Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss)

Congressman Trent Kelly Reappointed Chairman of Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee

Washington, January 17, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) has been reappointed Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee. The subcommittee oversees Navy and Marine Corps shipbuilding, Air Force bombers and tankers, Army waterborne vessels, and maritime policy.

“I am honored to continue this important work to strengthen America’s maritime industrial base and ensure our nation’s return to maritime dominance,” said Congressman Kelly. “I look forward to working closely with Chairman Mike Rogers and with Seapower and Projection Forces Ranking Member Joe Courtney to continue supporting our Armed Forces.”

This reappointment reflects Congressman Kelly’s commitment to advancing America’s maritime and defense priorities, ensuring our Armed Forces have the resources they need to protect our nation and maintain global stability.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss)

Kelly Stands Against Government Overreach

Washington, March 7, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) is taking a stand against yet another burdensome regulation from the Biden administration, voicing his strong support for House Joint Resolution 61, which seeks to repeal a costly and unnecessary EPA rule that threatens American jobs and manufacturing.

“In my district and across the country, businesses and manufacturers provide good-paying jobs, support families, and strengthen our economy,” said Congressman Kelly. “But under this rule, companies will be forced to take on massive new costs—costs that will either be passed on to consumers or result in lost jobs and closed facilities. We cannot afford to let Washington bureaucrats dictate policies that weaken American industries and send our opportunities overseas.”

House Joint Resolution 61 aims to push back against overregulation that disproportionately impacts small businesses and manufacturers, adding layers of red tape without meaningful environmental benefits. Congressman Kelly has long been an advocate for policies that promote economic growth and job creation that prioritizes American industry.

To view Congressman Kelly’s full statement on the House floor, please click HERE.

For further information, please contact Semaj.Redd@mail.house.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss)

Seapower Leaders Urge Swift Action on Australia’s $500M Submarine Investment

Washington, February 11, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Chairman Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Ranking Member Joe Courtney (D-CT) of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urging swift action on Australia’s newly announced $500 million investment in the U.S. submarine industrial base under the AUKUS agreement.

The investment was made possible by a provision in the 2024 National Defense and Authorization Act (NDAA), which Kelly and Courtney championed, allowing the U.S. to accept Australia’s contribution. Under this law, the Secretary of Defense must submit a notification to Congress outlining how the funds will be allocated.

“We look forward to receiving the required notifications detailed in the FY24 NDAA so that funding may be expeditiously made available for obligation to the U.S. submarine industrial base. This funding should not be used to offset any current or future cost growth that may exist elsewhere in U.S. submarine procurement. Instead, we hope that these funds will be used to supplement ongoing efforts to increase submarine production, adhere to the enabling legislation, and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the Australian government,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary Hegseth.

Friday’s investment was the first of several under Australia’s $3 billion commitment to strengthen the U.S. submarine industrial base and support efforts to expand submarine construction. The announcement came ahead of Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles’ first meeting with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Both Chairman Kelly and Ranking Member Courtney met with Mr. Marles Friday to discuss Congress’ commitment to the US-Australia alliance and Australia’s landmark investment.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss)

Kelly Announces Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

Washington, March 19, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A key initiative Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) led in the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act is now available in a program called the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).

The program provides direct assistance to help farmers offset rising input costs and declining commodity prices for the 2024 crop year.

Details are available at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ecap. For questions, please contact Semaj Redd at semaj.redd@mail.house.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

February 6, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) invites residents of Mississippi’s Second Congressional District to join an important town hall discussion on the impact of President Trump’s executive orders. The discussion will address the direct threats the executive orders pose to Mississippi’s Second Congressional District and their potential impact on key areas such as education, healthcare, tariffs, and veterans’ services.  WHO: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson    WHAT: Virtual Town Hall Event on Trump’s Executive Orders WHERE: https://benniethompson.house.gov/live WHEN: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

February 7, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson announced that the application period for Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants is now open. According to FEMA’s published Notices of Funding Opportunity for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance Hazard Mitigation grants, there is $750 million available for BRIC grants and $600 million available for Flood Mitigation Assistance grants for FY 2024. These funds can be used to combat the effects of climate change and build stronger communities. The deadline to apply is March 7, 2025 through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. “Climate change continues to worsen the frequency and severity of natural disasters,” said Congressman Thompson. “To safeguard our communities, it is imperative to prioritize and invest in hazard mitigation strategies. This funding will empower communities in Mississippi to strengthen their infrastructure—protecting lives and property from disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes. I strongly encourage every community in Mississippi to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for this critical funding.” To apply, email mitigationgrants@mema.ms.gov and for additional information on applying for funding, please visit: https://www.msema.org/available-grants/.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

March 4, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement on the passing of former Mississippi State Representative Robert G. Clark, a trailblazer whose tireless work reshaped the political and educational landscape of our state: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Mississippi State Representative Robert G. Clark, a true pioneer and unwavering champion for justice, education, and equality. Robert Clark’s contributions to Mississippi are immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be felt in the halls of our state’s government and beyond.” “Mississippi has lost a giant. Robert Clark’s courage, resilience, and dedication to justice serve as an enduring example for all of us who continue the fight for progress. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched. May we honor his legacy by continuing his work to build a more just and equitable Mississippi.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

(BOLTON, MS) – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) released the following statement regarding the ongoing mail delays at the Jackson Processing Facility:

“My office has been made aware of the persistent mail delays at the Jackson Processing Facility, which have caused significant inconvenience to residents and businesses in the region. I understand the frustrations these delays have caused, and I want to assure my constituents that I am actively engaged in addressing this issue.

The following information was provided to me by a United States Postal Service officials:

“Senior Postal Service Leadership, including the Regional Processing Vice President and the new Senior Division Processing Director for Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, have been onsite in Jackson this week working with local management to resolve these delays and bring plant operations up to date. The U.S. Postal Service has also committed to increased overtime and a heightened focus on mail and packages destined for ZIP codes served by the Jackson facility”.

While I acknowledge these efforts, I remain concerned about the continued disruption in mail service. Timely mail delivery is critical for families, businesses, and those who rely on essential correspondence, including Social Security checks, prescription medications, and time-sensitive documents. My office will continue to monitor this situation closely to ensure postal officials take the necessary steps to bring the Jackson Mail Processing Facility up to acceptable standards.

I urge residents experiencing mail delays to report their concerns to my office or directly to the U.S. Postal Service. I will remain in contact with postal officials to ensure transparency and accountability as they work to improve operations at the Jackson facility.”

All United States Postal Service press inquiries should be emailed to Mr. James Stotts at James.E.Stotts@usps.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) criticizes the Trump administration for its hypocrisy in erasing World War II veteran and civil rights leader Medgar Evers from the Arlington National Cemetery website. 

“This is a disgrace. Medgar Evers was a World War II veteran who fought for this country overseas and then came home to fight for civil rights—only to be assassinated in his own driveway,” said Congressman Thompson (D-MS). Now, under policies set in motion by the Trump administration, his name has been erased from the Arlington National Cemetery website, as if his service and sacrifice never existed. This is not a mistake. This is a choice.” 

For years, Congressman Thompson championed a bill to establish the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home as a National Monument. In 2019, Trump signed the bill into law, calling Evers “a great American hero.” Yet Trump’s policies have now resulted in Evers being erased from the Arlington National Cemetery website, removing him from a section honoring Black Americans who served in the nation’s wars. By purging Medgar Evers and other Black veterans, the Trump administration has once again demonstrated its disregard for racial justice and historical truth. 

“The hypocrisy is staggering. Trump’s administration wanted to claim credit for honoring Medgar Evers when it was politically convenient. Medgar Evers fought for this country, and his sacrifice will not be erased by the Trump administration or those seeking to rewrite history. We will fight to ensure that his legacy remains intact, honored, and remembered.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA-09) and Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today teamed up to introduce strengthened legislation to put an end to the harmful practice of hedge funds buying up single-family homes. The Humans Over Private Equity (HOPE) for Homeownership Act continues Merkley and Smith’s efforts to tackle America’s housing affordability crisis by going after hedge funds that own and control large parts of our housing market, driving up both rents and purchase prices for single-family homes.

 “Too many families are struggling to afford to rent or to buy a home,” said Rep. Smith. “Large investors are buying up homes and squeezing out prospective buyers. The HOPE for Homeownership Act will crack down on corporate greed and make housing more affordable for families.”

“Houses should be homes for families, not profit centers for hedge funds,” said Senator Merkley. “The HOPE for Homeownership Act fights back against billionaire corporations controlling the single-family housing market. Let’s kick hedge funds to the curb to restore the dream of homeownership, one of the foundations that working families need to thrive.”
 
Large-scale hedge fund investors are taking over the housing market at an alarming, accelerating rate. In 2011, no single entity owned over 1,000 single-family rental units. In 2022, large institutional investors and hedge funds owned about 700,000 single-family home rentals, and financial analysts forecast that this ownership footprint will grow to 40% of all single-family home rentals by 2030.
 
The HOPE for Homeownership Act aims to kick hedge funds out of America’s single-family housing market by:

• Establishing a new tax penalty of 15% of the sale price (or $10,000, if greater) for hedge funds buying additional single-family homes;
• Taking away depreciation and mortgage interest tax breaks; and
• Imposing a new $5,000 per home tax penalty for hedge funds failing to fully sell off their currently owned single-family homes each year over a 10-year period.

 
In addition to Merkley and Smith, the HOPE for Homeownership Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38).
 
“Arizona families shouldn’t be forced to compete with massive Wall Street firms when trying to buy a home,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to back the HOPE for Homeownership Act to level the playing field for hardworking Arizonans.”
 
“Rents are too high, and for many Arizona families the dream of owning a home feels out of reach. A big part of the problem is hedge funds buying up houses and driving up prices,” said Senator Kelly. “We’re putting a stop to Wall Street’s control of the single-family housing market so more working families can afford a place of their own.” 
 
“Family homes should not be used as a profit center for private companies and investors to get richer, making the American dream of home ownership more difficult,” said Senator King. “Currently, hedge funds are able to purchase single family homes in bulk with no restriction as part of their investment strategy. The Humans Over Private Equity (HOPE) for Homeownership Act would establish sensible restrictions that level the playing field for potential buyers. This legislation is a commonsense step toward putting American families ahead of large-scale, profit-seeking investors.”
 
“Hedge funds are buying up larger and larger shares of single-family homes – hoarding the housing supply to turn huge profits for their rich investors and crowding out hardworking families from the market. This legislation ends the warped incentives that are enabling deep-pocketed hedge funds and private equity firms to dominate the housing market, while leveling the playing field so more everyday Americans can achieve their goal of homeownership and build wealth,” said Senator Van Hollen.
 
“It is outrageous that homes Americans lost to foreclosure during the Great Recession were sold to the Wall Street firms that caused the crisis. Meanwhile, in America today, there is not a city, state or town where a full-time minimum wage worker can afford rent. Enough is enough. Wall Street billionaires cannot continue raking in obscene profits by buying up homes across the country and raising rents. That has got to end — this bill would help us do just that,” said Senator Sanders.
 
“Homeownership for working families today feels more like a fever dream than the American Dream,” said Rep. Sánchez. “Greedy corporations are buying up residential properties, especially in neighborhoods like mine in Southern California, pushing affordable options out of reach for first-time buyers and driving up home and rent prices. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the HOPE for Homeownership Act, which will lower housing costs and give working families a fair shot at owning a home.”
 
The HOPE for Homeownership Act is endorsed by Americans for Financial Reform, Consumer Action, National Housing Resource Center, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National Housing Law Project, and Private Equity Stakeholder Project.
 
“Our housing market needs to work for U.S. families, not hedge funds. Unfortunately, private equity firms and other corporate landlords, flush with cash, have unfair advantages over first-time homebuyers who are struggling with sky-high home purchase prices and high interest rates. The HOPE for Homeownership Act will keep corporate landlords from gobbling up even more of our housing stock while giving a leg up to people who actually want to live in the homes they buy,” said Caroline Nagy, Associate Director for Housing at Americans for Financial Reform.
 
“With penalties for predatory hedge funds, the HOPE for Homeownership Act provides hope to homebuyers that the housing market will no longer be overrun by hedge funds devouring consumers’ chances of homeownership,” said Ruth Susswein, Director of Consumer Protection at Consumer Action.
 
Full text of the HOPE for Homeownership Act can be found by clicking here.
 
A bill summary can be found by clicking here.

###