When the world came to America for the FIFA World Cup this summer, Georgia had an opportunity to show visitors from across the globe exactly why our state has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for more than a decade.
We did not simply host one of the largest sporting events in history. We demonstrated what can be accomplished through reliable infrastructure, a talented workforce, careful preparation, and a continued commitment to economic growth.
Atlanta welcomed more than half a million fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for eight World Cup matches, while an additional half a million gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park. Those crowds brought business to hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses throughout the region as visitors experienced everything our state has to offer.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber estimates the tournament generated more than $500 million in economic impact from out-of-state and international visitors alone, with statewide economic activity expected to exceed $1 billion. The World Cup may be over, but its impact will be felt for years to come. The partnerships, improvements, and economic opportunities created around the tournament will continue benefiting our state long after the final match.
Hosting an event of this scale requires more than a world-class venue; it also requires extensive planning and dependable transportation, and I am proud to say Georgia handled it beautifully.
MARTA provided approximately 4.7 million rail passenger trips during the 35-day World Cup period, safely handling ridership levels several times higher than normal on major match days. As MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt said, Team MARTA “showed up and showed out,” delivering dependable service with a welcoming smile and Southern hospitality.
And perhaps most importantly, none of this success would have been possible without the dedicated men and women of law enforcement, and we thank them endlessly for their service. The FBI assigned roughly 300 personnel to support security operations in Atlanta and worked closely with federal, state, and local partners throughout the tournament. Because of their planning and professionalism, Atlanta experienced no major security incidents, and fans were able to enjoy the experience safely.
Once again, Georgia showed the nation – and the world – why it remains among the best places to live, work, and do business. To the FIFA World Cup, come again soon! |
Today, we're talking about the story of how one quiet island in Georgia helped shape America's financial system. |
FRAUDSTERS STOLE FROM TAXPAYERS AND HOSPICE PATIENTS. HOW DID WE GET HERE? By: Buddy Carter
When scammers abuse federal programs, they are not stealing from some faceless government account. They are pickpocketing hardworking taxpayers and vulnerable patients who depend on these programs.
It happens every single day, and if you think it doesn’t impact you, you’re sorely mistaken.
In fiscal year 2025, federal agencies reported roughly $186 billion in improper payments across 64 programs. Since 2003, improper payment estimates have totaled about $3 trillion — an absolutely staggering amount that could have gone toward serving Americans in need, not lining the pockets of fraudsters.
President Donald Trump was right to wage an aggressive war on fraud, establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud in March under the chairman, Vice President J.D. Vance, to coordinate a national strategy against fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs.
As part of this broader crackdown, the Department of Justice recently announced charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, in healthcare fraud schemes totaling more than $6.5 billion. That’s equivalent to burning over $740,000 every hour for an entire year. As a pharmacist, I’m sickened to see medical professionals who, instead of fulfilling their role to improve the nation’s health care system, use their insider knowledge to exploit the system.
One of the most disgusting examples is hospice fraud.
I owned and operated an institutional pharmacy that served hospices. I have seen firsthand the good work that honest hospice providers do. It’s supposed to be about comfort and peace for patients at the end of life and for families walking through some of their hardest days.
It takes an especially sick person to exploit dying patients and grieving families for their own benefit. But these fraudsters do it without batting an eye.
At a House Energy and Commerce Committee oversight hearing earlier this year, I raised one example that should shock every American. Auditors found 112 hospice providers operating out of a single physical address. In Los Angeles County alone, hospice agencies likely overbilled Medicare by $105 million in just one year.
One address. 112 hospice providers. If that doesn’t set off alarms, what will? In response to the widespread fraud, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a six-month nationwide moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for hospice and home health agencies, while also suspending payments to approximately 800 hospices and home health agencies suspected of fraud in Los Angeles. They were right to do so.
According to CMS, these providers were responsible for $1.4 billion in Medicare spending last year. That’s a lot of your money being used improperly by bad actors.
Punishment after the fact is important, but it’s not enough. The Trump administration is doing its job and doing it well, but as members of Congress, we must also act to prevent the next wave of fraud before criminals get through the front door.
First, Congress should mandate faster data sharing and automatic reviews when red flags appear. When dozens of providers share the same address, billing patterns spike overnight, or ownership structures recur across suspicious entities, those red flags should prompt immediate scrutiny by the necessary federal, state and Medicaid fraud control units, as well as law enforcement.
Second, Congress should hold states or oversight systems more accountable if they fail to take appropriate measures to prevent the abuse. This is about punishing negligence that severely impairs care and burdens taxpayers. Poor coordination, slow investigations and the ignoring of warning signs enable fraudsters. States and oversight systems that receive or help administer federal dollars must be held accountable when these red flags go unanswered.
Third, every single stolen dollar must be returned by fraudsters, and they should be sent to prison. A slap on the wrist is not enough for criminals who prey on the sick and vulnerable.
Our ultimate goal should be to protect patients and taxpayers. When one scheme works, copycats follow. That is why Congress cannot wait for the next scandal to ask the obvious questions.
President Trump and Vice President Vance are right to put fraudsters on notice. Now it’s Congress’s turn to create proactive, creative solutions to ensure this never happens again.
Read my Washington Times op-ed here. |
Monday, July 27, 2026: On Saturday, I had a meeting with Effingham County Commission Chairman Damon Rahn and Commissioner Jamie DeLoach to catch up on issues in this fast-growing area. Effingham County continues to see major growth that brings about many challenges. As Mayor of the City of Pooler from 1996 until 2005, I experienced similar challenges as, at that time, we were one of the fastest growing cities in the State of Georgia. Balancing growth while continuing to provide the quality of life that citizens have enjoyed for many years is a daunting task at times and requires the cooperation and understanding of elected officials and citizens. Afterwards, I headed back to Glynn County where I joined the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) at their annual conference and expo on Jekyll Island. With over 700 attendees, GFA is the largest, most diverse gathering of forest landowners, professionals, and forest product manufacturers in the U.S. With headquarters in Forsyth near Atlanta, GFA advocates for Georgia’s forest landowners and forest-based businesses to promote a healthy environment and economy through property rights protection, sound management, and policy advocacy. I was honored to welcome the group to the First Congressional District and to be recognized for my work on their behalf over the years. After attending our Band of Brothers bible study this morning in Brunswick, I join my good friends on the Butch and Bob show in Jesup as we discuss Washington news of the day including the Iran conflict and last week’s legislative session. Next, I head to Darien in McIntosh County where I was honored to address the newest members of the school system as they prepare for the upcoming school year. While the McIntosh County school system is relatively small serving roughly 1,300 students, they have strong community support and are dedicated to preparing every student for college, careers, and beyond.
Rep. Carter speaks to Georgia Forestry Association Conference Luncheon
Tuesday, July 28, 2026: Aside from our all staff conference call this morning, the only other event I have today is to welcome the Republican nominee for Governor, Rick Jackson, to St. Marys in Camden County this afternoon. Rick Jackson is the consummate example of someone who has lived the American Dream. Having never known his father, he was raised by a mother struggling with alcoholism and grew up in the foster care system in the Atlanta area. Because of financial difficulties, Rick dropped out of college and later founded his own medical recruitment business and grew it into the company it is today with over $3 billion in annual revenue.
Rep. Carter attends McIntosh Schools New Teacher Breakfast
Rep. Carter speaks at CVA Savannah meeting
Thursday, July 30, 2026: After having traveled to Washington yesterday, I’m at the White House this morning as I meet with officials to discuss future opportunities within the Administration. After a great meeting, I head back home and, once back in Savannah, I head to Ellabell in Bryan County where I have an update visit and tour of the state of the art Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) plant. This project is the single largest economic development project in the history of the State of Georgia with a total investment exceeding $7.6 billion and the potential to create over 8,500 jobs. The massive manufacturing plant is designed for high automation and flexibility, and will produce over 500,000 vehicles annually for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Using AI and data to optimize production, it is a “smart factory” with robots assisting human workers and is truly a sight to see. Afterwards, I meet with constituents before heading to downtown Savannah in Chatham County where I have the honor of speaking to the Concerned Veterans of America (CVA) as I bring them up to date on veterans legislation we are currently considering in Congress including the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. CVA is a great group that’s goal is to engage Veterans in the policy process, particularly in the areas of defense, foreign policy and economic policy. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is comprehensive legislation that combines more than 60 bipartisan bills to strengthen veteran’s healthcare, improve benefits, modernize the VA, and give veterans the care and support they deserve. Currently, the Act is pending before the House for passage.
Rep. Carter Visits to Hyundai MetaPlant
Friday, July 31, 2026: The only thing better than attending one meeting of the Band of Brothers in a week is attending two meetings. This morning I’m in Garden City in Chatham County as I meet with my brothers and hear a great message. Later, I have a phone conference with our Chief of Staff and our District Director while heading to our Savannah district office and later head to the Telfair Museum Jepson Center in downtown Savannah for the Savannah District Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). At the ceremony, Colonel Ronald J. Sturgeon relinquishes command of the USACE, Savannah District, to Colonel Robert R. Fairel Jr. It also marks the well-deserved retirement of Colonel Sturgeon after a very distinguished career. Next, I head back to our Savannah district office where I meet with advocates for Multiple Sclerosis who share their stories with me and emphasize the need for research funding before I head to Pooler in West Chatham County for a meeting with a constituent. Afterwards, I have a phone conference with our district staff followed by a phone call with a Hospice provider in the district to discuss new policies implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS).
Rep. Carter Attends Savannah District Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony |
Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest barrier island, is home to wild horses, centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and one of the most pristine stretches of undeveloped coastline on the East Coast. |
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