Kelly, Trent

Trent Kelly represents Mississippi's 1st congressional district and serves as chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. As subcommittee chair, he shapes oversight and legislation governing naval capabilities, maritime operations, and force projection—critical components of U.S. military strategy. This role gives him significant influence over defense budgets, military construction, and strategic priorities affecting the Navy and Marine Corps.

Kelly's background uniquely positions him for this responsibility. A U.S. Army major general, he has served in the Mississippi Army National Guard since 1985 and earned a master's degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in 2010. Before entering Congress in 2015, he worked as a lawyer and prosecutor, including a stint as district attorney of Mississippi's 1st Judicial District. His combination of military service, legal training, and executive experience in law enforcement provides substantive expertise in defense and national security matters.

As subcommittee chair, Kelly has advanced legislation focused on military readiness and modernization. He has sponsored bills including the Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act and the SHIPS for America Act, reflecting his focus on naval capabilities and maritime security. He also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and its CIA and NSA/Cyber subcommittees, expanding his influence over intelligence oversight and cybersecurity policy.

Kelly maintains a legislative profile centered on defense, agriculture, and national security. His committee assignments span Armed Services, Agriculture, and Intelligence—reflecting both his district's interests and his personal expertise. As a Republican in the majority, he wields considerable power to set the subcommittee's agenda, schedule hearings, and determine which defense priorities receive legislative attention.