Sullied Service

This week, House Republicans released our interim report on the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, and it exposed serious concerns about the state of the Secret Service.

Let me be clear: the Secret Service failed. Its lack of effective advance planning and coordination with local law enforcement left former President Trump and rallygoers in danger. The report reveals shocking oversights, particularly regarding the establishment of a secure perimeter and clear lines of sight—critical elements in any protective operation.

Here's an overview of what we uncovered:

Security Planning Issues: The Secret Service failed to adequately plan and coordinate with state and local law enforcement for a July 13 campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Overlooked Risks: The Secret Service did not address security concerns regarding clear lines of sight from the nearby property, Crooks’ firing position. According to Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant John Herold, the Secret Service did not secure the property that would become Crook’s firing position.

Sniper Teams: Local law enforcement reported that the Secret Service did not give any guidance regarding the placement, role, and responsibilities of their snipers on July 13. Because of this, they understood their assignment to be overwatch of the rally venue – not surrounding properties.

Communication Failures: There was no unified command post or briefing on July 13, leading to fragmented communication between Secret Service and local law enforcement.

Escalation Not Relayed Efficiently: Law enforcement observed escalating suspicious behavior from Thomas Matthew Crooks, but key details moved slowly through the chain of command. There is no evidence, to date, that this information reached President Trump’s detail, and he remained on stage. Crooks was on the roof for six minutes before opening fire.

Response: Testimony from local law enforcement indicates that they fired a shot at Crooks prior to the Secret Service sniper firing the kill shot. While the exact order of shots remains unclear, testimony from local law enforcement states that they took a shot in Crooks’ direction, which may have caused Crooks to stop firing.

These failures are as shocking as they are unacceptable. All Presidents, current and former, Republican and Democrat, deserve the best protections possible, and the Secret Service is falling far short of that standard.

By December 13, 2024, we will deliver a final report to Congress that not only highlights these security failures but also offers concrete recommendations for reform.

Reforming the Secret Service is not just about improving protocols; it’s about restoring public trust in an agency tasked with the monumental responsibility of protecting our leaders. We owe it to the American people to ensure that their safety is prioritized and that such failures never happen again.

I am committed to holding the Secret Service accountable and reforming what appears to be a broken agency.

Buddy's Briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing Israel's successful elimination of Senior Hamas Leader, Yahya Sinwar.

FROM OUR NATION'S CAPITOL CDLXXXI

Monday, October 21, 2024: After an early morning meeting with a constituent on St. Simons Island to discuss our country’s strategic posture, I head to River Street in Savannah where I have an on-camera interview with WTOC-TV. Afterwards, I head to Pooler where I have an on-camera interview with WJCL-TV before heading back to River Street in Savannah where I speak to the Georgia Rural Telephone and Broadband Association (GRTBA) who are holding their annual conference here this year. GRTBA is the trade Association for Georgia’s leaders in rural telephone and broadband that provide great customer service with the most technologically advanced connection services on the market. Also speaking at the conference are Georgia State Legislators as well as members of the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Next, I head to LQK Corporation in Savannah, an American provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. With locations in North America, Europe, and Taiwan, LQK sells replacement systems, components, equipment and parts to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles. Later, I again join the GRTBA at a reception in honor of elected officials on River Street.

Rep. Carter speaks to GTBA

Tuesday, October 22, 2024: I’m back in Savannah this morning as I attend the groundbreaking of the new Child and Adolescent Crisis Stabilization Unit campus on the Southside. Through the collaboration of Chatham County, the Gateway Community Service Board, and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, this campus will become a beacon of hope and support for children and adolescents in our local community and throughout the state. Next, I have a conference call with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) to discuss the initial maps that they have released detailing the counties that will be covered as a result of Hurricane Helene. RMA was created in 1996 to increase the availability and effectiveness of Federal crop insurance as a risk management tool. RMA manages the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) that Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) sell and service. If a county is identified on the RMA map as having been impacted by a Hurricane such as Helene, farmers with federal crop insurance are eligible for disaster coverage. After our all staff conference call, I head to the Pirate’s House in downtown Savannah where I am honored to provide a Washington update to the Independent Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association at their monthly meeting. As is often the case at these meetings, I learn about their issues in more detail. For instance, the Brokers are very concerned about the de minimis value being increased to $800. The de minimis exemption is the value of a shipment of merchandise (ex. liquor, cigarettes, shoes) imported by one person on one day that generally may be imported free of duties and taxes. This creates an unfair advantage for goods located outside the U.S. being shipped into the U.S. as goods shipped from within the U.S. do not enjoy this exemption. Next, I head to our Savannah district office where I have a conference call with personnel from the Federal Trade Commission to bring me up to date on their investigation into the egregious practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and on their lawsuit against three PBMs for artificially inflating insulin drug prices. Afterwards, I meet with a constituent requesting a military age waiver in order to join the Georgia Air National Guard before having a live radio interview on Sirius XM with Julie Mason to discuss the Sapelo Island tragedy this past weekend as well as our district’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Next, I head to Komar Distribution Services in north Bryan County for the ribbon cutting of their new 760,000 square foot warehouse. Komar is a global leader in the apparel industry and is a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider.

Rep. Carter speaks at Komar Distribution Grand Opening

Wednesday, October 23, 2024: I’m in Darien in McIntosh County today as I have the opportunity to speak at the regional leadership forum on Sharing Victories and Solutions for Cities and Counties and Economic Development sponsored by Roberts Civil Engineering and others. With all the economic activity in our district, it is important for our business and government leaders to come together and share information, and this forum is a great opportunity for me to update them on news from Washington and our district. Afterwards, I have a conference call with representatives from The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to discuss legislation pending before Congress. Next, I head to Southeastern Cotton and Peanut Gin in Surrency in Appling County where I meet with cotton growers and representatives from the area and across the southeast to learn about the dire situation they are currently facing. Georgia is the number two cotton producer in the country behind only Texas, and this commodity is vital to our state’s agriculture community. After a great meeting, I head to our Brunswick district office where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute.

Rep. Carter speaks at the Regional Leadership Lunch

Thursday, October 24, 2024: Brunswick and St. Simons Island are very fortunate to have two fine airports run by the Glynn County Airport Commission- the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport and St. Simons Island Airport at McKinnon field. This morning, I am at the St. Simons Island Airport and meet with Executive Director Robert Burr, Commission member Cedric King and Airport Property and Marketing Director Terra Winslett as they bring me up to date on plans for new hangars at the airport as well as improvements to the airstrip. Afterwards, I head to St. Marys in Camden County where I am the guest speaker at the Camden County Women’s Republican Club monthly meeting. After bringing them up to date on news from Washington, I head to a meeting with local Camden businessman CB Yadav before joining in on our all staff conference call. Next, I head to the Jacksonville airport, and during the drive, I have a phone interview with the New York Times to discuss legislation I have dealing with Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM’s).

Rep. Carter speaks at the Camden Women's GOP

Friday, October 25, 2024: I’m in Atlanta this morning and up early to join my good friend Scott Ryfun on Straightalk radio as we discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene and other news of the day. Next, I have a phone interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) to discuss the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) that is before the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee. Afterwards, I head to the State Capitol where I meet with the Commissioner of the Department of Community Health, Russel Carlson, and his staff for an update on state health issues. Later, I head to North Atlanta for a meeting with Novelis, the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminum products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum, before heading to the airport for my return trip home.

Sapelo island tragedy

My heart breaks for Sapelo Island, the Gullah-Geechee community, the victims, and the families grieving a loved one following last week's tragedy. Instead of the beautiful celebration honoring the Gullah-Geechee community’s rich culture and heritage here in southeast Georgia, we are recovering from an unimaginable loss, one that will be felt forever.

The Gullah-Geechee community deserves our unwavering support during this challenging time. Thank you to the first responders and all who have worked tirelessly to assist those in need. Their bravery and dedication remind us that, in times of crisis, Georgians come together.

As we investigate how this tragedy occurred, we must ensure that it is done in a thorough and timely manner. Safety is our top concern, and we must take all necessary steps to prevent a tragedy like this from occurring again.

We will work diligently to honor the memory of those we have lost and to support those who are healing. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can be of assistance.

We are in this together.