December 18, 2017
Dear Friend,
Last week, President Donald Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2018. This legislation serves as the foundation to rebuild America's defense readiness capabilities which is vital to protect our nation. It is our plan to put more planes in the air, ships at sea, and much-needed equipment in the hands of service members at home and abroad. Additionally, the NDAA fully funds the 2.4% pay raise our military men and women will receive, the largest raise they have had in eight years.
I had the opportunity to speak at the 21st National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Industry Day at the National Guard Memorial in Washington, D.C. I stressed the importance of fully funding our military and not hamstringing our service members with more continuing resolutions. This year, more soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have died in training accidents with worn out equipment than in combat against the enemies of America. Our industry partners are ready to deliver new, upgraded, or repaired equipment to the Department of Defense but can only do so if they have reliable funding. As your representative, I will continue to get stable and predictable funding for the Department of Defense.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017
Citizens look to their community banks to lend them money to buy a home or a business. In small communities, this relationship is more than numbers on a piece of paper. It is a relationship built through mutual trust. Over the years, federal government overreach through one-size-fits-all regulations has resulted in the average loss of one community financial institution a day. Unnecessary rules and regulations prevent the vast majority of community banks from making more residential mortgage loans. A significant number of community banks are either no longer active in the residential mortgage market or are considering leaving the marketplace altogether. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017. This legislation will give community banks the flexibility they need to better serve their customers who want to buy or refinance a home.
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parker hannifin expands in holly springs
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Companies come to Mississippi because they can count on a business-friendly climate that is backed by a strong workforce. Parker Hannifin is one of those operations. Company officials recently announced plans to expand in Holly Springs, the company's second expansion in Holly Springs in just over a year. State and local officials including Governor Phil Bryant joined employees for the announcement ceremony.
Parker Hannifin currently employs 124 people in Holly Springs and more than 500 statewide. The company plans to add 50 new jobs over the next two years. The company which is a leading manufacturer of motion and control technologies systems also has operations in Batesville, Olive Branch, and Madison, Mississippi.
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| Toyota celebrates one millionth corolla |
Congratulations to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi in Blue Springs which recently celebrated their tenth anniversary with a free concert in Tupelo. Last week, there was cause for more celebration. TMMMS rolled their one millionth Mississippi-built Toyota Corolla off the line.
Sean Suggs, TMMMS president, praised team members during the roll-off ceremony. "To think this all started with one team member, one team, one car, and now the one millionth Corolla is rolling off the line is incredible," Sean said. "This is another feather in the cap of Toyota's 1,500 team members who come together each day to produce ever-better Corollas. Our team members are the foundation of our success."
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| blessed are the peacemakers |
There is no greater love than to lay down your life for another. This passage from the Bible comes to mind when I think of all the law enforcement officers who have willingly laid down their lives to protect us. It was an honor to speak at Blessed are the Peacemakers: A December Remembrance in Tupelo. This was an opportunity to talk about Tupelo Police Officer Gale Stauffer, a good friend of mine. He was killed on December 23rd, 2013 while responding to a bank robbery. Officer Joseph Mahr was seriously wounded in the incident.
Gale and I served as engineers in the Mississippi Army National Guard. I also worked with him while serving as a Tupelo City Prosecutor and District Attorney. Gale proudly served our nation as a police officer and as a soldier. He chose to give his life while serving others. It is important for all of us to remember all those who have lost their lives protecting us.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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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.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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