August 22, 2018

Dear Friend,

It's exciting to see a renewed optimism throughout Mississippi and across the nation, with small business operators expanding their operations, hiring new employees, and increasing employee benefits. For the first time in years, there are more jobs available than people to fill them. Recent figures show that there are 6.7 million job openings - 213,000 jobs added in June alone. That's progress and I hope it will continue to lead to additional investments in our region as we roll back more harmful regulations and enhance pro-growth policies.

From top left: State Farm Agents and
Military Officers Association of America
Northeast Mississippi Chapter meetings

While we are making progress, national security continues to be a concern with unprecedented threats to our nation. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed into law by President Trump, will provide better support for our troops, but more work still needs to be done to restore funding levels which will better position our fighting forces to protect us at home and across the globe.

to the moon, mars, and beyond

It was July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the Moon. This achievement was a great source of pride for Americans and a moment in time that will always be remembered. Growing up, I remember well watching the launch of space shuttles, witnessing the power of human ingenuity. NASA's Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, the largest engine test site in the nation, has always played a critical role in America's space exploration pursuits.

Stennis Space Center RS-25 test with
Rep. Stephen Palazzo (top) and
(below) Stennis Space Center Director
Dr. Rick Gilbrech, Governor Phil Bryant,
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine,
Sen. Roger Wicker, and Rep. Stephen Palazzo

Last week, I had the opportunity to witness the long-duration test of the Aerojet Rocketdyne's RS-25 engine, which will be used to power NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS). The rocket will take astronauts to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. I am excited about the future of space exploration with SLS and look forward to Mississippi and Stennis Space Center playing a large part in that effort.

Northrop Grumman anniversary

Happy 20th anniversary to Northrop Grumman in Iuka. Northrop Grumman has a proven record of providing critical capabilities to our warfighters. The company's Iuka workforce, which has grown to 150 employees, designs, builds and delivers space, defense, and aviation systems around the world. We appreciate their commitment to our national defense and the Mississippi economy.

During the celebration, Scott Lehr, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Flight Systems Group (FSG), offered a closer look at the manufacturing processes for the company's Antares, Pegasus, and Minotaur launch vehicle large composite structures and the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. Since 1998, the facility has increased in size to 320,000-square-feet, housing one of the largest autoclaves in the world, measuring 20 feet in diameter by 83 feet in length.

Westlake chemical

Mississippi's workforce is second to none which is why companies choose to locate here. It is important that we maintain our workforce, making sure they have the educational opportunities to get the job done. We are fortunate to have great partnerships in the district with community colleges that offer specialized training that some companies require. Westlake Chemical, located in Aberdeen, is the maker of PVC resin and compounds used in commercial and residential applications. Their products are used to make vinyl siding, wire and cable coating, and piping.

Last week, Westlake Chemical Plant Manager Jimmy Autrey introduced us to many of their team members who have benefited from the training offered in the district. "We need to make sure training options are available in the area to provide a workforce that is capable of maintaining our operations in a safe and efficient manner," said Autrey.

internships

It is my pleasure to offer college students the opportunity to serve as an intern in our Washington, D.C. office or in the First District each semester and during the summer. Interns have the opportunity to learn the legislative process and to assist our team as well as our constituents.

Summer interns Judson Bristow (West Point),
Margaret Hay (West Point), Alexa Glissen
(Ripley), Nicolle McDonnell (Norfolk, VA)
with University of Mississippi
Chancellor Dr. Jeff Vitter

This is an unforgettable experience in the setting of our nation's capitol. If you would like to apply to be an intern, please complete the online application and submit it to Samuel Hickman through email at Samuel.Hickman@mail.house.gov

a week in pictures

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

Erskin Morgan at Westlake Chemical

Ben Childers at Westlake Chemical

Jacob Lee at Westlake Chemical

Westlake Chemical with Plant Manager
Jimmy Autrey, Unit Manager
Bill Zosel, MS-01 District Office Director
Darren Herring, MS-01 Field Representative
Robert Smith, and The Vinyl Institute Director
of Government Affairs John Serrano

Military Officers Assoc. of America Northeast
Mississippi Chapter President Terry
Anderson and Vice President Tom Murry

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

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 and Twitter.

Thanks for reading,

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