January 1, 2018

Dear Friend,

It is an honor to serve as your Representative and to make sure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill. I am proud of all that we have accomplished in the House in 2017 and look forward to continuing our work in the coming year to improve America's economy, create more jobs, and to rebuild defense readiness capabilities. From our family to yours, I want to wish you all a safe and Happy New Year!

A year in review

Committee Action

In February, the House Agriculture Committee held our first full hearing to begin laying the foundation for the 2018 Farm Bill.

In March, the House Armed Services Committee Defense Subcommittee heard about the importance of fully funding our military. I also had the opportunity to appear before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies to discuss our farmer's need to be competitive across the globe.

In June, members of the Small Business Committee met for our regularly scheduled meeting shortly after a shooting at the Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. I shared my thoughts about the incident and talked about the bravery of the U.S. Capitol Police and the Alexandria Police Department officers who saved all of our lives that day.

Later in June, my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and myself discussed the need to fully fund the military during a hearing called "FY18 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Budget Request from the Department of Defense."

Legislative Work

In January, the House's first order of business was to prevent last-minute regulations from the previous administration from going into effect. The House also passed legislation that would require Congressional approval for major regulations.

Also in January, the House passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. This legislation makes sure that no taxpayer is forced to fund abortion either directly or indirectly.

In May, the House passed the American Health Care Act. This legislation, which did not pass in the Senate, lowered premiums and made healthcare more affordable.

In June, President Trump signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accountability Act of 2017. This legislation streamlines the process to remove employees who are not doing their jobs and expands protections for whistleblowers who expose corruption.

Also in June, the House passed bills that increased resources for border security and reforming our immigration laws to protect law abiding citizens from dangerous criminal aliens. Additionally, this legislation cracks down on sanctuary cities that stand in the way of immigration enforcement.

In July, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and I introduced the Paperwork Reduction for Farmers Act. If passed, and signed into law by President Trump, this legislation will ease the regulatory burden and delays experienced by farmers when applying for seasonal workers.

In December, President Trump signed into law the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).This legislation serves as the foundation to rebuild America's defense readiness capabilities and gives our troops the largest pay raise they have had in eight years.

President Trump also signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation brings meaningful and effective tax reform to American families and business owners. It also repealed the individual mandate from the healthcare law.

Also in December, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) and I introduced the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Act. This bill addresses the bipartisan push for nationwide broadband that specifically targets small businesses' needs and potential.

Fact-Finding Missions

In February, a Congressional delegation attended the Winter Meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna. My colleagues and I spoke with troops on the ground and with military leaders at installations in Israel, Italy, Jordan, and Austria.

In June, we toured the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, where I shared my feelings about the meaning of Memorial Day.

In November, I led a bipartisan delegation to visit soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines stationed and deployed in military installations across Poland, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Israel. We were honored to serve the Thanksgiving meal to many of our troops in Afghanistan..

2017 Highlights from the District

In April, we dedicated the United States Post Office facility in Oxford as the "Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building." LTC Carwile paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. It was an honor to be a part of the ceremony that was attended by his family and many friends.

Also in April, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi celebrated the company's tenth anniversary at their Blue Springs operation. In December, TMMMS rolled their one millionth Toyota Corolla off the line.

In July, Hal Guthrie, a Vietnam War veteran from Southaven, received the medals he earned for his courage and bravery during a special ceremony. It was an honor to present these much-deserved awards to Mr. Guthrie.

Throughout the year, we traveled to many cities and counties to listen to constituents and to talk to them about their concerns. It was important to continue to listen to as many people as possible from the factory floors to the local diner.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Work to fully fund the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Push for more patient-centered healthcare reform in America

Advance commonsense policies in the 2018 Farm Bill

Eliminate more job killing regulations

STAY IN TOUCH

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.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress