Press Releases

A bipartisan majority in the House advanced a federal funding measure that boosts key priorities for national security and the State of Georgia.  Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), who voted in support of the measure, praised its passage and the positive impact it will have.

"The primary responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the safety and security of the American people,”  said Carter. "This legislation contains the biggest increase in border security funding in a decade and begins to rebuild our national defense infrastructure.  Most importantly, it broke the long-held demand of Washington Democrats for level increases between defense and non-defense programs.”

Overall the spending package contains an additional $25 billion for national security over last year’s spending level.  That includes $76.8 billion for troops deployed in the fight against ISIS and $123.3 billion to rebuild military bases and restore readiness that faltered under the Obama Administration.  Additionally, the bill provides $12.2 billion in law enforcement infrastructure to secure the nation’s border.

Carter also highlighted the importance of the bill for local military installations, troops, and a key homeland security facility.

“The world class defense facilities in South and Coastal Georgia are not only critical for our national security but for the long term economic vitality of our area,” said Carter. “This bill provides the largest pay increase in six years for our troops.  It keeps the A-10s flying at Moody, continues the conversion of the 2nd Infantry Combat Brigade Team at Fort Stewart, and continues programs we need for the future of Kings Bay and Hunter Army Airfield.  It also invests in the future of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and funds much-needed repairs at Coast Guard facilities still recovering from Hurricane Matthew.”
 
Georgia’s deepwater ports in Savannah and Brunswick also garnered much-needed federal support in the legislation.  The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is set to receive an additional $42.7 million to continue construction.  The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick will receive a combined $28 million for ongoing maintenance. 

“Our ports are the economic engines of not just our area and not just our state but of the entire region,” Carter said. “This bill keeps them chugging along and continues work on Georgia’s number one economic development initiative: the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project.”