Member of Congress

Buddy Carter

Role
Current Representative
State
GA
Party
Republican

Speeches

SUPPORTING THE D. RAY JAMES CORRECTIONAL FACILITY2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, only in Washington could it make sense to heap praise and award a bonus to a contractor just two weeks before you try to cancel their contract. That's exactly what the Department of Justice (DOD and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are trying to do in my district to the D. Ray James Correctional Facility in Folkston, Georgia. Despite the fact that D. Ray James has been rated ``superior'' by BOP in each of the last three years, and operates $3,000 more efficiently per inmate than its federal peers, bureaucrats at the DOJ and BOP are threatening to shut it down. This stems from an unsubstantiated DOJ report that admits they didn't study several critical factors during their review, and a politically motivated attempt to shut down prisons holding illegal aliens, with no plan on how to deal with them. In the balance are nearly 500 jobs in my district and thousands more across the county. To make matters worse, the BOP extended D. Ray James' contract just a day before trying to go back on its word. Better yet, the author of the report--Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates--and officials from the Bureau of Prisons are refusing to take my call to explain their actions or answer my questions. The simple truth is the facts do not support their conclusion and they are afraid to admit it. The American people are sick and tired of a bureaucracy run amok and there is perhaps no better example than this, from the same Administration that accidentally gave more than 1800 illegal aliens bound for deportation full American citizenship last year. I call on the BOP and DOJ to honor their commitment to the outstanding employees at D. Ray James and at private correctional facilities across the county. It's time for them to stop stonewalling the efforts of Congress to hold them accountable for their actions.

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IN RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL DUNNE2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Michael Philip Dunne of Brunswick, who passed away on September 21st, 2016. He will be remembered by many in Georgia's First Congressional District for his 25 years of work with Gulfstream Aerospace where he served as Safety Manager. Colonel Dunne also served in the United States Army for 11 years and spent the following 9 years in the Army Reserves. After 20 years of honorably serving his country, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. In his spare time, he loved to spend time with his family and stayed active in his community by fishing with his neighbors. Colonel Dunne's life will always be admired for his leadership, compassion, generosity, and devotion to service. It is an honor to recognize Colonel Dunne's life today. His presence and work in his community will certainly be missed.

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REMEMBERING DOYLE KELLEY2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Doyle Kelley from Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on September 30th. Mr. Kelley, known throughout the Savannah community as Coach Kelley, dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring students. After graduating from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 1969, Coach Kelley started coaching Jenkins High School's basketball team, sparking his commitment to students. Coach Kelley's passion shows not only in his incredible success on the court, but also the notorious testimonials from students about how he changed their lives for the better. After he moved to coach basketball at Savannah Christian Preparatory School, he had 427 victories in basketball alongside 18 state championships, but the number of students he positively impacted is far greater. After his successful years in the sport, Coach Kelley served as the high school principal for 14 years at Savannah Christian until his retirement. His caring and compassionate nature was seen by everyone in the community--from friends, colleagues, students, and certainly family members. Coach Kelley's presence in the community will be deeply missed and felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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INTERNATIONAL CENTRAL SERVICE WEEK2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October 9th-15th, 2016 as International Central Service Week. During this week, we recognize and show appreciation to the Central Service Professionals across the world, who work each day to guarantee that all surgical instruments are clean and sterile. I think everyone has either experience themselves or has a loved one who has experienced a surgical procedure where a Central Service Professional was directly responsible for decontaminating, cleaning, processing, assembling, and sterilizing the instruments used throughout that procedure. To all of those dedicated Central Service Professionals, thank you for what you do. Please know your work is appreciated and you are an important part of keeping our nation healthy.

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RECOGNIZING STATE REPRESENTATIVE RON STEPHENS2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Representative Ron Stephens from Savannah, Georgia, for being awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Representative Ron Stephens represents the 164th District in the Georgia General Assembly. During his time as Representative, he has done a remarkable job representing his constituents. Currently, he is Chairman of the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Rules, and Ways and Means Committees allowing him to advocate important issues for his constituency. In addition, Governor Nathan Deal appointed Representative Stephens to the Georgia Tourism Foundation. Before his time in the Georgia General Assembly, Representative Stephens was already working for the betterment of his community. He began in pharmacy and served the medical needs of others for thirty- seven years. Thereafter, he served as a councilman in Garden City. Representative Ron Stephens has accomplished a great deal for his community. I am proud of my friend for his work and overjoyed that he is receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Armstrong Atlantic.

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RECOGNIZING DIRECTOR GALE McCOY2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Gale McCoy and all of her accomplishments as Director of the Atlanta Passport Agency. Over the last 5 years, the Atlanta Passport Agency has assisted a copious amount of Americans with passport issuance for immediate travel since the agency opened in 2011. This year alone the Atlanta Passport Agency has helped more than 38,000 citizens. Director McCoy has worked with the Atlanta Passport Agency since its inception, providing a service which is important to residents across Georgia because, otherwise, Georgians would need to travel to New Orleans, Miami, or Washington, DC, to gain an urgent, new passport. In addition to her time working with the Atlanta Passport Agency, Director McCoy has worked for the U.S. Department of State in various other capacities for more than 30 years. Later this year, Mrs. McCoy will retire as the Director of the Atlanta Passport Agency. I rise today to recognize her effort and accomplishments in assisting U.S. Citizens and thank her for the service she has provided to many people in the First Congressional District of Georgia. I wish her the best with her future endeavors.

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RECOGNIZING 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF GEORGIA SCHOOLS FOR ACHIEVING THE NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Calvary Day School and Jacob G. Smith Elementary School in Savannah as well as Midway Elementary School in Blackshear for being awarded the National Blue Ribbon in 2016 by the U.S. Secretary of Education, John B. King, Jr. These outstanding schools won the blue ribbon for their overall academic excellence, progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, and demonstrating that all students can strive to achieve peak levels in education. The award is an extraordinary achievement for these schools. The selection process for National Blue Ribbon Award is highly competitive and schools from all over the country compete for this prestigious honor. I am proud to rise today to congratulate the principals, staff, students, and families of the schools for their hard work in achieving this national recognition. I wish them the best of luck this school year and encourage them to continue their impressive work in the First Congressional District of Georgia.

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KEVIN BARRY'S PUB2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Kevin Barry's Pub in Savannah, Georgia. On September 27th, the pub won the 2016 Irish Pubs Global Authenticity Award for giving its customers the most authentic Irish Pub experience, outside of Ireland. For the past 35 years, this pub has brought some Irish culture to River Street in Savannah. Every night, at 8 pm, Kevin Barry's Pub features live, traditional Irish music. The owner of the pub, Vic Power, uses the music as a way to pass down Irish history to younger generations. Locals and tourists alike who want to hear classic Irish storytelling visit Kevin Barry's Pub to hear it for themselves. While maintaining a true Irish atmosphere, this pub has certainly brought happiness, laughter, and singing to all ages for the last 35 years. As the city that hosts the second largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the U.S., Ireland's culture and community aspect is important to Savannah and this pub is an important part of Savannah's Irish heritage. I am proud that Kevin Barry's Pub has added to the First Congressional District of Georgia's heritage and wish the pub, its owners, and its customers, the best of luck in the future.

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IN RECOGNITION OF PHYLLIS HARDEMAN2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Mrs. Phyllis Hardeman from Savannah who passed away on September 15, 2016. Mrs. Hardeman was a remarkable woman of many talents and interests--always using her skills to better her community and make people happy. During World War II, she served as an aircraft spotter. She took pride in knowing that no enemy planes were able to successfully attack her hometown. Additionally, Mrs. Hardeman became a Weather Watcher for WTOC in which she kept a detailed record of Savannah's weather for the local news station. Her love of nature extended to bird watching, observing plants, and keeping up with the changes of the seasons. Some say, she even knew the scientific name for every plant in her home. Mrs. Hardeman also loved her local sports teams, holding season passes each year to see the Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Southern Eagles play. Mrs. Hardeman founded the Savannah Area Republican Women's club and served as its president. Now, the club is flourishing with monthly meetings and increasing membership. She also served on numerous councils and committees throughout Savannah including the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Chatham Urban Transportation System, the John Birch Society, the Chatham County Republican Committee, the Coastal Heritage Society, Bonaventure Historical Society, Thunderbolt Garden Club, Savannah Bulldog Club, Chatham Club, and the Mighty Eighth Historical Society. Her presence lit up the Savannah community and she will surely be missed.

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IN RECOGNITION OF SHERIFF ROBERT SIKES2016-11-16

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sheriff Robert Sikes who passed away on September 26 at the age of 88. Mr. Sikes has always been an important part of the coastal Georgia community, dedicated to making it a great place to live as well as improving the lives of his fellow residents. Even as a high school student at Bradwell Institute, he worked toward improving his community as class president, Beta club president, and a district winner in track. Mr. Sikes took his community service to the national level by enlisting in the United States Navy and serving during World War II. After his service in the Navy, Mr. Sikes moved back to coastal Georgia where his father was serving as the county sheriff. In 1959, when his father's term was ending, Mr. Sikes ran for sheriff and won the seat originally held by his father. He worked as sheriff of Liberty County for 29 years before retiring. Now, Mr. Sikes's son holds the position--truly speaking to the amount of respect that the community has for Mr. Robert Sikes and his family. In addition, Mr. Sikes served as president of the Bradwell Football Boosters Club, member of the Alee Temple Shrine Club, the Georgia Sheriffs Association, Hinesville Rotary Club, and the First United Methodist Church. On May 3, 2014, a section of I-95 was marked and dedicated to Mr. Sikes in gratitude of his devotion for his community. It is an honor today to recognize the life of this great man.

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ANTI-SPOOFING ACT OF 20162016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2669, the Anti-Spoofing Act of 2016, because it addresses the issue of call spoofing and the impact that these deceitful callers are having on Americans. Every day, millions of Americans are hit with calls using a fraudulent caller ID profile and with impersonators on the other end of the line. These con artists disguise their real numbers in an effort to convince unsuspecting victims that they are a representative from a government agency, financial company, healthcare system, or other organizations that may request information or contact someone. For example, a common call is someone saying they are calling from the IRS and are seeking personally identifiable information or money as a result of it. This has got to stop. Representatives Meng, Barton, and Lance have introduced this legislation to improve the Truth in Caller ID Act and to prevent those criminals from further victimizing hardworking Americans. We have a real opportunity to combat this growing tactic and protect those in our communities who are the most vulnerable. I applaud the Energy and Commerce Committee for their continued efforts to protect Americans from criminal behavior and in updating such important policy measures. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2669 because we have an opportunity to fix a growing problem in our country.

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IMPROVING RURAL CALL QUALITY AND RELIABILITY ACT OF 20162016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2566, the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2016, because it addresses an issue I hear about frequently: call quality in rural areas. As the Representative for the First District of Georgia, I know the challenges that people living in rural areas face when it comes to the quality of their phone calls. With telecommunications infrastructure being focused in larger and more urban areas, people living in rural parts of the country are often forced to deal with spotty and inconsistent service. This bill makes great strides in shoring up the communications infrastructure in rural areas and encourages great stability with phone services to people living in those areas. This bill will help those who are underserved and will have a positive ripple effect on everything from public services and public safety. Call completion in rural areas has been an issue for years, and with this legislation, the FCC is giving a clear message that we can and will do more for a large population of the United States. I applaud Chairman Upton, Chairman Walden, and the rest of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their continued dedication in shoring up America's telecommunications needs in a positive and growth-oriented manner. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2566, and I commend my good friend, Congressman Young, for his work on this legislation.

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OUTDOOR RECREATION JOBS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ACT OF 20162016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4665, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016. The REC Act would allow for the first ever economic analysis of the outdoor recreation industry. Over 140 million Americans participate in outdoor activities each year, such as biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and boating, to name just a few. Studies have shown that outdoor recreation is a driving force in our economy and that the industry is continuing to grow. I have seen this firsthand in my district, which is home to 100 miles of coastline and beaches, a large tourism sector, and endless opportunities to go outside and enjoy our beautiful landscape. Yet, despite the estimated billions in annual consumer spending on outdoor recreation and millions of jobs created, there is a lack of data on the full economic impact of the industry. For instance, there is a large manufacturing component that goes hand in hand with the outdoor recreation industry. Much of the gear and apparel used in outdoor activities is made and sold right here in the United States to the tune of millions of dollars. The REC Act would ensure that this data and the entire outdoor recreation industry is fully studied so that we can make informed policy and business decisions. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4665.

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CONCRETE MASONRY PRODUCTS RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND PROMOTION ACT OF 20152016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 985, the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015, because this bill makes great strides in promoting and supporting the concrete industry to allow for fair market competition. By passing this legislation, we will reduce research and education costs while ensuring our infrastructure projects benefit from cost- effective market approaches and additional job growth. Our country's most productive times were reflected in a robust infrastructure development effort that revolutionized the way we build things. This bill ensures a forward-leaning approach to concrete masonry while doing so without any Federal funding. It creates an environment that encourages members of the industry to work together through a generic education program, training and safety programs, and promotion of the market. This is all done by establishing an assessment rate on each concrete masonry unit sold. I commend my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for their efforts to better the safety and research done in such a vital industry. With this bill, we can move our Nation forward while strengthening our workforce and promoting job growth. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 985, and I commend Congressman Guthrie on his hard work and diligence.

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PROTECTING PATIENT ACCESS TO EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS ACT OF 20162016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4365, the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016, which amends the Controlled Substances Act and safeguards the dispensing of controlled substances by emergency medical services professionals. In today's healthcare system, EMS providers often provide the first-- and sometimes only--medical treatment that a patient receives in the event of an emergency. Due to their unique nature, there is routinely a clinical need for EMS providers to administer controlled substance medications in the practice of EMS medicine, ranging from pain narcotics to epinephrine. This response is critical to providing timely and lifesaving care, and, oftentimes, patients cannot survive delays in the delivery of this care. As the Representative of a rural district, many of my constituents continue to face the consequences of the Drug Enforcement Agency regulations that do not take into account the significant differences between EMS practice and that of other healthcare entities that are covered by the same regulations. H.R. 4365 would ensure that EMS personnel can administer these emergency medications in a timely manner and provide the needed care to patients. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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TITLE VIII NURSING WORKFORCE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 20162016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2713, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2016, which reauthorizes the title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs that are overseen by the Health Resources and Service Administration. As integral members of the healthcare team, nurses serve in a wide variety of delivery settings and collaborate with other professionals to improve the quality of America's healthcare system. Registered nurses comprise the largest group of health professionals, with over 3 million licensed providers, and offer essential care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community centers, schools, workplaces, and patients' homes. For many students, title VIII support means the difference between their ability to enter into the nursing profession and not. In 2014, title VIII funding brought nearly $5 million to the State of Georgia to bolster nursing education at all levels--from entry level preparation through graduate study--and also to provide support for institutions and nurse faculty. This legislation demonstrates a commitment to the future generations of practicing nurses, nurse faculty, and researchers across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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IMPROVING ACCESS TO MATERNITY CARE ACT2016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1209, the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act, which amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Health Resources and Services Administration to designate maternity care health professional shortage areas and review these designations at least annually. The National Health Service Corps places providers in health professional shortage areas; however, there is no shortage area designation for maternity care. Across our country, there are major pockets of the U.S. where women have little or no access to needed OB/ GYN care. Even in my own district, there are rural communities where women live more than 30 minutes away from a hospital or a clinic offering prenatal services. With almost 1 million babies being born to mothers who did not receive adequate prenatal care, we must allow for new opportunities to target OB/GYNs to healthcare shortage areas. The National Health Service Corps offers tax-free loan repayment assistance to support qualified healthcare providers who choose to take their skills where they are most needed. Why would we not try to give every woman the ability to receive timely prenatal and labor/delivery services? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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NATIONAL CLINICAL CARE COMMISSION ACT2016-11-14

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. 1192, the National Clinical Care Commission Act, which establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission. The commission will look into the dissemination of information and resources to clinicians on best practices for delivering high quality care and how best to effectively deploy new and emerging treatment and technologies. As a pharmacist, I played an important role in diabetes care by screening patients who had a high risk for diabetes and educated patients to empower them to take better care of themselves. I believe all of my colleagues would agree that making government work to help evaluate and recommend solutions regarding diabetes is important. The American Diabetes Association reports that there are almost 30 million people living with this disease. With better coordination and leveraging of Federal programs that relate to clinical care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and the chronic diseases and conditions caused by diabetes, we will begin to stem the tide of this awful disease. Mr. Speaker, this legislation should be a priority for our country, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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IN RECOGNITION OF AL KENNICKELL2016-11-14

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Al Kennickell of Savannah, Georgia, for being named The Citadel Alumnus of the Year. Mr. Kennickell graduated from South Carolina's prestigious military college in 1977 after attending on a football scholarship. After graduation, he returned to Savannah to work in his family's printing business, Kennickell Printing Company. The business was originally founded by his grandfather in 1892. His hard work with the company led him to purchase it, and he further developed it into The Kennickell Group, which is now an award-winning printing company that does business internationally. In addition to growing his business, Mr. Kennickell dedicates much of his time towards the Savannah community. One of his many impressive community achievements includes the role of bringing the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, a professional golf tournament, to Savannah and coordinating its volunteer program. Currently, Mr. Kennickell is serving as president of the Brigadier Foundation of The Citadel, where his positive efforts are being felt throughout the foundation and the rest of the college. Congratulations, Mr. Kennickell. We are proud of you in Savannah, Georgia.

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REGULATORY RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND NONPROFITS ACT2016-09-28

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. 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act. We are at a crossroads in our country as we are still struggling to build up our economy after the last recession. Since then, businessowners have struggled to not only grow their companies, but also to provide for their employees. As a small-business owner, I had both the company's and my employees' best interest in mind, as my employees were like a second family to me. I would have wanted nothing more than to ensure they are getting what they need and that they are fully compensated for all of their work. But this rule doesn't do that. On the surface, this administration is painting this rule as a step forward for American workers, but it is not. Everyone from universities to nonprofits will feel the weight of this rule as they seek to rearrange schedules and reclassify employees so as to prevent compounding negative effects on their organizations. Universities and colleges will see a sharp jump in payrolls as they have to grapple with how to manage their existing personnel while trying to keep their institution on an upward trajectory. Tuitions will increase. Nonprofit organizations will have to reclassify workers as their annual budgets are stretched to the brink, resulting in a drop in services to the people who need it most. The Department of Labor spent the last 27 months working on this rule. Since its implementation, they have given businesses a 6-month window to implement it. I have heard from countless companies, nonprofits, universities, and chambers of commerce who are extremely worried about the impact this will have on their operations. While this rule was intended to ensure employees see an increase in benefits, it will have the direct opposite effect. This bill would delay the rule for 6 months to allow for a longer look at its effects. It gives Congress more time to find a legislative solution. Mr. Speaker, I have always wanted the best for my employees, and this rule simply doesn't do that. I applaud Congressman Walberg, Chairman Kline, and the Education and the Workforce Committee staff for their hard work in pulling this together. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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PFC JAMES DUNN VA CLINIC2016-09-28

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidable detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 567.

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HONORING HARRELL CHARLES MURRAY, JR.2016-09-27

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Harrell Charles Murray, Jr., of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on Sunday, September 18. Mr. Murray was an outstanding individual who dedicated his life to his family, his church, his community, and his country. He served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Coast Guard, where he served on a patrol boat guarding the southeastern coast from attack and attempted espionage. After the war, he joined the family's business, Savannah Lumber and Supply Company. He was loyal to his family's company, working there until his retirement. With any additional time, he contributed to the Savannah community. A few of his many examples of service include participating in the Lions Club, mentoring young men at the local YMCA, and donating gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. A lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Monumental Church in Savannah, he was always devoted to bettering the church and its congregation. The church even gave him a special award for his work. Mr. Murray's life and work is to be commended. He will certainly be missed.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2016-09-27

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 22, 2016 I was absent due to personal reasons and missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call Number 557 passage of H.R. 3537--Aye. Roll Call Number 558 passage of H.R. 5392--Aye.

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DANGEROUS SYNTHETIC DRUG CONTROL ACT OF 20162016-09-27

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3537, the Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2016. This bill would amend the Controlled Substances Act to account for the rise and spread of synthetic drugs in America. Requirements and restrictions for schedule 1 controlled substances would also have to be applied to the manufacturers and sales points for those substances. Using workaround and loopholes in existing legislation, these manufacturers, and those who distribute and sell those substances, have been able to continue their business by staying one step ahead of the law. For too long, we have seen overdoses and other medical issues arise as a result of the use of these unregulated substances. Under Congressman Dent's leadership, we can make real progress in closing those loopholes and ensuring that Americans will no longer be subjected to the deceptive advertising or allure of these toxic and dangerous synthetic drugs. As a lifelong pharmacist, I have fought the tide of drug abuse and this legislation is truly a win for everyone. I want to thank Congressman Dent and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their hard work and for bringing this to the floor for a vote. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID ACT OF 20162016-09-27

Mr. CARTER of Georgia

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1877, the Mental Health First Aid Act of 2015. This act would amend the Public Health Service Act to finance, through grants, mental health first aid programs and would codify the type of training to be included as part of those programs. Mental health is an issue that Congress has attempted to address for years, and this is a great step in the right direction. As a healthcare professional, I have seen firsthand the multitude of issues plaguing mental health patients and the lack of training associated with properly addressing those symptoms and ailments. This bill also addresses the personnel who should be trained under this program to include law enforcement, first responders, teachers, human resources professionals, religious leaders, nurses and other primary care personnel. By training and assisting those people who would be the first to help someone who is experiencing mental health issues, they can diagnose and properly refer them to professional mental health care providers. Learning to de-escalate situation is an integral part of this legislation, and to helping those with mental health issues because it prepares first responders on how to safely look after both the patient and others in the immediate area. Mental health is an issue that often flies under the radar, but one we can make serious advances in taking up. I want to thank Congresswoman Jenkins and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their hard work and for bringing this to the floor for a vote. Together, we can shine a light on mental health needs. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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