November 1, 2019
Dear Friend,
The U.S. House of Representatives, led by the Democratic majority, is at a virtual standstill with nothing to show in the way of progress. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have been waging a frivolous war against President Trump behind closed doors. This pointless pursuit is an injustice to the American people, citizens frustrated by empty accusations and secret hearings.
On Thursday, the House passed H. Res. 660 to formalize their impeachment inquiry, directing House Committees to continue their ongoing investigation into whether or not sufficient grounds exist to impeach President Trump. This resolution reaffirms the process that has been tainted and biased from the beginning, while failing to provide Republicans and the Administration with the same due process rights. Earlier this week, I discussed this illegitimate impeachment inquiry on SuperTalk Mississippi. To listen to the interview, please click on the link.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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The Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act
Over the past year, I have been humbled by the strength and conviction of the Gold Star families I have worked with to get The Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act passed in Congress. I believe there is no greater responsibility as a Member of Congress than ensuring that our Servicemembers and their families are appropriately cared for.
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| SFC Sean Cooley & SPC Christopher Horton |
With the passage of H. Res 107, the voices of our Gold Star families can now take their rightful place in all 435 congressional districts throughout our nation and with them the legacy of those fallen will continue to live on. Although they may not wear the uniform, our Gold Star families pay a huge price for our freedom and deserve a greater voice in our representative government.
Prior to the vote, it was a great honor to join my colleagues on the House floor in support of this legislation. To watch the proceedings, please click on the link.
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| honoring our gold star families |
On September 9, 2011, Jane Horton's husband, Oklahoma Army National Guard Specialist (SPC) Christopher Horton was killed by enemy gunfire during his deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After just 2-1/2 years of marriage, Jane's life as she knew it was over. Her unimaginable loss would lead her to advocate on behalf of Gold Star families, Servicemembers and Veterans for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Personnel, and Readiness.
This week, Jane joined other Gold Star family members to witness the vote take place in the U.S. House of Representatives. It was humbling to pay tribute to all Gold Star families who are near and dear to my heart.
We will feature more Gold Star families in upcoming editions of my e-newsletter. If you would like to nominate a family to be featured, please contact a member of our team.
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| featuring our first district farmers |
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| Tony Dantzler |
38 years ago, Tony Dantzler and his brother, Lemarcus Phillips, began working for Lowndes County farmer Charlie Pilkinton. Eventually the three men would form a partnership, producing corn, soybeans, and wheat on some 3,100 acres of land in Artesia and in the Mayhew community. Tony said that Charlie welcomed him and is brother into the family, raising them as his sons. "Farming gives us a sense of pride," Tony said. "Growing crops is like raising children. You nurture them and watch them grow to maturity - a lesson Charlie, or "Chief" as we call him, taught us daily."
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Charlie Pilkinton with Tony Dantzler (above)
and with Tarama (below) |
Tony and his wife, Tarama, have three sons who are well-acquainted with life on the farm. Josh, Maurice, and Thomas have performed chores after school and on the weekends as long as they can remember. Josh, their oldest son, works full-time on the farm. Maurice is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business at Mississippi State University. Thomas is a ninth grade student who is patiently waiting for the day when he can permanently work with his brothers.
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| celebrating our first district athletes |
Tori Weir, a Columbus native, is a member of the Mississippi University for Women's volleyball team. As a player, Tori said she has grown both mentally and physically, disciplining herself to be prepared for every play. Prior to her college career, Tori has participated in athletics most of her life. She began playing basketball when she was five. Over the years, Tori has also enjoyed playing softball and running track. "I love the team aspect," Tori said. "My coaches are very patient and willing to help me be the best player and person that I can be."
In addition to athletics, Tori has another passion - creative writing. She enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and songs. Upon completion of a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Tori plans to earn a master's degree in English. It is her goal to teach creative writing classes at MUW.
I am proud to see this goal-oriented young person excel on and off the volleyball court. I am sure her mom, Jacklyn Weir, is equally proud of all that she has accomplished. If you would like to nominate an outstanding college athlete from the First District, please give our team a call.
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| pictures from the hill |
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| National Guard Bureau Airmen |
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Mississippi Trucking Association's Patrick Lampton, Hal Miller,
Steve Morgan, Craig Savell, and Trey Waterloo |
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| Entergy Mississippi Vice President of Public Affairs John Arledge |
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| Dr. Luke Mooney and Dr. Hugh Herr |
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U.S. Special Operations Command COL Gil Ferguson, MAJ Luke
Self, Anthony Heisler, and Derek Whiting |
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| USDA roundtable discussion |
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| Surgeon General of the U.S. Army LTG Raymond Dingle |
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Seemann Composites President Sid Charbonnet, Chief Financial
Officer Will Seemann, and Government Relations
Consultant Don Mason |
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Mission: Readiness CEO MG (Ret.) Larry Harrington and
Executive, Business Coordinator Ashley Winburn |
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| former Congressman Jack Kingston |
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| Air National Guard Bureau Command Chief Ron Anderson |
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| Ursula Palmer, Jane Horton, and Akosua Osei |
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| Erika, Harvern Jr., and Harvern Davis III, of Corinth |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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