Monday, May 6, 2024: On September 6, 1975, I turned 18 years old. I also left home that day. It wasn’t a case of “oh, I’m 18 and I’m out of here,” but instead it happened to be the day I loaded my 1972 Chevrolet Vega and headed to Young Harris College in the North Georgia mountains. Little did I know that the next two years I spent there would change my life. Not only did I meet the girl of my dreams who would eventually become my wife and I would spend the next 48 years of my life with, but I also made lifelong friends who have been a blessing in my life. Young Harris College instilled in me the self-confidence and self-assurance that would stay with me the rest of my life. On Saturday, I was honored to receive Young Harris College’s highest honor, the YHC Medallion at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony held at the College. I was also blessed to receive an honorary degree - Doctor of Humane Letters - during the ceremony. I have received many honors in my life and, while all are very special, this may be the most special. Simply put, I would not be where I am today if it had not been for Young Harris College.
After an early morning flight to Washington, I have an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Materials (ENV) subcommittee meeting before heading to our weekly Whip Team meeting. After our first vote series of the week, I remain in the House Chamber where I pay tribute to long time Georgia Board of Regents member Don Leebern, Jr., who recently passed.
Young Harris College Commencement Ceremony
Tuesday, May 7, 2024: After a Border Security Caucus meeting where we hear from Customs and Border Patrol agents regarding the situation at the border, I head to our weekly GOP Conference meeting before heading to an E&C ENV subcommittee hearing that I chair on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newly implemented Risk Management Program (RMP). After the two and a half hour hearing, I head to a meeting of the Republican Governance Group (RG2) before heading to our office where I have a scheduling meeting followed by our all staff conference call.
Next, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day before heading to the Congressional Visitors Center (CVC) to greet students from Saint Simons Island Christian School who are visiting the Capitol this week. Once back in our office, I have an interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah to discuss the renaming of the Hinesville VA Center in honor of four Liberty County Vietnam Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice - John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp and Frankie Smiley. Next, I have an interview with WJCL-TV in Savannah to discuss the motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair that has been introduced.
After a meeting with representatives from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to discuss legislation dealing with the 340B program, I have a virtual call with the Assistant Secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Alan Davidson, in preparation for the May 15th E&C hearing. Next, I meet with a great group of Georgia Realtors from the First District, led by my good friend Steven Fischer, before meeting with representatives from White Coat Waste (WCW) Project, including Uno, a beagle rescued from a lab supplier. WCW is leading the effort to end the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) wasteful and inhumane dog testing.
Before heading to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day, I have meetings with our communications team and legislative team. After votes, I stop by a reception sponsored by Michelin tire company in the Capitol before heading to the Embassy of Portugal on Embassy Row in Washington where I meet with the Portuguese Ambassador.
Carter with students from Saint Simons Island Christian School
Wednesday, May 8, 2024: I’m over on the Senate side of the Capitol this morning as I speak to the Center for Sportfishing Policy committee regarding the proposed boat speed limits by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that will devastate recreational boating along the Atlantic Coast. Once back on the House side of the Capitol, I attend an Electric Vehicle (EV) roundtable of members of the House and EV stakeholders including Hyundai.
Next, I head back to our office where I meet with Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore followed by a virtual call with the American Society of Landscape Architects and an in-person meeting with Georgia Young Farmers and Ranchers. After heading to a Budget Committee hearing on the cost of the border crisis, I head to a meeting of the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC) and afterwards, head off Capitol Hill where I speak to the full conference of the American Boating Congress (ABC) regarding the proposed NOAA boat speed limits.
Once back in our office, I meet with the Climate Leadership Council followed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) before having a virtual meeting with our District staff. After recording this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute, I head to a member meeting of E&C before heading to the House Chamber for votes. After paying tribute to Camden County Magistrate Judge Jennifer Lewis in the House Chamber, I head to a reception for eBay in the Rayburn Foyer.
Carter meets with Georgia Young Farmers and Ranchers
Thursday, May 9, 2024: I’m up early and live on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business as we discuss the Budget hearing we had yesterday regarding the cost of the border crisis. Later, I head to our weekly Doctor’s Caucus meeting as we hear from hospice experts from across the country before heading back to our office where I meet with the American Golf Industry Coalition followed by a meeting with Atlas Materials.
Carter meets with American Golf Industry Coalition
Friday, May 10, 2024: I have a podcast interview this morning with Politically Georgia in Atlanta to discuss the Motion to Vacate that was introduced and tabled in the House this week. Afterwards, I have a phone interview with Politico to discuss telehealth and its future in our health care system.
