The Biden administration put forward a plan that would force borrowers with good credit scores to pay higher fees than people with low credit scores. Yes, you read that right.
On May 1st, the Federal Housing Finance Agency changed how certain mortgage fees are calculated for the majority of homeowners. The change included cutting fees for people with worse credit scores, paid for by raising fees on borrowers with a credit score above 680. Want to know how many people have a credit score above 680? More than 90%.
Here we have an administration that wants to make it easier for high-risk borrowers to afford a loan while making creditworthy borrowers offset their costs. This is ridiculous. We should be incentivizing and rewarding people for making smart financial decisions, not making them pay for other people’s financial irresponsibility.
Then again, this is the same administration that is trying to force people without a college degree to pay off debt for people who do, so maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that a party unbothered by $32 trillion in federal debt would pull their policy proposals straight out of a Socialism 101 textbook.
Look, homeownership is an important step towards financial independence, and House Republicans want this goal to be attainable for as many people as possible. But we don’t get there by rewarding bad behavior; we get there by incentivizing good behavior. That’s why this week, we passed the Middle-Class Borrower Protection Act, which eliminates this socialist rule and prohibits any new fees being placed on borrowers based on their debt-to-income ratio.
This bill, which I was proud to support, is crucial for protecting our already fragile housing economy and the hard-working Americans who want to purchase a home. This is a smart, simple, and common-sense move that will protect taxpayers and homebuyers while reinstating a concept Washington Democrats abandoned long ago: financial sanity. |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're talking about the Okefenokee Swamp! |
Tuesday, June 20, 2023: On Saturday of this past weekend, I attended the annual Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) convention held on Amelia Island where I had the honor of being on a panel that addressed pharmacy students attending the convention. Joining me on the panel were other leaders in the profession, including my good friends Georgia State Rep. Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) President Hugh Chancey, NCPA Executive Director Doug Hoey, and GPhA Academy of Independent Pharmacists (AIP) Executive Director Jonathan Marquis. I also had the honor of being the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of AIP held at the convention.
Afterwards, I drove to Jekyll Island in Glynn County where I attended the retirement celebration of Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Executive Director Jones Hooks. Jones has led the JIA for the past 15 years and has done an outstanding job overseeing the renovation on the island.
Yesterday- the Juneteenth holiday- I had a live interview on One America News (OAN) where we discussed Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to China and the need for pharmaceutical independence here in America. After flying to Washington early this morning, I head to the House triangle where I have an interview on Fox News to discuss the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) proposed Atlantic Right Whale Speed Reduction rule that will devastate commercial fishing along the Atlantic coast. In Georgia alone, commercial fishing supports 27,000 direct and indirect jobs and has a $4.6 billion economic impact. The proposed rule would also have a negative impact on our ports and harbor pilots.
Once back in my office, I have a live interview on WTVM in Columbus to discuss drug shortages that we are currently experiencing in our country. After a meeting with our communications team to preview the upcoming week, I have a meeting with our DC and district scheduling teams to preview the upcoming few weeks.
Next, I have a phone interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) to discuss drug shortages before having a series of meetings in my office including with the National Association of Chemical Distributors, Infectious Diseases Society of America, a delegation with the Okefenokee Swamp, and a constituent regarding stock fraud. After an all-staff conference call, I head to an E&C subcommittee chair and vice chairs meeting before returning to my office where I have a virtual call with a constituent whose company does work at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah.
After a meeting in my office with the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), I head to our weekly Whip team meeting before heading to the House chamber for our first vote series of the week. Afterwards, I head to an Appropriations hearing session as the committee is marking up bills for the upcoming fiscal year. |
Carter meets with National Council for Prescription Drug Programs |
Wednesday, June 21, 2023: I am honored to participate in a Ripon Society Policy and Politics dialogue this morning as we discuss upcoming legislative priorities before heading to our weekly GOP conference. Next, I head to an E&C Health subcommittee hearing on America’s overdose crisis before heading to the House chamber where I pay tribute to Dick James from St. Simons Island who has recently been inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, the Glynn Academy Boys and Girls Golf teams on winning their respective state high school championships, George Tindal from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) who passed, and Starling Sutton from Glynn County who passed.
Next, I head to an E&C Communications and Technology (C&T) subcommittee hearing on oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before heading to a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia where I address the attendees.
Afterwards, I head to the Congressional Visitors Center (CVC) Auditorium where I speak to participants in the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation’s (EMC) Washington Youth Tour. After heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day, I head back to my office where I have a series of meetings including with the Wireless Infrastructure Association, Augusta University, American Trucking Association, and Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA).
Next, I head to an Appropriations hearing with the Majority Whip before heading to Statuary Hall for the stamp unveiling for my friend and former House colleague, the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA). Afterwards, I return to the House chamber for our second vote series of the day. |
Carter meets with the Truck Renting and Leasing Association |
Thursday, June 22, 2023: After our weekly Doctor’s caucus meeting this morning, I head to the CVC for a meeting on cyber security before heading off Capitol Hill for a meeting with pharmaceutical maker GSK. Next, I head to a meeting of the American Optometric Association where I am honored to receive their legislative champion of the year award.
Once back on Capitol Hill, I head to the House chamber for our only vote series of the day before heading back to my office where I have meetings with the Greater Valdosta United Way, Cystic Fibrosis foundation, Mitsubishi Power, and the Independent Electrical Contractors.
Next, I head to a Budget Committee hearing on tax policy before heading to the Majority Leaders' office where I have a live interview on Times Now India in advance of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s address to a joint session of Congress. After witnessing a historic speech by Prime Minister Modi, I head back to my office where I have a virtual call with a constituent before heading to my friend and colleague’s office, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) as I am his special guest tonight on a tele-town hall he is hosting. |
Carter joins Westerman's telephone town hall |
Friday, June 23, 2023: I’m live on the radio this morning with my good friend Joe Willie Sousa in Brunswick as we discuss news of the day before heading to an E&C member meeting where we discuss upcoming hearings.
Once back in my office, I record a series of videos on technology before heading to the House chamber for our last vote series of the week. Afterwards, I remain in the House chamber and pay tribute to “Red Dog” Jerry Lewis Clark from Savannah who recently passed.
Next, I head to the Department of Interior downtown where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and, once back on Capitol Hill, I have a legislative team meeting followed by a phone interview with the Associated Press (AP) to discuss my Right Whale Speed Reduction Act. After our all-staff conference call, I head to the airport for my return trip home. |
Carter discusses Right Whale legislation with Associated Press |
Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
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