December 30, 2016

Dear Friend,

It is my honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress and to wish you a very happy New Year.

a year in review

2016 has been a challenging year and we are looking forward to the opportunities of 2017.

Committee Action

In February, during the House Committee on Agriculture hearing, questioned and let the Environmental Protection Agency know what Mississippians think about EPA regulatory overreach.

In September, the Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access heard about the frustration that overregulation causes businesses across Mississippi and the nation. Kopis Mobile co-founder Hugh Middleton told the committee how these regulations impacted their Mississippi-based company.

Legislative Work

In December, The National Defense Authorization Act passed and was signed into law by the president. This legislation gives our troops a 2.1% pay raise as required by law.

The president has also signed into law a bill that the entire Mississippi delegation cosponsored which names an Oxford post office in honor of a fallen Mississippi soldier. Army First Lieutenant Donald Carwile gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and deserves this recognition.

2016 Highlights from the District

In June, we traveled to Fort Hood to visit with our Mississippi soldiers who were conducting training exercises.

In August, we had the opportunity to honor WWII Veteran Orva "O.R." Dulaney, Medic. When he returned from the war, his medals were stolen. State Representative Randy Boyd (R-Mantachie) worked with our office to replace his well-earned medals.

In October, we hosted the annual Academy Day. This was an opportunity for our young people to learn more about how to attend one of our nation's prestigious military academies.

In November, we celebrated the dedication of the lobby at the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans at Nusz Hall. He was a great man who lived to serve Mississippians.

new year's resolutions

• Strengthen our military. Support our veterans and military families

• Update our country's healthcare system

• Eliminate job killing regulations

• Improve the economic climate in Mississippi by helping to bring in more higher paying jobs for our people.

a year in pictures

Steel Dynamics in Columbus

Congressional Art Competition winner John Farley

NauticStar Boats in Amory

The Edmondson family farming operation in Vardaman

Veteran Hugh Long visits Washington

Lewis Whitfield at The Alliance Banquet in Corinth

DeSoto County Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

Interview with SuperTalk JT show in Tupelo

G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery lobby dedication in Starkville

MS Farm Bureau awards dinner in New Albany

Exercising with United Parcel Service employees in Tupelo

Tour of LC Industries in Tupelo

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

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 and Twitter.

Thanks for reading,

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