If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was that we cannot rely on foreign nations for our manufacturing needs. A crisis abroad, be it a disease or military action, should not cause health and financial crises here in the U.S.

Unfortunately, that is our current reality. The current shortage of medical supplies, which you can read about here, is just one example of what is at stake if we do not secure America’s supply chains.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to creating an independent U.S. economy, this week brought about wins for both our national medical supply chain and the First District’s local economy.

In an exciting display of bipartisanship, the House advanced a crucial piece of legislation, which I had the privilege of sponsoring, that will reduce our reliance on China for medical supplies and bring jobs back to the USA.

The Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee, of which I am a Member, advanced key provisions of H.R. 3927, the Manufacturing API, Drugs, and Excipients (MADE) in America Act. My bill provides incentives for drug companies to invest in American manufacturing while strengthening our already world-class health and safety standards.

This bill gives businesses the opportunity to expand their operations in the United States while bolstering both our economy and national security. No expensive government programs, no handouts – it’s a no-brainer. Thankfully, my E&C colleagues agree, and I look forward to sending this bill to President Biden’s desk.

Here at home, we had another domestic manufacturing win.

Hyundai Motor Group announced the biggest investment in Georgia’s history – an over 2,000-acre electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Bryan County, which will bring 8,100 jobs to the region and allow Georgia to stake out its claim as a leader in the transportation industry.

It is such an exciting time to be a Georgian. Beginning in 2025, Bryan County will become a hub of electric vehicle development and manufacturing. This blossoming industry will bring generations of jobs and opportunity to people right here in the First District.

The future of medical manufacturing is in the United States, and the future of transportation is in Georgia.

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefings, we're coming to you from the site of the new Hyundai electric vehicle plant in Bryan County. 

Monday, May 16th: We are honored to welcome Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears to our weekly Whip Team meeting today. A former Marine who served in the Virginia House of Delegates, she is the first female Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first black female elected to statewide office. Next, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week and afterwards, remain in the Chamber where I pay tribute to Hank Lehwald, a baseball legend from Benedictine Military School in Savannah who led the Cadets to their first State championship and who recently passed.

Tuesday, May 17th: Our monthly Border Security Caucus meeting is this morning, and we welcome U.S. District Judge Alia Moses for the Western District of Texas as she shares with us her experience as a federal judge dealing with cases and issues directly related to border security and illegal immigration. 

Afterwards, I join in on a call of Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee Members with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf, CFSAN Center Director Dr. Susan Mayne, and Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas for a briefing on the infant formula shortage that our nation is experiencing. 

Next, I head to our weekly GOP Conference before heading to a Budget Committee Member day hearing. This hearing is an opportunity for non-Budget Committee Members to speak on items they would like to see included in this year’s fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget. 

Afterwards, I head to an E&C Environment Subcommittee hearing on the FY 2023 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget with EPA Administrator Michael Regan. 

Once back in my office, I join in on our all-staff conference call before heading to the House Chamber for a joint meeting of Congress where we hear from Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (Greece). 

After heading back to my office, I meet with representatives from A Better Medicare Alliance, a group that promotes Medicare Advantage plans. 

Next, I head back to the House Chamber where I speak on the Previous Question (PQ) for HR 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. 

Afterwards, I remain in the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day before heading back to my office where I join in on a virtual call with the SIFMA Foundations Capitol Hill Challenge (CHC). CHC invites public school students nationwide to participate in a fun, educational online competition that instills a deeper understanding of personal finance and economics. The class I am speaking to today is from Ware County High School in Waycross. 

Next, I meet with Col. Joseph Geary with the Savannah District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as we discuss the Corps work in the First District. Afterwards, I join in on a virtual call with representatives from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation as we discuss the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) 340B Drug Pricing Program and the benefits that serve individuals living with HIV AIDS. 

Next, I meet with a constituent from Glynn County who is a member of American Bikers Active Toward Education (ABATE) and has traveled to Washington for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Bikers Inside the Beltway lobbying event. 

After a great meeting where we discuss issues of concern for motorcyclists, I meet with representatives from Modern Health, a comprehensive mental health and wellness platform utilized by some of the country’s most recognizable companies. 

Next, I have an interview with a reporter from the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) to discuss my priorities as a conferee for the China Competition bill before meeting with students from the University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy. 

At 4:45 p.m., I head back to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day, a 20-vote series that keeps us in the Chamber until 9:00 p.m. Afterwards, I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to my good friend, Stan Strickland from Savannah, who recently passed. Known as “The Candy Man,” Stan was the owner of River Street Sweets and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and was an avid and accomplished fisherman who I had the pleasure of fishing with several times.

Wednesday, May 18th: After a few meetings off Capitol Hill this morning, I head to an E&C Committee markup of six bills that lasts for almost four hours. Afterwards, I meet with a representative from the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association before meeting with SeaPak future leaders, a group of 40 “up and comers” from the seafood member companies who are chosen to see the entire seafood industry- from harvest, processing, and marketing- to advocacy. 

Next, I head to Statuary Hall in the Capitol for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Merchant Marines from WWII before heading to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Raymond Wade, Jr., a young man from Charlton County, who recently passed. 

Once back in my office, I meet with Huawei Technology USA followed by representatives from eBay and then the American College of Physicians. Next, I meet with the COO of Nymox Pharmaceutical Corporation before meeting with American Waterways Operators followed by Paragon Health Institute. 

After meeting with a representative from the Georgia Mosquito Control Association, I meet with the National Alliance of Forest Owners and then head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day. 

After votes, I meet with Partners to Fight Infectious Disease where I receive an award from them for my work in this area. 

Next, I head to an E&C meeting with Dr. Marty Makary from John Hopkins and afterwards head to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day.

Thursday, May 19th: Our guests this week at our weekly GOP Doctor’s Caucus meeting is Demetrios Kouzoukas, former director of the Center for Medicare and Dr. Michael Millie, DMO, U.S. Medical Management. 

Next, I head to a meeting off Capitol Hill and when I return, I head to the House Chamber where I speak on HR 7688, the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act. 

Once back in my office, I meet with Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army before speaking virtually on the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act. 

Next, I head back to the House Chamber for our final vote series of the week and remain in the Chamber afterwards to pay tribute to Chance McKinnie, a student at Woodville Tompkins High School in Savannah, who was named a Gates Millennium Scholar, only one of 300 in the country. 

Before heading to the airport for my return trip home, I have an interview with WSAV-TV in Savannah to discuss the infant formula shortage. Once back home in Pooler, I have a live interview on Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax.

Friday, May 20th: I’m up early and on my way to St. Simons Island in Glynn County this morning and, during the drive, have a radio interview on the World Famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup. 

Once on St. Simons, I join my good friend, Herschel Walker, for a special event, and afterwards, head back to Skidaway Island in Chatham County for the Legends, Leaders, and Life Well Lived Luncheon sponsored by Senior Citizens, Inc. This year’s very deserving inductees are Joe Buck, Herbie Griffin, and Don Kole.  

Next, I join Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and other state leaders in Ellabell in North Bryan County for the announcement of Hyundai’s $5.5 billion investment to build EV’s and batteries that will bring over 8,000 jobs to the area.  What a way to end a very busy week!

Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House.