Cheers to 2025!

As we close out another year, Georgia’s First Congressional District enters 2026 with momentum and a clear focus on what comes next. This past year brought challenges and progress. Through it all, our communities showed up. Small businesses kept growing. Families kept pushing forward. Local leaders stayed engaged.

In Washington, I stayed focused on the priorities you sent me there to work on- lowering costs, strengthening the economy, supporting public safety, standing with our service members, and advocating for Georgians.

This week’s newsletter looks back on the past year through moments that capture the people and places that made 2025 a year to remember. From community events to hard work in Washington, D.C., these photos tell the story better than words alone.

Serving you in Congress remains an honor. I am grateful for your trust and your support. I look forward to continuing this work together in 2026. And as always, I am hoping for another strong year for the Georgia Bulldogs.

photos of the year

January

I was sworn in for another term alongside Speaker Mike Johnson, with my wife Amy by my side, marking the start of a new Congress. The ceremony was a reminder of the responsibility of this office and the trust placed in me by the people of Georgia’s First District.

February

During a Friends of the First stop in Liberty County, I met with local first responders and community members to thank them for their service, including sharing Valentine’s cards as a small gesture of appreciation. This is one of my favorite yearly traditions! This event consistently reinforces the importance of respect and appreciation for our first responders among young people in the First District.

March

I attended the grand opening of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, the largest single economic development project in Georgia’s history. This investment is bringing thousands of jobs and long-term manufacturing opportunities to coastal Georgia.

April

Welcoming University of Georgia (UGA) President Jere Morehead to Washington, D.C. was a great opportunity as UGA leaders and student athletes met with lawmakers to discuss NIL policy and college athletics. I enjoyed highlighting how Georgia’s universities continue to shape national dialogue.

May

The American Hospital Association’s annual meeting offered me a chance to speak about the importance of strong local health systems that serve our communities every day. An introduction by Effingham Health System CEO Dr. Francine Baker-Witt underscored the level of care found throughout the First District.

June

While in St. Marys, I delivered remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patrol Boat Dedication and Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home celebration. The event honored our veterans and served as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.

July

Meeting Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan was a powerful moment for me, following his rescue efforts at Camp Mystic on July 4th, where he helped save more than 160 lives, including my twin granddaughters. It was a privilege to thank him for his service!

August

August included an API roundtable discussing Georgia’s projected energy demand growth and the challenges facing our power grid. We examined how federal policy can help meet future demand while maintaining reliable energy service.

September

Standing with and passing out Georgia’s own Chick-fil-A to National Guard members on the National Mall was a powerful reminder of the responsibility they carry in keeping Washington, D.C. safe. I fully support the president’s decision to send them to our cities and restore law-and-order, a noble and patriotic task. Their readiness to serve, often without recognition, reflects a deep commitment to public safety.

October

Georgia Pre-K Week offered a chance in October to read with students and celebrate the joy that comes with learning at an early age. Experiences like this stay with you and reinforce the importance of investing in our children.

November

I joined colleagues for a bipartisan reception supporting the recently released Israeli hostages. The gathering provided an opportunity to discuss how Congress can continue working together to advocate for Americans wrongfully detained abroad, combat antisemitism, and support those still waiting to come home.

December

I concluded the year with a press conference at the Capitol Plaza on the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, legislation I am proud to co-sponsor that will address the high cost of prescription drugs by going after the middlemen. The month also included meetings with Georgia pharmacists visiting Washington and passage of a major piece of legislation that will make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans.