October 5, 2020

Dear Friend,

Our thoughts and prayers are with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump who tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Let us all pray for a swift recovery.

As Members of Congress, it is vital that we do everything in our power to support our small business owners. In order to provide them with the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we extend the Paycheck Protection Program to help them keep their doors open and keep their employees on the payroll. I have signed a petition calling for a vote on legislation that would extend the program. H.R. 8265, a bill introduced by House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Steve Chabot, would amend the Coronavirus Aid, Reiief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, allowing qualified small businesses owners to apply for a second loan until December 31, 2020, or until the funds are exhausted. 218 members of Congress must sign the petition to hold a vote on the bill. I will continue to update you on the status of this important legislation.

Johnny Wooten is the owner of the Market Cafe and JDogs Downtown Grill in Louisville. In March, he opened a new business called the Ugly Mugg Coffee & Ice Cream Cafe. Three weeks after he launched the coffee shop, the coronavirus pandemic forced him to temporarily close all of his businesses. He and his wife, Alice, were determined to keep all of their employees. They turned to the Paycheck Protection Program for assistance. "We have 35-40 families depending on us," Johnny said. "The PPP funds enabled us to keep all the staff that wanted to stay." Johnny said business is still not what is was prior to COVID-19, but it is gaining ground. We are proud of our First District entrepreneurs for their hard work and determination to succeed.

Veterans' Sentinel Act

Representatives Crow, (D-CO), Omar (D-MN), DeJarlaid (R-TN), Crist (D-FL) and I introduced the Veterans' Sentinel Act to help eliminate the disturbing trend of suicides by U.S. Veterans at VA facilities. This legislation calls for enhanced data collection and congressional oversight. The Veterans' Sentinel Act is a powerful tool we can use to address this problem and protect the lives of these American Heroes. The loss of even one life is unacceptable and I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this important legislation that helps to prevent Veteran suicides.

Virtual Academy Day 2020 is fast approaching. Participants will have the opportunity to meet representatives from America's prestigious service academies and to learn more about the nomination process. I am looking forward to seeing everyone on October 10! Click here to participate in the Zoom webinar. For full details, please visit TrentKelly.house.gov

MAJ Steve Gilbert graduated from the United States Military Academy with a bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering Management and was commissioned as an infantry officer in 2010. He served as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leaders, Recon Platoon Leader, Ranger Platoon Leader, Rifle Company Commander and Operations Officer. MAJ Gilbert deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

MAJ Gilbert is a graduate of the Sabaluski Air Assault School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Sniper Employment School, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course, Joint Firepower Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE-C) School, and the Maneuver Captain's Career Course.

I am pleased to welcome our fall intern, Rachel Shumaker, to our Washington, D.C. office. Rachel, a native of Pontotoc, is the daughter of Don and Donna Shumaker. Rachel is a senior at Mississippi State University majoring in Political Science and Communications. She is enjoying working on Capitol Hill and assisting members of our team. "I have always said that I wanted to work in public service," Rachel said. "This is a great opportunity to serve and to gain experience in my chosen field." I am proud of our internship program and the great learning experience that it provides. To apply, please click on the link. 

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