July 3, 2017

Dear Friend,

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I remain committed to strengthening our national defense capabilities which is the only way to keep America safe.

This past week, with my support, the House Armed Services Committee approved H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. The legislation authorizes the funds and the policies necessary to provide for the common defense. The NDAA provides for our troops, their families, and establishes national defense policy.

Highlights of the NDAA for FY18:

Fully funds the 2.4% pay raise for troops
Additional funds for Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force operation and maintenance
Establishes the policy of the United States to have a 355 ship Navy
Authorizes increased end strength of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard
Does not provide for an additional Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round

During our committee markup, it was also important to address the needs of our undergraduate pilot training programs, including those at Columbus Air Force Base. Due to training demands, existing undergraduate pilot training programs are reaching capacity. The Air Force has turned to nearby civilian airfields to meet operational flight requirements. My amendment, which was approved, directs the Secretary of the Air Force to brief the committee on how current undergraduate pilot training activities can be maximized with the use of civilian airfields and the feasibility of increasing the use of these facilities to expand undergraduate pilot training.

Committee passage of the NDAA for FY18 is the first step. Next, the bill will go to the House floor in the coming weeks for consideration.

To read more about the NDAA for FY18, click here.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

No Sanctuary for Criminals Act

The House passed, with my support, H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act of 2017. This legislation would provide for stricter penalties for jurisdictions that operate sanctuary cities, including barring Department of Justice and Homeland Security grants from those who violate this law. Additionally, the legislation ensures unlawful immigrants convicted of drunk driving, or arrested for other dangerous crimes, are kept behind bars during their removal proceedings.

Kate's Law

Two years ago, Kate Steinle was gunned down in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant with a long criminal history. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez had been found guilty of numerous felonies and was deported five times. On July 1, 2015, he shot and killed Kate with a weapon he stole from a federal officer's car. We have to stop these dangerous criminals from walking free. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 3004, Kate's Law. The legislation increases prison sentences for immigrants convicted of illegally re-entering the U.S. following deportation.

Update: Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule

The Waters of the United States rule (WOTUS) is a prime example of federal government overreach. It hurt families, businesses, and farmers by expanding the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to regulate streams, creeks, ponds, wetlands, and ditches. This job-killing rule resulted in mountains of paperwork and stalled projects throughout our state and the nation. The announcement by the Trump administration to repeal WOTUS brings welcome relief to Mississippians and all Americans.

Desoto county veterans park

It is important to honor our veterans. They have placed their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy. A group of DeSoto County citizens has been working with city and county officials along with the DeSoto County Visitors Center to build the DeSoto County Veterans Park.

When finished, the park will include flags and emblems representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. There will be a POW/MIA monument and many honorary bronze plagues among other features. Kim Terrell, DeSoto County Visitors Center Executive Director, says the park will pay tribute to all American heroes.

"It's going to be a beautiful attraction," Kim said. "What makes it unique to our area is that it will honor all veterans from the American Revolutionary War to the present day War on Terror."

The DeSoto County Veterans Park will be located next to the DeSoto County Visitors Center. The project is set for completion before the end of the year.

oxford high school graduate accepted to the u.s. naval academy

This year, we held our second annual Academy Day at the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. We had a great turnout of north Mississippi students who want to serve as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. They got to talk with Service Academy and ROTC representatives. Officers from all five of our prestigious U.S. service academies shared their stories with students beginning with their acceptance. Darby Meadows was among those who attended.

Darby Meadows (center right) with Scott, Lori,
Emily, and Addison Meadows

Darby, an outstanding Oxford High School graduate, started at the U.S. Naval Academy this week.

If you would like to participate in our next Academy Day, please contact our Military Academy Liaison, Melinda Whited. Give her a call at (662) 687-1525 or email her at Melinda.Whited@mail.house.gov. The 2017 Academy Day will be held September 23rd from 10 a.m. until Noon at Northeast Mississippi Community College in the Haney Union Hall.

The deadline for submission of applications and supporting documents is November 18, 2017. Click on the link for more information.

trent lott leadership institute

Every summer, the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, located on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, selects 50 students from across the nation to participate in their high school leadership program. These young people have a proven track record of leadership and service in their communities. JoAnn Edwards, Special Projects Manager, says students can earn college credit in political science and speech.

Summer Leadership Institute for High School
Students participants Davis Powell, Jake Camp,
Morgan Atkins, Grace Dyer, Evelyn Smith,
and Cristina Bogran

Students got to apply what they have learned during a trip to DC. Their visit included time spent working in a soup kitchen as well as meeting with members of the Mississippi congressional delegation. It was great to talk with them about our shared goals which are to effectively serve our state and nation.

"These are some of the best and brightest young leaders in the country," JoAnn said. "We are so proud to have them here."

Click here to learn more about the annual Summer Leadership Institute for High School Students.

Corinth Coca-Cola museum

Do you remember the first time you drank a Coca-Cola on a hot summer day? Coke is a part of the American fabric. The product also has strong ties to the First District. A. Kenneth Weaver started Corinth Coca-Cola in 1907 in downtown. His descendants run the company to this day. Recently, they opened the doors to their new Coca-Cola Museum in downtown.

From top left: Corinth Coke Chairman Sandy
Williams, the ribbon cutting ceremony, and
a look inside

The Williams family is known for giving back to their hometown through community service. The museum is their latest offering. Admission is free.

2017 Congressional Art Competition Winner

Ashley Dowdy, winner of the First Congressional District Art Competition, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to celebrate her victory. She is one of 35 students who entered artwork for the annual event sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. During her visit, she and other winners from across the nation were honored at a reception. Ashley's artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

For more information on the First Congressional District Art Competition, click here.

a week in pictures

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

Gary, Adra, Jalen, and Jasmine
Sparkman from Tupelo

American Heart Association Mississippi delegation
members Jan Collins, Charles Griffin, Diane
Hawks, Margie Jepson, Rebecca Sugg,
Richard Summers, MD, Tonya Ware, John
Warner, and Claudia Louis

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