Representative Buddy Carter

We’re over overregulation

This week, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a landmark ruling that marks the beginning of the end of the administrative state.

For forty years, unelected bureaucrats have been given broad authority to enact sweeping, burdensome regulations that impact every aspect of American life. The Constitution clearly outlines the separation of powers between the three branches of government, and the executive branch has the power to execute and enforce laws – not enact or interpret legislation.

At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.

In 1984, SCOTUS established the “Chevron deference,” a legal test that tells judges when to defer to the agency’s interpretation of a law. This means that if Congress passes a law and there is confusion over how it should be enacted, the courts should allow the agencies to decide the law’s intention. In other words, the executive branch has broad authority to interpret laws passed by Congress, a power that the Founders gave to our judicial branch and our judicial branch only. It also ceded some of the legislative branch’s authority to the executive branch, as the regulations the agencies put in place often extend far beyond the original purpose of the law.

This decision, which conservatives have long agreed was made in error, threw off the delicate balance of powers that protects our nation’s freedom and democracy. By empowering unelected bureaucrats to regulate every aspect of American life, this ruling set the stage for the overregulation that is crushing our economy to this very day. The Biden administration has been one of the worst offenders. From jobs-killing policies that kill American energy production to an unconstitutional student loan transfer scheme and mandates on everything from electric vehicles to vaccines, this administration has inserted itself into every workplace, classroom, and household.

Until now.

On Friday, SCOTUS released its Loper Bright Enterprises, et al. v. Raimondo ruling, overturning the Chevron deference. This is a huge win for the American people, who are back in charge of the legislative process. With this ruling, the balance of powers is restored and the regulatory state that puts special interests before hardworking Americans is on its last legs.

I like to remind people that elections have consequences because policies have consequences, and this is a perfect example. President Trump was able to appoint conservative justices who are giving the American people their freedoms back, the way the Founders intended.

Buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing legislation that will help bring transparency to youth residential treatment facilities nationwide.

from our nation's capitol CDLXV

Monday, June 24, 2024: On Saturday, I was in Effingham County where I was honored to participate in the Rincon Stars and Stripes Freedom Party parade that kicks off the Independence Day holiday season early. Along with Grand Marshall Alfred Boyett, Rincon Mayor Kevin Exley, and more than 50 entrants, we were able to hold off the rain and had a great crowd and great time. Later in the afternoon, I had a phone conference with Paris Hilton to discuss her upcoming trip to Washington this week as she will be testifying before the Ways and Means Committee on the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) that I am sponsoring.

On Sunday, I had a virtual interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah to announce the “Take Buddy to Work Day” campaign that we will be having during the month of August and first week in September.

I’m in my hometown of Port Wentworth in West Chatham County this morning as I have the opportunity to visit and tour the Walmart Distribution Center and meet with the associates, many of whom are veterans. This huge facility receives merchandise primarily from the Savannah Port and ships to areas primarily in the Southeast.

Next, I head to the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport where I visit with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at the Savannah control tower and learn more about the important work they do and the challenges that they face. After a great visit, I head to the Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care Center in downtown Savannah where, along with Georgia State Representative Ron Stephens (R-Georgetown), I meet with leadership and board members to discuss a pharmacy program we are addressing in Congress.

Next, I head to Savannah Technical College on White Bluff Road where I meet with new President Dr. Ryan Foley and his staff as they lead me on a tour of the facility and share news of the great work they are doing here. Once in our Savannah district office, I have a series of meetings with constituents, one to discuss police suicides, another with the mother and friends of a veteran who tragically committed suicide recently, and a veteran regarding travel visas. My final visit of a great day is at Hospice Savannah as I have the opportunity to speak to members of the Southeast chapter of the National Oncology Nursing Society, bring them up to date on health care issues in Washington, and hear their concerns.

Carter tours Walmart distribution center

Tuesday, June 25, 2024: After an early morning radio interview on Sirius XM to discuss President Biden’s administration’s plan to offer legal status to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, I’m back in our Savannah district office where I meet with staff to discuss upcoming changes.

Next, I head to the Savannah Airport for my return trip to DC and, during the drive, I have a phone conference with the Charleston VA to discuss signage and the renaming ceremony at the Hinesville VA Clinic. Once back in our Washington office, I join in on an all staff conference call before a series of staff meetings including with the scheduling team, district team, legislative team, and communications team.

Afterwards, I have a virtual call with the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) to discuss telecommunication issues before our weekly meeting with staff of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials (ENV) Subcommittee.

After a meeting with a constituent, I host a tele town hall where my special guest is Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15), a member of the Judiciary Committee, who brings us up to date on the many investigations being undertaken by the committee. Next, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting before heading to our first vote series of the week and afterwards, remain in the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Valdosta resident John Eunice, Sr. who is retiring after 40 years of active and civil service with the Air Force.

Carter hosts a telephone town hall with special guest Rep. Laurel Lee

Wednesday, June 26, 2024: Recently, our office has been inundated with complaints regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Jacksonville Processing and Distribution center. As a result, I, along with my Northeast Florida colleagues, sent a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy demanding answers as to why and how these delays are occurring. This morning, I have a virtual interview with WJXT in Jacksonville to discuss the letter.

Afterwards, I head to our weekly GOP Conference meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. Once back in our office, I meet with Phoenix Tailings to discuss rare earth metal processing followed by a meeting with the winner of the 2024 National Society of the Colonial Dames of America Essay Contest, Cleo Shelton from Savannah.

After a meeting off Capitol Hill with the CEO of Walmart U.S., John Furner, I head back to our office where I meet with Chis Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited followed by a meeting with Caleb Kavanaugh, a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy from our district.

Next, I meet with my good friend, Mike Bell from Rayonier, before heading back off Capitol Hill to the offices of Waymo in downtown DC for a ride in an autonomous vehicle. Once back at our office, I meet with the National Automobile Dealers Association before heading to an E&C member meeting to discuss tomorrow’s scheduled markup.

Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day before heading to Statuary Hall where I have a live interview on The Story with Martha McCallum on Fox News along with Paris Hilton to discuss the SICAA legislation. Next, I head back to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Sgt. Kennedy Sanders from Waycross who was killed by a drone attack while serving in Jordan.

Thursday, June 27, 2024: I’m live on the World Famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup this morning as we discuss news of the day before I head to our weekly Doctor’s Caucus meeting where we hear from Dr. Paul Friedrichs, Inaugural Director of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy in the White House.

Afterwards, I head to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries, where I speak on my bill to halt NOAA’s boat speed reduction rules before heading to what was supposed to be an E&C markup. However, for the first time in my ten years in Congress, the markup is canceled at the last minute.

Once back in our office, I meet with Michelin North America before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. Later in the afternoon, I film a series of videos including this week’s Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute. After a meeting with a constituent, I head back to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day and remain in the chamber where I honor the life of my friend Tommy Strickland from Effingham County who recently passed.

After joining in on our all staff conference call and meeting with the American Nurses Association (ANA) in our office, I head off Capitol Hill where I meet with members of the Critical Minerals Access and Trade Association.

Carter meets with Michelin North America

Friday, June 28, 2024: I’m on the radio this morning with my good friend, Scott Ryfun on Straight Talk, as we discuss last night’s Presidential debate and afterwards head to the House Chamber for our final vote series of the week where we pass three more appropriation bills bringing our total to four of the 12 required by October 1st.

Afterwards, I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to Abit Massey from Gainesville, president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, who recently passed. After taking pictures on the Capitol Plaza with our interns and a group visiting from Brunswick High School in Glynn County, I head to the airport for my return trip home.

Carter pays tribute to Abit Massey

Apply to take buddy to work!

During the month of August, I want to learn more about hardworking men and women of the First Congressional District and understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing your industries.

So, we're hosting Take Buddy to Work Days!

Please fill out the application here by close of business Friday, July 12, 2024, to be considered.

votes in the house this week

Click here to see this week's vote sheet in the House of Representatives.