Trent Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the outstanding career of Judge Andrew Howorth. Mr. Howorth chose to create his first Facebook post to announce to friends and family his plans on retiring as of June this year. In his nearly two decades on the bench, Mr. Howorth has honorably served the state of Mississippi and the people of the Oxford-Lafayette County in his commitment to both his career and the well-being of North Mississippi. Mr. Howorth best described his dedication to public service in this way: ``This is an opportunity . . . to work to preserve the integrity of the judicial system as is the responsibility of every judge. The part I'm most looking forward to is meeting and working with new people.'' Mr. Howorth is not only an example of judicial leadership but embodies a commitment to his community that is nothing short of admirable. He has served on the Mississippi Drug Court Advisory committee and is a Mississippi Bar Foundation fellow. He is an active member of the Oxford Rotary Club, has served on the Oxford Housing Authority and the Oxford-Lafayette County United Way. Last year, he was honored as the county Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and I cannot think of an award that better suits Mr. Howorth. In his retirement, Mr. Howorth plans to spend time on his farm in Abbeville with his wife, Elizabeth. They have an extensive bucket list they intend on checking off, and I wish them the best in this treasured season of life. I commend Judge Howorth for his admirable service to the state of Mississippi and his commitment to advocating for justice. Whomever is to be appointed by the Governor has a substantial legacy to live up to.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the outstanding career of Ms. Tammy Rogers and congratulate her on her retirement from the Lee County Board of Supervisors. After nearly three decades in this seat, Ms. Rogers has served her county well and set the precedent of hard work and commitment in county government. Tammy Rogers first applied as the Lee County Board of Supervisors Secretary in 1989, though this was not the first they had heard from her. A coworker recalls her phone calls regarding the dilapidated state of a bridge near her home. Ms. Rogers commitment to excellence was only solidified by her new position in public service. She is known for her work-ethic and transparency among her coworkers, as well as her dedication to forming relationships with each supervisor. It is dedication like this that makes North Mississippi great. The decision to retire after 30 years of service was a difficult one for Ms. Rogers, however she will continue with her career at a local bank. I respect and admire her commitment to public service for so many years and wish her the best in this new chapter of life. Her colleague Billy Davis said of Ms. Rogers, ``You can get some more good ones, but you won't get anyone better.'' I think this comment exemplifies Ms. Rogers impact on her community and dedication to service. She will continue to be a pillar in her community.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Nancy Ann Kincade Williams, who passed away on April 26th at the age of 78. Nancy Ann, born in 1941, grew up in the Mississippi Delta and graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1959. After high school, she spent one year at the Mississippi University for Women before transferring to the University of Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Mississippi she began working as a teacher until she received her ultimate calling of being a loving and dedicated mother to her four children. As a member of the First United Methodist Church, Nancy Ann was very active teaching bible study and serving as a youth leader. She was also a very active member of her community volunteering in the Fin de Siecle Club, Garden Club, and Junior Auxiliary. Nancy Ann's life of service and giving back to others also included serving as a homeroom mother, a scout leader, and a swim team coach. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 57 years, Kenneth Weaver Williams, her four children, her brother, and 15 grandchildren, as well as many friends and family members. Nancy Ann's life was one of service, grace, love for her family, and community. She will be greatly missed by all whom she encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Christopher Scott Sandefer, who passed away on April 25th at the age of 57. Scott grew up in Lee County, Mississippi, and was a standout athlete at Shannon High School where he graduated in 1980. He then attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of the ROTC and graduated with a degree in Public Administration. Scott answered the call to serve our great nation with the Mississippi National Guard and was a Brigade Leader and Company Commander for the 155th Brigade in Tupelo for many years. Scott's life of service also included over 30 years in law enforcement at many agencies and positions. Scott served as a former Captain of the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, he served with the Tupelo Police Department, the Pontotoc Police Department, and later retired from the Pontotoc County Sheriffs Department where his talents were appreciated and respected by all. Scott enjoyed spending time in the outdoors where he was an avid hunter and motorcyclist. He was also an avid college sports fan and especially enjoyed cheering on his alma mater the Ole Miss Rebels. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Cristi Lane Jordan Sandefer, his daughter, Shelby Leigh Sandefer, as well as many other close family members and friends. Scott Sandefer's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Cary Charles Childs, who passed away on April 18th at the age of 54. Throughout his life, Cary had a deep passion for the cattle and farming industry and he was the owner and operator of Childs Angus and Hereford and AgriServices. He was involved with state and national 4-H Livestock Programs where he inspired countless youth over many years. Cary also served as the President of the Tippah County Fair Association for nearly 20 years, he served on the Mississippi Angus Association Board for over two-decades, and he also served on the Mississippi Hereford Association Board for many years. Cary had a passion for Mississippi State Athletics; however his greatest passion was for his family. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Mary Childs, his parents: Charles and Gara; his brother: Roger; his son Bob Glover; and his grandchildren: Snow, Graham, and Pierce Glover as well as many other close family members and friends. Cary Childs life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life of Guy Thomas Harris, who passed away peacefully on April 6, 2020 at the age of 81. A lifelong resident of Lee County, Guy proudly served our nation in the Mississippi Army National Guard and Reserves for 13 years. After being honorably discharged, Guy joined the Tupelo Police Department in 1963 where he served as a law enforcement officer for 20 years, he retired as a Captain in 1983. Following his retirement, Guy became a salesman at Tupelo Auto Sales until he retired permanently in 1999. Guy was known for many things, he was a faithful member of Saltillo First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed listening to Brother Tim Greene's sermons. Guy frequently enjoyed fellowship with his many friends over a good meal, and could always been seen with his wife, Elaine; on their front porch waving to honking friends as they drove by. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching his daughter's softball games, coaching men's softball, and watching the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Guy was most well-known for being a childhood friend of Elvis Presley. Guy took great pride in his role as a historian for the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo and helped author ``We Remember Elvis'' with his first-hand accounts of growing up with the King of Rock and Roll. Guy leaves behind his wife of 61 years, his daughter, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many other close family members and friends. He loved his family, and especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The life Guy lead was one of love, service, passion, and loyalty. Guy never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Richard ``Dickie'' Lamar Crew, who passed away on Friday, March 6th, at the age of 81. Dickie was born on May 5th, 1938, in Crews, Alabama. He was a beloved member of his community in Pontotoc, Mississippi, and was known for his kindness. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Shelia Simmons Crew; his children, Tabby Vaughn, Kerry Crew, and Richie Crew; his grandchildren, Codi Crew, Bryer Vaughn, Max Crew, Kenny Houpt, and Kassidy Houpt, as well as many friends and extended family members. Dickie's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I recognize SGM Kevin Miller, of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication and service to our Nation. SGM Miller is retiring after over 30 outstanding years of service. SGM Miller answered the call to serve our great Nation in March of 1990 as a Non-communications Interceptor and Analyst. SGM Miller has had an impressive career and has held every leadership position from team leader to Command Sergeant Major. His service took him all over the world, including assignments to Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Baghdad. His service earned him numerous accolades, such as the Military Intelligence Corps' Knowlton Award, the National Military Intelligence Association's Academic Excellence Award, and the Bronze Star Medal. On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of SGM Miller. I hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Harold ``Ray'' Herron, who passed away on Saturday, February 22, at the age of 81. Ray was born on February 26, 1938, in Senatobia, Mississippi. He was an American patriot who served our great nation in the United States Army for over 21 years. Ray set an example of faith for his family to follow and was a member of the Crockett Church of Christ in Senatobia. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 27 years, Betty Herron; his children, Tom Herron, Donny Herron, Anne Austin, Terry Hallmark, Pamela Hallmark, Dudley Hallmark, and Kenny Russell; his grandchildren, Alex and Emily Herron, Amy and Phillip Corly, Dewayne, Jamie, and Latashia Russell and Heather, Sam and Cody Hallmark, as well as many friends and extended family members. Ray's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clay County Supervisor, Mr. Shelton Deanes, who is being inducted into the West Point Hall of Fame for his outstanding public service. Supervisor Deanes was born in West Point, Mississippi, in 1956. He and his wife, Mrs. Frances Deanes, are blessed with eight children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Supervisor Deanes has always set an example of faith for his family to follow. He has been a proud member of Palo Alto Missionary Baptist Church for over 54 years and has served his congregation as a Deacon. Supervisor Deanes was first elected as Clay County Supervisor in 1991. During his 29-year career, he has been instrumental in developing multiple projects for Clay County. His initiatives included building the Judicial Court Building, adding more voting precincts to the county, developing the Una Community Center, adding the walking trail and Fun Day, and paving residential roads. Supervisor Deanes is a remarkable Mississippian who has set a shining example for others to follow. I thank him for his positive impact on his community, and I wish him many more years of good health.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Charles ``Randy'' Randal Benjamin, who passed away on Wednesday, February 12, at the age of 70. Randy was born on February 23, 1949, in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. He graduated from Hurricane High School in 1967 and later answered the call to serve our great nation in the United States Air Force. In 1970, Randy married Pat Graham, and they remained together for over 49 years and had two children. He started his business, Connect Two, Inc., in 2001 in Pontotoc. Randy was an active member at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc and set an example of faith for his family to follow. He was an avid bass fisherman and a proud charter member of the Pontotoc Bass Club. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Pat Benjamin; his daughter, Tonya Shirley; his son, Chip Benjamin; his grandchildren, Lindsey Claire Shirley, Ryan Shirley, Harper Benjamin, and Tripp Benjamin, as well as many friends and extended family members. Randy's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding Mississippian, New Albany Fire Chief Steve Coker, who is retiring after an impressive career. Steve Coker began his lifelong career in 1991 with the East Union Volunteer Fire Department in Union County, Mississippi. His excellent service earned him the title of Fire Chief of East Union, and later, he became the Union County Fire Coordinator. Steve was also selected to serve with the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association as Northeast District Vice President. I thank Steve for his lifelong dedication to fire safety and for making Mississippi a better place. I wish him many years of good health and hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, our Nation's small business manufacturers have an invaluable impact on our economy. This past October, I introduced H.R. 4702, the Small Business Size Standard Manufacturing Clarification Act of 2019. This legislation will help thousands of defense and national security small businesses compete against much larger corporations when applying for federal contracts. It is near impossible for these small defense businesses to plan and secure larger contracts on a 12-month basis. This legislation expands the time from 12 months to up to 60 months. Defense-related small business manufacturers need that extra time to justify their small business designation due to changes in technology and competition from much larger corporate contracts. Size standards for both revenue- based and employee-based small business manufacturers are not at a level that recognizes the changes in the current marketplace for defining small businesses that support the federal sector. Recently, the House passed H.R. 5130, the Capturing All Small Businesses Act, which raises the standard to a 24-month basis. Still, it is not enough to properly support our small business manufacturers in the national security sector. In the defense industry, a small business that grows to over 1,600 employees has to compete in a market with companies of more than 25,000 employees. I am committed to supporting our Nation's small businesses and fixing the issues addressed in the Small Business Standard Manufacturing Clarification Act. I urge the House to consider this legislation and join me in supporting our small business manufacturers.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Circuit Judge James L. Roberts, Jr., who retired from the Pontotoc County Courthouse after a 48-year judiciary career. Judge Roberts was born on June 8, 1945, in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. He attended public school in Pontotoc County and later pursued higher education at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. He then earned his M.B.A. at Mississippi State University in Starkville and later received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. As a life-long public servant, Judge Roberts served as Pontotoc County Prosecuting Attorney, municipal judge, chancery judge, circuit judge, Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, and was the Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety for four years. Throughout his life and to this day, Judge Roberts has set an example for others to follow. He and his wife, Mrs. Rose D. Roberts, are active members of Pontotoc First United Methodist Church. He has served the church as administrative council member and chair, trustee member and chair, finance member and chair, lay leader, head usher, and Sunday School Teacher. I thank Judge Roberts for his lifelong dedication to the law and for making Mississippi a better place. I wish him many years of good health.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding Mississippian, Ronnie Rakestraw. Ronnie Rakestraw formerly served the public as the Union County East Post Justice Court Judge for over 32 years. During his extensive career, Ronnie saw many changes in the Mississippi court system. He was present when Union County decided to divide justice court judges into East and West Posts. Ronnie always remained a dedicated public servant and continued to put Mississippi first. He also served as a municipal court judge for the town of Sherman, Mississippi, for over 20 years. I thank Ronnie for his lifelong dedication to the law and for making Mississippi a better place. I wish him many years of good health.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate L.F. ``Sandy'' Sams, Jr., who is retiring after a successful career at the Mitchell, McNutt & Sams law firm in Tupelo, Mississippi. Sandy is a lifelong Mississippian who was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and later moved to West Point, Mississippi. After high school, he attended the University of Mississippi for undergrad and then returned to the University for Law School, where he graduated with honors. Sandy served our Nation in the United States Army as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After his service, he returned to West Point to practice law. In 1971, he officially began his career in Tupelo with the Mitchell McNutt law firm. Sandy Sams is a remarkable Mississippian, and it is individuals like him that make Mississippi and America great. I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote January 30 due to National Guard obligations. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 33, and ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 34.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote January 29 due to National Guard obligations. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 28; YEA on Roll Call No. 29; YEA on Roll Call No. 30; NAY on Roll Call No. 31, and YEA on Roll Call No. 32.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Buster Davis, who passed away on Thursday, January 9th at the age of 93. Buster was born on October 25, 1926, in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. He was a basketball legend at Belmont High School in Belmont, Mississippi, where he led the team to win two State Championships. After High School, Buster obtained a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University, then received his Masters from the University of Mississippi before answering the call to serve our great nation in the United States Army during WWII. On August 22, 1948, Buster married Billie Faye South, and they remained together for over 63 years. Buster's love for basketball brought him back to Belmont High School where he became a basketball coach. He also coached at both Kossuth High School in Corinth, Mississippi and Thrasher High School in Booneville, Mississippi. In 1962, Buster began coaching at Itawamba Junior College in Fulton, Mississippi, and led the team to multiple State Finals. He left his coaching career in 1975 and started his career with Davis Ford. He stayed with Ford for over 55 years. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Pam Davis Horton of Birmingham, Alabama, and Patti Davis Bennett of Fulton, Mississippi; his grandchildren, great-grand children, as well as many friends and extended family members. Buster's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all who he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on January 28, 2020 due to National Guard obligations. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 25, NAY on Roll Call No. 26, and YEA on Roll Call No. 27.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on January 27, 2020 due to National Guard obligations. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No 23, and YEA on Roll Call No. 24.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Billie Aubry Hitt, who passed away on January 21st at the age of 81.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of Colonel Larry McGaughy Mims, who passed away on December 16th at the age of 80. Colonel Mims, a lifelong resident of Plantersville, Mississippi, answered the call to serve our great nation with the Mississippi National Guard in 1957. During his career, he commanded four Company size units and a Battalion in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including the 106th Forward Support Battalion, 155th Armored Brigade, 1st Calvary Division in 1991 during Desert Storm and as the 2nd Army Division Chief, Artillery Engineering Battalion in the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired as a Colonel in 1993 after 37 years of service. Colonel Mims set an example of faith for his family to follow. He was an active member of Plantersville United Methodist Church. Colonel Mims was also an active member in his community with the American Legion and was a Social Studies teacher at Tupelo High School. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 61 years, Laverne Mims of Plantersville, Mississippi; his two sons, Kirk Mims of Benton, Arkansas, and Judge Kelly Mims of Tupelo, Mississippi; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and extended family members. Colonel Larry Mim's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II veteran, Mr. Andrew ``Clyde'' Neaves, of Saltillo, Mississippi. Mr. Neaves served as a Weapons Repair Specialist for the 1804th Aviation Ordnance with the United States Army Air Corps beginning in 1942. During his service, he spent over two and a half years in the South Pacific. He completed his service in 1945. After the war, Mr. Neaves returned to Saltillo, Mississippi and was an employee of Phillips Day-Brite Industries for 35 years. He started a family and had four children with his wife, Mrs. Agnes Marie Neaves. Mr. Neaves has remained active in his beloved community of Saltillo. He has served on the Saltillo Board of Alderman, was Vice-Mayor, and was a recipient of the Saltillo ``Citizen of the Year'' award. This year, Mr. Neaves celebrated his 98th birthday. Mr. Neaves is an American patriot who served our great nation and continues to set an example for others to follow. I wish him many more years of good health.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I am saddened today that I spent two Christmases defending our country overseas, and I get a measly 30 seconds to speak in this laughable process. Our President made a campaign promise to drain the swamp, and there are those today relying on swamp creatures' words to preserve the swamp. How do you suppress the votes of 63 million people in an electoral landslide? You keep repeating the same lies absent any factual basis. I have heard some of the greatest fiction ever spoken here today. If you don't like the facts, just rewrite them in a parody and repeat. If the facts are so clear and indisputable, why is the minority leader begging for more witnesses? You can't disprove something that never happened. Mr. Speaker, due to a rushed process and limited debate, I was not allocated time to speak on the Floor ahead of this monumental vote, an opportunity that every member should be afforded. I have spent two Christmases down range, defending our Constitution and Country, and it is a sad day when something this historic is rushed to a desired result so my colleagues will be home in time for the holidays. I am disappointed in this body for putting their own convenience over the sanctity of our Nation. I will tell you this: I would rather face attacks from our Nation's enemies than an attack on our Constitution. This is the first time in history that impeachment proceedings have been completely partisan, shrouded in secrecy, and based on he-said- she-said accusations. As a former prosecutor, I find it insulting my colleagues have built a case on second hand accounts, editorials, and opinions. When the facts do not support the elements of crime, my experience tells me there is no crime. Under the Constitution, it is the duty of the prosecution to prove the crime and not the accused to prove their innocence. The House has wasted time and tax dollars on an unfounded witch hunt instead of legislating on behalf of our country. Upon passage along party lines, the Senate will then be obligated to continue this circus at the expense of the American people. Today is a stain on this esteemed body for generations to come and a detrimental precedent is set for future presidencies. Today is a day of reckoning and a day the framers of our Constitution warned us about. James Madison foresaw this day when he feared the vague and heavily-disputed claims by my colleagues would turn our republic into an unruly parliamentary system in which Congress could remove a president over political differences with only partisan motives as evidence. The power to impeach the President is the single most important vote that a member of this body can cast. It should not be taken lightly, and it certainly shouldn't be rushed through the House. Alexander Hamilton feared the greatest danger of abusing impeachment authority is that the decision would be ``regulated more by the comparative strength of parties than the real demonstration of innocence or guilt.'' The fears of our Founding Fathers have manifested in this Chamber today. We face a partisan process that will jeopardize our 243-year experiment at self-governance, now, and for decades to come. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' to this sham.