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After months of negotiations, this week Congress finally approved a disaster aid package and President Trump signed the critical legislation into law.
This is particularly important for the agriculture community in the First District. The legislation includes more than $3 billion for emergency assistance for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, freezes and other severe weather.
In 2017, Georgia was expected to produce around 90 million pounds of blueberries, but was drastically reduced to 30 million because of the record setting freeze combined with warm winter weather. In 2018, blueberry growers faced another freeze and another year of significant losses. This legislation specifically includes Georgia blueberries and will provide the assistance needed to recover from the devastating losses in both 2017 and 2018.
Additionally, funding is designated to help private forest owners restore disaster-damaged forests. Georgia is the top forestry state in the country, with a large number of private landowners who take a number of years to take trees to maturity, and this funding is important for their recovery.
It also includes funding for areas of Georgia hit by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
I am thrilled this assistance is finally on the way. For too long, real Americans have been suffering. Blueberries are a $1 billion industry for Georgia, and the backbone of many of our rural communities. The loss of the crop isn't only devastating for the growers, but entire local economies.
I wish aid would have been delivered sooner, but help is on the way.
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| From OUr Nation's Capitol CCXIV |
Monday, June 3, 2019: I’m back in Washington today and spend most of the morning catching up on paperwork that has piled up on my desk after having been gone for a week. I have a phone call with a constituent early in the afternoon to discuss flooding issues in the First District. The constituent is an engineer, a veteran and a former federal employee who has a great deal of expertise in this area and I am very appreciative of his suggestions and insight.
Rep. Carter speaking to Gray TV / WTOC TV |
Afterwards, I have an on-camera interview with WTOC TV in Savannah to discuss disaster relief followed by phone interviews with WJCL TV and WSAV TV in Savannah regarding the same subject. Next, I record a video message for social media regarding disaster relief before we have our weekly staff briefing to catch up on last week and discuss this week’s upcoming events. My next meeting is with the Select Committee on Climate Change as we meet with officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Administration to discuss their latest findings on the climate and learn more about the processes they use in measuring climate activity. Afterwards, I head to the Rules Committee meeting to present my amendment that would work to prevent illegal immigrants from stealing Social Security numbers to H.R. 6, the Democrat’s flawed immigration bill, and then head to our weekly Whip Team meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week where we pass the disaster relief bill by a 354-58 vote. I remain on the floor afterwards and pay tribute to the Jenkins High School robotics team. A link to my tribute can be found here.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019: I have two radio interviews this morning beginning with my friend Scott James from Valdosta to discuss disaster relief and the opioid epidemic and followed by the “World Famous” Butch and Bob Show in Jesup where we discuss disaster relief and the border crisis. After our weekly GOP Conference, I head to an Energy and Commerce (E&C) Health Subcommittee hearing on a number of health care bills that are being proposed. Because we are considering a number of bills, we have two separate panels today. A link to my questions of the first panel can be found here. A link to my questions of the second panel can be found here. After meeting with a group of students from Georgia Southern University, I meet with representatives from the Natural Products Association and afterwards record a TV interview with WTOC TV in Savannah on disaster relief followed by phone interviews with WSAV TV and WJCL TV in Savannah.
Rep. Carter meeting with the Georgia Health Care Association |
Our first vote series of the day is next and I stay on the House floor afterwards to speak on the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). A link to my testimony can be found here. Once back in my office, I meet with representatives from the Georgia Health Care Association before meeting with representatives from the Flood Coalition to discuss free market reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program. Next, I meet with Helen’s Haven Children’s Advocacy Center before having a phone interview with Southeast Ag Net to discuss disaster relief. After a meeting with representatives from Walgreens to discuss pharmacy issues, I head to the House Chamber for our final vote series of the day. After votes, I remain on the floor to pay tribute to Jerry Watkins Dixon from Blackshear who recently passed. A link to my tribute can be found here.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019: As many of you know, I’m an exercise enthusiast and when in Washington, I’m a regular in the gym in the morning. This morning, I join my gym buddies for the Men’s Health Caucus workout led by Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen. A link to an article about this event can be found here. After this grueling workout, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Fort Stewart - Hunter Army Airfield for their recent recognition for installation excellence. A link to my tribute can be found here.
Rep. Carter meeting with Georgia State University |
Once back in my office, I have a radio interview with Georgia News Network (GNN) to discuss disaster relief followed by a meeting with a citizen advocate representing Not Your Turn to Burn, supporters of flame arresters to prevent “flame jetting” accidents. My next two meetings are with Georgia State University and Source America before heading to the House Chamber for our first and only vote series of the day. Before heading back home, I meet with my good friends Jerry and Mark Konter from Savannah who are up representing the Georgia Home Builders Association.
Thursday, June 6, 2019: It’s always good to start the day by talking with my good friends Bill Edwards and Laura Anderson at WTKS radio in Savannah and today is especially delightful as I share with them experiences from my visit to Normandy last week. Today, of course, is the 75th anniversary of D-Day and I’m honored to attend the Savannah Compass Liberty Day ceremony where I am able to address this large gathering and share my experiences of last week visiting Normandy on Memorial Day. The Liberty Day ceremony recognized the locally built Liberty ships that played an integral part in taking supplies and equipment overseas to replace those lost on merchant ships sunk by German U-boats. Like many native Savannahians, I have a personal memory associated with these special times as my grandparents met while working at the shipyards and were later married.
Rep. Carter volunteering at America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia |
Afterwards, I head to America’s Second Harvest Center in Savannah and meet with Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch and members of her great staff and board. Of course, she puts me right to work as I help package breakfast boxes for this great program. Later, I visit the Tiny House Project in Savannah to see the amazing progress they have made in what will be much needed housing for homeless vets. This great project is a perfect example of how our community comes together for a great cause. Cindy Kelly, Nick Hitt, Joe Marchese, Tyler Merritt and his Nine-Line Foundation, as well as countless volunteers and contributors have shown all of us the great things that can be achieved when we work together.
Rep. Carter visits the Tiny House Project |
Afterwards, I head to our Savannah office where I meet with a constituent regarding VA health care delivery.
Friday, June 7, 2019: My first meeting this morning is a roundtable meeting with local State Farm agents as we discuss issues relevant to their profession including the disaster relief bill passed earlier this week. Next, I head to our Savannah office where I meet with a constituent about Cobra coverage followed by a meeting with representatives regarding the Harris Neck Land Trust in McIntosh County. Afterwards, I head to the Savannah Morning News offices where I participate in a Difference Makers podcast interview with Editorial Page Editor Adam Van Brimmer.
Rep. Carter meeting with local State Farm agents |
Next, I head to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynn County where I join my colleague Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) for a meeting with Director Tom Walters for an update on the facility. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick office where I meet with the Glynn Environmental Coalition before heading to a tour of House of Hope Refuge in downtown Brunswick. I simply cannot say enough about the fine work being done at the House of Hope for girls 12-18 who have been victims of human trafficking. I had the opportunity to hear from four of the girls and to gain invaluable insight into what they have suffered and hear their suggestions on how we can help stop this evil. Next, I head back to FLETC for the retirement ceremony for long time instructor John Sheddan before heading to the Historic Harrington School on St. Simons Island for the Georgia Humanities Board of Directors Reception. The Harrington School was built in the 1920’s and served as the school for three African American communities on St. Simons Island for many years. Afterwards, I head to the Downtown Brunswick First Friday celebration and enjoy meeting with constituents and visitors to this beautiful seaside community. |
| VOTES IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK |
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| Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House.
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