VIP Access

Big news – U.S. national parks rolled out the red carpet this week for some V-VIPs.

I’m referring to the Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, a landmark piece of legislation I had the privilege of cosponsoring, that as of Veterans Day 2022 gave Gold Star families, military members, their families, and all veterans free access to national parks and federal lands year-round.

National parks are one of America’s many treasures. When you visit, it’s impossible not to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. When our veterans took their oath of service, they pledged not just to protect our freedoms, but to protect our homeland. That’s why it’s critical that all veterans and their families can visit these lands, free of charge, because it’s part of what they dedicated their lives to protecting.

In Georgia’s First Congressional District, we are blessed with a national seashore, Cumberland Island, and two national monuments - Fort Frederica on St. Simons and Fort Pulaski in Savannah.

All three of these places play a large role in preserving our cultural heritage and everyone, regardless of your veteran status, would benefit from visiting each of these protected sites.

We are also blessed with an extraordinary military presence, from Kingsbay Naval Submarine Base to Fort Stewart Army Base, with many veterans choosing to retire here at the end of their service.

Thank you for your service and I hope you had a wonderful Veterans Day holiday.

For more information about the VIP Act, spearheaded by my good friend Rep. Miller-Meeks (who some of you may remember from August’s tele town hall) and to plan your visit to a national park or federal land, visit: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

Hope to see our veterans on the red carpet!

buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, I'm especially grateful to have your support and am ready to get to work in the 118th Congress.

in case you missed it

Medical professionals take an oath to “Do No Harm.” Elected officials need to do the same.

Following passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, our economy saw exponential growth and Americans everywhere saw their standard of living rise. Under President Biden, 71% of families have been forced to cut back on goods, wages are failing to keep up with the highest inflation rate in 40 years, and Americans are feeling record-low optimism in our nation’s economic future.

There is a direct correlation between Washington Democrats’ runaway spending and the high prices you’re paying at gas pumps and grocery stores.

Instead of cutting back, like the American people have been forced to do, congressional Democrats have doubled down on excessive spending, even coming up with $700 billion more taxpayer dollars back in August to pay for the Inflation “Reduction” Act. Just twenty months of one-party Democrat rule added $4.8 trillion to our ten-year deficit and increased federal spending $10 trillion above projections. The American Rescue Plan alone contributed as much as four points to our inflation crisis.

The federal government does not operate in a vacuum. It is time for transparency and accountability.

Read my full op-ed here.

FROM THE FIRST DISTRICT CCCLXXXIV

Monday, November 7, 2022: I’m up early and on John Fredericks' morning television show as we discuss tomorrow’s midterm elections and what we can expect.

Afterwards, I have my 2022 annual member ethics training, a requirement for all Members of Congress.

Next, I join in on our all staff conference call before having a virtual interview with One America News (OAN) to discuss tomorrow’s midterm elections.

Afterwards, I head to the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport where I meet with statewide elected officials and constituents before tomorrow’s midterm elections.

Later in the afternoon, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I meet with constituents and finish my day in Pooler with a live virtual interview with Centerpoint to discuss tomorrow’s midterm elections.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022: Today is Election Day! I have always said that the right to elect our public officials through free elections is one of the greatest freedoms we have in America. This is a freedom that we should all exercise and participate in, if for no other reason, to honor our veterans who, through their service and sacrifice, have fought for our rights. I am one who likes to vote on Election Day and the first thing I do today is head to the polls and vote.

Next, I head to the Savannah Care Center in midtown Savannah for a tour and discussion of the services they offer. Their mission is to provide support for women and men facing unplanned pregnancy decisions and their services include education, pregnancy tests, and ultrasound services.

Afterwards, I head to downtown Savannah for a meeting with staff before heading to the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) in midtown where I meet with Director Jennifer Darcey to learn more about this serious problem facing our community and country. The mission of this 501c(3) nonprofit organization is to provide strategic approaches to address the challenges of homelessness. Among the many services offered are the Tiny House Project that is currently home to 23 veterans and, after expansion is completed, will provide an additional 24 permanent homes for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Next, I head to Brunswick where I meet with Glynn County Emergency Management Administration (EMA) officials including the Fire Chief, EMA Director, Deputy Director, County Manager and County Commission Chairman, who bring me up to date on the situation with the Symrise Chemical Plant fire. A combination of outstanding work by local emergency personnel, assistance from neighboring departments in Savannah and Jacksonville, and favorable weather conditions contributed to a safe evacuation of nearby homes and a quicker control of the situation.

After the briefing, I thanked all EMA personnel for their outstanding work and response then headed to Fish Tales restaurant in Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I visited with constituents and had several interviews with local and national TV networks.