Earl Leroy “Buddy” Carter is a Republican U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, a position he has held since January 2015.
Buddy carter represents a coastal district that includes Savannah and has established a reputation for his focus on fiscal conservatism, health care reform, and coastal environmental issues. Below is an overview of his career path and his positions on key legislative matters.
Buddy Carter’s Career Path to Congress:
- Early Life and Education: Born on September 6, 1957, in Port Wentworth, Georgia, Carter grew up in the Savannah area. He earned an associate degree from Young Harris College and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia.
- Professional Background: Carter worked as a pharmacist, owning several pharmacies in Savannah, which shaped his policy views in Congress.
- Political Career: Carter entered politics in 1994 as a member of the Pooler City Council and became mayor in 1996, serving until 2004. In 2005, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and served in the Georgia Senate from 2009 to 2014. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, succeeding Jack Kingston.
Buddy Carter’s Sponsored Legislation:
- Carter has been an advocate for policies tied to healthcare reform, opioid addiction treatment, and coastal environmental protections.
- Carter, the only pharmacist in Congress, advocates for legislation that lowers prescription drug costs and improves transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. He introduced the “Pharmacy DIR Reform to Reduce Senior Drug Costs Act” to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Environment: Carter has introduced legislation to protect coastal regions, including measures addressing water quality and flood resilience.
- Economic Issues: Carter has supported bills aimed at incentivizing small business growth and cutting federal regulations perceived as burdensome.
Buddy Carter’s Votes and Stances on Social Issues:
- Abortion: Carter is staunchly pro-life and has supported legislation such as the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” which seeks to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Carter has consistently opposed measures to expand LGBTQ+ protections that potentially compete with guaranteed religious freedoms.
- Gun Rights: Carter is strong advocate for the Second Amendment, Carter has supported loosening restrictions on firearms and opposed measures for expanded background checks.
Buddy Carter’s Votes and Stances on Economic Issues:
- Tax Reform: Carter voted in favor of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered corporate and individual tax rates. He supports a simplified tax code and believes tax reductions stimulate economic growth.
- Infrastructure: While advocating for infrastructure improvements, Carter has expressed concerns about the cost of large spending packages. He supported measures that prioritize private sector investment and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
- Healthcare Costs: Carter supports repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), favoring market-driven alternatives to reduce insurance costs and increase competition.
Buddy Carter’s Votes and Stances on National Defense, NDAA, and DARPA:
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Carter consistently supports robust defense funding and has voted in favor of NDAA bills. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining military readiness and modernizing the U.S. armed forces.
- Support for Veterans: Carter has backed legislation to improve veterans’ healthcare and expand benefits, including the VA MISSION Act.
- DARPA and Innovation: As a supporter of innovation, Carter has endorsed funding for programs under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to ensure the U.S. maintains technological superiority in areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
- Border Security: Carter has voted for increased funding for border security, including the construction of physical barriers and technological enhancements.
Buddy Carter’s career reflects his commitment to conservative principles, with a focus on healthcare reform, fiscal responsibility, and strong national defense. His legislative efforts align closely with the priorities of Georgia’s coastal communities, combining economic development with environmental stewardship.
