|
|
September 23, 2016
Dear Friend,
We are so fortunate to have men and women who devote their lives to protect our freedoms in this great nation. We cannot allow ourselves to ever forget the many sacrifices it has taken to keep us all safe.
In May, I introduced legislation to recognize and honor one of our Mississippi heroes, Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile. H.R. 5309 would designate the U.S. Post Office on McElroy Drive in Oxford as the Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building. On Tuesday, the bill passed by a voice vote in the House. Senate action is the next step for the bill.
 |
| Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile |
Donnie, as he was known to family and friends, grew up in Lafayette County. Like so many of us in rural Mississippi, Donnie loved the outdoors and spent most weekends hunting and riding the trails on his ATV four wheeler.
When Donnie graduated from Lafayette High School, he joined the Army. His career path would also include time spent as a patrol officer with the Batesville and Oxford Police Departments. He returned to military service in 2006 and qualified for Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned as an infantry officer.
In 2008, this 29-year-old soldier had so much to be thankful for. Donnie had a wife and two daughters. Dennis Carwile, Donnie's dad, says Jennifer, Elizabeth Reese and Avery Claire were all his son lived for.
 |
| A proud family man |
That same year, this highly-decorated and distinguished soldier would pay the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. Carwile and fellow soldier Army Private First Class Paul E. Conlon, Jr. of Somerville, Massachusetts were killed while on a combat mission in Afghanistan.
Army First Lieutenant Carwile is a hero. This small gesture will serve as a reminder to the community of his selfless service and sacrifice for our freedom.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
|
Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran
Last month, we learned that the Administration secretly paid Iran for the release of hostages. This is a violation of longstanding U.S. policy which does not allow for the payment of ransom in exchange for the release of American hostages. I am a cosponsor of and the House passed, H.R. 5931 the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act, which makes clear that the Administration violated policy; prohibits cash payments to Iran; demands transparency in future settlements with Iran.
Iranian Leadership Transparency Act
Iran is a leading state sponsor of terrorism. Senior Iranian political and military leaders control the majority of the wealth and economy in Iran. The Iran Deal, which I opposed, gave the Iranians access to billions of dollars. This access to cash needs transparency. The House passed H.R. 5461, the Iranian Leadership Transparency Act requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to develop and post online the funds and assets of senior Iranian political military leaders. The public needs to know how the Iranians got these assets and how they are using them.
REVIEW Act
Increased rules and regulations have hurt the ability of businesses to grow and hire more people. In addition to Congressional efforts to put a stop to increased rules and regulations, businesses have also challenged the rules in court. The problem is that even with successful court challenges, agencies still require compliance during litigation. The House passed H.R. 3438, the Require Evaluation before implementing Executive Wishlists (REVIEW) Act. This would stop agencies from implementing any rule with an annual cost to the economy of more than $1 billion if litigation challenging the rule is brought within 60 days of the rule being issued. The implementation of the rule would be stopped until judicial review is resolved.
|
a Mississippi civil rights pioneer
|
This week was the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Ms. Laverne Greene-Leech of Columbus was among the first to walk through the door. This lifelong resident of our district also celebrates African American history back home as curator of the R.E. Hunt Museum and Cultural Center.
 |
| Laverne Greene-Leech |
It's a privilege to share with you how Laverne became a civil rights pioneer in 1966. She, along with two of her friends, Barbara Turner Bankhead and Diane Hardy Thompson became the first African American students to enroll at what was then the Mississippi State College for Women.
Laverne says she did not try to cause an uprising. She just wanted to get an education close to home. Their experience would not be an easy one. Laverne says other students did not speak to them nor did their instructors. After one year, she decided to leave the south and pursue a teaching degree in New York. Her classmates also left. In 1996, Diane Hardy Thompson finally graduated from Mississippi University for Women.
Recently, MUW celebrated Laverne's courage and that of her classmates by holding the 50th Anniversary of the Desegregation of the W. All three received medals of excellence. Many stories of perseverance were told that day.
|
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
|
|
