As the United States faces increasing threats both abroad and domestically, leaving the Department of Homeland Security shuttered poses a direct risk to American safety. Currently, the U.S. is engaged in escalating conflicts with Iran, and the federal agencies tasked with protecting the homeland should be fully operational.

Yet as of Friday, over 100,000 Department of Homeland Security employees missed their first full paycheck. This includes thousands of Transportation Security Administration officers who work without pay to keep airline passengers safe, even as staffing shortages grow during one of the year’s busiest travel seasons. 

The U.S. Coast Guard is going unpaid, even for those deployed in Bahrain, as they face danger from retribution by the terrorist Iranian regime.

The safety of the homeland is the top priority, but attacks have become more frequent. In Virginia, a gunman with ties to ISIS opened fire inside a classroom at Old Dominion University, murdering Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, an alumnus of the University of Georgia who was formerly stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. Federal authorities are investigating the attack as terrorism. That same day, an attacker rammed a vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan while armed with a firearm and explosive materials, targeting the Jewish community. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

In New York City, law enforcement arrested two individuals for throwing a homemade improvised explosive device at protesters. This was an ISIS-inspired attack meant to cause maximum harm. Fortunately, our brave law enforcement officers acted quickly, and there were no casualties. As domestic threats continue to grow, it is essential that the Department of Homeland Security receives full funding to effectively target and address them.

Democrats like Jon Ossoff are playing politics with the safety of American citizens by shutting down the Department of Homeland Security. The domestic threat level is rising, leaving our frontline security agencies in an unacceptable position. Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and its proxies and sympathizers have repeatedly targeted American interests. We need to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security now.

On this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we discuss Sammy's Law, a children's online safety bill that I led out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Monday, March 9, 2026: On Saturday of this past weekend, I was honored to speak at the Cobb County GOP in Marietta in Northwest Metro Atlanta. As the fourth largest of the principal cities by population of the Atlanta Metro area, Marietta is believed to have been named for Mary Cobb, the wife of the U.S. Senator and Superior Court judge Thomas Willis Cobb. The County is named for Cobb. Interestingly, it is reported that General William Tecumseh Sherman invaded Marietta during the Atlanta campaign in the summer of 1864 and that in November 1864, General Hugh Kilpatrick set the town ablaze, the first strike in Sherman’s March to the Sea. Also, on Saturday, I attended and spoke at the Root and Branch Conference in Atlanta. The conference is to bring Jews and Christians together and is brought forth by the partnership between the Genesis 123 Foundation and NewPersia.org. Saturday night was a very special night for the Carter team as I attended and celebrated the wedding of Mary Craig Lindgren and Hart Thompson, who met while working in our Washington office. Yesterday began with a training session with our communications consultant before I was honored to attend the worship services at Mountain View Baptist Church in Thomaston, Upson County, located in west-central Georgia between Atlanta, Macon, and Columbus. The great service included outstanding music by the Choir and musicians and dynamic preaching by lead pastor Dr. Ryan Christopher. Afterwards, I had a live interview on Fox News as we discussed Operation Epic Fury in Iran. After a breakfast meeting this morning on St. Simons Island with a constituent, I head to Ocilla in Irwin County, where I am honored to speak to the Ocilla Rotary Club at their weekly meeting. Ocilla is thought to have gotten its name from Chief Osceola, who had a prominent role in the Second Seminole War. Interestingly, Irwinville in Irwin County was the site of the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Afterwards, I head to Fitzgerald in Ben Hill County in south-central Georgia, where I meet with local officials to learn more about the area. Included in my visit is a tour of MANA Nutrition’s production facility that manufactures Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to combat severe acute malnutrition globally. MANA has recently opened another production facility in Pooler in Chatham County. After our weekly training with our communications consultant, I head to Dublin in Laurens County in middle Georgia, where I meet with local officials, including Mayor Joshua Knight.

Rep. Carter visits Mana Nutrition

Tuesday, March 10, 2026: This morning, I’m honored to join the Dublin Chamber of Commerce (COC) at the 42nd annual Irish breakfast, a long-running community event and part of Dublin’s extensive St. Patrick’s Festival. The guest speaker this year was Dublin native Carla Metts, voice of NASCAR pre-race show via the O’Reilly Auto Parts series. Afterwards, I head to Thomasville in Thomas County in Southwest Georgia and, during the drive, I join in on our all-staff conference call. Once in Thomasville, I visit Archbold Memorial Hospital, part of the Archbold Medical Center, one of the leading healthcare systems in this part of the State that includes four hospitals, four nursing homes, and numerous clinics. After a great visit with administrative staff and a tour of the Hospital, I have a conference call with our legislative staff to discuss Community Project funding requests to the Appropriations committee. Next, I meet with community leaders to learn more about this great area.

Rep. Carter meets with Fitzgerald Roundtable

Wednesday, March 11, 2026: I’m back in Atlanta this morning and downtown at the AmericasMart Building, where I am honored to speak at the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Atlanta Chapter National Security Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Conference. As a member of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee in Congress, critical infrastructure and communications is part of our focus and I bring them up to date on the work of the committee in this area. Afterwards, I head to the airport and once back home, I have a podcast interview on the Joe Mullins radio show, a weekly radio show airing throughout the Southeast, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Next, I have a live interview on NewsNation just before President Trump takes the stage in Kentucky to discuss Operation Epic Fury in Iran. Later, I meet with a group of constituents to bring them up to date on issues in Washington.

Rep. Carter speaks to Ladies on the Right

Thursday, March 12, 2026: My day starts with a meeting with a constituent in Glynn County as we discuss cybersecurity issues facing our country. Afterwards, I head to Savannah in Chatham County to Riverview Nursing Home, where I am honored to participate in their St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This annual event is for the benefit of the patients and has grown significantly over the years. This year includes a Shriners unit from the Alee Temple, a local High School Cheer dance squad, the 116th U.S. Army Band from Marietta, and many others. Next, I head to Skidaway Island, where I attend the monthly meeting of Ladies on the Right (LOTR), a great group of patriots whose vision is to secure our U.S. Constitutional Republic for future generations by eliminating the spread of Socialism and Communism. After heading to Memorial Day School in Savannah, I get to participate in my favorite activity- speaking to students. The students in Mr. Jonathan Barnes' Social Studies class have been studying the Constitution, Congress, and Checks and Balances, and I am glad to be able to share some of my experiences with them. Once back at our Savannah office, I meet with one of our great veterans in the District before heading downtown to present a tribute to Visit Savannah in celebrating their 50th anniversary. Next, I stay downtown and greet a group of constituents before stopping by a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Knights of Columbus, honoring Parade Grand Marshall Marty Hogan.

Rep. Carter visits Memorial Day School

Friday, March 13, 2026: I make the short trip over to Sea Island this morning as I attend the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) conference and sit on a panel discussing the Regulatory Environment for business. AEI is a prominent, center-right Washington, D.C. based nonpartisan think tank and their breakout sessions during their retreat are great. After a call with our Chief of Staff and District Director, I have a call with our legislative staff and a constituent regarding the housing bill that has passed the Senate and is now in the House. Next, I head to the Brunswick office, where I film a reel and this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing before heading to the Brunswick airport to fly to Atlanta.

Rep. Carter at Riverview St. Patrick's Day

The Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in McIntosh County, Georgia. Legend has it that part of his treasure is buried on the island.