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September 30, 2016
Dear Friend,
Beginning with this week's newsletter, you'll meet one of our most valuable resources in this office - our team members. They are eager to help you with the services you need. If you have questions or concerns about legislation, they will work to find the answers. If you are having trouble navigating the bureaucracy of a federal agency, they are ready to help.
Paul Howell
Navigating the bureaucracy of a federal agency can be difficult and even frustrating. District Director Paul Howell leads the district offices, assisting people of the 1st District of Mississippi who are trying to find a pathway through the federal government.
Paul knows the importance of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with constituents. He works to simplify the assistance process by acting as a liaison between constituents who need help and the agencies they are working with. The office provides help with all agencies, but the primary requests are for Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.
Paul, a native of Tupelo, has a long history in public service. He worked in local government for the city of Tupelo for many years in the district attorney's office.
Paul is a man of action who works tirelessly to serve the constituents of the 1st District of Mississippi. His deep care for the people he serves allow him to routinely achieve positive results for our constituents. His is a trusted and valued source for solving problems.
Ted Maness
Our team works every day to make sure that our Mississippi values are represented in Congress. Chief of Staff Ted Maness is a proven leader who helps communicate our values in Washington.
Ted brings to our team a strong political and legislative background. He works to cut government red tape by watching and evaluating how legislation impacts the district. When you're in a position of leadership, success is measured by the strength of your team. Ted always says, "My job is to make the member I work for successful and that's made possible when we as a team are successful."
Ted is a native of South Carolina with strong ties to Mississippi. He most recently served as Chief of Staff for the late Representative Alan Nunnelee. He's proud to continue the work of advancing conservative principles and policies that benefit Mississippians.
Ted is the consummate professional. His years of experience and broad and expansive number of relationships on Capitol Hill are vital to our Washington team's ability to successfully serve the constituents. Ted is a huge asset and friend to Mississippi and our team.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Veto Override
In May, the Senate agreed to S. 2040 the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act which allows the victims and families of terror attacks that happen on U.S. soil to sue foreign states that aid and abet in acts of terror. The house passed the bill earlier this month, but the president vetoed it. Yesterday, I voted to and the House and Senate overwhelmingly voted to override the president's veto.
Continuing Resolution
The House and Senate passed a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 9. I was disappointed with the final version of the short-term bill, but I will continue to work with my colleagues on forwarding the remaining appropriations bills for 2017.
CO-OP Consumer Protection Act
People across the country have seen their choices in health insurance dwindling; 31% of American counties have one provider for health insurance. If a Consumer Oriented and Operated Plan
(CO-OP) fails, individuals are left without options for insurance, and forced to pay a tax penalty. This is not right. This week the House passed H.R. 954, the CO-OP Consumer Protection Act which ensures that people who unexpectedly lost their CO-OP health insurance midyear do not have to pay the individual mandate tax penalty.
Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools and Nonprofits Act
In May, the Department of Labor finalized a flawed and partisan rule doubling the threshold for overtime eligibility and requiring adjustments every three years. This rule would place an undue burden on small businesses, non-profits, and schools who hire hourly workers and would force them to decrease employment or go out of business. I am a cosponsor of and the House passed H.R. 6094 the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools and Nonprofits Act which would provide a six month delay of the rule.
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a week in pictures
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| Blake and Kaycee Burcham of Iuka |
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Mississippi Heritage Trust Representatives Amber
Lombardo, Lolly Barnes and Michael Phillips |
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hometown news
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Monroe County Sheriff Cecil Cantrell and Deputy
Dwight Tate received Amory Main Street Association
awards for the department's beautification efforts |
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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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