Savannah Standard

U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) has outlined what he views as significant victories accomplished in the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These include a pay increase for U.S. troops and safeguarding measures for beneficiaries of TRICARE, the health care program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System. Additionally, Carter highlighted federal recognition granted to a local museum in Pooler.

According to a press release from Carter's office, the Congressman said: "Our service members and their families give all in support of our freedom and national defense. It is not only our responsibility but our moral imperative to ensure that they have the resources they need to live full, healthy lives, unburdened by low wages, skyrocketing housing costs, and inaccessible health care. The First District has a large, important military community. It is so vital that we have the official museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force here, which will educate the community on our history of service and give national attention to our states’ heroes."

The same press release noted that the NDAA specifically includes a 5.2% basic pay raise—the largest in two decades—an expanded Basic Needs Allowance for low-income families, decreased Department of Defense childcare fees, and an allocated $356 million for barracks renovations and construction. Furthermore, it incorporates measures aimed at protecting TRICARE beneficiaries' access to local pharmacists.

CNN reported that the bill also contains provisions for a special inspector general to oversee U.S. aid to Ukraine and establishes a publicly accessible National Archives collection for government records on unidentified phenomena or UFOs.

Carter's website reveals that he has served as the U.S. representative for Georgia's 1st congressional district since 2015. His district is based in Savannah and covers a substantial part of the state's southern coastal region.