July 10, 2018

Dear Friend,

The 2018 Farm Bill is making its way through Congress. Both the House and the Senate have passed legislation. The next step is to negotiate a new bill prior to the September 30 deadline for passage. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, it continues to be my goal to listen to the concerns of farmers from the First District. Tate and DeSoto County farmers Daniel Brooks, John Miller, and Robert Miller are among those who are hoping the next Farm Bill will help to meet their needs at this challenging time in the farming industry.

Daniel, Lacey, Jenna Beth and Brockman Brooks

Daniel Brooks farms 2,000 acres in Tate County. He grows corn, cotton, wheat, soybeans and hay. Daniel said the next Farm Bill needs to have provisions which ensure farmers have adequate safety nets. "We put 100 percent into our operation," Daniel said. "We're looking to make as much as we can out of each acre. To do that, there needs to be a better safety net for farmers."

Robert and Hunter Miller

John and Robert Miller grow corn and soybeans on some 3,000 acres in Nesbit and Senatobia. Farming is a tradition in their family. Hunter Miller, Robert's son, is learning the ropes to one day take over the farm. Farmers are the best stewards of the land. They understand that taking care of the land will allow it to be fruitful for years to come. John said there needs to be fewer regulations that control how a farmer manages his land. "I try to take care of the land," John said. "We want our farm to stay in the family for generations to come."

While our farmers in the First District wait for harvest, we will continue to listen to their concerns. It is my solid commitment to make sure their voice is heard as we work on their behalf, crafting the 2018 Farm Bill.

For more information about the 2018 Farm Bill passed by the House, click on the link.

For more information about the 2018 Farm Bill passed by the Senate, click on the link.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019

We continue to work to rebuild America's defense readiness capabilities to protect our nation at home and overseas. We have strived to accomplish this goal by vigorously studying existing and future needs and through passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The next step to rebuilding our military is funding. The House passed, with my support, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019, which will ensure our nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have the tools they need to defend America. This legislation will also deliver the first pay raise our troops have received in nine years. For more information about our plan to restore readiness, please click on the link.

technology on the frontlines

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am always interested to see firsthand how new technology and advanced tools help keep our forces safe and provide an advantage in the field. I was fortunate to tour several facilities that are supplying the Department of Defense (DoD) with these technologies.

Endeavor Robotics

This company produces the FirstLook robot. Weighing about five pounds, the unmanned ground vehicle is a throwable, rugged robot that provides immediate situational awareness, performs persistent observation and investigates dangerous and hazardous material. These tasks can be accomplished from a safe distance which is essential to our brave men and women in uniform on the frontlines.

Riptide Autonomous Solutions

Riptide produces unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV) also known as undersea drones that are engineered for oceanic monitoring. "If Marines and the U.S. Navy go into an area to investigate, they can use these vehicles to see if mines are present - all from a safe distance," Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smith said. Innovation in battery technology has improved endurance. Using the aluminum seawater battery, developed by Open Water Power and coupled with Riptide, enables the user to monitor the ocean floor for up to two weeks.

taking care of our troops

At this hour, military men and women are protecting America at home and across the globe. Time away from family and friends can be difficult which is one reason why Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi officials decided to do something special for our troops. Recently, the automobile manufacturer invited Toyota dealership representatives to their Blue Springs manufacturing facility to pack care boxes which will be sent to 500 members of the military.

Kathryn Ragsdale, TMMMS Manager of Corporate Communications, said handwritten letters were included in every package. "Some of those letters moved me to tears," Kathryn said. "Each and every letter was unique and special."

congressional award winners

Community service is an honor and a privilege. We are fortunate in our nation to have many people who are eager to help their fellow man. It is with this in mind that Congress initiated the Congressional Award program to encourage more young people to continue this rewarding tradition of community service. Recently, we invited three outstanding students to Washington, D.C., to be presented with a Gold Congressional Award Certificate along with a Gold Congressional Award Medal, the program's highest honor.

From left are: Dr. Linda Mitchell, Shelby Lindsey,
Demi Doty, and Jackson Christ

Shelby Lindsey, a Shannon High School graduate, chose to take a stand against bullying and pursued this goal through 4-H as part of her public service hours. Jackson Christ, a New Albany High School senior, took an active role against bullying by participating in the 4-H Anti-Bullying Coalition. Demi Doty, class Valedictorian for the Mississippi School of the Arts, has devoted a great deal of time and energy assisting senior citizens and those in need. She has also pursued music studies which included an opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall.

Dr. Linda Mitchell, Congressional Award program Board of Directors Vice Chairman and professor at Mississippi State University, said Mississippi's young people have been participating in the program since 1998. Since then, over 1,000 students have been selected to receive an award. "It is amazing to see these kids set goals and work hard to serve others," Linda said. "This shows their dedication to community service and builds a strong future for themselves."

The program is open to all young people beginning when they turn 13 1/2. For more information about the Congressional Award program, please click on the link.

steel dynamics, Inc.

Congratulations to Steel Dynamic, Inc., in Columbus. Recently, the steel manufacturer announced plans to expand, an investment of approximately $200 million. Some 45 jobs will be created to support a new galvanizing line at the Columbus Flat Roll Division. Steel Dynamics, Inc., currently employs 740 team members in Columbus. We appreciate the company's investment in our workforce and in Mississippi.

u.s. capitol tours

If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please visit my website which has helpful information to assist you. A member of our team will serve as your guide for U.S. Capitol tours. In June, we had the honor to provide tours to approximately 30 groups. We look forward to many more.

From top left: Donna and Carolton Tippitt
from Hernando, Ruby and Nastarssia
Humphrey from Walls, Royal,
Jody, Jacob, Logan, and Abigail
Wicher from Belmont

a week in pictures

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

Rienzi Mayor Walter Williams, Farmington
Mayor Dale Fortenberry, and Mississippi
Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves

Speaking at the Jacinto Courthouse

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