December 11, 2017

Dear Friend,

On December 7, 1941, more than 2,300 lives were lost during the surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. Many more lives would be lost during the next four years of war, but these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines never gave up the fight. Their service and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy will not be forgotten.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017

I am committed to the Second Amendment and was proud to sponsor and support H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, as it passed the House last week. This bipartisan legislation allows citizens who are legally allowed to carry concealed weapons in their home states to carry in any other state that allows concealed carry. Additionally, this legislation contained provisions to ensure that federal agencies comply with current law reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017

Merger and acquisition (M&A) brokers advise small business owners who want to sell their businesses or merge with others to grow and create more jobs. Burdensome government regulations put substantial cost burdens on M&A brokers that are ultimately passed down to the business owner. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 477, the Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017. By allowing M&A brokers to have simpler, less costly registration requirements, this legislation will help businesses do more than survive. They will be able to thrive.

Mississippi Bicentennial

2017 is a significant year for the state of Mississippi. It was 200 years ago that Mississippi became the 20th state in the nation. Community events have been held throughout the year to celebrate our state's rich history. From the earliest days, Mississippians demonstrated a determination to not only survive but to thrive under any circumstances. This has also been an opportunity to remember the struggles of the past and move forward with a determined and united spirit.

Mississippi is a state of many firsts. Mississippi University for Women in Columbus was the first state college for women in the United States. The University of Mississippi Medical Center performed the world's first human lung transplant in 1963. In 1964, Dr. James D. Hardy performed the world's first heart transplant surgery. H.T. Merrill, an Iuka native, flew the first round-trip transoceanic flight in 1928.

Over the course of 200 years, advancements in manufacturing have given Mississippians an opportunity to provide for their families and improve their quality of life. Mississippi has taken a lead role in everything from furniture manufacturing to automobile manufacturing. We also have played a key role in defense manufacturing which includes the building of ships, helicopters, and vehicles. Equally important to Mississippians is the support role our state plays in producing some of the most well-trained military personnel in the world. We have military installations across the state including Columbus Air Force Base which produces nearly one-third of our nation's pilots.

Our state is also home to many people who have achieved success in the arts including Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, and William Faulkner. Mississippi is the "Birthplace of the Blues" and artists such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Other famous residents include Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, Jim Henson, Morgan Freeman, Faith Hill, and LeeAnn Rimes.

As a native Mississippian, I am proud to celebrate two centuries of statehood and look forward to a bright future. Happy Birthday, Mississippi!

Milwaukee tool expansion

Manufacturing is a top industry in Mississippi for a reason - our workforce. It is second to none, making it possible for companies like Milwaukee Tool to innovate and grow. Company officials recently announced plans to expand operations at its three Mississippi locations in Greenwood, Jackson, and Olive Branch, an investment of $33.4 million. 660 new jobs will be created.

i-269 opens in desoto and marshall counties

Mississippi is known for its business-friendly climate, where we have built and maintained relationships that have improved the quality of life for our citizens. Our state has also made continued progress improving infrastructure, an asset which further enhances our ability to attract new businesses and industries. Last week, more progress was made on Interstate 269 which, when complete in late summer or early fall 2018, will connect DeSoto and Marshall Counties and the region to I-69 which runs from Canada to Mexico.

Jason Scott, public information officer with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, said the I-269 loop will be fully controlled-access interstate with plenty of opportunities for development. DeSoto County is already considered to be one of the fastest growing economic centers in the country.

Talking with an ASICS supervisor, Derrick Tate,
during our August 2017 tour

We have already seen the benefits of growth in this area which includes the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park. We met with company leadership and employees in August. Kyle Koestler, distribution and transportation director for ASICS America, said the company decided to locate in the industrial park because I-269 will offer their employees a faster commute to work. It will also be easier for over-the-road carriers to make their pickups at the ASICS distribution center in Byhalia.

a week in pictures

Ducks Unlimited representatives Ashlee Smith,
Kellis Moss, and Dan Thiel

Chris Thomas, MG Durr Boyles,
and LTC Brent McCulloch

CSM Jason Little and CSM Michael Boyd

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