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This week, President Obama vetoed legislation passed by the House to halt the Environmental Protection Agency's latest power grab. S. J. Res. 22 would have prohibited implementation of the Waters of the United States rule which would allow the EPA to regulate nearly all waters in the United States, including many streams, creeks, wetlands, and ponds.
This rule is yet another example of the Obama Administration and the EPA encroaching on the American people in their own backyard. If implemented, this rule would regulate driveway ditches, man-made ponds, and even watered lawns. Expanding EPA's authority in this unprecedented way would be devastating to all land owners, especially farmers and small businesses.
The President's veto this week will not stop our fight to nullify this detrimental rule and ensure Americans are able to maintain personal control over their property.
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| From our Nation's Capitol XXXXIX |
Monday, January 18, 2016: One of the events I look forward to attending every year is the annual Saint Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast. This year’s event was held at beautiful Gascoigne Park on Saturday night in what turned out to be perfect weather.
Congressman Carter at the Saint Simons Island Land Trust Oyster Roast |
The huge turnout of supporters were treated to scrumptious oysters, low country boil, barbecue and other delicious dishes. The wonderful food was surpassed only by the great fellowship enjoyed by those dedicated to preserving St. Simons’ natural and scenic character and enhancing the quality of life of the island community for future generations. On Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to speak to a local pro-life group at the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah about their upcoming trip to Washington to take part in the National Right to Life march. My first meeting today is with Dr. Judson Cuttino, a local representative from the Georgia Society of Anesthesiologists, followed by a trip to WTOC where I do a television interview at the station to announce my town hall meetings I will be hosting throughout the district this week. Later, I attend a meeting of the Chatham County Tea Party where I have the opportunity to address the group and participate in a question and answer session.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016: I begin what will surely be a busy day with a visit to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville where I am greeted by hospital board members James Rogers and former Mayor Jim Thomas, along with new CEO Mike Hester.
Congressman Carter at Liberty Regional Medical Center |
After a meeting with the board members and hospital staff where we discuss the challenges facing rural community hospitals, I head to Jesup in Wayne County where I am hosting a town hall meeting at the Coastal Pines Technical College. This is the first of three town hall meetings that I have scheduled today, and we have a good turnout with some great questions and comments. Representing the citizens of the First District is one of the greatest honors of my life and I am determined to do a good job. Hearing the concerns and comments of citizens of the district is vitally important for me to be able to carry the feelings of the First District to Washington. After a great meeting in Jesup, I head to Blackshear in Pierce County where I visit my good friend, Royce Carter, at the Blackshear Rotary Club weekly meeting. From there I head to Waycross in Ware County where we have our second town hall meeting of the day and once again we have a great turnout. I have always claimed Waycross as my second home as it is my wife’s hometown where her parents still live, as well as her brother and sister-in-law. My sister and brother-in-law have also lived here for the past 25 years and raised my two nephews there.
Congressman Carter at the Ware County Town Hall Meeting |
I am especially happy to be joined at our meeting by Jacob Campbell, a Ware County native, who my office nominated and has been accepted to attend the Air Force Academy. From here I head to St. Marys and Camden County where we hold our third and final town hall meeting of the day. As is almost always the case, we have a great turnout of highly engaged and politically astute citizens who ask great questions and make very helpful comments. Before calling it a day, I head back to Savannah where Amy and I attend the annual Band of Brothers winter banquet. This is an opportunity for our men’s bible study to honor our wives and give them the opportunity to meet 200 of our closest friends that we meet with every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016: I’m in Savannah this morning at the Armstrong Center at Armstrong State University where I am hosting my fourth town hall meeting in two days. We have a great turnout this morning with lots of questions and comments about everything from the funding of Planned Parenthood to the potential of offshore drilling to the threat of ISIS.
Congressman Carter at the Town Hall Meeting in Savannah |
I continued to be amazed at the political astuteness of the people of the First District. Afterwards, I head to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center to attend the Georgia Economic Outlook luncheon as a guest of Bill Fielitz and Chatham Capital Group. I give a brief welcome and lead the pledge of allegiance before we hear the economic forecast for 2016 for the State of Georgia given by Dean Benjamin Ayers and for Savannah given by Armstrong State University professor Mike Toma. Next, I head to Effingham College and Career Academy where Dr. Barbara Prosser and her great staff lead me in a tour of the school and I have the opportunity to meet students involved in classes to support their pursuit of careers of their interests. Effingham County is a leader in education in our state and this is a great program that has and will continue to benefit the community and our state.
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Congressman Carter at the Effingham College and Career Academy
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Thursday, January 21, 2016: I start today with a trip to Glynn County and the Jekyll Island Convention Center where I attend another Georgia Economic Outlook luncheon. Afterwards, I head to Darien and McIntosh County where I visit McIntosh County Academy and learn of the fine work they are doing. Along with McIntosh County School Superintendent John Barge and Principal Dr. Scott Barrow, I tour the school and finish with a question and answer session with the political science class where I am impressed with the knowledge and inquisitiveness of the students. Later that evening, I head to Bryan County for the Richmond Hill/Bryan County Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet where I have the honor of introducing the keynote speaker Stedman Graham, author of eleven books, including two New York Times bestsellers. Mr. Graham, perhaps best known as Oprah Winfrey’s partner, delivers a powerful and inspirational speech that was well received.
Friday, January 22, 2016: I’m back in Brunswick and Glynn County this morning as we hold an open house for our Brunswick office. Staffed by our District Director Jud Seymour and Emmett Nolan, we are joined by a host of people and are especially thankful to have Rev. Bill Ligon to deliver our invocation. Our entire Congressional staff, including the Savannah and Washington staff members, is in town this weekend for our annual planning retreat and afterwards we spend the afternoon in meetings and tours. |
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