Under President Joe Biden’s leadership and a year of unified Democratic control of Washington, your paycheck today is worth 7.5% less than it was a year ago.

That’s the message from the Department of Labor’s key report for inflation, the Consumer Price Index, released Thursday.  It marks a 40 year high.

To put that in perspective, the last time inflation was this bad – 1982 – Americans flocked to movie theaters to see E.T. for the first time, Michael Jackson had just released “Thriller”, and Billy Joel’s “Allentown” topped out at number seven on the Billboard charts.

Unfortunately, President Biden and his cronies in Congress are doubling down on the same failed economic policies that fueled this crisis.  With a tin ear to the struggles facing hardworking Americans, Washington Democrats are pursuing their far-left agenda of unchecked government spending and socialism.

Far from a problem for the “high class,” as White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain claimed this past year, inflation is a problem for every American.  It hits working families and seniors on a fixed income harder than most.  In 2021, inflation cost the average American worker two paychecks – two paychecks! – and the average family $3,500.

Inflation has become nothing less than a government-fueled pickpocket, robbing every American.  It does not discriminate by race, religion, or political persuasion.  Democrats and Republicans alike are finding it harder to make ends meet and get food on the table.

The answer to this crisis is simple: set aside the far-left, extremist policies pursued in the first year of the Biden Presidency and reach across the aisle to deliver real results that help working Americans and ensure future generations are able to achieve the American Dream.

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefings, we are coming to you from the McIntosh Sheriff's Department.

Monday, February 7, 2022:  On Saturday, I was honored to participate in the commissioning of the USS Savannah, the sixth naval ship named in honor of the Hostess City of the South.  Because of heavy cargo traffic in Savannah’s port, the event was held in Brunswick, a testament to the ongoing cooperation between the First District's two major seaports.  The USS Savannah is the 14^th Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS28) in the U.S. Navy’s fleet and is a fast and agile platform that is capable of reaching upwards of 40 knots.  Its home port will be in San Diego.  For more information on this great event and the history of the six ships named in honor of Savannah go here. I’m at the airport and headed back to Washington this morning and, once back in my office, I meet with the President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute, Corey Rosenbusch, to discuss the rising costs of fertilizer that is impacting our agriculture community and contributing to rising inflation.  Next, I head to meetings off of Capitol Hill before heading back to our weekly Whip Team meeting in the House Visitors Center (HVC) followed by votes in the House Chamber.  Between votes we have a moment of silence to honor the 900,000 people who have passed with COVID since the pandemic began.  After votes, I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to the newly formed Liberty County Kiwanis Club.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022:  Today begins with a great meeting of the Border Security Caucus as we hear from Jorge Ventura, Field Correspondent for the Daily Caller, who has covered the crisis for over a year in South Texas and Yuma, Arizona.  He recently released a documentary film ‘Cartelville, USA’ that documents Mexican drug cartels taking over desert communities in California.  After our weekly House Republican Conference meeting where we hear from U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, I head to a GOP Leadership Press Conference where I speak on the fentanyl crisis.  Next, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to my good friend Gus Bell from Savannah, The Mighty 8^th Air Force that was founded in Savannah on their 80^th anniversary, and the 75^th anniversary of one of the most gorgeous barrier islands anywhere, Jekyll Island.  Afterwards, I head to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Health Subcommittee meeting on ARPA-H and biomedical research.  Once back in my office, I have a virtual interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah to discuss the fentanyl crisis.  Later, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day and, once back in my office, I meet with members of the Technical College Directors Association of Georgia before heading to a House Republican Big Tech Taskforce meeting where we discuss potential legislation to hold Big Tech accountable.  Next, I head back to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day and remain in the Chamber afterwards where I pay tribute to Brunswick radio talk show host Joe Willie Sousa, who has recently been inducted into the Georgia Broadcasters Hall of Fame.  While still in the Chamber, I participate in a special order where I speak on the crime crisis in our country.  Later in the evening, I have a virtual interview on Newsmax to discuss the Administration’s response to the COVID pandemic.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022:  I’m up early this morning as I have a live virtual interview with Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss the fentanyl crisis and other news of the day.  Later, I have a radio interview with my good friend Bill Edwards on NewsTalk 1290 in Savannah before I head to the House Chamber to pay tribute to Vince DelMonte of Savannah who is retiring as Executive Director of the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club.  Afterwards, I head to an E&C member meeting where we discuss upcoming hearings for the committee.  Once back in my office, I have a virtual interview with A Starting Point to discuss Felon Voting Rights and immediately afterwards I head to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day.  Next, I head back to my office where I have a taped interview with NTD to discuss vaccine mandates before meeting with representatives from the National Council of Agricultural Employers followed by a virtual call with representatives from the Georgia Special Olympics. 

Thursday, February 10, 2022:  I wake up in Orlando, FL this morning as I am honored to be attending the annual meeting of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to see one of our own from the First District, Jerry Konter, CEO and Founder of Konter Quality Homes in Savannah inducted as the organization’s National Chairman.  I have known Jerry for many years and have worked closely with him while I served on the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Planning Commission and as Mayor of the City of Pooler.  Like so many businesses in our District, Konter Quality Homes, is a family business and Jerry has his family with him at this special event.  Jerry is a great example of many of our citizens in the First District who have taken on leadership roles on the national level, including Hugh Chancey from Hahira with the National Community Pharmacists Association, Kent Fountain from Surrency with the National Cotton Council, and Dr. Pat Godbey from Brunswick with the College of American Pathologists.

Friday, February 11, 2022:  After getting home late last night, I’m up early and at our Band of Brothers bible study this morning in Garden City before heading to Brunswick in Glynn County to tour the new VA clinic and meet with the new Dublin VA Director Manuel Davila.  After a great tour, I head to the Brunswick Country Club where I meet with a group of real estate brokers and agents for an update on the sizzling hot market.  Next, I head to McIntosh County where I meet with Sherriff Steve Jessup and afterwards film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings.  After a meeting with the great people at Darien Telephone where they bring me up to date with all the work they’re doing with broadband in the area, I head to a meeting with members of the McIntosh Industrial Development Authority.  Next, I meet with local attorney Sam Oliver before taking a hardhat tour of the new boutique hotel, Oaks on the River, being built on the waterfront.  The new business developments in the City of Darien are very impressive and should turn this little jewel into a tourist’s destination.  My final stop of a very busy week is at the Spartina Grill where I have the honor of addressing alumni and new members of Leadership Southeast Georgia.