By: U.S. Rep. John Carter

During my two decades as a district court judge in Williamson County, thousands of cases from civil issues to truly horrific murders came through my courtroom. I’ve put killers, kidnappers, rapists and abusers behind bars, and I believe the world is a better place for it.

Recently, presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said something that I couldn’t believe, and as a former judge, I certainly disagree with.

During a CNN town hall, a Harvard student asked Sanders if he thought felons should be allowed to vote while they’re incarcerated. When the student pressed whether it was appropriate to empower sexual offenders — or those convicted of truly heinous crimes, like the Boston Marathon Bomber — with the right to choose their elected officials, Sanders responded that “yes, even terrible people” should have the right to vote in prison.

One of the most shocking cases I ever had in my courtroom was Genene Jones. She is a murderer believed to be responsible for several infant deaths. Jones was convicted for the death of a 15-month-old girl, Chelsea McClellan. She injected the infant with a fatal dose of succinylcholine chloride, a drug typically used to help with tracheal intubation that causes temporary paralysis. The little girl stopped breathing and was unable to be revived by medical professionals.

Genene Jones is just one example of the evil that came through my courtroom during my time on the bench. Her crimes are monstrous, as are the Boston Marathon Bombers that were referred to in the question posed to Sanders. The Tsarnaev brothers killed three and injured hundreds. Somehow, Sanders still believes that people like Jones and Tsarnaev, truly evil people, deserve the right to vote.

When these individuals committed their crimes, it was a voluntary action. They, along with every other criminal, understood that they could be punished by the criminal justice system, and that punishment can range on severity. It could be probation, prison time or even the death penalty in some states.

Nobody forces a criminal to commit a crime. It was a decision, and that decision has consequences in a just system. Not being able to participate in our democracy should be one of those consequences.

If you murder your fellow man, abuse a child, commit a terrorist act or commit any other crime that has landed you in prison, you should not have the ability to vote while serving your time.

Currently, there are two states, Vermont and Maine, that allow convicted felons to vote while incarcerated. That means murderers, sexual abusers and violent criminals can vote for the people who write the laws.

Besides that fact, Maine and Vermont’s decision to allow offenders to maintain their voting rights while incarcerated goes against the entire point of prison. It is supposed to be a consequence resulting in a loss of freedom and liberty, and that should include the loss of voting abilities.

Our democracy truly is one of the great inventions of all time. It puts decision making into the hands of the people by allowing them a direct say in who represents their interests at the local, state and federal level. Granting felons the ability to participate in our democracy and make decisions on behalf of our communities and our country is a mistake. It’s giving influence to a group of individuals that aren’t actively in the community and do not experience the consequences of their vote.

Democracy is the greatest human experiment, and terrorists like the Boston Marathon bomber should not be able to participate in it.

(Washington, DC) – Representatives John Carter (R-TX) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) yesterday introduced the Children of Fallen Warriors AMT Relief Act, legislation that would change tax law to count Survivor Benefit Plan annuity paid to a minor beneficiary as earned income, so the payments are not subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax.

“In the aftermath of a tragedy, the families of America’s fallen heroes should not be burdened with unjustly high taxes due to their loss,” Rep. Carter said. “The current tax system has unintendedly taxed some survivor’s benefits under the Alternative Minimum Tax rate. The AMT was meant for the ultra-wealthy, not for grieving military families. The men and women in uniform and their families sacrifice greatly for our nation, and we need to ensure that our laws are not placing an undue financial burden on a tragic situation.”

“Survivor benefits are not unearned income. These children have endured sacrifice and loss,” said Larsen. “This bipartisan legislation will fix an injustice in the tax code so military families are not unfairly penalized.”

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was designed so that wealthy families can’t avoid paying taxes, but it’s had unintended consequences when it comes to families of fallen service members receiving annuities from the Uniformed Services Survivors Benefit Plan (SBP). In some cases, taxable SBP incomes can subject grieving families to the higher tax rates under AMT. Congressman Carter’s legislation would ensure that families of America’s fallen military would no longer have their survivor benefits taxed at AMT rates designed for the ultra-wealthy.

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Starts Re-election Bid With Close to $500,000 Cash-on-Hand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, April 12, 2019

CONTACT: Sean McCort, smccort@prevail-strategies.com

ROUND ROCK, TX – The John Carter for Congress campaign announced today a strong fundraising quarter, raising more than $365,000 to put him in strong position for re-election. This amount was raised during the first complete fundraising quarter since winning one of the most hotly contested congressional races of the 2018 election cycle. In addition to raising such an impressive amount, Judge Carter’s campaign has more than $475,000 Cash-on-Hand, which is almost a third of what he spent on his 2018 re-election campaign and puts him on pace for a record breaking fundraising total for the 2020 campaign.

“I think this is a sign that Texans like my brand of conservatism and what we’ve been doing to improve the quality of life for our veterans and servicemembers at Ft. Hood and across the globe,” said Judge Carter, a former Williamson County Judge who has represented Central Texas in Congress since 2002. “But we have a lot more work to do. That’s why I have been hard at work, making sure that we have the resources to win again next year. I am as committed as ever to bring more of Texas to Washington and less of Washington back to Texas through 2020 and beyond.”

Judge Carter won re-election to the United States House of Representatives last year by three points despite being outspent more than 6 to 1. Carter’s pace of fundraising, and impressive cash on hand for such an early stage, position him as a formidable foe for any challenger.

(Washington, DC) – Congressman John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act.

“The “For the People Act” is anything but. Instead, it greatly expands the role of the federal government and skews the election system for Democrat political gain. The Democrats have messaged this legislation under the guise of reforming a broken system, but instead of working with both sides of the aisle to solve real issues, they’ve snuck in provisions to make it easier for Democrats to hold a majority. This legislation gives selected voters your taxpayer dollars to subsidize political candidates, makes the Federal Election Commission a partisan body, and fails to adequately protect elections against voter fraud. This legislation is not truly aimed at improving the security of elections or protecting Americans’ free speech, instead it is a partisan attempt to rig the system on behalf of Democrats.”

Key provisions in H.R. 1:

–          Changes the Federal Election Commission from a bipartisan 3-3 body, with 4 votes required to investigate or prosecute, to a partisan 3-2 body with only 3 votes necessary to investigate or prosecute. The new FEC will be chaired by an appointee by the President, which greatly increases the chances that decisions will be skewed towards the party in power.

–          Fails to criminalize fraudulent voter registrations with no adequate enforcement mechanisms to guard against fraud.

–          Creates a new voucher program that will allow voters from certain states to receive $25 in taxpayer money to donate to the political candidate of their choosing, funneling your hard-earned money into candidates’ pockets that you may not support.

“We have to solve the crisis on our southern border, but not at the expense of those who’ve bravely served.”   

(Washington, DC) – Top Republican Leader on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations Congressman John Carter (TX-31) delivered the following remarks at today’s hearing regarding President Trump’s national emergency declaration.

“I share the President’s commitment to securing the border.  I’ve authored past DHS funding bills and proudly voted for the fiscal year 2019 homeland security bill which, among many other important things, provided funding for new barriers and personnel.

I support my Ranking Member, Ms. Granger, and agree that additional funding is needed to address the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border.

Yet while I stand with the President on this important national security issue, I will not do so at the expense of the soldiers and families of Ft. Hood.

I look forward to learning more about the procedures and processes that the Administration will use in determining exactly how a border wall will be funded under a national emergency declaration.  We have to solve the crisis on our southern border, but not at the expense of those who’ve bravely served.”

(Washington, DC) – Today Congressman John Carter (TX-31) questioned Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey on the progress of Fort Hood’s credentialing assistance pilot program during a Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee hearing on military quality of life. Rep. Carter has released the following statement regarding the exchange.

“Last year, I joined SMA Dailey and Under Secretary of the Army McCarthy in announcing a credentialing assistance pilot program at Fort Hood,” Congressman Carter said. This program allows Soldiers to obtain professional and technical certifications while they’re in the service, setting these men and women up to gain well-paying jobs in the civilian world after their service is complete. I’m pleased to hear SMA Dailey say that the limited user test is successful, and the program will be expanded Army-wide at the end of FY19 to FY20. What is starting right here at Ft. Hood, will greatly improve Soldier’s quality of life and employment prospects once their service is complete.”

Thank you for your support and your vote on Tuesday night! Our Election Night victory is a team victory. With your help we rallied Team Carter votes from every corner of this district to win.

I am looking ahead from last night’s victory. I will continue to be the congressman of the whole district. Everyone is my constituent. Republicans, Democrats, voters and non-voters. Thank you for the honor to continue to be your voice in Washington. If there is ever anything I can do for you in Congress, please contact me.

I will continue to travel all corners of our district to greet, to listen, to learn and to serve.

I hope we see each other again soon in the Heart of Texas.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Judge John Carter

For the last 50 years, I’ve watched my husband, John, be a leader; a leader in our marriage, the leader of our family, which includes four amazing children and six precious grandbabies, a leader in our community as the Williamson County District Judge, and now a leader as the representative for Texas’ 31st Congressional District. I’ve watched him travel over 1,300 miles away to Washington, DC almost every week to vote and fight for legislation on behalf of our community, and then immediately return home to visit grieving Gold Star families, meet with constituents in need of his help, or celebrate the successes of our students at their graduation or award ceremonies. John serves because he cares.

John truly embodies Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” through his work. John has a servant’s heart and it’s his lifelong commitment to serving others that makes him a true representative for the people of our great community.

He’s reached across the aisle to champion legislation like the Veterans TransplantCoverage Act to get veterans the life-saving transplant coverage they  need at the VA, or the MINOR Act that protects children from sexual assaults on military bases. He’s also stood firm in his promise to defend our conservative values in Washington, like his commitment to protecting the unborn or fighting for tax cuts that will help Central Texas families keep more of their hard-earned money. I’m so proud of John and all the work he has accomplished on behalf of his constituents, our neighbors. From being a loving father and grandfather, to running his small law practice, to serving as a district judge and keeping our community safe, to his bipartisan work on the issues that matter most to Texans. John always puts our community first, and it’s because he wants you and your family to be secure, prosperous and enjoy living in Texas’ 31st Congressional District.

On November 6th, I urge you to choose the candidate with a lifelong record of serving others. The candidate rooted in integrity and experience. Please join me in voting for my husband, John Carter, for U.S. Representative in Texas’ 31st Congressional District.

Sincerely,
Erika Carter

The choice is clear. A vote to add more turmoil and acrimony to Washington without getting much done, or a vote to forge working relationships with others to accomplish the work needed back home. Congressman Carter has an established record in the latter, and this district deserves that experience.

I’m supporting Congressman John Carter for reelection, and I’m asking you to do the same.

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Lt. General (ret.) Funk highlight’s Carter’s work for our troops

Round Rock – Today, Lieutenant General (ret) Butch Funk, former commander of Ft. Hood and the 3rd Corps, endorsed Congressman John Carter in a radio ad.  In the ad, Funk talks about Congressman Carter’s work to raise the pay of our troops, build a new hospital and increase military readiness.

“I’m thankful to have General Funk’s support and friendship,” said Congressman Carter.  “He knows better than anyone what our troops need, and what we should be doing to strengthen our military.  His council has been invaluable to me, both during his service and in retirement to ensure I can do everything possible to aid our troops, especially the men and women stationed at Ft. Hood.”

Transcript of the ad:

Hi folks, I’m Lieutenant General retired Butch Funk. I’ve had the privilege to serve our country culminating in command of third Corp and Fort Hood twenty – two years ago. We felt so comfortable in this community that we retired here. And have tried to continue to service our community and all the families in this area.

You can’t serve the community without partnering with John Carter, our Congressman. He has fought for and won pay increases two years in a row. Fought for our new Darnell Hospital, Texas A and M – Central Texas, and a massive barracks and motor pool upgrade so necessary to readiness to the force at Fort Hood. Congressman John Carter fights for military men and women and for every person in our communities. I’m honored to call Congressman Carter a friend.