As you all probably know by now, the debt ceiling has been lifted. The benefits of passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act on a federal level are clear – Washington spent money, we are paying it back, and we are enacting the largest cuts in American history as a first step towards combatting our runaway federal debt crisis.
But what does this bill do for South Georgians?
Right now, we are experiencing some of the highest inflation rates of our lifetimes, and it’s not easing up. That’s largely due to the unprecedented amount of dollars that are flooding the economy, thanks to Washington Democrats’ tax and spending sprees. By executive order alone, this president has spent more than $1.5 trillion dollars. When the government spends more, you have less, and that is a painful reality for so many Americans just trying to get to work and put food on the table.
In the Fiscal Responsibility Act, we took an important step towards reversing this trend by clawing back unspent COVID-19 funds, to the tune of $29 billion, and limiting federal non-defense spending. By doing this, we’re able to pull unnecessary dollars out of the economy so that your paycheck goes further.
For the first time since 1982, we’re also reforming the National Environmental Policy Act, which will cut red tape and streamline energy and infrastructure projects. By setting time limits for federal review of new projects, we will be able to build more, produce more, and create more jobs. Not only is this an important economic engine, but it will also bring down costs for consumers, because if a good is cheaper to produce, it’ll be cheaper to purchase.
Remember those 87,000 IRS agents we defunded earlier this year? Well, we did it again, and this time Biden signed it into law. We rejected all the staffing funding requests for new IRS agents so that the federal government isn’t weaponized against small business owners. As a former small business owner myself, I know how expensive and time-consuming an audit can be, and I am glad that we are protecting hardworking, law-abiding citizens from intimidation.
Finally, let’s talk about what is not in this bill. There are no cuts for seniors, veterans, or America’s national security, including Social Security and Medicare. It’s critical that we continue to support retirees and those who sacrificed for our freedoms, and I am proud that this bill does so. You know what else isn’t in the bill? Any of Biden’s proposed $5 trillion in new taxes.
In short, this bill benefits the first district by protecting seniors and veterans, preventing a federal default, fighting inflation, creating jobs, unleashing the American economy, and reining in the federal government.
Is this bill perfect? No. Is it a step in the right direction? Absolutely. We just enacted the largest spending cut in American history and that is something to celebrate, even if there’s still more work to do. |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're talking about some very important developments out of the Oversight and Accountability Committee. |
Monday, May 29, 2023: The drama surrounding the debt limit continued through the weekend as we had a member-only conference call Saturday night to bring us up to date on the negotiations and let us know that a deal had been struck between the White House and House leadership. Before holding a press conference later in the evening to announce the agreement, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) went over the details of the negotiations and answered questions of conference members as a matter of courtesy.
Last night, the Memorial Day events began in earnest for me as I attended the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day program held at Emmett Park in Savannah. Sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Savannah Branch, the program included the reading of the names of the 106 members of the armed forces from Chatham County killed or presumed killed during the Vietnam War.
This morning, I’m in Jesup for the dedication ceremony of the beautiful Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park located at the Wayne Memorial Hospital. This outstanding project was made possible by the hard work and efforts of volunteers from the community and the program today includes the reading of the names added to the monument this year.
Afterwards, I head to Brunswick to the Glynn County Veterans Memorial Park for the Golden Isles Veterans Council Memorial Day Ceremony where veterans and civic groups from the area place wreaths on the monuments to mark the occasion and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Next, I head to the Brunswick Elks Lodge in downtown Brunswick where we are treated to a Memorial Day Lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, and cake. Later, I head to our Brunswick District office where I have a live virtual interview on the Story with Martha MacCallum show on Fox News to discuss the debt ceiling negotiations before having a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) to discuss the same subject matter.
Later, I head to Neptune Park on St. Simons Island for the always impressive Taps at Twilight program that started in 1991 and is presented by the St. Simons Rotary. Along with patriotic and bagpipe music, wreath presentations, and an honor guard, the keynote speaker this year is Vice Admiral Al Konetzni (Ret), former Commodore, Submarine Squadron 16. |
Rep. Carter honors Memorial Day in Brunswick |
Tuesday, May 30, 2023: Originally, we were scheduled to be out of Washington this week, but with a deal having been reached with the debt ceiling negotiations, we have been called back in and therefore I’m at the airport this morning for my flight to D.C.
Once back at the Capitol, I head to the House triangle near the plaza where I have an on-camera interview with CBS News to discuss the debt ceiling agreement, called the Fiscal Responsibility Act. After a series of meetings with staff once I’m back in my office, I head to the House Chamber for a vote series on suspension votes and then head to a special called GOP Conference that lasts over 2 hours where we hash things out over the Fiscal Responsibility Act. |
Rep. Carter discusses Fiscal Responsibility Act with CBS News |
Wednesday, May 31, 2023: Every day is a big day on Capitol Hill, but some days are bigger than others. Today is one of those days, for today we will vote on the Fiscal Responsibility Act that will determine whether the full faith and credit of the United States stays in place.
My day begins with a radio interview with my good friends on the world famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup as we discuss the pending events and votes to be held today. Afterwards, I join Jesup Mayor Ralph Hickox, albeit virtually, along with other political and community leaders from the First District in a discussion regarding homelessness and mental health in our area and the challenges posed to our local governments to fund and find resources for addressing these issues.
Next, I have another radio interview, this time with my good friend from Gainesville, Martha Zoller, as we discuss the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the votes to be taken today before heading to the recording studio to tape a video to be played at the Georgia State GOP Convention next week.
After heading to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Cleve Fountain, a gentleman from my hometown of Port Wentworth who passed recently and made a big difference in my life, I head back to my office where I join in on our all staff conference call.
Later, I head back to the House Chamber where we have our first vote series of the day and the vote on the rule for the Fiscal Responsibility Act. After some immense drama that includes nearly one hundred members changing their vote, the rule is adopted.
Next, I head to the Cannon rotunda where I have an on-camera interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah on the Fiscal Responsibility Act before heading to the Oversight and Accountability hearing room in the Rayburn building where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing.
Later in the evening, I head back to the House Chamber where, in bipartisan fashion, we pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act by a vote of 314-117. |
Rep. Carter discusses Fiscal Responsibility Act with WTOC-TV |
Thursday, June 1, 2023: After a very early flight back home this morning, I’m in the First District and head to the ribbon cutting ceremony for Syfan Logistics and Turbo leasing in Port Wentworth in West Chatham County. Headquartered in Gainesville, GA, Syfan Logistics is recognized as one of the leading logistics companies in the U.S.
Afterwards, I head to another ribbon cutting, this one at Two Rivers Health Clinic in Rincon where they provide free medical care to uninsured adults in Effingham County. Focusing on primary care and treating chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes, Two Rivers provides a much-needed service to some of the citizens of Effingham County who need it most.
After returning home to Pooler, I have a virtual interview with WTOC TV in Savannah to discuss the Fiscal Responsibility Act vote taken last night. |
Rep. Carter attends Syfan Logistics ribbon cutting ceremony |
Friday, June 2, 2023: After our weekly Band of Brothers Bible study this morning in Garden City, I head to Port City Logistics in Savannah where I visit the Over the Moon Diaper Bank, a great initiative that aims to end diaper need and period poverty in the coastal community. Over the Moon Diaper Bank is a volunteer-led non-profit that partners with social service agencies throughout the Low County to distribute disposable diapers, wipes, period, and incontinence supplies to the surrounding community. After a tour of the operation, I volunteer and help pack diapers that will be given to families in the area.
After a meeting with a constituent in Savannah, I head to our Savannah District office where I meet with representatives from TACKL Health to learn of the great work they are doing to address the fentanyl poisoning crisis in our country before meeting with constituents from Hinesville and Liberty County to discuss the naming of the Veterans Administration Clinic that I am working on in Congress.
Once back home in Pooler, I have a radio interview on the Austin Rhodes Show in Augusta to discuss the Fiscal Responsibility Act and later in the evening head to Jekyll Island for the Medical College of Georgia’s convention where I am honored to receive the Federal Legislator of the Year award from this great University. |
Rep. Carter volunteers at Over the Moon Diaper Bank |
Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
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