September 18, 2017
Dear Friend,
When I began practicing law, I quickly found out the challenges that come with owning a small business in America. Making that experience even more difficult was a complicated and burdensome tax code. Mountains of paperwork mixed with uncertainty can be a recipe for failure.
Tax reform is long overdue in this country. President Ronald Reagan was in the White House the last time anything was done to improve the system. We have listened to our constituents who say now is the time to lower taxes for the middle class and make the process simpler. We also have to lower the corporate tax rate. Tax reform will help businesses and industries grow and create more jobs.
To learn more about our tax reform plan, please click on the link fairandsimple.gov. Let us know what you think.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act
President Donald Trump through the leadership of Attorney Jeff Sessions has vowed to crack down on violent criminal gangs. This week, I supported and the House worked to further this objective by passing, H.R. 3697, the Criminal Alien Gang Removal Act. The bill gives law enforcement additional tools to help ensure that criminal alien gang members are inadmissible or deported and never allowed to enter the United States. To read more about the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, click here.
Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act
This week, the House took steps to responsibly fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) by passing all 12 appropriations bills. I supported, H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, which takes care of our nation's military members and our veterans and secures our borders. The legislation makes cuts to and reigns in federal agencies like the EPA and the IRS. The bill rolls back Obama-era regulations like the EPA's Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS) and several Dodd-Frank provisions. It includes important pro-life provisions like the Conscience Protection Act and prohibits federal funding for abortion. The bill includes Second Amendment protections and provides full funding for the border wall. There is also a prohibition on using funds to implement or administer Obamacare, specifically the individual mandate. The bill continues to move our country forward by funding vital programs necessary for our citizens. The Senate is currently working through the process of passing their versions of the appropriations bills. I am hopeful that we can continue the momentum of responsibly funding the federal government and advancing conservative policies well before the new deadline of December 8. To read more about the Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, click here.
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national pow/mia recognition day
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Any man or woman who answers the call to serve our nation understands the risks involved. Many have fought for our nation who did not return home to their families. In Corinth, military veterans and members of the community gathered for a National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Alcorn County Courthouse.
The POW/MIA flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff. A wreath was placed below the flag. Organizers explained why a table with an empty chair was placed front and center. Each item on the table is a symbol including a slice of lemon. It is there to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. We will never forget their service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
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the patriot guard riders
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John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This is a Bible verse that is dear to me. This verse symbolizes what our military men and women commit to when they put on a uniform. The same can be said of all the first responders across the country who willingly place their lives on the line to help others.
When a service member or first responder passes away, The Patriot Guard Riders attend their funerals at the invitation of the families. You see them on their motorcycles in funeral processions in the First District and across the country.
Micki Brown, a Fulton native, is The Patriot Guard Riders Senior Ride Captain for northeast Mississippi. She says it is a privilege to offer this special tribute to families. "My sister was a first responder who later became a member of the Patriot Guard," Micki said. "When she died, members escorted our family to the church and the cemetery. I knew that day that I wanted to make people feel how I felt. That's why I am a member."
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national peanut day
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National Peanut Day is an opportunity to thank the hardworking farmers in the First District who became some of the first in northeast Mississippi to invest in a peanut crop. Traditionally, peanuts have been grown in south Mississippi and other states. In 2008, Greg and Sheila Norton, Monroe County natives, decided to take a chance on peanuts. "It's been a game changer for us as far as revenue," Greg said. "We grew cotton and corn for years. We still grow cotton, but there's nothing better than a beautiful crop of peanuts. We've been very fortunate."
As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, it will be important for the next Farm Bill to support farmers in the First District and across the country. The American farmer plays an important role in our nation. We have to protect them.
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a week in pictures
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For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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We talked with leaders at the National Guard
Bureau about the future of the National Guard
and the important contributions soldiers
make at home and abroad. |
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Darrell and Nancy Bennett of Columbus and
Mel and Dee Lutgring of Lafayette, LA at
the White House |
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Mississippi Bankers Association representatives
Bob Glover, Moak Griffin, Joe Ricotta, James
Threadgill, Hue Townsend, John Oxford,
Alan Hargett, Kent Mortimer, Michael
Booker, Eric Haar, Frank Sibley, Greg McKee,
and Mary Childs |
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Mississippi Auto Dealers Association
representatives Roger Bacon, Jr.,
Stephen Franks, Marty Milstead,
and Michael Joe Cannon |
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Jimmy Bullock, Senior Vice President
Forestry at Resource Management Service |
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American Cancer Society Mississippi
representatives Betty Sparrow, Laurie Johnson,
Pearl Carter, Christina Wright, and Anita Bales |
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Paul, Sarah, Josiah, Abigail, Ester, and Daniel
Crow from Olive Branch |
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North Mississippi Medical Center CEO
Shane Spees and Cornerstone Government
Affairs, Inc. Principal and Director John Keast |
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Mississippi Levee Board representatives Brook
Cook and John P. Henson |
For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.
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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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