Carter introduces bill removing regulatory barriers to broadband deployment

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

Headline: Carter introduces bill removing regulatory barriers to broadband deployment

Carter introduces bill removing regulatory barriers to broadband deployment

Washington, March 26, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) introduced the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act, a bill removing burdensome permitting requirements for upgrading existing wireless towers.


Under current law, any changes made to existing wireless towers must undergo lengthy environmental and historic preservation reviews. As a result, necessary broadband improvements are often delayed, preventing rural areas from receiving high-speed internet access.


“Unnecessary permitting requirements for basic wireless tower upgrades are preventing high-speed internet access to those who need it most. This commonsense bill will ensure that minor, essential upgrades to our wireless infrastructure are not held up by bureaucratic delays,”
said Rep. Carter.

Read full bill text here

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Carter among most effective lawmakers 10 years in a row

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

Headline: Carter among most effective lawmakers 10 years in a row

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) was recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) for “exceeding expectations” in the 118th Congress, continuing his career-long streak and ranking among the top 10 most consistently effective members of Congress.


According to CEL, scores are “based on the combination of fifteen metrics capturing the bills that each member of Congress sponsors, how far they move through the lawmaking process, and how substantial their policy proposals are.” Lawmakers “exceed expectations” when they outperform the benchmark by 50% or more.


“I am humbled to be recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) as one of the most consistently effective members of Congress. Throughout my time in Washington, I’ve prioritized building bipartisan coalitions to achieve meaningful policy wins for the people of the First Congressional District of Georgia, and the results speak for themselves,”
said Rep. Carter. “There’s a lot of good work being done in D.C. that never makes headlines, and I appreciate CEL for highlighting these critical efforts.”


“Our analysis found that Representative Carter ranked as having one of the longest streaks of ‘exceeding expectations’ over consecutive congresses in the entire House. We congratulate the Representative for his hard work and setting an example for promoting the importance of effective lawmaking,”
said Craig Volden and Alan Wiseman, Co-Directors of the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

View lawmaker scores here.

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Carter leads bill reversing Biden’s jobs-killing air quality standards

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

Headline: Carter leads bill reversing Biden’s jobs-killing air quality standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a bill reversing the Biden-Harris Administration’s unnecessary, jobs-killing rule setting overly restrictive National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).


Original cosponsors include:
Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), August Pfluger (R-TX), and Randy Weber (R-TX).


This bill will return the acceptable PM 2.5 standards to 12 micrograms per cubic meter, the standard previously set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and deemed protective of public health. Since its implementation in 1980, total emissions of criteria air pollutants dropped 73 percent.


“The Biden Administration’s irresponsible and unnecessary PM 2.5 standard will make it almost impossible to build in the United States. This includes the construction of new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, allowing international competitors with more practical environmental standards to outpace us,”
said Rep. Carter. “America has the best environmental standards and wonderful economic potential. We must maintain both by rolling back this burdensome, unnecessary Green New Deal rule.”


“The Biden Administration’s NAAQS Rule was part of their assault on America’s industries and economy,” 
said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). “This decision hit farmers, foresters, and manufacturers the hardest, threatening to dole out punishments despite the new air quality standards being completely infeasible. I’d like to thank Representative Carter for leading this important legislation to nullify the rule. It’s time to undo the damage from the Biden Administration’s war on rural economies and restore common sense.”


“The PM 2.5 standard is yet another example of the Biden administration’s overreaching and unnecessary regulations that have imposed unworkable standards on builders and developers. These kinds of mandates not only drive-up costs but also delay critical projects that our communities rely on. I’m proud to support this legislation as we work to unleash American production and strengthen our economy,” 
said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). 

Read full bill text here.

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Carter introduces bill banning use of autopens for presidential pardons

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

Headline: Carter introduces bill banning use of autopens for presidential pardons

Carter introduces bill banning use of autopens for presidential pardons

Washington, March 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the Signature Integrity for Granting National (SIGN) Pardons Act, a bill requiring Presidents to physically sign all presidential pardons.


This bill comes after reports that President Biden used an autopen to sign presidential pardons, a legally binding document, during his final days in office.


“There is a time and place for autopen technology and signing Presidential pardons is not one of them. If Biden outsourced this constitutional duty to staff and machines, what other major decisions was he absent for?”
said Rep. Carter. “The SIGN Pardons Act will restore the integrity of this important role in our justice system, ensuring that all pardons are physically signed by the Commander-in-Chief.”

Read full bill text here

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Carter conducts oversight after reports that money for soldiers’ food went to unrelated programs

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

Headline: Carter conducts oversight after reports that money for soldiers’ food went to unrelated programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth calling for oversight of a Biden-Harris Administration decision to divert $151 million collected from junior enlisted soldiers’ pay for food costs to other uses within the Army’s budget.


According to a Military.com report published February 14, 2025, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, $17 million was collected from soldiers, yet only $2.1 million was allocated for food, leaving $14.9 million unaccounted.


In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “This is unacceptable. These practices raise serious concerns about the management and oversight of funds deducted from soldiers’ Basic Allowance for Subsistence…The failure to properly allocate these resources undermines trust in military leadership and directly impacts the well-being and morale of service members.”


Rep. Carter continues: “Unfortunately, this is just another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration has failed our troops…Under [Secretary Hegseth’s] leadership, I trust the Department of Defense will thoroughly investigate this issue. Our service members dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms, and they should never have to question whether they will have access to a proper meal.”

Read the full letter here.

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Reps. David Scott, Miller-Meeks, Williams and Crenshaw Lead Bipartisan Introduction of Endometriosis Awareness Month Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives David Scott (GA-13), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) filed a bipartisan measure to increase education, awareness and recognition of Endometriosis—a painful chronic condition impacting as many as 10 percent of women.

“We know that the effects of endometriosis go well beyond those with the condition to include significant others, parents, extended family members, and close friends.” said Rep. David Scott (GA-13). “Paired with a lack of public awareness and educational research, this has contributed to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis for millions of women living with the disease. While we continue the fight for a cure, our bipartisan resolution reaffirms the importance of seeking access to early diagnosis and effective treatments. Forging strong partnerships between stakeholders, researchers, academic institutions, and medical providers that are actively involved in research can help to identify effective models of endometriosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, as well as increased infertility for women living with endometriosis.”

“As a physician and a mother, I know how important it is to advocate for awareness of Endometriosis,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01). “While there is no cure, we can make strides to ensure women have awareness and get the treatment needed to help manage symptoms. In Congress, I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides in our fight against Endometriosis.”

“I have battled excruciating endometriosis pain since I was 14 years old,” said Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05). “Endometriosis Awareness month is a reminder that we still have work to do to champion the estimated 6.5 million women in this country impacted by this disease. Awareness drives action, and the Endometriosis Awareness Month comes as our public health institutions need our continued support. When we invest in research and care, we all thrive.”

“Endometriosis impacts millions of Americans,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02). “We must continue to push for a cure and treatment for the women and families who are impacted by this terrible disease.”

The Endometriosis Awareness Month Resolution expresses support for the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month and recognizes the need for early detection and treatment, increased education for health care providers, and continued research for more effective treatment for women suffering from the disease.

Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States and an estimated 200 million women worldwide. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that up to 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility. Symptoms are often so severe that women stay home from work and miss time with friends and family. Despite its prevalence, federal endometriosis research equates to just $1.10 per year for each diagnosed woman.

The text of the resolution can be found HERE

David Scott, Brian Fitzpatrick, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Don Bacon, and Jan Schakowsky Reintroduce Measure Recognizing the Seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Washington D.C. – Today, Representatives David Scott (GA-13), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) reintroduced a bipartisan measure recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and supporting the designation of the month of September as “PCOS Awareness Month.”

“There is an urgent need to increase education, research, and public awareness for PCOS to help millions of women and girls living with the disease,” said Rep. David Scott. “PCOS remains a leading cause of infertility, metabolic disorders, and increased risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions, yet federal funding for research and treatment lags behind other similarly common conditions. Congress must allocate increased funding for PCOS research and support services—precisely what our bipartisan resolution calls for. New funding will help improve early diagnosis, advance treatment options, and provide better resources for those affected. It is past time we prioritize PCOS as the public health crisis it has always been and ensure that those living with the condition receive the care and support they deserve.”

“PCOS impacts millions of women and girls, yet remains one of the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and underfunded health conditions. Despite its well-documented links to infertility, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, research and medical training have not kept pace with the urgency of this issue,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan resolution serves as a call to action, demanding increased investment in research, enhanced medical education, and improved access to care. It’s long past time we give this disease the attention and resources it deserves.”

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects as many as one in seven women, and half go undiagnosed, especially African Americans. Worse, there’s no cure for PCOS and health care providers often misdiagnose it, leaving critical gaps in our understanding around its severe comorbidities, like infertility, heart disease, diabetes, and more,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Like so many disorders that affect women, PCOS has gone ignored and undetected for far too long. But we’re working to change that. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan resolution to change that narrative and offer hope to all women facing PCOS.”

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a serious and often overlooked condition impacting over 10 million women in the United States. PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed, yet it carries significant symptoms, including insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, thinning scalp hair, and depression during puberty and throughout a person’s life,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan measure to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month. We must bring more awareness to address PCOS and ensure women affected by this condition receive the recognition and support they need.”

“For decades, women of all races, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic groups have been underrepresented in biomedical research. Millions of women across the United States live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can lead to pregnancy complications and infertility, among many other serious health issues. There is currently no cure for this condition and that is why it is crucial that we raise awareness and invest in research to discover new treatments, said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution because we must do all we can to support women’s health and promote PCOS awareness, education, and innovation.”

PCOS affects over 10 million women and girls in the United States, yet it remains widely underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Too few healthcare providers are adequately trained to recognize symptoms, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. According, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50% of women with PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes by age 40, with increased risks for cardiovascular disease, uterine cancer, liver disease, and mental health challenges–including higher risk of suicide.

Beyond its immediate health impacts, PCOS is a major contributor to female infertility and maternal health disparities. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia and emergency C-sections.

The bipartisan PCOS Awareness Month Resolution recognizes the seriousness of PCOS, urges health care professionals to increase their understanding of PCOS, and calls on states, territories, and localities to support the goals of PCOS Awareness Month, which include:

·         Increasing awareness and education about PCOS and its connection to comorbidities,

·         Improving diagnosis, treatment, and care of the disorder,

·         Disseminating information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management of PCOS, and

·         Improving the quality of life and outcomes for women and girls with PCOS.

READ MORE 

Congressman David Scott Bolsters Criminal Justice Reform Commitments with Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale District Attorneys

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), sent a letter to District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson of Gwinnett County, Randy McGinley of Newton County, and Alisha Johnson of Rockdale County, expressing his commitment to criminal justice reform across Georgia and extending a strong hand of support at the federal level. The letter follows on the heels of the recently redrawn congressional lines for the thirteenth district.

“Ensuring a fair, equitable, and effective criminal justice system requires a strong collaborative approach from all levels of government—including local, state, and federal,” said Congressman David Scott. “Promoting evidence-based reforms to address pressing issues like recidivism, over-incarceration and substance abuse have a proven track record of keeping communities safe. Recognizing rehabilitative justice initiatives, such as accountability courts that provide individuals with second chances, highlight the need for such reforms. I look forward to cultivating this partnership with Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County DAs to secure federal resources and keep our communities safe.”  

The Georgia Justice Project expressed their support for the letter, with Policy Director Wade Askew stating, “Since 1988, Georgia Justice Project has stood alongside those impacted by the criminal legal system, seeking to reduce the number of Georgians under correctional control and remove barriers to reentry. We envision a system in which healing and wholeness are centered, true second chances are offered, and community investment leads to public safety for all. We support Congressman David Scott’s efforts to reduce recidivism, promote accountability courts, and end over-reliance on incarceration, and we are grateful to partner with prosecutors across the state who share this vision.”

Congressman Scott has consistently collaborated with local district attorneys’ in Fulton, Cobb, Henry, Clayton, and Douglas County to address recidivism, over-incarceration, and the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform. In 2023, he led a letter to each Atlanta-area DA urging them to expand accountability courts to reduce recidivism rates and address the growing backlog of cases. The congressman has also secured tens of millions in federal funding to assist local law enforcement and the communities they serve.  

The text of the letter can be found HERE.

David Scott Statement Regarding House Republicans’ Budget Cuts to Crucial Health Care, Nutrition, and Education Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) issued the following statement regarding House Republicans’ budget resolution that would increase the poverty rate for tens of millions of working people while giving a $2 trillion tax giveaway to corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

“Make no mistake, House Republicans’ budget reconciliation proposal would provide tax breaks for the rich at the expense of crucial nutrition and health programs meant to help working-class American families,” said Congressman David Scott. “Slashing food assistance in SNAP by $230 billion will reduce access to meals for the nearly 514,000 Georgia households that rely on the program to put food on the table. It will also bring uncertainty to millions of U.S. households, including those with young children, who will lose access to ACA, Medicaid, and CHIP services. I will oppose any effort to reduce benefits or gut funding to these vital programs.”

To pay for their massive tax giveaways, House Republicans plan to take away lifesaving health care, increase the cost of essentials like food and housing, and decimate services working families count on. In Georgia’s 13th district, this budget would hurt:

·         111,000 people who receive health coverage under the Affordable Care Act and would see their average premium go up by $480 per year—a 59% increase. Many families would face even steeper consequences. A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $85,000 would see health insurance costs increase by $15,868 per year — a 220% increase.

·         126,935 people on Medicaid who will be at risk of losing their health care, including more than 85,000 kids under the age of 19 and 8,676 seniors over 65.

·         families struggling to put food on the table, as it threatens 35,969 children, seniors, veterans, and working parents who count on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Congressman David Scott Reintroduces Bill to Protect Scholarship Funding for Students Pursuing Agriculture and Food Sciences Degrees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) reintroduced legislation to permanently extend federal scholarship funding for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in food and agriculture fields at 1890s colleges and universities. This bill ensures Congress will continue to support and prioritize the nineteen 1890 Institutions in light of dangerous funding cuts.

“The food and agriculture sector has a significant impact on everyday life for millions of Americans, and maintaining a strong agriculture workforce is critical in protecting our food supply,” said Congressman David Scott. “Unfortunately, for centuries, African Americans have been systematically left out of academic opportunities in the food and agricultural sectors. Bringing a diverse range of talented and creative minds into the industry is vital to a healthy and growing workforce. As a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, one of the nineteen 1890 colleges, I know the value these institutions hold and the importance of funding this great student scholarship program on an ongoing, permanent basis.” 

The 1890 Institutions are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that are partners in the U.S. Land-Grant system and were established to support the education of African American students in agriculture and mechanical arts. Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions support the recruitment, retention, and training of undergraduates—encouraging students to complete degrees in food and agricultural sciences. Congressman Scott was proud to secure $80 million for these scholarships in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that approximately 58,000 high-skilled jobs open each year in the food and agricultural sector, some of which, such as veterinarians, food scientists, and agribusiness managers, require graduate degrees. However, only around 35,000 new graduates in the U.S. with food and agricultural sciences degrees are currently available to take these jobs.

To reduce the food and agriculture workforce deficit and help African American students complete their degrees, the 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities Scholarship Act provides $25 million annually for Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions on a permanent basis and expands funding to be used for graduate degrees in food and agricultural sciences.

The text of the bill can be found HERE.