There has been a lot of talks lately about the COVID-19 delta variant, leading some cities and states to reinstate mask mandates or go as far as requiring vaccine passports to participate in everyday life.

I don't support mandates and have worked to enact a federal ban on vaccine passports because I believe Americans have the right to determine the best means of protecting themselves and their families. 

I've seen many medical innovations over the course of my career as a pharmacist. Antibiotics that used to require weeks-long regimens to administer can now be completed in a single dose. Diagnoses that were once death sentences can now be cured with a single prescription.

While these innovations are outstanding, the closest thing we have to a modern-day miracle are three proven safe and effective vaccines to COVID-19.

Thanks to President Trump and the overwhelming bipartisan majority of Congress investing in Operation Warp Speed, Americans have access to the single most life-saving innovation for a pandemic that started just last year. 

I had so much faith in the safetly of this process that I participated in the Pfizer trials. I can tell you from personal experiences that the only side effect I've suffered was being a little tired the weekend after I got my first shot. I continue to participate and recently got what was either my third shot or a placebo as part of the trials.

Don't take my word for it and please don't take what you read on the internet for gospel. If you haven't gotten vaccinated yet, talk to your doctor or other health care professional and talk to your family about whether the vaccine is right for you. 

This week's edition of Buddy's briefing comes to you from Southeast Georgia Health system in Brunswick, GA. 

Monday, August 3, 2021:

I begin my week in our Savannah District office. My first meeting is with former Benedictine, University of Georgia (UGA) and professional football player, Josh Mallard.  After an outstanding football career, Josh has had an impressive business career, including his venture TACKL Health, a company offering a diverse mix of health care services including a personal injury pharmacy, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, and on-site laboratory testing.  After a great meeting learning more about the many successes of TACKL Health I have a virtual interview to discuss the Congressional App Challenge, an initiative of the U.S. Congress to get more American students involved in STEM fields. This is the largest and most diverse student computer science competition of its kind, inspiring students from every congressional district in the nation to try their hand at computer science.  Hosted by their members of Congress, thousands of students from across the country compete in local app challenges in the fall, with one winner from each district receiving an invite to the U.S. Capitol to display their winning app for Congress.  Afterward, I have an interview with the Let Freedom Ring podcast hosted by Noah Ring, a conservative constituent from Camden County, to discuss current issues in our nation. Next, I have a virtual call with Francis deSouza, the CEO of Illumina, the world’s leading genetic analysis company.  After a great call, I have an in-person meeting with First District Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) board member Ann Purcell and GDOT’s District Engineer for the Southeast Georgia District, Rob McCall, as they bring me up to date on the many road projects planned and underway in the First District.  We are truly blessed in the First District and in Georgia to have two such highly qualified people working to maintain and improve our transportation system.  My final meeting of the day is with Chatham County constituent Leonard Massey to discuss local issues. 

Tuesday, August, 4, 2021:

Tuesday, August, 3, 2021:

I’m up early and on St. Simons Island in Glynn County this morning as I have the honor of addressing the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (GAMES) at their annual meeting. GAMES is a state-wide association providing leadership, resources, and support to companies that serve home care patients.  Afterward, I head to St. George in Charlton County, the southernmost city in our District and State, where I join members of the Georgia State Senate for a tour and explanation of a mining site. The mining company has applied for a Surface Mining Permit and Mining Land Use Plan (MLUP) to extract titanium and zirconium from a tract of land that is approximately at its closest point 2.9 miles southeast of the Okefenokee Refuge. After a great visit, I head to Kingsland in Camden County to the offices of the Joint Development Authority where I am brought up to date on the many exciting projects underway in the area. Afterward, I head to Darien in McIntosh County, and during the drive, I have a virtual interview on Outside the Beltway with John Fredericks to discuss legislation I introduced last week, the Empowering Law Enforcement Act.  This Act will give state and local law enforcement officers the ability to enforce immigration laws when federal officials are prohibited from doing so. A link to the legislation can be found here. Once in Darien, I join local officials to tour the Coastal Market, a recently renovated and reopened grocery store. This beautiful and well-stocked facility will serve the needs of the local community for years to come. Finally, on my way home to Pooler, I have a radio interview with WABE in Atlanta to discuss the recent oil spill by the Golden Ray shipwreck in the St. Simons Sound.  

Wednesday, August 5, 2021:

I’m up early again this morning and, once again, I’m in Brunswick in Glynn County, where I have the honor of speaking to the Golden Isles Rotary at their weekly meeting and bringing them up to date on our work in Washington. Afterward, I meet with Southeast Georgia Health Systems (SEGHS) officials as they bring me up to date on the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. The news, of course, is not good as the hospital is at full capacity, and the virus is spreading rapidly. However, we are truly thankful for the untiring work of the many healthcare workers here and throughout our district who continue to be our heroes during this pandemic. Next, I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing outside the hospital before heading to St. Simons Island, where I have the honor of addressing the Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) group at their monthly meeting. This is a fantastic group of accomplished retirees who remain civic-minded and involved in their community.  Afterward, I head to the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau, where I meet with CEO Scott McQuade, who brings me up to date on the many great happenings in the area.  After a great visit to Sea Island where I meet with my good friend and CEO Scott Steilen and members of his team to discuss the challenging staffing issues they are facing, I head to North Glynn County, where I meet with Fred Barber, III, and his partner Jeff Grant, to learn more about their exciting project. This new project is called the New Hope Plantation, the site of over 1,000 acres will be a planned development that will include a movie studio, highway commercial, mobile home, and primary industrial areas. In addition, this thoroughly vetted project will consist of townhomes, walking trails, water, and sewer facilities, as well as significant acreage donated to the State and County.

Thursday, August 6, 2021:

I’m up even earlier this morning as I have a live interview on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss the disaster at the southern border and my Empowering Law Enforcement Act.  A link to my interview can be found here.