Representative Trent Kelly

January 31, 2025

Dear Friend,

President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are moving forward at rapid speed to usher in the golden age of America. Since Inauguration Day, the President has issued dozens of Executive Orders and other actions which include declaring a national emergency at the southern border, unleashing American energy, and delivering emergency price relief to American families.

This week, the Laken Riley Act was signed into law by President Trump. This important legislation bolsters our ability to remove violent illegal aliens from our streets and neighborhoods. With the trifecta of Republicans in control in the House, Senate, and the White House, this law is the first of many reforms to improve the safety and quality of life for all Americans.

mississippi national guard

I am proud to recognize the 200+ Mississippi National Guard service members who provided exceptional protection and security during the inauguration for President Trump. Their commitment played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth transition of power. The dedication of these brave men and women is truly commendable.

Thank you for your great service to the United States of America.

veteran donnie graham

Christine Graham, Donnie Graham, Christie Shumpert

We are proud to honor Vietnam War veteran Donnie Graham. Donnie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 at the age of 19. After completing basic training, he trained in artillery and was deployed to Vietnam, all within the same year. In Vietnam, Donnie served as a Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) before returning home in 1971.

Donnie has a remarkable talent for technology and computer coding. "He was always building something," said his daughter, Christie. After his military career, Donnie taught electronics courses at Itawamba Community College and worked as a repair technician. He spent 40 years with Mueller Copper Tube Company in Fulton as a computer technician and electrical engineer before retiring. Donnie has been married to his wife, Christine, for 26 years. "He has good days and bad, but don't we all," Christie said. "We count our blessings every day to have one another."

We are grateful for Donnie's courage and dedication to our country.

spring intern

We're excited to welcome our spring intern, Cole Tacker. An Olive Branch native, Cole is currently a senior at the University of Mississippi, studying Business Administration. "My passion for politics began at a young age," Cole said. "I was interested in working for a congressman to make a difference through political action."

To learn more about our internship opportunities, please visit Trentkelly.house.gov

congressional art competition

Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute sponsor a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the country. The 2025 Congressional Art Competition is now open to all high school students in the First District. Artwork must be submitted by April 4. The reception will be held at Blue Mountain College on April 10 at 4:30 p.m.

For more details, contact Melinda Whited at melinda.whited@mail.house.gov or (662) 687-1525, or visit Trentkelly.house.gov

pictures

President of Ingalls Shipbuilding Brian Blanchette

Brigadier General Jennie Johnson, Director of Air Force Reserve Personnel

National Association of Wheat Growers President Keeff Felty

Ports America Leadership

kelly in the news

Seatrade Maritime News | 01.23.25 | Washington aims to challenge China's shipbuilding hegemony

Amid the hue and cry in the Washington for tariffs to be levied against China due to its trade imbalance President Trump is also targeting claimed influence in the Panama Canal and its dominance in shipbuilding and the wider maritime sector.

Katherine Tai the Ambassador at the US Trade Representative said: "Beijing's targeted dominance of these sectors undermines fair, market-oriented competition, increases economic security risks, and is the greatest barrier to revitalization of US industries, as well as the communities that rely on them.

The National Interest | 01.20.25 | From CHIPS to Ships: The Next Step in the U.S.-ROK Alliance

Proposing a work-around, Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral "Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2024" (SHIPS Act) in December. The draft of the bill opens opportunities for South Korean firms. Vessels constructed in foreign shipyards can be incorporated into the U.S. strategic merchant fleet as "internal vessels" through 2029. Deregulation would free U.S. and South Korean firms to develop economies of scale and deliver ship orders on time.

The Hill | 01.14.25 | How America can rebuild its fleet to counter China's maritime dominance

China last month mounted its largest show of force around Taiwan in almost 30 years, with more than 90 naval or paramilitary vessels and dozens of aircraft operating in the air and waters around Taiwan's ports and Japan's southernmost islands. America has a shrinking set of options to respond if a demonstration like this turns into an actual blockade of Taiwan or a more aggressive form of conflict.

The Ships for America Act - introduced by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) - would triple the number of American cargo ships trading internationally and phase in construction of those ships at American shipyards.

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Thanks for reading,

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