very difficult time. I will certainly be thinking about all of them. I encourage others to learn from Mr. Waldrup's example and hope his life serves as a reminder of the tragedies involved in violent crime and deter others from acting violently and recklessly.