15 Years

Today marks 15 years since the world changed forever on September 11, 2001. Fifteen years later I still remember the devastating moment when I heard the news of the unimaginable attacks as I'm sure many of you remember as well.

Every year on this day we remember and honor the victims at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93. We pray for the families of the victims who still face grief, heartbreak, and loss. We recognize the heroism of the first responders who wasted no time running into danger to save others. We come together to thank our veterans and servicemen and servicewomen on the front lines protecting us from terror.

Unfortunately, every year this day also serves as a reminder that terrorism is still alive today. We vowed back in 2001 to never let this happen again but continue to see terror grow at an unprecedented pace. We cannot allow time to dull what we felt that day or downplay the ever growing threats we face.

As President George W. Bush said, "America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that from shining."

Fort Frederica

The House unanimously passed my legislation this week to expand the Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island.

The legislation will increase the maximum number of authorized acres that may be included in the monument from 250 to 305. Due to current statute, legislation is required to expand the authorized boundary and remove the current 250-acre ceiling established by Congress in 1958.

Expanding the monument is critical to protect the existing portions of the original fort, excavated remains of the town's foundations, a museum, and extensive hiking trails as well as artifacts from prehistoric human settlements that are likely on the adjacent land.

The expansion of the monument will preserve Fort Frederica's history and legacy for many generations to come. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will act soon on this important legislation.

From our Nation's Capitol

Tuesday, September 6, 2016: We’re back! After our traditional summer District Work Period we’re back in session today, but before I head to the airport I take time out to do a radio interview with Laura Anderson with WTKS in Savannah to discuss what lies ahead of us this next month. Between considering a continuing resolution (CR) to our budget in order to prevent the federal government from shutting down and reaching an agreement on funds to combat the Zika Virus, we are in for a very busy month. Once back at the Capitol, I am greeted in my office by a television crew from WSB in Atlanta for an interview discussing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her latest e-mail scandal.

Rep. Carter During an Interview with WSB

Afterwards, we have a staff meeting where we discuss the week that lies ahead and also celebrate the birthday of one of our staff members, Hart Thompson. Hart, who is originally from Savannah, is responsible for a number of tasks in our office, including handling most of the tours for our visitors. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I deliver a one minute speech in tribute to Savannah native Gene Sauers who won the U.S. Senior Open Golf tournament. A link to my speech can be found here. Later in the day, I head to the House Chamber to speak on H.R. 3480, a bill that allows the expansion of Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island in Glynn County from 250 acres to 305 acres. Fort Frederica, founded in 1736 by General James Oglethorpe, is one of the many historic treasures that we have in the First Congressional District and this bill will help to preserve the area for future generations. A link to my speech can be found here. Next, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting where we review the bills we will be voting on this week. Finally, I head to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016: I begin today with our weekly Republican Conference meeting where we discuss our goals for the upcoming month. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I speak during morning hour on a pilot program being proposed for the Medicare Part B program. A link to my speech can be found here. Following the weekly meeting of the Conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC), I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. Afterwards, I head back to the RSC for a members only meeting with embattled IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

Rep. Carter with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association

After returning to my office, I meet with representatives from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association before heading back to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day. I finish the day by giving the keynote address at the annual meeting of the Managed Health Associates and their member pharmacies.

Thursday, September 8, 2016: My first meeting of the day is with representatives from Primerica, an insurance and financial services company headquartered in Georgia. Afterwards, I do a radio interview with Georgia News Network regarding the legislation that I passed allowing for the expansion of Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. Next, I meet with representatives from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) regarding legislation currently pending in the House that will expand the Ali Act, which regulates some aspects for boxing, to the mixed martial arts and the UFC. Afterwards, I head to my first committee meeting of the week, a meeting of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee where we examine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) compliance at the Department of State. As one would expect, most of our attention is given to the time that Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State and her illegal use of a private server. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I deliver a one minute speech honoring Gus Bell for his fifty years of service to Hussey, Gay and Bell, an engineering firm in Savannah. A link to my speech can be found here. Later, I return to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day after which I return to my office for a series of meetings with fellow members. Our second and final vote series of the day is next and, after returning to the House Chamber, I remain there to speak in support of the Fair Tax during special orders. A link to my speech can be found here.

Rep. Carter Meeting with Representatives from the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Friday, September 9, 2016: My day starts with a meeting of the Doctors Caucus this morning where we discuss the latest proposals from CMS regarding Medicare Part B and hear from many of the medical specialty groups including Neurology, Obstetrics, and Dermatology. Afterwards, I head to a GOP member planning conference where we discuss the need to pass a continuing resolution (CR) before the end of this month and whether it should last for three months or six months. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I preside as Speaker Pro tem during debate of H.R. 2040, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), a bill that will allow the victims and families of victims of terror attacks to sue foreign states that aid and abet acts of terror on U.S. soil. It is appropriate that we pass this legislation as this weekend we will observe the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. As Speaker Pro tem, I gavel the House into recess in order to join other Members of Congress on the Capitol steps for a remembrance ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of September 11th. Afterwards, I gavel the house back into session and preside over our first and only vote series of the day.