December 27, 2019

Dear Friend,

From the time I first took office in 2015 to present day, my goal is to advocate for policies that truly enhance the quality of life for Mississippians. Partisan politics has made this year a challenging one on multiple fronts, but through it all, real progress has been made on behalf of the American people.

Borne out of our Republican-led pro-growth policies, the economy is stronger than it has been in decades. More Americans are working than we have seen in 50 years. As a result of tax reform, companies continue to invest in their operations amid a surging consumer confidence. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), legislation that will modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for the first time in 24 years, will create new economic opportunities in Mississippi and across America. Freer and fairer trade practices in North America is a win for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.

The U.S. House of Representatives also made great strides to restore national defense readiness through passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. This bipartisan bill strengthens and modernizes our national defense readiness, enabling our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to respond to any threat against America. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and an NDAA Conferee, I was proud to be a part of this process which supports the National Defense Strategy. Additionally, I was honored to have spearheaded key provisions in the bill. Last week, President Trump signed the NDAA into law.

I have long advocated for policies that will have a direct impact on the lives of those who support our men and women in uniform - their families. I am grateful for the many quiet sacrifices they have made - especially those who have lost a loved one in service to our great nation. Gold Star families have earned and deserve a voice on Capitol Hill. It is with this in mind that I led the effort to pass the Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act, legislation that establishes a twelve month, fully-funded fellowship in a congressional office of choice, in either a district, or Washington, D.C., office for the siblings, spouses, or children of service members. There is no amount of money or program that can make their lives whole again, but this program gives the families left behind a chance to participate in our great democratic process at the national level.

ARTICLE: Any Gold Star family member can work in a congressional office thanks to this bill
ARTICLE: House OKs year-long fellowship program for Gold Star families

As my colleagues and I prepare to return to Congress in January, I offer a review of our achievements for 2019.

committee action

In January, the committee assignments for the 116th Congress were announced. I was honored to be selected as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel. I was also eager to resume my duties on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Committee on Agriculture, and the House Committee on Small Business.

Also in January, I was chosen to serve on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces to ensure our troops have the most advanced weaponry available.

In February, I shared with you my responsibilities as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture and the Subcommittee on House Conservation and Forestry.

In March, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces held a joint hearing with the Readiness Subcommittee titled, "U.S.Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Maritime Administration (MA) State of the Mobility Enterprise."

In May, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing titled, "Feres Doctrine - A Policy in Need of Reform." We listened to testimony and asked questions of service members about the need for reforms in the military healthcare system.

In July, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing titled, "Continuing to Serve: From Military to Entrepreneur." During the hearing, we discussed a package of bills designed to ease regulatory burdens for small business owners, including a bill for which I was the lead sponsor, the Verification Alignment and Service-disabled Business Adjustment (VA-SBA) Act.

Also in July, I joined my colleagues from the House Armed Services Committee on the House Floor to express our shared concerns about H.Res. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal year 2020.

In September, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing titled, "Shattered Service: Taking Military Domestic Violence out of the Shadows."

Also in September, I was honored to be selected as a Conferee for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee for Fiscal Year 2020.

In October, the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing titled, "The National Forest System: Restoring our Forest Infrastructure." As an outdoor enthusiast, I was proud to herald the wide variety of recreational activities available in Mississippi and throughout America.

In November, I had the opportunity to thank our farmers for all their hard work during the growing season and to express my support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

legislative work

H.Res. 613, the TRICARE Reserve Select Improvement Act

H.Res. 1919, the Detection, Enhanced Education, and Response (DEER) Act of 2019

H.Res. 3297, the Paperwork Reduction for Farmers and H-2A Modernization Act

H.Res. 4152, the VA-DOD Shared Medical Facilities Act of 2019

H.Res. 107, the Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act

H.Res. 1615, the Verification Alignment and Service-disabled Business Adjustment (VA-SBA) Act

H.Res. 2500, T he National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020

H.Res. 5430, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

2019 Highlights from the district

Beginning in February, members of the Mississippi Army National Guard were welcomed home by family and friends. More than 3,000 soldiers were deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

In April, Skylar Sloan, a Saltillo High School senior, won first place in our 2019 Congressional Artistic Discovery Contest.

In June, I had the privilege to speak at Memorial Day ceremonies in the First District.

In August, I spent the month traveling throughout the First District, meeting with our constituents.

Also in August, I was pleased to host Academy Day 2019 at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. We had a record turnout of young people from across the First District who wish to attend one of America's prestigious military academies and to learn more about university ROTC programs.

In September, I joined Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant at Spectra Laboratories in Southaven to break ground on a 200,000-square-foot laboratory. This investment will create 300 jobs over the next three years.

In October, I enjoyed meeting with the owners of Graham Roofing, Incorporated in Columbus to discuss opportunities for women-owned small business operators. This visit coincided with National Women's Small Business Month.

In November, Veterans Day ceremonies were held across the First District to honor all those who have proudly worn the uniform. I had the honor to shake the hands of many of our veterans who have fought to protect America, including World War II Veterans - our greatest generation.

year in review: by the numbers

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Thanks for reading,

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