July 8, 2016

Dear Friend,

Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter. It has been a rough week. No matter how divisive the issue, as Americans there is more that brings us together than tears us apart. During these disheartening times, I pray for the families in mourning and a more unified country.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations Process

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act

The House passed H.R. 5485, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, which funds the Treasury Department, the Judiciary, the Small Business Administration, and other related agencies. Here are some highlights from the bill:

Provides funds for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration which audits and investigates the IRS
Prohibits funds for abortion in the Federal Employee Health Benefits program or Obamacare multi-state health plans
Directs the Treasury to report the status of implementation and enforcement of sanctions against Iran
Prohibits preparation or implementation of executive orders in contravention of existing law

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Funding is below FY08 levels
Requires extensive reporting on IRS spending
Directs funds to improve taxpayer services
Requires consideration of conduct and tax compliance prior to employees receiving bonuses or awards
Prohibits the transfer of funds to the IRS for implementing Obamacare
Prohibits funds to implement the individual mandate in Obamacare
Prohibits targeting organizations for their ideological beliefs and citizens for exercising their First Amendment rights

working together

House-Senate Conference Report on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

Today the House passed a conference report on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. This bipartisan legislation gives local and state leaders the tools they need to address the different types of addiction facing their communities, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. I hope this legislation quickly passes in the Senate and the president signs it into law.

Previous statement on House passed legislation to treat the nation's opioid epidemic: Read More.

NDAA Update

Today the House approved, by voice vote, a motion to go to conference on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. It is imperative to set defense policy each year, and I am hopeful the House and Senate conferees can work out the two chambers' differences.

Previous statement on House passage of NDAA: Read More.

A week in photos

If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please plan to stop by the office. Learn more about the tours my office can assist you with: Rep. Kelly's official website.

Update on Keesler Air Force Base

Blunt Family on the Speaker's balcony

Floyd family in the DC office

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