Let me throw you an analogy. It’s Saturday and you decide to take your car through the car wash. You pull up, pay at the booth, and put your car in neutral. Right as the tracks start to move you realize: the back window is open. Water is about to pour inside of your car.
In this moment, you have two options. You can do the responsible thing and roll it up, or you can lay back and watch the water trickle in; after all, a clean car is a clean car, right? Everything else will sort itself out.
Clearly, it’s worth the additional time and effort to quickly roll up the back window and prevent what is supposed to be a routine cleaning from turning into an expensive mess. In this situation, no rational person would choose cleanliness over responsibility.
Yet, that is exactly what our President is doing.
America must raise the debt ceiling. Unfortunately, because of fiscal irresponsibility and runaway spending on liberal programs, this is a routine vote that is necessary for our nation’s fiscal health. House Republicans recognize this reality and know how important it is that America pays its debts.
But, instead of pushing ahead with a “clean” debt ceiling hike and ignoring all the financial cracks that will cause long-term harm, we have another idea: let’s take a second and roll up some windows first.
Our federal debt is more than $31 trillion. Let’s end the era of reckless Washington spending by capping spending levels at FY22 levels so that our grandchildren aren’t left with bills they can’t pay. The savings? $3.6 trillion.
Taxpayers are drowning under Biden’s sky-high inflation policies. Let’s reclaim the unspent COVID-19 funds, which totals more than $50 billion taxpayer dollars, and use it to grow our economy instead of shrinking it. Let’s cut the “Green New Deal” tax credits that are subsidizing the wealthy’s electric vehicles and spiking energy costs for average Americans. Let’s block the student loan giveaway to the wealthy. Let’s strengthen the workforce, reduce childhood poverty, prevent executive overreach, and lower energy costs.
Let’s raise our debt limit responsibly and, in the long run, save trillions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars. House Republicans already passed a bill to do all of this and more – the Limit, Save, Grow Act – and invite Biden to join us in supporting this landmark, necessary legislation.
If we don’t, our country might end up with a “clean” debt ceiling raise, but how expensive will it be to repair our economy in the long run? |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're taking you to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. |
Monday, May 8, 2023: I’m up early and at the Savannah airport this morning as I head to Atlanta where my first visit is at the NCR headquarters in midtown. Founded in 1884 and previously known as National Cash Register, NCR provides software, consulting, and technology services to businesses throughout the world. They also manufacture self-service kiosks, point of sale terminals, and automated teller machines in over 141 countries with over 35,000 employees. Afterwards, I meet with members of the Jewish community to discuss U.S.- Israel relations and policy before afternoon meetings with business leaders in the Atlanta area. After a call with federal court personnel for an update on construction at the Tomochichi Courthouse in Savannah, I head back to the airport for my flight to Washington. |
Tuesday, May 9, 2023: My first meeting this morning is off Capitol Hill with the American Petroleum Institute (API) as I appear on a panel alongside other members of the Conservative Climate Caucus to discuss energy issues. After a great discussion, I head back to Capitol Hill where I join in on an all staff conference call before having an on-air interview with NTD to discuss the debt ceiling and Title 42. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Jean Greco who recently passed, Ken Griner for his induction into the Greater Savannah Sport Hall of Fame, James Attwood from St. Simons Island who recently passed, and Walter Dumas from Port Wentworth who recently passed at the age of 101. Once back in my office, I have a live interview on Cavuto Coast to Coast on Fox Business to discuss the debt ceiling and Title 42 expiring before having a scheduling meeting with staff. Afterwards, I head to the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) where I greet students and chaperons form the St. Simons Christian School who are visiting the Capitol before heading back to my office where I have a live interview with Newsmax to discuss the debt ceiling and Title 42 expiring. After a meeting with legislative staff to review committee hearings and legislation to be considered on the floor this week, I welcome the Ambassador of Lithuania, Audra Plepyte, to my office as we discuss issues in the Baltic region. Next, I head to our weekly Energy and Commerce (E&C) Communications and Technology (C&T) Subcommittee huddle before heading back to my office where I meet with Takaeda Pharmaceuticals before meeting with the Medical Countermeasures Coalition. After a briefing for E&C members on drug shortages and pharmaceutical supply chain issues, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week. After votes, I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to my good friend, former Harlem Globetrotter and Chatham County Commissioner, Larry ‘Gator’ Rivers, who sadly passed recently. Later, I was delighted to join my realtor friends from the First District who are in town with the National Realtors Association for their annual fly in event. |
Carter with Saint Simons Christian School Students |
Wednesday, May 10, 2023: After visiting the Travel Works for America Coffee Truck on Capitol Hill this morning to promote travel and tourism in our District and Country, I head to the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour National Golf Day Breakfast in the Cannon Caucus where the special guests are professional golfers Davis Love, III, and Zack Johnson, both residents of St. Simons Island in the First District. Next, I head to our weekly GOP Conference before heading to an E&C Environmental subcommittee hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget. Afterwards, I head to a Budget Committee member meeting to discuss our proposals for the FY24 budget before heading to the Rayburn Foyer for the Mother’s Day Greeting Card signing event sponsored by the greeting card and related businesses, including Domtar which has operations in Wayne County. Once back in my office, I have a meeting with the National Industries for the Blind before heading back to the Cannon building to address the board of directors of the American Sportfishing Association. Afterwards, I head back to my office for a series of meetings beginning with Fox Sports hosts and Soccer legends Alexi Lalas and Carli Lloyd to preview the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. My next meetings are with the Georgia Radiological Society, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, AmCham, LifeLink Advocacy, Family Values Group, and the American Golf Industry Coalition. Next, I head off Capitol Hill where I speak at the 8th Washington Energy Forum and, once back on Capitol Hill, head to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day. Later, I head to the National Building Museum where I am honored to serve as a Congressional Chef as I serve a hors d’oeuvre recipe submitted by our office of avocado toast. Delicious! |
Carter meets with Carli Lloyd and Alexi Lalas |
Thursday, May 11, 2023: I am honored this morning to participate in the third annual “Back the Blue Bike Tour” held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in downtown Washington. This year I honor former Ludowici Police Chief Frank McClelland, who died in the line of duty when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2018 during a high-speed chase as he was trying to clear an intersection to protect others. After laying the wreath, I join Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and other Republican House Colleagues as we recognize those law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly laid down their lives in service to their communities. Before heading back to the Capitol, I record this weeks’ edition of Buddy’s Briefings. After heading to an E&C Heath Subcommittee educational hearing on the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), I head to a House Budget Committee hearing on wokeness in the Presidents proposed FY24 budget. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I preside as Speaker Pro-tem and pay tribute to my hometown, Port Wentworth in West Chatham County, and congratulate them on the 50th anniversary of the Stand Up for America parade. After attending a meeting of the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC), I head to media row in the Capitol for interviews on HR2 the Border Security Act. Next, I head back to the E&C Health Subcommittee where I ask questions of the second panel of witnesses before meeting with representatives from MEAG power. Once back in my office, I meet with Encompass Health, the United States Postal Service (USPS), US Sugar and Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees, before speaking virtually to the National Organization of Rheumatology Management (NORM). Earlier in the day, House leadership informed us that we would not be in session tomorrow so I head to the House Chamber for what will be our last vote series of the week. Afterwards, I head to an E&C Energy Subcommittee hearing with Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm to discuss the FY24 DOE budget request. Once back in my office, I have a meeting with my legislative staff to discuss next week’s agenda before heading to the airport for my late-night trip home. |
Carter at National Law Enforcement Memorial |
Friday, May 12, 2023: Anytime I’m home on a Friday morning I try my best to attend our Band of Brothers bible study in Garden City that is led by my friend, Rev. Kenny Grant. After yet another great study this morning led by Kenny, I have a radio interview with my good friends on the Butch and Bob show in Jesup as we discuss the southwest border and Title 42 expiration. Later in the afternoon, I head to Sapelo Hammock Golf course in McIntosh County to visit with those participating in the 4th Annual Veteran Carriers golf tournament to benefit our Veterans. Later in the evening, I attend the Night of Champions sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) at the Savannah Convention Center. This great event recognizes area businesses that employ differently abled adults, including those with Down Syndrome. |
Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
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