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President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law this week to provide targeted relief measures for small businesses, hardworking Americans, and health care providers.
There is no question, this bill is far from perfect. While President Trump and Republicans successfully blocked attempts by Democrats to include unrelated items like illegal immigration, aspects of the Green New Deal, and funding for Planned Parenthood, I still have serious concerns about some spending provisions and the overall price tag. However, the coronavirus pandemic is about more than politics. This is a life or death situation for some American lives and livelihoods.
For the past two weeks, I have been traveling the district meeting with small businesses, workers, farmers, faith leaders, and others who are struggling and some are scared. As a small business owner for more than thirty years, I understand that any uncertainty can cause severe hardship. The uncertainty of a global pandemic can be completely devastating. This legislation is structured to not only help keep the lights on at small businesses, but it does so in a way that keeps hardworking Americans employed.
While I have seen distress across the First District, I also saw Georgians pulling together. People helping and caring for each other. I saw health care providers put their own health at risk to deliver critically needed services. Thankfully, this legislation will increase the supply and availability of personal protective equipment for these health care heroes on the front lines.
To the health care workers, small business owners and hardworking American employees - we hear you and help is on the way. As our nation continues to navigate this challenge, more than anything we need to help each other and pray for each other.
I spoke about the important need for this legislation on the House floor before it was approved. Click here to see my remarks.
Additionally, we filmed Buddy's Briefing this week right after the vote. Click here to see this episode.
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| From our nation's Capitol CCLIX |
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Monday, March 23, 2020: On Saturday, I volunteered at America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia’s drive-thru food distribution event on President Street in Savannah. This well-organized event attracted hundreds of participants who stayed inside their car with the windows up and popped their trunks as volunteers placed a box of food in their car.
Rep. Carter with volunteers at the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia's drive-thru food distribution event |
Afterwards, I headed to the Salvation Army of Savannah where I met with the men in the shelter and answered their questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Once back home I joined a conference call of area pastors arranged by my good friend Rep. Carl Gilliard where I was able to bring them up to date on what we are doing at the federal level to address the COVID-19 situation. I was also able to thank them for the important work they are doing as religious leaders during these difficult times when people are concerned and need reassurance. On Sunday morning, I had a live interview via Skype on MSNBC with Ali Velshi to discuss the COVID-19 situation. A link to my interview can be found here. Later in the day, I was the keynote speaker on a conference call with members of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) as I brought them up to date on the COVID-19 situation and what impact it might have on their profession. After our daily all staff conference call this morning where we discuss the numerous projects we’re working on, I head to the Walmart parking lot in Rincon in Effingham County where I volunteer and help pass out sack lunches for students in the Effingham County School System.
Rep. Carter at the Effingham County school lunch pick-up |
We operate out of a school bus and hand the lunches out to cars with the students inside. Afterwards, I head to the Tin Fin restaurant in Rincon where I meet with the owners to help promote their take-out services before joining a regional conference call of members from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). The regional call is very helpful as it gives us the opportunity to discuss more specific issues in our region. Next, I have an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee members conference call to discuss issues specific to the jurisdiction of our committee before having a conference call with leadership of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). My next call is with the State Department to discuss issues concerning constituents stranded in Honduras and Haiti. Next, I have a call with a constituent in Brunswick in Glynn County to discuss a product he uses in his business that he feels would be effective in the COVID-19 response. My last interview of the day is with CNN as I discuss my efforts to increase the number of health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020: Talk about an early morning! I’m up at 3:30 a.m. this morning to prepare for a 4:15 a.m. live interview with Fox and Friends to discuss the COVID-19 situation. A link to my interview can be found here. A few hours later, I head to Jesup in Wayne County where I have a live radio interview with my good friends on the world famous Butch and Bob Show to discuss the COVID-19 situation.
Rep. Carter on the Butch and Bob Show |
Afterwards, I head to Homerville in Clinch County and on the way have our daily all-staff conference call. Once in Homerville, I meet with Clinch County School Superintendent Lori James and former Homerville Mayor Tom Kennedy to discuss their situation before heading to Cogdell to meet with my good friend, Russ Goodman and discuss the agriculture situation during this pandemic. Much of the agriculture community is struggling with getting H2A workers from other countries during this crisis. My office has been working with First District Farmers, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Department of State and embassies to help navigate this process. After a great visit, I head to the Senior Citizens Center in Waycross in Ware County where I make phone calls to regular attendees of the program and check in on them while the center is closed.
Rep. Carter meets with members of the First District's agriculture community to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 |
Next, I head to Blackshear in Pierce County and on the way have a phone interview with WTOC TV in Savannah to discuss the COVID-19 situation followed by a conference call with members of the American Institute of Architects. After my visit in Blackshear where we stop by Pierce Timber Company, I head to Ludowici in Long County and on the way have a conference call with my fellow Doctors Caucus members followed by a phone interview with WALB TV in Albany. After a great meeting with my good friends Long County Sherriff Craig Nobles, Ludowici Police Chief Richard Roberson and Emergency Management Agency Director Edward Brewer, I head to Fort Stewart to meet with 3rd ID leadership including my good friend, Division Commander Major General Antonio Aguto.
Rep. Carter meets with 3rd ID Leadership |
On my way home to Pooler, I have my final conference call of the day with the Whip Team headed up by Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA).
Wednesday, March 25, 2020: After a call with staff at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to discuss a proposal to suspend some health care fees during the COVID-19 crisis, I have our all-staff conference call followed by a conference call with medical associations in the First District. Next, I head to Savannah to the First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where I film a video for the congregation to keep them up to date on the COVID-19 situation and afterwards head to Chippewa Square in downtown Savannah where I read two books on video that will be shared with students throughout the First District.
Rep. Carter discusses the coronavirus with hospitals in the First District |
After heading to our office in Savannah, I have a GOP Conference call followed by a Zoom meeting with board members of the United Way of the Coastal Empire. Next, I have a conference call with leadership from Memorial Hospital in Savannah to learn of the great preparation they are undertaking at this time before having a conference call with Liberty Regional Medical Center to discuss their preparedness. After a phone call with my good friend Joe Ierardi at Wayne County Hospital to discuss their situation, I have a live interview on Lou Dobbs Tonight on Fox Business Network. A link to my interview can be found here. Next, I have a conference call with St. Josephs/Candler Hospital CEO Paul Hinchey and key staff members to discuss the great job they are doing to prepare for this situation. My last conference call of the day is another call with the GOP Conference to answer more questions that members have.
Thursday, March 26, 2020: After our daily all-staff conference call this morning, I have an E&C Committee member’s call before heading to Rincon Elementary School in Effingham County to volunteer for their muscles and meals program. This is where we load the buses with ice chests full of food to be given out in the community. Afterwards, I head to our Savannah office where I join a conference call with other members of the delegation hosted by FEMA followed by a conference call with the No Labels group in Washington.
Rep. Carter at the muscles and meals program at Rincon Elementary School |
Next, I have a conference call with the Tourism Leadership Council of Savannah followed by a phone interview with WSAV TV in Savannah. After a conference call with the GOP Conference, I join home hospice groups in the Glynn County area where we hear from Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. Next, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where Mayor Russ Carpenter has arranged a roundtable discussion with small business owners to discuss what the federal government is doing to help them. Afterwards, I head to Plantation Apartments in Richmond Hill and volunteer packing bags of food for their grab and go dinner program. My last stop of the day is the Savannah-Hilton Head Airport where I film a video promoting the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Late Thursday night, I get notification from Washington that we will be needed at the Capitol tomorrow morning for a potential vote on the CARES Act, the third phase of the coronavirus relief package.
Friday, March 27, 2020: I’m up bright and early this morning and, before heading to the airport, I have a radio interview with my good friend Scott James in Valdosta. Once at the airport, I join three other passengers as we fly to Washington and arrive shortly after 9:00 a.m. Once back at the Capitol, I have a conference call with officials from Logisticare to discuss legislation we are working on before heading to the House Chamber to speak on the CARES Act that is being debated. A link to my speech can be found here. While practicing social distancing in the House Chamber we are still able to reach a quorum of greater than 218 members. After debate on the bill ends, a motion is made for a recorded vote but fails due to the lack of one-fifth of the members present not standing to agree with the motion.
Rep. Carter discusses the CARES Act on Fox Business Network |
A voice vote is called for and the motion unanimously passes and the bill is sent to the White House where the President signs it into law a few hours later. Once back in my office, I join in on our daily all-staff conference call before having a phone interview with the Brunswick News. Next, I head to the Cannon Rotunda where I have a live on-camera interview with Fox Business Network to talk about the CARES Act before heading back to my office to record this week’s Buddy’s Briefing. Afterwards, I head back to the airport and while waiting on my flight, I have a telebriefing for members and Hill staff on the COVID-19 situation. After leaving this morning at 7:30 a.m., my flight arrives back in Savannah at 10:30 p.m. to end what has truly been a momentous day and week. |
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