I’ve been many things in my life – a student, husband, business owner, pharmacist, mayor, congressman – but the greatest title I’ll ever hold is “dad.”

My three sons, and their children, are the greatest joys of my life. As I write this, I am overcome with both excitement and responsibility. It is a comforting to know that our children will grow up in the freest nation on earth; but, it is our responsibility to ensure those freedoms are defended, for as President Reagan said in his inaugural address, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction.”

These days, it seems our freedoms are under daily assault by the left and those who do not believe in the promise of America. Right now, we are witnessing a cultural battle over some of our most basic rights, including the rights to life, keep and bear arms, and speech. Our founders risked their lives to create “one nation, under god” with “liberty and justice for all.” It is now incumbent upon us to keep and maintain those values for our children and their children.

That burden can feel heavy. Every night, as I wrap up a day of talking with First District residents here in Georgia or voting up in Washington, D.C., I wonder if I’ve done enough. Am I making our country a better place to live? Am I securing a strong future for our nation’s children?

If you’re a parent, I’m sure you've harbored the same concerns about your child's future.

I do not pretend to have all the answers, in policy or parenthood, but I do know this: if you rear your children with love, teach them family values, and instill in them the attributes of respect, hard work, patriotism, and perseverance, you’re on the right path.

In 2019, President Trump signed into law the paid family leave program, which I had the privilege of voting in favor of. As a nation, we came together to ensure that parents across the country could have more time in the role that matters most – being a parent. To this day, that remains one of my proudest votes as a member of Congress. 

Parenthood is a trait that unites us as people, both Republican and Democrat alike. This Father’s Day, I want to thank the amazing fathers in Georgia’s First District for the hard work you do in raising your children. Our country needs you, your families need you, and your children certainly need you.

Thank you, and Happy Father’s Day! 

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing an exciting new bill that will strengthen the United States' nuclear capabilities. 

Monday, June 13th: Before heading to the airport for my trip back to Washington, I have an interview with The Capitol Forum to discuss Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM’s), the middlemen in the drug pricing chain. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that they are launching an inquiry into PBMs and their predatory practices. As a pharmacist, one of my primary goals in Congress has been to lower prescription drug prices. When I first came to Congress over 7 ½ years ago, I approached the FTC and asked them to look into this issue. After years of persisting, I am excited that the FTC will finally be launching this much needed study and am confident that it will lead to significant reforms and patient savings.

After a delayed flight, I finally arrive in Washington and head to two meetings off Capitol Hill before heading to our weekly Whip Team meeting.

Next, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week and afterwards remain in the Chamber where I pay tribute to Savannahian Russ Peterson, who recently passed.

Tuesday, June 14th: My morning begins with an early morning radio interview with my good friend Scott James who is generating his Valdosta radio show from Washington this week as he is traveling with the Valdosta/Lowndes County delegation in his role as Mayor of the City of Valdosta.

Afterwards, I head to our weekly GOP Conference meeting before heading back to my office where I have a live virtual interview with Newsmax to discuss energy issues and inflation.

Next, I head to a Budget Committee where we have a hearing on the American Rescue Plan and the impact it has had on our economy. After our all staff conference call, I head off Capitol Hill where I record a video for the Republican Policy Committee in their “This is Who I am” series.

Once back in my office, I meet with the Valdosta/Lowndes County delegation again before meeting with members of the Georgia Beverage Association. Next, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day before heading to a Select Committee on Climate Change hearing on methane emissions.

After returning to my office, I have a virtual call with Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville where I hear from Dylan Smith and her mother, Ashley. Dylan shares with me her amazing and brave story and how Wolfson Children’s Hospital has helped her with their inpatient and outpatient services.

Next, I head downtown where I have the pleasure of addressing the Alliance for Biosecurity’s Spring 2022 Board meeting. In Congress, I serve as co-chair of the Congressional Biodefense Caucus and today bring the group up to date on biosecurity priorities currently being discussed.

Once back on Capitol Hill, I head to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day and afterwards pay tribute to Savannah Veterinarian Jimmy Ducey who recently passed.

Wednesday, June 15th: I’m honored to welcome the CEO of Walmart, John Furner, to Washington this morning as we discuss the supply chain issues impacting retailers today.

Afterwards, I head to a special Doctor’s Caucus meeting with the Community Oncology Alliance as we hear from this group about the impact PBMs are having on their practices and their patients.

Once back in my office, I meet with Organon CEO Kevin Ali as we discuss their primary focus on women’s health and biosimilars. Next, I head to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Communications and Technology (C&T) markup before meeting with representatives from the Large Urology Group Practice Association.

Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to my former Georgia House of Representatives colleague, Gene Maddox from Cairo, who recently passed.

Next, I head to a conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC) meeting before heading back to my office where I meet with representatives from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).

My next meeting is with Home Builders Association of Georgia members including my good friends, Jerry and Mark Konter and Lamar Smith.

Afterwards, I meet with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia before meeting with the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).

Next, I head off Capitol Hill where I have a meeting with Primerica President Peter Schneider and then head to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day.

Afterwards, I head to the Department of Energy downtown where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings.

Thursday, June 16th: At our weekly Doctor’s Caucus meeting this morning our guest speaker is Dr. John Goodman, called by many the “Father of Health Savings Accounts.”

Next, I have a radio interview with my good friends on the World Famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup as we discuss Washington issues, before heading off Capitol Hill where I am honored to be a guest panelist at the Ripon Society monthly meeting.

Once back in my office, I meet with the Health Industry Distributors Association before meeting with Ethiopia’s newly appointed Ambassador to the U.S., Seleshi Bekele.

Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for our last vote series of the day before heading to the airport for a flight to Atlanta.

Once in Atlanta, I meet with representatives from Equifax before meeting with members of the Loose Group including my good friend, former Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss.

Afterwards, I head back to the airport for my flight home to Savannah which, of course, is delayed and I finally get home after midnight.

Friday, June 17th: After a couple hours of sleep, I’m up early and at our Band of Brothers bible study in Garden City this morning.

Once back home, I record a podcast with the Pharmacy Podcast Network as we talk about PBMs and the FTC study regarding their deceptive and unfair practices.

Next, I have a virtual interview with NTD’s Capitol Report as we discuss inflation and the economy before meeting with a local manufacturer to discuss the labor shortage.

Later, I have a live interview with Neil Cavuto on his Fox Business show, Coast to Coast.

Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House.