Trent Kelly

I believe all people are made in the image of God, and therefore every person has value.   That means that I think people should have access to the healthcare services that they need.  As your voice in Congress, I believe it is our duty as a nation to protect the lives of the unborn.

Agriculture is a top industry in Mississippi, contributing $7.9 billion to the state economy and employing roughly 260,000 Mississippians. Through my role on the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to put forth policies that encourage rural development and allow the agriculture industry to innovate and succeed.

The economy and job creation consistently ranks as one of the most important issues I hear about from constituents. People have been frustrated, and rightly so, because the rules and regulations handed down from Washington increase costs for business owners and consumers, hinder job growth, and stifle investment. Republican-led policies have made significant progress rolling back regulations.

I support an all-of-the above energy strategy. Americans deserve access to reliable and affordable energy, and the federal government does not need to be in the business of picking winners and losers. Technological advances in extracting oil and natural gas from shale, specifically a technique known as fracking, has increased our GDP, reduced prices for consumers, expanded investment in the energy sector, created jobs, and is the leading contributing factor for improvements in the economy. This is the type of energy renaissance that needs to be embraced and emulated across the industry.

Mississippians and all Americans need to be in charge of their healthcare decisions, not the federal government. A person should be able to choose their doctor and receive the best possible treatment options. The system is in need of reform to lower drug prices and insurance premiums. We must also do everything in our power to protect Social Security and Medicare for those who need it most

Protecting Social Security and Medicare for current beneficiaries and saving it for future generations is one of my most important responsibilities as a Member of Congress. It is no secret that demographic and economic factors will not allow us to continue the program unaltered. There are 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day, and when these programs were first enacted there were more than 40 workers for every 1 retiree. Today, that number is below 3 workers per retiree and headed towards 2 to 1. Healthcare costs continue to rise much faster than inflation. In order to ensure the solvency of a program that senior citizens have come to rely on, changes must be made. Social Security cannot continue on the path it is currently on, and politicians who claim they want to preserve the program without offering reforms are not being honest. The days of doing nothing, burying our heads in the sand, and pretending the status quo is sustainable are over. We must ensure that Social Security will be here for the next generation, and I will continue to fight for the future of this vital program.

I believe the primary role of the federal government is to keep the United States safe from threats at home and abroad. After serving in the Mississippi National Guard for 37 years, I understand the sacrifice and commitment it takes to defend this great nation. I also understand that our responsibility to those who served does not end when a deployment is over or when a war ends.