70% of Americans believe our nation is on the wrong track. On that, Americans seem united, and it’s not surprising. For the past two years we have collectively endured assault after assault on our constitutional rights. That ends in 2023.
That means no more unconstitutional assault weapons bans, no more boxing parents out of their child’s classroom and school board meetings, no more attacks on pregnancy care centers, and no more illegal debt transfers that force those without a college degree to pay the debt of those who do.
It also means longer and healthier lives for First District residents. The U.S. life expectancy rate has already dropped two years in a row, the biggest drop since 1943. On top of this, the Democrats’ most recent drug pricing scheme could lead to 135 fewer cures coming to the market just in our lifetimes.
The health care system has not been immune to inflation, either. In fact, health insurance premiums have risen 17% over the past year. Something has to change.
This week, I unveiled the Pulling Back the Curtain report to educate people on the ways that PBMs artificially spike prescription drug prices without providing any real value to consumers. They are the pharmaceutical industry’s middlemen, preying on the lack of transparency in the healthcare industry and robbing patients blind.
It's time we pulled the curtains back on these insidious actors. But don’t take my word for it, here’s what the patients have to say:
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Read more and watch their stories here. |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're pulling back the curtain on PBMs. |
Monday, October 3: This week is Georgia Pre-K week, an acknowledgement of Georgia’s Pre-K program hosted by Voices for Georgia’s Children and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. In 1992, then Governor Zell Miller started a pilot program for Georgia’s Pre-K students. At the time the program served 750 four-year old children in the state and now, 30 years later, the lottery-funded program has made a difference in the lives of more than 1.8 million children in Georgia. To celebrate this week, I am reading to Pre-K programs throughout the District and I begin this morning at Blandford Elementary School in Rincon in Effingham County where I read two Halloween themed books to the students in Ms. Leonard’s class.
Afterwards, I head to Savannah Technical College where our office is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair with representatives from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Georgia Department of Veterans Service, Veterans Service Organizations and Universities and Colleges.
Next, I head to our Savannah District Office where I join in on our All-Staff conference call before heading to the offices of Hancock Askew in Savannah to meet with members of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPA’s) to discuss lingering customer service issues and processing delays they are having with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
After heading back to our Savannah District Office, I have a virtual call with Quest Diagnostics, one of America’s leading clinical laboratories.
Next, I head to the Economic Opportunity Authority of Savannah-Chatham County (EOASGA) in West Savannah where I tour the facility and learn more about the many programs offered here including Head Start/Early Head Start, Foster Grandparent, Retired and Senior Volunteer programs and many more.
After a great visit, I head to Skidaway Island in Chatham County where Ladies on the Right is hosting Media Research Center (MRC) founder, Brent Bozell.
My final meeting of the day is with the Chatham Veterans Council at Post 184 in Thunderbolt where I present Chairman Joe Higgins with a tribute I have entered into the Congressional Record recognizing him for being awarded the Marne Rockstar Award, an award recognizing private-sector civilians in the area for their service to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. |
Tuesday, October 4: I’m reading to Pre-K students again this morning as I head to the West Chatham YMCA in Pooler where I meet my good friend, Chaplain Herb Hubbard, and read more Halloween books to students. This great facility has been a blessing to Pooler and other West Chatham communities and is currently undergoing a $1.6 million renovation.
Afterwards, I head to Midway in Liberty County where I meet with Veterans, Gold Star family members, and elected officials to discuss renaming the Hinesville VA outpatient clinic the Gibson, James, Sapp, Smiley VA Outpatient Clinic in honor of these four Liberty County natives who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in the jungles of Vietnam.
Next, I head to Springfield in Effingham County and during the drive have a phone interview with Fox News Digital to discuss my run for Budget Chair for next Congress.
Once in Springfield, I meet with my good friend Sherriff Jimmy McDuffie as we discuss a number of issues including the on-going labor shortage.
Afterwards, I head over to Effingham Hospital and meet with CEO Dr. Fran Witt and her leadership team to discuss Medicare reimbursement before heading to the Army & Air Force recruitment center in Pooler to discuss the challenges they are facing in recruiting qualified candidates. |
Wednesday, October 5: This morning I’m reading to Pre-K students at the Richmond Hill Montessori School in Bryan County as I read two Halloween books as well as a book written by former University of Georgia and New England Patriot football player Malcolm Mitchell. After reading to the classes, I text my good friend Malcolm to let him know that I read his book to students today.
Next, I head to the Savannah Country Club on Wilmington Island in Chatham County where I have the honor of speaking to the Savannah Area Republican Women at their monthly meeting.
Once back at my Savannah District office, I have a virtual meeting with Coherus BioSciences where I hear testimony from their patients regarding their healthcare experiences.
Next, I have a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) to discuss my run for Budget Chair next session before heading to Savannah City Hall where I meet with City Manager Jay Melder to discuss grant applications and infrastructure projects in the City.
After joining in on our All-Staff conference call, I have a call with my legislative staff in Washington to discuss future oversight hearings and afterwards head to Springfield in Effingham County where I meet with constituents. |
Thursday, October 6: I’m in Hinesville in Liberty County this morning as I meet with my good friend, Sherriff Will Bowman, and his Chief Deputy Al Hagan, to discuss grants and the challenges they are facing in this trying economy.
During the drive to my next stop in Jesup in Wayne County, I have a conference call with members of my Washington staff to discuss tomorrow’s press conference on prescription drug pricing.
Once at the Chamber of Commerce office in Jesup, I meet with officials from Rayonier to discuss the supply chain issues they face and other challenges in this economy.
After a great meeting, I head to Baxley in Appling County and during the drive have a phone conference with staff to discuss legislative issues. Once in Baxley, I meet with area leaders including County Commission Chairman Mike Shumans, Baxley Mayor Tim Varnadore and Industrial Development Authority member Sidney Wildes, to learn more about the great things going on in their community.
After a great meeting, I head to Baxley City Hall where Mayor Varnadore and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Keri Orvin give us a tour of City Hall and introduce us to office personnel.
Next, I head to Southeastern Gin Company in Appling County where my good friend, Kent Fountain, gives us a tour of this most impressive facility, before heading to Impact Housing Manufacturing where they build modular homes.
During my drive back to Liberty County, I have a phone call with my good friend Joe Hopkins in Folkston in Charlton County to discuss a preservation project being pushed by some local residents.
Once in Hinesville, I have the honor of joining my good friend, State Senator Ben Watson, in addressing members of the Liberty County GOP. |
Friday, October 7: After our weekly Band of Brothers bible study in Garden City this morning, I head back to Pooler where I have a radio interview with my good friend, John Fredericks where we discuss news of the day.
Next, I head to Union Mission in Savannah where I tour the recently opened Parker’s House that offers emergency housing and on-site caseworkers for up to 32 homeless women. This great philanthropic project is a game-changer in the Savannah community. After a great visit, I head to our Savannah District office where I have a virtual interview with Savannahian, a new news outlet in the Savannah area before welcoming my special guests who will be joining me for our Pulling Back the Curtain on PBMs campaign press conference later today.
Next, along with one of my special guests, Terry Wilcox, Founder and CEO of Patients Rising, I have an on-camera interview with One America News (OAN) as we discuss our PBM campaign.
After an exclusive interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah about the campaign, I head to Quick RX drugs in Savannah where we have the press conference. As a pharmacist, I have witnessed firsthand the discriminatory practices of PBMs and will continue to work diligently to end their manipulative practices that has led to high drug costs, decreased accessibility, and loss of hope for many patients.
Afterwards, I head to the Davenport House in downtown Savannah where I meet with the Historic Savannah Foundation as they lead me on a tour of the new Preservation Center and then a windshield tour of the projects they are working on in the Cuyler Brownsville area.
Next, I head to South Bryan County as I have the honor of performing the coin toss at the Richmond Hill-Camden County High School football game.
Later in the evening, I have a live interview on Newsmax to discuss news of the day. |
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