February 5, 2018

Dear Friend,

Last week, President Trump highlighted what we have accomplished on behalf of the American people and his vision for the future during the State of the Union address. Tax reform is placing American companies on a level playing field with their global competitors. That has led to job creation and more take-home pay for our hardworking citizens. Just last week, a Mississippi school teacher shared with me that she had seen an increase of $100 in her most recent paycheck. Companies are sharing their savings through employee bonuses and millions and in some cases billions of dollars in new investment.

President Trump shares my belief and those of my colleagues that defense readiness has to be a top priority.  It is going to require adequate funding with a long-term plan to protect America from rising threats around the world.

Additionally, President Trump said there have been victories as well as defeats which he hopes to end with compromise.  I agree with President Trump that we must work to secure our borders and seek a solution to improve America's immigration system. It is also time to focus on our nation's critical infrastructure needs.

We will continue our work to achieve the goals which will move the nation in the right direction. President Trump said it best, "As long as we are proud of who we are and what we are fighting for, there is nothing we cannot achieve. As long as we have confidence in our values, faith in our citizens, and trust in God, we will never fail."

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2018

It is critical that America's military men and women have the equipment they need to protect our nation. The House is once again moving forward with legislation that begins the process of rebuilding the military. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 695, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2018. The bill is virtually the same as the Fiscal Year 2018 Defense Appropriations bill that passed the House in July 2017, (H.R. 3219), and the bill that passed again in September 2017, (H.R. 3354), as part of a larger funding package.

Nunes Memo

I read the memo soon after it was released for Congressional review. I support transparency of all branches of the U.S. government as long as it does not compromise sources and methods used. I fully support the release of the memo. Government surveillance capabilities must only be used in a manner that fully protect American civil liberties and any abuse will not be tolerated. I also support House Speaker Ryan's comments, "For similar release of the minority's memo once it is properly scrubbed of all intelligence sources and methods."

taylor defense products

Taylor Machine Works, located in Louisville, is a vital contributor to the central Mississippi economy, employing more than 1,000 people. For 90 years, the family operation has manufactured and sold American-made products in the United States and across the world. Now, the company is branching out with a new division which focuses on national defense.

Taylor Defense Products wants to help improve our nation's defense readiness capabilities at a time when it critical to America's safety. Phil Sprio, TPD general manager, said their goal is to upgrade existing heavy-lifting equipment now in use by military men and women and to supply rough terrain container handlers which are a critical need for the movement of troops.

Louisville Mayor Will Hill, Taylor Defense
Products General Manager Phil Sprio,
Director of Manufacturing, Engineering, and
Quality Joe Cowart and Production
Supervisor Delver Allen

Taylor is an American success story and a source of pride for Mississippi. For generations, the Taylor family has demonstrated a commitment to their community through jobs and investment. Taylor will be a valuable addition to the defense manufacturers in our state who work day in and day out to keep us safe.

defense manufacturing in mississippi

Essential products which support the common defense of our nation are manufactured right here in Mississippi. Last week, I had the opportunity to tour defense manufacturing facilities.

U.S. Marine, Inc. Chief Executive Officer
Barry Dreyfuss

Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President over
Operations
George Jones

Chevron Public and Government
Affairs Manager for Mississippi Allen Sudduth

I also had the opportunity to visit Chevron's Mississippi refinery. We met with leaders of the refinery's Veterans Employee Network, the Refinery Leadership Team, and toured the facility. Chevron plays an important role in local, state, and regional economic development. The facility also helps to meet regional and global energy demands.

flags of valor

It was an honor to meet Brian Steorts, founder of Flags of Valor. Brian, a military veteran, started his company after recovering from a service-related injury. From the beginning, Brian had a two-fold mission which was to give combat veterans an opportunity to thrive and to show that American-made products are second to none.

Flags of Valor CEO Brian Steorts and United
Postal Service Global Public Affairs
President Laura Lane

The company's military veteran employees make one-of-a-kind handcrafted works of art. Brian is proud to say his company is veteran-owned, veteran-operated, and veteran-made. Mike Taylor, Flags of Valor vice president, said UPS has helped the company respond to the overwhelming growth they have experienced. Last week, Brian was invited by the United Parcel Service to recognize members of Congress who are currently serving in the military. As a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard for 32 years, it was a privilege to receive this honor.

honoring fallen soldiers

Our nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. It is an honor to submit the details of their service into the Congressional Record.

LCpl Edward Joe Dycus

a week In pictures

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

Hernando Director of Community and Economic
Development Gia Matheny

Lieutenant General L. Scott Rice,
Command Chief Master Sergeant Ronald
Anderson, Captain Keith Marshall, and
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blast

DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority
representatives: Carl Ray Furr, Tracy Huffman,
Donnie Chambliss, Bill Austin, and B.J. Page

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress

Washington D.C. 1721 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4306	Hernando 2565 Caffey St., #200 P.O. Box 218 Hernando, MS 38632 Phone: (662) 449-3090	Columbus 318 North 7th St., Ste. D Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: (662) 327-0748
Tupelo 431 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38804 Phone: (662) 841-8808	Eupora 855 South Dunn St. Eupora, MS 39744 Phone: (662) 258-7240	Farmington 4135 County Road 200 Corinth, MS 38834 Phone: (662) 687-1525

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