Press Releases

The U.S. House of Representatives today sent a critical funding bill for the First District of Georgia to President Trump's desk to be signed into law with the support of Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-Ga.).

The measure includes funding for defense, education and health care priorities, as well as funding to keep the A-10 Thunderbolts at Moody Air Force Base flying, replace air frames on combat rescue helicopters at Moody Air Force Base, support the Civil Air Patrol which plays an important role in our area during natural disasters, and continue construction on the next class of submarines to be stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

"I am thrilled this legislation is heading to President Trump's desk," said Carter. "The funding in this measure is critical for our military in the First District and across the nation. It also provides important investments in health care research and combatting the opioid crisis while increasing funding for special education, Pell Grants, Impact Aid, and charter schools. This bill will have a significant and positive impact on our local communities in Southeast Georgia and I am proud to support it."

Highlights of the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act and Continuing Appropriations Act supported by Carter include:

Defense:

• $157 million for sustainment and procurement of A-10 Thunderbolts such as those stationed at Moody Air Force base, including $65 million for wing replacements;
• $660 million for Combat Rescue Helicopters to replace aging air frames on combat rescue helicopters, such as those stationed at Moody Air Force Base;
• $10.8 million for the Civil Air Patrol, which plays an important role in supporting the needs of our region, especially during natural disasters or events such as search and rescue;
• $3.1 billion for shipbuilding & conversion for the Ohio Replacement Submarine which is critical for the future of Kings Bay;
• $243.2 billion in Operations and Maintenance to support readiness programs and to train our forces to counter threats to our national security;
• $148 billion to procure additional ships, aircraft, tanks, weapons and other platforms to ensure our troops have the resources they need;
• $34.4 billion for defense health programs to provide care for our troops, military families, and retirees; and
• the measure fully funds a 2.6% pay raise our troops – the largest in 9 years.

Health:

• $178 billion for medical research, education, and job training - a $1 billion increase above fiscal year 2018;
• $39 billion for the National Institutes of Health - a $2 billion increase above fiscal year 2018; 
• Nearly $7 billion to fight the opioid epidemic; and,
• the measure maintains the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits funding for domestic abortion.

Education:

• The measure increases funding for special education, Pell Grants, Impact Aid, and charter schools.