Rebuilding American infrastructure

This week, I joined President Trump as he announced new actions that will speed up the review process for critical infrastructure projects across the country like the I-75 lane expansion project here in Georgia. This project is very important for the First District of Georgia as the project will enhance freight mobility from our ports.

I discussed the announcement on Mornings with Maria ahead of my trip with the president.

Click here to view our discussion on President Trump's new actions to streamline the approval of infrastructure projects

I applaud President Trump for cutting red tape on infrastructure projects, removing burdensome regulations, and working to rebuild American infrastructure.

Buddy's Briefing from Air Force One

This week on Buddy's Briefing, we are coming to you from aboard Air Force One. Click here for this week's episode.

Click here for this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing from Air Force One

from our nation's capitol CCLXXIV

Monday, July 13, 2020: I’m headed down to Brunswick in Glynn County this morning and my first meeting is at our district office as I meet with Tom Harrold with Miller & Martin to discuss my Manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Drugs and Excipients (MADE) in America Act, which will incentivize pharmaceutical manufacturers to move back to the U.S. Tom represents a number of pharmaceutical manufacturers and brings the message that they are very excited about my bill.

Rep. Carter meeting with Tom Harrold

Afterwards, I have a virtual call with several mayors from the First District as they share with me their priorities for the next Coronavirus relief package to be passed by Congress. The third Coronavirus relief package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act included $150 billion for county and municipal governments that was sent to the states for disbursement but thus far has not made it to the local governments. Next, I head to Epworth by the Sea on Saint Simons Island for the monthly meeting of the Golden Isles Republican Women where we hear from Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods.

Rep. Carter receives an update on the removal of the Golden Ray

After our daily all-staff conference call, I head to the United Command Center at Morningside Marina for an update from the staff on the status of the removal of the Golden Ray. Unfortunately, the timeline for the removal of the capsized ship has been delayed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 among some of the workers. The plans currently call for the ship to be cut into 8 pieces beginning July 29th and it is expected that this part of the process should be completed in 8 weeks. Next, I head back to our Brunswick office where I join in on an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee member briefing with Health and Human Services (HHS) personnel on Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a government public-private partnership to facilitate development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. This is a great program and companies represented at the briefing provide us with an optimistic outlook for a vaccine either late this year or early next year. Afterwards, I head to the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action offices in Brunswick to congratulate them on their recent Head Start Program federal grants that they have been awarded. On our drive back to Pooler, I have a conference call with the new CEO of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Scott Knoer. Previously, Scott served as the Chief Pharmacy Officer of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Once at home in Pooler, I have a conference call with Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) to discuss legislation I am sponsoring, and he is supporting to expand access to COVID-19 testing and, when available, vaccines.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020: I’m back in Brunswick this morning as I join Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) in meeting with constituents before heading to our Brunswick office where I join in on our daily all-staff conference call. Next, I have a conference call with the new interim network director for VA Southeast, Joe Battle, who comes from the Tampa VA and follows Scott Isaacks in this position. After a Skype interview with Nexstar (WSAV-TV in Savannah) to discuss tomorrow's visit to Atlanta by President Donald J. Trump for an announcement regarding infrastructure, I have another Skype interview with Gray TV (WTOC-TV in Savannah) to discuss the same subject matter.

Rep. Carter speaking with Kent Justice at WJXT

Next, I have an E&C WebEx conference to discuss upcoming member meetings before heading down to St. Marys in Camden County to meet with Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and constituents before meeting with Camden County Sheriff Jim Procter. Afterwards, I have a Zoom interview with WSAV-TV in Savannah to discuss the President’s upcoming visit to Atlanta tomorrow and afterwards have a phone interview with WJCL-TV in Savannah to discuss the same issue. Afterwards, I head to Jacksonville to WJXT-TV where I have an on- camera interview with news anchor Kent Justice to discuss a number of different issues including the COVID-19 pandemic response. Next, I head to the Jacksonville airport where I fly to Washington later in the evening.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020: After today I will have one less thing on my bucket list as I am honored to join the President in flying to Atlanta aboard Air Force One (AF 1). AF 1 is one of the most iconic symbols of the presidency with the words “United States of America” emblazoned on the side of the aircraft along with the American flag and the Seal of the President of the United States.

President Trump and Rep. Carter on Air Force One

Actually, there are two AF 1’s. Both are highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft and carry the tail codes 28000 and 29000. AF 1 has unlimited range as it is capable of refueling midair. AF 1 is equipped with onboard electronics that allow the aircraft to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the United States. With over 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, it has a medical suite that can function as an operating room and a doctor is permanently on board. After our daily all-staff conference call and before heading over to Andrews Air Force Base to board AF 1, I head to the White House where I am screened for COVID-19. Once on-board AF 1, I am joined by other members of the Georgia delegation as well as members of the Administration including Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

Rep. Carter with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Air Force One

During the flight we have an opportunity to spend some quality time as a group with the President and discuss issues specific to our state as well as national issues. Once we land in Atlanta, we make the short trip to the UPS Hapeville Airport Hub where the President announces much needed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that should make it more efficient and effective. Under the current act that was adopted over 40 years ago, the average project takes 7 years for permitting alone. Changes that the President is announcing today should cut that time to less than 2 years while maintaining stringent environmental protections. After the event I head to the Atlanta airport for my return flight home.

Thursday, July 16, 2020: I’m on the radio early this morning as I join my good friend Bill Edwards with NewsTalk 1290 as we discuss my trip with the President yesterday as well as other issues. Afterwards, I head to our Savannah office and my first event is a Grow with Google small business event where I welcome participants who are set to learn how to better utilize digital tools and platforms in their businesses.

Rep. Carter speaks at the Richmond Hill Rotary Club meeting

After our daily all-staff conference call, I head to Richmond Hill where I have an on-camera interview with WTOC-TV to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic response and afterwards have the honor of addressing the weekly meeting of the Richmond Hill Rotary Club. Next, I have a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic response. Once back in my Savannah office, I meet with the new CEO of Chatham Area Transit (CAT) for an introduction and to discuss my ongoing support of mass transit. My final call is with Dr. Peter Marks with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss bacterial platelet contamination and the agencies approval of products.