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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter champions bill improving health care access in rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Shomari C. Figures (D-AL), Michael Rulli (R-OH), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) today introduced the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bill extending critical programs that increase access to health care services in rural communities.

Rural residents often encounter barriers to accessing health care, including workforce shortages, distance and transportation issues, facility closures, and health insurance coverage. These roadblocks result in unmet health care needs, leading to a 43 percent higher mortality rate for rural Americans compared to those living in cities and suburbs. By reauthorizing Rural Health Services Outreach programs, this bill will lead to increased access to health care services and preventive screenings, improved chronic disease management and health outcomes, expanded telehealth services, and reduced emergency department visits for the nearly 500,000 individuals who receive direct services for these programs annually.

“Health care outcomes should not be dependent on a patient’s zip code. We must ensure that vitally important health services are able to reach people in all communities, which is exactly what the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs do. Reauthorizing these programs will continue President Trump’s legacy of supporting rural communities’ chronic health care needs through flexible, community-driven solutions,” said Rep. Carter.

“Improving rural health care is one of my top priorities, and I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation,” said Rep. Figures. “This bill reauthorizes critical programs that will strengthen access to quality health care in my district and other communities across the country.” 

“Week after week, we hear ridiculous stories of taxpayer money being sent to shadowy organizations overseas. Meanwhile, rural communities here at home are left behind, struggling to access the care they deserve. That’s why I’m proud to stand with Congressman Carter today in sponsoring the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025. This reauthorization ensures that grants supporting healthcare in our underserved communities will continue—and taxpayer dollars will go where they’re needed most: to the American people,” said Rep. Rulli.

“The Eighth District is nearly 10,000 square miles, with many of my constituents living in rural communities that depend on a scarce number of medical providers in their area. In Congress, I’m focused on supporting rural health care to ensure that Americans can get care close to home,” said Rep. Schrier. “As a doctor, I understand the importance of rural clinics and hospitals. Without them, patients, including those in my district, would have to drive even farther to seek medical care. That’s dangerous in an emergency. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to extend key federal grants that strengthen rural health care.”

In FY 2022, over 85 percent of grant recipients through these programs demonstrated improvement in one or more clinical measures, such as controlled A1cs and blood pressure.

“Rural residents often encounter barriers to accessing healthcare including workforce shortages, distance and transportation issues, healthcare facility closures. The Rural Health Care Services Outreach programs seek to break down these barriers by supporting community-driven initiatives to promote care coordination, chronic disease prevention, and sustainable health solutions in underserved rural areas. NRHA applauds Representatives Carter, Figures, Rulli, and Schrier for their efforts to reauthorize these critical programs and for their continual support of the health of rural communities.” – Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Health Association

Background

In 2020, President Trump signed into law legislation reauthorizing rural health outreach services programs under the 2020 CARES Act through FY 2025. The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 will extend these critical programs through 2030. Further, bill changes will ensure that local rural needs are prioritized in grant awards. 

Read full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Over-the-Counter Drug Regulation

Subcommittee Chairman Carter’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“I want to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program, referred to as ‘OMUFA.’ I’m especially pleased that we’re talking about the reauthorization of this program as almost 5 years to the date, the initial bill – sponsored by my good friend from Ohio, Representative Latta, as well as one of Georgia’s finest, Senator Johnny Isakson – was signed into law by President Trump in March 2020.

“The enactment of this program reformed and modernized the regulation of OTC monograph drugs and authorized the FDA to assess and collect user fees dedicated to OTC monograph drug activities. Industry and public health stakeholders supported these reforms, which have provided the FDA with additional resources and tools to streamline the monograph process to increase access to quality commonly used drugs and self-care products for the American consumer. This program is designed to improve innovation, while maintaining the FDA ‘gold-standard’ of safety.

“The current legislative authority for OMUFA expires September 30th, 2025 – at which point, new legislation will be required to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee program for another five-year term.

“Over-the-counter medications are widely used to treat common ailments such as colds, headaches, and seasonal allergies. In fact, nearly 9 out of every 10 Americans use OTC medications regularly and trust these affordable remedies to get well and stay healthy. Safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs allow consumers to treat common ailments at home, usually without visiting a health care provider, saving the health care system billions annually.

“Of particular note is a company called Symrise. They own and operate a manufacturing plant in Georgia’s First Congressional District. Symrise manufactures aroma molecules and fragrance ingredients, which are used in various consumer products across a number of product categories. They also manufacture two of the key UV filters that are commonly used in many OTC sunscreens on the market today.

“Sadly, Symrise’s Colonel’s Island plant experienced a serious fire in 2022. Symrise made the strategic decision to re-invest in the site and restore its capacity in my community, at a time when other companies were leaving. They successfully completed renovations and today, the plant is again fully operational, back at its pre-fire capacity. This is a real success story, and we are grateful for their commitment to Georgia.

“We are also fortunate to have Mr. Kevin Menzel before our Committee today. Mr. Menzel is President of Focus Consumer Healthcare, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobayashi Healthcare. Kobayashi was founded as a family company in 1886 in Japan. They established a presence in the United States in 1998, and maintain manufacturing and operations in Dalton, Georgia – employing 270 people with products ranging from OTC medicines and supplements, to recreational products like Hot Hands Hand Warmers. Georgia’s pro-business climate and infrastructure make it an ideal location for companies such as Kobayashi. In fact, just recently, Kobayashi began expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint even further, with a significant announced investment in Georgia — doubling its capacity to support ongoing growth and expand employment.

“Success stories such as Symrise and Kobayashi highlight why it is critical for this Subcommittee to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program in a timely manner. This program demonstrated the ability to bring more jobs back to America, while increasing access to safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs.

“I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reauthorize this program on time and through regular order.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

STONECREST, GA– On Saturday, March 22, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosted his fifth annual Trailblazer Awards, recognizing 11 outstanding women who have made significant contributions in their respective professions and communities and have become pioneers in their careers.

Held during Women’s History Month, the event honored leaders in business, education, public service, arts and entertainment, and beyond – those who have broken barriers, uplifted others, and paved the way for future generations.

This year’s honorees include:

o   Dr. Syreeta Ali McTier – Education, DeKalb County Schools
o   Florence Battle Shafiq, MD – Healthcare & Community Advocacy, Retired Physician
o   Mrs. Susan McGhee Crawford – Arts & Culture, Founder, Trendsetters Dance Company
o   Mrs. Cynthia Dorsey Edwards – Higher Education & Leadership, Executive Director, Storehouse of Solutions, Inc.
o   Ms. Jackie Davis – Arts & Entertainment, Founding Owner, UniverSoul Circus
o   Mrs. Shelbia L. Jackson – Film & Entertainment, Director, DeKalb Entertainment Commission
o   Mrs. Claudette Leak – Public Service, DeKalb County Government
o   Ms. India Pullin – Nonprofit & Community Advocacy, Founder, Step Up in Georgia, Inc.
o   Ms. Sandy Purkett – Public Service & Education Advocacy, Retired Federal Investigator
o   Dr. Charlene Spurlock – Education, DeKalb County Schools
o   Ms. Rachel R. Zeigler – Education, DeKalb County Schools

Additional special guests included: GA-04 Poet Laureate Hank Stewart, nationally renowned trumpeter Melvin M. Miller, recording artist ARIA, and violinist Clarissa Walker.

View the livestream HERE. Photos available upon request. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Courts Subcommittee Ranking Member Hits Reset Button To Fill Judgeships Based on “Next Unknown President”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, AI and the Internet, along with Jerry Nadler, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust (NY-12) and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), re-introduced Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2025 (JUDGES Act) to create more federal judgeships.

It’s based on S. 4199, a formerly bipartisan bill that passed the Senate in 2024 that Democrats and Republicans in Congress negotiated to give the next unknown president 23 new life-tenured judges over the next four years in office. House Republicans reneged on that deal and refused to bring the Senate-passed bill to the House floor until after the election, once they knew Trump would get the first set of judges. They are now forcing the bill through to pack the federal courts with judges driven not by a duty to the law, but by their ultra-conservative ideologies and fealty to Trump.

“MAGA Republicans only want to add new judgeships when they can rig the game in their favor,” said Rep. Johnson. “And that’s exactly what they are trying to do by pushing through more judges now: Make certain our third branch is so deeply loyal to one man that our system of justice cannot possibly work without him. Our 250-year experiment in self-governance will succeed only if Americans continue to believe that judicial independence means that judges are not subject to pressure and influence from an administration trying to lay waste to our democratic system of government. So I am proud to reintroduce this bill with my colleagues, which gets back our original deal and takes the politics out of judgeships by giving judges to the next unknown president. Because our independent judiciary is the backbone of our democracy, I will not just stand here and let the Trump-Musk administration try to dismantle it one branch of government at a time.”

“Last Congress, Ranking Member Johnson and I worked together to advance the bipartisan JUDGES Act to give the next, then unknown, President additional judicial appointments to eliminate the backlog in our federal court system,” said Congressman Nadler. “We had sought a commitment from Republicans to pass this bill before the November 2024 election, but when Donald Trump wasn’t doing so well in the polls, Speaker Johnson refused to bring the bill up for a vote. Democrats refuse to reward this betrayal by letting President Trump continue to pack the courts. I’m proud to join Ranking Members Johnson and Raskin in introducing the JUDGES Act to give the next, still unknown, President additional judgeships.”

“As Trump and his lawless Administration demand judges be impeached for the crime of upholding the Constitution against them, it would be unconscionable to reward the Republican party’s constant betrayals of the Constitution and their own agreements by giving them even more power to stack the bench,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. “We won’t be party to another Republican court-packing scheme—that’s why we’re introducing legislation to give additional judicial appointments to the next unknown president, restoring the fair and bipartisan deal we struck last Congress, the only kind of deal that has ever worked in this field.”

Background: S. 4199 was a bipartisan bill predicated on the agreement that Republicans and Democrats would give future unknown presidents federal judgeship appointments. In doing so, Congress could expand the number of federal judges in the United States while avoiding the trap of knowingly giving any one political party or president more power. The JUDGES Act was only going to work if Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass the bill before Election Day, on November 5, 2024. The Senate did its job and unanimously passed S. 4199 in August 2024. But Speaker Johnson refused to move this important bill before the election. Now that the central promise of the JUDGES Act is broken, MAGA Republicans are playing politics and trying to force their version of this bill through to give Trump more judges in an attempt to undermine the very backbone of our democracy: the independent judiciary.

The last time Donald Trump was in power, he used his office to appoint individuals driven not by a duty to the law, but by their ultra-conservative ideologies and loyalty to him. 

Here are a few examples of the federal judges he nominated during his first term:

Judge Kyle Duncan was appointed to the Fifth Circuit by Trump in 2017, where he allowed the Texas ban on abortions to take effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a district court finding that it would cause “irreparable harm”; undermined the Fair Housing Act; and blatantly sided with employers in labor cases. 

Trump appointed Judge Aileen Cannon to the federal bench in 2020 only 12 years after she was first admitted to practice law. She has garnered widespread criticism for her conduct in the Trump documents case, including her decision to appoint a special master to review Trump’s documents, which was overturned by the 11th Circuit.

Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk was a First Liberty attorney known for his anti-LGBTQ cases when he was appointed by Trump in 2019. As a federal judge, conservative activists have successfully sought to end up in his courtroom, where he has suspended the FDA’s approval of lifesaving abortion pills and ruled against LGBTQ protections

Text of bill HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

STONECREST, GA – On Thursday, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) held a press conference at a senior care facility in South DeKalb to highlight the dangerous consequences of House Republicans’ Rip Off reconciliation budget legislation and its drastic cuts to Medicaid.

WATCH HERE

Joined by Nadine Johnson, Director of Care One Franchise, Inc. (COFI), residents and family members who receive care at COFI and Protect Our Care Georgia State Director, Joe Binns, the Congressman raised the alarm about the pending cuts to the social safety net for the poor and elderly.

“President Trump and House Republicans promised they would lower costs for everyday Americans,” Rep. Johnson said. “They lied. Instead, they just announced a new push to cut Medicaid and take health care away from kids, parents, and seniors. The Trump-Musk-House Republican budget includes hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and food assistance for kids, seniors, and veterans.”

Nadine Johnson (no relation), whose residents depend on Medicaid to help receive her services, said cuts to Medicaid would deeply impact the community.

“If we’re not able to access the supplemental funding from Medicaid that we receive now, we’d have to close our business,” she said. “And that would mean many more seniors and disabled individuals would be facing homelessness. It would wreak havoc in our communities.”

“The consequences of cuts to Medicaid would touch nearly every household in America including people in this room today,” said Binns. “Medicaid provides health care to over 72 million people — six in 10 nursing home residents, 30 million children, 9 million adults with disabilities, and 14 million adults with mental illness. If they slash Medicaid, it will wreak havoc on state budgets and services. Rural Hospitals will close and the Americans who rely on them will be left behind. America’s skyrocketing mental health crisis will be exacerbated, and the nation’s maternal health crisis will get significantly worse.”

From the Congressman’s full statement: 

Co-President Trump and his MAGA Republican allies who control Congress have proposed another tax cut for Trump and his billionaire buddies. They propose $2-4 trillion in  permanent tax cuts for billionaires and corporations, and they plan to pay for it by cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and SNAP benefits for women and their babies.

This is straight up war on poor and regular working people, which  will raise the cost of everything — including healthcare and medicine. It will also drive nursing homes and personal care homes out of business. These are places and people who we depend on to take care of our elderly, many of whom are suffering from dementia. MAGA wants to gut vital programs like Medicaid that help people survive, so that they can give billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg another big fat tax cut.  

With that, I’m pleased to be here with my constituents to highlight the human side of all these drastic cuts. It’s folks like Nadine, her residents and their families who will be impacted the most. With that, I’m pleased to introduce Nadine Johnson, the director of Care One Franchise, Inc., where we are today – Nadine.
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 17, 2024, the United Nations proclaimed a Second International Decade for People of African Descent 2025-2034. This Second International Decade confronts the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, delivers reparatory justice, and secures the full human rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide.

In support of that effort, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) reintroduced their resolution supporting the UN resolution by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to advancing racial justice, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting the rights and dignity of people of African descent globally.

On Monday, February 24, 2025, in celebration of Black History Month, Congressman Johnson addressed the United Nations Association Black History Month Event: Celebrating Resilience and Empowerment: The Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) on Capitol Hill. 

To watch the event, click HERE. To read Congressman Johnson’s speech, click HERE. 

“The Second Decade for People of African Descent is more than a recognition, it is a call to action,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “As we face a resurgence of challenges to racial justice and human rights, we must stand firm in our commitment to progress. Black communities have long been at the forefront of change, shaping history through resilience, advocacy, and leadership. This decade is not just about reflecting on the past — it is about advancing justice, securing equality, and building a future where dignity and opportunity are a reality for all. History will not judge us by our words alone, but by what we do today and tomorrow.”

“I was proud to co-lead the resolution calling for a Second International Decade for People of African Descent, and I’m glad that the UN did the right thing in declaring the Second Decade as we entered a moment of severe backsliding around the world,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “With American democracy under attack, we are turning toward African-descendent communities across the globe now more than ever for their perspectives, lessons learned, best practices, and strategies for resistance and triumph. Someone has to fight for our rights and our democracy, and like always it’s going to be Black communities leading the charge against authoritarianism.”

Danielle Dean, Vice Chair of Advocacy, United Nations Association said: “The Second Decade for People of African Descent offers an opportunity to bring greater awareness of what the decade is, and inspire action within our own communities. More can be done to include young voices, inspire local communities and partner with our national and international friends to deliver on the vision of the first decade.”

Quote from Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli from WOLA:  “At a time where there is global democratic backsliding and a growing anti-rights, anti-diversity and anti-inclusion movement the Second Decade will protect the rights gained and advance the newer challenges faced by Afro-descendants including the climate crisis and racial bias in new technologies.”

Quote from Raudemar Ofunshi Hernandez, Afro-Latino Spiritual Leader: “Our destiny has given us an opportunity to, with the leadership of Representatives Hank Johnson and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, jointly with the Black Caucus and our big ancestral army, to fulfill our overdue dreams.”

The moderator of the event was Tracy Gray, President, United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter. The panelists included: 

Professor Justin Hansford, Director of the Howard University, Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center and Member of the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent.
Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the United States of America.
Dr. Tonija Hope, Director, Ralph Bunche International Affairs center, Howard University. member of the US Civil Society Committee for the Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination (JAPER) and Chair of the US Civil Society Committee for the US-Colombia Action Plan to Promote Racial and Ethnic Equality (CAPREE).
Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli, Director of Andes, Washington Office of Latin America.
Raudemar Ofunshi Hernandez, Spiritual Leader and President, Colombia Acuerdo de Paz NGO

Key topics of the event addressed:  

Achievements of the First International Decade
Contributions of African-descended communities
Setting priorities for the Second International Decade
Building global solidarity through the UN framework

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

LITHONIA, GA – On February 22, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosted his “Future of the Fourth” reception at the Lou Walker Senior Center to honor outstanding young leaders from Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. The event recognized students who have excelled in technology, service, and leadership including winners of the district’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge and nominees for U.S. Service Academies. 

“This event was about celebrating the bright future of our district,” said Congressman Johnson. “These young leaders are innovators, scholars, and dedicated individuals who will shape our community and our nation in the years to come.” 

During the ceremony, students from Chamblee High School, Arabia Mountain High School, and Rockdale Magnet School were honored as winners of the Congressional App Challenge, highlighting their achievements in technology. The event also recognized students nominated by Congressman Johnson to our nation’s military academies including – the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.  

The program featured a performance, special guests, and local leaders, creating a memorable event that underscored the importance of investing in the next generation.  

Watch the event livestream HERE.  

View event photos HERE. Photos available upon request.  

About Congressman Hank Johnson: 
Hank Johnson represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, where he is a staunch advocate for civil rights, public safety, and economic justice. Learn more at https://hankjohnson.house.gov/  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), alongside U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.

“Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

“I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

“We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

“Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Brian Jack (GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

“I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country,” said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. “We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.” 

“Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

“Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy,” said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.
 
“The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national and park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year,” said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement after supporting H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act.

“I supported the continuing resolution to keep our government open today. Our fiscal year starts October 1st, and we need to immediately start the appropriations process for the next fiscal year so we don’t end up in this situation again,” Rep. Scott said.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement after attending President Donald J. Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

“President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure our borders and halt the flow of deadly fentanyl and cartels into our country. His administration is also exposing and eliminating tax dollar abuse. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to advance national and global security.”

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