Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

“I want to congratulate a local Savannah restaurant, Bread and Butter, for being named one of the best new places to eat in the country. Businesses like this create jobs and help our local economy.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bread and Butter on being recognized as one of America’s best new places to eat. Bread and Butter is the largest venture from Auspicious Baking Co., a local favorite that first opened its doors in Savannah in 2017 and has since grown to multiple locations. Today, Bread and Butter has become a destination all its own, combining an inviting atmosphere with exceptional food, handcrafted pastries, and the hospitality that makes coastal Georgia so special. Last month, the restaurant even hosted a six-course wine dinner overlooking Turner Creek, bringing together outstanding local cuisine and beautiful waterfront views in our vibrant community. Businesses like Bread and Butter do more than just serve great meals. They create jobs, support our local economy, and showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Georgia’s First Congressional District such a special place to live and work. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone visiting the Savannah area to stop by and experience this outstanding local establishment for themselves. I congratulate the entire Bread and Butter team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for representing coastal Georgia so well.”

“I want to honor Michael Mann, who died of cancer on July 28. He was a leader at Chick-fil-A in Athens, Georgia, and an elder at his church. He leaves behind his wife and two sons.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Mann, a devoted husband, father, and servant leader who passed away on July 28 after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. Michael dedicated more than 16 years to Chick-fil-A of Athens. He began as a team member in 2010 and most recently led as the director of development. He led with humility. He served without hesitation, and he believed leadership meant putting others first. He challenged people to grow. He celebrated their successes, and never stopped encouraging those around him. Michael served faithfully as an elder at Cleveland Road Baptist Church, as his greatest desire was to be with Christ, sharing his love for Him with his church family and community. He is survived by his wife of nearly 10 years, Stephanie, and their two sons, Estiven and Thomas. Michael’s legacy lives on through his family, his church, his Chick- fil-A family, and his vast community of friends.”

“I move that the House end work for the day.”

“Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 14 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9 a.m.”

“I want to recognize Parker's Kitchen for winning an award from the Wounded Warrior Project. The company gave $375,000 this year to support wounded veterans and their families.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Parker’s Kitchen, which was recently named the Wounded Warrior Project’s 2025 Corporate Partner of the Year. Headquartered in Savannah, Parker’s Kitchen has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting the men and women who have served our Nation. This year, the company contributed $375,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, helping provide life-changing programs and services to wounded veterans and their families across the country. Parker’s Kitchen founder, Greg Parker, continues to emphasize veterans as an essential part of the company’s team, acknowledging that their sacrifices make possible the freedom we enjoy each day. Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walt Piatt praised Parker’s Kitchen’s unwavering support, noting that partnerships like this make it possible to help veterans not only return from service but truly come home. I thank Greg Parker and his entire team for their continued commitment to Georgia’s First District’s strong military community. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”

“I want the House to pass these bills. They will require voter ID to protect elections, support our military, and help American farmers.”

“Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Today, I rise in support of the SAVE America Act and the Protect America Act because it is about security, and it is getting back to common sense. The American people are tired. They are tired of Washington playing political games. They want to secure elections. They want us to finish the job in Iran. They want to know that the government is standing with the farmers, ranchers, and producers who put food on our tables every single day. This resolution does exactly that. It strengthens confidence in our elections with commonsense voter ID protections, gives the troops the tools they need to defend this country, and provides certainty for our agricultural community because food security is national security. People back home in Georgia understand that freedom isn’t free. They will understand elections should be secure, and that our farmers deserve policies that help them succeed. This is about putting America first, doing what the American people sent us up here to do, and delivering real results, instead of Democratic political theater. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on the SAVE America Act and the Protect America Act.”

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  Speech on a bill

  Signal 29 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I want to honor police officer Gabriel Veras, Jr., and dispatcher Carin Elmore. They worked quickly together to save the life of a 3-year-old child whose heart had stopped.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Norcross Police Officer Gabriel Veras, Jr., and Communications Officer Carin Elmore for their heroic and lifesaving teamwork. On April 7, 2025, Officer Elmore, acting quickly after receiving emergency calls, dispatched officers to the scene of a 3-year-old child in cardiac arrest. Officer Veras arrived before paramedics and began chest compressions and rescue breaths, reviving the child. Because of their quick and heroic action, a life was saved, and the child made a full recovery. On September 4, the city of Norcross awarded both officers the Arthur M. Kaplan First Responder Award for their heroism. This year, the National Association of Police Organizations honored Officer Veras with the 2026 TOP COPS honorable mention, and Governor Brian Kemp commended his lifesaving actions. I thank Officer Veras and Officer Elmore for their efforts to serve their community to the fullest capacity. I congratulate both of them on their well-deserved recognition and thank them for their service.”

“I want the House to pass this bill. It makes the FDA follow through on allowing modern alternatives to animal testing for new drugs. This will reduce animal suffering and help bring new medicines to patients faster.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, bipartisan legislation that ensures the FDA fully embraces modern science while reducing unnecessary animal testing. Many of our families would feel incomplete without the pets and animals that bring unconditional love into our lives. Yet every year, millions of animals, including dogs, man’s best friend, are still subjected to testing in the development of new medicines. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. That responsibility includes embracing scientific innovation that can reduce unnecessary animal suffering while continuing to deliver safe and effective treatments to patients. In 2022, Congress took an important first step by passing the FDA Modernization Act 2.0. I was proud to help lead that effort. That law gave drug developers the ability to use modern, scientifically validated alternatives to traditional animal testing when appropriate. Congress made its intent clear. We wanted to encourage more effective, more humane, and more innovative approaches to drug development. Unfortunately, the previous administration failed to fully implement the law. Without clear implementation, too many researchers have lacked the certainty they need, and too many animals continue to be used in testing that modern science can increasingly replace. H.R. 2821 ensures the FDA finally carries out the will of Congress. This bill is not lowering standards. It is about raising them. Today’s researchers have access to technologies that simply did not exist a generation ago: advanced human cell models, organ-on-a-chip technology, artificial intelligence, and computational modeling. These innovative tools have the potential to better predict how medicines will perform in humans while reducing reliance on animal testing. Our laws should reflect the science of today, not the science of decades past. Modernizing drug development doesn’t just benefit animals. It benefits patients. By providing greater clarity and encouraging the use of validated alternative methods, we can make the drug development process more efficient. That means fewer unnecessary delays and more innovation. Ultimately, that means lifesaving treatments can reach patients more quickly without compromising the FDA’s rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill. It reflects a simple principle: We can advance medical innovation while improving animal welfare. Those goals are not in conflict. In fact, they go hand in hand. Mr. Speaker, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 fulfills the promise Congress made when we passed the FDA Modernization Act 2.0. It ensures that modern science is fully incorporated into our regulatory process. It helps reduce unnecessary animal testing and strengthens American medical innovation. It also helps bring new therapies to patients more efficiently. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0.”

“I am honoring Matthew Ledbetter, who died recently at age 59. He served as the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner for nearly 21 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Matthew Ledbetter, a longtime Forsyth County Tax Commissioner, who passed away unexpectedly on June 27 at the age of 59. A lifelong Georgian and graduate of Forsyth Central High School and the University of Georgia--go Dawgs--Ledbetter dedicated nearly 21 years to public service, after having taken office in 2005 and most recently being reelected to a sixth term in 2024. Matthew will be remembered as a tireless advocate for the people of Forsyth County, known for turning the Tax Commissioner’s Office into a well-oiled machine and building a legendary reputation for customer service. Friends recall his leadership, his wit, and his personality, as he never met a stranger. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Allison, and father to his sons, Evan and Ben. Georgia is grateful for Matthew’s years of dedicated service, and our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and the entire Forsyth County community.”

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  Speech in the House

  Signal 43 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I am celebrating the 200th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Macon, Georgia. I congratulate its leaders and members for serving our community for two centuries.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Macon, Georgia. Organized on June 18, 1826, by the Reverend Benjamin Gildersleeve and Reverend Joseph C. Stiles, the church began with just 25 founding members. Since 1858, its historic sanctuary on Mulberry Street has stood as a landmark of downtown Macon and a fixture on the National Register of Historic Places. For two centuries, First Presbyterian has served as the mother church to several congregations across middle Georgia and has equipped its members in every area of life through worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission. Today, First Presbyterian continues to welcome more than a thousand members, carrying forward a legacy that has spanned wars, revitalization, and generations of middle Georgia families. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the leaders and congregation of First Presbyterian Church on this remarkable milestone, and I thank them for 200 years of faithful ministry to the city of Macon.”