This week on Buddy's Briefing
While we face a dwindling number of legislative days before the end of the year and in this Congress, House Democrats decided to focus on legalizing marijuana and big cats this week. As small businesses and hardworking Americans struggle, Congress should be focused on delivering relief.

We discuss progress on a COVID-19 relief bill, a COVID-19 vaccine, and more in this episode of Buddy's Briefing. 



from our nation's capitol CCXCI
Monday, November 30, 2020:  After our daily all-staff conference call this morning, I head to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia in Savannah where I meet with CEO Mary Jane Crouch, one of the most enthusiastic people I know who loves her job and truly cares about helping people. 

Rep. Carter visits America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
After discussing legislative priorities, Mary Jane leads me on a tour of the facility including the kitchen where a host of great volunteers are preparing meals that can be heated for children as well as their new giant refrigerated storage building.  After a great visit, I head to Jesup in Wayne County where I attend the funeral of one of the most beloved citizens in the area, Mr. William “Billie” Clanton.  For the past 12 years, Billie has hosted the “Day for Wayne” at his river house in Odum, an event highlighting the beauty and diversity of Wayne County that draws public officials and guests from across the state of Georgia.  Billie and his wife of 55 years, Nell, have 5 daughters, 16 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way. 

Rep. Carter with Mr. William “Billie” Clanton
Billie passed on November 27 and the funereal is today which is also his birthday.  I have to admit this is the first funeral I have ever attended where we sang Happy Birthday to the deceased.  However, anyone who knew Billie knows that he wouldn’t want it any other way.  Afterwards, I head back to Pooler and during the drive I have a conference call with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Andy Wheeler, to discuss Aircraft CO2 standards that are set to be finalized this year.  Andy Wheeler has done an outstanding job as Administrator of the EPA and has been a great help to us in the coastal areas.  Once back in Pooler, I have a Whip Team conference call where we discuss the schedule and agenda items for this week.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020:   I’m headed to Memorial Stadium in Savannah this morning as I volunteer at the America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia drive-thru food distribution event.  Along with members of the Georgia Army National Guard and other volunteers, we load boxes full of food into the trunks of vehicles as they drive through.  Although the weather is cold outside, the warm feeling one gets from helping your neighbor certainly keeps you going. 

Rep. Carter volunteers at the America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia drive-thru food distribution event
Afterwards, I head to St. Simons Island in Glynn County and during the drive I have a GOP member conference committee call where we discuss this week’s schedule and other items.  Once in Glynn County, I attend the St. Simons Island Rotary Club’s weekly meeting and afterwards I call into the Fox Across America radio show with Jimmy Failla where I have a live interview to discuss a number of topics including the upcoming Senatorial runoff elections in Georgia.  A link to my interview can be found here.  Next, I head to the Unified Command headquarters at Morningstar Marina in Glynn County where I meet with Coast Guard and other officials for a briefing on the salvaging of the Golden Ray. 

Rep. Carter meets with the Unified Command
The first of seven planned cuts to the capsized ship has been made and, unfortunately, has taken much longer than anticipated with a number of unforeseen problems.  While work continues, the progress at this point is disappointing.  Afterwards, I meet with Capt. Bruce Fendig with the Brunswick bar pilots to discuss issues with the Port that are unrelated to the Golden Ray operation.  Next, I head back to Pooler and during the drive I join in on a virtual Values Action Team (VAT) Coalition meeting where we discuss a number of issues that we will be addressing during the upcoming session. 

Wednesday, December 2, 2020:  After an early morning flight to Washington this morning, I’m at the Capitol and my first meeting is with a representative from Fresenius Medical Care, a company that provides services for people living with chronic kidney disease and related conditions.  Next, I head to the Cannon Rotunda where I have a live interview on Fox Business to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and upcoming Georgia Senatorial runoffs.  A link to my interview can be found here

Rep. Carter appears on Fox Business
After joining in on our daily all-staff conference call, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to my good friend, Truitt Eavenson, who recently retired from Georgia Power after a long and productive career.  A link to my tribute can be found here.  Afterwards, I head back to my office where I have a phone interview with Dave Catanese with McClatchy to discuss the President and Vice-President's planned visits to Georgia this weekend to campaign for the Republican candidates in the Senatorial runoffs.  Immediately afterwards, I have another phone interview, this time with New York Magazine, to discuss the same subject matter.  Later, I attend retirement receptions for two of my good friends who I will miss greatly, Rep. Bradley Byrnes (R-AL) and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-NV) before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote session of the week.

Thursday, December 3, 2020:  After our daily all-staff conference call, I head to the Congressional Visitors Center (CVC) for a GOP Conference where we ratify the 117th Congress ranking members.  Ranking members are the most senior member of a committee from the minority party.  Although our party made great gains in the House of Representatives this last election, we will still be in the minority next year.  Once back in my office, I join in on an Aspen Institute virtual breakfast discussion where we hear from former Utah Governor and Ambassador to Russia, China and Singapore, Jon Huntsman, who leads us in a great discussion on U.S. policy toward Russia and China. Next, I join in on a Doctor’s Caucus telebriefing with Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary David Hargan as we discuss Stark Law and anti-kickback regulations.  Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for the swearing in ceremony of Rep. Kwanza Hall, who will be completing the term of Rep. John Lewis in the 5th District. 

Rep. Carter honors William “Billie” Clanton
Staying in the House Chamber, I pay tribute to William “Billie” Clanton of Wayne County who passed last week. A link to my tribute can be found here.  Once back in my office, I have a virtual call with Medical Transportation Access Coalition to discuss my Non-Emergency Medical Transport legislation followed by a virtual call with the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce (COC) where I am honored to be their guest speaker this week on their Grits and Government series.  Next, I have a phone conference with fellow Energy and Commerce (E&C) members as we welcome our new ranking member, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and discuss upcoming priorities.  Afterwards, I have a virtual interview with Nexstar (WSAV-TV) to discuss the upcoming Georgia Senatorial runoffs before heading to the Rayburn meeting room adjacent to the House Chamber where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing.

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

 
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