Autopen Presidency

In case you missed the news, a bombshell report recently exposed that President Biden did not physically sign many legally binding documents during his presidency, including controversial presidential pardons that came out towards the end of his term.

To make matters worse, he wasn’t even present when these decisions were made.

Instead, he outsourced his constitutional duties not just to staff members, but to machines. Autopens are tools that replicate signatures, allowing for quick and easy signing of documents on behalf of the person whose name is being copied. There are times where this sort of technology can come in handy, such as signing thank you cards or bulk invitations, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with using it in the appropriate setting.

But when it comes to signing documents with the force of law, the use of an autopen isn’t just irresponsible – it is an outright dereliction of duty. That’s why many people were outraged to learn that, under President Biden, this technology was being used to sign seemingly everything, from Christmas cards to executive orders to presidential pardons.

Presidential pardons should be issued by the Commander-in-Chief, not staff members with access to a signature machine. If Biden shrugged off this constitutional responsibility, what other duties did he delegate to unelected officials?

Was he even aware of the decisions that were being made on his behalf?

Who was really running the country for the past four years?

The American people deserve answers that, sadly, may never come; but, we can ensure that the Autopen Presidency never returns to the Oval office. This week, I introduced the Signature Integrity for Granting National Pardons, or SIGN Pardons, Act. This bill will permanently ban the use of autopens for signing presidential pardons, requiring that all Presidents physically sign the document in order for it to be considered valid.

This commonsense piece of legislation will help restore the public’s trust that the person who they elected to lead is actually the one making decisions.

If the American people have to show up to perform their jobs every single day, so too should the President of the United States.

buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing the amazing st. Patrick's Day celebrations that our district put on this week.

from our nation's Capitol cdxcx

Monday, March 17, 2025: On Saturday of this past weekend, I participated in the American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) annual conference on Sea Island in Glynn County and was honored to be on a panel for a discussion on tax reform in the 119^th Congress. I also attended a session with Alex Karp, the co-founder and CEO of the software firm Palantir Technologies that counts as its clients the United States Intelligence Community (USIC) and United States Department of Defense (USDOD). Late in the day I attended an entertaining conversation between sports broadcaster Paul Finebaum and a want to be sports broadcaster, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Yesterday, I was in Savannah where I was honored to speak at the 47^th Annual Sgt. William Jasper Ceremony that was moved inside to the Knights of Columbus 631 on Liberty Street because of the inclement weather. The ceremony pays tribute to Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero and is an important part of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, highlighting the community’s deep respect for service and sacrifice.

Rep. Carter speaks at the Sgt. William Jasper Ceremony

Today is Saint Patrick’s Day and the festivities start early as I attend two breakfasts, the Sinn Fein Breakfast held at the Savannah Golf Club and the Finian Society Breakfast held at American Legion Post 135 on the south end of Forsyth Park. Afterwards, I head to the parade line up that starts at the intersection of Gwinnett and Abercorn Streets and enjoy a beautiful day as I am honored to walk in the 201^st Saint Patrick’s Day parade that is filled with wonderful marching and pipe bands, elaborate floats, traditional dancers and lots of Irish heritage. The 3-hour, 3 mile parade traverses through 6 of Savannah’s historic squares, includes over 200 U.S. Army soldiers from Fort Stewart, over 300 entrants and draws visitors from all over the U.S. and the world. I finish this wonderful day by attending The Hibernian Society of Savannah’s 213^th Anniversary Dinner at the Savannah Convention Center that honors the 72^nd President of the Society, J. Harry Haslam, Jr.

Rep. Carter in the 201st Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade

Tuesday, March 18, 2025: My day starts with an early morning radio interview as we kick off our Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) statewide tour with my good friend, Martha Zoller in Gainesville. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick office where I meet with a constituent from Saint Simons Island as we discuss potential legislation to stop federal taxes of Social Security followed by a meeting with constituents from Glynn and Camden Counties to discuss restarting a Navy League in the area. Next, I meet with constituents representing the Solar United Neighbors Action to learn more about how Georgia benefits from solar investments before meeting with three United Methodist ministers to discuss their concerns about their perception of the promotion of Christian Nationalism in our Country. After a very emotional meeting with the grandmother of a 15-year-old from Brantley County who was killed in a hit and run crash by an illegal immigrant in 2023, I have a conference call with the Attending Physician at the U. S. Capitol, Dr. Brian Monahan, to discuss my request to have Naloxone placed alongside fire extinguishers in the Capitol. Next, I head to the Boys and Girls Club in Brunswick where I meet with southeast region director Brian Dolan to discuss much needed funding for the facility and afterwards continue our statewide DOGE radio tour with an interview with Austin Rhodes in Augusta.

Rep. Carter meets about restarting a Navy League

Wednesday, March 19, 2025: I pick up right where I left off yesterday with another DOGE radio interview, this time on the World Famous Butch and Bob show in Jesup while in route to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I meet with a constituent to discuss the failed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Afterwards, I join my good friend John Fredericks on his radio show in Atlanta as we continue our statewide DOGE tour and then have a call with the newly appointed Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Andrew Ferguson. Next, I head to Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) where I meet with LTC Derick Taylor as we discuss the needs of this most important military post including the pre-World War II hangars that are in so desperate need of replacement. After a great visit, I head to midtown Savannah where I meet with a couple of constituents to discuss a crypto currency issue before heading to downtown Savannah where I meet with the leadership team at Gateway Terminals before joining them at the Georgia Ports in Garden City for a tour of the facilities. Afterwards, I head to our Savannah district office where I meet with constituents with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition to discuss Immigration issues and foreign affairs. After a meeting with a constituent to discuss an immigration issue, I head to downtown Savannah for a meeting with constituents before joining in on a phone call with the CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to discuss legislation currently before Congress.

Rep. Carter meets with LTC Derick Taylor

Thursday, March 20, 2025: Our DOGE statewide radio tour continues this morning as I join my good friends Scott Ryfun in Brunswick and later Scott James in Valdosta for interviews. Once in our Brunswick district office, I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings as well as a reel before heading to Patterson Elementary School in Pierce County where I visit the students in their separate classrooms and thank them for helping make our Friends of the First event such a success by making Valentine cards for our First Responders. Afterwards, I head to Baxley in Appling County where I visit the Senior Citizens program as well as Action Pact Appling and witness the great services this community is providing for their Seniors and Children. Next, I head to a great meeting with leaders in the community including Knicole Lee with the Southern Healthcare Collaboration and City and County elected officials. Afterwards, I head to the Jacksonville airport and, during the drive, I have a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) to discuss Georgians Kelly Loeffler and Doug Collins who are both doing outstanding work as part of the Trump Administration.

Rep. Carter with Southern Healthcare Collaboration

Friday, March 21, 2025: I’m in Nashville, Tennessee, today for the Annual meeting and Exposition of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). While here, I pay a visit to the CEO of HCA Healthcare, Sam Hazen, at their headquarters that are located here. HCA is one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services with 185+ hospitals, including Memorial Hospital in Savannah and Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, and over 2,400 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ER’s, urgent care centers, home health and hospice agencies, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. Throughout the day I have a series of meetings with pharmacists and pharmacy leaders to discuss the current status of our great profession.

Rep. Carter at HCA

did you know?

A Georgia football legend, Charley Trippi led the Bulldogs to SEC titles, an Orange Bowl, and a Rose Bowl victory before serving in WWII. He returned to win National Player of the Year and later dominated in the NFL. A Hall of Famer in both college and pro football, he remains one of the game’s greatest.