If your prescription drug costs are too high, thank a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM).

If you’ve ever lost access to your local pharmacist, thank a PBM.

If you’ve ever been denied a medication that was prescribed by your doctor, thank a PBM.

During my four decades as a pharmacist, ten years in the Georgia state legislature, and now in my 12thyear serving in Congress, I have been consistently battling the PBM mafia, which steals health and hope from patients nationwide just to make a quick buck.

They do this by inflating prescription drug costs, forcing pharmacy closures, and blocking access to life-saving medications.

Fortunately, I am proud to say that this week we finally made progress to hold these middlemen accountable by adding transparency to the system, eliminating perverse incentives to keep drug costs high, and creating certainty for pharmacists.

I was proud to stand beside President Trump as he signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, into law, which included the first major reform to PBMs in decades that will make our health care system more accessible and affordable for patients nationwide.

The PBM mafia has officially been put on notice.

These reforms are desperately needed and are being celebrated by patients and pharmacists nationwide, because Americans are paying more in premiums, more out-of-pocket, and more at the pharmacy counter—while, at the same time, seeing fewer choices and more restrictions on their care.

This administration is laser-focused on bringing relief to patients at the pharmacy counter, and the results speak for themselves. In the same week that he secured generational health care reform, he also launched TrumpRx, a transformational new website that will help patients secure deep discounts for certain prescription medications.

If you haven’t checked it out already, I encourage you to do so here: https://trumprx.gov/

Under this President and unified Republican leadership, we are getting more done to fix our broken health care system in one week than other administrations did in their entire term.

Let’s be clear: We are only seeing this kind of progress because of President Trump. There’s a reason it’s happening under his watch and not Biden’s. Biden bailed out insurance companies; Trump is empowering patients.

Biden put illegal immigrants on taxpayer-funded health care. President Trump is kicking them off.

Biden and his liberal friends – like Senator Jon Ossoff – support the Un-Affordable Care Act, which skyrocketed health care premiums, is ripe with waste, fraud, and abuse, and benefits Big Insurance more than hardworking Americans.

I agree with President Trump that we should be sending money to the patients, not Big Insurance. That way, we promote competition, which is the best way to make prescription drugs affordable again.

We had some big wins this week, but it’s just the beginning.

There is more to be done, but I am glad to report to patients and pharmacists nationwide that help and relief are on the way.

On this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we discuss Georgia native, Elana Meyers Taylor, on her now five time selection to the Winter Olympic Games, along with the importance of fair competition in women's sports.

Monday, February 2, 2026: After taking the red eye flight from Los Angeles on Friday night-Saturday morning, I was live on Fox News as we discussed the situation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota and the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation into Fulton County’s 2020 election materials. Saturday night, I attended the 34^th annual Weekend for Wildlife charity event sponsored by the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. This great event, held on Sea Island in Glynn County, raised over $17 million for conserving Georgia’s non-game wildlife. Yesterday, I was honored to worship at First Baptist Church (FBC) Douglas, located in Coffee County in Southeast Georgia. FBC Douglas boasts a vibrant congregation led by Senior Pastor Dr. Don Hattaway, and their mission is to demonstrate the love of God by making disciples throughout the area. Founded in 1858, the City of Douglas was named for Senator Stephen A. Douglas and is home to South Georgia State College. Coffee County was created in 1854 and named for General John Coffee. Last night, I was honored to attend the Habitat for Humanity Hunt Ball on St. Simons Island, a fundraiser for the group that’s mission is to build affordable homes, revitalize neighborhoods and empower families through homeownership. I’m up early this morning and live on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business as we discuss ICE in Minnesota, this week’s vote on the appropriations package and the storming of Churches in Minnesota by protestors. Afterwards, I have a radio interview with my good friend, Scott Ryfun with Straight Talk radio as we discuss news of the day. Next, I head to Savannah for my flight back to Washington and, once at the Savannah airport, I have a live interview on Fox News with Bill Hemmer to discuss ICE in Minnesota, the appropriations vote and other news of the day. Once back in Washington, I have a call with our Chief of Staff and others on our team to discuss the appropriations bill we will be voting on tomorrow before heading to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee member meeting to discuss our priorities for the next few months. Once back in our office, I meet with our communications staff followed by a meeting with our scheduling staff. After a meeting with our legislative staff, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting and afterwards head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week. Remaining in the Chamber afterwards, I pay tribute to my former Georgia State House colleague, Bill Hembree, who passed recently, before heading off Capitol Hill for a meeting with the Republican Main Street Caucus (RMSC) where our guest speaker is Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

Rep. Carter on Fox News

Tuesday, February 3, 2026: I’m back on the airwaves this morning as I join Newsmax for a live interview where we discuss the upcoming Appropriations bill vote as well as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Next, I head to a Meet the Administration series where we hear from Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler and then head to our weekly GOP Conference meeting. Afterwards, I head to the Hart Building on the Senate side of the Capitol where I speak to the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. Once back on the House side, I head to an E&C Oversight and Investigations (O&I) Subcommittee hearing on Medicare and Medicaid Fraud before heading to a meeting with the CEO of United Airlines and then to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. After a meeting with the Republican Governance Group (RG2), I head back to our office where I meet with Sam Whitaker, the CEO/Founder of Mural Health. Next I head back to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day where we pass the Consolidated Appropriations Bill of 2026, assuring the federal government will stay open for at least two more weeks. Once back in our office, I meet with the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA) before heading to the White House where I am honored to join President Trump and members of Congress in the signing ceremony of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

Rep. Carter in the Oval Office with President Trump

Wednesday, February 4, 2026: A big part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 was the healthcare reforms I was able to get added to the bill addressing Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM), telehealth, and maternal mortality. This morning, I join Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-T) and others as we hold a press conference in the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) to announce the passing of this much needed PBM reform. Once back in our office, I meet with the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) before heading to an E&C Telecom Subcommittee hearing on FirstNet. Next, I meet with Georgia Narcotics Officers Association, followed by the CEO of Versant, then with Circuit Judges from Georgia, before heading to the House Chamber, where I pay tribute to Judge Ronnie Fender from Cook County who has retired, pharmacists throughout the country, the Scottish Rite, and Savannah Country Day School teacher Bill Eswine, who is retiring. Once back in our office, I meet with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CB0) before meeting with a group to discuss microplastics. Next, I head to the Cannon Caucus Room in Longworth where I join the World Interfaith Harmony group and afterwards head to the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) forum roundtable to discuss unleashing energy dominance. After heading to the House Chamber for votes and to pay tribute to Paul Brown on his retirement from the FBI. Next, I join in on our all staff conference call followed by a virtual call with our district staff and then I have a live interview with One America News (OAN) to discuss PBM reform. After filming this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing, I head off Capitol Hill where I attend the Washington Press Club Foundation Annual Congressional Meeting.

Rep. Carter hosts PBM Reform Conference

Thursday, February 5, 2026: I’m up early and off Capitol Hill this morning as I attend the 74^th National Prayer Breakfast and welcome as my guests, Lucas and Thea Ramirez from my home church, Wesley Church at Frederica. After a great time of fellowship together, I head back to our office and Lucas and Thea join me as we visit and then they pray for me. Next, I meet with a group of Iranian Americans from Georgia to discuss the Freedom Act before heading to the airport and flying to Atlanta. Once in Atlanta, I have a meeting with a constituent who lives in Brunswick and Atlanta

Rep. Carter prays with Lucas and Thea Ramirez from my home church, Wesley Church at Frederica

Friday, February 6, 2026: This morning, I enjoy meeting with representatives from McDonalds in Atlanta to learn more of their franchising model. Afterwards, I head to Milledgeville in Baldwin County in Central Georgia, where I meet with some healthcare professionals before heading to Georgia Military College (GMC) where I have a great tour and visit. This public, state-chartered institution offers associate degrees and pathways to bachelor’s degrees with a military cadet program. The campus also has a school for grades K-12. Afterwards, I head to Darien in McIntosh County where I attend the Altie Awards and Chamber Gala at the beautiful Oaks on the River. The Altie Awards are an annual affair held where business leaders and others are recognized by the Chamber for their accomplishments.

Rep. Carter join Vidalia Luncheon 

Georgia's official state fossil is the Megalodon shark tooth, designated in 1976.