Merry Christmas First District! It’s been a wonderful year with an even better one to come.
I’m keeping it brief this week because Christmas is about spending time with your family, not political chats with your local Congressman. But I wanted to share a quick message about the Christmas season and why this one, especially, is so important.
Ever since COVID-19, and the passing of both my father and father-in-law, I’ve found a new appreciation for quality time with friends and family. When I look at my grandbabies, I am excited for all the life they have in front of them and everything that they will accomplish in this world.
That is what motivates me to do what I do, because I want to leave behind a better world, a better First Congressional District, for the next generation.
To my grandbabies, Christmas is a visit from Santa, but for me, it is a reminder of the greatest gift of all – the birth of Christ, who I see a glimpse of in each of their eyes.
As a man of faith, I am humbled by the Christmas story. Let us all remember the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the life of the Son of God, who sacrificed his life so that we can experience the beauty of forgiveness.
Let us use his words and example to build a future that is merry and bright.
Our grandbabies will thank us for it. |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're celebrating Christmas - Elf style. |
Tuesday, December 20, 2022: I’m on St. Simons Island this morning as I meet with constituents and Glynn County Engineers to discuss permitting issues along the coast as well as traffic issues on the Island. As St. Simons continues to grow, the traffic also grows, and proper planning is essential to maintaining the quality of life on this golden isle.
Afterwards, I head to another meeting on the island with members of the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia as well as the Executive Director, Brian Dolan, to discuss the great work they are doing in the area and concerns they have in the community. The mission of this great organization is to enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. With numerous locations in Glynn and McIntosh Counties, the work this club does is invaluable.
Afterwards, I head back to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport where I fly to Washington for the week. |
Wednesday, December 21, 2022: After meeting with staff and catching up on work in my office this morning, I record a video congratulating Chatham Area Transit (CAT) on their 35th anniversary of providing accessible, efficient, and quality services to Chatham Countians.
Next, I join in on our all staff conference call before heading to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to my good friend, Jerry Konter from Savannah, who is finishing up his year as President of the National Homebuilders Association. I also pay tribute to the Ware County Gators football team who recently capped an unbeaten season by winning the Georgia High School Class 5A state championship, their first state football championship in school history. Next, I pay tribute to the Benedictine Cadets football team from Savannah who recently won their second straight Georgia High School Class 4A state championship and finish with a tribute to Pierce County’s favorite son, Stetson Bennett IV, quarterback of the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, who recently finished fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy as college football's best player. Recently, C-Span identified me as having spoken from the Chamber the second most of any member of Congress during this session. With so many worthy individuals and groups from the First District deserving recognition, it’s no wonder I speak so often in the Chamber.
Once back in my office, I have a virtual call with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss concerns with Housing Authorities in our District.
Later, I have a pre-recorded interview with One America News (OAN) to discuss Democratic pressure tactics to suppress free speech in our Country. As a member of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee, I serve on the Telecommunications Subcommittee that has jurisdiction over this area and our plans for next session include a closer look at this situation.
Next, I head to the Cannon Rotunda where I have an on-camera interview with Gray TV (WTOC-TV Savannah) to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House today and address to a Joint Meeting of Congress tonight. Afterwards, I have an interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) regarding the same subject.
After returning to my office for more work, I head to the House Chamber for the Joint Meeting of Congress where we hear from President Zelenskyy who brings us up to date on the situation in his country and the unprovoked invasion by Russia. This is the second time I have heard Zelenskyy speak as I was in Munich, Germany, earlier this year when he spoke at the Munich Security Conference the week before Russia invaded his country. President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people are heroes to democracy around the world.
After the speech, I head back to my office and return to the House Chamber at 8:45 PM for votes that last until 11:30PM. |
Thursday, December 22, 2022: While we were originally scheduled to be out this week, we are obviously in, and the reason is because the Continuing Resolution (CR) that keeps the federal government running will expire tomorrow unless we pass another CR or pass the Omnibus bill that is being negotiated between appropriation chairs in the House and Senate. Our hope was that the Senate would work and pass their bill last night and have it to us for consideration this morning. Because that didn’t happen, we are now in a “hurry up and wait” mode.
This morning, I join in on a virtual call with Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy who brings us up to date on the progress of the negotiations but has little news of the schedule. Shortly after lunch we have our first vote series of the day and, after registering my votes, I join in the “hurry up and wait” mode for the remainder of the day. |
Friday, December 23, 2022: Well, the Senate finally passed their Omnibus bill last night and today we have 3 vote series where the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus bill is finally passed with little Republican help in the House. Now this monstrosity of a bill goes to the President’s desk for his signature and, if signed before 12:00 AM tonight, the Federal Government will stay open and continue to operate. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this is the last action that will be taken by the 117th Congress as we are not due back in until January 3, 2023, when the 118th Congress will convene. |
Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
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