I am beyond grateful, as I'm sure you are too, that the First District was spared the worst effects of Hurricane Ian.

Unfortunately, our neighbors were not so lucky. Our thoughts and prayers are with Florida and the Carolinas today as they assess the damage and begin to rebuild. I have faith in the governors' hurricane response and will support federal efforts to get them aid as quickly as possible. 

The time to prepare for our next hurricane is now. Visit my webpage for resources so you can be ready for any and all storms Mother Nature throws at us this hurricane season. 

(Washington Times) - America’s nuclear energy sector has been on the back burner for too long. After decades of neglect, the first new commercial reactor in 30 years will come online early next year with the completion of Plant Vogtle’s Unit 3 in Georgia.

While this is welcome progress, America’s nuclear energy capabilities are deteriorating right when we need reliable baseload power to meet our ever-growing electricity demand.

This isn’t just an energy concern, it’s a national security concern. From mining to power generation, our world class nuclear industry is losing its competitive advantage to our adversaries primarily Russia and China.

Russia is a nation that weaponizes its energy supply to wield power over other nations dominates nuclear markets. Russia is advancing its economic and foreign policy influence around the world with $133 billion in foreign orders for reactors, with plans for more than 15 reactors to be built abroad with Russian technology.

China, a strategic competitor and notorious bad actor, is currently constructing four reactors abroad, with prospects for 16 more reactors across multiple countries, in addition to the 57 reactors either built or under construction in China over the past three decades.

As we witness Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and China posturing for an invasion of Taiwan, we must consider the implications of global nuclear industry led and directed by countries that willingly undermine democracy.

By investing in nuclear here, and encouraging our allies to do the same, we can eliminate energy dependence on these nations, encourage development, and promote national security for democratic nations worldwide.

Unfortunately, the U.S. is bungling this opportunity.

According to the Department of Energy Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership, the U.S. is missing out on a nuclear reactor market valued at $500-740 billion over the next 10 years.

That is why, alongside my Democrat colleague Rep. Scott Peters, I have introduced the Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act. This bill will take a multi-pronged approach to promoting nuclear energy around the globe.

First, it will prohibit the import of fuels from hostile foreign nations, including Russia and China. This will encourage energy independence and prevent our country from becoming reliant on our enemies for our nuclear energy needs.

Second, it will introduce a program the “International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch” at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to focus our international nuclear efforts, including training and sharing expertise with our allies. This will inspire coordination, research, and development for the U.S. and our allies, so we can create a safe and secure world.

Climate change is real and we must protect our environment. Doing so will require an all-of-the-above energy strategy that acknowledges the role of the baseload, emission-free energy that only nuclear can provide, along with other intermittent renewable energy sources in our country’s power grid.

If we think of energy security as an investment portfolio, nuclear is the 401K; low risk, high reward, and almost guaranteed to be there when you need it.

Take the two new units at Plant Vogtle as an example. Those two units will generate enough electricity to power over half a million homes and businesses for generations into the future. By contrast, the lifespan of solar panels and wind power is measured in years, not generations.

There is much more that needs to be done for nuclear to flourish in the U.S. We must make it easier to pursue nuclear projects, including permitting reform and cutting unnecessary regulations without sacrificing the U.S. private nuclear industry’s pristine standard of safety and reliability.

This is how we begin to secure a safe, reliable energy future for the United States of America and democracies across the globe. America can be at the forefront of cutting-edge nuclear innovation and development if we let her.

Monday, September 26: After traveling back to Washington last night, I am honored to join my Congressional colleagues, Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) and Rep. Carolyn Bordeaux (D-GA), at the White House today as President Joe Biden recognizes members of the Atlanta Braves major league baseball team for winning the 2021 World Series. Notably absent from the celebration was fan favorite Freddie Freeman, who now plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Later in the night, the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 8-0.

Tuesday, September 27: Before flying back home this morning, I have a radio interview with my good friend Scott Ryfun as we review hurricane preparedness as we anticipate the possible arrival of Hurricane Ian to our area.

Once back home, I head straight to downtown Savannah where I speak to the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of Savannah at their monthly meeting as we discuss the Customs Business Fairness Act, Port congestion, and infrastructure in our area.

Next, I head to our Savannah District office where I meet with constituents before heading to the Army Corps of Engineers in downtown Savannah to discuss the forthcoming ship wake study on Tybee Island.

Afterwards, I head to Springfield in Effingham County where I am honored to address the local GOP group and bring them up to date on Washington issues.

Wednesday, September 28: For the third morning in a row, I’m at the airport and headed back to Washington and, once at the Capitol, I head to the office of my Georgia Delegation colleague, Chief Deputy Minority Whip Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), to discuss conference issues before heading back off Capitol Hill for an on-camera interview on Live Nation to discuss my most memorable live music concert experiences.

Afterwards, I head to the Heritage Foundation off Capitol Hill where I am one of the guest speakers at the weekly Weyrich Lunch. The lunch is named after conservative icon Paul Weyrich and, with over 80 outside groups and individuals participating, is held to discuss and “take action” on public policy issues currently under discussion in Washington.

Next, I head to my office on Capitol Hill where I have an interview with Bloomberg to discuss my run for budget chair next session. After a virtual call with the American Planning Association (APA) to discuss bipartisan congressional efforts on zoning reform that would help address our country’s underproduction of housing, I join in on an all-staff conference call.

Next, I head off Capitol Hill to meet with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation before returning to the Hill where I head to the office of Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) to discuss conference issues.

After heading to the House Chamber where I speak on the Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment (MOBILE) for Health Care Act, I head back to my office where I meet with representatives from the Georgia Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

Next, I meet with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) before meeting with the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care and afterwards with my good friend Craig Camuso with CSX railroad.

Before heading to our weekly Whip Team meeting, I record a Hurricane Public Service Announcement (PSA) in the House recording studio. After our Whip Team meeting, I head to the House Chamber where I speak on the HALT Fentanyl Act and remain in the Chamber afterwards for our first vote series of the week.

Thursday, September 29: I’m up early and at a Budget Committee meeting this morning where we take a deep dive into federal spending in the health care space as well as the future trends.

Afterwards, I have a radio interview with my good friends on the world famous Butch and Bob show in Jesup to discuss hurricane preparedness before heading to our weekly GOP conference meeting.

Next, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to our long-time office scheduler Brooke Miller before joining GOP leadership on the plaza steps for a press conference.

After the press conference, I have an on-camera interview with NTD to discuss our GOP Commitment to America roll out before heading to my office where I meet with former Savannah resident Herb Grant with The Manufacturing Institute, the National Association of Manufacturing’s (NAM) workforce partner.

Next, I meet with representatives from Energy Fuels to discuss Uranium production and the processing of rare earth minerals in our country before having a virtual interview with Neighborhood-TV in Georgia to discuss my co-sponsorship of legislation naming the Atlanta Post Office on Crown Road in honor of my late friend Congressman John Lewis.

After a virtual meeting with the American Society of Landscape Architects, I head to a meeting of the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC) before heading to a meeting of the Select Committee on Climate Change to discuss the disastrous Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Next, I head to a meeting with my fellow Georgia Republican delegation member Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) before heading back to my office for a meeting with the American Academy of Physician Associates followed by a meeting with Orchard Therapeutics.

Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for a 16-vote series that lasts from 1:50 PM to 5:20 PM. Later in the evening, I head downtown to Fox Studios where I have a live interview on Fox Business to discuss Hurricane Ian and its potential impact on the Georgia Coast.

Friday, September 30: After a very early morning call with my communications consultants, I head back downtown to the Fox Studios where I join a live panel on Mornings with Maria to discuss the latest economic numbers released today.

During my drive back to the Capitol, I have a radio interview with my good friend, John Fredericks, to discuss news of the day and, once back at the Capitol, I head to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) members meeting to discuss initiatives for the remainder of this session.

Once back in my office, I have a meeting with representatives from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, including John Brooks from the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club in Savannah.

After our first vote series of the day, I head downtown to the One America News (OAN) studios where I record a podcast with the Western Caucus with my good friends Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Georgia State Senator Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) to discuss disaster relief for farmers. Afterwards, I join my good friend Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) for a panel discussion on OAN to discuss immigration issues.

Once back at the Capitol, I head to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day before heading to my office to meet with representatives from the Brunswick Housing Authority followed by an interview with Route Fifty to discuss my run for Budget Chair next session.

After returning to the House Chamber to pay tribute to Chatham County resident Joe Higgins, I head downtown to the Federal Reserve building where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing.

Once back at the Capitol, I have a live interview on Newsmax to discuss inflation and immigration issues.

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