June 19, 2017
Dear Friend,
We live in the greatest democracy in the world. We must resist any attempt to disrupt our ability to govern. That is why it was a top priority to continue the people's work following the shooting which happened during baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. Hours later, I shared my thoughts during a House Small Business Committee hearing. To watch my remarks, please select the video link below.
As we all pray for the continued recovery of the Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R- LA), it is important to recognize the United States Capitol Police heroes. Through God's grace and their bravery, everyone survived. Special agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey are warriors of the first degree. Despite being injured during the incident, they walked into the line of fire to save our lives. Our thoughts will be with them through their recovery and with Matt Mika and Zachary Barth who were also injured.
congressional baseball game
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Members of Congress returned to Nationals Park for the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game for charity Thursday night. We entered the field as Americans - not as Republicans or Democrats. We began with prayer to thank God for the freedoms we all enjoy. No tragedy is going to get in the way of our determination to live in a free and open society.
This event demonstrates the spirit of members who come together for charity. We raised over one million which will help underprivileged children. The money will also go to the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund and the Fraternal Order of Police. We can't thank law enforcement enough for placing their lives on the line every day to protect our safety.
The baseball game was also an opportunity to give a shout out to a few of our Mississippi universities and community colleges. I proudly wore the jerseys from Itawamba Community College, Northwest Community College, and Ole Miss. Next year, look for more schools to be represented. Just for the record - the Democrats won 11-2.
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actions in the house
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Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Act of 2017
While the majority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees are dedicated to their profession, there are those who have failed to offer the level of care our veterans have earned. Earlier this year, the House passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Act of 2017, which streamlines the process to remove employees for poor performance or misconduct. The legislation expands protections for whistleblowers and gives the VA Secretary the authority to appoint permanent medical directors who can hire leaders with a proven track record. Legislation approved by the House and the Senate is ready for President Trump to sign into law.
The VETERAN Act
Veterans should have the choice to stay in the VA or get financial support for a private healthcare plan. I was proud to support H.R. 2372, the Veterans Equal Treatment Ensures Relief and Access Now (VETERAN) Act. If signed into law, veterans will continue to have access to government subsidies under existing law and the tax credits provided by the American Health Care Act, when they take effect.
The Verify First Act
Under the current healthcare law, subsidies can be dispersed without making sure a person is fully eligible to receive them. A person's legal status can also go unchecked. The House passed, with my support, H. R. 2581, the Verify First Act. If signed into law, the legislation will clearly define who is eligible to receive tax credits. Strong safeguards will also be in place to prevent fraud and abuse.
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| protecting our nation |
Not enough can be said about the importance of strengthening our defense readiness capabilities. If we are to protect America, it is going to take adequate funding. I don't believe the proposed budget is going to get the job done. "The Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of Defense" hearing gave those of us who serve on the House Armed Services Committee an opportunity to hear from Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford. At a time of uncertainly around the world, we can't afford to let the numbers get in the way of our safety. To watch my remarks from the hearing, please select the video link below.
For too many years, underfunding has weakened our defenses to the point that it will take years to build it back. Now is the time to start.
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honoring a WWII veteran
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Albert Cummings was 18 years old when he answered the call to serve our nation in 1944. He distinguished himself during some of the fiercest campaigns in Europe, including the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. Mr. Cummings was shot by a German soldier. He was not expected to recover, but after more than nine months in the hospital, he was able to go back home. Following his military service, he took an active role in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the US.
Over the years, he has served as the VFW Post 4272 commander, VFW district commander, and the VFW state commander. In July, Mr. Cummings will be honored for his military service by the VFW Post 4272 veterans. All will meet in Columbus where he will be presented with an American flag our office raised in his honor over the U.S. Capitol. Mr. Cummings has demonstrated what it is to be a patriotic American who is willing to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy. He has led a life of honor and honesty which is why we call Mr. Cummings and others like him "The Greatest Generation."
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Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program
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Leadership is about vision and making tough decisions. That is a philosophy I was able to share with students who traveled to DC from the First District and throughout Mississippi. These eleventh graders were selected by their school districts to participate in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program because they have already made a difference in their communities.
ECM representatives brought them to Washington to learn more about how government works and our nation's rich history. It was an honor to be able to give them some insight into what we, as members of the Mississippi congressional delegation, strive to do on behalf of Mississippians and all Americans.
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| hank flick: a legendary msu professor |
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| Photo courtesy of Russ Houston |
Mississippi State University has lost one of their own. Hank Flick has passed away. As a professor of communication, he impacted thousands of lives over his 45-year career at MSU. If you attended a MSU football or basketball game, it was his voice you would hear over the public address system for many years. Hank was 73.
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a week in pictures
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For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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Betty, Nathan, Kellie, Maci, Bryce, Chance
McLellen and Teresa Mason |
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Air National Guard Director LTG Scott Rice
and USAF Lt Col Andy Rowe |
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Resolute Forest Products representatives
Peggy Duxbury and Seth Kursman |
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| Earl Rogers, Jan Rogers, Meg and Luke Carpenter |
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University of Mississippi Federal Relations Liaison
Amy Lewis presents a Mississippi
Encyclopedia commemorative certificate |
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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