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March 17, 2016
Dear Friend,
Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Call It What It Is: Genocide.
The House voted unanimously (393 to 0) that the atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria include war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The world has been disgusted by the Islamic State's brutal acts of violence and disregard for human life, and this legislation classifies these horrendous actions by their rightful names.
Today, Secretary Kerry announced that the Islamic State was committing genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing against ethnic and religious minorities in areas under its control. In his remarks he stated, "Naming these crimes is important. But what is essential is to stop them." I agree and hope to see more than talk from the administration.
Article I of the U.S. Constitution
It is clearly written in the Constitution: Congress is responsible for creating laws and the executive branch is tasked with implementing and enforcing them. In November 2014, the Obama administration announced executive actions on immigration that would allow nearly 5 million illegal immigrants to avoid deportation. Regardless of what you think needs to be done in terms of immigration reform, no president has the authority to change the law without congressional action.
In response, Texas and 25 other states sued the United States and the case will be heard before the Supreme Court in April; a decision is expected in June. The states contend that the Obama administration overstepped its constitutional authority in issuing the executive actions on immigration. Today, I voted in support of legislation authorizing the speaker to file an amicus brief opposing the administration's position in United States v. Texas, the Supreme Court case previously mentioned. The president does not get to choose the laws his administration enforces, and I hope the Supreme Court makes the obvious decision and sides with the states.
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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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SURVEY
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Do you believe the Islamic State is committing genocide against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities? Let me know.
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| A WEEK IN PHOTOS
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| Itawamba Attendance Center at the U.S. Capitol |
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| Driskill family from Saltillo |
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| Lloyd and Leslie Hubler from Olive Branch visit their Congressional Office in DC |
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| Mississippi Soybean Association |
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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