Earlier today, President Donald Trump signed into law one of the most important bills that Congress has passed this year: the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, commonly known as the NDAA. Every year, this comprehensive bill fulfills our Constitutional duties to ensure the safety and security of the American people. The FY’19 NDAA addresses our military priorities for this upcoming year – from ensuring cyber and electronic warfare readiness to deterring the nuclear capabilities of our adversaries. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was proud to have a seat at the table in drafting this legislation and in fighting to include provisions important to the State of Georgia.

With nine military installations and more than 100,000 military employees statewide, the Peach State plays a critical role in our national security. Significantly, the NDAA provides $99 million for a Cyber Instructional Facility at Fort Gordon in Augusta, $13.6 million for a Navy Reserve Training Center at Fort Benning in Columbus, and $31.9 million for a Welding and Body Repair Shop Facility at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany. The NDAA also provides a 2.6% pay raise for our brave men and women in uniform – the largest in nine years – and approves requests from the Army, Navy, and Air Force for additional personnel.

I was proud to author two amendments to the NDAA that will directly benefit Georgia’s institutions, including Fort Gordon’s Cyber Center of Excellence. The first authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a Cyber Institute at each of the senior military colleges, including the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. The second directs the Department of Defense to present a strategic plan to leverage and expand current partnerships with industry and academia on cyber education. I’m proud that both of these provisions were adopted in committee and will work to strengthen the next generation of cyber warfighters.

This morning, I caught up with State Representative Dave Belton, Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee in the Georgia House of Representatives, to discuss the ways in which our state is contributing to the protection of our Nation. Through collaborative efforts on both a federal and a state level, we are on the frontlines of meeting our national security needs. Thank you, Dave, for joining me in my Monroe District Office this morning to talk about these important issues. Click here to watch our Facebook Live video.

District Connection

It’s heartening to witness the immense growth and opportunity flourishing in the area after visiting several 10^th District employers and medical centers. I started off this morning at Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. in Monroe. Since 1996, Hitachi has significantly expanded its work manufacturing and marketing engine management and car information systems worldwide, and it is now Walton County’s number one employer! I was extremely impressed by the innovations they’ve been making to modernize their business for the 21st century. Thanks for letting me come by!

Congressman Hice discusses economic growth and employment opportunities with CEO and President of Hitachi Automotive, Paul Carroll

Immediately afterwards, I headed over to Elite Storage Systems, also in Monroe. This company has manufactured, designed, and engineered pallet racks and storage solutions for multiple industries here for years. Founded by the President and CEO Steve South’s grandfather, Elite Storage Systems has grown exponentially, transforming from a mom and pop manufacturing company to a successful international business with a large employment base in Walton County, providing big-name corporations with much of their materials. It was great seeing the important work y’all do in our community!

Representative Hice speaks with CEO and President of Elite Storage Systems, Steve South

During a working lunch with local leaders at Hot Rod’s Diner in Social Circle, I’m glad I got the opportunity to hear from folks in the community. This eatery opened its doors in 2013 and has been serving old fashioned hamburgers and hot dogs ever since! I was happy to be able to speak about the low unemployment numbers and what local officials, educators, and industry leaders can do to help bolster our workforce. Thanks for keeping me updated on your priorities.

Congressman Hice joins local leaders to talk about community development

As many of you know, thanks to tireless efforts of the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties, our district earned a historic opportunity to become home to Facebook’s new Data Center. This massive development translates into real jobs and economic growth right here in our own backyard. Today, I was thrilled to be able to see the progress being made at this center within our district. Thanks for having me!

Representative Hice reviews building and floor plans for the upcoming Facebook Data Center

Continuing my busy day, later in the afternoon, I visited the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) of Walton, which provides help and education for pregnant women in a Christian atmosphere. Under the direction of Executive Director Carol Fairman, PRC Walton has purchased new equipment and is instituting new programs to better help local mothers. It was heartwarming to see the support given by the men and women working here, and I’m proud to see Christ working through each and every one of you.

Congressman Hice and his wife, Dee Dee, meet with staff and volunteers from the Women's Health and Wellness Clinic of Walton

Representative and Dee Dee Hice learn about the charitable works being done by FISH Medical and Dental from Pastor Hugo Brian-Porter and Executive Director Cindy Little

Upcoming Events

Next weekend, I will be holding my annual Service Academy Day at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville! This event is a great opportunity for those interested in attending one of our Nation’s Military Service Academies to familiarize themselves with the application and nomination processes. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, you can hear about best practices and speak with members of my staff and representatives from all five military branches about the world-class education provided by these academies. Admission is free and open to students, parents, and teachers. To learn more about this event, visit my website or email my Academy Director at Carolyn.dallas@mail.house.gov.

At the end of this month, the Wrightsville Rotary Club, in conjunction with Probate Judge Mary Jo Buxton, will be holding an honors ceremony for local Vietnam veterans. This ceremony, on Tuesday, August 28th, at 6:00 p.m., will celebrate Vietnam veterans in our community for their service to our Nation. All Georgia veterans with honorable service in the Vietnam War between June 1, 1954 and May 15, 1975 are eligible. Our Vietnam veterans have made tremendous sacrifices, and I am proud to join with local leaders to recognize and celebrate these heroes. The deadline to register is Tuesday, August 21st, so if you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact the Georgia Department of Veteran Services at bzeringue@vs.state.ga.us. You may also find more information on my website.

Internship Opportunities

My offices – both in Washington, D.C. and in Georgia – are always on the lookout for dedicated and hardworking students to serve as interns. In this position, individuals will gain firsthand experience working in a Congressional office and assisting my staff in serving 10th District constituents. My D.C., Monroe, and Milledgeville offices are all still accepting intern applications for the fall semester. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit my website for more information.

The Week Ahead: Coffee with Your Congressman

In an effort to be open and available to you, I will to be holding a “Coffee with Your Congressman” event later this week. On Wednesday, August 15, please join me at TradeWind Coffee Company in Dacula for candid conversation about the pressing issues facing our Nation and our community. I look forward to seeing you there.

After a busy day today in Walton County, I’ll be spending the rest of the week criss-crossing our district. I’ll be in Gwinnett and Greene Counties, as well as in and out of my district offices. I’m looking forward to meeting with as many of you as possible!

As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!

Sincerely,

JONES AND COLLEAGUES JOIN AMICUS BRIEF DEFENDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Congressman Walter Jones – 8/9
Last month, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) and 108 of his congressional colleagues filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of religious freedom and the American Legion’s petition to uphold the Bladensburg Cross Memorial in Maryland. He released the following statement: “Our religious freedom is the bedrock of this country,” said Congressman Jones. “Forcing a group to tear down a cross-shaped memorial, particularly one that honors our fallen servicemembers, clearly infringes on the First Amendment. I will do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Hice to host Service Academy Day
Lincoln Journal – 8/9
Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) will host his annual Service Acad­emy Day on Saturday, August 18th on the campus of Georgia Military College. The event is designed to familiarize students with the appli­cation and nomination process for the Nation’s five military service academies.

Hice to Host Gwinnett County “Coffee with Your Congressman”
Rep. Jody Hice – 8/8
On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) will host a “Coffee with Your Congressman” at TradeWind Coffee Company in Dacula, Georgia.  Residents from Gwinnett County and the surrounding area are invited to stop by the event between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to enjoy candid conversation over a cup of coffee.

WSB-AM
Atlanta, GA – 8/6

Greene County Bancorp (GCBC) to pay $0.10 on Aug 31, 2018; Telus Ordinary Shares (TU) Shorts Down By 14.03%
D Minute – 8/8
27/03/2018 – Rep. Jody Hice: Hice to Congratulate Greene County Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment

Suntrust Banks Boosted Premier (PINC) Holding By $847,354; Brown Tom (TBI) Has 1.15 Sentiment
Cardinal Weekly – 8/7
08/03/2018 Rep. Jody Hice: Hice Receives True Blue Award, Scores 100 Percent on FRC Action’s Scorecard