Biden's Math Problem

biden's math problem

President Biden likes to claim that he decreased the deficit and that his policies are not contributing to the sky-high inflation that Americans are forced to pay on nearly everything.

This claim is so egregiously false that it even prompted a CNN fact-check back in October, after President Biden said that he, quote, “was able to cut the federal debt by $1.7 trillion over the first two-and-a – two years.” CNN called this claim “thoroughly inaccurate,” a rare moment of accountability for the President on a platform that frequently parrots left-wing talking points.

But, just this week, we learned some new stats that really put into perspective how just how reckless spending has been under this administration.

In 2023, federal spending was $1 trillion higher than expected. You read that right, 1 TRILLION dollars above expectations. If households or businesses go even a few dollars over their budgets, there are consequences, particularly for those on a fixed income – you’re either pulling that money from somewhere else, going into debt, or both. The federal government chooses debt every single time, with our current balance sitting above $34 trillion for the first time in history, and this administration seems either unable or unwilling to address this looming crisis.

The difference, however, is that the American people don’t have a choice as to whether they pay off their debt, but the federal government gets to play by a very different and irresponsible set of rules. The federal government’s card simply never declines, no matter how bad its overspending gets, leading to worse outcomes for the American people.

Under President Biden, the Americans are spending $11,400 more per year just to buy the basics. We aren’t talking about expensive cars and vacations here – we’re talking about food, diapers, gas, home heating, and more.

Fortunately, we have a window of opportunity to do something about this. When the House gets back in session on Tuesday, we will be facing a January 19^th deadline to pass funding for agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD. I’m fighting to pass a responsible bill that allows these departments to function without adding to our nation’s already explosive federal debt.

I will keep you updated on the progress as my fellow House Republicans and I look to restore fiscal sanity in Washington.

Buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, I am talking to you about my priorities as we head into the new year, 2024.

ICYMI: CARTER, CAVUTO DISCUSS THE CRISIS AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER

Swearing in ceremonies

Wednesday, January 3, 2024: During the holidays, I had a number of interviews, including one with Fox Business on the day after Christmas to discuss the economy and border.

I also had surgery on my ankle to fix an old sports injury- I hurt it on the golf course- that gave me a true perspective on a few things. First of all, I am fortunate and grateful to have access to quality health care from some of the best health care professionals around. I’ve always said we have the greatest health care system in the world- right here in the United States- and now I know because I’ve experienced it first-hand. I cannot thank the doctors, nurses, aides, and others who took care of me during this process and provided outstanding care. Having a physical limitation like a cast on my leg has also opened my eyes to the challenges that people with disabilities face with activities of daily living. The things we often take for granted like showering, walking up steps, driving, etc., become real challenges when one has a physical limitation. My appreciation of the Americans with Disabilities Act has grown exponentially, and I will continue working in Congress to ensure that the benefits I’ve had access to during this healing process, from quality care to accessible parking, are there for those who need them.

After an all-staff conference call yesterday to catch up and plan out our remaining week, I finally venture out today and head to Wilmington Island in Savannah for a meeting of the Chatham Area Republican Women where I have the opportunity to speak; but, even better, I have the opportunity to hear my good friend, local talk show radio host Scott Ryfun speak and share his thoughts on local and national news. After a call with my good friend, Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, I head to the Brunswick Historic City Hall in Glynn County where I attend the swearing in ceremony of newly elected City Commissioners Lance Sabbe and Gwen Williams.

Rep. Carter speaks at the Chatham Women's Republican Lunch

Thursday, January 5, 2024: I’m up early and at the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island in Chatham County as I attend the 2024 annual meeting of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) as they review the outstanding successes, they have had in 2023 and preview what promises to be an exciting 2024. Afterwards, I head to the Creative Coast in Downtown Savannah where I visit with a new maternal health start up “Leto Maternal Health.” I am extremely excited about this project as I have worked on the issue of maternal mortality since my time in the Georgia State Legislature. Recently, along with Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), I introduced the Healthy Moms and Babies Act to combat maternal mortality, modernize the health care system, and improve health outcomes for women and children.

After a great visit, I head to our Savannah District office where I have a live interview on Cavuto Coast to Coast on Fox Business as we discuss the southwest border disaster. Next, I head to Windsor Forest High School in Southside Savannah as I have the opportunity to speak to American Government Teacher Jason Brown’s class and participate in a question-and-answer session. Without question, this is the most rewarding part of my service- interacting with students- and this group is exactly why. What a great group of young people! When I say that I believe our country’s greatest times are still ahead of us, some people look at me like I have a third eye. All they need to do is meet young people like this and they’ll understand what I’m talking about.

Afterwards, I head to Pooler City Hall where I have the honor of giving the introduction at the inauguration of newly elected Mayor Karen Williams and City Council members, including new members Wesley Bashlor and Michael Carpenter. As many of you know, I had the honor and privilege of serving as Mayor of the City of Pooler from 1996-2004 and I could not be prouder of the city I have called home since 1980.

Next, I head to Tybee Island where I have the honor of speaking at the inauguration ceremony of my good friend, newly elected Mayor Brian West, and newly elected council members William Garbett, Tony Ploughe, Nick Sears, and Kathryn Williams. While most areas struggle with their voter participation rate, Tybee Island typically has around a 90% participation rate. To say they take their politics seriously on Tybee Island is an understatement!

Later in the evening, I join in on a virtual call with the American Optometric Association (AOA) as I give them an update on health care legislation in Congress.

Rep. Carter speaks at the City of Pooler inaugurations

Friday, January 5, 2024: After an early morning radio interview with my good friend Scott Ryfun on StraightTalk to discuss news of the day, I head to Alma in Bacon County where I have the honor of administering the oath of office to Mayor Larry Taylor and council members Bernita Lewis and Michael Morrison who have all been re-elected to serve another term. I’ve always said you can’t get any closer to the people than being on City Council or County Commission and these fine public servants are perfect examples of this as the citizens have rewarded their hard work with another term.

Afterwards, I meet with elected officials and business leaders from the area before heading to our Brunswick District office where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings and have a virtual interview with WJCL TV in Savannah to discuss our upcoming work in Congress.

Next, I head to St. Mary’s in Camden County where I join members of the Georgia State House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, including Chairman Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) and Rep. Steven Sainz (R-St. Mary’s) for a reception in honor of Pigmental Studios, an independent entertainment company locating to the area.

Rep. Carter swears in Mayor Larry Taylor in Alma

Okefenokee unesco world heritage site - myths vs. facts

The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most incredible and treasured locations in the First Congressional District of Georgia. We are proud to consider it part of our home. We must do everything that we can to protect and maintain the rich natural history and beauty of this landmark. A United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site (WHS) Inscription would place the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in the same breath as the Grand Canyon to the West, the Everglades to the South, the Great Pyramids to the East, and the Great Smokey Mountains to the North.

Friends of the first

You all know what time it is! We are approaching Valentine's Day, and that means Friends of the First is back! Our office collects Valentine's Day Cards for our community's first responders, which we will then distribute to show them just how much they mean to us. This is one of my favorite events of the year and I can't wait to see how much everyone participates this year.

Check out some highlights from last year!

Rep. Carter delivers Valentine's Day cards in Pierce County

Rep. Carter delivers Valentine's Day cards in Brantley County

Rep. Carter delivers Valentine's Day cards in Bryan County