May 7, 2026 Dear Friend,
I am proud to join my colleagues in passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House, an important step forward for America's farmers and rural communities. This legislation marks the most significant progress on a farm bill since it was last authorized in 2018.
At a time when farm country is facing real challenges, this bill delivers the support producers need. It strengthens the farm safety net, modernizes key USDA programs through 2031, and promotes long-term growth in U.S. agriculture. It also works to secure our food supply chain, prioritizes responsible management of federal forests, and protects American farmland from being purchased by foreign adversaries.
Strong agricultural policy starts on the farm, supporting family operations, encouraging competition, and helping keep food affordable for American families. As the bill moves to the Senate, the need for updated, effective farm policy remains clear. Our farmers and ranchers need support now, and this legislation is the best way to get everyone back on solid ground. [Find more information about the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 here.] |
Brent Kitchens is a third-generation farmer in Itawamba County. The roots in agriculture run deep for this family operation. Brent, Trace, and Logan Kitchens cultivate 3,000 acres of cotton, soybeans, and corn. Brent's father, Douglas Kitchens, helps as well as his wife, Shasta. In good years and during the challenging times, these producers have stayed the course – a quality shared by scores of Mississippi farmers. As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am honored to continue our work on their behalf through passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
Brent began helping his father, Douglas Kitchens, when he was just 14 years old. He took on full-time duties when he was 19. "This is what I grew up doing," Brent said. "This is all that I know. It's a way of life." Life got an early start for this year's corn and soybean crops. "The early spring enabled us to plant corn and soybeans the earliest we ever have and we've had more than enough rain," Brent said.
Good weather generates optimism for a good year, but not enough to overshadow concerns about input prices. "Fuel and fertilizer are tearing us up. We practice section control which enables us to plant and use chemicals more precisely. Satellite technology saves money," Brent said.
Farmers like Brent and his family work tirelessly to make a living through cultivation. As members of Congress, we must do everything in our power to take care of farmers – now and in the future. As the Farm Bill moves to the Senate for consideration, let us all remember how vital farmers are to the quality of life for Mississippians and all Americans. |
I am proud to announce the appointment of Karter Vahle, of Oxford, Mississippi, to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Karter has distinguished himself as a standout student leader at Oxford High School. He serves as Captain in MCJROTC and is the current Company Commanding Officer. His accomplishments have earned him numerous honors, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bronze Medal, the Navy League Youth Medal, and the Raider Nationals Achievement Medal. In addition, he serves as President of DECA, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, and held leadership roles at Boys State.
Academically, Karter has excelled in a rigorous course load, including multiple dual-credit classes. In May 2026, he is expected to graduate not only from Oxford High School, but also from Northwest Mississippi Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
Beyond academics, Karter remains actively involved in athletics and extracurriculars, competing on the cross country and archery teams while contributing to MCJROTC through drill, color guard, and raider team activities. His commitment to service is equally impressive, with over 140 hours of community service completed.
Karter's achievements also include participation in several prestigious programs, such as the Air Force Academy Summer Seminar, the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, the MCJROTC Senior Leadership Course, and the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Course. He is also a National Honor Society member and Boys State delegate.
Looking ahead, Karter plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps as a fixed-wing pilot. "I am most excited for the opportunity to learn from others, to better my leadership skills, and to get stronger mentally and physically," he said.
We congratulate Karter on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to all he will achieve in service to our nation. |
Photo by: American Maritime Officers
I recently joined Congressman John Garamendi for a joint press conference in support of the SHIPS for America Act. [Watch my full remarks here.]
Representative Garamendi and I are proud to co-lead this bipartisan, comprehensive legislation to revitalize America's shipbuilding capacity and strengthen our commercial maritime sector.
Today, the United States produces less than one percent of the world's commercial ships, and our shipyard capacity and workforce have steadily declined. As Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I know that rebuilding this industry is not only an economic priority, but also critical to our national security. Strengthening our maritime industrial base requires sustained investment, long-term planning, and strong partnerships.
The SHIPS for America Act delivers a forward-looking solution. It modernizes and expands U.S. shipyards, supports workforce development, and increases the number of U.S.-flagged vessels to strengthen supply chains, sealift capabilities, and defense readiness. At its core, this effort is about creating good-paying American jobs, restoring industrial strength, and advancing bipartisan solutions that keep our nation competitive and secure. |
This week, we celebrate National Small Business Week and recognize the entrepreneurs and local businesses that power our economy, create jobs, and strengthen communities across the country.
In Mississippi's First Congressional District, more than 11,000 small businesses employ over 116,000 hardworking Mississippians. These businesses are the backbone of our local economy and vital to our communities' success.
That's why I've fought to deliver lasting tax relief for small business owners. Republicans' Working Family Tax Cuts make the 20% small business deduction permanent, restore immediate expensing and R&D incentives, and help ensure more hard-earned dollars stay with those who reinvest in their employees and communities.
These policies keep Main Street competitive, support job growth, and set the stage for long-term economic success. |
Mississippi Today | 04.26.26 | Republicans, including Rep. Trent Kelly, jockeying for top spot on House Armed Services
The question of who will be the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee next year won't be resolved until after the midterm elections. But the campaigning is already underway.
At stake is the panel's top GOP slot — a powerful perch that helps shape defense policy, oversees the Pentagon and influences the party's national security agenda.
Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers' term as the lead Republican on the committee expires in January. Reps. Trent Kelly of Mississippi and Rob Wittman of Virginia are vying to replace him — and the shutdown is heating up.
Armed Services leadership races are typically quiet, internal matters before they are decided by the House Republican Steering Committee. But the contest burst into the open this week when Wittman — the panel's vice chair and Rogers' preferred successor — was dealt a possibly politically fatal setback. Virginia voters on Tuesday cleared a path for a new electoral map that would drastically reshape his red-leaning district.
Then Kelly confirmed this week that he is running to be the GOP committee lead, and Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, one of President Donald Trump's closest allies on the Hill, told Politico he is considering it, too. Wittman, whose aspirations to follow Rogers haven't been a secret, is one of multiple parties who have sued to derail the redistricting measure. The day after the election, a judge in one case blocked the state from certifying the results. The Virginia Supreme Court will take up some of the issues Monday. |
Toyota Mississippi President Erik Skaggs and General Manager Dan Goodwin
Mississippi Cattleman's Association Executive Director and State Senator Andy Berry, President Bob Robinson, and Past President Nancy Jackson
Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., President and CEO Bart Reijnen
City of West Point Mayor Rod Bobo, Selectman William Binder, Selectman Ken Poole, Selectman Keith McBrayer, Selectman Terell Harris, and Selectman Cole Bryan |
|
Thanks for reading,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
|
|
|
|
