April 7, 2017
Dear Friend,
A chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians cannot be tolerated. Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad committed this act against his own people, and President Trump ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria used to carry out this horrible crime. I believe this decision is a measured and appropriate response, and fully support the president as well as the troops who carried out his orders. If Assad will murder his own countrymen, he won't think twice about using chemical weapons well beyond his borders.
Confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch
It is a proud moment to see the U.S. Senate confirm President Trump's nomination of U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the U.S. Supreme Court seat previously held by the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Judge Gorsuch is a proven leader who has earned the admiration of his colleagues through sound decisions made with a precise understanding of the law. His extensive experience in the courtroom, combined with a profound respect for our Constitution, will serve America well.
In 2006, he was confirmed without opposition by the U.S. Senate to the Colorado-based U.S. Court of Appeals. Judge Gorsuch, a Harvard Law School graduate, also served as the Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General in 2005. Additionally, he was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University where he received his Doctorate in Philosophy in 2004. He also clerked for Justice Byron White and Justice Anthony Kennedy. Judge Gorsuch's level of expertise is exactly what our country needs as we move forward with policies and decisions that will get America back on the right path.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Self-Insurance Protection Act
When Americans seek healthcare coverage, one of the most common routes they choose is through their employer. Under the 2010 healthcare law, it became more difficult for employers to offer insurance because of burdensome regulations. Many employers would protect themselves through a financial risk-management tool called "stop-loss" insurance which protects them from catastrophic claims. On Wednesday, The House passed, with my support, H.R. 1304, the Self-Insurance Protection Act by a vote of 400-16. This bill is part of our comprehensive effort to move toward free-market, patient-centered healthcare solutions. This legislation protects workers who get their healthcare coverage from employers that self-insure by providing a backstop on catastrophic losses.
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Guantanamo bay prison
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This week, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations Chairwoman Vicky Hartzler led a fact-finding mission to the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to provide Members an opportunity to closely examine the GTMO prison. This was an opportunity to see firsthand the important role this facility plays in our national defense. I have no doubt that these prisoners would take every opportunity to bring death and destruction to America if they were released. If we are to keep Mississippians and all Americans safe, we must keep terrorists detained at the prison and away from U.S. soil.
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| Desoto county economic development council |
This week, representatives of the DeSoto County Economic Development Council's Congressional Briefing Committee made their annual trip to Washington, D.C. to talk about how the county continues to experience significant growth and economic development, making it a hub for major job creation in the state. During their visit, we talked about important issues in DeSoto County and northern Mississippi, including infrastructure, transportation, and flood control efforts.
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hometown news
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Happy 95th birthday to Okolona native and WWII Veteran Harold Turner! During his military service, Mr. Turner fought in some of the most famous battles of WWII including the Battle of the Bulge and the Normandy Invasion. He was just a teenager when he answered the call to serve our nation. Over the past 70 years, Mr. Turner has operated several businesses in his hometown before settling into his current job at the family's floral shop on Main Street. It's great to see him living life to the fullest each and every day.
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| introducing SGT William Brooks (Mississippi Army National Guard, Retired). |
We are proud to announce that SGT William Brooks (Mississippi Army National Guard, Retired) has joined our First District staff. We both served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005. William was severely injured when an improvised explosive device detonated under his vehicle, but that hasn't slowed him down over the years. He currently serves as a Southaven Alderman-at-Large. In his new role with our office, William will be traveling throughout the First District meeting with veterans of all conflicts to listen and record their stories. These recordings will be submitted to The Library of Congress for their Veterans History Project. For more information, call William at (662) 418-7036.
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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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| Mississippi Firefighters Association |
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Center Hill Middle School students from Olive
Branch |
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Mandy, Justin, Eason, Hayes and Kate Ross
Murphree from Mooreville |
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MS Community College Fellows Joey Williford,
Ronald Westbrook, Jennifer Casey,
Chrystal Newman, and Barry Emison |
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| Philips Lighting Tour in Tupelo |
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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