Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

Carter introduces bill establishing life imprisonment for attempting political assassinations

Position: Rep. Carter introduced legislation establishing mandatory sentences of 25 years to life for individuals who attempt to assassinate federal officials, including the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and members of Congress.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the Zero Tolerance for Political Assassins Act, a bill mandating 25 years to life imprisonment for individuals who attempt to assassinate federal politicians. Political violence erodes the very fabric of our democracy. In the United States, change is enacted by the people for the people. When radicalized individuals escalate hatred toward others over differing ideologies, they trample on the rights that every American exercises at the ballot box. President Donald Trump has survived three assassination attempts to date, inspired by radical leftist rhetoric from politicians such as former President Joe Biden and disgraced former FBI Director James Comey. Unfortunately, we live in a world where Democrats have inspired lunatics in their party to attempt unthinkable acts. That ends now. The Zero Tolerance for Political Assassins Act would apply to the following targets: President, Vice President, Presidential Staff, Cabinet Members, Supreme Court Justices, and Members of Congress. “The American people spoke in November 2024, electing Donald J. Trump with a mandate to deliver a safer and more prosperous nation. Yet recently, at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the President was the target of a third assassination attempt. The cowards who carry out acts of political violence are the greatest threats to democracy,” said Rep. Carter. “My bill ensures they face proper justice and the full weight of the law.”

Carter successfully fights to extend red snapper season

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries issuance of four exempted fishing permits (EFPs) to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. According to the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, red snapper populations are the healthiest in history, rendering the current burdensome and overreaching federal policy severely restricting recreational fishing unnecessary. Georgia’s recreational fishing industry has long struggled under federal fisheries data that limit access and impose heavy-handed restrictions, often set by bureaucrats far removed from our coastal communities. State management is a common-sense approach that allows tailored conservation and fishing policies to fit local needs. Georgia's red snapper season will now be from July 1st to August 31st. “As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’m proud to have tirelessly advocated for this win and am thrilled to bring home a proper red snapper fishing season to Georgia’s outdoorsmen and women,” said Rep. Carter. “Representing over 100 miles of pristine coastline, I grew up understanding that Georgia's anglers are the experts best equipped to set conservation and fishing policies that protect fish stocks and our way of life, not Washington bureaucrats. I applaud President Trump and his use of common-sense governing, protecting anglers’ right to reasonably harvest and properly manage our resources.” “Friday’s announcement is a significant and long-overdue victory for Florida’s anglers,” said Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL). “For too long, overly restrictive federal management and flawed data has limited access to a healthy and abundant fishery. This expanded recreational red snapper season reflects a data-driven approach that recognizes both the strength of the red snapper population and its importance to Florida's economy and our way of life. As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to fight for recreational anglers in Northeast Florida and Make Fishing Great Again.” “As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I applaud the decision by President Trump and his administration to approve all South Atlantic state permits for the 2026 Red Snapper season. This marks a major step forward for North Carolina’s fishermen and coastal businesses,” said Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC). “For years, rigid federal rules have meant one- or two-day red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic even as they are plentiful in our waters. That makes no sense for our coastal economy or for conservation. Following the decision, we can use up-to-date, local data to protect the red snapper population while allowing anglers in the South Atlantic more predictable and responsible fishing opportunities.” “This announcement marks a huge, long-overdue win for South Carolina’s fishermen and coastal communities,” said Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC). “I appreciate President Trump for putting commonsense back into red snapper management after years of federal mismanagement that sidelined our fishermen and hurt our coast. As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’ve been fighting for state-led management, better data, more access, and longer seasons, and now we’re finally seeing results. This is a major step forward for every coastal community in South Carolina.” “This is an exciting time for Georgia anglers and a major step forward. For years, access to red snapper has been extremely limited. This EFP gives anglers a real opportunity—two full months, to enjoy red snapper fishing. However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility, if anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data—and that comes directly from them. Reporting through an electronic app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing. While we acknowledge the anticipation, the rollout of the Georgia Red Snapper Project will come in phases. Look for a detailed website to go live May 15th. Georgia DNR encourages all offshore anglers planning to harvest Red Snapper in 2026 to stay tuned,” said Doug Haymans, Director of GADNR’s Coastal Resources Division.

Carter secures $53 million for Garden City terminal

SAVANNAH, GA — Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week secured $53 million in Port Infrastructure Development Grants for the Georgia Ports Authority’s Lay Berth and Supply Chain Optimization Project in Garden City, Georgia. Funding from the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration will support a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation and the construction of one lay berth capable of accommodating large container vessels. In addition, the project includes funding for NEPA-related planning for two additional lay berths to be developed in a future funding phase. The project will support critical port expansion and modernization efforts within Georgia’s First Congressional District, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of one of the nation’s key maritime logistics hubs. “I am proud to have helped secure $53 million for Georgia’s First, continuing President Donald Trump’s ongoing commitment to strengthening America’s domestic supply chain infrastructure and supporting economic growth through modernized port facilities. The Georgia Ports are the economic engine of the Southeast, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and adding billions of dollars to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP),” said Rep. Carter. “This investment in critical infrastructure will help Georgia continue its 12-year streak as the best state in which to do business.” “Vessel sailing schedule reliability is one of the most important performance metrics for ocean carriers. This lay berth project will enable us to significantly improve our berth utilization and productivity in the Port of Savannah,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO, Georgia Ports Authority. “We are grateful for the continued support from Congressman Carter, Senator Warnock and Senator Ossoff.”

Carter statement on ending DHS shutdown, torching Ossoff

Position: Rep. Carter supports funding the Department of Homeland Security and criticizes Senator Ossoff for delaying that funding. He opposes what he characterizes as Democratic efforts to defund immigration enforcement agencies (ICE and CBP) and supports tax cuts that he describes as benefiting working families.

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement after voting to pass the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). "I voted with President Donald Trump and his promise to deliver a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America, funding the Department of Homeland Security. For 76 days, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff held DHS funding hostage, putting American citizens’ safety at risk. Amid conflict with Iran, the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, a third assassination attempt on the President of the United States, and wildfires devastating South Georgia, it’s beyond clear that Senator Ossoff has turned his back on Georgians, the people he was elected to serve. "Democrats continue to operate from a broken playbook, first attempting to defund the police, and now defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to block the removal of criminal illegal aliens who have taken innocent lives, like Laken Riley. While Senator Ossoff played politics, I helped deliver, alongside the President, the Working Families Tax Cuts—the largest tax cuts in American history—putting more money back in your pockets—without Democratic support. Today is no different. Republicans moved forward to fully fund DHS, first in part, then with plans to address ICE and CBP through reconciliation, again without Democratic support. I will continue to fight for President Trump, Georgians, and the America First agenda."

Carter brings home wins for Georgia in House-passed Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Farm Bill, which includes hard-fought wins and recognitions for Georgia farmers. Included in this bill are Rep. Carter’s request for a study on the Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) program, inspired by his bill, the Farmers’ AID Relief Act, and the renaming of the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, after the late President of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Francis “Abit” Massey. “Georgia’s agricultural industry is the backbone of our economy and way of life. Representing the number one state in which to do business, where agribusiness is our top industry, I strongly support the Farm Bill. I proudly championed two provisions in this legislation, including a HIP-WI study to ensure the program properly protects farmers financially during disasters and the honoring of the late Abit Massey, a remarkable Georgia poultry giant, whose legacy should never be forgotten, said Rep. Carter. “American farmers feed and clothe our nation and the world, and they deserve policies that support their success.” “The HIP-WI Program failed many Georgia farmers who were unfairly denied financial relief after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. I am proud that the 2026 Farm Bill includes language from our Farmers’ AID Relief Act to conduct a much-needed study on the HIP-WI Program to ensure it reflects real-world storm paths and protects farmers affected by damage,” said Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA). “I am pleased that, today, the U.S. House voted to designate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, as the Abit Massey Poultry Research Center and to require a hurricane insurance protection-wind index report based on the Farmers’ AID Relief Act through the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” said Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). “This larger farm bill was made better because of these two bipartisan bills which honor a giant in Georgia Agriculture and help protect our ag producers when destructive storms hit. I am proud to have led both efforts with Congressman Buddy Carter.” "The Farm Bill is critical legislation for America's farmers, ranchers, rural Americans, and Georgians. In the legislation are major wins for our state, including text honoring the late Abit Massey, text honoring the late former Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and longtime Representative for Georgia, David Scott, and the creation of a study on how the USDA can improve data collection for HIP-WI calculations," said Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. The HIP-WI program is a wind-based insurance option managed by the USDA designed to protect farmers impacted by hurricanes. However, Hurricane Helene exposed the program’s vulnerability to inaccuracies, leaving farmers who experienced significant crop losses without protection. This bill would authorize a study to examine the loss of crop insurance coverage caused by a weather station outage, assess contingency plans, and report on the feasibility of obtaining data from land-grant colleges and universities or other third-party sources to support HIP-WI and Georgia farmers. The bill also includes a provision to rename the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, after the late Francis “Abit” Massey, who passed away in June 2024 at the age of 96. Mr. Massey served as President of the Georgia Poultry Federation for 48 years and was recognized statewide for his leadership and instrumental role in establishing Georgia as a leading poultry producer, which has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Carter leads bipartisan effort to support family forest landowners

Position: The release advocates for the Save America's Family Forests Act of 2026, which would accelerate tax deductions for reforestation expenses following natural disasters, allowing family forest landowners to recover costs more quickly than current law permits.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), alongside Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), this week introduced the bipartisan Save America’s Family Forests Act of 2026, a bill to help family forest landowners recover more quickly from natural disasters and keep working forests productive. Under current law, landowners may deduct only up to $10,000 in reforestation expenses upfront, with the remaining costs recovered over seven years. The Save America’s Family Forests Act of 2026 would modernize this treatment by allowing faster cost recovery following natural disasters, helping ensure timely replanting and continued forest productivity. This legislation builds on the success of expensing provisions such as bonus depreciation and Section 179 equipment expensing included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Applying these same principles to reforestation helps ensure forest landowners can reinvest quickly and keep working forests productive. This Save America’s Family Forests Act of 2026 would: “Georgia’s family forest landowners are essential to our economy and our way of life,” said Rep. Carter. “It’s the number one state for forestry, supporting rural jobs, strengthening supply chains, and keeping our environment healthy and resilient. Foresters need our support; right now, in my district, wildfires in Brantley County have burned over 20,000 acres. By building on proven expensing policies, this bill ensures they can recover quickly after disasters and continue managing healthy, productive forests.” “Alabama’s Black Belt and rural communities depend on healthy, working forests for jobs and economic opportunity. As wildfires and severe weather events become more frequent, we must help landowners recover and rebuild. I’m honored to join my colleagues in advancing this bipartisan effort to support family forest landowners,” said Rep. Sewell. “Floridians are seeing the impact of wildfires right now, with thousands of acres burning across Northeast Florida and nearby communities. Family forest landowners need the ability to recover quickly and keep their land productive,” said Rep. Bean. “I’m proud to join this effort to support Florida’s forestry families and strengthen our natural resources.” “After catastrophic wildfires and other natural disasters, forest landowners face unnecessary delays in reforesting due to outdated tax policy,” said Rep. Thompson. “The Save America’s Family Forests Act provides the certainty landowners need to reinvest quickly, restore forest cover, and keep these landscapes healthy. Proud to serve as a co-lead of this bipartisan legislation to strengthen our natural resources.” “In Florida, our family forests face constant threats from hurricanes and severe flooding that can wipe out years of timber production overnight. When disaster strikes, family forest landowners need tax relief when replanting costs hit, not years later,” said Rep. Steube. “That’s why I’m co-leading the Save America’s Family Forests Act. This bill extends proven expensing policies to family forests in the wake of natural disasters so can recover faster, supply affordable timber, and support rural economies.” "North Carolina’s family forest landowners face growing risks from storms and natural disasters, especially after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, and they need commonsense tax policy that supports recovery,” said Rep. Murphy. “The Save America’s Family Forests Act helps keep working forests productive and in family hands by accelerating reforestation investment when it matters most, while also supporting efforts to expand domestic timber production and strengthen our rural economies." "Rural communities across America need champions who understand what’s at stake. This legislation gives forest landowners the tools to act fast, protect their investment, and keep their land productive for generations to come,” said Rep. Moran. “America’s timber industry needs parity when it comes to relief and recovery from natural disasters. This bill ensures the tax code is working for them, not against.” “Georgia’s forestry sector is one of the strongest in the nation, driven by family forest landowners who are committed to keeping their land productive. After a natural disaster, the ability to quickly recover and replant is critical not only for landowners, but for the entire forest products supply chain. This legislation builds on proven expensing policies to provide the certainty needed for timely reinvestment,” said Tim Lowrimore, President, CEO, Georgia Forestry Association. “We thank Congressman Buddy Carter and Senator Raphael Warnock for their leadership in advancing solutions that keep Georgia’s working forests healthy and productive.” “Georgia’s agricultural community, including timber producers, has faced major losses from Hurricanes Michael and Helene. These disasters highlight the vulnerability of our working lands and the need for policies that enable faster recovery. The Save America’s Family Forests Act offers a practical solution, by allowing full and immediate expensing of reforestation costs," said Tom McCall, President, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. "This bill enables farmers, timber producers, and forest landowners to reinvest without delay, strengthen rural economies, and keep working forests productive for future generations.” “Family forest landowners play a vital role in keeping America’s working forests healthy, resilient, and productive, but recovering from natural disasters can create significant financial challenges. The Save America’s Family Forests Act provides a commonsense solution by allowing landowners to reinvest more quickly in reforestation when it matters most," said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association. "By building on proven expensing policies, this legislation will help ensure our forests remain a strong foundation for rural economies, domestic timber production, and long-term environmental stewardship.” “America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners care deeply for the land they’ve been entrusted with. When natural disasters strike, recovery is not just about rebuilding, it’s about continued improvement to ensure sustainability. We appreciate members of Congress who have worked in a bipartisan manner to create the Save America’s Family Forests Act," said Dr. John Newton, VP of Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation. "It builds on proven policies to give forest landowners the flexibility they need to replant and recover without unnecessary delay.” “Private working forests play a vital role providing wildlife habitat and access for sportsmen and women, but as recent natural disasters have shown, recovery costs can impede forest restoration," said John Culclasure, Director of Forest Policy, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "We thank the bill sponsors for introducing the Save America’s Family Forests Act to modernize federal tax policy to help landowners keep forests working sustainably for wildlife, rural communities, and opportunities for hunters and anglers.”

Carter-led bill passes House to improve health care access in rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week celebrated House passage of the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bill that extends 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 for rural Americans, leading to a 43 percent higher mortality rate compared to those living in cities and suburbs. By reauthorizing Rural Health Services Outreach programs, this bill will increase access to health care services and preventive screenings, improve chronic disease management and health outcomes, expand telehealth services, and reduce emergency department visits for the nearly 500,000 individuals who receive direct services from these programs annually. “Health care outcomes should not depend on a patient’s zip code. However, this is the reality for millions of Americans living in rural communities, said Rep. Carter. “Rural Health Care Services Outreach Programs address this issue, expanding vitally important health services to reach people in all communities. I thank my colleagues for their support in reauthorizing these critical programs to address the chronic health care needs of rural communities through flexible, community-driven solutions.”

WATCH: Carter delivers remarks as House passes Mystic Alerts Act

Position: Rep. Carter supports the Mystic Alerts Act, a bipartisan bill that modernizes emergency alert systems by directing the FCC to establish standards for satellite-based alert delivery to improve public safety communications, particularly in rural areas.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today spoke in support of the Mystic Alerts Act, a bipartisan bill to modernize America's emergency alert systems and strengthen public safety communications, especially for rural communities. This bill will strengthen the emergency alerting framework by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish standards and requirements that allow alerts to be delivered via satellite connectivity, ensuring redundancy when traditional networks are down. Watch Rep. Carter’s floor remarks here. Rep. Carter speaks on the Mystic Alerts Act “Public safety is one of Congress’s most serious responsibilities, and this bill addresses a clear and urgent gap in our emergency communications system. Like Congressman Pfluger, my family was directly impacted by the Camp Mystic flooding in Texas. As we all know, I had two granddaughters who were there. They lost one of their cousins, Janie Hunt. That tragedy showed in the clearest possible terms how fast conditions can deteriorate and how devastating the consequences can be when warnings do not reach people in time. This legislation will help modernize our emergency alerting framework, strengthen resilience, and improve our ability to save lives during floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters. It also honors the victims of the Camp Mystic flood by ensuring that we will not simply mourn tragedy but learn from it and act. I commend Congressman Pfluger for his leadership and for bringing forward a practical, bipartisan solution.”

Carter leads resolution thanking ICE for their service and helping TSA airport lines

Position: The resolution recognizes ICE agents for their service in immigration enforcement and their assistance to TSA during a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, expressing support for immigration enforcement and border security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), alongside Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX) today introduced a resolution recognizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for their service in safeguarding communities nationwide and for going above and beyond their duties by assisting overworked Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at airports. Amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, thousands of TSA agents worked unpaid, and hundreds quit, causing airport chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. Airline passengers faced lines lasting more than 4 hours at major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Because Democrats refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump directed ICE agents to step in to enhance airport security, screen passengers, and even hand out water to those in hours-long lines, dramatically reducing wait times. “Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stand against America’s illegal immigration epidemic, protecting the safety and security of communities across our nation. Since Democrats decided to play politics with the safety of American citizens by shutting down the Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents have gone above the call of duty, aiding overworked TSA agents who were missing paychecks,” said Rep. Carter. “I’ll forever stand with brave law enforcement officers in their mission to make America safer and for stepping in to ensure airline travelers reach business meetings, vacations, and important family events on time.” "First, Socialist Democrats wanted to defund and abolish police. Now, they want to do it to ICE. It’s disgusting and anti-American. I’ll always back our law enforcement—police officers and immigration enforcement. Proud to join Rep. Carter in backing ICE,” said Rep. Barr. “The men and women of ICE stand on the frontlines every single day, enforcing the law, dismantling criminal networks, and protecting the safety and sovereignty of the United States. Their mission is clear: defend our homeland and uphold the rule of law that keeps our communities secure,” said Rep. Hunt. “I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in support of this resolution, sending an unmistakable message: we will not waver from the principles that put President Trump in the White House; secure borders, safe communities, and the restoration of law and order.”

Carter celebrates record-high tax returns on Tax Day for hard-working American families

Position: Rep. Carter supports the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, citing provisions such as doubling the Child Tax Credit, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and raising the death tax exemption as beneficial to working families and small businesses.

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released a statement celebrating the Working Families Tax Cuts, President Trump's landmark legislation that provided the largest tax cut in American history. Every Democrat in Congress voted against it, and had they won, American families, workers, and small business owners would be facing a massive tax increase today instead of relief. On Tax Day, American workers are receiving record-high tax returns because of pro-worker, pro-business tax provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. The provisions include the following: “Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, House Republicans delivered win after win for working families. Provisions such as doubling the Child Tax Credit, No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and raising the death tax exemption amount are lowering the burden on families and supporting small businesses and hardworking farmers in Georgia,” said Rep. Carter. "Republicans are governing with common-sense policies that are helping folks keep more of what they earn.”