|
|
|
|
This week, I supported a funding bill to combat the coronavirus. I am relieved we were able to secure a clean funding bill that does not include partisan legislative language. The coronavirus has the potential to impact all Americans, and Congress must work together in a bipartisan fashion to ensure our nation is prepared.
The funding bill will work to make diagnostic tests more widely available, promote the use of tele-health, invest in vaccine development, prevent potential medical supply shortages, protect Americans abroad, and support the state and local response efforts on the frontlines of the virus.
As the situation evolves, I want to share some important resources for you and your family.
Click here for important information and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Click here for updates from the Georgia Department of Health.
Click here for updates from the U.S. Department of State.
Remember, there is no reason to panic, just prepare. |
| This Week on BUddy's Briefing |
|
|
This week on Buddy's Briefing, we discuss the coronavirus and an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing this week on legislation to help patients with substance abuse disorders. Click here to watch the latest episode.
|
| From our Nation's Capitol CCLVI |
|
|
Monday, March 2, 2020: I’m up early and in the Fox News DC Bureau for a live TV interview on Mornings with Maria to discuss the coronavirus, a situation that is dominating our attention in Washington these days and certainly one we should be prepared for. While I am confident the Administration is doing everything it can to prepare for a potential outbreak, it is important that we not panic and that we as individuals do our part in trying to contain the spread of illness. A link to my interview can be found here. After working in my office for the rest of the morning, I have our weekly all district conference call next followed by another live TV interview to discuss the coronavirus situation on Fox Business. A link to my interview can be found here. Next, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week. Afterwards, I remain in the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Advances Innovative IT Solutions in Ludowici. A link to my comments can be found here.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020: My first meeting this morning is with the Doctors Caucus as we hear from special guest Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Phillip Swagel. The purpose of the CBO is to provide an independent analysis of budgetary and economic issues to support the Congressional budget process by providing reports and cost estimates for proposed legislation. Next, I head to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee member meeting where we have an update on the latest coronavirus information before heading to our weekly GOP Conference. After a phone interview with Martha Zoller on WDUN in Gainesville, GA, to discuss the coronavirus, no less, I head to an E&C Health Subcommittee hearing on fourteen bills we are considering dealing with substance use disorders. A link to my questions can be found here. Next, I head back to my office where we have our weekly Washington staff briefing and afterwards meet with a group of young farmers with the Agriculture’s Promise group to discuss issues impacting this most important industry.
Rep. Carter meeting with young farmers with Agriculture's Promise |
Afterwards, I head to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day and remain in the Chamber to pay tribute to long time Beach High School football coach Ulysses Hawthorne who is retiring this year. A link to my tribute can be found here. Once back in my office, I have a series of meetings beginning with my good friend Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of Government & Defense for JCB in Savannah. Next, I meet with another good friend, Rev. Herb Hubbard, and others from the Georgia Alliance of YMCA’s, before meeting with former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour regarding babies born with opioid addiction.
Rep. Carter meeting with former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour regarding babies born with opioid addiction |
My next meeting is with a group to discuss the Accelerating Kid’s Access to Care Act before heading to the Congressional Visitors Center (CVC) where we have a surprise 80th birthday celebration for our beloved colleague, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA).
Wednesday, March 5, 2020: Before heading to another Doctors Caucus meeting this morning where we meet with Genetech CEO Alexander Hardy to discuss pending drug pricing legislation, I have a radio phone interview with my good friend Bill Edwards on NewsRadio 1290 in Savannah to discuss the coronavirus situation. Later, I have another radio interview, this time with Scott Ryfun with Strait Talk Radio in Brunswick to, you guessed it, discuss the coronavirus situation. Once back in my office, I meet with the Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia for an update on their work on this epidemic. Next, I meet with a Young Farmers and Ranchers group from the state including a few from the First District before meeting with the American Battlefield Trust and one of my favorite advocates, legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley.
Rep. Carter with Vince Dooley |
While most know him for his football expertise, many of us know of his love of history and his enthusiasm for the preservation of historic battlefields in our country. Afterwards, I head to an E&C Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPAC) Subcommittee hearing on fake and unsafe products on online marketplaces. A link to my questions can be found here. Next, I have a phone conversation with new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn to discuss the coronavirus and other issues before heading to an E&C Environment Subcommittee hearing on the plastic waste crisis. A link to my questions can be found here. Once back in my office, I meet with members of the North American Blueberry Council before meeting with HealthHIE Georgia Corporation. Next, I head to Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) office for a meeting with he and a small group of fellow members before heading to the House Chamber where we have our first vote series of the day.
Rep. Carter with students from Habersham School in Savannah |
Afterwards, I head to the plaza steps where I meet with a group of students from Habersham School in Savannah before heading back to my office where I meet with the Paralyzed Veterans of America followed by a meeting with representatives from the Boys & Girls Club. My next meeting is with my good friends Bill Eley and Mike James to discuss pharmacy issues before meeting with representatives from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Afterwards, I head back to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day and remain in the Chamber where I pay tribute to Laura Randolph Stevens Devendorf who recently passed. A link to my tribute can be found here. After a House Energy Action Team (HEAT) meeting with special guest Southern Company CEO Tom Fanning, I head to the Natural Resources Committee hearing room where I film this weeks’ edition of Buddy’s Briefings.
Thursday, March 5, 2020: I’m back on the radio this morning discussing the coronavirus. My first interview is with my good friend Bob Morgan on the World Famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup followed by an interview by another good friend who also happens to be the Mayor of Valdosta, Scott James.
Rep. Carter meeting with the Georgia Restaurant Association |
Afterwards, I head back to my office where I meet with the Georgia Restaurant Association followed by a meeting with Takeda Pharmaceuticals America before heading to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day. Once back in my office, I meet with Yamaha and the Center for Sportfishing Policy before meeting with representatives from the Savannah and Brunswick airports. Afterwards, I head to the airport and fly to Jacksonville and then drive to Jesup in Wayne County for the Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual “Taste of Wayne” before heading home to Pooler.
Friday, March 6, 2020: In less than 18 hours I’ve been in Washington, DC, Jacksonville, FL, Jesup, GA, Pooler, GA, and this morning find myself in St. Marys, GA. I’m at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base this morning to attend the Change of Command ceremony of the USS Tennessee as Commander Paul A. Seitz is being relieved by Commander Justin M. Kaper.
Rep. Carter at the Change of Command ceremony of the USS Tennessee |
Afterwards, I head to Brunswick for a meeting with my good friends Bud Hearn and Wendy Jennings before heading back to Savannah to the America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia where I volunteer and pack backpacks of food with my good friend, CEO Mary Jane Crouch. Next, I head to JDog Junk Removal and Hauling, a veteran owned business that has recently expanded into the carpet cleaning business. My last stop of a very busy week is at the Chatham Emergency Services office on Dean Forest Road in Savannah, where I am led on a tour by CEO Chuck Kearns and meet the highly trained personnel working at the facility. |
| VOTES IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK |
|
|
| Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
|
|
