February 3, 2017
Dear Friend,
I am pleased to see the commitment President Trump is showing to get our country moving in the right direction on the economy and national security. Neil Gorsuch is an excellent nominee to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a proven leader with a record for fair and accurate application of the law. Judge Gorsuch's decisions as a U.S. Appeals Judge for the Tenth Circuit confirm he has a profound respect for our Constitution.
This week, the subcommittee assignments were finalized on the House Armed Services Committee. I am honored to represent the interests of Mississippi on the Readiness, Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittees and the Military Personnel Subcommittee. Through these committee assignments, we will have the opportunity to strengthen our military which has been weakened by repeated budget cuts and a lackluster Commander in Chief. Our troop numbers have declined and our service members are working with substandard equipment and inadequate training. All branches of our U.S. Armed Forces deserve our full support, including Mississippi Army National Guardsmen and Columbus Air Force Base Airmen. Thirty years of service in the National Guard, including two deployments to Iraq, gives me the firsthand experience that will be valuable in the Armed Services Committee's mission to keep America Safe.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
|
Stream Protection Rule
Safe, reliable domestic energy production is important to consumers and vital to national security. The House passed, with my support, H.J. Res. 38, Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior known as the Stream Protection Rule, by a bipartisan vote of 228-194. This rule was released at the end of the previous administration and rewrites 400 regulations which make it virtually impossible for coal mining operations in the Appalachian region to succeed. The protection of our rivers and streams is important, but state and local agencies know best how to do this. This legislation returns this responsibility to them.
NICS Improvement Amendment Act of 2007
The rights guaranteed by our Constitution are sacred, and the Second Amendment right to bear arms is no exception. Late last year, the Social Security Administration passed a rule that certain individuals receiving Social Security would no longer be eligible to purchase firearms. This rule has no data to prove its effectiveness and does nothing to ensure due process for individuals affected. I was proud to support H.J. Res. 40, which passed the House this week by a vote of 235-180. It if becomes law, it would ensure this misguided rule does into go into effect.
|
NEMCC and Blue mountain college join forces
|
Congratulations to Northeast Mississippi Community College and Blue Mountain College for being featured in The Wall Street Journal. The article highlights the partnerships Blue Mountain College officials have formed with community colleges including NEMCC to increase their enrollment and at the same time, offer students a smooth pathway to graduation. NEMCC Vice President for Instruction, Michelle Baragona, says this is a win-win situation for both colleges because it gives students more options.
 |
Blue Mountain College President Dr.
Barbara Childers McMillin
is shown with students Madeline Smith,
Lori Beth Watts and Jacob Medlock.
Below left is Blue Mountain Recruiter Larry McMillin |
|
how can we assist you?
|
Brittany Burnham
It is always a top priority for our team to make you feel welcome when you call or visit our DC office. We are eager to help you with the services you need.
Brittany Burnham is the first member of our team you will meet when you come to the office. Brittany is our staff assistant. She can take you on a Capitol tour, help with a flag request and arrange for a signed photo to make sure your visit is memorable. Brittany, a Kosciusko native, enjoys working with our visitors who request assistance from our team. "It's exciting," Brittany said. "You never know who you are going to see."
Please let us know how we can help. Our team is ready to assist you.
|
A week in pictures
|
 |
National Federation of the Blind Mississippi
Chapter President Sam Gleese, Ollie Lester
of Columbus,
Candice Chapman and Angel Darden |
 |
| Committee on Small Business Open House |
 |
2016 USS STENNIS Leadership Award winners
CDR Robert Burgess,
MMNCS(SW/AW) Robert Schmugge and
LS1(SW/AW) Nicholas Winkler
with Captain Greg Huffman |
 |
2016 USS STENNIS Leadership Award
winner's spouses Tracy Winkler, Karin Schmugge
and Shelia Burgess with Captain Huffman's
wife Judy |
 |
| Mark, Nancy Jo and Gus Maples from Lucedale |
|
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
|
|
