July 24, 2017
Dear Friend,
Americans take great pride in their craftsmanship. President Donald Trump highlighted that spirit during "Made in America" week. It was a proud moment to see American-made products displayed on the White House lawn, including a "Big Red" forklift which was manufactured by hardworking Mississippians at Taylor Machine Works, Inc. out of Louisville.
Businesses who sell their products internationally have a presence in the First District including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Remington Oil & Gas Corporation, Yokohama Tire, Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., Lane Furniture Industries, Inc., Paccar Engine Company, Airbus Helicopters, Inc., Caterpillar, Inc., Navistar, Inc., General Atomics, Philips Lighting, Winchester, Mossy Oak, and CITE Armored.
Whether they are corporate-owned or independently-owned, Mississippi companies continue to manufacture products that set the standard for world quality. Governor Phil Bryant said it best.
"Mississippi's business-friendly environment and our commitment to providing companies an atmosphere where they can not only do business, but thrive has produced results time and again," Governor Bryant said. "Our workforce proves each day why 'Made in America, perfected in Mississippi' is true."
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Paperwork Reduction for Farmers Act
Farmers in the First District, across Mississippi, and the nation have to shoulder the burden of federal regulations and endure unnecessary delays when applying for seasonal workers. It is typical to wait 30 days or more to get applications processed. While they wait, their businesses suffer. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and I have joined forces to streamline the process by introducing the Paperwork Reduction for Farmers Act. Read more about the legislation here.
Making American Energy Affordable Again
Americans deserve access to reliable and affordable energy. We are blessed in this county to have an abundance of natural energy resources, but it's going to take infrastructure improvements to meet our energy needs now and in the future. The House passed, with my support, the following legislation:
Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017
H.R. 806, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017, creates a phased in process for implementing the EPA's 2008 and 2015 Ozone standards. The legislation will prevent the EPA from changing standards before previous ones are met. The EPA would also have to make sure technology is in place to meet new standards.
Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act
Natural gas supplies one-fourth of all the energy used in the United States. Nearly 70 million residential customers and 5 million commercial businesses rely on this clean, affordable energy source. Millions save money using natural gas. Millions more could if the permitting process wasn't so long and complex. H.R. 2910, Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines, strengthens the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) coordination of interagency processes and streamlines the review process. This combination will help to modernize America's natural gas pipeline infrastructure.
Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act
President Trump's executive orders have cleared the path for the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. That's a great start, but more needs to be done to eliminate rules and regulations that stand in the way of progress. H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act, modernizes the federal permitting process so energy can flow more easily between the U.S. and our North American neighbors.
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committee action
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Mississippi is a rural state where access to healthcare is a constant challenge. Those who live in rural or underserved communities have to travel, in many cases, great distances to receive care. This is a huge problem at a time when Mississippi leads the nation in heart disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Those who do not have the medical care they need are not the only ones who suffer. This situation impacts small business operators who face increased absenteeism and decreased productivity.
Last week, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade and Health and Technology held a hearing to examine how expansion of telehealth services can help rural communities. Telehealth industry experts on the panel included Michael P. Adcock, Executive Director of the Center for Telehealth at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson. UMMC's program is considered to be one of the world leaders in telemedicine. Mr. Adcock says this use of technology connects patients with their providers who can monitor their condition remotely. Please watch an excerpt from the hearing below.
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| freedomworks freedomfighter award |
It continues to be my top priority to support policies that improve the quality of life for Mississippians, including limited government, lower taxes, and fewer burdensome government regulations. Mississippians and all Americans should be able to invest in their futures without the federal government getting in the way. Too many rules and regulations increase costs for business owners and consumers and stifle investment.
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| FreedomWorks President Adam Brandon |
FreedomWorks, an organization that tracks voting records on key issues in the House and Senate, recently announced the winners of the FreedomWorks FreedomFighter Award. It was an honor to be selected for maintaining a 96% on the conservative organization's 2016 congressional scorecard.
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agent lee tartt memorial
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Every day, law enforcement officers go to work knowing the next shift could be their last. When Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agent and SWAT Team member Lee Tartt responded to a standoff near Iuka on February 20, 2016, he knew the risks involved and bravely carried out his duties. He paid the ultimate sacrifice that night.
Family, friends, and local officials recently gathered to dedicate a memorial that has been placed at the Tishomingo County Sheriff's Office. Agent Tartt's sacrifice will not be forgotten - nor the sacrifices of other law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
In March, the House passed, H.R. 115, the U.S. Thin Blue Line Act. If signed into law, this legislation amends the federal criminal code to include the killing or attempted killing of a local or state law enforcement officer or first responder as an aggravating factor in Federal death penalty determinations.
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| a lesson in law enforcement |
Last week, Oxford and Lafayette County youngsters got a chance to find out what it's like to be a law enforcement officer. Oxford Police Department held their 2nd Annual Camp Cops. Children spent the week in a training academy designed just for them.
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Oxford Police Department Camp Cops from top
left: Officer Mark Hodges, camper Zane
Holley, and a 2017 Camp Cops class |
One of the most popular training classes is the obstacle course. Kids get to drive golf carts under the watchful eye of Oxford Police Department officers who volunteered for the camp. Alan Ivy, Camp Cops coordinator, says the camp gives officers an opportunity to build and maintain relationships with the community.
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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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Jeffrey, Deedra, Lola, Stella, and Eva Hollis
from Iuka |
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Kim Brukardt from Olive Branch with the National
Landscapers Association |
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Civil War Trust Federal Relations Manager
Paul B. Coussan |
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MAJ Jarvis Buchanan from Houston and MAJ
Scott Chavers from Tupelo |
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| Lt Gen Christopher Burne |
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| Lt Col Corea Smith |
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| MAJ Will Babor |
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University of Mississippi Medical Center for
Telehealth Executive Director Michael Adcock |
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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