Carter, Buddy RSS Articles

Carter urges American Medical Association to reverse harmful maternal health billing policy

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:45:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today sent a letter to the American Medical Association (AMA) calling on it to revoke a recent change to the way maternity services are billed that will impact health care affordability for mothers and babies.

The letter surrounds AMA replacing the bundled maternity care Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) framework with a system of individually billable services beginning January 1, 2027, despite concerns regarding affordability, care coordination, administrative burden, wasteful spending, and harmful effects on value-based care.

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “This is not a routine coding update. It is a fundamental restructuring of how maternity care is reimbursed throughout the American healthcare system.”

Rep. Carter continues, “At its core, unbundling maternity care is inflationary. For decades, policymakers, providers, health plans, employers, and patient advocates have worked to move healthcare away from fragmented fee-for-service reimbursement and toward coordinated, value-based models that reward outcomes rather than volume. The existing global maternity codes reflect those principles by encouraging comprehensive management of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care under a single bundled framework. I strongly urge the AMA to reconsider this misguided policy before it takes effect.”

Read the full letter here.

BACKGROUND

The longstanding bundled maternity care CPT framework allows reimbursement for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care under a coordinated global payment model. This approach promotes care coordination, simplifies billing, supports value-based care, and helps protect patients from unnecessary costs and administrative complexity.

The American Medical Association’s new policy would replace that bundled framework with a fragmented system of individually billable maternity services beginning January 1, 2027. Unbundling maternity care would increase health care costs, create incentives for unnecessary visits and services, add administrative burdens for providers and health plans, and move the health care system away from coordinated, patient-centered care.

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Carter votes to revive American Dream of owning a home

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement after voting to pass the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a landmark housing affordability bill, sending it to President Donald J. Trump’s desk for signature:

“Today is a major win for American families and young people working toward the dream of homeownership. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes direct aim at one of the greatest challenges facing the next generation: the rising cost of buying a home. This soon-to-be law will cut burdensome permitting red tape, increase housing supply, and stop large corporations from outcompeting hardworking Americans in the single-family housing market. Under unified Republican leadership, the American people win. I’m proud to support this America First legislation as we restore the American Dream.”

Read bill text here.

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Carter-supported funding strengthens emergency services in Chatham County

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:45:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced federal grants to strengthen emergency protective measures serving Chatham County, Georgia. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) voted in favor of this funding as part of the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.

FEMA will release $656,764.06 to implement emergency protective measures in Chatham County following damage sustained from Hurricane Helene. This grant reimburses emergency response costs incurred due to Hurricane Helene, including life-safety measures, public safety operations, emergency access, temporary protective work, and other actions taken to prevent further damage.

“As a result of Hurricane Helene, Southeast Georgians experienced devastating damage, prompting a significant emergency response to address serious risks to public health and safety,” said Rep. Carter. “Through these grants, emergency services will be reimbursed and restored to full capacity, preparing and strengthening our district for future disasters.”

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Carter honors local firefighter's legacy in namesake safety bill

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:30:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced Chief Chris Eddy’s Law, a bill directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue regulations requiring placards on all pressurized refrigerated containers following the tragic and avoidable death of Greene County Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief.

In 2024, Georgia’s Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy, remembered as a “dedicated firefighter, leader, mentor, and loving husband and father,” was killed in the line of duty during an explosion caused by the rapid ignition of refrigerants inside a reefer storage container. Had the container been properly labeled, Eddy’s life could have been saved, as he would have known the dangers before approaching.

Rep. Carter delivers speech on Chief Chris Eddy's Law on House floor

This bill will prevent future loss of life by ensuring all first responders are aware of the presence of these refrigerants before intervening.

“Georgia lost one of our best in an accident that never should have occurred in the first place. While we honor and remember Chief Eddy for his sacrifice and bravery, we must also commit to never allowing this tragedy to be repeated,” said Rep. Carter. “By introducing this bill, we are ensuring those who protect us have the resources and information necessary to do so safely. I thank the local fire departments, including Greene and Chatham counties, for their advocacy, which will make our nation safer and ensure Battalion Chief Chris Eddy’s legacy lives on.”

"Battalion Chief Chris Eddy dedicated his life to protecting others, and this legislation honors his legacy by helping protect future first responders from preventable tragedies. The establishment of universal placarding for refrigerated containers will provide critical hazard information to firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel before they take action, allowing them to make informed decisions in dangerous environments," said Rodney Wiggins, Greene County Fire Rescue Chief. "We are grateful to Congressman Buddy Carter for his leadership and commitment to advancing this important safety measure. Chief Chris Eddy's Law is a meaningful step toward improving responder safety nationwide and ensuring that Chief Eddy's sacrifice continues to make a lasting difference in our profession."

Read full bill text here.

Carter vote helps secure Southeast Georgia electrical grid

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this week announced federal grants to repair power infrastructure and strengthen emergency protective measures serving Georgia’s Appling, Bacon, Brantley, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne Counties. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) voted in favor of this funding as part of the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.

FEMA will release $14.63 million to the Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation in Appling County to restore the power distribution system to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity, and to implement emergency protective measures throughout Georgia’s First Congressional District following damage sustained from Hurricane Helene. The grant announcement includes funding to replace power poles, guy wires, primary conductors, secondary conductors, transformers, service wires, ground wires, and wire assemblies.

“As a result of Hurricane Helene, Southeast Georgians experienced significant damage to power and electrical infrastructure, posing serious risks to public health and safety,” said Rep. Carter. “By restoring these systems to full capacity and bolstering emergency protective measures, we will prepare and strengthen our district against future disasters.”

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Carter supports House Republican passage of life-saving ICE, Border Patrol funding

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today delivered the following statement after casting a key vote in favor of the Secure America Act, a budget reconciliation bill that fully funds Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through 2029, which passed the House without a single Democrat voting in support:

“Protecting our homeland is the number one responsibility of the federal government, and House Republicans, under President Trump’s leadership, have refused to take our eyes off the ball as we deliver a safe, strong, and prosperous America. Despite Democrats’ months-long attempts to delay and disrupt law enforcement activity, zero illegals have been released into our country in the past year. That is a success, and in our fight to recover from the millions of illegals and drugs the Biden administration allowed to pour into our country unchecked, there is no room for error or for the radical left to turn off the tap once again.

“That’s why I was proud to support this necessary, life-saving bill, which provides full and stable funding to ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, and will continue to stand with the brave law enforcement agents who fight pure evil in defense of our home, our democracy, our borders, our lives, and our freedoms.

“Linda Davis. Danny Sharpe. Laken Riley. How many more Georgians must die before Democrats will take our border security seriously?”

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WATCH: CARTER REMEMBERS GEORGIANS KILLED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN CALL FOR ICE, BORDER PATROL FUNDING ON HOUSE FLOOR

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Rep. Carter speaks on the Secure America Act

Watch the Floor Remarks Here

"Madame Speaker, I rise today, infuriated by my Democratic colleagues who have put the safety and the security of American citizens last.

"First, they opened the border to millions of unvetted illegal immigrants; now, they have repeatedly refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents, failing in the number one responsibility of elected officials: keeping our citizens safe.

"The consequences have been devastating for families.

"Take for instance, my district. Linda Davis, a beloved special education teacher at Hesse K-8 school in Savannah, was killed by an illegal immigrant who rammed into her while fleeing law enforcement.

"Danny Sharpe, a husband, a father, a son, he was killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving under the influence and without a license in Effingham County.

"And then of course, in the state of Georgia, Laken Riley, a bright nursing student, who was murdered while out for what should have been a pleasant jog in Athens.

"Linda Davis. Danny Sharpe. Laken Riley.

"These are real people, real people who should be with us today. Their families have experienced unimaginable pain because of these reckless politics.

"It’s time for Democrats to do the right thing."

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FEMA announces Carter-backed funding for flood prevention in Pooler, Bryan County

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this week announced federal grants for flood mitigation in Pooler and Bryan County, Georgia. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) voted in favor of this funding as part of the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.

FEMA will release $2.09 million to Bryan County and $1.95 million to the City of Pooler for development of respective comprehensive stormwater master plans. The grant announcement also includes full funding for management costs related to plan development.

“Coastal Georgians are no strangers to flooding. As our state and local officials tackle this challenge, it is critical they have proper tools in their tool chest to protect life and property. I’m proud to have supported this funding and FEMA’s efforts to strengthen our district’s preparedness as we continue to grow and thrive,” said Rep. Carter.

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Carter secures $1.37 million for Blackshear critical infrastructure upgrades

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced $1.37 million in funding for the Blackshear, Georgia, Highway 84 Water and Sewer Infrastructure Expansion Project as part of the House-passed Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Appropriations Act of 2027.

This funding will support the city’s rapid growth, fueled by recent economic development projects, and provide enhanced services for current residents.

“Investments in basic infrastructure unlock the future potential of Georgia's communities and cities, and Blackshear is no exception. The $1,375,000 expansion of water and sewer infrastructure is precisely the type of project that enabled Pooler to become the fastest-growing city in Georgia, quadrupling its population during my tenure as Mayor,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for Blackshear and will continue supporting these investments in rural Georgia.”

"Highway 84 is one of the most important corridors in our area, and expanding water and sewer infrastructure along this route will help ensure Blackshear is prepared for future growth. This project will create new opportunities for economic development, support existing businesses, and provide the infrastructure needed to meet future demands,” said Keith Brooks, Mayor of Blackshear. “We appreciate Congressman Carter's support and his efforts to help move this important project forward for our community."

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Carter bill reducing animal testing passes House committee

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:50:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s passage of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, a bill directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully implement provisions to reduce unnecessary animal testing for drug development.

Each year in the United States, millions of animals — including an estimated 50,000 dogs — are used in laboratory experiments and testing. This bill would require the FDA to fully implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, ensuring that safe and effective treatments are developed using advanced, innovative non-animal testing methods. This would mean phasing out animal testing and promoting humane alternatives, giving dogs traditionally used in labs, including the 1,500 beagles recently rescued in Wisconsin, the opportunity to leave research facilities and find loving homes.

“The advancement of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee marks another major step toward a more modern, effective, and humane system for evaluating medicines,” said Rep. Carter. “Congress already acted in 2022 to remove unnecessary barriers to innovative non-animal testing methods, and this bill helps ensure FDA implementation fully reflects both the law and today’s scientific capabilities.”

“The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 was a monumental victory that helped modernize drug development and accelerate innovation without having to sacrifice animal welfare,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL). “With FDA Modernization 3.0 now advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congress is taking the next step to build upon this success and ensure the FDA follows through on delivering speedier cures for diseases without subjecting animals to inhumane and counterproductive experiments.”

"This bill will transform drug development for the 21st century. By requiring full implementation of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, this legislation ensures that developers use innovative, more effective testing methods throughout drug development, rather than relying on outdated and inhumane animal tests. It’s a win for patients, a win for innovation, and a win for animal welfare. I’m proud to champion this bipartisan measure to accelerate safer, more humane, and more effective medical breakthroughs. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA).

“Today’s full committee passage is another important step toward modernizing how we bring safe and effective drugs to market,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN). “The FDA has the authority to move beyond outdated, cruel testing methods, and our bill simply directs the FDA to follow through and update its regulations accordingly. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Buddy Carter and my colleagues to keep this bipartisan effort moving forward.”

“We so appreciate Buddy Carter’s leadership on this legislation to accelerate the process of winding down the use of beagles, primates, and other animals in painful, invasive, and ineffective tests,” said Wayne Pacelle, President of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action. “Congress and the FDA are signaling to all drug developers that they should move with intentionality to employ human-biology-based drug screening methods and to leave the dogs, primates, and other animals out of their R&D programs.”

Read bill text here.

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