It’s only a matter of time until TikTok is exposed for what it is – a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) affiliated app that mines Americans’ data and spreads propaganda targeting children.
Until recently, the Biden administration appeared to understand the threat this app poses. I agreed with the decision to ban TikTok on all government devices, a step taken because of the risks it presents to our national security. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray said that TikTok “screams out with national security concerns.” Paul Nakasone, former commander of U.S. Cyber Command and former Director of the National Security Agency, also called TikTok a “loaded gun.” Several universities have taken similar steps, with the Department of Defense going a step further and banning government contractors from downloading TikTok.
Clearly, there is bipartisan agreement that TikTok is a bad actor with deep ties to the CCP and must be limited, if not outright banned (as I have proposed) here in the United States. That’s why I was shocked and disappointed when, earlier this month, our Commander-in-Chief went against his own administration’s guidance and the bill he signed into law by joining TikTok.
How can the federal government warn Americans about the risks of this app if President Biden uses it, too? Why should government employees be expected to honor a ban on official devices when the President rebuts the core justification for the law? And, why should Americans believe this administration will protect them from foreign threats, when the President’s own use of the platform suggests disregard for well-known national security threats?
I sent a letter to the White House alongside 17 of my congressional colleagues asking those exact questions, which you can read about here. The President of the United States is supposed to set an example, and the example this President is setting “rules for thee, not for me.”
I’m calling on President Biden to immediately delete his TikTok account and show the American people that he is serious about defending our national security against CCP threats by supporting a nationwide TikTok ban.
If an app is too dangerous for the government, then it’s not safe for our children, who are already averaging nearly 2 hours a day on this platform, either. Until TikTok ends all association and affiliation with the CCP, it’s a threat and must be treated as such.
Tick, Tock, TikTok. Your clock is running out. |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing a recent hearing I held in the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials.
|
"Georgia’s energy and climate leadership is being recognized worldwide, and residents of the Peach State have a strong advocate in Congress and on the international stage in Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.)...
"I have seen firsthand that Rep. Carter understands how conservative, all-of-the-above energy and climate policies benefit Georgia and the United States...
"Georgia embodies an all-of-the-above portfolio, thanks to Republican leaders in Georgia like Rep. Carter...
"Further, the state is rapidly becoming a clean energy manufacturing powerhouse, with $2.8 billion in new solar manufacturing investments and $26 billion in new battery supply chain investments, alongside established leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing...
"It comes as no surprise that Georgia was named the No. 1 state for business by Area Development Magazine...
"Goods manufactured in the U.S. are 40% more carbon efficient than the world average...
"Our carbon efficiency is three times that of China and more than four times that of Russia, according to CRES research...
"On a panel I moderated at the COP28 U.S. Center, Rep.Carter highlighted this leadership, stating, “It is important for [ America] to be a world leader...
"We must modernize our permitting processes for new clean energy development to create certainty for investors, who bring jobs to Georgia, and get projects off the ground...
"We must onshore critical mineral supply chains, so we aren’t reliant on countries with weak environmental protections for the supplies we need to continue developing clean energy technologies...
"And we must continue to support U.S. manufacturers by encouraging the adoption of low-carbon technologies and removing burdensome mandates that tie the hands of American innovators...
"In his new leadership positions, Rep.Carter is further empowered to ensure Georgia’s energy, environment and manufacturing priorities are heard in Washington and around the world...
Read the full article here.
|
Monday, February 19, 2024: I’m in Florida today at the 9th Annual Roosevelt Leadership Awards conference sponsored by the Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange. Founded in 1962, the Ripon Society is a public policy organization whose main goal is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great, including keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people. Given annually, the Roosevelt Leadership Award is an honor that is given in the spirit of America’s 26th President and is intended to recognize leaders who embody some of the same qualities and characteristics that Theodore Roosevelt displayed throughout his life and career. As a lover of history, I am both humbled and honored to receive this award as Theodore Roosevelt is one of my favorite historical figures. More on this award can be found at riponsociety.org. |
Tuesday, February 20, 2024: I’m in South Carolina today as I have the honor of speaking to the American Gas Association (AGA) at their meeting in Palmetto Bluff. AGA represents over 200 natural gas utilities, including gas units of combination electric and gas utilities. Natural gas is used by nearly 189 million Americans and 5.6 million businesses because it is affordable, reliable, safe and essential to improving our environment. Recently, the Biden Administration announced plans to “pause” the export of American Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) to other countries. This is one of the most bonehead moves ever as it will hurt our economy and will cede our energy independence to countries like Iran and Russia, and force manufacturing and business abroad as well. Also, if we’re concerned about emissions, then the Iranian and Russian gas that will replace us in the market is much dirtier and will lead to more emissions. |
American Gas Association meeting |
Wednesday, February 21, 2024: I’m finally back on the beautiful coast of Georgia and my day begins with a radio interview with my good friend, John Fredericks, as we discuss the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that is before Congress now. Next, I have a phone interview with Axios as we discuss my new role as Chairman of the Energy & Commerce (E&C) Environmental, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials (ENV) subcommittee and my priorities for the subcommittee.
Later, I head to Frederica Academy on St. Simons Island in Glynn County where I speak to the AP Government class of teacher Steve Jobe. Afterwards, I have a virtual interview with Victory News as we discuss illegal immigration and the Southern border as well as other issues of the day. |
Carter speaks with Frederica Academy AP government students |
Thursday, February 22, 2024: I’m in Brunswick in Glynn County this morning as we visit a couple of brownfield sites in the area including the 813 acre LCP Chemical site on Ross Rd and Hercules site on Terry Creek east of Hwy17 and North of the Torras Causeway. Both of these projects have made significant progress and are moving closer to completion.
Afterwards, I head to our Savannah district office and on the way join in on our all staff conference call. Once in our office I have a phone interview with Fast Company magazine to discuss the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 3.0 that is before the E&C committee.
Later, I head back to our Brunswick district office where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing, Material Minute and another video. |
Carter receives update on Glynn County brownfield sites |
Friday, February 23, 2024: I’m up early and on my way to Blackshear in Pierce County and, during the drive, I have a radio interview with my good friend, Scott Ryfun, on StraightTalk radio to discuss news of the day. Once at Midway Elementary School in Pierce County, I take part in the school’s celebration of having been named a National Distinguished School. This is a tremendous honor as Midway Elementary is only one of 2 schools in the State of Georgia to receive this distinction and one of only 65 schools in the nation. The enthusiastic group of students, teachers, parents and community members were joined in the celebration by the Pierce County High School band and cheerleaders.
Afterwards, I head to our Savannah district office where I meet with the Georgia director of the American Association of Retired People (AARP) to learn more of their priorities for this legislative session. Next, I head to C&H Precision in Richmond Hill in Bryan County to learn more about their business and to tour their facility. Owner Buck Holly has grown this small business exponentially and shares with me his plans to move to a new location.
After a great visit, I head to the grand opening of the new Saint Joe’s/Candler Richmond Hill Campus at Heartwood. This growing community will be well served by new health care facilities such as this. Next, I head to the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern University in Chatham County where I host the annual Georgia 01 Congressional Art Ceremony and we announce this year’s winner. For the past 47 years the Congressional Institute has sponsored a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each Congressional district. This year’s winner from the First district is Jun Chen from New Hampstead High School. Her winning piece will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
Later in the evening, I am honored to be the keynote speaker at the 3rd Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment reunion ball celebrating their return home from Europe. Task Force Knighthawk completed more than 37 missions, supported soldiers from more than 10 countries, and performed more missions in support of allied partners than the rest of 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. Welcome home, heroes! Job well done! |
Carter with troops at 3rd Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment reunion ball |
|
