This past Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending the Georgia Ports Authority's annual State of the Port in Savannah, where we celebrated another exciting milestone for one of Coastal Georgia's greatest economic engines!

During the event, Georgia Ports announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially approved the permit for the new $2.3 billion Savannah Container Terminal, clearing the way for a major expansion that will strengthen our region's economy and America's supply chains.

This new terminal will add 3.5 million TEUs of annual capacity, helping bring the Port of Savannah's total future capacity to an incredible 12 million TEUs. With construction set to begin in 2028, this investment means more opportunities for businesses, more jobs for hardworking Georgians, and a stronger foundation for economic growth across our region.

Georgia Ports' success doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of years of forward-thinking leadership, strategic investment, and the dedication of the hardworking men and women who keep our ports moving every single day.

I want to extend a special thank you to Georgia Ports CEO Griff Lynch, whose remarkable leadership has helped transform Georgia Ports into a national powerhouse. As he prepares for retirement next year, his legacy of growth and investment will continue to benefit our state for generations to come.

I also want to recognize Georgia Ports President Kevin Price, who will succeed Griff as CEO, for his leadership and vision as we enter this exciting new chapter.

Georgia's ports are more than gateways for commerce. They are gateways for opportunity, connecting Coastal Georgia to markets around the world and driving economic growth throughout our state and nation.

The future of Georgia Ports is brighter than ever, and I am proud to support their continued success!

In this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing, we’re highlighting Georgia’s record-breaking early voting turnout and the importance of making your voice heard as we approach Election Day on November 3rd.

Monday, October 12, 2026: After spending the weekend in Washington, I travel back to Savannah today and have a meeting at the Savannah airport with representatives from Persimmony, a public health software company. Persimmony provides an integrated platform for government health programs, community-based organizations, and care teams and is used by counties and public health agencies. Afterwards, I have a radio interview on the Julie Mason Show on Sirius XM’s POTUS channel as we discuss news of the day including datacenters and the upcoming midterm elections. Both of these are frequently discussed subjects now as the midterms are three weeks out and datacenters are a major concern among constituents. 

Rep. Carter attends Satilla EMC Board's annual meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026: Of all the freedoms we enjoy in this great country of ours, the freedom to vote and elect our public officials is one of the greatest. After all, our veterans served and sacrificed for this freedom and our active military defend this and all our precious freedoms every day. Today was the first day of early voting in Georgia and I did my civic duty by being one of the first in line and voting early. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick office where I join in on our all-staff conference call before heading to Waycross in Ware County. Settled in 1820 and then locally known as “Old Nine” or “Number Nine”, it then became known as Pendleton. In 1857 it was renamed Tebeauville and in 1857 it became Way Cross. Interestingly, in 1917 the City Council in Waycross became the first town in Georgia to allow white women to vote. Once in Waycross, I meet with officials from South Georgia State College including President Dr. Greg Tanner, Director of Advancement Taylor Hereford, and Enrollment Management & IT Director Dr. Jimmy Harper. South Georgia State College was formed in 2013 when South Georgia College in Douglas consolidated with Waycross College. It now has three campuses located in Waycross, Douglas and Valdosta. After a great meeting learning about the fine work being done to serve the students in Southeast Georgia, I head to the Satilla Rural Electric Membership Cooperative (REMC) annual meeting at Memorial Stadium in Waycross. Serving a nine-county area with reliable light and heat, Satilla REMC also provides economic initiatives, civic leadership and job creation for the communities they serve. Next, I head to a reception for Georgia State Senators Max Burns (R-Sylvania) and Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) in Twin City in Emanuel County. Formerly known as Graymont and Summit, the two rival towns in Emanuel County were merged in 1924 to form Twin City. Emanuel County was named in honor of former Governor of Georgia David Emanuel and was created by combining parts of Bulloch and Montgomery counties.

Rep. Carter meets with South Georgia State College

Wednesday, October 14, 2026: I’m in my hometown of Savannah today as I head to the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island to attend the annual Savannah State of the Port hosted by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Propeller Club. GPA was created in 1945 by an order signed by then Governor Ellis Arnall to operate state-owned facilities and “to do any other things necessary and proper to foster or encourage the commerce, domestic or foreign, of the state, The United States of America, or the several sister states.”  GPA is often referred to as the economic engine of not only Southeast Georgia but the entire Southeast U.S. In fact, the economic impact of GPA is felt all the way to the Ohio Valley. GPA continues to thrive and is planning $5 billion in infrastructure investments over the next decade. Afterwards, I head to Perry in Houston County where I join Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper as he welcomes U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins to Georgia. A native Texan and a graduate of Texas A&M University, Secretary Rollins serves as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and understands the importance of Agriculture in our country and especially in the State of Georgia. Afterwards, I have a live interview with NewsNation’s The Hill as I take viewer questions regarding government and how it should work for them. Among the subjects that we cover are Social Security, the economy, data centers and prescription drug prices.

Rep. Carter attends State of the Port in Savannah

Thursday, October 15, 2026: After heading to our Brunswick district office where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I have the honor of speaking to the Bryan County Family Connection as they are celebrating 25 years of bringing agencies together to ensure all children and families withing the community can reach their highest potential. Afterwards, I join the Richmond Hill Rotary Club at their weekly meeting and bring them up to date on Washington issues. Next, I head to Bryan County Middle School in Pembroke in North Bryan County where I join local leaders including Georgia State Representative Lehman Franklin (R- Statesboro), Pembroke City Administrator Chris Benson, Bryan County Planning and Zoning Planner Brett Kohler, and Bryan County School Board members Karen Krupp and Derrick Smith as we take questions from middle school students. Interacting with students is one of my favorite activities and this group of well-behaved and respectful young people was indeed a delight to be with. Afterwards, I head to Black Creek where I meet with CZM, a leading foundation drilling machine company, to discuss tariff issues. This great company provides machines used on general construction, transmission lines, utilities, landfill and oil and gas. Next, I head down the road to Daniel Defense where I join my long-time good friends, Marty and Cindy Daniel at the annual Double D Foundation banquet. This great foundation founded by Cindy serves to protect the Second Amendment by expanding youth and public involvement in shooting sports.

Rep. Carter speaks at Bryan County Middle School Local Leaders Day

Friday, October 16, 2026: I’m up early and at the Savannah airport this morning as I fly to Atlanta where I head to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta to welcome President Donad J. Trump to Georgia. From Dobbins, we helicopter over to Dalton in Whitfield County in Northwest Georgia, where we join President Trump for a get out the vote rally. As only he can do, President Trump inspires the huge group of patriots and stresses the importance of showing up, delivering results and reminding us all of what’s at stake. After a memorable experience, I head back to downtown Atlanta and later join in on a live debate on Cuomo on NewsNation with my friend Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) regarding President Trumps actions in the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in Iran.  

Rep. Carter joins Cuomo on NewsNation

Georgia’s coast has buildings made from oyster shells. For centuries, coastal Georgians used tabby, a concrete-like material traditionally made from lime, water, sand, oyster shells and ash. Surviving examples can still be found at places including Wormsloe, Jekyll Island and Sapelo Island.