I’ve been very disturbed by the members of Congress and the media who were quick to abandon our ally, Israel, and spread Hamas’ false claim that Israel bombed a civilian hospital in Gaza.
This is a symptom of a larger, global rise in antisemitism that we cannot afford to ignore.
I’ve long-been critical of this President and disagree with most of his decisions, including the inexcusable $6 billion payment to Iran that emboldened the Hamas terrorists ahead of their October 7th attack, and I was disappointed that he did not bring any Americans home on his flight out of Israel. He abandoned Americans during his botched Afghanistan withdrawal and did it once again when he boarded Air Force One without any stranded Americans. Despite these failures, I was pleased to see him stand by our ally and not fall for the false narrative spread by Hamas. It’s a low bar but one that many members of the modern Democrat party stumble over.
While antisemitism is egregious in any form and those who perpetuate it must be held accountable, as a member of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Anti-Semitism, I recognize that those individuals who spread hateful ideas do not represent the American people. To those Jewish members of our community, we are praying for you. We recognize Israel’s right to exist, and to defend herself, and are ready to supply the aid necessary to ensure her success. Your losses are our losses, and we are mourning the loss of innocent lives alongside you.
I was proud to lead the Georgia House Republican delegation in a video this week showing our joint support for Israel. In moments like these, it’s critical that we rally together and make it clear where we stand: with Israel. |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're recognizing National Pharmacists Month! |
Monday, October 16, 2023: On Saturday, I headed to Folkston in Charlton County where I attended the Okefenokee Festival, an annual event that features live music, delicious food from local vendors, arts and crafts, and a great car show. Last night, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Leadership Trust annual retreat held in downtown Savannah. As a former small business owner and long-time member of NFIB, I am very familiar with the work this fine organization does advocating for its members. I’m in our Brunswick District office this morning where I have a virtual meeting with the Executive Director of Tri-County Protective Agency in Hinesville in Liberty County. Offering services, programs, and shelter for domestic violence victims in Liberty, Long, and Bryan Counties in the First District, the Tri-County Protective Agency is an important part of the social services provided in our area. Afterwards, I head to the grand opening of the newest Curtis V Cooper Primary Healthcare Center in midtown Savannah where they offer medical and dental care. Under the leadership of CEO Albert Grandy, Curtis V Cooper now has numerous locations in our district and is a great example of the invaluable work Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) bring to our communities. Next, I head to the weekly meeting of the Savannah Downtown Rotary at Savannah Technical College where we hear from Rick Roney, an education advocate and volunteer in Savannah, who is working diligently to improve the reading level of area students. I also have the opportunity to briefly address the group and bring them up to date on the situation in Israel and the status of the bipartisan resolution in the House supporting the citizens and State of Israel and their right to defend themselves against the barbaric attacks of the terrorist group Hamas. Afterwards, I head to the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island in Savannah where I welcome the participants of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Region 4 conference. Region 4 is comprised of realtors from Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky and has chosen Savannah in the First District for their annual meeting this year. |
Carter addresses NFIB Leadership Trust |
Tuesday, October 17, 2023: I’m up very early this morning and on the first flight to Washington. Once in my office, I have a meeting with our scheduling staff to review this week’s schedule followed by our all-staff conference call. After a virtual district staff conference call, I have a meeting with our communications team before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week.
After we are gaveled in by Speaker Pro tem Patrick McHenry (R-NC), a quorum vote is held before Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) nominates Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) to be our next Speaker. Unfortunately, Rep. Jordan doesn’t receive the required votes and we adjourned without a Speaker.
Next, I head to the Cannon Rotunda for an on-camera interview with Gray TV (WTOC-TV) to discuss the Speakers race before heading to a meeting with Energy and Commerce (E&C) Communications and Technology (C&T) Subcommittee staff.
Once back in my office, I have a virtual interview with WJCL-TV in Savannah to discuss the Speaker race before meeting with the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPER), Dawn O’Connell, to discuss our work on legislation in E&C.
My final meeting of the day is with the CEO of Scipher Medicine as we discuss their innovative technology that will help predict patients’ drug responses that suffer from autoimmune diseases. |
Carter meets with Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response |
Wednesday, October 18, 2023: After a meeting of the Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC) with Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks, I head back to my office where I meet with Georgia users of the General System of Preferences (GSP) program, the largest and oldest U. S. trade preference program.
Next, I film a video in support of the EX-IM bank before heading to an E&C Environment Subcommittee hearing on the EPA’s restrictions on chemicals used in medical devices.
Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for a quorum vote and another Speaker vote for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) that, unfortunately, fails to garner the votes needed.
Once back in my office, I have meetings with the American Wood Council and Autos Drive America before having a virtual call with a Georgia Southern University Physical Therapy student.
After a virtual interview with WTOC-TV to discuss the Speakers race, I head off Capitol Hill for a number of events including with Kia Motors, the Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., and a reception for Korean National Day, Armed Forces Day, and 70th Anniversary of the Republic of Korea- U.S. Alliance. |
Carter meets with American Wood Council |
Thursday, October 19, 2023: My day begins with a Doctor’s Caucus meeting where our guest speaker is Dr. Mandy Cohen, newly appointed director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
Afterwards, I head to a Joint cybersecurity meeting led by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) before heading to a meeting of the U.S. Oncology Network where I bring them up to date on healthcare legislation under consideration. Next, I head to an E&C Health Subcommittee hearing on Healthcare Provider shortages before meeting with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in my office.
Afterwards, I head to a GOP member meeting that lasts most of the afternoon as we try to figure out where we are in the Speaker election. Once back in my office, I meet with E&C staff to review the status of different legislation dealing with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics. |
Carter meets with U.S. Oncology Network |
Friday, October 20, 2023: After an early morning radio interview with my good friends on the World Famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup to discuss the Speaker race and other news of the day, I head to the House Recording Studio where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and the next Tech Talk video.
Next, I head to the House Chamber where we have a quorum call followed by another vote for Speaker of the House. For the third time, Jim Jordan is nominated by the Republican majority, and for the third time he does not have enough votes to be elected.
Afterwards, we have a Republican Conference and take a secret ballot vote on whether Rep. Jim Jordan remains our candidate. After failing to win enough votes to remain our candidate, we find ourselves once again without a candidate and give members who are interested in running the weekend to declare their candidacy. |
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