January 31, 2020
Dear Friend,
I have long advocated for policies that will strengthen protections for the unborn, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to give them a voice. It was an honor to receive an A-rating from the Susan B. Anthony List on its National Pro-Life Scorecard in recognition of my pro-life work in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Historic Trade Agreements
President Trump signed into law the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). This is a huge victory for American families, workers, and businesses. USMCA will spur $68 billion in economic growth, create 176,000 new jobs, expand trade opportunities for our farmers to unprecedented levels, and generate new revenue for businesses, large and small. This historic agreement follows the signing of the Economic and Trade Agreement Phase One between the U.S. and China, opening up new revenue streams for all those who wish to export goods and services to China. Additionally, the agreement will require China to adhere to fair trade practices or be held accountable.
Impeachment Trial
While President Trump has worked tirelessly to level the playing field with America's trade partners through historic agreements, Democrats have relentlessly pursued a partisan witch hunt. Rather than carry out the business of the American people, they have pursued every avenue to remove President Trump from office. It is my hope that full exoneration will force Democrats to abandon their unfounded claims and get back to work.
| sgm jeremy barton |
Welcome to SGM Jeremy Barton, the newest member of our defense policy team. SGM Barton, a native of Middletown, Ohio, is our FY20 Army Congressional Fellow. The Office of the Secretary of Defense and Army Legislative Liaison selected SGM Barton which is a testament to his vast experience and wealth of knowledge.
His long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army includes two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and numerous leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic level. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with SGM Barton on critical legislation that will ensure our men and women in uniform have the support they need to protect America.
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| gold star family fellowship program |
This month, I presented Jane Horton with a copy of H.Res.107, the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Sean Cooley and Specialist (SPC) Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act. Jane, the widow of SPC Horton, was the inspiration for this legislation which established a twelve month, fully-funded fellowship in a congressional office of choice, in either a district, or Washington, D.C. office.
This fellowship will give our Gold Star families a well-deserved voice in the legislative process, leading to meaningful legislation that will truly make a difference in their lives. Those who gave all in service to our great Nation will forever be remembered and well-represented by their family members.
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| academy appointments |
Every year, it is my privilege to nominate young people from across the First District who wish to attend one of America's prestigious military academies. These outstanding Mississippians have excelled in both academics and athletics, while giving back to their communities. Please join me in congratulating our first two appointees for 2020.
Allison Yingst
Allison Yingst, a Heritage Academy senior, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Allison, the daughter of Andrew and Katharine Yingst, is a Heritage Academy senior. In addition to her perfect GPA, Allison has attained the highest average in numerous courses, including Spanish, World History, STEM Entrepreneurship, and Biology. She has also excelled in basketball, track and field, and cross country. Additionally, community service has been a driving force in her life as evidenced by the scores of hours she has devoted to charity work. Allison said she is grateful to be of service to her community, a role she will take to the next level as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. "Military service is a tradition in our family," Allison said. "My parents are U.S. Air Force Academy graduates and my brother is currently a student there."
Brooks Anne Milligan
Brooks Anne Milligan, a Corinth High School senior, has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. Brooks Anne ranks 4th in her class of 158, speaks fluent Spanish, and serves as the Corinth High School Tennis Team Captain. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in her community which includes numerous public service projects. She is the leader and founder of the Boys Scouts of America All Female Venturing Crew for 2020. Additionally, Brooks Anne has been a member of the Mayor's Youth Council for five years. Recently, she was notified of her appointment by Robert Smith, our military academy liaison in the First District. "I teared up with relief and excitement," Brooks Anne said. "I called my family and there were happy tears all around!"
To learn more about the nomination process, please click HERE or send an email to Robert.Smith@mail.house.gov.
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| 2019 congressional app challenge |
Congratulations to our 2019 Congressional App Challenge winners for the First Congressional District! De'Asia Beal, Jaelen Hathorne, and Haley Hill, Louisville High School students, designed an app to encourage other Louisville residents to do their part to prevent littering. The app includes screens that address litter in their community, provide a cleaning schedule, and a game. I am proud to host this program for middle and high school students. It is my hope to inspire more young people to advance their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), coding, and computer science. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, please click HERE.
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| internships: experience washington, d.c. |
One of the most unique opportunities for a college student is to participate in our internship program! This is a great experience for young people who want to learn more about the legislative process. In addition to assisting our team, interns serve as a personal tour guide of the U.S. Capitol building for our visitors. I am pleased to introduce Sarah Beth Hamilton and Brant Akins, our spring semester interns. Welcome aboard!
Sarah Beth Hamilton
Sarah Beth Hamilton, a native of Saltillo, is a political science major and a rising senior at the University of Mississippi. She enjoys working in our DC office and meeting many of our visitors from the First District and well beyond. "I wanted to serve as an intern because this is a true learning experience," Sarah Beth said. "I particularly like that our office provides guided tours of the U.S. Capitol building. I want to do as many as possible for our guests!"
Brant Akins
Brant Akins, a University of Mississippi graduate, is also a political science major. The Ripley native applied for our internship program to explore politics and the laws of our great Nation. "It's been great," Brant said. "We get to attend all of the hearings which is a fruitful endeavor - especially for someone considering a career in the field of law."
I am proud of Sarah Beth and Brant and look forward to hearing great things about their future pursuits! If you have any questions about our internship program, please give us a call at (202) 225-4306. You can also email Reed.Craddock@mail.house.gov.
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| photos |
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| 2018 Military Spouse of the Year Krista Anderson |
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Human Rights First National Security Outreach
Director Bishop Garrison |
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| Jane Horton, Claudia Avila, and Captain Luis Avila |
To see more photos, 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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