A Partisan Election Takeover

This week Democrats passed H.R. 1, their partisan election takeover legislation.

The bill masquerades as a fix to the country’s election concerns, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The bill forces taxpayers to subsidize elections and election ads and outreach. It compromises states’ rights and leaves Washington in control of elections. It also limits free speech, throws out state voter ID laws, and weakens what states are doing to improve election security and confidence.

Also this week, the Senate considered the $1.9 trillion Pelosi Payout. Hardworking Americans and small businesses still need help and we must ensure all Americans who want the COVID-19 vaccine are able to get one, but this plan is a very, very bad deal for Georgia. In fact, Georgia is the worst-hit state under this plan because it rewards blue state lockdowns while punishing hardworking Georgians and seniors. If this plan becomes law, Georgia's seniors will be hit with an $11.5 billion Medicare cut.

We talk about this and more in this episode of Buddy's Briefing.

Click here for this episode of Buddy's Briefing

from our nation's capitol CCCII

Monday, March 1, 2021: After returning to Washington this morning, I join in on our all-staff conference call before I have a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) to discuss work I am doing to address vaccine hesitancy in minority communities. Along with Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), I am working on legislation and policies to address health inequities and improve vaccine access to minority communities. Afterwards, I have a virtual call with the new President of Emory University in Atlanta, Dr. Greg Fenves, as he shares with me the work this great university is doing to respond to the COVID pandemic. Next, I have a virtual call with representatives from the Georgia Space Grant Consortium as they update me on the National Space Grant Program’s work in the State of Georgia. After a call with a representative from Twin Pines Minerals to discuss their proposed project in Charlton County, I have a call with the School Superintendents in Effingham and Bryan Counties to discuss their responses to the COVID pandemic and learn how these two great school systems have kept their schools open.

Rep. Carter speaks on the 140th Anniversary of the American Red Cross

Next, I head to the first in-person Whip Team meeting that we have had since the pandemic started as we discuss what will be a very busy legislative week in Washington. Normally on a fly in day such as today, votes are at 6:30 p.m. but the Rules Committee is still meeting this afternoon and votes are delayed until 8:15 p.m. tonight. Once the two votes are completed around 10:00 p.m., I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to the American Red Cross on their 140^th anniversary. A link to my tribute can be found here.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021: After our weekly GOP Conference where we discuss the legislative agenda for this week, I head to the House Chamber where I speak during debate on H.R. 1, the Democrats' partisan attempt to have the federal government take over the nation’s election process. A link to my comments can be found here.

Rep. Carter speaks against H.R. 1

Next, I head back to my office where I join in on an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Health Subcommittee hearing on the future of telehealth. A link to my questions can be found here. Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. Once back in my office, I have a virtual call with Altria as they explain their 10-year vision concerning vapor and e-cigarettes, followed by a virtual call with Veterans of Foreign Wars as they outline their legislative agenda for this session. Later, I head to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021: I’m back in the House Chamber first thing this morning as I pay tribute to Ms. Eleanor ‘Sandy’ Torrey West, who dedicated her life to preserving Ossabaw Island on the Georgia Coast and recently passed at the age of 108. A link to my tribute can be found here. Afterwards, I head to a meeting with GOP Chair Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and members of the Doctors Caucus where we discuss health care policy and possible legislation. Next, I head back to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day before returning to my office where I join in on our all-staff conference call.

Rep. Carter speaks with WTOC

Afterwards, I have a virtual interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah to discuss gun laws in the State of Georgia before having a virtual call with the Submarine Industrial Base Council supplier group as we discuss their legislative and funding priorities for this session. Next, I head back to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day before heading to the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC) meeting. Afterwards, I head back to my office where I have a virtual meeting with Autism Speaks followed by a virtual meeting with the League of American Bicyclists. My next virtual meeting is with representatives from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech followed by a virtual meeting with Georgia Civil Air Patrol. Later, I head to the House Chamber where I speak on the George Floyd Justice Act that is being debated. A link to my comments can be found here. Afterwards, I remain in the House Chamber where we have our third vote series of the day, this one consisting of four votes and ending at 11:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 4, 2021: I’m on a flight back to the District this morning and, once back home, I have a virtual meeting with the American Society of Civil Engineers to discuss infrastructure needs in our country, followed by a virtual meeting with the Lupus Foundation of America as I hear from two patients regarding their struggles with this dreaded disease. After a virtual meeting with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America where I hear about the great work they are doing with our youth, I head to Thunderbolt in Chatham County where I attend a Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce event.

Friday, March 5, 2021: After attending the weekly Band of Brothers bible study in Garden City early this morning, I head back home and have a radio interview with my good friend Bill Edwards with NewsTalk 1290 in Savannah.

Rep. Carter meeting with Hinesville Police Chief Lloyd Salter

Next, I head to Hinesville in Liberty County where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing before meeting with Hinesville’s new Police Chief, Lloyd Salter. Chief Salter has been with the Hinesville police force for many years and brings an invaluable mixture of experience and enthusiasm to this important position. Most impressive with Chief Salter is his commitment to involve the community in the Police Department’s work. Next, I head to the Dental office of Dr. Robert Simmons in Hinesville where, along with my long-time friend State Representative Al Williams (D-Hinesville), we meet with Dr. Simmons and Dr. Celestine Varnedoe from Waycross to discuss dental services for minorities in rural Georgia and the low reimbursement rates being paid to providers.

Rep. Carter meeting with State Rep. Al Williams, Dr. Simmons, and Dr. Varnedoe

While Dr. Simmons and Dr. Varnedoe both accept Medicaid patients at their respective practices, far too many dentists in Georgia do not participate in the Medicaid program primarily because of low reimbursement rates. This leads to a backlog of Medicaid patients with many not being able to receive the dental services they desperately need.

VOTES IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK

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