Last week, I spoke with Scott Sands from SuperTalk Mississippi about my stance on President Donald Trump's tax cuts, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the important role Mississippi shipbuilders play in national defense readiness. These are significant topics affecting our nation, and I think it's important to address them. 

To watch the full interview on SuperTalk Mississippi, click HERE.

President Donald Trump remains committed to securing the U.S. southern border, and I am proud to join him in supporting these efforts.

Under his leadership, border encounters are trending downward, with the U.S. Border Patrol reporting significant declines. "U.S. Border Patrol's apprehensions along the Southwest border for the entire month of March 2025 were lower than the first two days of March 2024," said Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP recently released March data showing a 94% drop in Southwest border apprehensions compared to the same time last year and a 95% decrease from March 2023. The data also revealed the lowest average daily apprehensions in the history of our nation.

Thank you to President Trump and to the dedicated men and women of the CBP for your continued service and commitment to protecting the American people.

I am proud to announce the date for Academy Day 2025. This is an opportunity for Mississippi's First Congressional District parents, students, and educators to learn more about America's prestigious service academies.

Representatives will be participating from the following institutions: U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Marion Military Institute, University of Mississippi ROTC and Mississippi State ROTC.

I am also proud to announce the appointment of Conner Couch to the U.S. Naval Academy. A senior at Hernando High School, Conner has earned numerous academic honors and awards in the classroom, sports, and extracurricular activities.

Conner is active in community service, volunteering with HHES Mentoring and Hernando Parks and Recreation. He captains the Hernando High School soccer team and has led his travel team for several years. His leadership roles include the Hernando Mayor's Youth Leadership Council, Fellowship for Christian Athletes, Airventure Flight Center, and serving as a Student Ambassador Leader.

We are proud of Conner's achievements and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

For more information about Service Academy nominations through my office, please contact Robert Smith at (662) 687-1540 or send him an email at [email protected]

Team Kelly recently attended the Women in Business Luncheon, hosted by Southaven Chamber of Commerce and Community Bank at the Landers Center. The event was led by Debbie King of the Chamber and Karen Dickey, Chief Administration Officer with Community Bank.

Around 200 women from across DeSoto County gathered to discuss the theme of "success without burnout." Attendees heard from a panel of local leaders and successful businesswomen, including Pam Pegram, Hannah Owenga, Twyla Davis, Meagan Qualls and Anna Bell. The keynote speaker was Elizabeth Casana, an enneagram coach, business owner, author, and the host of the Honey Hush podcast. 

Now in its sixth year, the event was another great success. Thank you to the Southaven Chamber and Community Bank for organizing this gathering of leaders and entrepreneurs. 

Great economic news for Mississippi's First Congressional District. Amazon is bringing inbound cross-deck operations to Marshall County. The 930,000-square-feet facility, located in Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park, is expected to be completed over the next three years. It will take in shipments from suppliers, consolidate them, and distribute the goods to regional Amazon fulfillment centers across its network. This is a major boost for Marshall County and will create 1,000 new jobs.

We are grateful for Amazon's ongoing investment in Mississippi and Marshall County.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday aimed at revitalizing the U.S. maritime and shipbuilding industries to counter China's dominance in the sectors.

The executive order aligns with the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, introduced in December 2024 by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) and John Garamendi (D-CA-8).

The executive order, titled "Restoring America's Maritime Dominance," addresses serious national security concerns as the United States builds less than 1% of global commercial ships, compared to China's commanding 50% market share. Equally concerning, U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce total only 80, compared to China's 5,500.

Seapower Magazine | 04.10.25 | Sea-Air-Space: SHIPS Act Aims to Counteract China's Maritime Dominance

Most observers agree it's a national security imperative for the United States to counteract growing Chinese maritime domination. The imbalance is stark: Just 80 U.S.-flagged vessels conduct international commerce today, compared with China's 5,500 vessels. But how should America slow this worrisome trend?

One answer may be the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, a bipartisan bill to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. The measure seeks to grow the U.S. international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years through executive-level oversight; consistent funding or shipbuilding; and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention.

Kelly, a U.S. Navy veteran and the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress, is joined on the bill by Senate co-sponsor Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), and House co-sponsors Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), and John Garamendi (D-California).

Mississippi State Extension Agents

President and CEO of ECS John Heneghan

Peoples Bank in Ripley 100 Years Celebration

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