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Last week, President Trump signed the FY 19 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. The NDAA is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligations to provide for the common defense by setting defense policy for the year.
I was proud to support this legislation because it provides critical support for our military in the First District. The NDAA ensures the A-10s at Moody Air Force Base keep flying, supports future missions at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base and more. The legislation also includes an extremely well-deserved pay raise for our troops - the largest in nearly a decade.
It also works to rebuild and grow our forces. For too long, the military has had to do more with less and it has created a dangerous readiness crisis that must be reversed.
One of my top priorities in Congress is working to provide the brave members of our military with the support necessary to ensure they are the most well prepared and well equipped force on the planet. This includes new investments in training, equipment, and personnel and I will continue this mission.
Click here to learn more about our work to strengthen and support our military.
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| from our nation's capitol CLXXVI |
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Monday, August 20, 2018: After being out of town for 10 days and getting back last night at 10:00 p.m., I’m in downtown Savannah this morning as I take part in the Hometown Tour event with Axios, a news website. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the forum brings together civic and business leaders, such as Savannah Mayor Eddie Deloach and Board of Regents Vice-Chair Don Waters, to talk about educational and business challenges in our area.
Rep. Carter participates in the Hometown Tour with Axios |
Next, I stay downtown for a meeting with Dr. Chip Cowart with the American Academy of Family Physicians before heading to Richmond Hill for a meeting with city officials and Rayonier representatives to discuss the exciting plans for the Belfast project. This private/public project will include a new interchange on I-95 as well as new schools, roads and commercial and residential developments. Along with Georgia representatives Ron Stephens and Jesse Petrea, I am brought up to date on the progress of the project as well as challenges that the project is facing. Next, I head back to downtown Savannah where I participate in a restaurant roundtable with local members of the Georgia Restaurant Association to discuss workforce issues. Afterwards, I head to Macon for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon to be held tomorrow. During the always exciting I-16 drive, I have a phone interview with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for an article in their magazine about my experience serving on a community bank board before I became a member of Congress.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018: After participating in the Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon by introducing the singer of the National Anthem, I enjoy listening to Georgia’s two nominees for Governor. Afterwards, along with my good friend and fellow delegation member Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), I participate in a breakout session to discuss trade and the impact of tariffs. Next, I head to Atlanta and while in route have a phone discussion with Savannah businessman Clint Land to learn more about his exciting business interests.
Rep. Carter discusses trade with Rep. Drew Ferguson |
Once in Atlanta, I head to see my good friends at Georgia State University (GSU) in the downtown area to learn more about their work in controlling tuition rates and decreasing student debt. GSU is the largest university in the state with over 53,000 students spread out over numerous campuses. Recently, GSU has increased their graduation rate by utilizing, among other things, Panther Retention Grants, small emergency grants that they give to seniors who may be dropping out of school because their financial aid has runout.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018: This morning I have the honor and privilege of meeting with the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer. I am a strong supporter of Israel and believe that a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is vital to the stability of the Middle East. I find Ambassador Varnai Shorer to be most engaging and her strong interest in the First Congressional District and particularly in the Port of Savannah is highly encouraging. Next, I head to Georgia Tech to visit the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), the state of Georgia’s startup incubator that was founded in 1980 by the Georgia General Assembly.
Rep. Carter meeting with the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer |
The mission of ATDC is to work with entrepreneurs in Georgia to help them learn, launch and succeed in the creation of technology companies. Since its inception, ATDC startup companies have raised over $3 billion in investment financing and generated more than $12 billion in revenue in the state of Georgia. After touring the facility, I meet with representatives from some of the health care related companies to learn more about the innovative and cutting edge work they are engaged in. Next, I stay on the Georgia Tech campus and head to the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) where I meet with Executive Director Dr. Andres Garcia and learn more about the fine work being done at this research center. Afterwards, I have a chance to tour one of the many labs and meet with some of the researchers to learn about their projects. Next, I head to the financial services offices where I meet with the Director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to discuss their experiences with tuition rates and student debt.
Rep. Carter at the Advanced Technology Development Center |
My last meeting of the day is near the Capitol as I meet with University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley and his fine staff to discuss ways to streamline some of the burdensome federal regulations that drive up costs at our universities. I found the Chancellor and staff to be most cooperative and genuinely concerned with rising tuition costs and student debt and determined to control both.
Thursday, August 23, 2018: I’m still in Atlanta this morning and my first trip is a visit to Innovation Compounding in Kennesaw to learn more about their outsourcing pharmacy compounding facility. After meeting with Shawn Hodges and his fine staff, I observe their first class facilities and learn more about the important services they provide to patients across the U.S. who are in need of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical compounds. Next, I head to the airport for my return trip home and, once back in Savannah, I visit Bright Life Chiropractic to tour their facility and learn more about the work they do and the challenges they face as a small business. Afterwards, I head to my Savannah office where I have a phone call with the Consul General of Canada, Ambassador Nadia Theodore, to discuss tariffs and then participate in a Podcast with PolitiTalkRX to discuss prescription drug pricing and the opioid epidemic. Next, I have a series of meetings in my office first with SNF Holding Company to discuss tariffs, then with a constituent to discuss campaign finance reform and finally with one of our many fine artists in the District to discuss a project she is working on.
Rep. Carter visiting Bright Life Chiropractic |
Before I leave the office, I have a visit from Patti Victor with the Matthew Reardon Center as she introduces me to “Buddy” the center’s 7 week old Jack Russell who is being trained as a comfort dog. My final stop of the day is at Savannah Technical College where I participate in an opioid symposium and have the opportunity to share with the large gathering the work that we are doing in Congress to combat this national epidemic.
Friday, August 24, 2018: I’m happy to be visiting Bethesda Academy this morning and learning more about the fine work they’re doing at this all-boy school. Headmaster Mike Hughes and his great staff are truly changing lives here and after visiting with some of the students, I am very impressed with the way they carry themselves and how respectful and courteous they are. Afterwards, I head to Savannah State University to tour the Marine and Environmental Science building that I helped secure funding for while I served in the Georgia State Senate. This state of the art facility is an asset to the First District and the state of Georgia and is a testament to the fine work that is being done at Savannah State University.
Rep. Carter discussing the opioid crisis in our community |
This great facility is surpassed only by the dedicated staff and researchers that work here. Afterwards, I head to the Georgia Historical Society in downtown Savannah where I meet with President and CEO Dr. Todd Groce to learn more about the exciting and important work being done here and the plans for renovation and expansion. Next, I head down to Brunswick where I am the commencement speaker at the Brunswick Job Corps graduation ceremony. This is one of the best programs in our District as it helps many of our young people obtain job skills but, perhaps more importantly, provides our employers with a high quality workforce. Afterwards, I head to St. Simons Island where I have been invited by members of the Cassina Garden Club to tour the Hamilton Plantation Slave Cabins that they have restored. Located on Gascoigne Bluff near Fort Frederica, the club began meeting here in 1932 and was deeded the property in 1950. This fine group of dedicated preservationists have carefully restored and preserved the integrity of the cabins and because of their great work, a piece of our area’s history will be witnessed by generations to come. |
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