April 8, 2019
Dear Friend,
I am concerned about a contagious, fatal disease that is impacting our deer populations in the United States called Chronic Wasting Disease. There are confirmed cases of CWD in free-ranging and captive populations of the deer family in Mississippi and at least 24 other states. So much is not known about CWD which is why a multi-pronged approach is essential to determine a cause and to find a cure. In coordination with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, I have introduced H.R. 1919, the Detection, Enhanced Education, and Response (DEER) Act of 2019, to address CWD on multiple fronts. To read more about this important legislation, please click on the link.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
As your voice in Congress, I believe it is my duty to do everything in my power to protect God's gift of life, especially the unborn. Last week, I signed a petition to have a vote on H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, on the floor of the House of Representatives. This vital legislation would require babies who survive an abortion to receive the same life-saving treatment as other babies. Sadly, House Democrats continue to block a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. I will continue to fight for your conservative values in Washington and advocate on behalf of the unborn in every state throughout the nation.
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| vietnam war veterans day - march 29 |
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Veterans gathered in Oxford to recognize
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day |
On March 29, 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. Ever year, cities and counties throughout the nation host welcome home events to honor these veterans for their service. The Oxford/Lafayette Veterans Group which consists of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the VFW hosted a cookout to mark the occasion. We are thankful for each and every one of our Vietnam War Veterans.
March 29th is also a day to remember more than 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The names of those who were killed or missing in action can be found on the Vietnam Memorial Replica Wall at Veterans Park in Tupelo.
As we pause to honor the sacrifice of these men and women, let us also remember all of our veterans who are still with us. Our team is here to offer assistance. To learn more about the veterans services available through our office, please contact Michael Patterson at (662) 841-8808 or send him an e-mail Michael.Patterson@mail.house.gov
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| gold star families |
Throughout the history of our nation, families have waited for a loved one to return from active duty. Far too many have suffered the unbearable loss of a family member who died while serving our great nation. Every year, our nation recognizes Gold Star Spouses Day, a day set aside to honor the surviving spouses of fallen service members. This is also a time to honor all members of our Gold Star Families.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Kylie Owen Willis, the daughter of Staff Sergeant (SSG) Kirk Owen. SSG Owen, a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 2, 2011. Kylie was just 14 years old when she found out her dad would not be returning home. "After we became a Gold Star Family, I wanted to make sure more kids like me have the support they needed to cope with our loss and above all - honor our service members who gave all," Kylie said.
In the effort to give Gold Star Families a stronger voice on Capitol Hill, I have introduced H.R. 107, the SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act. This program would create a seat at the table for family members of fallen service members in the offices of Members of the House of Representatives. The one-year fellowship would be open to children, spouses, and siblings of the Armed Forces who were killed in action or died as a result of a training-related accident.
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| kevin charles expansion |
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Rusty Berryhill with Barbara Cox, Sewing Team
Leader for Kevin Charles Fine Upholstery |
Congratulations to Kevin Charles Fine Upholstery in New Albany! Recently, the company broke ground on a $2.54 million expansion, creating 30 jobs. We first introduced you to Rusty Berryhill, President of Kevin Charles, in a previous newsletter. Then and now, he credits the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for their ability to expand and create more jobs. This latest investment attests to the confidence our job creators have in Mississippi's and America's economy.
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| internship programs: a unique opportunity |
One of the most unique ways to learn about how the legislative process works is through internship programs. Our office provides internships for college students each semester and during the summer. Not only do students get hands-on experience in the office, but they also give many of our visitors in DC tours which include our favorite - the U.S. Capitol tour. John Endres, a University of Mississippi student, began his internship at our DC office in January. "I have enjoyed all facets of the program and getting to meet so many people from Mississippi!"
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| A Capitol Tour with John Endres |
The White House Internship Program is now accepting applications for this upcoming fall and just like our program, it is competitive! The fall 2019 internship term is from September 4 - December 6, 2019. Applicants with the best chance to be selected have participated in public service activities and have demonstrated leadership skills in their communities. Click HERE for more information.
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| congressional art competition |
In Mississippi and across the nation, we have scores of young people who are talented artists. The annual Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, is an opportunity to showcase their creativity. Last year, Helen Peng was one of 57 students who submitted artwork for the First District competition. Helen's artwork is among those that have been on display in the U.S. Capitol for the past year. Soon, another young constituent will be selected as winner of the 2019 Artistic Discovery Contest. Winners from across America will be honored during a reception to be held in Washington, D.C. in June. The deadline to submit artwork to one of my district offices is April 11, 2019. Please click the link for competition instructions. For more information, please call Melinda Whited in the Farmington District Office at (662) 687-1525. You can send her an e-mail at Melinda.Whited@mail.house.gov
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| a week in pictures |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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Tim Hudson, CEO Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity,
Brigadier General Terry Williams,
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell,
and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity
National President Bill Brasch |
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Lt. General Charles Pede, 40th Judge Advocate
General of the U.S. Army |
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American Israel Public Affairs Committee
(AIPAC) members Joshua Neuman,
Merle Flowers, Le'Roy Davenport,
Jerry Dattel, and Michael Shemper |
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| Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann |
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Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant
Association representatives former
Exec. Director Charles Frazier,
Board of Directors President Denise Yates,
Jonathan Waller, and Mike Cashion |
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| Jay, Nicole, and Gracie Thompson (Olive Branch) |
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| Ole Miss Associated Student Body representatives |
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Columbus Air Force Base 14th Flying Training
Wing Commander Col. Samantha Weeks,
14th Medical Group Executive Officer
Capt. Daniel Wilson, 14th Flying Training
Wing Chief Master Sergeant Raul Villarreal, Jr.
and Senior Airman Dylan Fivecoate |
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Mississippi National Guard LTC Andrew S.
Rendon, Hilary Rendon, and Sarah Rendon |
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Major General Michael Taheri, Director
of Staff, National Guard Bureau |
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Lieutenant General Richard Scobee,
Chief, U.S. Air Force Reserve and
Chief Master Sergeant Timothy C. White,
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the U.S. Air
Force Reserve |
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Lt. General Jerry H. Granrud (Ret.)
and Lt. General William Kip Ward (Ret.) |
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Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer
Finance Deputy Commissioner Rhoshunda G. Kelly |
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Renaissance Community Loan Fund
CFO Chuck Wall and CEO/President
Kimberly LaRosa
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PACCAR Inc. Advanced Technology Team
members Kyle Quinn, Doug Grandstaff,
Jake Montero, Paul Konasewich, Carl Hergart,
Patrick Dean, and Natalie Kamphaus |
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| Tate Davis from Tupelo |
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Graham Roofing Inc.(West Point)
President Christee Holbrook |
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Michelle and Dewayne Humphries
Integrity Roofing of Mississippi (Mantachie) |
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Speaking to the Sergeants Major
Nominative Leader Course class |
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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