The House Armed Services Committee's Readiness and SeaPower and Projection Forces Subcommittees held a joint hearing titled, "Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise." General Randall Reed, Commander, United States Transportation Command (US-TRANSCOM), gave a report on how prepared the logistics system is, before the committee discusses the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026. The Commander discussed different ways to provide services like shipping by the sea, air, medical airlifts, rail, and truck transportation as needed. Our ability to project logistics across the globe is critical.

To listen to an excerpt from the hearing, please click HERE.

This week marks National Agriculture Week, and we want to express our gratitude and celebrate the hardworking farmers and ranchers of Mississippi and across the nation. Agriculture is the backbone of Mississippi, and we are deeply appreciative of their dedication and hard work. The industry plays a crucial role in our state's economy.

Farmers and ranchers have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including rising input costs, fluctuating commodity prices, and unpredictable weather. Many Mississippi farmers, along with those across the country, continue to struggle.

One initiative I championed, the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act, is now available in a program called the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). This program provides direct support to help farmers manage rising input costs and declining commodity prices for the 2024 crop year.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to fighting for our farmers and ranchers.

You can find ECAP details HERE. For questions, please contact Semaj Redd at [email protected]

I am pleased 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 dedicated to community service, volunteering with HHES Mentoring, where he read and mentored second and third-grade students, as well as with Hernando Parks and Recreation, where he refereed youth soccer games. He serves as captain of the Hernando High School team and has also held the captain position for several years on his travel soccer team.

Conner has been involved in various leadership roles, including serving on the Hernando Mayor's Youth Leadership Council, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as a student at Airventure Flight Center, and as a Student Ambassador Leader

"I am excited to attend the United States Naval Academy because I can pursue a desired STEM major and actively work toward a career in the Navy," Conner said. "I hope to become a Naval Aviator, but if that doesn't work out, I aspire to pursue a career in submarine warfare. I am very thankful for my family, community, and God for making this aspiration possible."

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

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

Andrew Finch, originally from Florida, moved to Mississippi in 2018 after marrying his wife, a Booneville native. He has owned and managed bee hives for 10 years and currently oversees about 1,400 hives. Andrew collects and sells honey wholesale and provides pollination services to farmers across the country. His bees pollinate crops such as almonds, watermelon, cucumbers, and cantaloupe, with Andrew relocating them based on the crop seasons.

While he enjoys his work, Andrew faces challenges, particularly the importation of adulterated foreign honey, which harms U.S. honey producers. In addition to beekeeping, Andrew also sells crop insurance for a nationwide crop insurance company. Andrew works closely with farmers and ranchers to help them mitigate risk and protect their businesses. He is a passionate advocate for them and the FARM Bill.

We are grateful for our honey producers and pollinators, like Andrew, for their hard work and dedication.

Today, we honor the life and service of Vietnam Veteran Philip Lee Coats. The Prentiss County native passed away on March 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Phillip was born on March 30, 1945. He grew up like so many in the Blackland community - good, hardworking Mississippians who loved America. In 1968, Phillip married his high school sweetheart Mary Alice Glover. Together, they had three children: David Coats; Crystal White; and Jordan Coats.

In 1965, Phillip entered the U.S. Navy, serving two years during the Vietnam War. "You never talked to him without him saying how much he loved our country," said Crystal. Before he passed away, Phillip told his family that he had always wanted a military funeral that would include a 21-gun salute. Team Kelly was proud to assist the family with this request. Additionally, American Flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol can be obtained through our office. "He was extremely proud of his service and would have been glad to know these men who participated were veterans," said Mary Alice.

We are thankful for Phillip's service to our great nation and for his family, who all remain in the First Congressional District, closely watching over their mother and Phillip's devoted Boston Terrier, Sissy.

Great economic news for Tishomingo County and the State of Mississippi. Governor Tate Reeves appointed a $12 million investment to upgrade Yellow Creek State Inland Port in Iuka. Mississippi plays a key role as a transportation hub, and this investment will enhance the state's waterway network. Located at the junction of the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee Waterway, Yellow Creek Port offers a direct route to the Gulf of Mexico. The investment will strengthen trade, create new jobs, and boost Mississippi's economy.

Defense Visual Information Distributions Service | 03.24.25 | Naval Station Guantanamo Bay hosts House Armed Services Committee congressional visit

A congressional delegation, led by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) that included members of the HASC and other key committees, deplanes and greets leadership on the leeward flight line at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay on March 10, 2025.

The Group got a firsthand look at facilities and learned why Naval Station Guantanamo Bay's mission as a critical operational and logistics hub is strategically important for maritime security, humanitarian assistance and joint operations in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.