Monday, October 13, 2025: I was in Folkston in Charlton County on Saturday as I attended the annual Okefenokee Festival that began with a parade through the heart of town and included vendors, food trucks, a car show, live music and a swamp hollerin’ contest. Sponsored by the Charlton County Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce, the festival reflects the charm and culture of the community. Later in the day, I headed to the Savannah Country Club on Wilmington Island near Savannah in Chatham County where I attended the Folds of Honor fundraiser that brings the community together in tribute to military families. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders. On Sunday, I was in Nicholls in Coffee County where I attended the Awaken Rally for Charlie Kirk sponsored by local churches featuring music, testimony and preaching. Afterwards, I joined in on a virtual call led by White House Office of Legislative Affairs Director James Braid to bring us up to date on the government shutdown. I’m up early this morning and at the airport as I fly to Atlanta and, once at the airport, I have a radio interview with a station in Rome in Floyd County in Northwest Georgia to discuss news of the day. Later, I have a couple of staff calls before heading to Dahlonega in Lumpkin County in Northeast Georgia where I visit the campus of the University of North Georgia (UNG), the state’s seventh-largest public university that offers more than 100 programs of study across five campuses in Northeast Georgia. Designated as a State Leadership Institution and The Military College of Georgia, the University has about 20,000 students. Next, I have a meeting with local residents as we discuss news from Washington including the shutdown before heading to another group of local residents for more Washington discussions.
Rep. Carter at UNG Dahlonaga
Tuesday, October 14, 2025: I leave Atlanta early this morning and make the 4-hour ride to Moultrie in Colquitt County in Southwest Georgia where I visit the annual Sunbelt Ag Expo, an agricultural-based trade show known as “North America’s Premier Farm Show.” During the drive, I join in on our all staff conference call and, once at the Expo, I join in on a conference call of GOP House members with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as he brings us up to date on negotiations with the Senate Democrats to open the government. Unfortunately, the news is not good as it appears we are still at an impasse. After the call, I attend the Willie B. Withers Luncheon at the Expo where the Southeastern Farmer of the Year is announced. This year’s winner is Kent Hamilton, CEO of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc, based in Norman Park, GA. After a tour of the Expo, I hit the road again and travel to Columbus in Muscogee County and, during the drive, I have a phone conference with our communications consultant and team. Once in Columbus, I have the honor of speaking to the Muscogee County GOP at their monthly meeting.
Rep. Carter at Sunbelt AG Expo
Wednesday, October 15, 2025: After an introductory call with a radio show host in the Macon area, I head to Newnan in Coweta County in West Georgia where I join the Newnan Rotary as they have one of their many service projects today and pass out food to needy residents in a food drive. After a tour of the current Newnan City Church by my good friend, Dr. Jim Ellison, he shares with us the exciting plans this growing congregation has for a new facility to be constructed nearby. Afterwards, I head to Norcross in Gwinnett County northeast of Atlanta where I am honored to speak at a Turning Point program celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month held at Monte Sinai Church. I am honored to speak and participate in a panel afterwards at this great event that honors the vibrant cultures, strong values and inspiring contributions of the Hispanic community.
Rep. Carter at Newnan Food Distribution
Thursday, October 16, 2025: I’m on the radio this morning as I join the Brian Kilmeade radio show as we discuss the government shutdown and the situations in Venezuela and Argentina. Afterwards, I head to Jones County near Macon where I attend the 12th Annual Salute to the Georgia Sheriffs event and where the 2025 Georgia Sheriff of the Year is announced. This year’s recipient is Sheriff Jud Smith of Barrow County who was honored for his leadership during a tragedy at Apalachee High School and for his lasting impact on the state’s public safety efforts. Afterwards, I travel 2 ½ hours through Atlanta traffic to Marietta in Cobb County north of Atlanta where I visit Vermeer Southeast, a heavy equipment dealer that serves the Atlanta area. A 100% employee-owned company, the culture of Vermeer Southeast is based on the biblical principles of honesty and integrity. Through faith, determination and hard work, the company has persevered and grown. Next, I head to Dallas in Paulding County northwest of Atlanta where I am honored to speak at the Paulding County GOP monthly meeting. Paulding County was established in 1832 and named after the Revolutionary War hero John Paulding.
Rep. Carter at Turning Point Hispanic Heritage Month
Friday, October 17, 2025: After a conference call this morning with our Chief of Staff and District Director, I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing as well as a couple of videos for events I can’t physically attend next week. Later, I have a meeting with representatives from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), an international organization that provides a forum for the ethical exchange of information. AFCEA increases knowledge for its members by exploring issues in information technology, communications, and electronics for the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities.
Mrs. Carter at WIRL Reception