Supporting Georgia’s Institutions

Georgia is home to some of the brightest minds, and those strengths are cultivated through the wonderful education that we receive at our world-class institutions of higher learning.

It’s no secret that I’m a proud Bulldog and a graduate of Young Harris College, two of the best colleges and universities our state has to offer. But today, I want to focus on a wonderful campus that I had the privilege of spending some time on this week and have been a proud supporter of for several years: Augusta University, specifically the Medical College of Georgia (MCG).

The Medical College of Georgia was founded on December 10, 1828, in the City of Augusta. In 2013, MCG merged with Augusta State University to become one institution, which we today know as Augusta University (AU). Now, AU is a public research university and medical center dedicated to training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and health care providers.

As a health care provider myself, it is encouraging to know that our state is paving the way toward ensuring that we have a highly skilled medical workforce to keep Americans healthy. One of the emphases of its work is supporting telehealth through MCG’s Center for Digital Health.

I often say that we knew how important telehealth was before the pandemic, but we didn’t fully realize it until after. Telehealth is a vital resource for seniors, people with mobility impairments, and those living in rural areas far away from a medical provider. Especially with the number of independent health care providers that are closing due to rampant consolidation and vertical integration, which I am fighting against through bills targeting middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), telehealth may be the only connection some patients have to a licensed health care professional.

The work MCG is doing to connect more Georgians to their doctors and pharmacists is important, which is why I was proud to secure $1 million in fiscal year 2023 to support the Center’s work.

This is exactly the kinds of project the government should support, because it gives every single one of us the resources to live healthier lives, and it spurs innovation.

That’s not the only way this university is protecting public health, either. For Fiscal Year 2026, I submitted a request to fund AU’s development of improved detection methods for the deadly illicit drug fentanyl. Through the College of Science and Math, AU is working to develop a rapid test that will keep our law enforcement officers safe by providing a quick and accurate analysis of samples. Even just being in contact with fentanyl can be life-threatening. Our law enforcement officers and those working to detect fentanyl deserve added protections, so they don’t risk their own lives while protecting ours.

Fentanyl is the number one cause of death for adults ages 18-45. We must do something to address this crisis, and I am proud that our universities are working on this critical issue and supporting the health and safety of our men and women in blue.

AU is not the only Georgia institution worth bragging about. I was on Fox News earlier this week where I got to talk about Georgia Tech’s initiative to accept every valedictorian in the state to their university, which you can watch here.

I am so grateful to represent a state with such remarkable, hardworking, and forward-thinking people. Thank you for making Georgia the best state in which to live, work, play, and learn.

Buddy's Briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing Memorial Day and how important it is to our district.

from our nation's capitol CDXCXVIII

Monday, May 26, 2025: Today is Memorial Day, a time we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s also a time we remember and pray for the family members and friends of those who gave that ultimate sacrifice.

On Saturday, I was in Waycross in Ware County where I attended the GOP First District candidate forum where we had statewide candidates invited and speaking to us. Among those in attendance was my former Georgia State Senate colleague and current GOP State Party Chairman Josh McKoon, who has done a great job as our state party chair over the past four years.

Yesterday, I attended the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony that was held at the American Legion on Bull Street in downtown Savannah. The event is usually held at the Vietnam Memorial on Bay Street but was moved indoors due to inclement weather.

I’m live on Fox News Live this morning as I discuss news of the day including President Trump’s promise to withhold federal funds from Harvard University unless they accept more American students. Currently, 31% of the enrollment at Harvard is foreign students.

Next, I head to Bloomingdale in West Chatham County where I participate in their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Freedom Park. The emcee for the event is my good friend, former Pooler City Manager and current Bloomingdale Mayor, Dennis Baxter. Afterwards, I head to the National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force in Pooler, where I am honored to speak at their Memorial Day Ceremony including a wreath laying ceremony and a C-130 flyover, courtesy of the 165th Airlift Wing from Travis Field. Along with three surviving WWII heroes, I am honored to place the last of the 26,000 American flags that have been set out in the memorial gardens to remember the members of the Mighty Eighth who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

After a most inspiring ceremony, I head to the Memorial Day lunch at Post 184 in Thunderbolt before heading to St. Simons Island where I attend Taps at Twilight, an annual Memorial Day concert and tribute held at Neptune Park near the Pier. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Simons Island, the event includes music by the Golden Isles Community Concert band and the guest speaker is Lt. General William “Glenn” Webster.

Rep. Carter attends Mighty Eighth Air Force Memorial Day Ceremony

Tuesday, May 27, 2025: I’m in Brunswick in Glynn County this morning, and I take a ride along with What a Blessing transportation company at the invitation of Modivcare, a company that connects people with non-emergency medical transportation. This morning, we pick up a patient at their home in Brunswick and transport them to a local dialysis center for their regular treatment.

Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick district office where I meet with the CEO and leadership of Alora Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing branded and generic prescription products.

After our all staff conference call, I head to Darien in McIntosh County where I meet with my good friend Art Lucas, owner of Oaks on the River Boutique resort, a project that has transformed a former industrial site into a high-end destination on the Darien River. Next, I head back to Brunswick for a meeting with my good friend Donna Gowen Poe, before heading back to the Brunswick office for a series of meetings including with a representative from the Georgia Geospatial Association, a meeting with a constituent to discuss SNAP, a meeting with my good friend Fred Barber to discuss a state zoning issue, and a meeting with a constituent to discuss tariffs.

After a virtual meeting with Bright Night Solar to discuss a local solar farm, I have a congratulatory call with Liberty County High School student Ty’Reek Watts on his acceptance to the Air Force Academy.

Rep. Carter meets with Modivcare

Wednesday, May 28, 2025: I wake up in Augusta this morning as I traveled here last night, and before leaving my hotel room, I have a radio interview with guest host Marci McCarthy on the John Fredericks show to discuss news of the day.

Next, I head to Fort Eisenhower for a briefing with Major General Ryan Janovic and his staff on the exciting work being done at this great facility. After a lunch with area businesspeople, I am live on the Austin Rhodes radio show as we discuss news of the day and later travel to Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) for a tour and briefing.

Rep. Carter meets with officials from Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia

Thursday, May 29, 2025: I’m back in Savannah this morning, and I head to the Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) Association of Georgia conference on Hutchinson Island where I have the opportunity to speak to them and bring them up to date on issues in Washington.

Afterwards, I head to Pooler for the groundbreaking of the improvements for Quacco Road. As I often said during my time as Mayor of Pooler, “here we grow again!” Next, I meet with a constituent at a local coffee shop before heading to Lummus Corporation’s headquarters to discuss challenging issues in the cotton ginning industry.

After heading to Crosswinds Golf Club in Savannah where I am the guest speaker at the Traffic Club to discuss transportation and logistics issues throughout the district, I hit the road headed to Atlanta. Once in Atlanta, I head to a meeting with Republican leadership, Governor Brian Kemp, and our state delegation.

Rep. Carter at Quacco Road Groundbreaking

Friday, May 30, 2025: I’m on the radio early this morning with my good friend, Scott Ryfun, on StraightTalk as we discuss news of the day. Next, I head to a meeting in downtown Atlanta with a group of land investors to discuss a project they have under way in North Glynn County. Afterwards, I head to Canton north of Atlanta where I join the Georgia Faith and Freedom Foundation for a roundtable with Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter.

Next, I head to South Atlanta where I join the fine folks at Chick-fil-A for a tour of their corporate headquarters. This Georgia company is a strong corporate citizen and one of the most well-respected companies in America. I still tell the story of when I was Mayor of the City of Pooler and we had the ribbon cutting for a new Chick-fil-A and their Chairman, Dan Cathy, played the national anthem on his trumpet. Afterwards, we hit the road back to Jekyll Island in Glynn County where I attend the Augusta University MCG Conference and am honored to receive their Healthcare Champion Award in recognition of our dedication and support of medical education.

Rep. Carter tours Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters

did you know?

John Wesley, founder of Methodism, came to Georgia in 1735 as a missionary but faced failure. His strict leadership at Christ Church in Savannah upset parishioners, and a failed romance with Sophia Hopkey led to scandal. After banning her from communion and being sued by her husband, Wesley left Georgia in disgrace on December 2, 1737.