February 19, 2018
Dear Friend,
Last week, we listened to testimony from United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard generals who are taking steps to alleviate the ongoing problem of pilot shortage. Additionally, there is a need for more maintenance technicians and other support personnel who will help us to achieve our goal which is to keep America safe. To watch an excerpt from the hearing, please click on the link.
We have the greatest fighting forces in the world, who need our support. We owe them the best training and equipment available if we are going to ask them to risk their lives for this country. Passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act gives the Department of Defense the needed resources to continue the process of rebuilding our armed forces which is critical to restore readiness. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, it is my goal, and that of my colleagues, to closely monitor our progress to make sure America's armed forces are prepared at a moment's call.
It is also a top priority to address problems that place the lives of our troops in danger and impact national security. We need more tanks on the ground, planes in the air, and ships at sea. All branches of the military must have the tools they need when they need them to successfully carry out their missions. Our work to find solutions to the challenges facing our military - both active and reserve, continues.
ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE
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Protecting Consumers' Access to Credit Act of 2017
When a consumer wants to take out a loan, they should have access to a wide variety of financial services in order to get the most competitive rate. Small business owners count on that variety to borrow money which helps them to innovate, grow, and create more jobs. A 2015 Second Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling is making it harder to gain access to credit and funding. The ruling found that non-banks cannot charge the same interest rate on a loan that originated from a national bank. The House passed, with my support, H.R. 3299, the Protecting Consumers' Access to Credit Act of 2017. This legislation clarifies current law to ensure that the lawful interest on a loan originated by a bank remains valid if the loan is sold, assigned, or transferred to a non-bank third party.
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broadband technology
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In December, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) and I introduced the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Act. This bill addresses the bipartisan push for nationwide broadband that specifically targets small businesses' needs and potential. This is a quality of life issue for farmers, small business owners and citizens alike throughout the district and the nation. Businesses with access to reliable broadband technology - especially in rural areas, will help them improve business practices, grow their client base, and create more jobs.
Twenty years ago, you would not have seen a farmer checking his cell phone to monitor how his combine is performing. This ability is becoming more common through the use of new, innovative technologies, specific to the needs of our nation's farmers.
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| Brad Judson |
Brad Judson, a West Point farmer, monitors some of his equipment through the use of technology. He can determine how fast a combine is going, how much fuel is being used, and yield information, using his satellite internet. Brad said his current type of access, which is all that is available to him, is limited in meeting his needs. Better technologies exist. He knows many other farmers who do not have internet access at all. "Internet access and speed are a critical need in our state and not just for farmers," Brad said. "Everyone would benefit if we had infrastructure in place throughout Mississippi."
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| Ben Harlow |
Ben Harlow, a Monroe County farmer, plans to step up his use of technology for what will be his nineteenth growing season. He said technology will enable him to adjust his planter and sprayer. "I want to monitor both because if we are not planting or spraying enough, that is not getting the job done," Ben said. "If we are using too much of either, that is wasting money. For the first time, I will know precisely how to adjust it."
To read the full text of the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Act, please click on the link.
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listening to veterans
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Mississippians have answered the call to serve our nation in times of war and peace. It has and will continue to be a top priority to listen to them. If they have a concern or a need, I want to make sure that we do everything we can to assist them. Retired Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant (SGT) William Brooks, our team's veterans outreach plays a key role in that effort.
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Retired Mississippi Army National Guard
Sergeant (SGT) William Brooks, Glen Davis
and William Jones |
In addition to providing them with the assistance they need, William travels throughout the district meeting with veterans of all conflicts to listen and record their stories. These recordings will be submitted to The Library of Congress for their Veterans History Project. For more information or to nominate a veteran for this project, call William at (662) 687-3518. Mike Patterson, our team's veterans services coordinator, is also available to assist you. Call Mike at (662) 841-8808.
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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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Airbus Helicopters, Inc. President Chris
Emerson, Military Program Vice President
Scott Tumpak, and Airbus Group, Inc.
Government Relations Director Aubert Kimbrell
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America's Small Business Development
Center President/CEO Charles "Tee" Rowe,
MS Small Business Development Center
Associate State Director Judy Forester, and
MS Small Business Development Center
Assistant Director Mitchell McDowell |
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| Aaron Gregory from Columbus |
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Russell, Rennie, Brenna, and Isaac Smith
from Saltillo |
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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