|
|
| IMPROVING TELEMEDICINE FOR VETERANS |
|
|
This week, I introduced legislation to improve and increase access to telemedicine for veterans.
The VA Mission Act, signed into law in June 2018, reformed a wide range of veteran health care issues, but the telemedicine portion of the law includes an error that prohibits trainees from using the telemedicine system. These trainees are typically interns, residents, fellows or graduate students who are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to gain necessary experience to become doctors and/or work full-time with the VA. Without this necessary experience, these health care professionals may use the telemedicine system for the first time only when they become a licensed doctor, creating a delay in training and the potential for more mistakes.
That's why I introduced the VA Mission Telemedicine Clarification Act this week. My bill ensures trainees are able to use the telemedicine system under the supervision of a credentialed VA staff member. This will improve training as well as ensure more health care providers are able to provide services through telemedicine.
Our veterans served our nation and deserve access to the best possible care when they return home. Increasing the use of telehealth at VA health centers is critical to ensure veterans are able to receive the care they need no matter where they live. |
|
|
Happy Father's Day! Being a dad and a grandad is the greatest gift.
|
| from our nation's Capitol ccxv |
|
|
Monday, June 10, 2019: On Saturday night I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Georgia Radiology Society Legislative and Educational Meeting at St. Simons Island.
Rep. Carter speaking at the Georgia Radiology Society Legislative and Educational Meeting |
This group represents radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and nuclear medicine physicians. After flying back to Washington this morning, we have our weekly staff meeting before I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting followed by our first vote series of the week. Afterwards, I head to a National Security Intelligence Forum (NSIF) hosted by House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Devin Nunes (R-CA) where we hear from Mike Doran, an American expert on the international politics of the Middle East, as he gives us his perception of the current Iran situation.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019: I’m at the Border Security Caucus meeting bright and early this morning as we have Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Mark Morgan joining us and bringing us startling information concerning the crisis at our southwest border. In May Border Control apprehended more than 144,000 migrants at the border - a shocking 32 percent increase from April. Acting Director Morgan tells us that ICE facilities are at a breaking point due to overcapacity, disease and lack of resources and that the crisis at the border is unmanageable. Afterwards, I head to our weekly GOP Conference before heading to my office where I meet with Catherine Atkinson, a student from Savannah Country Day School who has been granted a Boren Scholarship through the National Security Education Program at the Department of Defense.
Rep. Carter meeting with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) advocacy group |
The Boren Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive national award for study abroad in areas critical to U.S. national security. Next, I head to a House Energy Action Team (HEAT) meeting where we hear from executives from ExxonMobil who detail their efforts in developing new technology in carbon capture. After our first vote series of the day in the House Chamber, I head back to my office where I have a number of meetings beginning with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention followed by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and then the American Farm Bureau Federation Agriculture Advocacy.
Rep. Carter meeting with the American Farm Bureau Federation Agriculture Advocacy |
Next, I meet with Dialysis Patient Citizens followed by the National Small Business Association before heading back to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day. Afterwards, I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to the Liberty Ships that were built in Savannah during World War II. A link to my tribute can be found here. Next, I head to the Rules Committee where I present three amendments to the appropriations bill that is scheduled to be voted on tomorrow. A link to my presentation before the Rules Committee can be found here.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019: After an Energy and Commerce (E&C) member meeting with Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary for Science, Paul Dabbar, I head to a meeting with executives from Chick-Fil-A, one of Georgia’s great homegrown business successes. Interestingly, the First District figures significantly in the history of Chick-Fil-A as the second location ever of the now national chain was located at the Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah and currently the second busiest store in the nation is located in Pooler. Next, I head back to my office where I meet with my good friend Col. Daniel Hibner, Commander, Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and other COE officials to discuss the progress being made with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP).
Rep. Carter meeting with Col. Daniel Hibner, Commander, Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
My next meeting is with the Council for Responsible Nutrition followed by a meeting with my good friend William Coleman from the Brunswick Job Corps, a great program that teaches young people the skills they need to become employable and independent. Afterwards, I head to an E&C Health Subcommittee hearing on surprise billing. A link to my questions can be found here. Later, I meet with Thomas Bordeaux, a student at Jenkins High School in Savannah and the son of my good friends Tom and Nelle Bordeaux. Thomas is visiting as part of National History Day, a NEH funded contest for middle and high school students to engage in historical research. Thomas is a fine young man and I know Tom and Nelle are very proud of him. Next, I meet with the National Community Action Foundation before meeting with the Southeast Tourism Society. After meeting with Jay Wilson, the Savannah Mill Manager of International Paper, I head to the White House to meet with Joe Grogan, head of the Domestic Policy Council to discuss prescription drug pricing. Once back in my office, I meet with Becton Dickinson followed by the Georgia Chemistry Council and then I meet with John Haupert, CEO of Grady Hospital in Atlanta. After heading over to the Senate to visit with representatives from the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF), I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day at 6:00 p.m. Later in the evening, at 10:30 p.m., we have our second vote series where we vote on 31 amendments and walk off the floor at 1:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 13, 2019: I’m on the radio early this morning with my good friend from Brunswick, Scott Ryfun, as we discuss a number of topics, including border security and the recently passed disaster bill. Next, I head to my office where I meet with Ralph and Danielle Drollinger who lead a weekly bible study at the Capitol and afterwards head to a Select Committee on Climate Change hearing on renewable energy. A link to my questions can be found here. Next, I head to an E&C Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPAC) Subcommittee hearing on a number of bills being proposed to keep kids and consumers safe from dangerous products. My next hearing is with the E&C Environment Subcommittee as we discuss the safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel. After meeting with Alisha Esselstein with the United Way of the Coastal Empire, I meet with representatives from JCB and Low Country Machinery in Pooler before heading to the House Chamber for our only vote series of the day.
Friday, June 14, 2019: Although I didn’t get home until late last night, I’m in Garden City at 6:30 a.m. this morning for our Band of Brothers bible study led by Pastor Kenny Grant. After a long week, even this early in the morning, somehow being with this great group of over 200 men and hearing God’s word delivered by Kenny, is an inspiration. Later, I visit Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Savannah for a tour of this most impressive facility.
Rep. Carter at Greenbriar Children’s Center in Savannah |
A few weeks ago, Executive Director Kathy Kleinsteuber visited our office in Washington to discuss proposed Medicare rule changes and invited me to visit the facility. Rehabilitation is an extremely important part of our health care system and we are fortunate to have fine facilities like Encompass throughout the First District. Next, I head to our Savannah District office where I have a series of meetings with constituents beginning with Dr. Kim Kuebler with Ortho Sport & Spine, followed by Joey Strength, a local attorney who has an expertise in the recently created Opportunity Zones. Next, I meet with Catherine Nalker to learn more about her exciting proposal to build a Police Officers Memorial in Savannah before meeting with a great group of concerned citizens to discuss global warming and particularly its impact on Costal Georgia. Later, I have a call with the FEMA Region IV Recovery Division Director to discuss the Jekyll Island Revetment project before heading to Greenbriar Children’s Center in Savannah for a tour of this long time facility that has had a great impact on the lives of many children throughout the years.
Rep. Carter at Bendetto Guitars |
My final stop of a very busy week is to Benedetto Guitars, where I am led on a tour by my good friend, Howard Paul. Howard and I have known each other for many years and I am glad to see first-hand what he has been telling me about. This outstanding small business makes some of the best jazz guitars in the world right here in Savannah in the First District. The meticulous craftsmanship and detail that goes into these fine instruments is truly impressive. |
| VOTES IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK |
|
|
| Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
|
|
