Thank you, First District, for yet another terrific year. In the face of national and international crises, we have managed to serve one another, our country, and are experiencing unmatched growth and potential that will undoubtedly continue into 2024.
For this week's newsletter, I'm recapping some of the highlights of my year. Of course, the real highlight is getting to represent you in the United States Congress, and I can't wait to get back to work moving the ball on key policy priorities that will enable us to build a nation (and district!) that's safe, strong, free, and represented by accountable government leaders.
Cheers to you and cheers to 2023! |
Carter donates blood at Enmarket Arena in Savannah |
In January, I had the opportunity to donate blood at the new Enmarket Arena in Savannah. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to donate blood and try to do it as often as I can. As a health care professional, I understand how important it is that we have adequate supplies of blood for those who need it most.
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Carter reads to Savannah Classical Academy Students |
In February, I read to students at Savannah Classical Academy in honor of Black History Month. This was an especially great honor as I read them a book on Justice Clarence Thomas, who is only the second African-American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. He's also from Georgia and attended elementary school in Savannah. While reading, I couldn't help but think about all of the wonderful things this classroom of kids will achieve, and I hope Justice Thomas' story will inspire them throughout their lives. |
Carter attends the annual Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade |
In March, we celebrated the 199th St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah. I have attended the parade since I was a child, and it only gets better and better. This year, the King of Rock himself is present, as Jay Joiner is behind the wheel of a red mustang convertible in an Elvis costume and driving me through the parade. As is almost always the case, the parade is spectacular with an estimated attendance this year of over 400,000. |
Carter tours Sierra International and New Commerce Park |
In April, I visited Sierra International Machinery in the Wayne County Commerce Park for a briefing and tour of the facility. Headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, the Jesup plant manufactures the REB-1 and REB-2 “Recycle Everything Balers” that recycle scrap metal and waste. This is an impressive site that is doing important work, and I always appreciate getting an inside look into the businesses that provide value worldwide and employ the great people of Georgia's First Congressional District. |
Carter attends telemedicine event at Augusta University |
In May, I had a full, exciting, and educational day at Augusta University (AU). AU includes the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), which has satellite campuses throughout the state including Savannah in the First District. This year, l was able to secure a $1 million federal grant to establish the MCG Center for Telehealth to improve health care access for all Georgians, especially those in rural and underserved areas of the state. During this visit, I join Dr. Keel and other university leaders for a press conference announcing the grant and establishment of the MCG Center for Telehealth. |
Carter volunteers at Over the Moon Diaper Bank |
In June, my staff and I stopped by the Over the Moon Diaper Bank, a great initiative that aims to end diaper need and period poverty in the coastal community. Over the Moon Diaper Bank is a volunteer-led non-profit that partners with social service agencies throughout the Low Country to distribute disposable diapers, wipes, period, and incontinence supplies to the surrounding community. After a tour of the operation, I volunteered and helped pack diapers that were given to families in the area. |
Carter at St. Simons July 4th parade |
In July, we celebrate Independence Day, our country’s 246th birthday. In the First District it could be referred to as All-Saints day as we hit St. Marys, St. George, and then St. Simons all in the same day. In this photo, we are on St. Simons for the annual golf cart parade that starts in Mallery ballpark and passes by the St. Simons Pier. This parade is always a treat as people go all out with decorations and the number of entrants this year was off the charts.
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Carter attends ribbon cutting at Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center |
Last year, President Joe Biden’s proposed budget included cuts to the Air Force that led to a proposal to eliminate funding for the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Savannah. At that time, the $24 million Fifth Generation Hangar project was underway and in danger of being stopped. Thanks to the bipartisan efforts of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, we were able to get supplemental appropriations added to the budget to complete the hangar project and keep the Savannah CRTC open. In July, with two F-35’s inside the hangar, we cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art facility that provides the Savannah CRTC the ability to store the Air Force’s most advanced fighter jets and increases the Savannah CRTC’s capability to train warfighters for future conflicts.
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Carter joins Mobilize Recovery Across Georgia
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In September, I, along with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, joined Mobilize Recovery Across Georgia at Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah for their first of 48 planned stops throughout the state. In conjunction with National Recovery Month, Mobilize Recovery Across Georgia conducted a traveling bus tour that crossed the state of Georgia and brought attention to the 800,000 Georgians living in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder.
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Carter speaks at the UGA SPIA event in Washington, D.C. |
In October, I took part in a discussion with fellow Georgia delegation member Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) at the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs’ Federal Policy Outlook moderated by Dr. Charles Bullock. This was a great, bipartisan event that allowed us to dig deep into the issues that are most pressing to Georgians, particularly students.
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Carter attends the Support for Israel Rally in Washington, D.C. |
In November, I had the honor and privilege of joining more than 300,000 people in support of Israel on the National Mall. This was an important, peaceful display against antisemitism and I was glad that our Jewish community members were able to receive such a large display of support in our nation's capitol. In this photo, I am giving my sincerest condolences to a Holocaust survivor, who made the trek to D.C. to ensure that those horrors are never repeated.
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Carter volunteers at Feed the Hungry Christmas Dinner |
In December, I participated in one of my favorite traditions. The EnMarket Arena in Savannah hosted the 15th annual Feed the Hungry Christmas dinner, and I had the honor of volunteering to feed those who came to this wonderful event. As those who read my weekly newsletter likely know, my staff and I committed to doing more service projects in 2023, and this was the perfect way to cap off the year.
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