January 10, 2020

Dear Friend,

On January 2, 2020, our military successfully carried out a mission to eliminate Qassim Soleimani, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. For decades, this brutal terrorist masterminded plots to kill Americans, claiming the lives of hundreds of our Service Members. In December, Soleimani ordered the attacks on bases in Iraq during which an American citizen was killed. Additionally, Soleimani orchestrated the assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Intelligence gathering showed Soleimani had imminent plans to kill more Americans. Armed with this knowledge, our Commander-in-Chief took decisive and appropriate action to end his reign of terror.

In the aftermath of Soleimani's death, Iran launched missiles toward bases where American troops were housed in Iraq. This failed attempt to intimidate our fighting forces served no purpose. President Trump's measured response to impose additional economic sanctions will apply more pressure on Iran to cease attacks on Americans and return to the bargaining table.

As we reflect on these events, it is more important than ever that Americans stand united in support of President Trump. We live in the greatest nation on Earth with the world's best fighting forces. Let's remember all those who are watching over us at this hour in the Middle East and across the globe. I pray for their safety and am so grateful for their service.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

This week in Washington, I voted on the following pieces of legislation. Specifically, I voted against H.Con.Res.83, the War Powers Resolution. President Trump took necessary action to eliminate the leader of a designated terrorist organization, Qassim Soleimani. The President had full authority to act under the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which was also used by former Presidents Bush and Obama. This War Powers Resolution has no legal effect and is no more than a partisan political stunt by Speaker Pelosi. It attempts to undermine the President’s Article II Constitutional authority that allows him to protect and defend our Nation. Therefore, I did not support this legislation.

For more information on the below legislation, please click the bill title. As always, please feel free to contact my office with any thoughts or concerns that you may have.

January 8, 2020

H.R. 2881 - Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2019 | Yea | Passed 413-3

H.R. 4500 - Promoting the United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019 | Passed by Voice Vote

H.R. 5065 - Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act | Passed by Voice Vote

H.R. 5130 - Capturing All Small Businesses Act of 2019 | Passed by Voice Vote

H.R. 5146 - Unlocking Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2018 | Passed by Voice Vote

H.R. 3763 - To direct the Federal Government to provide assistance and technical expertise to enhance the representation and leadership of the United States at international standards - setting bodies that set standards for equipment, systems, software, and virtually defined networks that support 5th and future generations mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure, and for other purposes. | Passed by Voice Vote

January 9, 2020

H.R. 5078 - Prison to Proprietorship Act | Yea | Passed 370-41

H.Con.Res.83 - Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran | Nay | Passed 224-194

January 10, 2020

H.R.535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019 | Nay | Passed 247-159

STAY IN TOUCH

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Thanks for reading,

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