Trent Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleague Mr. Moulton of Massachusetts to recognize Major General Augustus ``Leon'' Collins, commanding general of both the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. Since 2012, Major General Collins has served as the Adjutant General of Mississippi and plans to retire at the beginning of September. Major General Collins has served in the military for 35 years, starting as a private with Company B, 1st Battalion, 198th Armor Regiment. He completed officer candidate school and later served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. From 2004 to 2006, he commanded the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have served with Major General Collins at nearly all levels of command. As a tank company commander, Captain Collins was one of the finest. His troops respected and loved him and accomplished tasks other units would not have dared to attempt. As a Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Collins led his Battalion to be one of the best. Finally, as a Brigade Commander of a Brigade Combat Team in Iraq, Brigadier General Collins continued his path of excellence. Brigadier General Collins led the 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Rifles, in a full spectrum mission; his unit once again excelled because of his leadership and the high level of respect and trust he earned among his soldiers. He did this while many of his soldiers were impacted by the devastating news of Hurricane Katrina at home in Mississippi. During Major General Collins' tenure in Iraq, he led two future congressmen. After we were elected to the 114th Congress, Mr. Moulton and I realized we had previously met while serving in Iraq with Major General Collins. This is representative of the diverse lives Major General Collins has led and mentored during his storied career. As Major General Collins retires from the military, I know he will continue to be a leader in the state and nation. He has been a mentor and role model for a generation of soldiers in the Mississippi Army National Guard. I am honored to have served with him at all levels of command.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brigadier General Jessie ``Roy'' Robinson, the retiring Director, Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters of the Mississippi National Guard. Through General Robinson's role as Director, Joint Staff, he provides oversight and strategic planning to ensure the overall readiness of the Mississippi National Guard. This vital position entails not only personal readiness, but maintaining readiness of facilities, equipment, supplies, funds, and supporting services. General Robinson was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry, on May 11, 1985, through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Southern Mississippi. He served as Commander of 890th Engineer Battalion, Commander of the 150th Engineer Battalion, Deputy Commander of the 168th Engineer Brigade, and Commander of the Camp McCain Training Site, Mississippi Army National Guard. He has also served as the Chief of Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Mississippi Army National Guard, and as Assistant Adjutant General--Army, Joint Force Headquarters, Mississippi National Guard. I was privileged to serve with Brigadier General Robinson during a combat deployment to Iraq in 2005. At the time, Lieutenant Colonel Robinson commanded the 150th Engineer Battalion at Forward Operating Base Dogwood in Iraq, which was on the Euphrates River in the corner of Al Anbar Province right across the river from Babil Province. During Lieutenant Colonel Robinson's command, the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion performed at an extremely high level while performing combat operations in a very high intensity area. Lieutenant Colonel Robinson displayed courage, leadership, and mentored the officers and noncommissioned officers of the 150th Engineer Battalion. I have served with Brigadier General Robinson since our return, and he is a trusted mentor, respected by soldiers across the ranks of the Mississippi Army National Guard. As Director of the National Guard Association of Mississippi, he has been a champion for soldiers at the state and national level. I am privileged to consider Brigadier General Robinson a friend and mentor. As Brigadier General Robinson retires from his military career, I wish him the best in his future endeavors. I know he will continue to be a leader for Mississippi's soldiers in his role as Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Mississippi.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Allen E. Brewer, the retiring Assistant Adjutant General of the Mississippi Army National Guard. Through General Brewer's role as Assistant Adjutant General, he is responsible for developing and implementing all programs and policies impacting the Mississippi Army National Guard, which consists of nearly 10,000 citizen soldiers. General Brewer was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery, on July 16, 1979, through the Officer Candidate School, Mississippi Military Academy. He has served in command and staff positions at every level, including: Company A, 2d Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group; Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group; Commander, 154th Regional Training Institute; Deputy Commander, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team in Kalsu, Iraq from April 2005 to March 2006; and Commander, Special Operations Detachment-- South, in Afghanistan from November 2011 to March 2012. I was privileged to serve with Major General Brewer during our combat tour in Iraq in 2005. As Deputy Commander of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, Colonel Brewer was a trusted and respected member of the Brigade Leadership Team. His calm and confident demeanor earned him the respect and admiration of leaders and soldiers in the Dixie Thunder Brigade. Major General Brewer has continued to use his effective leadership style to inspire and lead the soldiers of the Mississippi Army National Guard. He is a mentor and leader to a generation of soldiers in the Mississippi Army National Guard. As Major General Brewer retires from his military career, I wish him the best in his future endeavors. I am confident Major General Brewer will continue to be a leader in the future. I am privileged to have been able to work with Major General Brewer and call him a friend and mentor.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Calvin Fredrick ``Fred'' Davis of Tupelo, Mississippi. Mr. Davis was a committed husband and family man, a remarkable athlete and coach, and a pillar of the Tupelo community. For 52 years, he was married to Councilwoman Nettie Davis, and together they worked tirelessly to improve their beloved hometown of Tupelo. When reflecting on Mr. Davis's life, his love of family, sports, and community immediately come to mind. In high school and college, he was a sports hero excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He received an athletic scholarship to attend Alcorn State University and later became the university's first African-American physical education teacher. As Mr. Davis continued his legacy in education and athletics, he became the first African-American coach in the Tupelo Public School District. He is affectionately referred to as ``Coach Davis'' among his former athletes, friends, and colleagues. While Mr. Davis is remembered for his athletic legacy, community service, and leadership within the civil rights movement, he is equally known for the loving partnership he had with his wife, Mrs. Nettie Davis. A trailblazer herself, Mrs. Davis was the first African-American woman elected to serve on the Tupelo City Council. Together, the couple fought for a better, more unified city. As a resident of the Tupelo area, my family has directly benefited from their hard work and drive to improve our community. I am honored to have known Mr. Davis and call him a friend. As we remember his remarkable life, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Davis's family and friends.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the incredible work being done by the Tupelo Police Athletic League. The Police Athletic League is a national organization that allows members of the police force to expand community outreach and connect with young people and their parents through athletics and other school- related activities. This organization has reduced juvenile crime and teaches our youth to appreciate and trust police officers. During the National Police Athletic League conference, Major Anthony Hill of the Tupelo Police Department was named the national 2016 Male Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, Tupelo Police Department Lieutenant Michael Russell was appointed to the Police Athletic League national executive board. I want to thank Major Anthony Hill and Lieutenant Michael Russell, among others, not only for their dedication to this program, but for their work to leave Tupelo a better place than they found it. I have worked with both of these officers firsthand as a city prosecutor, and I have seen the love and dedication they have for their community and the youth, and the countless hours of overtime, nights, and weekends they spent away from their families to make sure they help our youth. Police officers across the country make countless sacrifices to both protect and improve our communities. Thank you for all you do, Major Hill and Lieutenant Russell.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, as we near its 100th anniversary, I rise today to commend the cooperative owners and the employees of the Farm Credit System for their continuing service in meeting the credit and financial-services needs of rural communities and agriculture. I was pleased to cosponsor House Resolution 591, commending the cooperative owners and employees of the Farm Credit System for 100 years of service. The legislation was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, Ranking Member Collin Peterson, as well as the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for Commodity Exchanges, Energy & Credit, Chairman Austin Scott and Ranking Member David Scott. The Farm Credit System plays a vital role in the national success of agriculture and the economic vibrancy of rural communities throughout all 50 States and Puerto Rico, providing more than $237 billion in loans to more than 500,000 customers. For example, in my home state of Mississippi, Farm Credit serves 6,379 borrower-customers, providing $1.2 billion in credit. Farm Credit's mission also extends to supporting rural communities by financing vital infrastructure, bringing clean water to rural communities, providing reliable energy to farms and rural towns, and offering modern high-speed telecommunications that connect rural America to the rest of the world.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, small business are mom-and-pop stores. They are contractors. They are all kinds of people across my district located on Main Street. They are families, they are veterans, and they are individuals in the First District of Mississippi and all across this great Nation. Small businesses are the heart and soul of local and rural economies, especially in places in rural districts like my district. H.R. 4332, Maximizing Small Business Competition Act of 2016, is part of an ongoing effort of the Small Business Committee to provide opportunities for small businesses and to promote greater accountability from the Federal Government. The purpose of the SBA procurement center representatives is to review contracts across the government and make sure they are structured in a way that maximizes opportunities for small businesses to compete. Unfortunately, the SBA changed their rules to say that, if a contract was restricted to small businesses in whole or in part, procurement center representatives would no longer review the contract. This rule change has given agencies a way to get around small business administrative review. This rule change has led to contracts being consolidated or bundled, thus limiting opportunity for hundreds of small businesses to compete for work with the Federal Government. H.R. 4332, the Maximizing Small Business Competition Act of 2016, provides a solution. This legislation makes clear that Small Business Administration procurement center representatives have the ability to review contracts, regardless of whether they are designated for award to small businesses, if the procurement center representative believes the requirement can be structured to improve small-business competition. This legislation helps to ensure that there are not missed opportunities for small businesses contracting with the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the assistance and leadership shown by my chairman, Chairman Chabot, and the bipartisan working relationship with Ranking Member Velazquez in bringing this bill to the floor. I appreciate my colleagues' consideration and support of H.R. 4332.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, April 7, 2016, was an exciting night for Mississippians, as we were represented by gifted vocalists, Trent Harmon, of Amory, and La'Porsha Renae, of McComb, the final two contestants during the farewell season of ``American Idol.'' While Trent was ultimately victorious, he and La'Porsha have bright futures ahead of them and made Mississippi proud. Born and raised in the First District of Mississippi, I was inspired by Trent's faith in God, hard work ethic, and humility. During the process, Trent was diagnosed with mononucleosis and was given the option to quit the show. Thankfully, Trent's hard work and determination allowed him to compete and overcome the illness. Throughout the season, Trent was proud of his state and his state was proud of him. This was on display during the hometown parade and concert. Thousands of fans flocked to the parade in downtown Amory wearing blue and white ``Team Trent'' shirts, businesses had ``Vote for Trent'' signs in their windows, and fans crowded Amory High School to watch Trent perform. This is what is special about Mississippi. People are proud of where they come from and are happy to see each other succeed. Most importantly, Trent had the love and support of his family. He discussed working on his family farm and restaurant and the need to leave in order to find success in the music industry. Even though he had to leave Amory, his family, community, and state continued to support his dream. I congratulate Trent on his success and wish him the best in his future career.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, Marcus D. Gordon was born on October 22, 1931, in Union, Mississippi. In 1950, he graduated from Union High School and attended East Central Community College on a football and basketball scholarship. In January 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. After four years of service, he returned to Mississippi and re-enrolled in East Central Community College. While attending East Central Community College, Judge Gordon continued to play on the football and basketball teams and received All-State honors. Judge Gordon then attended the University of Mississippi and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He was admitted to the Mississippi bar, and returned home to open a private law practice with his brother, Rex Gordon, Sr. In 1971, he was elected to be the District Attorney for the Eighth Circuit Court Judicial District. He was later appointed by Governor Cliff Finch as Circuit Court Judge for the Eighth Circuit Court Judicial District. Judge Gordon served as Circuit Court Judge until 1987. After briefly returning to a private law firm, he was elected in 1990 to serve again as Circuit Court Judge. He served in that position until March 4, 2016, having served as a Circuit Court Judge for 38 years. During his tenure, Judge Gordon maintained a distinguished record of judicial integrity, character, service, and excellence. He was known for his fairness and high ethical standards, but also for his quick wit and astuteness when the occasion warranted a lighter moment. Most importantly, Judge Gordon is a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He has been married to his wife, Mrs. Polly Gordon, for 60 years and together they have four children and two grandchildren. I would like to thank Judge Gordon for his dedicated service to our state and his contributions to improving the judicial system.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on March 31, 1926, William ``Billy'' Mounger was born in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Mounger graduated from Central High School in Jackson and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He intended on playing football at West Point, as one of the 27 players around the country recruited by the school, but failed to make the team. Instead of giving up and going back home, he graduated in 1948 with a degree in General Engineering and served five years in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he attained the rank of First Lieutenant and served as an Aircraft Commander of the B-50 Medium Bomber as well as Atomic Bomb Commander. Mr. Mounger continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, receiving a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Petroleum Engineering. He has had a long and successful career in oil production. In addition to his business success, many people know Mr. Mounger for his work in establishing and developing the Republican Party in the South and especially Mississippi. His leadership roles are extensive, but to name a few: he has served on the Mississippi State Republican Executive Committee for decades, as the Mississippi Republican Finance Chairman, and on the Republican National Finance Committee. It is a direct result of Mr. Mounger's work and dedication to the party that Mississippi is now a Republican stronghold. Most importantly, Mr. Mounger is a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He is also a man of faith, as a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. On his 90th birthday, I thank him for his contributions to Mississippi and the Republican Party.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act, or the BRICK Act. Rules handed down by the EPA have real-world consequences on businesses and our economy. You have heard the backstory today regarding the 2015 Brick MACT standards and the impact it will have on the brick manufacturing industry. In my district, Columbus Brick Company, a fifth-generation, family- owned small business, will be forced to spend millions of dollars in compliance costs and significantly downsize or go out of business and tell 85 dedicated employees to find a new job. What is even more disappointing is that Columbus Brick has been forced to navigate this decision before. The EPA promulgated Brick MACT standards in 2003, and then the rule was vacated by a Federal court in 2007, but not until a significant monetary investment had been made by Columbus Brick in an attempt to be in compliance. That is why it is imperative that we pass the BRICK Act today. Companies like Columbus Brick aren't asking for zero regulation, but they are asking to be regulated fairly, to have a seat at the table in determining new rules, and some certainty when it comes to making future business decisions. The American people deserve better. They deserve a government that can ensure citizens have clean air to breathe without eliminating essential industries. That is why I urge you to support the BRICK Act. Let's wait until judicial review is complete so our businesses aren't forced to make unnecessary, costly decisions with minimal or unknown environmental benefits.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Rose Baenke was born on February 24, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois. At an early age, she developed a passion for politics. When she turned 18, she voted in her first election and has taken pride in the honor and privilege of voting ever since. In 1992, Mrs. Baenke and her husband moved to the community of Nesbit, Mississippi. She became involved in the local political scene and was a charter member of the Desoto County Republican Women, a group in which she remains an active member. At age 90, she participates in the club's events and dedicates her time and effort to the group's mission. Mrs. Baenke has been politically involved at the state level as well. She says that her crowning achievement was assisting Governor Phil Bryant's successful campaign to be Mississippi's 64th Governor. She has served in leadership positions with the DeSoto County Republican Women, which has enabled her to become an effective voice in the Republican Party. As an active citizen, she also served two terms on the Mississippi River Commission. Currently, Mrs. Baenke resides at Wesley Meadows Retirement Community in Hernando, Mississippi, where she works tirelessly to urge other residents to remain engaged and informed on political issues. Specifically, she asks other residents to exercise their right, which was earned at a very high price, to vote. I would like to wish Mrs. Baenke a Happy 90th Birthday and extend my deepest appreciation for her passion and dedication to her country and state.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize retired United States Air Force Colonel Carlyle ``Smitty'' Harris of Tupelo, Mississippi. On this day in 1973, after nearly 8 years of being held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, he was released to be reunited with his wife, Louise; his daughters, Robin and Carolyn; and his son, Lyle, who was born 1 month after he was captured. Colonel Harris became a POW on April 4, 1965, when his F-105 Thunderchief was shot down by enemy fire while he was on a mission to attack a bridge known as the Dragon's Jaw, an important target in northern Vietnam. After he was captured, he was then transported to the well-known Hanoi Hilton. Colonel Harris taught his fellow prisoners a vital way of communicating with each other through a method called the tap code. This gave the men the ability to communicate without speaking, establishing a chain of command and boosting morale. While he experienced cruelty, torture, and isolation, he was able to find solace in his faith in God, love for his country, and hope of seeing his family again. Colonel Harris embodies the characteristics that make you proud to be an American. Thank you, Colonel Harris, for your service. I join you in celebrating this happy anniversary of your homecoming.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the career and retirement of Mabel McClanahan Murphree, Ph.D., who has served as the District Director for the First Congressional District of Mississippi for the past five years. Not only has Dr. Murphree been an essential asset as District Director, but her involvement and active participation in the community is commendable and far-reaching. Dr. Murphree, is a former director of the Appalachian Regional Commission Office for Mississippi and a former senior vice president of the CREATE Foundation. In addition, Dr. Murphree served as the first Director of the Mississippi Corridor Consortium, which is a partnership among East Mississippi Community College, Itawamba Community College, and Northeast Mississippi Community College. This partnership was formed to strengthen the institutions' ability to provide services on a regional basis in the areas of workforce, community, and economic development as well as to increase the opportunities to leverage funding for regional initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Dr. Murphree has been involved in a variety of educational, economic development, community development, and telecommunication projects that range from designing teacher technology training programs to helping bring broadband access to Northeast Mississippi. She holds a doctorate degree from Mississippi State University in education with an emphasis in technology and a minor in curriculum and instruction. She also holds degrees from Mississippi University for Women and the University of Mississippi, and has received post-graduate training from Harvard University. Dr. Murphree was honored in 2014 by being awarded the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award by Mississippi University for Women. Dr. Murphree serves or has served on the Boards of Directors for the Mississippi Economic Growth Alliance and Point of Presence (MEGAPOP), North Mississippi Medical Center, The Learning Skills Center, CATCH Kids, The Link Center, and the Community Development Foundation as well as the City of Tupelo's Planning Committee. She is a past President of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association and a Life Member of the Tupelo Junior Auxiliary. She was born and raised in Columbus, Mississippi. Presently she resides with her husband in Tupelo, Mississippi, where they are members of First United Methodist Church. They have two sons and three grandchildren. The people of the First Congressional District of Mississippi were well served under Dr. Murphree's leadership and her wisdom and positive attitude will be greatly missed. Her achievements will have a lasting impact on the First Congressional District and our state, and I know she will continue to accomplish great things for the state of Mississippi. I would like to thank Dr. Murphree for her years of dedication and service to the First Congressional District and our state, and wish her the best of luck in the next chapter of her life.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of one of Mississippi's most dedicated citizens, Mr. Jack Reed, Sr. Albert Einstein said, ``What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.'' This quote comes to mind when I reflect on the phenomenal life's work of Jack Reed. Even if it was not popular at the time, he always strived to support policies that he believed would improve the state. A dynamic figure, he was a successful business leader and devoted himself to economic development and community service. After serving in World War II and graduating from Vanderbilt University and New York University, Mr. Reed returned home to Tupelo to work for the family business, Reed's retail store. In this role, he grew the family legacy and successfully expanded the business to other regions in the state. As the first Chairman of the State Board of Education, he was instrumental in education reform and was an advocate and powerful voice for desegregation in the South. His accomplishments and leadership roles are both impressive and far-reaching. He chaired the Yocona Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and was a founder and long-serving Board of Directors member of LIFT, Mississippi's first community action agency. He served as president and was a member of the Executive Committee of both the Community Development Foundation and CREATE, Inc. His reach and influence in community projects and initiatives was truly remarkable and these only serve as a few examples of his exemplary commitment to making Mississippi a better place to live and raise a family. Most importantly, Mr. Reed was a man of family and faith. In 1950, he married Frances Camille Purvis and together they have four children, twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He was a staple at First United Methodist Church where he also taught an adult Sunday school class. It is often stated that Jack Reed was ``the best governor Mississippi never had.'' His legacy is one of service and dedication to leave Mississippi a better place than he found it. Without a doubt, he accomplished that goal. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr. Reed's family and friends.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the career and retirement of Bernard Evans, who has served as the Military and Veterans Affairs Field Representative for the First Congressional District of Mississippi for the past five years. Bernard's work is personal for him. As a Vietnam Veteran, he served with the 173rd Petroleum Co. in Phu Bai, Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. After 28 years of military service, he retired from the Mississippi National Guard. Bernard had an impressive career with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol. During his 25 years of service, he performed a multitude of roles before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. He has also worked with the Department of Corrections as a probation officer, the Lee County Sheriff's Office as a deputy sheriff, and as the Lee County Veterans Service Officer. A life-long resident of Mississippi, Bernard is also a man committed to his faith and family. He has been married to his wife, Gail White Evans, for 24 years and together they have five children, 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is a member of the Saltillo First United Methodist Church. In his spare time his hobbies include antique cars, motorcycles, and traveling. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the National Rifle Association. He is also the President of the Tupelo Veterans Park Counsel. Veterans in the First Congressional District of Mississippi were given invaluable guidance and support from Bernard Evans. I would like to take this time to thank Bernard for his continued commitment to providing assistance and care for our returning veterans. I know he will continue to accomplish great things for the state of Mississippi.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am joined today by Congressmen Thompson, Harper, and Palazzo, all from Mississippi. We rise to mourn the 11 lives that were lost in Mississippi due to severe weather over the Christmas holiday. We had 11 deaths and 57 injuries reported in Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, and Tippah Counties, which are two of our four districts. On Governor Bryant's request, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Mississippi. The Presidential disaster declaration makes Federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners in designated areas. As I visited the impacted areas, I was saddened by the amount of destruction, of the loss of property, and, most importantly, of the loss of life; but I was uplifted by neighbors helping neighbors, by friends helping friends, and by strangers helping strangers. That is the strength of Mississippi: The people who come together to help each other in times of need. I cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss felt by the families who were affected. We ask our colleagues to join us in continuing to lift them up in prayer. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sergeant Kevin Gale Stauffer of Tupelo, Mississippi who joined his Heavenly Father on December 23, 2013. Sergeant Stauffer made the ultimate sacrifice when he gave his life while keeping the citizens of the city of Tupelo safe during a tragic encounter following a reported bank robbery. The lives of others were saved because of Sergeant Stauffer's actions. Known to his family and friends as Gale, as a young man he earned the honor of being awarded the Eagle Scout badge. After graduating high school, he went on to attend Itawamba Community College where he was a member of the Indians football team. With a passion for learning, he continued his education at the University of Mississippi where he earned a degree in criminal justice. A true patriot, Gale felt called to serve his country. He enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard, 1088th Engineer Battalion and bravely served his tour of duty in Iraq as a Sergeant in 2004 and 2005. Prior to his tour of duty in Iraq, Sergeant Stauffer worked for the Lee County Sheriff's Department. Upon his return from deployment, he joined the ranks of the Tupelo Police Department. He was a true public servant and loved his job as a police officer. He was a thorough investigator who always showed sincere compassion for every victim. Outside of work, Gale was known for his love of the outdoors, his Cajun cooking, and his passion for LSU football. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. Above all, those who knew Sergeant Stauffer knew him as an adoring and devoted husband to his wife Beth and a kind loving father to his two children, Dixie and Skip. He is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Dixie Breckenridge Stauffer; and son, Kevin Gale (Skip) Stauffer, III of Tupelo. He is also survived by his father, Kevin Gale Stauffer, Sr. and stepmother, Kay Stauffer of Baton Rouge, LA; mother, Deborah Brangenberg and stepfather, Carl J. Brangenberg of Tupelo; sister, Caroline Turney (Brandon) of Tupelo; two stepbrothers, Scott Cooper of Baton Rouge, LA and Chris Brangenberg of Breaux Bridge, LA; stepsister, Carla Brangenberg of Memphis, TN; grandmother, Dr. Dorothy Twiss Sinopoli of Gulf Breeze, FL; grandparents, Dr. Roy and Mrs. Lorene McAlilly of Tupelo. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Sergeant Stauffer's family and friends.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Chancery Court Judge Talmadge Littlejohn of New Albany, Mississippi who joined his Heavenly Father on Monday, October 26, 2015. Judge Littlejohn had a long, distinguished career as a public servant, including service as a district attorney, state legislator, and chancery court judge. He served in our state house from 1960 to 1964 and the state senate from 1964 to 1968. In 2010 he was honored by the Mississippi Bar for his 50 years of practicing law. He was in his fourth term as a judge in the First Chancery Court District of Mississippi, which includes Alcorn, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tishomingo, and Union counties. Judge Littlejohn always conducted himself as a selfless public servant dedicated to fulfilling any task that was assigned to him. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of New Albany, where he faithfully served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Judge Littlejohn was a man of family, faith, and a servant of God. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Julia Gray Littlejohn; his daughters, Lisa Gault (Phil) of Huntsville, Alabama and Christy Adair (Avery) of New Albany; his son, Bradley Littlejohn (Morgan) also of New Albany; his six grandchildren, Phillip Gault, Justin Gault, Katie Allison Gault, Julianne Littlejohn, Gray Littlejohn, and Ivy Littlejohn; one sister, Ivy Jean Weeden (John) of New Harmony; one aunt, Elaine Pannell of New Albany; and many nieces and nephews. My thoughts and prayers are with Judge Littlejohn's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello) for leading this important Special Order today. We stand with our allies across the world who have repeatedly and recently experienced violent acts of terrorism, specifically in Israel and France. We pray for the victims and their families, and we stand united in our efforts to bring these attackers, these terrorists, to justice. It is clear that we are at war with radical Islam. How do you expect to destroy your enemy if you can't even identify them or call them by name? They know who we are. They call us the infidels. And they will quit at no cost to destroy us all. We must identify and attack our enemy. The world is safer when America chooses to lead. We must put forward a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to eliminate ISIS, not a policy of containment. We can no longer underestimate the desire and ability for them to attack us in our homes. Our men and women in uniform will destroy the enemy, wherever they are, if we give them clear guidance and a strategy which they can enforce. These acts of terrorism seek to make us less free. They are carried out on the mission of instilling fear, uncertainty, and hate. But the terrorists do not get to win. Americans and those other countries that promote freedom and democracy will continue to live our lives, go to work, provide for our families, and advocate for those same freedoms around the world. Now is the time to have faith in God, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and continue our commitment to eliminate the threat of ISIS, radical Islam, and other terrorist organizations around the world. God bless our servicemembers, and God bless America.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mason Gregory of Mooreville, Mississippi who joined his Heavenly Father on Monday, October 12, 2015. Only 12 years old, Mason was a 7th grade student at Mooreville Middle School. He excelled at sports and was a member of the Mooreville Junior High Football team as well as Saltillo Park and Recreation baseball. Outside of school, Mason was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church where he loved being a part of the youth group. Mason spent most of his time outdoors, and his favorite activity was hunting with his dad. Full of happiness and love, Mason was adored by his family, friends, and teammates. Survivors include his parents, Bert and Angel Gregory of Tupelo; sister, Anna Gregory; grandparents, Mike Seawright (Norma) of Flora and Betty Stembridge (Mike) of Mooreville; his special cousin, Ally Grace Bounds who was like a sister to him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Anderson and Nudeane Gregory. My thoughts and prayers are with Mason's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the National Collegiate Honors Council for their 50th anniversary this year. The National Collegiate Honors Council represents 800 colleges and universities and is composed of 325,000 students dedicated to achieving educational excellence in diverse subject curriculum areas in order to achieve professional career goals. In my district, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College in the University of Mississippi has given thousands of our most gifted students the chance to expand their learning experience far beyond the traditional classroom setting. The Honors College admits about 400 freshmen with an average 3.95 high school GPA every fall and currently has a total of 1,250 students who challenge themselves at the highest level so that they can fulfill their potential. Once enrolled in the Honors College, these exceptional students enjoy the benefits of priority registration that ensures access to optimal class schedules, fellowship and study abroad programs that provide valuable work experiences and enrich global perspectives, and specialized staff that offer counseling on career goals, academic courses, and scholarship opportunities. Students engage in active learning both inside and outside of the classroom by taking more challenging courses and participating in community action events. By providing all of these exciting learning opportunities to thousands of bright young students through decades of dedicated hard work, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College has become a cornerstone of the University of Mississippi, ensuring its standing as one of the great American public Universities. The National Collegiate Honors Council, after decades of growth and experience, continues to dedicate itself to promoting educational excellence within our nation's colleges and universities while preparing students for successful professional careers. I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing the program's contributions to our nation's educational and professional communities honoring its 50th anniversary.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement. On the eve of September 11, I remember the American lives lost to terrorism and the unfortunate reality that people want to do America harm. Based on my review of the agreement, combined with my personal experience of being deployed in the Army in Iraq in 2005 and, again, in 2009 and 2010 and seeing firsthand the Iranian influence there, I have no reason to believe that Iran will act in good faith in this agreement. It is not just my concerns that I have regarding this deal, but it is also my concerns I have consistently heard throughout the August work month from my constituents, regardless of party affiliation, that did not support this agreement with Iran. Lifting economic sanctions that Congress has imposed for more than two decades only gives Iran, a recognized state sponsor of terrorism since 1984, access to billions of dollars to finance terrorism activities in the region and to get closer to their ultimate goal of building a nuclear weapon. I oppose with all my heart and soul the Iran nuclear agreement because I do not believe the agreement negotiated by the administration is in the best interest of our national security, nor is it in the best interest of our allies in the Middle East, nor is it in the best interest of America. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my opposition to the administration's Iran nuclear agreement. On the Eve of September 11, we remember the lives lost and unfortunate reality that people want to do America harm. Based on my review of the agreement combined with my personal experience of being deployed to Iraq in 2005 and again in 2009-2010 and seeing firsthand the Iranian influence there, I have no reason to believe Iran will act in good faith It is not just concerns I have regarding the deal, but concerns I consistently heard from constituents, regardless of party affiliation, during the August work period. Just this week, Iran's Supreme Leader said America remains the ``Great Satan'' and reiterated his desire to wipe Israel off the map. Common sense would prevail that the goal of Iran's nuclear program is not to promote peace but exactly the opposite. Lifting economic sanctions that Congress has imposed for more than two decades only gives Iran--a recognized state sponsor of terrorism since 1984--access to billions of dollars to finance terrorist activities in the region and get closer to their ultimate goal of building a nuclear weapon. Increased access to wealth coupled with a lack of ``anytime, anywhere'' inspections will only allow Iran to increase their support of terrorism in the region to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and is not nearly sufficient in stopping their pursuit of a nuclear weapon. I oppose the Iran nuclear agreement because I do not believe that the agreement negotiated by the administration is in the best interest of our national security nor is it in the best interest of our allies in the Middle East.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, July 10 is a special day to me. It marks the day of my first floor speech as a member of the United States House of Representatives, and I rise to recognize and celebrate two great men who have been influential in my life. They are John Forrest Kelly, my oldest son, who was born on this date in 1995, and my father, John M. Kelly, who was born on July 9, 1941. I rise in recognition and honor of my son, John Forrest Kelly. John Forrest, or JFK as we commonly refer to him, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi to Sheila Stephens Kelly and me. John Forrest was the first grandchild for both his paternal and maternal lines. JFK is an extremely smart and articulate man. He graduated from Saltillo High School in 2013. During his high school career, he achieved high academic success. He was a well-liked and well-rounded student-athlete. He played one year of football and started for the Saltillo High School Tigers Baseball Team as an outfielder. After high school, he received academic scholarships and is currently a business major at the University of Mississippi; he is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. John Forrest is an extremely bright young man, and I am confident of a bright future in whatever career path he chooses. I am extremely proud of him and his two siblings Morgan Grace (age 16) and Jackson Trent (age 9). I rise in remembrance and honor of my father, John M. Kelly. John, commonly referred to as Big John, Papa John, Top, 1SG Kelly, or Papaw, was born on July 9, 1941 in Newton County, Mississippi to Madison Houston Kelly and Ludie Irene Robinson Kelly. The youngest child, his parents were small farmers in Newton County, Mississippi. John excelled in sports, playing basketball, baseball, and football for both Union and Decatur High Schools. He graduated in 1959 from Decatur High School. On June 3, 1961, he married Barbara Carolyn Mott Kelly. Married for 44 years, Big John and Barbara had three children: Lisa Renee Kelly Carley, and two sons, John Trent Kelly and James Kevin Kelly. With Barbara and his daughter Lisa by his side, Big John passed away from lung cancer on February 7, 2005, while both of his sons were deployed to Iraq as members of the 150th Engineer Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team. Big John was a loving and caring father and a great provider for his family. John started out on the line in the furniture industry. Through hard work and intelligence, he worked his way up to managing furniture plants. He was a foreman, supervisor, superintendent and held many other leadership positions throughout his life. John always made time for family and community, coaching his sons, daughter and others in Union, Mississippi little league baseball until they went to high school. In 1959, he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard until his retirement in 2001 at the mandatory retirement age of 60. He served with both his sons during his tenure in the National Guard, including mobilizing in 1990 for Desert Shield/Storm in the 134th Combat Engineer Company, 155th Armored Brigade. During Desert Storm, John was a Staff Sergeant and Engineer Squad Leader, I was an Engineer Second Lieutenant and Platoon Leader, and Kevin was a Specialist 4 and Engineer Soldier. John was First Sergeant for three of the four companies of the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion and retired as a Master Sergeant and Operations Sergeant in the 150th Engineer Battalion, 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team. Big John was always a caring and giving individual and was loved by most people who knew him. He was never too busy to help anyone in need. I have often said during my life if I am half the man my father was I will be a great man. He was a great husband to my wonderful mother, Barbara. He was a great inspiration and role model for me and my siblings and the best father and grandfather a man could ever ask to have. Happy Birthday to my son, John Forrest Kelly, and to my father, John ``Big John'' ``Daddy'' Kelly. I thank and honor them both for being such a great influence in my life. I love them both with all my heart and soul. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to acknowledge and honor two very important men in my life, one with a great past, the other with a promising future.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today, July 10, I rise to celebrate my son's birthday. I also rise in honor of my father's birthday, which was yesterday, and he would have been 74. A representation of the future, I recognize John Forest Kelly, known to us as JFK. He was born in 1995 and will be 20 today. In honor of the past, yesterday was my father, big John Kelly's birthday. He was born July 9, 1941. He was a great man and an inspiration to me. He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard from 1959 until he turned 60 in 2001 and retired as a first sergeant.