Representative Buddy Carter

What do you call a sad fruit?

A blue-berry.

Bad joke aside, the issues facing Georgia’s blueberry farmers are no laughing matter. Our top fruit is vital to the First District’s local economy, and those who grow it rely on factors outside of their control, such as the weather, to ensure a plentiful harvest.

Unfortunately, the federal government has long had a blind spot when it comes to protecting blueberry farmers. The Department of Agriculture has protections in place so that farmers who lose their crops to a flood, hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster can apply for financial assistance. This is crucial because if farmers can’t harvest, not only will there be an immediate impact to our food supply, but it means that they might not be able to afford to plant a crop for the next year, which will make a bad situation worse.

Freezes, however, have not been considered covered losses by the federal government. That’s a major problem.

People might not associate Georgia with cold weather, but last March there was a freeze that resulted in 54 million pounds of Georgia’s blueberry harvest, more than half of the state’s entire crop, being lost. If they had been lost to any other natural disaster, those farmers would be able to recoup their investment – but since it was a freeze, there is no help.

This wasn’t the first freeze to hit Georgia, and it won’t be the last.

Fortunately, there is momentum in Congress to address this issue, and quite frankly it’s an easy fix. I sat down with Georgia State Senator Russ Goodman and Chair of the Western Congressional Caucus Dan Newhouse (R-WA) to discuss why this issue is important and what steps the federal government must take to address it.

Tune in, you’ll be berry glad you did.

buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're discussing energy, something First District residents have a much better grasp on than Joe Biden.

from the first district ccclxxxi

Monday, October 17, 2022: This past Saturday night I attended the 23^rd annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival held at J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill. Hosted by the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, this is one of the largest seafood festivals in the Southeast with amusement rides, arts & crafts, delicious food and, of course, outstanding live music that this year included Deana Carter and John Michael Montgomery.

This morning, I’m in Hinesville at Bradwell Institute where I speak to a group of Government and Public Career Pathway students and share with them my experiences in public service. As I have often said, I find speaking to students the most enjoyable part of this great job and this sharp group of young people from Liberty County is a perfect example of the reason why I enjoy it so much. Their inquisitive and thoughtful questions and comments reassures me that our country is in good hands with the next generation of citizens.

After a great visit, I head back to Savannah and, during the drive, I join in on our all-staff conference call. Once in our Savannah office, I record a podcast with Patients Rising as we review my recent roll out of ‘Pulling Back the Curtains on PBM’s’ and the impact it will have on lowering prescription drug prices.

Next, I head to downtown Savannah where I have a great visit to the Customs House with Savannah Area Port Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Henry DeBlock, and members of his staff. The work of this agency continues to be extremely important as the amount of cargo coming through the Savannah Port continues to grow.

Afterwards, I head to the new Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia corporate headquarters and STEM center located in downtown Savannah. The center hosts various programs, is open to all Girl Scouts, and is one of the few places in the country that sells Girl Scout cookies year round.

Next, I head to Shellman Bluff in McIntosh County where I meet with constituents.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022: I’m up early and at St. James Catholic Church in Southside Savannah where I join a great group of about 35 men for their weekly “That man is You” bible study. This week’s theme is Respect Life, and I am honored to speak to the group about the progress of the pro-life movement.

Afterwards, I head to the new Medline Warehouse facility in Richmond Hill in Bryan County near 1-95. Medline is a national leader in the manufacturing and distribution of health care supplies to hospitals and health care facilities.

Next, I head to Garden City in Chatham County, and, during the drive, I have a conference call with the Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) of the Department of Defense (DOD) to discuss the potential elimination of over 1500 independent retail pharmacies from the TRICARE prescription network serving our Veterans and government retirees.

Once in Garden City, I have the honor of addressing the Savannah Maritime Association, a great organization that works to benefit all groups and organizations involved in Georgia’s Ports.

Afterwards, I head to the Pooler Economic Outlook Luncheon where we hear from Dr. Michael Toma from the Department of Economics at Georgia Southern University regarding the state of the economy in our area.

Once back in our Savannah District office, I have a virtual interview on One America News (OAN) “In Focus” to discuss President Biden's recent announcement of an additional release of 15 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Oil Reserve.

Afterwards, I have a phone interview with Fox News Digital to discuss entitlement reforms next session before having a live interview on Newsmax to discuss grid security.

Thursday, October 20, 2022: It’s always a pleasure to join my good friends on the World Famous Butch and Bob Show in Jesup and this morning we discuss the upcoming midterm elections as well as news of the day.

Once in our Savannah District office, I join in on an all staff conference call before recording a video regarding the Lymphedema Treatment Act that I am sponsoring.

After a visit to the Homebuilders Association of Savannah, I head to Thunderbolt where I speak to the Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA) and hear their concerns of pending rules and regulations that will negatively impact their customers.

Next, I head to Skidaway Island where I have the honor of speaking at the monthly meeting of Ladies on the Right (LOTR) and bringing them up to date on the upcoming midterm elections.

After a great meeting with these true patriots, I head to the Good Samaritan Clinic in Garden City, a joint venture of St. Joseph’s/Candler and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church that offers free primary care to the uninsured with an annual income level less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Next, I head back to our Savannah District Office, and during the drive, I have a conference call with representatives from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to discuss my call yesterday with the DHA regarding TRICARE.

After a meeting with the University of Georgia (UGA) Small Business Development Center for an update on their work, I have an on-camera interview with FOX 28 in Savannah to discuss early voting.

Next, I head to the Georgia Ports in Savannah where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing before heading to Southside Savannah where I have the honor of speaking at the Savannah Credit Union's annual meeting.

Friday, October 21, 2022: After our weekly Band of Brothers Bible study this morning in Garden City, I head to Shellman Bluff in McIntosh County where I participate in the first annual Coastal Community Health Charity Golf Classic. Coastal Community Health provides quality, accessible healthcare to patients across Coastal Georgia.

Later in the evening, I attend the Wayne County/Benedictine football game in Savannah where I have the honor of performing the coin toss before the game.