July 27, 2021

Dear Friend,

I believe unborn lives should be protected, and this is a value I personally hold dear. As your Representative in Washington, I will continue to fight to protect unborn children. In 1976, Democrats and Republicans came together in a bipartisan spirit to pass the Hyde Amendment, preventing taxpayer-funded abortions.

For nearly 40 years, this historic legislation has been included in every appropriations bill, saving nearly 2.5 million lives from abortion. It is unconscionable for House Democrats to exclude the Hyde Amendment in a partisan move from the appropriations package to be voted on this week. The sanctity of human life cannot be overlooked by lawmakers, and it will not be overlooked by me. Taxpayer-funded abortion is unacceptable.

It is vital that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to defend America. We must be prepared to defend ourselves at a time of rising threats from our adversaries.

Recently, the House Armed Services Committee, of which I am a member, held a hearing titled, "Non-Governmental Views on the Fiscal Year 2022 Department of Defense (DOD) budget." This is one of a series of hearings held to gather information and gain insight as we prepare to draft the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I had the opportunity to ask questions of Roger Zakheim, Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. To watch an excerpt from the hearing, please click on the link.

Military service is an honor and a privilege. Major Laterrious "Tony" Starks has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to serving our great Nation in the U.S. Army. The native of Dallas, Texas, has achieved outstanding success in the Army, serving in numerous leadership roles. Currently, Major Starks serves as a Congressional Defense Fellow. He is a key member of my defense policy team in Washington, D.C. It was an honor to host the promotion ceremony for Major Starks and celebrate the occasion with his family, friends, and colleagues.

It is my pleasure to introduce our summer intern Stewart Samples. The Tupelo native is a rising senior at the University of Mississippi, where he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. "I wanted to take this internship to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the federal government," Stewart said. "I am thankful for Congressman Kelly giving me this opportunity." Stewart is the son of Mac and Kelly Samples. To learn more about our internships, please click on the link.

Today, we honor Mrs. Maxine Pryor who celebrated her 100th birthday on July 25, 2021.Mrs. Pryor was born on July 25, 1921, in the community of Love in Hernando, Mississippi. She is the eldest of eight siblings. In July 1939, she married Bemis Pryor, and together they raised nine children. The Pryor family were farmers. Mrs. Pryor is a retired church missionary and church announcer. She is devoted to her family and continues to be active in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Please join me in wishing Mrs. Pryor a happy birthday! 

P.J. Waldrop, Director of Governor Tate Reeve's Office of Military Affairs and Jamie Miller, Mississippi Development Agency's Chief Operating Officer

Mississippi State University Professor Dr. Larry Miller

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