Monday, March 18, 2024: On Saturday, we celebrated the 200th St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah and, of all the parades I’ve had the privilege to be a part of, I think this year’s was the best. My day began with two breakfasts, the first at the Savannah Golf Club with the Sinn Fein Society before heading to the American Legion for the Fenian Society breakfast. The only thing better than one helping of green grits is two helpings of green grits! Later, I took my spot in the parade line up and, although my recent ankle surgery prevented me from walking this year, I was ably assisted by Thunderbolt Police Chief Sean Clayton and his wife, Marta Miltiades. In fact, I would submit that I had one of the coolest rides in the parade as Sean drove me in a 2021 Corvette that was owned by Marta’s late brother, Bill Miltiades. The luck of the Irish came through as the skies cleared and the weather was perfect for what is always one of the highlight events of the year.
After passing the reviewing stand at Liberty and Bull Streets, I joined my good friend, Steve Scheer, at his office for a parade viewing party. Later in the evening, I attended the annual Hibernian Society dinner at the Savannah Trade and Convention Center as we toast to our heritage and hear from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
After traveling to Atlanta yesterday, I head downtown this morning to meet with a group from South Korea regarding a new technology to prevent coastal erosion. This U.S. government-endorsed demonstration project is proceeding in conjunction with a Korean government-led initiative by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and is designed to mitigate economic damages caused by coastal erosion through climate change.
Next, I head to the headquarters of RaceTrac in Cobb County for a tour of their impressive facilities. Started in 1934 in St. Louis, MO, by Carl Bolch, Sr, RaceTrac and its franchisee business RaceWay, is a thriving network of over 200+ stores located in 11 states across the Southeast.
Afterwards, I head to Jackson Healthcare in Alpharetta where I meet with company President Shane Jackson to learn more about this family of 16 highly specialized health care staffing, search, and technology companies that cover all 50 states. After a great visit, I head to Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) near downtown Atlanta where Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice has done an outstanding job of growing this vitally important school into an integral part of our state's and nation's health care system. Cited as one of the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, MSM is also recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its social mission.
Carter at St. Patrick's Day Parade
Tuesday, March 19, 2024: I’m headed to the airport in Atlanta for my return flight to Washington this morning and, during the drive, I join in on our all-staff conference call. Once back on Capitol Hill, I head to the triangle at the plaza where I attend a press conference led by Rep. Greg Murphy, (R-NC), introducing his legislation dealing with medical school admissions. Next, I join our interns for this quarter on the steps of the plaza for pictures before heading back to our office where I have a series of staff meetings including with our scheduling, legislative, and communications teams.
Next, I meet with my good friend from Savannah, Bernice Watson, and other members of the Garden Club of America before meeting with members of the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) to discuss the buildout of the domestic EV supply chain. After meeting with Energy and Commerce (E&C) Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials (ENV) subcommittee staff for our weekly update, I head to the House Chamber where I speak on H.R. 766, the Dr. Michael Burgess Preventative Health Savings Act.
Once back in our office, I have a meeting with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President of Morehead School of Medicine in Atlanta where I visited yesterday. Dr. Montgomery Rice was called to the White House yesterday and unable to meet me in Atlanta. Afterwards, I head to our weekly Whip team meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week. I remain in the House Chamber afterwards and pay tribute to former Savannah Electric and Power Company CEO and President Art Gignilliat, who recently passed, before heading off Capitol Hill to a meeting with DISH executives.
Carter meets with ZETA
Wednesday, March 20, 2024: After our weekly GOP conference meeting, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Savannahian Carol Bell who was recently honored as the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Woman of the Year, Frank Vande Linde from Brunswick who recently passed, Benny Hawkins from Gainesville who was recently named Georgia PGA Boys 11-13 Player of the Year, and my former Georgia House of Representative colleague, Penny Houston from Nashville, who is retiring after many years of service.
Next, I head to an E&C full committee markup before meeting with the Georgia motorcoach operators, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), and Old Savannah Mission. After heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day, I head back to our office for meetings with Beam Global and Georgia Bikes before heading off Capitol Hill where I speak at the Water Policy Conference.
Once back on Capitol Hill, I head to the House Chamber for our final vote series of the day and remain in the Chamber afterwards to pay tribute to Allen Burns from Brunswick who is retiring as the Director of the Coastal Regional Commission.
Carter meets with Georgia Bikes
Thursday, March 21, 2024: I’m up early and on the radio with my good friends on the world famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup this morning before heading to our weekly Doctor’s caucus meeting where our special guest is Dr. Frances Collins, Director of the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Once back in our office, I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute before heading to an E&C Health subcommittee hearing on the proposed FDA Lab Developed Test (LDT) rule. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Liberty County Tax Commissioner Virgil Jones who recently passed, Herb Campbell from St. Simons Island who recently passed, Fred Harpole from Brunswick who recently retired from FLETC, and Bob Coble from Ludowici who recently passed.
After heading to a Budget committee hearing on the President’s FY 25 budget proposal, I have a meeting with the Plastics Industries Association and a picture with constituents before heading to the House Chamber to speak on a bill denouncing the Biden Administration's energy policies and remain in the Chamber for votes afterwards.
Next, I head off Capitol Hill to the National Press Club where I speak at the U.S. Tech for Climate Action Conference then return to Capitol Hill where I film a public service announcement (PSA) with the Weather Channel. After meeting with a constituent in our office, I head back to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day and remain in the Chamber afterwards to pay tribute to former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, Bobby Christine, who is being promoted to Major General in the National Army Guard. Once back in my office, I join Boy Scout Troop 400 in Richmond Hill in Bryan County for a question-and-answer session.
Carter meets with Plastics Industries Association
Friday, March 22, 2024: My morning begins with a live virtual interview on Newsmax as we discuss EV mandates and today’s vote on the appropriation package. Later in the morning, I meet with the Council on Foreign Relations for a discussion on AI and how we can legislate on it here in the U.S. before returning to our office where I join in on a District staff call.
Next, I head to our final vote series of the week and afterwards remain in the chamber to pay tribute to University of Georgia Tennis coach Manny Diaz who is retiring an ultra-successful 27-year career. On my drive to the airport for my flight home, I join in on our all-staff conference call.
