{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"MS\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/merry-christmas", "Merry Christmas", "2014-12-24", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "harper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year                  \n            \n            \n                                \n                    Dear Friend,\nAs we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, let us remember that the holiday season is also about family and the love we share for each other. It\u2019s about gathering together to share in the traditions that we hold dear, not only as a family or a community, but as a nation. As we do that, let us not forget to express\u00a0our gratitude to the men and women who serve or have served our country in the protection of our freedoms.\nAnd as we celebrate the most important reason\u2014the Christ child who was born in a stable and brought forgiveness and peace, take a moment to help\u00a0the\u00a0people around you who may be having a difficult time and please extend your generosity.\nScripture reminds us in 1 John 4:9, \u201cIn this way the love of God was revealed to us; God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.\u201d\nI, along with Sidney, Livingston, Maggie, and my Congressional staff, wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\nGod Bless,  \n  \nGregg Harper  \nMember of Congress\n                \n                \n                    Posted: \n                    December 25, 2015", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20160907005724/http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=790:thompson-applauds-president-obama-s-diplomatic-changes-with-cuba&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON APPLAUDS PRESIDENT OBAMA\u2019S DIPLOMATIC CHANGES WITH CUBA", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) released the following statement regarding President Obamas announcement of changes for America's relationship with Cuba: I applaud President Obamas decision to begin to normalize relations with the Republic of Cuba. I have traveled to Cuba several times with Mississippi farmers and other business leaders. During each visit, our delegation saw the potential economic gain that could be derived from Mississippi goods being exported to Cuba. From an economic perspective, normalizing relations with Cuba is a no-brainer. The United States has diplomatic and economic relationships with many communist governments and foreign governments with poor human rights records, including our second largest trading partner, China. After diplomatic ties are fully restored, the United States should begin to press for greater human rights for Cuban citizens. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to fully restore a normal relationship with Cuba, including lifting the embargo on trade and financial transactions, said Congressman Thompson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398482", "Palazzo Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after passage of the 2015 omnibus appropriations bill: \r\n\u201cThe omnibus passed by the House today is a huge victory for South Mississippi. It provides $1 billion for the LPD-28 amphibious assault ship, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding right here in Pascagoula. Not only is this ship required by the Marine Corps, its construction will directly protect more than 3,000 shipbuilding jobs along the Mississippi coast.\r\n\"This was a team effort, and without the hard work of Senator Cochran and Senator Wicker, as well as our House delegation, this outcome would not have been possible.\u201d\r\nThe 2015 Consolidated Appropriations Act funds the federal government through the fiscal year, with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded through February.\u00a0 Congressman Palazzo successfully secured authorization for the LPD-28 in the 2015 Defense Authorization bill, which was appropriated through today\u2019s legislation.\u00a0 The LPD was not originally included in the President\u2019s budget.\u00a0 The ship will maintain more than 3,000 jobs at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss.\u00a0 It\u2019s economic impact to the region could be as much as 2 billion dollars.\r\nThe omnibus contains several provisions favorable to Mississippi, including a prohibition on the Army transfer of Apache helicopters from MS National Guard units, funding for the payments-in-lieu-of-taxes program utilized by counties and school districts, and language proposed by Rep. Palazzo and Rep. Cassidy that prevents the administration from implementing new Flood Risk Management Standards.\r\n###\u00a0Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States awarded Palazzo with the G.V. \u201cSonny\u201d Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.\u00a0 He is also a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Space Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=65ddc4d3-d341-481f-8755-4a750a492cd1", "ROSE COCHRAN, WIFE SENATOR THAD COCHRAN, PASSES AWAY", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rose Cochran, the wife of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), passed away peacefully Friday morning in Ridgeland, Miss.\u00a0 Services for Mrs. Cochran are pending.\r\nSenator Cochran and his family extend their gratitude to those who cared for Mrs. Cochran during her extended illness.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ab33c98c-0ff6-437a-bc60-423c43dbc1f9", "YELLOW CREEK PORT TRANSFER BILL TO BECOME LAW", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate today gave final congressional approval to legislation sponsored by the Mississippi congressional delegation to make property in Tishomingo County available to Mississippi for economic development.\r\nThe Senate approved HR.3044 by unanimous consent on Thursday, clearing an important hurdle for this legislation authorizing the transfer of Yellow Creek Port properties in Iuka from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), on behalf of the United States, to the State of Mississippi.\r\nHR.3044 is a companion bill to Yellow Creek legislation (S.212) authored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\u00a0 HR.3044, introduced by Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), was passed by the House of Representatives in September.\u00a0 HR.3044 will now be sent to the White House to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cWe want to allow the state to maximize the economic potential of the Yellow Creek Port.\u00a0 This legislation would create more opportunities for cooperation between the State of Mississippi and the TVA to attract more jobs and industry to north Mississippi,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI appreciate the coordinated efforts of our entire delegation, especially Representative Nunnelee, to get this jobs bill enacted before the end of the 113th Congress.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe transfer of this land to state control should open up new opportunities for economic development and job creation in north Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI am pleased that we were able to get this bill across the finish line.\u201d\r\n\u201cI appreciate the work of my Senate colleagues to get H.R. 3044 to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d Nunnelee said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Mississippi manufacturing sector has a bright future, and the approval of this 173 acre land transfer allows our state to remain competitive and attract new business.\u00a0 Giving the state the ability to more efficiently manage the port will further job creation and economic development in the area.\u201d\r\nThe legislation authorizes the TVA to transfer an estimated 173 acres of the Yellow Creek Port to the State of Mississippi for commercial and manufacturing development.\u00a0 The Mississippi legislature in 2011 approved a bill authorizing the state to receive the property pending a successful environmental assessment.\u00a0 Economic development is among the missions given to the TVA when it was created in 1933 as a public power provider to the Tennessee Valley region that includes North Mississippi.\r\nThe TVA, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Yellow Creek Port, and the Tombigbee River Water Management District all supported the property transfer as S.212 was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in June and as HR.3044 was advanced by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in July.\r\nHR.3044 was also cosponsored by Congressmen Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e14f865b-08f9-42bb-8d75-953775ab5040", "FEMA OKAYS $3.90 MILLION FOR LOUISVILLE, WINSTON CO. DEBRIS REMOVAL", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, and Representative Alan Nunnelee, all R-Miss., today reported that more than $3.90 million in federal funding is being made available to recoup the cost of tornado damage debris removal in Louisville and Winston County.\r\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed the Mississippi lawmakers that two FEMA Disaster Recovery Fund grants have been approved to continue to offset recovery costs associated with the fatal tornado that hit Louisville and Winston County in late April.\u00a0 The federal disaster agency is providing $2.16 million in federal funding for debris removal costs in Louisville and $1.73 million for the same work in Winston County.\r\n\u201cDebris removal is a necessary part of any disaster recovery process, particularly when the damage is as severe as that experienced by the citizens of Louisville and Winston County,\u201d said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m pleased that these grants have been approved, and I will continue working to ensure that FEMA and other federal agencies are responsive to our ongoing recovery needs.\u201d\r\n\u201cThese grants will help facilitate an important part of the recovery effort in Louisville and Winston County,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cClearing debris moves Mississippi families one step closer to getting their lives back to normal.\u00a0 FEMA has done a commendable job in equipping communities with the resources they need to make a difference in people\u2019s lives.\u201d\r\n\u201cFollowing the devastating tornado that hit Winston County last April, I saw firsthand the massive amount of debris that was left in its path,\u201d said Nunnelee.\u00a0 \u201cDebris removal is costly and often one of the most visible steps in returning back to normal life. I am glad this grant will help Mississippi residents as they continue to rebuild.\u201d\r\nBoth public assistance grants will cover 81 percent of the costs associated with the total project cost for both Louisville ($2.17 million) and Winston County ($2.70 million).\u00a0 The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will cover the remaining 19 percent of the cost, pursuant to a law approved during a special session of the legislature following the storm.\u00a0\r\nFEMA Public Assistant Grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398481", "Chairman Palazzo Celebrates Successful Orion Launch", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chairman Palazzo Celebrates Successful Orion Launch \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 5, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space, released a statement today following the successful launch of the Orion Spacecraft:\r\nToday's launch of the Orion Spacecraft was another victory for NASA and another momentous step for the future of space exploration. I applaud NASA as well as their partners who aided in the process of today's successful mission including Stennis Space Center, who tested the rocket engines, and Huntington Ingalls, whose LPD retrieved the capsule. \r\nContinued exploration is the key to returning to the moon and achieving a manned mission to Mars. That is why I remain committed to a roadmap for NASA that provides a detailed plan and focused budget to ensure the ongoing success of our space program.\r\n###\r\nPalazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. He is a recipient of the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee. Palazzo is also a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Space Subcommittee.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=26098adf-2e31-47c7-ad9f-092b6245abf0", "VICKSBURG MILITARY PARK & CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS MEASURES ADVANCE", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Two legislative measures sponsored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) to improve the protection of military battlefields are advancing toward enactment as the Congress works to complete the 113th Congress.\r\nCochran\u2019s Champion Hill, Port Gibson and Raymond Battlefield Addition Act (S.305) and the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act (HR.1033/S.916) have been incorporated into the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday.\u00a0 The Senate is expected to take up the defense policy bill next week.\u00a0 Both battlefield measures were cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\r\n\u201cThe preservation of hallowed ground in the United States honors those who sacrificed their lives and creates opportunities for all of us to learn more about the historic battles that helped shape our nation,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that the Congress is acting to help us preserve additional sites in Mississippi associated with the Civil War.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s historic battlefields serve as important reminders of the sacrifices made by our forefathers,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cI am proud to stand with Senator Cochran to help safeguard these important Civil War sites in Mississippi.\u201d\r\n\u00a0The Champion Hill, Port Gibson and Raymond Battlefield Addition Act, introduced by Cochran in February 2013, would expand the Vicksburg National Military Park by authorizing the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire approximately 10,000 acres of property deemed significant to the long-term preservation of historic Civil War battlefield sites in Claiborne and Hinds counties.\r\nThe Vicksburg battlefield measure specifies that any purchases must be acquired through voluntary sales, donations or exchanges.\u00a0 It addresses three different parcels:\u00a0 the Port Gibson Unit in Claiborne County, and the Raymond Unit and Champion Hill Unit, both in Hinds County.\u00a0 Designated \u201cmodified core battlefield\u201d sites by the NPS, these properties also encompass several historic homes, such as the Shaifer House at Port Gibson and the Coker House at Champion Hill.\u00a0 The NPS would assume maintenance and security responsibilities for these structures if they are ultimately included in the Military Park.\r\nThe American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act is a bipartisan measure introduced in the Senate last year by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Cochran.\u00a0 It would reauthorize the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program (CWBPP) at current funding levels through 2021 and continue to provide competitive federal grants to match private and non-profit donations.\u00a0 This legislation would for the first time extend the program to significant battle sites associated with the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.\r\nSince its initiation in December 2002, the CWBPP has helped preserve at least 17,500 acres of high-priority Civil War battle sites, including more than 3,300 acres in Mississippi. In addition to preserving historic battlefield sites, the CWBPP has helped to enhance tourism, support local and state economies and increase land conservation.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Vicksburg National Military Park:\u00a0 http://www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 American Battlefield Protection Program:\u00a0 http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Civil War Trust: http://www.civilwar.org/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Civil War Trust \u201cLand Saved\u201d: http://www.civilwar.org/land-preservation/land-saved/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Civil War Trust \u201cSave Vicksburg 2013\u201d Campaign: http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/vicksburg/vicksburg-2013/\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=788:thompson-statement-on-staten-island-and-ferguson-police-killings&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON STATEMENT ON STATEN ISLAND AND FERGUSON POLICE KILLINGS", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398479", "Palazzo Votes to Stop Executive Amnesty Action", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after voting in support of H.R. 5759, The Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014:\r\nToday's vote was a strong rebuke of the president's unconstitutional executive actions on illegal immigration. Granting amnesty to nearly 5 million illegal immigrants is not within his authority, and it is not what the American people want. The President of the United States of America cannot simply bypass Congress or the law-abiding citizens who elected this Congress. As one of the original five co-sponsors of today's bill, I was glad to see the House of Representatives fight back against this president's blatant overreach. It is the first step of what will be many in holding the president accountable for his unconstitutional actions on immigration.\r\nH.R. 5759 reaffirms that only Congress has the power to write immigration laws, and prevents the president, now and in the future, from using executive actions to defer the removal of individuals residing in our country illegally.\r\n###Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398480", "Defense Authorization Passes House", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after the House passed the 2015 Defense Authorization bill: \r\nThe 2015 defense bill not only provides for the security of our nation at home and abroad, but it secures the military assets of South Mississippi. The world is not becoming a safer place; it's becoming much more dangerous, and we face threats across the globe. Congress took a bold step today to provide the equipment, training, and manpower needed to protect the United States of America.\r\nThis bill also includes a number of priorities for South Mississippi including $800 million for an additional Ingall's-built amphibious ship, another freeze on the movement of C-130J's from Keesler, and a prohibition on the removal of Mississippi's National Guard Apache helicopters in FY15. It also specifically prohibits the president's request for additional rounds of Base Realignment and Closure, better known as BRAC, securing the future of our military installations. These are key victories for our military community, and I was glad to see them included in the final bill.\r\nThe security of this nation is my number one priority, and going forward, we must invest in defense as if our lives depend on itbecause they certainly do.   \r\n\r\n                                       ### The 2015 National Defense Authorization Bill was passed by a bipartisan vote of 300-119. Final passage is expected in the Senate next week. Overall, it provides $585 billion for the Department of Defense, including a 1% pay raise for servicemembers. It contains several provisions inserted by Representative Palazzo, including:\r\n $800 Million for the construction of a 12th San Antonio Class Amphibious Assault ship. This ship was not previously contained in the President's budget, but the Marine Corps indicated a need for the ship and worked with Congressman Palazzo to secure the funding. The LPD is built at Pascagoula-based Ingalls Shipbuilding, and construction of the 12th LPD is expected to maintain 3,000 shipbuilding jobs.   A new restriction against the Air Force's planned transfer of C-130J aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base with a requirement for a full report prepared by the Department of Defense analyzing the cost and benefits of additional moves. This is the third year Congressman Palazzo has prevented the Air Force from moving Keesler's planes.  A freeze of the movement of Apache helicopters in FY15 with a reporting requirement on the structure of Army Aviation. The Army is currently attempting to remove all AH-64 Apache Helicopters from the Guard, destroying entire units of highly trained, experienced citizen soldiers.  Additional autonomy for base commanders to initiate minor military construction projects up to $1 million without requiring additional red tape associated with the Military Construction Approval process. This language was requested by South Mississippi base commanders and will provide them flexibility in minor construction projects.  Authority to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to consult on the appointment of his Army and Air Guard deputies. Under current law, the selections are made by the chiefs of the Active Army and Air Force, without Guard input.  A reporting requirement for the Secretary of Defense to clarify the policies for the management of DOD Airspace and access by non-DOD users for testing and increased cooperation. This will help improve the management of unmanned aerial systems, a high priority for the State of Mississippi.  Language that supports the domestic maritime industry for their ongoing work for the Department of Defense. The domestic maritime industry is a vital part of the ongoing success of South Mississippi and many other Gulf Coast communities.\r\n###Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=784:congressman-thompson-announces-45-000-awarded-to-wwiscaa-inc&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $45,000 AWARDED TO WWISCAA, Inc.", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=786:congressman-thompson-announces-27-028-47-awarded-to-mountain-of-faith-ministries&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $27,028.47 AWARDED TO MOUNTAIN OF FAITH MINISTRIES", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205221657/http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=785:congressman-thompson-announces-27-028-47-awarded-to-south-central-community-action-agency-inc&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $27,028.47 AWARDED TO SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY, INC.", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases\t \n\t \n\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $27,028.47 AWARDED TO SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY, INC.\t\t \n\n\tBOLTON, MISSISSIPPI  Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The United States Department of Agriculture/ Housing Preservation Grant Program has approved a $27,028.47 grant to South Central Community Action Agency, Inc. The South Central Community Action Agency, Inc. provides assistance to individuals in Claiborne, Madison, Rankin, Simpson and Walthall Counties.  \n\t  \n\tThe rural development funds will be used to assist two very low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes.  \n\t  \n\tFor more information call Ms. Sheletta Buckley at 601-847-5552.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=77fa74fc-f0f1-4eb9-9a40-23d58278a275", "SENATE APPROVES DUCK STAMP LEGISLATION", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate has approved legislation supported by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) that will direct more resources toward the conservation of waterfowl habitat through the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund.\r\nThe Senate on Tuesday gave final congressional approval to the Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014 (HR.5069/S.2621), which amends the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act to update the price of duck stamps for the first time since 1991.\u00a0 HR.5069, which will now be sent to the White House, requires additional revenue from the sale of duck stamps to be used for conservation easements.\u00a0 The legislation is supported by Ducks Unlimited\u00a0and other organizations.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis is sound bipartisan legislation with support from hunting groups that will help ensure better protection of waterfowl and migratory bird habitat,\u201d said Cochran, a long-time member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission who cosponsored S.2621.\r\n\u201cThe benefit of this program is that nearly 100 percent of the proceeds from the Duck Stamps go toward the protection of wetland habitat,\u201d he said.\r\nThe Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014 will adjust the price of the duck stamps, which are required to hunt migratory waterfowl.\u00a0 The legislation prohibits new land acquisitions and requires the revenues generated from the fee increase to be used solely for migratory bird easements.\u00a0 The bill also gives the Department of the Interior the authority to lower the price of the stamps if the price changes result in less revenue generated for the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund.\r\nS.2621 was introduced by Senator David Vitter (R-La.) and cosponsored by Cochran and Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\u00a0 HR.5069, introduced by Rep. John Fleming (R-La.), was passed by the House of Representatives on November 17, 2014.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=787:thompson-issues-statement-on-james-chaney-andrew-goodman-and-michael-schwerner-medal-of-freedom&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Issues Statement on  James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner Medal of Freedom", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206003700/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/abuse-power", "An Abuse of Power", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\tA significant majority of Americans oppose President Obama's stubborn, \"my way or the highway\" approach, and yesterday the president simply did not listen to the American people. He did exactly what the American people said on Election Day they didn't want.\n\tOur country has a broken immigration system that needs a real solution, not a quick fix. The president's unilateral action on immigration is not an effective, long term solution to our broken system, and it will set back the American peoples' goal to move forward with effective an accountable solutions.\n\tHardworking taxpayers deserve a president that respects the Constitution and consults with the American people to get things done -- not one who acts alone when he deems fit.\n\tThis begs the question. The President says he has to act because the Congress will not. So why did the President have to act unilaterally if the Democrats had control of both the House and Senate for the first two years of his administration? And why did President Obama wait to grant amnesty after this midterm election? The common denominator to both questions is that President Obama knew the American people opposed it, and he did not want his fellow Democrats to be held accountable at the polls. And does anybody really believe the president's claim that border is more secure and more illegal immigrants are being deported? Me either!\n\tMake no mistake: Republicans will utilize the many tools afforded to us in the Constitution to bring an end to the President's unilateral executive action on immigration. The voices of Mississippians are clear: \"Work together to deliver commonsense solutions.\" That's what my Republican colleagues and I are committed to do. It is time for the President to stop acting alone, listen to the people, and join us in solving this problem.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=782:james-chaney-andrew-goodman-and-michael-schwerner-to-posthumously-receive-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom&catid=41&Itemid=148", "James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner to Posthumously Receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=780:thompson-urges-minority-investment-in-immigration-reform&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON URGES MINORITY INVESTMENT IN IMMIGRATION REFORM", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=781:congressman-thompson-announces-410-413awarded-to-coahoma-community-college&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $410,413AWARDED TO COAHOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398470", "Palazzo Statement on the Presidents Executive Action", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Statement on the President's Executive Action \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 20, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement tonight after the President announced his plan to enact new immigration policies using executive action:\r\nI am firmly opposed to the president's plan to take unilateral action on immigration. President Obama is not a dictator, not a king, but an elected President bound by the Constitution of the United States. Yet, he continues to push his own personal agenda of overreaching, unwanted policies with a reckless disregard for the will of the American people.\r\nLaw-abiding citizens in our country are fed up with this administration, and rightly so. While the president grants amnesty to countless illegal immigrants, millions of American citizens are still struggling to find work.\r\nIt's time for the president to stop playing politics and instead put the American people first. I will do everything within my power to prevent this unconstitutional and unwelcomed action.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=756a9338-cdfb-449b-8243-f062a70c9aa6", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON OBAMAS UNILATERAL IMMIGRATION ACTION", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s decision to issue an executive order granting temporary amnesty to millions of people who are in the United States illegally:\r\n\u201cThere is no justifiable reason for President Obama to act alone now to allow millions of illegal immigrants to stay in the United States.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe same pressures to secure our borders and reform our legal immigration system will exist in January when the new Congress convenes.\u00a0 By circumventing the legislative process now, I believe the President is making it much harder to address those problems.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Congress should review its best options and then act responsibly to address the President\u2019s actions and ensure the primacy of the rule of law.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=dedd9095-9653-4001-ad63-e5bc90c32c01", "COCHRAN ASKS OBAMA TO CEASE FLOOD RISK STANDARD EXECUTIVE ORDER", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today asked President Obama to cease work on his administration\u2019s efforts to administratively issue and implement a new federal flood risk standard that would have significant economic impacts and should rightfully include input from the public and Congress.\r\nCochran on Thursday sent President Obama a letter arguing that his intention to administratively issue a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) would have far-reaching economic, policy and budgetary consequences that the Congress and public should be allowed to address.\r\n\u201cYour Administration has for several years been developing this standard, which would have significant economic consequences well beyond the scope of the federal government.\u00a0 I am concerned that you may soon finalize this policy without any opportunity for input or scrutiny from the public or Congress.\u00a0 Promulgating such an important policy unilaterally would undermine long-term viability of the standard and exacerbate distrust between the Congress and your Administration,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nAt issue is the new FFRMS being developed by a multi-agency workgroup known as the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG) to reduce flood-risk to all federally-funded projects or investments (http://1.usa.gov/1uxFHZI).\u00a0 Operating without significant public or congressional input, MitFLG is chaired by the FEMA administrator and includes senior-level representation from at least 15 federal departments and agencies.*\r\nCochran expressed concern that Obama may soon issue a new executive order related to FFRMS that requires the adoption of \u201cthe most recent science on expected sea-level rise and take into account the impacts of climate change\u201d to create higher base flood level elevations for federally funded investments, such as new construction, flood mitigations projects or Hazard Mitigation Grants.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile seeking to ensure federal investments are resilient to floods and other hazards is a commendable goal, compelling government agencies to spend taxpayer dollars to further mitigate against undefined threats is a step that merits careful scrutiny.\u00a0 The cascading economic effects this action could have on coastal and riverine economies nationwide is significant.\u00a0 The public deserves to understand the costs, benefits, and scientific rationale behind any such standard before it is issued.\u00a0 Its issuance alone could stifle housing markets and slow economic recovery,\u201d Cochran wrote to the President.\r\nCochran also pointed out that Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner during the 112th and 113th Congresses to debate and pass legislation reforming flood risk policies, including the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act that implemented comprehensive flood insurance reforms.\u00a0 Those actions indicate clear congressional interest in the establishment and implementation of new base flood elevations for federal investments.\r\n\u201cCongress has clearly demonstrated that it is willing to act in a bipartisan manner on issues related to flood risk.\u00a0 This makes your apparent decision to act alone and without adequate transparency even more disconcerting,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nLINK  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cochran FFRMS Letter to Obama is available below\r\n###\r\n*\u00a0 MitFLG involves the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, General Service Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, Small Business Administration, Department of Transportation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206003728/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/executive-mistake-immigration", "An Executive Mistake on Immigration", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  \n\tRecently, President Obama has made headlines by threatening to take action on immigration reform \u2013 without input from Congress. Though details of any plan the president might be considering are murky, one thing is clear: any changes made to U.S. immigration policy should NOT circumvent the U.S. Congress.\nOn November 4, 2014, the voters spoke loudly, put the president and his policies on notice and stripped democrats of their control of the U.S. Senate. Yet the president continues his threat to legislate by executive order. If President Obama were truly concerned about fixing our broken immigration system, he wouldn\u2019t be threatening to go around the U.S. Congress. If he truly wanted to make common sense changes to address this threat to national security, he would work with Congress. And if the president were interested in listening to the American people, he would first secure our borders and enforce our existing immigration laws.\nThe president has failed to earn the trust of the American people on this issue. Threatening an executive order with misguided policies is a mistake.\nI will continue to monitor this situation closely, and I will continue to advocate for secure borders and common-sense immigration policy. I\u2019m listening, so why isn\u2019t the president?\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206020612/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-serve-vice-chairman-environment-and-economy-subcommittee", "Rep. Harper to Serve as Vice-Chairman of Environment and the Economy Subcommittee", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.), today named Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Vice Chair of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee. The subcommittee is led by Chairman John Shimkus (R-Ill.).\n\u201cCongressman Harper will play a key role as Vice Chairman of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee,\u201d Upton said. \u201cDuring his tenure on the Energy and Commerce Committee, he\u2019s been a leader in promoting job growth, reducing burdensome regulations, and investigating wasteful government programs that hinder America\u2019s small businesses and industry. I am confident Congressman Harper will continue to further our record of success in the 114th Congress and I welcome him into his new leadership role.\u201d\nThe subcommittee, with its oversight of key environmental laws and programs, focuses on the intersection of regulations and jobs. As a longtime advocate for American-made energy, Harper believes that Congress must advance ideas that safely promote and build a steady supply of American energy.\n\u201cI am honored to be named Vice Chairman of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee and I look forward to working closely with Chairman Shimkus,\u201d Harper said. \u201cAt a time when our economy is still struggling to recover and accelerated job creation is needed, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to promote common sense policies that will spur economic growth and innovations, achieve meaningful regulatory reform, and protect consumers and the environment.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0###\nA third-term Republican lawmaker from Mississippi, Gregg Harper was recently re-elected to a fourth term.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a786c23f-7d4b-4456-a71c-ff6598151af7", "COCHRANS FARM BILL CHANGES LEAD MISS. SAWMILL TO FIRST USDA BIOBASED CERTIFICATION", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today applauded a northeast Mississippi company for securing the first U.S. Department of Agriculture biobased certification for forest products since the 2014 farm bill made wood and forest products eligible for the procurement and labeling program.\r\nHankins, Inc. in Ripley has received approval from the USDA to use the certified biobased product label for its kiln-dried southern yellow pine products.\u00a0 The certification makes it the first company to successfully complete the process since the 2014 farm bill clarified that forest products must be included in the USDA BioPreferred Markets Program for biobased products.\r\n\u201cI am extremely pleased that a Mississippi sawmill has become the first to earn biobased product label certification for forest products.\u00a0 This should open up new markets for the southern yellow pine products from Mississippi, and that can mean more jobs and economic growth in the long run,\u201d said Cochran, who as ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee worked to expand the BioPreferred program.\r\nIn informing Hankins, Inc. of its certification approval, the USDA asserted, \u201cThe test results for your product indicate the percentage of biobased content to be 100%,\u201d and added, \u201cThe BioPreferred program looks forward to a long and successful partnership with you in the promotion of biobased products.\u201d\r\nThe USDA BioPreferred product labeling program offers certified labels to manufacturers for products made of renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials. The label also grants these products federal procurement preference, which means the federal agencies are encouraged to purchase them to the maximum extent practicable.\r\nCreated in the 2002 farm bill, the labeling program excluded products like forest-based goods that were in existence before 1972.\u00a0 The 2014 farm bill, which became law in February, removed the exclusion of mature products from the BioPreferred program regulations.\u00a0 This farm bill change was finalized by the USDA in September, allowing Hankins, Inc. to apply for certification and immediately allow greater inclusion of U.S.-sourced wood and forest products in the program.\r\nCochran encouraged the USDA to continue its work to finalize the BioPreferred rule and incorporate the changes made by the 2014 farm bill.\r\n\u201cI look forward to continuing to work with the USDA to complete the rulemaking process for the BioPreferred program so that we can ensure forest products have opportunities to participate in the program moving forward,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nIn testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee in June, Hankins, Inc. co-owner J.D. Hankins said the family-owned sawmill produces more than 95 million board feet annually, sustaining more than 90 jobs in Tippah County.\r\n\u201cInnovation in the industry over the past two decades has been phenomenal and has allowed the industry to more fully utilize our country\u2019s natural resources.\u00a0 For this reason, the forest products industries, including lumber, paper, and others, urged Congress to clarify the standards of the program in the 2014 Farm Bill,\u201d Hankins testified in June.\u00a0 \u201cWith the strong support of this Committee, that goal was achieved.\u201d\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 USDA BioPreferred Program:\u00a0 http://1.usa.gov/1AduKkI  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 2014 Farm Bill Biobased Provisions Build Opportunities for Miss. Forest Products: http://1.usa.gov/1q9YVCi   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Cochran Asks If USDA Biobased Bias Shuts Out Traditional Forest Products: http://1.usa.gov/11YEdry\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9756929-abe3-45a9-bc3d-853e5351c782", "BILL NAMING POST OFFICE FOR HAZLEHURST HERO HEADED TO PRESIDENT", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Legislation authored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) to designate the \u201cFirst Lieutenant Alvin Chester Cockrell, Jr. Post Office Building\u201d in Hazlehurst has cleared its final congressional hurdle and will now be sent to the White House to become law.\r\nLegislation to name the post office for the military hero from Mississippi (S.1093) was approved by the House of Representatives on Monday.\u00a0 The measure, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, cleared the Senate in August 2013. The post office is located at 130 Caldwell Drive in Hazlehurst.\r\n\u201cLieutenant Cockrell\u2019s selfless service, sound character, and example of citizenship is remembered today,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cThe naming of the post office in Hazlehurst for First Lieutenant Alvin Cockrell will honor his heroic service, his family, Hazlehurst and Copiah County.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am pleased that Congress has approved this fitting tribute to First Lieutenant Cockrell,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cHis story serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifice paid by so many of the \u2018Greatest Generation.\u2019 This Act will ensure that his memory and heroism will continue to live on \u2013 especially for those in his hometown of Hazlehurst.\u201d\r\n\u00a0A native of Hazlehurst, Cockrell enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve) as an 18-year-old in 1937.\u00a0 Appointed a 1st Lieutenant on Dec. 2, 1941, Cockrell was cited for \u201cextraordinary heroism\u201d as a platoon leader in fighting Japanese forces near Mambulo, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.\u00a0 He lost is life in combat there on Sept. 24, 1942, and was posthumously awarded both the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart for his distinguished service.\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Missing Marines/Alvin Chester Cockrell, Jr. http://bit.ly/1xyufAR\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c95032a8-1925-40c6-a471-e0c2c2875177", "COCHRAN READY TO WORK FOR KEYSTONE XL CONSTRUCTION IN 114th CONGRESS", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said he looks forward to rejoining the effort to authorize the construction of the Keystone XL energy pipeline after the Senate narrowly defeated legislation to move the jobs project forward.\r\nCochran on Tuesday voted to approve Keystone XL legislation (S.2280) but the final 59-41 tally fell one vote short of a 60-vote threshold required for passage.\u00a0 The Senate vote stymied efforts to launch a much anticipated project that would create tens of thousands of jobs and pump significant investment into the U.S. economy.\r\n\u201cJobs creation and energy security are priorities for our American economy to grow, and the Keystone XL project would promote both of those goals,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cBipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate have affirmed that it\u2019s time for action and an end to the unnecessary delays of the past six years.\u00a0 This disappointing Senate vote is just one more delay.\u00a0 I look forward to revisiting this issue in the 114th Congress.\u201d\u00a0\r\nCochran is an original cosponsor of S.2280, bipartisan legislation that would have expedited permitting for the Keystone pipeline using congressional authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.\u00a0 With passage of this legislation, a presidential permit would no longer have been needed to approve the project.\u00a0\r\nThe Obama administration has repeatedly delayed approval of the permit, which was submitted by TransCanada Corp more than six years ago.\u00a0 The project has undergone five successful environmental reviews since 2008, in addition to multiple legal and regulatory appraisals.\u00a0 The last was a Department of State released an Environmental Impact Statement in January 2014 that concluded construction of the pipeline would have no significant impact on the environment.\r\nThe House of Representatives on Nov. 14 approved Keystone XL legislation (HR.5682) on a 252-161-1 vote.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cochran: Six-Year Delay on Keystone Decision Inexcusable: http://1.usa.gov/1wxtlki  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Miss. Senators Cosponsor Bill to Authorize Keystone XL Pipeline: http://1.usa.gov/PV8Pdd\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1a4de372-c78d-46f1-ac29-705bfdf28aef", "COCHRAN HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS SACRIFICES, PROGRESS AT EMMETT TILL CEREMONY", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHOTO available below (from left) - Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post, Janet Langhart Cohen, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Attorney General Eric Holder, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss).\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today participated in a tree planting ceremony to honor the life of Emmett Till, whose death in 1955 propelled the nation toward landmark civil rights laws.\r\nThe sycamore tree honoring Till was planted on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and was sponsored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).\u00a0 Among the participants were U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.), Attorney General Eric Holder and Janet Langhart Cohen, author of the play \"Anne and Emmett.\"\u00a0\r\nIn his remarks, Cochran honored Till and praised the progress made by Mississippi and the nation in advancing racial justice.\u00a0 Here\u00a0is the text of Cochran\u2019s remarks for the ceremony:\r\n\u201cWe are pleased to join Senator Susan Collins today to commemorate the important life of Emmett Till through the planting of a tree in his honor on the grounds of the United States Capitol.\r\n\u201cIt has been nearly 60 years since Emmett Till was murdered near Money, Mississippi, but we remember the role his life and tragic death played in heightening America\u2019s awareness of the injustice of racial discrimination in our country.\r\n\u201cMany historians point to Emmett Till\u2019s death as having ignited the civil rights movement, and ultimately led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.\r\n\u201cEmmett Till\u2019s legacy carries with it memories of the risks so many took in my state, and elsewhere, in efforts to advance the cause of racial justice.\u00a0 This tree is a symbol of their sacrifices, too.\r\n\u201cI am proud of the progress my state and our nation have made since those times, and I appreciate the contributions of so many leaders who made it possible.\u00a0 We do still face challenges, but I am hopeful that Emmett Till\u2019s life, and this tree planted in his honor, will serve as reminders to all of where we\u2019ve been and to be dedicated to justice for all through our examples now and in the future of the United States.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=779:thompson-calls-for-action-following-hinds-county-ballot-irregularities-in-november-election&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON CALLS FOR ACTION FOLLOWING HINDS COUNTY BALLOT IRREGULARITIES IN NOVEMBER ELECTION", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141114015538/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/honor-duty-country", "Honor, Duty, Country", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSince the Armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918, Veterans Day has stood as an opportunity for the United States, as both a nation and its citizens, to pause and honor American veterans of all wars.\nOur troops have always served our country with dedication. They fought in major conflicts, including World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Iraq and Afghan Wars. They fought in smaller actions around the world, such as Somalia, Bosnia, and Grenada.\nGeneral Douglas MacArthur said it eloquently, \u201c\u2026the soldier above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.\u201d \u00a0\nOur obligation to these brave men and women and their families does not end once a war ends. It continues long past the final shot, and I am committed to fight for the rights and benefits of our current and future veterans.\nIn August, H.R. 3230 - The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 was signed into law. This law increases veterans\u2019 access to private health care providers, increases recruitment of new physicians into the VA system, and grants the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs more flexibility to terminate employees. Congress has given Secretary McDonald the funds and the tools to take better care of our veterans. I believe that more should be done to assist those who have sacrificed so much to protect our individual freedoms and we will continue to work toward that goal in the 114th Congress.\nIf you are a veteran and need assistance navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs, please contact us at my Pearl Office - (601) 932-2410 or visit our website for further information.\nOn this Veterans Day, I am extremely thankful for all our veterans and their families. It is their continued commitment to Duty, Honor, and Country, which make this the greatest nation in the world.\u00a0\u00a0\nGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=de3d3649-fe02-4595-bdc0-514848b6a4fd", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON WICKER LEADING REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding the selection of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker to be chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee:\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs a member of the Republican leadership, Senator Wicker has a great opportunity to extend thoughtful Republican governance of the United State Senate.\u00a0 I was happy to support his nomination and proud to have a fellow Mississippian in this important role.\u00a0 Roger\u2019s personal characteristics and political experiences will serve us well, and I look forward to seeing him excel.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ff4dcf92-4da3-43d0-bb76-ea5fc35f0f43", "COCHRAN & HARPER:  MEDICARE POLICY CHANGE WILL HELP THOSE WITH DEGENERATIVE DISABILITIES", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) today welcomed a decision to reverse recent Medicare policy changes that restricted coverage to speech generating devices used by people with ALS, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other neurological and degenerative disabilities.\r\nIn response to concerns raised in September by Cochran, Harper and a significant number of Senate and House members, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently agreed to reconsider the benefit category national coverage determination for speech generating devices (SGDs) and SGD-related accessories.\r\n\u00a0\u201cBureaucratic policy decisions have real consequences on people, as witnessed by those who rely on these communication devices being left with higher costs or, worse, without access to these technologies,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made the right decision to reconsider these policy changes.\u00a0 I am pleased that CMS will now update these policies to reflect the new technologies available to help those with degenerative disabilities.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cWe have heard from our constituents in Mississippi on the need to reverse the Medicare policy changes that restricted coverage to SGDs,\u201d Harper said. \u201cI am committed to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries that are afflicted with a neurological or degenerative disability have access to needed technologies to improve their quality of life.\u201d  \u00a0  The CMS decision will allow patients to retain Medicare coverage for SGDs that are modified to improve functionality or who require SGDs after being admitted to a hospital, hospice, nursing home or other facility.\u00a0 The CMS order would also affect recent coverage denials for eye tracking and eye gazing technologies used by those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.\r\nCochran was among 27 Senators and Harper was among 173 Representatives who signed a letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner in September that was critical of the SGDs policy changes and sought a detailed explanation for the CMS policy revisions and subsequent actions taken by Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs).\r\n\u201cThe patients who are in need of SGDs are some of Medicare\u2019s most vulnerable beneficiaries.\u00a0 As we mentioned, SDGs provide often the only means of communication for patients living with cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson\u2019s disease, brain stem stroke, locked-in syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.\u00a0 It is imperative that Medicare policy and DME MACs take in account the ability of these patients to communicate with their family, caregivers, and health care providers,\u201d the lawmakers wrote Tavenner.\r\nIn rescinding the SGD policy changes, CMS indicated that it will now implement a process to set a new national coverage determination for SGDs.\u00a0 The current coverage policy took effect in 2001 and does not reflect advances in SGD technologies.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CMS Coverage of Speech Generating Devices Announcement:\u00a0 http://go.cms.gov/1wLK3OZ   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Letter to CMS Administrator Tavenner available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=47b6397f-786c-4e87-bffe-7db2ec54a704", "COCHRAN ISSUES 2014 VETERANS DAY STATEMENT", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), a U.S. Navy veteran, today issued the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day 2014:\r\n\u201cIt is heartening each November to see Mississippians across the state demonstrate their support for those who have served our nation in the United States Armed Forces.\u00a0 This year, ongoing missions overseas and veterans needs at home underscore why Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to express and demonstrate our gratitude for our veterans.\r\n\u201cA little more than a month ago, a new memorial was dedicated in the nation\u2019s capital.\u00a0 Situated at the base of Capitol Hill, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is a tribute to all disabled veterans, whose lives have been altered irrevocably by their service to our nation.\u00a0 It will also serve as constant reminder of the appreciation due to these veterans and our duty to meet our commitments to them.\r\n\u201cAs a U.S. Senator, I am committed to working to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and other government agencies are more effective in meeting the needs of our military, veterans and their families.\u00a0 We can be proud that the G.V. \u201cSonny\u201d Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center and Mississippi State University have recently established an innovative partnership to provide health services to veterans on campus.\u00a0 It is part a new push by the VA to ensure that disabled veterans have better access to the care they need wherever they are.\r\n\u201cMississippians recognize that as Americans, we are all beneficiaries of the liberties and freedoms secured and protected by our veterans.\u00a0 Today, we have an opportunity to show our appreciation.\u00a0 Whether participating in a parade, attending a pancake breakfast for veterans or filling Shoeboxes for Soldiers, I truly appreciate that the people of our state will appropriately commemorate Veterans Day and renew their commitment to honor the men and women who have served and fought for our republic.\u201d\r\nLINK  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial: http://www.avdlm.org/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Monument Photo available below.  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Jackson VA, MSU partnering to provide veterans' healthcare: http://bit.ly/1xhQOYO\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=774:congressman-thompson-announces-19-300-awarded-to-the-attala-county-board-of-supervisors&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $19,300 AWARDED TO THE ATTALA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=776:congressman-thompson-announces-19-500-awarded-to-the-town-of-goodman&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $19,500 AWARDED TO THE TOWN OF GOODMAN", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=777:congressman-thompson-announces-65-400-awarded-to-the-city-of-lexington&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $65,400 AWARDED TO THE CITY OF LEXINGTON", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=778:congressman-thompson-announces-50-000-awarded-to-the-jefferson-county-board-of-supervisors&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $50,000 AWARDED TO THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141105191422/http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=775:congressman-thompson-announces-50-000-awarded-to-aaron-henry-community-health-services&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $50,000 AWARDED TO AARON HENRY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES", "2014-11-04", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases\t \n\t \n\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $50,000 AWARDED TO AARON HENRY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES \t\t \n\n\tBOLTON, MISSISSIPPI  Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture/ Community Facilities Grant Program has approved a $50,000 grant to Aaron Henry Community Health Services.  \n\t  \n\tThe rural development funds will be used to purchase furniture and equipment for the new Health Center located in Coldwater, MS.  \n\t  \n\tFor more information, call Mr. Larry Haynes, Chairman of Aaron Henry Community Health Services, at 662-624-4292.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141103235857/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-statement-release-us-marine-sgt-andrew-tahmooressi-mexican-prison", "Rep. Harper Statement on the Release of U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi from a Mexican Prison", "2014-11-03", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. - Today, Rep.\u00a0Gregg Harper\u00a0(R-Miss.) issued the following statement upon being notified that U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi had arrived back in the United States after\u00a0his release from a Mexican prison.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cAfter 214 days, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is finally back on American soil. I am glad that he is back with his family and can now put this horrific experience behind him. I had originally expected that the Administration would use all means necessary to get Sgt. Tahmooressi released from imprisonment in Mexico. As this terrible period in his and his family\u2019s lives finally comes to a close, I believe the Administration could have done much more to secure his release. This clearly was not a top priority for them. Welcome home Sgt. Tahmooressi.\u201d\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ###  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Gregg Harper is a third-term Republican lawmaker from Mississippi.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a29b6d60-0ced-4c27-a02a-964480e2acdb", "COCHRAN:  MISSISSIPPI 4-H GETS $82,000 BOOST FOR MENTOR PROGRAMS", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service has been awarded $82,000 to support 4-H mentoring programs throughout the state.\r\nThe National 4-H Council approved the award to promote 4-H National Mentoring Program mentoring activities in Mississippi, which are geared toward helping at-risk youth avoid juvenile delinquency through community-based educational programs.\u00a0 The funding derives from congressional appropriations for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).\r\n\u201cI am pleased that these resources will be put to work in Mississippi.\u00a0 I appreciate the good work being done by the 4-H and the Mississippi Extension Service to create opportunities for youth in our state,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cThe mentor programs are dedicated to improving the education and wellness of children.\u00a0 The Congress has recognized that organizations like 4-H can effectively reach youth in need of positive role models and constructive activities,\u201d he said.\r\nThe grant will be used to strengthen, expand and implement 4-H youth mentoring programs developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Children, Youth and Families at Risk Program.\u00a0 The OJJDP funding is intended to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problems and high-risk behaviors.\r\nAccording to The Mentoring Effect: Young People\u2019s Perspective on the Outcomes and Availability of Mentoring, 76 percent of at-risk young adults who had a mentor aspire to enroll in and graduate from college versus half of at-risk young adults who had not had a mentor.\r\nCochran, a former 4-H member, has been supportive of mentoring programs and those who volunteer their time and efforts to reach at-risk youth.\u00a0 He serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds the OJJDP.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mississippi 4-H:\u00a0 http://bit.ly/1uHnNGj   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4-H National Mentoring Program:\u00a0 http://bit.ly/1E8zmIc\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=773:media-advisory-congressman-thompson-and-federal-railroad-administrator-joseph-c-szabo-to-host-media-availability&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory:  Congressman Thompson and Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo to Host Media Availability", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398429", "Palazzo Commends Ingalls on John P. Murtha Launch", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) today congratulated Huntington Ingalls Industries on the launch of their 10th amphibious warship, the John P. Murtha (LPD 26). \r\n \r\nLast week, the 684-foot-long, 105-foot-wide LPD 26 was moved from land to Ingalls' floating drydock, in preparation of today's launch. With U.S. Navy and Coast Guard missions ranging from disaster relief to sea control expeditions, Ingalls' ships continue to provide integral support to our nation's armed forces and remain a point of pride in South Mississippi.\r\n \r\nI have always been proud of our Gulf Coast shipbuilders and every chance I get I tell everyone in Washington that the world's best shipbuilders are right here in South Mississippi. I applaud the work that they are doing on LPD-26 on budget and ahead of schedule. It goes to show what a dedicated shipbuilder with a hot production line can do for our Navy and Marine Corps.\r\n \r\nIngalls, which is based out of Pascagoula, celebrated in 2013 its 75th year of building ships. The company has built more ships than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder, and with efforts to improve both cost and schedule LPD 26 is on track to be one of the company's best products to date.\r\n \r\n###\r\n \r\nPalazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=770:media-advisory-congressman-bennie-thompson-to-attend-annual-jackson-public-schools-junior-rotc-military-jamboree&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory: Congressman Bennie Thompson to Attend Annual Jackson Public Schools Junior ROTC Military Jamboree", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=771:media-advisory-congressman-bennie-thompson-to-serve-as-speaker-during-the-mississippi-black-leadership-summit&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory: Congressman Bennie Thompson to Serve as Speaker during the Mississippi Black Leadership Summit", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=772:media-advisory-congressman-bennie-thompson-to-attend-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-in-holmes-county&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory: Congressman Bennie Thompson to Attend Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Holmes County", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a60d052a-163f-4567-8d8b-8ce7949310b6", "COCHRAN CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEW OF YAZOO BACKWATER PROJECT", "2014-10-27", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today asked for an independent peer review of the decision that halted completion of the Yazoo Backwater Project, an important flood control project for the lower Mississippi Delta.\r\nCochran requested approval for an independent peer review from Gina McCarthy, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), following a lack of response from EPA Region IV to a recent and similar recommendation from the Army Corps of Engineers.\u00a0 Completion of the backwater pump project, authorized by Congress in 1941, was idled since the project was administratively vetoed by the EPA in 2008 based on recommendations by Region IV.\r\n\u201cI am writing to request that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Office of Water conduct an independent peer review of EPA Region IV\u2019s recommended determination in 2008 to veto the final components of the Yazoo Backwater Area Project,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cIt is deeply concerning that the Southeastern Regional Office is unwilling to allow independent experts who were not associated with the determination to provide a fair and objective reevaluation of the 2008 determination.\u00a0 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers \u2013 one of the world\u2019s largest and most advanced construction agencies specializing in the design and construction of flood protection systems \u2013 continues to affirm the vetoed proposal is the option most capable of protecting Mississippians from devastating flood damages while creating opportunities for environmental protection and enhancement,\u201d he said.\r\nCochran said the scope of the project and ongoing flood risk in the Yazoo River Basin further justifies an additional, independent review process.\u00a0 Finishing the project, which has been constructed over the past seven decades, would provide additional flood protection on more than 630,000 acres in the backwater area of the basin.\u00a0 The Senator raised the Yazoo Backwater Project\u2019s potential at a July 2011 Senate hearing that addressed the disaster conditions created in Mississippi during the floods of 2011.\r\n\u201cThose at risk deserve clarity from the EPA regarding its concerns about the project\u2019s potential impact on certain waters of the United States.\u00a0 Also, the public deserves certainty that EPA was correct in its estimates,\u201d Cochran asserted.\r\n\u201cDespite the various challenges and differences of opinions regarding this issue, citizens of the lower Mississippi Delta still need the flood protection the federal government has promised since 1941.\u00a0 It is imperative that your Agency look further into Region IV\u2019s veto determination, and begin proposing viable alternatives of its own until the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers can agree on an effective solution,\u201d he concluded.\r\nA copy of Cochran\u2019s Yazoo Backwater Area Project letter is available below.\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5a1f3eaf-c6c0-424a-9aac-7b259fd74ec5", "USDA INVESTS $7.49 MILLION IN MISS. CHOCTAW & RURAL SCOTT CO. WATER, WASTEWATER SYSTEMS", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Water and wastewater infrastructure systems serving the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and rural areas of Scott County are in line to receive almost $7.5 million in improvements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported.\r\nCochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, on Thursday said that USDA Rural Development has approved a $4.13 million grant-loan package for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to improve wastewater treatment.\u00a0 Another $3.36 million grant-loan award is being issued to H&H Water Systems to upgrade water service to residents in the Harperville and Hillsboro areas of Scott County.\r\n\u201cCommunities rely on good water and wastewater services to improve public health and quality of life for their residents.\u00a0 These USDA awards will not only improve services, but also help the Mississippi Band of Choctaws and rural areas of Scott County meet increasingly strict health and environmental regulations,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe Mississippi Band of Choctaws is receiving a $3.98 million Native American grant and $154,000 loan to repair and replace components throughout its wastewater system, including improvements to the headwork and influent pump station.\r\nThe water system serving Harperville and Hillsboro area residents will be improved through a $2.46 million grant and $896,000 low-interest loan to install a 750 GPM well, construct an elevated 250,000-gallon water tank and perform other work to improve the distribution system.\r\nThe awards to Mississippi are directly linked to the USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program included in the rural development title of the 2014 farm bill, the five--year agriculture and nutrition policy measure that became law in February.\u00a0 In addition to being a primary negotiator in finalizing the new farm bill, Cochran serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\nThe 2014 farm bill authorized the USDA Water, Waste Disposal and Wastewater Facility Grants and Loans program to provide grants, loans and loan guarantees to public agencies for projects that support the development, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d312091e-4bb6-4b6c-9f4e-c59260a13de8", "AG COMMITTEE SENATORS REQUEST IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF NEW CLEAN WATER ACT REGS FOR AGRICULTURE", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The new agriculture rule released in conjunction with the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal could fundamentally alter interaction between farmers and the federal government and should be immediately withdrawn, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Republican members of the Senate Agriculture Committee asserted today.\r\nAgriculture Committee Ranking Member Cochran, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and John Thune (R-S.D.) have asked the Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide an update on implementation of the agriculture Interpretive Rule and requested its immediate withdrawal.\r\n\u201cWe have heard from farmers, ranchers, and other rural constituents about the Interpretive Rule and are deeply concerned it has created great confusion about what agriculture activities are exempt from regulation under the Clean Water Act,\u201d the Senators wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Army Secretary John McHugh and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.\u00a0\r\nThe WOTUS regulations, issued jointly by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers, would bring more waters--including streams, creeks, wetlands, ponds and ditches--under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act making them subject to EPA permitting requirements.\u00a0 The agriculture Interpretive Rule outlines just 56 activities out of more than 160 conservation practices that previously qualified for the normal farming and ranching exemption.\r\nIn their letter, the Senators say the Interpretive Rule should be withdrawn because farming, ranching and rural constituencies had little opportunity to have input on the new rule.\r\n\u201cBeyond adding confusion and uncertainty, the Interpretive Rule would fundamentally change the relationship between the Department of Agriculture and farm families.\u00a0 Over decades of farm policy, USDA has established an unprecedented relationship of trust with farmers, ranchers, and rural stakeholders.\u00a0 This unique relationship is built on voluntary conservation programs and a mutual commitment to protecting natural resources and keeping land in agriculture.\u00a0 Bringing USDA into the Clean Water Act permitting process would profoundly shift the nature of this successful approach by dismantling a longstanding partnership between the Federal government and agriculture community,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\nThe correspondence is the latest step taken by Republican members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee to raise concerns with the Obama administration about the WOTUS initiative.\u00a0 The proposed regulatory scheme was a central topic when the Senators met with Administrator McCarthy in July to discuss the effect of aggressive EPA regulatory expansion on agriculture and rural states.\r\nNow, the Senators continue to call for more transparency and stakeholder involvement.\r\n\u201cAs the Administration continues to extend the timeframe for finalization of the flawed WOTUS proposal, any further discussion of how agricultural activities may fit into this framework must allow for a transparent and public process in which the voice of American agriculture can be heard,\u201d the Senators\u2019 letter concluded.\r\nA signed copy of the letter is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=769:media-advisory-congressman-bennie-thompson-keynote-speaker-during-the-annual-freedom-fund-banquet&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory: Congressman Bennie Thompson Keynote Speaker During the Annual Freedom Fund Banquet", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398427", "Palazzo Welcomes National Guard Chief to South Mississippi", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04) today welcomed Gen. Frank Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to South Mississippi. General Grass was the guest speaker at Tuesday's 36th Annual Salute to the Military and will spend Wednesday touring South Mississippi military facilities with Congressman Palazzo.\r\nI'm honored to welcome my good friend General Grass to South Mississippi and show off our military assets to him and his team. The men and women who make up our military communities are our greatest resource, and today was a tremendous opportunity to bring a member of the Joint Chiefs here to see just what we have to offer.\r\nGeneral Grass visited the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) and the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Gulfport, as well as Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg. The visit included tours of Camp Shelby, including its Unmanned Aerial Systems site and Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES), and a tour of the Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group at CRTC. The group also hosted a town hall with National Guard members at Camp Shelby.\r\nIn addition to Congressman Palazzo, Gen. Grass was accompanied by his wife, Patricia Grass, and Mississippi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Augustus Collins and his wife Debra Collins.\r\n  \r\nPictured Above: Congressman Palazzo, center, tours Camp Shelby with National Guard Chief General Frank Grass, left, and Miss. Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Augustus Collins, right, on Oct. 22, 2014.\r\n\r\n###\r\nPalazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4754963f-6f64-4a20-8640-fe91a3ed6b7f", "ADDITIONAL FEMA AID APPROVED TO REBUILD LOUISVILLE, WINSTON COUNTY", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today announced approval for more than $43.5 million in federal grant awards linked to work to rebuild tornado-damaged Louisville and Winston County, including $34.5 million to support restoration of a plywood manufacturing plant.\r\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the lawmakers that four FEMA Public Assistance grants have been approved to offset the costs of recovery efforts related to the April 28 tornado that hit Louisville and Winston County.\u00a0 The largest award, worth $34.5 million, to the City of Louisville will reimburse 75 percent of the costs to reestablish a plywood manufacturing plant.\u00a0 Three other grants, totaling $10.8 million, for Winston County and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are linked to continued work to restore medical care services in the region.\r\n\u201cThese grants represent a significant obligation by the federal government to see that Louisville and Winston County move forward as whole communities, which includes jobs and economic growth.\u00a0 Reviving the promise of hundreds of new manufacturing jobs is an important part of the recovery plan for this area,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cRegarding medical services, our goal is to get the Winston Medical Center repaired and operational as soon as possible.\u00a0 FEMA is coordinating with state and local officials to see that this process moves forward expeditiously.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhen destructive tornadoes hit Mississippi in April, FEMA made a promise to support Mississippi\u2019s recovery,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cThey are honoring that commitment by assisting local and state efforts.\u00a0 These latest rounds of grants will help reestablish facilities that are vital for many communities to return to normal life.\u201d\r\n\u201cThese grants represent an opportunity for Winston County to continue to rebuild the economy and also fully restore health care services. Restoring the plywood manufacturing plant is essential to economic development and job growth in the area,\u201d Nunnelee said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Winston County Medical Center took a direct hit during the April tornado, but because of the emergency plan in place they were able to protect patients and save lives. This grant continues the progress toward permanent restoration of medical facilities and services.\u201d\r\nRestoration of the Natron Plywood Plant in Louisville has been identified by city and county leaders as a major priority in the aftermath of the storm.\u00a0 The plant, which before the storm was scheduled to open in July, is expected to initially employ more than 200 local residents with an estimated potential workforce of 400 workers.\u00a0 The total project cost associated with the $34.5 million grant is $46.0 million.\r\nTwo grants awarded to Winston County, $4.9 million and $4.8 million, will support replacing two county-owned warehouses, including one removed to accommodate a mobile disaster hospital.\u00a0 These grants will offset costs associated with repairing buildings and equipment that were damaged by the tornadoes.\r\nMEMA will receive $1.0 million to offset costs for emergency protective maneuvers it has undertaken to restore medical care delivery after the Winston Medical Center sustained severe damage from the April storm.\u00a0 This work involves ongoing coordination with the Mississippi State Department of Health and other medical services organizations to ensure continuity of medical care delivery in the area.\u00a0 In September, FEMA approved a $1.09 million grant for the Winston County Medical Foundation.\r\nThe funding for each of the three grants represents 75 percent of the costs associated with these projects.\u00a0 Funding will be awarded to MEMA for distribution to the awardees.\r\nFEMA Public Assistant Grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1041faaf-6460-49d7-a324-23c27c92bf48", "MISS. SENATORS CALL ON IRS TO ADDRESS TAX REFUND FRAUD", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today joined a bipartisan group of 15 Senators in calling on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner John Koskinen to update Congress regarding the agency\u2019s efforts to prevent tax refund fraud using stolen identities. The effort was led by Wicker and Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla.\r\nIn their letter to Koskinen, the Senators expressed concern that the IRS has yet to devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem, which cost taxpayers $5.2 billion in 2013, according to the Government Accountability Office. The Senators further urged the agency to improve existing safeguards and to make stopping tax refund fraud a top priority.\r\n\u201cTax fraud directly harms millions of tax-paying Americans who play by the rules,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cOn top of that, identify theft and stolen refunds undermine confidence in our tax system. The IRS has an obligation to make fraud reduction a top priority, in particular by identifying and holding those accountable who cheat the system by cheating honest taxpayers.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe IRS needs to assure the American people that it is fighting identity theft and taxpayer refund fraud.\u00a0 If forceful actions are not taken to correct these problems, public trust in this agency will be further eroded,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nWicker, Cochran, and Nelson were joined in their letter by Senators Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.\r\nA signed copy of the letter is available below. The text of the letter follows here:\r\nDear Commissioner Koskinen:\r\nWe are writing to request information regarding the IRS\u2019s efforts to prevent identity theft-related refund fraud.\u00a0 There has been a substantial increase in this kind of fraud in recent years with $5.2 billion being lost to fraudulent tax returns in 2013 according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO characterized this growing problem as a \u201cpersistent, evolving threat to honest taxpayers and tax administration\u201d in its latest report on the subject.\r\nWe understand that the IRS may not be able to stop all refund fraud, but a lot more can be done within the IRS\u2019s current authority to reduce the risk of fraud and improve taxpayer services.\u00a0 We would like an update from you on what you have done to date with respect to the following:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Accelerating the verification of tax return information.\u00a0 By law, the IRS has 45 days after a return is due to issue a refund without interest, yet refunds are typically issued just 9.6 days after a return is filed, according to the GAO.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Providing victims of tax-related identity theft with a single point of contact, as recommended by the National Taxpayer Advocate for several years.\u00a0 According to the Taxpayer Advocate, \u201cwithout a single person responsible for transferring cases from one function to another,\u201d cases can become \u201cstuck\u201d or lost in the process.\u00a0\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Allowing taxpayers to \u201cturn off\u201d electronic filing, as the Taxpayer Advocate recommended to the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth as long ago as 2011.\u00a0 More than 80 percent of tax-related identity theft occurs through electronically filed tax returns.\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t taxpayers have the option to disable any electronic filing of their tax return?\u00a0\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Allowing any taxpayer to request an identity theft PIN, regardless of whether or not they have been a confirmed victim of identity theft.\u00a0\u00a0 We understand that the IRS has launched a pilot program to allow anyone in states with high fraud rates to request an identity theft PIN.\u00a0 We would appreciate an update on your efforts, if any, to convert this pilot program into a nationwide program.\r\nIn addition to the need for improving IRS\u2019s existing safeguards and services, we are concerned that the IRS has yet to devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem, if given additional resources. With billions of dollars at stake, we believe that finding a solution to the problem of identity theft-related refund fraud should be a top priority for the IRS. Therefore, we respectfully request responses to the following questions:\r\n1.\u00a0With respect to detecting, deterring, and criminalizing taxpayer identity theft, please explain how you currently prioritize resources and describe how you intend to allocate resources to this problem in the future.\u00a0 Please also explain what additional statutory authority, if any, the IRS needs to seriously address the problem.\u00a0\r\n2.\u00a0For each of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 calendar years, how many taxpayers filed an affidavit alleging identity theft or refund fraud?\u00a0 If possible, please also identify, in dollar terms, how much of the fraud identified through the affidavits still resulted in money being sent to fraudsters.\r\n3.\u00a0What are the total costs associated with undertaking each investigation into tax-related identity theft?\u00a0 To date, what percentage of the cases resulted in funds being recovered?\r\n4.\u00a0Does the IRS plan to fully assess the costs and benefits of accelerating information matching, whether it be moving up Form W-2 deadlines or delaying the filing season, as recommended by GAO?\u00a0 If so, when?\u00a0 If not, why not?\r\n5.\u00a0Do you disagree with any of the GAO\u2019s recommendations, as cited in their September report titled \u201cAdditional Actions Could Help IRS Combat the Large, Evolving Threat of Refund Fraud?\u201d\u00a0 If so, please explain.\r\n6.\u00a0What further action, if any, does the IRS intend to take to combat this problem prior to the next tax filing season?\r\nPlease provide a timely response to these questions. It is essential to stem the tide of this crime before another tax season passes by and billions more taxpayer dollars are stolen.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1122b007-e869-4a33-9848-37179fdaf410", "COCHRAN, USDA ORGANIZE FARM BILL & CROP INSURANCE LISTENING SESSIONS", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Department of Agriculture officials and staff with the Senate Agriculture Committee and the office of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) have scheduled two listening sessions at which agriculture producers in Mississippi can provide input and ask questions about new programs authorized in the Agricultural Act of 2014.\r\nCochran staff, U.S. Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis and Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini will be available during the listening sessions on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Stoneville and Verona.\r\n\u201cI want to ensure that our producers remain well-positioned to meet the needs of our nation and a growing world population.\u00a0 Agriculture is critically important to our state's economy, and throughout my time in Congress I have worked to improve programs for farmers.\u00a0 One way to facilitate program participation and improvement is to provide producers the opportunity to have meaningful dialogue with officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture who administer farm and risk management programs,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nA morning listening session is scheduled for 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Oct. 29, at the Delta Research & Extension Center (Capps Center) in Stoneville.\u00a0 The second session is slated for 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center (conference room) in Verona.\r\nCochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, structured the meetings to receive additional input\u2014and offer information to producers\u2014as the USDA continues its implementation of a new suite of commodity and risk management programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).\r\nFarmers, ranchers, county representatives and interested citizens are encouraged to participate and ask USDA officials about new and existing risk management tools, and to offer guidance on where USDA efforts should be focused going forward.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis and Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini will be in Mississippi to discuss the new farm bill programs and potential improvements to the federal crop insurance program.\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cThese new commodity programs along with the new and existing federal crop insurance programs are important risk management tools for farmers and ranchers nationwide.\u00a0 Input from producers in Mississippi will be valuable as we strive to ensure that these risk management programs are effective.\u201d\r\nAs ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Cochran was a principal negotiator this year on the bipartisan and bicameral conference committee that was tasked with bringing together two very different versions of the farm bill passed by the House and Senate.\u00a0 The enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 culminated years of hearings, debate and negotiations to develop a new five-year law to improve on the 2008 farm bill.\r\nFor more information regarding the listening sessions, contact Chris Gallegos, 202-224-5054 or chris_gallegos@cochran.senate.gov\r\n___\r\nWHO:\u00a0 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran\u2019s Office, Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis and Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini\r\nWHAT:\u00a0 Farm Bill & Crop Insurance Listening Session\r\nWHEN:\u00a0 Wednesday, October 29\r\nWHERE:\u00a0 Stoneville and Verona, Mississippi\r\n9:00-11:00 a.m. \u2013 Delta Research & Extension Center (Capps Center), 82 Stoneville Road, Stoneville\r\n3:00-5:00 p.m. \u2013 North Mississippi Research & Extension Center (conference room), 5421 Highway 145 S, Verona\r\nCONTACT:\u00a0 Chris Gallegos, 202-224-5054 or chris_gallegos@cochran.senate.gov\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6c69f85c-4594-468e-9503-e2faa772dec2", "MISS. SENATORS PRAISE ITC DECISION TO PROTECT U.S. STEEL PRODUCERS", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today praised a decision that will benefit U.S. steel producers in Mississippi and other states by allowing the United States to act against the unfair surge in imported steel reinforcing bar or \u201crebar.\u201d\r\nThe U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday reached a unanimous determination that rebar imports from Mexico and Turkey are unlawfully threatening or damaging the U.S. rebar industry.\u00a0 The decision, supported by Cochran and Wicker, clears the way for the U.S. Department of Commerce to impose antidumping duties against Mexican and Turkish rebar.\r\n\u201cAmerican steel workers and manufacturers can compete with workers anywhere in the world, but a level playing field is required.\u00a0 I am pleased with this decision that will create more opportunity for U.S. rebar producers to succeed,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cI commend the Commission for reaching this unanimous decision on behalf of fairness for American steel workers,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThis judgment marks an important milestone in the fight to keep the U.S. steel industry competitive globally. Moving forward, I will continue to urge the federal government to support trade policies that promote and protect our companies and workers.\u201d\r\nIn September, Cochran and Wicker were among a bipartisan group of 36 Senators who strongly encouraged the ITC to favorably complete its review of the Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey Inv. Nos. 701 TA-502 and 731-TA-1227-1228 (Final Phase) petition (http://1.usa.gov/1ycMMDv and http://1.usa.gov/XdcQxe).\u00a0 Filed in 2013, the primary petitioner is the Rebar Trade Action Coalition.\u00a0 Nucor Corp., which has operations in Starkville and Flowood, is a member of the coalition.\u00a0 The ITC petition indicates that the case affects nine producers with facilities in 23 states that employed 4,167 workers in 2012.\r\nIn a letter to ITC Chairman Meredith Broadbent that criticized unfair imports from Mexico and Turkey, the Senators wrote, \u201cSince 2010, these imports have flooded the U.S. market at the direct expense of U.S. producers, who have seen their share of the market drop dramatically.\u00a0 Capacity utilization rates are at historically low levels -- near 60 percent -- and production levels have yet to recover from the recession.\u201d (http://bit.ly/1smaV6E)\r\nThe Mississippi Senators in April 2014 also signed correspondence to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker that highlighted unfair trade practices associated with Turkish and Mexican steel imports. Last year, Cochran and Wicker were part of a similar case involving the extension of existing antidumping duties now imposed on rebar produced in China, Indonesia, Ukraine, Latvia, Belarus, Moldova and Poland.\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSteel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC\u201d http://1.usa.gov/1z8daiD\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=768:media-advisory-congressman-bennie-thompson-to-attend-mvsu-presidential-inauguration&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory: Congressman Bennie Thompson to Attend MVSU Presidential Inauguration", "2014-10-14", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141017011139/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-honored-award-manufacturing-legislative-excellence", "Rep. Harper Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Harper Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence \nNation\u2019s Largest Industrial Trade Association Says Rep. Harper Champion of Manufacturing\nWashington, D.C., October 9, 2014 \u2013 The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Gregg Harper (R- Miss.) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States.  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cManufacturers in Mississippi and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,\u201d said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. \u201cHowever, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Harper who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.\u201d\n\u00a0Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM\u2019s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here.\n\u00a0\n-NAM-\n\u00a0\nThe National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.08 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f7d66185-0176-447d-a1d6-0490defa64bf", "MISS SENATORS SAY FEDERAL REGS DONT ACCOUNT FOR RURAL HEALTH CARE DYNAMICS, NEEDS", "2014-10-09", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are pushing the Obama administration to more effectively consider the effects its federal rules and regulations have on the delivery of health care in rural areas.\r\nThe Mississippi Senators are among 34 who have signed a letter to Marilyn B. Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that asks her to provide comprehensive details about the CMS rulemaking process and how rural health care concerns are addressed.\u00a0 The Senators assert that recent policy decisions have not adequately reflected the reality of health delivery in rural areas.\r\n\u00a0\u201cA one size fits all approach to health care regulations too often puts rural residents at a disadvantage and makes access to care more difficult.\u00a0 This letter is a warning to the administration that our constituents deserve better,\u201d said Cochran, who serves on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that inserted provisions in a FY2014 law directing CMS to coordinate with the Office of Rural Health Policy when developing rules.\r\n\u201cThe Obama Administration should not overlook the consequences of burdensome regulations on rural health-care providers,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cMany Americans living in these areas face unique obstacles to accessing quality health care.\u00a0 These new rules should be thoroughly reviewed to prevent harmful effects on providers and patients.\u201d\r\nSpearheaded by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), the letter cited several recent policies that make it more difficult for rural health care providers and facilities to serve rural populations.\r\n\u201cWe remain concerned these policy decisions do not reflect the reality of providing care in rural communities, and we request additional details on these consultation efforts in advance of future rulemaking,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\n\u201cThe proportion of elderly rural Americans continues to grow, and even small policy changes or incremental payment adjustments have a significant impact on access to care in rural areas. Medicare beneficiaries should be able to obtain care within their own communities when possible, and we are committed to ensuring federal policies recognize and incorporate the unique challenges rural providers face,\u201d the letter said.\r\nIn addition to Cochran and Wicker, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), John Tester (D-Mont.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), and David Vitter (R-La.),\r\nThe National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA) both support the Senators\u2019 letter.\r\nA copy of the signed letter is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141010004902/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/harper-signs-letter-president-obama-about-us-response-protect-americans-ebola", "Harper signs letter to President Obama about the U.S. response to protect Americans from Ebola", "2014-10-08", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R\u2013Miss.) has co-signed a letter to President Obama about the U.S. response to protect Americans from Ebola. This bipartisan letter authored by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), urges President Obama to take immediate and decisive action to protect and prevent American citizens from further exposure to the deadly Ebola virus disease.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cWith West Africa currently facing an Ebola epidemic, my belief is that this administration must take aggressive action to combat and prevent the spread of this disease in the United States,\u201d said Harper.\n\tThe letter urges the President to direct the CDC, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to order our customs and border agents to begin more active screening of travelers to and from affected countries in West Africa; consider a possible quarantine for any individual who has traveled to or from affected countries within the dormancy period, aside from responsible health and military personnel sent there to fight the disease; and to seek that the State Department impose a travel ban and restrict travel visas issued to citizens of the West African countries experiencing this epidemic, until such countries have defeated the epidemic.\n\t\u201cIt is of the utmost importance that this Administration takes these commonsense steps to protect U.S. citizens from this Ebola epidemic.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=81bd8df5-eff5-4548-8a11-7dff202d8c13", "COCHRAN ASKS USDA TO PROTECT RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATIONS FROM IMPACT OF EPA EMISSIONS RULE", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the U.S. Department of Agriculture should ensure that rural electric services and investments will not be harmed by proposed federal climate change regulations on power plants.\r\nCochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, has signed a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting that he work with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and rural electric associations are not impaired by a proposed EPA carbon emissions rule for power plants.\u00a0\r\nThe letter to Vilsack was also signed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Representatives Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), the House Agriculture Committee chairman and ranking member.\r\n\u201cThe EPA carbon emissions rule has a real potential to disrupt a successful 79-year-old program to provide and maintain electricity to rural homes and businesses.\u00a0 While I want the rule completely withdrawn, the USDA has a responsibility now to ensure that it protects the interests of rural Americans and all taxpayers,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe letter asks Vilsack to ensure that the rule does not have an adverse impact on the RUS electric loan portfolio, which consists of $47 billion in loans to rural electric cooperatives to construct, maintain, upgrade and expand the electricity generating and transmission systems in 44 states.\u00a0 In Mississippi, 25 electric power associations and one generation and transmission cooperative serve residents and businesses.\r\n\u201cIn its modeling of the impacts of the proposed rule, EPA estimated 17 co-op owned power plants would close by 2025 in order for states to comply with the rule,\u201d the letter points out.\r\n\u201cThe safety and soundness of the RUS electric portfolio is well documented.\u00a0 Decades of experience have demonstrated an excellent record of loan repayment and reliable return for the taxpayer.\u00a0 As work on this rule proceeds, we ask that you continue to engage with EPA, and with the affected borrowers, to ensure the RUS electric loan program and RUS electric borrowers are not adversely impacted,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\nCochran has been consistently critical of the expansive and complex carbon emissions regulations unveiled by the EPA in June.\u00a0 He recently joined the call for a public comment period extension and has cosponsored a resolution calling for EPA to withdraw the proposed rules and associated guidelines.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Letter to Vilsack is available below.  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USDA Rural Utilities Service:\u00a0 http://1.usa.gov/1vyxBiF  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Electric Power Associations of Mississippi:\u00a0 http://bit.ly/1r3PPEk\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c8fcbaa3-936d-46f1-876c-b49d87aa9101", "TUPELO UTILITY REPAIRS BACKED WITH $2.64 MILLION FEMA GRANT", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today reported new federal support for tornado recovery work in Tupelo, with a $2.64 million grant award to restore public utilities.\r\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday informed the Mississippi lawmakers that it has approved a $2.64 million Public Assistance Program grant to Tupelo Water and Light Department for permanent restoration of its utility services damaged during an April 28 tornado.\r\n\u201cThis grant award is welcome federal support to ensure that utilities are fully restored and operational.\u00a0 This award should offset the need for Tupelo ratepayers to see their utility bills go up as a result of what was a nationally-significant disaster,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI appreciate all the hard work being done by the people of Tupelo to repair the damaged caused by that deadly storm.\u201d\r\n\u201cMississippians have done a great job of rebuilding and restoring the communities affected by the storms that ravaged our state in April,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cWith continued support from federal and state agencies, I am confident that we will achieve a full recovery.\u201d\r\n\u201cFollowing a natural disaster, restoration of utility services is an important first step in returning to normalcy,\u201d Nunnelee said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased this grant will aid in continued tornado recovery efforts and provide for permanent restoration of damaged utility services.\u201d\r\nThe overall cost associated with this project is $3.52 million, with the FEMA award covering 75 percent of its cost.\u00a0 The funding for this project will be obligated to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for distribution on a reimbursable basis.\r\nFEMA Public Assistant Program grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities.\r\nFEMA Public Assistance Grants also support debris removal and emergency protective measures.\u00a0 Using Disaster Relief Fund resources provided by Congress, FEMA awarded two grants in August and September worth a combined total of $3.34 million for debris removal in Tupelo.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=03e921e4-43bc-46f7-937f-3dc6438d270a", "SENATORS ENCOURAGE MISSISSIPPI YOUTH VOLUNTEERS TO APPLY FOR SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY HONORS", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today encouraged Mississippi middle school and high school students involved in volunteer and community service projects to apply for the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.\r\nA Nov. 4 application deadline has been set for this program that recognizes the contributions of youth in grades 5-12 in their communities.\u00a0 The program is sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.\r\n\u201cMississippi is repeatedly recognized as one of the most charitable states in the nation.\u00a0 This spirit of giving includes the many hours of volunteer service performed by students throughout our state.\u00a0 These young people set worthwhile examples, and it is these acts that the Spirit of Community awards recognize on a national stage,\u201d said Cochran, co-chairman of the Senate National Service Caucus.\r\n\u201cService and volunteerism have helped transform so many communities and individual lives across Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThe Spirit of Community awards seek to honor young Mississippians who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to care for those in need.\u00a0 I urge every student who is active in his or her community to apply for this upstanding program.\u201d\r\nCreated in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program honors middle and high school students from each state who demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.\u00a0 State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and a trip to Washington, D.C., May 2-5, 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program.\r\nInformation and applications are available online at http://spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit, or by calling toll free 877-525-8491.\u00a0 Applications must be completed by Nov. 4, and printed, signed and submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or affiliate of HandsOn Network.\u00a0 An informational flyer on eligibility, deadlines and award details is available below.\r\nIn 2014, the state was represented by Reagan Norwood, 18, of Biloxi and Jonah Holland, 15, of Belmont.\u00a0 Reagan, Mississippi's top high school volunteer, collected more than 1,000 pairs of shoes and socks for homeless people over the past four years through her project, \u201cS.O.S. (Shoes or Socks) for the Homeless.\u201d Holland, the state\u2019s leading middle school level volunteer, led his 4-H club promoting greater use of reusable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills. (Photo of their visit with Cochran is available below.)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=766:congressman-thompson-announces-200-000-in-grant-funds-to-the-mississippi-association-of-cooperatives-and-tri-county-agricultural-cooperative&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Thompson ANNOUNCES $200,000 in Grant Funds to the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives and Tri County Agricultural Cooperative", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=767:congressman-bennie-g-thompson-mississippi-second-congressional-district-2014-college-career-fair2&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Mississippi Second Congressional District 2014 College \u2013 Career Fair", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=765:congressman-bennie-g-thompson-mississippi-second-congressional-district-2014-college-career-fair&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Mississippi Second Congressional District 2014 College \u2013 Career Fair", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2c0f14ea-6044-4777-8c95-572a55a86050", "MISS. ENTERPRISE FOR TECHNOLOGY TO ANCHOR \"INNOVATION CLUSTER\" FOR SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) at the Stennis Space Center has been selected to administer a new project to support small business growth in four Gulf of Mexico states.\r\nCochran wrote a letter of support for the MSET application for a Marine Industries Science and Technology (MIST) Cluster, which was named one of four new Regional Innovative Clusters by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Tuesday.\u00a0 The MIST Cluster will be centered along the I-10 Corridor, incorporating Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.\r\n\u201cThe MIST Cluster proposal is intended to help small businesses access the tools they need to succeed by leveraging resources available at the Stennis Space Center and in other Gulf Coast states,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that the Small Business Administration has chosen to throw its support behind this proposal.\u201d\r\nMSET, a nonprofit organization that serves as a small business technology incubator at Stennis, will receive $500,000 to $550,000 from SBA to support the MIST Cluster.\u00a0 The focus of the cluster will be to implement strategies for developing businesses in the marine sciences and technology industries.\r\nAccording to the SBA, the MIST Cluster will \u201cfocus on the Stennis Space Center\u2019s ecosystem of world class marine technology research, the highest concentration of oceanographers in the world, and a broad consortium of federal and state partners to provide targeted support for the creation and growth of small businesses involved in \u2018blue technology.\u2019\u201d\r\nThe MIST Cluster, along with three other new Regional Innovation Clusters, expands the SBA initiative to 11 clusters nationwide.\u00a0 Other new initiatives named include a Wisconsin-based Water Technology Cluster, an Autonomous and Unmanned Systems Cluster in southeast New Mexico, and a Retail, Ozarks Region Supply Chain and Food Processing Cluster involving Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.\r\nThe mission of each cluster is to link small businesses to regional networks of leading research, commercialization tools and financing.\u00a0 The four new clusters will receive roughly equal SBA financial support.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3bfeac44-680a-4197-a260-941123d7d6e8", "COCHRAN SALUTES MISSISSIPPIS 2014 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today commended two Mississippi schools that have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014.\r\nCaledonia Elementary School in Caledonia and St. James Catholic School in Gulfport were designated by the U.S. Department of Education as Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps.\r\n\u201cPresident Reagan launched the Blue Ribbon School initiative to honor schools whose students and teachers demonstrate notable educational achievement,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI commend Caledonia Elementary School and St. James Catholic School for being recognized nationally for their accomplishments, which reflect favorably on their students, teachers and the parents who support them.\u201d\r\nThe National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was founded in 1982 to recognize the work of exemplary schools throughout the nation.\u00a0 Since then, more than 7,500 schools nationwide have been favorably recognized.\r\nTwo representatives from each Mississippi schools will be invited to Washington in November to attend a National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition ceremony, where each school will receive a plaque and flag to signify its Blue Ribbon status.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=764:congressman-bennie-g-thompson-hosts-his-annual-college-and-career-fair2&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Hosts His Annual College and Career Fair", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1195cdfb-d870-466a-9e90-67abf54b685f", "COCHRAN:  MISSISSIPPI TO FULFILL HOMELAND SECURITY DEPT. AMMO ORDER", "2014-09-25", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that Winchester Ammunition, with manufacturing facilities in Oxford, Miss., has won a five-year contract to produce ammunition for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\r\nCochran, who serves on the Senate subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Homeland Security Department, said the Olin Corp. and its Winchester division have been awarded a contract worth up to $50.0 million to produce ammunition at its Winchester Centerfire Operations in Oxford for two DHS agencies.\r\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security\u2019s wide-ranging border security and law enforcement missions require a significant amount of firepower, particularly for training.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased that Mississippi will be able to fill that need,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI credit our capable workforce and the state\u2019s aggressive drive to bring more manufacturing to Mississippi for making this significant contract possible.\u201d\r\nThe indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract calls for the procurement of 40 caliber Smith & Wesson training ammunition, with a maximum dollar value of $50.0 million.\u00a0 The ammunition is intended for use by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) for field-level training.\r\nIn 2010, the state\u2019s congressional delegation, State of Mississippi and the Mississippi Development Authority successfully encouraged the Olin Corp. to relocate its Winchester Centerfire Operations to Oxford.\u00a0 The facility produces small caliber ammunition and components for military, law enforcement, industrial and sporting customers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e35656d6-5a35-4fb7-ad94-ef4591223338", "MISS. DELEGATION WELCOMES NEW FEMA FUNDING FOR TUPELO DEBRIS REMOVAL", "2014-09-25", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today signaled their support for the distribution of $1.95 million in new funding to the City of Tupelo for tornado damage debris removal.\r\nThe lawmakers announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, which will support Tupelo\u2019s ongoing recovery from a deadly April 28 tornado.\u00a0 The award, funded through the FEMA Disaster Recovery Fund, is being made in accordance with the FEMA Public Assistance guidelines for eligible debris removal.\r\n\u201cWe are all committed to seeing that Tupelo recovers from the direct hit it took in April.\u00a0 This grant is indicative of FEMA and the state of Mississippi, acting as partners with city leaders, continuing to assess that recovery process and offer assistance,\u201d said Cochran, who as a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee has worked to ensure that sufficient funding is available in the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund to support estimated costs associated with an average disaster year.\r\n\u201cThis important funding represents another big step forward in our effort to restore and rebuild Tupelo,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI am pleased that federal, state, and local agencies continue to work together to provide residents and businesses the support they need.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am proud of the people of Tupelo and the determination I have seen to continue to move forward after the April tornadoes.\u00a0 During the storms, local, state and federal officials were quick to work together in early detection and advanced warning and it saved lives,\u201d said Nunnelee.\u00a0 \u201cThis grant announcement is a reflection of an important collaborative relationship that I am pleased continues today.\u201d\r\nThe new $1.95 million grant represents an 80 percent federal share of the total $2.43 million associated with this application for assistance.\u00a0 The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will cover the remaining 20 percent of the cost, pursuant to a law approved during a special session of the legislature following the storm.\u00a0\r\nFEMA awarded a similar $1.39 million grant to Tupelo in early August for eligible debris removal.\r\nFEMA Public Assistant Grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=90eb179e-b188-4f1d-9115-2f0279234106", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA", "2014-09-23", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D. C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriation Subcommittee, today issued the following statement regarding U.S. airstrikes in Syria against the Islamist terrorist group that controls northern parts of that country:\r\n\u201cThe airstrikes in Syria are an important measure needed to defeat the Islamic terrorists whose efforts to create a safe haven in Syria and northern Iraq represent a threat to U.S. security interests and the region.\u00a0 Work must also continue to build a strong coalition to carry out this complex and difficult campaign.\u00a0 As we move forward, our men and women in uniform deserve our complete support.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b0c63166-e22a-4c75-be66-2cfab5fc27d0", "USDA RURAL ENERGY PROGRAM SUPPORTS MISS. POULTRY, CATFISH OPERATIONS", "2014-09-23", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D. C. \u2013 Nine poultry and catfish producers in Mississippi have been selected to receive a total of $288,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make energy efficiency improvements to their operations, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran today reported.\r\nThe Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants were approved for operations in Bay Springs, Brooksville, Carthage, Indianola, Magnolia, Mt. Olive, Osyka, Stringer and Waynesboro.\u00a0 The REAP grants range in value from $79,303 to $5,121.\r\n\u201cEnergy costs are a major factor for agriculture producers.\u00a0 The Rural Energy for America Program was reauthorized in the 2014 farm bill to continue helping farming operations lower their production costs through energy savings,\u201d said Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee.\r\nAdministered by USDA Rural Development, REAP was created to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in making energy efficiency improvements or installing renewable energy systems.\u00a0 In reauthorizing REAP, the 2014 farm bill streamlined the application process for farmers and rural businesses applying for small and medium sized projects.\r\nThe awards to Mississippi are among the 540 REAP grant and loan guarantees approved for rural energy projects nationwide.\u00a0 A list of these awards is available below.\r\nThe 2014 REAP Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant Program awards to Mississippi include two awards to support the installation of oxygen monitoring systems with computers to control electric aerators on more than 125 catfish ponds.\u00a0\r\nFive grants were awarded to poultry producers in Mississippi to install energy efficiency lighting, fans, doors, insulation and other equipment on poultry broiler grower and production houses.\u00a0 Other grants will support the installation of a bio-energy, renewable biomass system and an 84kw large solar photovoltaic system to improve energy efficiency at two poultry operations.\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USDA Rural Energy for America Program:\u00a0 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Reap.html\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c68e78c3-e2d0-4a60-87d8-632967790d43", "SENATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO HONOR FREEDOM SUMMER ACTIVISTS", "2014-09-22", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., have introduced legislation to award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner \u2013 men who lost their lives in 1964 while campaigning for civil rights during Mississippi\u2019s Freedom Summer.\u00a0 The bill is a Senate companion to H.R. 4409, introduced by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.\r\n\u201cThese men paid the ultimate sacrifice to bring justice and equality to every American,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cTheir courageous actions in the face of danger helped turn the course of history in the United States.\u201d\r\n\u201cVoting is one of the most sacred rights we have as Americans and it is important for us to reflect on our past and honor those who have fought to ensure every citizen has access to that basic freedom,\u201d Gillibrand said. \u201cJames Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner are unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom, justice and equality for all.\u00a0 This recognition is long overdue and I will push to make sure that these brave souls are awarded this honor and that the Gold Medal can stand as a memorial to commemorate their lives and fearlessness.\u201d\r\n\u201cBestowing the nation\u2019s highest civilian award upon these slain civil rights workers would signify the gratitude of a nation that today is more free and just because of their brave work and sacrifice,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThis year marks the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer.\u00a0 The term refers to the campaign for registering African Americans to vote in the South during the summer of 1964.\u00a0 Thousands of activists travelled to Mississippi and surrounding states to bring an end to the disenfranchisement that many faced when trying to exercise their right to vote.\u00a0 Participants also hoped to shed light on the violence and harassment faced by Mississippi\u2019s African American population.\u00a0 Churches, homes, and businesses were firebombed, in addition to arrests and beatings from mobs.\r\nOne of the most infamous acts of violence during the Freedom Summer occurred near Philadelphia, Miss., on June 21, 1964.\u00a0 James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were arrested and questioned after a so-called traffic violation.\u00a0 Once released from questioning, they were not seen alive again.\u00a0 Six weeks later, the men\u2019s bodies were found under a dam.\u00a0 The bodies were badly decomposed, but it was reported that James Chaney suffered a violent beating.\u00a0 Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner died of gunshot wounds to the chest.\r\nTheir deaths provoked national outrage and support for the Civil Rights movement.\r\nThe three award nominees are:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 James Chaney, born May 30, 1943, in Meridian, Miss.;  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Andrew Goodman, born November 23, 1943, in New York City; and  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Michael Schwerner, born November 6, 1939, in New York City.\r\nFollowing the presentation of the award, the gold medals would be given to Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, near Jackson.\u00a0\r\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by Congress.\u00a0 It is awarded to persons \u201cwho have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=68d0fa58-62eb-465f-88d5-009712026b11", "COCHRAN:  SIX-YEAR DELAY ON KEYSTONE DECISION INEXCUSABLE", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today again encouraged the Obama administration to approve the application for the Keystone XL energy pipeline, saying there is no legitimate excuse for not allowing its construction.\r\nOn the sixth anniversary of Keystone XL application being filed, Cochran joined other lawmakers in sending a letter to President Obama that argues it is \u201clong past time to make a decision\u201d on a permit allowing the creation of the energy pipeline whose construction would create tens of thousands of jobs.\r\n\u201cThe U.S. economy is not creating jobs fast enough to produce a strong recovery.\u00a0 Knowing we need more jobs, it is inexcusable that the administration would keep the Keystone project on the back burner,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI encourage the administration to do what is right and approve the permit for this job-creating project, the sooner the better.\u201d\r\nSince TransCanada applied for a Presidential Permit on Sept. 19, 2008, the Keystone XL project has undergone multiple legal, regulatory and environmental reviews.\u00a0 One of the last, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released by the State Department in January 2014, concluded that the construction of the pipeline from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast would have no significant impact on the environment.\r\nThe letter sent to the President to mark the sixth anniversary of the Keystone\u00a0 permit was signed by 45 Senators, who wrote that the American people and Canada, as a friend and ally, deserve better than a \u201cdefeat-by-delay\u201d approach.\r\nThe letter states, \u201cThe uncertainty created by failing to make a decision has a chilling effect on other investment and infrastructure development in our country and holds back the economy.\u00a0 The defeat-by-delay approach not only hurts this project, but also discourages other investment throughout the country, costing our country jobs.\u201d\r\n\"Mr. President, six years is too long.\u00a0 We urge you to approve the Keystone LX pipeline immediately,\u201d it concludes.\r\nOn May 1, Cochran joined 56 Senators in introducing bipartisan legislation (S.2280) to expedite permitting for the Keystone Pipeline using congressional authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.\u00a0 With passage of this legislation, a presidential permit would no longer be needed to approve the project.\u00a0 The bill has been added to the Senate calendar of business but the Democratic Majority Leader has not agreed to call it up for debate or a vote.\r\nA copy of the letter is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ffbd5c93-a271-4389-9cfa-dfe67ac96f04", "COCHRAN VOTES TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today voted for legislation to keep the government open, while also taking actions to support United States activities to fight Islamic terrorism and the outbreak of Ebola on the African continent.\r\nThe continuing resolution (CR) approved by the Senate on a 73-22 vote Thursday maintains federal spending at the current FY2014 spending capped-level through Dec. 11, 2014.\u00a0 The 2015 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m disappointed that not a single FY2015 appropriations bill will have been enacted by the start of the new fiscal year.\u00a0\u00a0 This situation necessitates a continuing resolution,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cIt is my hope that when the Senate reconvene this fall that the Majority Leader will give us a chance to call up, debate and pass these bills.\u201d\r\nAt the request of the President, the CR includes provisions to support the administration\u2019s plan to address the global security threats posed by Islamic terrorists (ISIS/ISIL).\u00a0 This authorization will last until Dec. 11, the duration of the CR.\r\n\u201cI have reservations about the President\u2019s plan, but there are no easy answers to the problems posed by the Islamic terrorist threat to our national interests and the overall stability of the Middle East.\u00a0 This initial authorization, which is limited in duration and includes multiple opportunities for congressional oversight, is a good step to take at this point.\u00a0 The debate will be rejoined later this year,\u201d said Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\nOther notable provisions in the almost two and half month CR include:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Additional funding to support Department of Veterans Affairs treatment of veterans, disabilities claims processing and oversight;  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Funding for State Department programs to regional aggression toward the Ukraine and other nations that were once part of the Soviet Union; and,  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Funding to support the Centers for Disease Control response to the Ebola virus crisis in Africa, as well as resources to accelerate U.S. Department of Health and Human Services research on Ebola therapies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=760:media-advisory-congressman-bennie-g-thompson-to-attend-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-of-the-newly-renovated-emergency-operation-center-building&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Media Advisory: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson to Attend Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Newly Renovated Emergency Operation Center Building", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=761:thompson-invites-the-anointed-bodies-of-christ-to-perform-during-the-congressional-black-caucus-foundation-s-annual-legislative-conference-gospel-extravaganza-in-washington&c", "THOMPSON INVITES THE ANOINTED BODIES OF CHRIST TO PERFORM DURING THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATIONS ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA IN WASHINGTON", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393901", "Palazzo Opposes Authorization to Arm Syrian Rebels", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Opposes Authorization to Arm Syrian Rebels\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after opposing authorization to train and equip Syrian rebels to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):\r\nAs a Marine who has served in this very region of the world, I believe our men and women in uniform deserve a strong, comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIL. Today's vote to provide equipment and training to Syrian rebels is an arbitrary half-measure, and one that won't work. I cannot support handing weapons to a force unless I am 100% confident that our American soldiers won't have to face fire from those same weapons in the future.  \r\nISIL is a threat to Americans here at home and to our allies abroad. They are well-organized, well-trained, and well-financed. I support a U.S. led coalition of international partners to defeat this terrorist group.We need to give our men and women in uniform and military commanders every tool they need to get the job done. But arming an unknown, un-vetted, and unreliable group of rebels is simply not the right strategy.\r\n\r\n###\r\nPalazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=717f8bd8-685f-4097-bd54-c7e12899cb5a", "COCHRAN:  LOUISVILLE, WINSTON CO. MEDICAL NEEDS BACKED BY FEMA GRANT", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said a $1.0 million federal grant has been awarded to support medical service delivery in tornado-damaged Louisville and Winston County.\r\nCochran was informed Wednesday that the Winston County Medical Foundation has been awarded a $1,093,074 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for costs associated with the temporary relocation of the Winston Medical Center and the temporary facility to house its healthcare functions.\u00a0 The medical center sustained heavy damage during the tornado that hit Louisville on April 28.\r\n\u201cFEMA is making this funding available as part of the rebuilding process for Winston County.\u00a0 The displacement of the medical center into temporary facilities is just one of the challenges created by the deadly storms that damaged a good part of Mississippi almost six months ago,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe FEMA Public Assistance grant will be drawn from the Disaster Relief Fund, which Cochran has championed in his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 It will cover 75 percent of the costs associated with this $1.4 million grant application.\r\nThe FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program provides assistance to states, communities, tribes and certain nonprofit organizations for response and recovery projects following major disasters or emergencies.\u00a0 These grants support work that involves the repair, replacement or restoration of damaged, publicly-owned facilities.\r\n\u201cI will continue to support local, state and federal rebuilding efforts in our state,\u201d said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.\r\nFollowing the April 28 storm, a national mobile disaster hospital was opened in Louisville for use until the Winston Medical Center is rebuilt.\r\nPHOTO (available below):\u00a0 Senator Cochran and members of the Mississippi\u00a0 congressional delegation visited the damaged Winston Medical Center\u00a0on April 30.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=81d8cfa9-7b02-41b7-8d8b-a7efc4fbbca6", "MISS. SENATORS CONTINUE PUSH TO PROTECT U.S. STEEL PRODUCT FROM UNFAIR IMPORTS", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today persisted in their efforts to ensure that U.S. steel producers in Mississippi and other states are protected from imported steel reinforcing bar or \u201crebar.\u201d\r\nCochran and Wicker are encouraging Meredith Broadbent, chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), to protect the U.S. rebar industry by supporting antidumping duties on imports unfairly supported with foreign government subsidies.\u00a0 The ITC is in the final phase of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on reinforcing rebar imported from Mexico and Turkey.\r\n\u201cThe imposition of antidumping duties is a matter of competitive fairness, particularly when imbalanced trade practices impact the livelihoods of workers in Mississippi and other steel producing states,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cWe are simply asking the ITC to support an American industry beset by government-subsidized foreign steel products.\u201d\r\n\u201cAmerican steel manufacturers should be safeguarded from imports that unfairly manipulate the market,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI urge the ITC to continue to support global trade policies that level the playing field for Mississippi\u2019s steel industry.\u201d\r\nThe Senators are among 36 Senators who have signed a letter to Broadbent that highlights the hardships experienced by the U.S. steel industry during the recession and the threat posed to its recovery by cut-rate foreign-made rebar dumped on the market.\r\n\u201cSince 2010, these imports have flooded the U.S. market at the direct expense of U.S. producers, who have seen their share of the market drop dramatically.\u00a0 Capacity utilization rates are at historically low levels -- near 60 percent -- and production levels have yet to recover from the recession,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\n\u201cOn behalf of the U.S. rebar industry and the workers and their families who depend on full and fair enforcement of our trade laws for their survival, we urge you to give careful consideration to their arguments regarding investigations involving Turkey and Mexico.\u00a0 It is essential that foreign subsidies and dumping be addressed in order to prevent further harm to the U.S. rebar industry and the unwarranted loss of American jobs,\u201d they wrote.\r\nThe ITC began its review of the Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey Inv. Nos. 701 TA-502 and 731-TA-1227-1228 (Final Phase) case in September 2013 (http://1.usa.gov/1ycMMDv and http://1.usa.gov/XdcQxe).\u00a0 The primary petitioner is the Rebar Trade Action Coalition.\u00a0 Nucor Corp., which has operations in Starkville and Flowood, is a member of the coalition.\u00a0 The ITC petition indicates that the case affects nine producers with facilities in 23 states that employed 4,167 workers in 2012.\r\nThis past April, the Mississippi Senators signed correspondence to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to highlight unfair trade practices associated with Turkish and Mexican steel imports.\u00a0 Rebar imports from those two countries have doubled since 2010 and continue to surge.\r\nLast year, Cochran and Wicker were part of a similar case involving the extension of existing antidumping duties now imposed on rebar produced in China, Indonesia, Ukraine, Latvia, Belarus, Moldova and Poland.\u00a0 They were among a dozen Senators who argued that extending the duties would be critical to protecting American-made rebar imports that are illegally undercutting the U.S. market.\u00a0 As part of that effort, they pointed out that a November 2012 review by the U.S. Department of Commerce found that if the antidumping orders were not maintained, producers in these seven countries would resume dumping rebar into the United States at margins ranging from 16.99 percent to 232.86 percent.\r\nLetter sent to ITC Chairman Broadbent is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=758:thompson-op-ed-an-illness-away-from-bankruptcy-how-a-refusal-to-expand-medicaid-is-robbing-the-middle-class&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON OP-ED: AN ILLNESS AWAY FROM BANKRUPTCY: HOW A REFUSAL TO EXPAND MEDICAID IS ROBBING THE MIDDLE CLASS", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d770becf-386f-4f8e-a626-3de9d55b2a88", "COCHRAN EXTOLS BOONEVILLE COUPLE FOR WORK TO PROMOTE ADOPTION", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHOTO (available below):\u00a0 Jason and Nicole Russell of Booneville meet Senator Thad Cochran, who nominated the couple as Mississippi\u2019s 2014 Angels in Adoption.\u00a0 They met the Senator with their adopted children Kason and Breanna, infant daughter Madelyn, and parents Bobby and Estelle Russell.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today praised the work of Jason and Nicole Russell of Booneville for their work to improve the lives of Mississippi children through foster care and adoption programs.\r\nThe Russells were nominated by Cochran as Mississippi\u2019s 2014 \u201cAngels in Adoption,\u201d a program sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) to advocate eliminating barriers to adoption and to increase awareness about children in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes.\r\n\u201cJason and Nicole Russell are outstanding representatives for the benefits of adoption, foster care and families.\u00a0 They inspire us by demonstrating a deep commitment to children in need,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m pleased that their efforts over the past 10 years are being recognized by the Angels in Adoption program,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nWhile in Washington this week, the Russells will be honored for their work and attend a gala sponsored by CCAI.\u00a0 They met Cochran with their adopted son and daughter, Kason and Breanna, and infant daughter Madelyn.\r\nNicole and Jason, a computer programmer at BancorpSouth in Tupelo, became licensed as foster parents in 2004 when they were newlyweds.\u00a0 Since then, they have broadened their involvement from fostering a child to promoting foster care, adoption and restoring families.\r\nOver the years, the Russells have fostered several children, worked closely with birth relatives, and provided shared parenting with the birth families when possible.\u00a0 As foster parents, they have encouraged the goal of reunification and worked with officials to reunify children with their birth family when possible.\u00a0 In addition, they work to inform the public of the need for foster/adoptive homes for children in care of the Mississippi Department of Human Services.\r\nThe nonprofit, nonpartisan CCAI advocates for increased awareness about children in need of a stable home environment, and supports eliminating barriers to adoption.\u00a0 CCAI, which does not receive government funding, was established in 2001 as an outgrowth of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.\u00a0 Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker, along with Congressman Alan Nunnelee, are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption for the 113th Congress.\r\nCochran is an original cosponsor of The Adoption Information Act (S.1539), which would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare, distribute, and update annually pamphlets that list all the adoption centers in each state along with associated contact information.\u00a0 Family planning organizations that receive federal funding would be required to provide HHS with their plans to issue adoption promotion literature to all their clients. Introduced in September 2013, the measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mississippi Department of Health/Adoption Information:\u00a0 http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/fcs_adoptall.html\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Angels in Adoption:\u00a0 http://www.angelsinadoption.org/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute:\u00a0 http://www.ccainstitute.org\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=762:congressman-thompson-announces-1-132-041-awarded-to-tunica-county&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Thompson ANNOUNCES $1,132,041 Awarded to Tunica County", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=207f0b53-7a87-4a75-9388-4b24e973e68c", "MISS. SENATORS SEEK MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON EPA POWER PLANT EMISSIONS RULES", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) have endorsed an effort to give the public and stakeholders more time to comment on the expansive and complex carbon emissions regulations being promoted by the Environmental Protection Agency.\r\nCochran and Wicker are among 53 Senators who signed a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy that seeks a 60-day extension to the public comment period on proposed EPA rules and guidelines for carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.\u00a0 The Senators argue that the extra time is warranted because of the scope and complexity of the rules that will have significant effects on costs and use of electric generation.\r\n\u201cThe carbon emission limits set by the EPA for our state will affect energy costs for all Mississippians.\u00a0 The EPA hasn\u2019t provided our stakeholders, including utility companies and MDEQ, with enough information to determine whether the rules are fair, justified or even workable,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s carbon dioxide rule could be disastrous for our economy, particularly in Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cA rule of this complexity requires an opportunity for those affected by the rule to voice their concerns. The EPA must be held accountable for this breathtaking regulatory overreach.\u201d\r\nThe letter argues that the additional 60 days would give including utilities, state regulators, regional generation and transmission organizations and others time to not only study the rule, but also the more than 600 supporting documents released by EPA.\r\nBoth Cochran and Wicker are original cosponsors of S.Res.512 (http://1.usa.gov/1jXFgGj), a resolution calling for the EPA to withdraw its proposed rules and guidelines related to carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.\u00a0 S.Res.512 faults the EPA and Obama administration for an overly broad interpretation of the Clean Air Act, for disregarding the legislative process and for failing to complete a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed rules.\r\nThe resolution states that \u201cthe proposed rules would result in a Federal takeover of the electricity system of the United States leading to significant increases in electricity rates and additional energy costs for consumers and elimination of access to abundant, affordable power, putting the manufacturing of the United States at a competitive disadvantage, threatening the diversity and reliability of the electricity supply, and undermining energy security.\u201d\r\nA copy of the letter signed by 53 Senator is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6a851907-fe10-4c70-9411-eef1f8e48049", "MISSISSIPPI CONSERVATION PROJECTS GAIN FARM BILL FUNDS, COCHRAN REPORTS", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that two Mississippi-based conservation projects have been singled out for more than $1.0 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grant funding, including a project to help socially disadvantaged farmers adopt soil and water conservation technologies.\r\nAs authorized in the 2014 Farm bill, the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are provided on a competitive basis to encourage the development and application of new technologies that encourage improved conservation practices to address natural resource concerns.\u00a0 The 2014 CIG recipients were announced Monday by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).\r\n\u201cThe Conservation Innovation Grant program allows farmers to work voluntarily with others to improve agriculture production while making changes that improve soil health and water quality,\u201d said Cochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee who played a pivotal role in crafting the 2014 farm bill.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that projects with a focus on adopting innovative practices that best fit Mississippi\u2019s needs are receiving this support from the USDA,\u201d he said.\r\nFor Mississippi, the Holmes County Food Hub in Durant was awarded a $640,775 grant to support a project titled \u201cIntroducing Innovative Conservation Technologies to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in West and Central Mississippi.\u201d\u00a0 The goal of this project is to demonstrate to historically underserved farm operations the agricultural sustainability and profitability benefits of adopting conservation technologies, such as plasticulture and subsurface irrigation.\r\nA $438,750 grant has been approved for the Stoneville-based Delta F.A.R.M. (BF Smith Foundation) for a project titled \u201cMississippi\u2019s Soil Health Initiative: Fostering Awareness, Belief and Understanding through Local Experience and Evaluation.\u201d\u00a0 In an effort to promote wider use and acceptance of innovative practices, the Delta F.A.R.M. project will demonstrate and field test soil health systems on 12 farms and 2,400 acres.\u00a0 It will compare the use of traditional and innovative demonstrated soil health systems to evaluate soil and water quality.\r\nA separate $232,232 grant to Louisiana State University for soil health and pasture ecosystem improvement would also have an impact on Mississippi. This project seeks to demonstrate the benefits that multiple forage species forage have on grazing pastures.\r\nIn all, the Mississippi CIG grants are among 47 awards worth $15.7 million that were awarded nationwide by the USDA.\r\nThe NRCS determines CIG awards on a competitive basis to applicants that propose new or improved conservation practices.\u00a0 It is one of several conservation projects involving working agriculture lands that were reformed in the 2014 farm bill to improve cost-effectiveness and transparency.\u00a0 In all, the farm bill consolidated 23 conservation programs into 13 programs, saving $6.0 billion in mandatory spending by streamlining programs and reducing program duplication in taxpayer funding.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant program:\u00a0 http://1.usa.gov/1BGS74z   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Summary of 2014 CIG awards:\u00a0 http://1.usa.gov/1s3UM78   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Holmes County Food Hub:\u00a0 http://bit.ly/1r0acax   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Delta F.A.R.M:\u00a0 http://deltafarm.org/\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b1c33e02-9f84-4fdc-a55c-90350ad16cb2", "ALCORN STATE TO RESEARCH PLANT DISEASE CONTROL, SMALL RURAL MISSISSIPPI FARMS LINK", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Alcorn State University will receive federal agriculture research\u00a0 resources to study how small farming operations in rural Mississippi can fight crop diseases, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said.\r\nCochran, who is ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee and who serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $246,318 available to investigate small farm ecosystem crop diseases and the integration of plant pathology resources for limited-resource farmers in rural Mississippi.\r\n\u201cControlling the diseases that can ruin crops is an ongoing fight for farmers, and for small farming operations the battle can be even more difficult,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cAlcorn State University has the research capacity to help find the tools to help enable these agriculture producers to be successful.\u201d\r\nThe USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing the funding through the 1890 Capacity Building Grants program.\u00a0 The research investigation, which is expected to be performed through August 2017, will be carried out through the Alcorn\u2019s Center for Biotechnology and Genomics.\r\nThe 1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants (CBG) Competitive Grants Program was created in 1977 to foster partnerships between the USDA and land grants schools to promote the application of food and agriculture sciences and professional careers in the agricultural field.\r\nCochran, who has supported the CBG program and advancement of agriculture research Alcorn State, visited the university and President Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr., in early August to discuss how 2014 farm bill programs might benefit the school.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Center for Biotechnology and Genomics: http://bit.ly/1BqcqTu   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program: http://1.usa.gov/Yulysl\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=755:congressman-bennie-g-thompson-hosts-his-annual-college-and-career-fair2014&catid=41&Itemid=148", "CONGRESSMAN BENNIE G. THOMPSON HOSTS HIS ANNUAL COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=759:thompson-statement-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-americorps&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON STATEMENT ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICORPS", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=056d5cf8-c0ad-453b-8885-01b51300045d", "COCHRAN CONGRATULATES OUTSTANDING MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL PRINCIPALS", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Photo available below.)\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) this week met with and congratulated Jackie Cuevas of Purvis (left) and Cory Uselton of Hernando, who were in Washington to be honored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).\r\nUselton, principal of DeSoto Central High School, is Mississippi\u2019s High School Principal of the Year, while Cuevas was named Middle School Principal of the Year for her work leading Purvis Lower Elementary School.\u00a0 The NASSP principal of the year awards are based on school principals who demonstrate effective school leadership.\r\nThe Mississippi educators attended the Association\u2019s annual State Principals of the Year Institute in Washington.\u00a0 This week-long program brings all middle level and high school principals of the year from the 50 states together for professional development activities, meetings on Capitol Hill and other activities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=753:thompson-announces-17-8-million-department-of-transportation-grant-for-three-county-improvement-initative&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON ANNOUNCES  $17.8 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRANT FOR THREE-COUNTY IMPROVEMENT INITATIVE", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=754:thompson-statement-on-president-s-address&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT\u2019S ADDRESS", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=756:congressman-thompson-announces-36-000-awarded-to-the-mississippi-department-of-transportation&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Thompson Announces $ 36,000 Awarded to the Mississippi Department of Transportation", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=757:congressman-thompson-announces-301-725-awarded-to-the-city-of-hollandale&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Congressman Thompson Announces $ 301,725 Awarded to the City of Hollandale", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c46f3fc2-ff41-4789-959e-7ea0e30157fc", "COCHRAN MARKS 9/11 ANNIVERSARY, CALLS FOR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING A FREE & SAFE U.S.A.", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Video link: http://cs.pn/1whnZtt\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today encouraged his Senate colleagues to strengthen their commitment to ensuring that that United States remains \u201cfree and safe for all Americans to continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.\u201d\r\nCochran on Thursday morning participated in a moment of silence on the Senate floor to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.\u00a0 Afterward, he made brief remarks to the Senate.\r\n\u201cI wanted to make some comments about the remarks of our distinguished leader and to join him in calling on Senators to remember this day and the historical experience of 9/11 and to commit this body to our best efforts to help ensure that our political institutions and our country remain free and safe for all Americans to continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty, the opportunities of an economic system that is the envy of the world, and to commit ourselves to a new sense of responsibility as representatives of our states to help ensure that this is a reality and not just a hope,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nCochran, a Navy veteran, is vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and has served on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee since its creation following the 9/11 attacks.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=619cc1de-fe07-4abd-a6cf-3b177da8a6e3", "MIKULSKI, COCHRAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING 20th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICORPS NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM", "2014-09-10", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), co-chairs of the Senate National Service Caucus, today announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps.\r\nSince 1994, the community service organization has provided more than one billion service hours in communities across America. The anniversary is Friday, Sept. 12, 2014.   \u00a0  \u201cI believe that AmeriCorps is the embodiment of the spirit of volunteerism and service to our country. These members are unflagging, unflinching and determined to make a difference,\u201d said Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. \u201cWhen creating this program, I did not just want to create another government program.\u00a0 I did not want this to be another bureaucratic agency. What I wanted to do was capture the fervor, passion and dynamic qualities of a social movement that would bring people to arms wielding change. The work that AmeriCorps volunteers do gives me profound hope, because while one person can make a difference, together we can make change.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cSince AmeriCorps\u2019 creation 20 years ago, its members have provided vital services to communities and important assistance to first responders during times of disaster.\u00a0 I hope this anniversary will draw attention to this good work and bring a renewed focus to supporting programs that can make our communities better places to live and work,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nMikulski was one of the original founders of AmeriCorps. More recently, she led Senate efforts to expand and strengthen AmeriCorps and other national service programs through the Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed into law in 2009.\r\nThe bipartisan Senate resolution \u2013 available below \u2013 recognizes the powerful and positive impact on families and communities that AmeriCorps members make each and every day across our nation.\u00a0 It \u201cencourages all people of the United States to join in a national salute to AmeriCorps members and alumni for 20 years of service to the United States on September 12, 2014.\u201d\u00a0 It also \u201cacknowledges the significant impact and value of AmeriCorps members, alumni and community partners over the past 20 years and encourages individuals of all ages to find ways to give back to their communities and the United States through AmeriCorps and other programs.\u201d  \u00a0  AmeriCorps, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service programs engage approximately 80,000 individuals each year in intensive, results-driven service at more than 15,000 locations across the country. In exchange for 1,700 hours of service, members earn a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to help pay for college or pay back student loans. Since 1994, more than 775,000 AmeriCorps members have given one billion service hours in their communities. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunity and apply online by visiting http://www.americorps.gov/.  \u00a0  Original cosponsors of the bipartisan Mikulski-Cochran resolution include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=665f86e4-d437-48f0-9070-fa936338144f", "COCHRAN, WICKER REPORT $17.8 MILLION FOR THREE-COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE", "2014-09-10", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced the award of $17.8 million in federal transportation funding for a collaborative initiative to support job growth by improving roadways in three Southwest Mississippi counties.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Transportation has approved a $17.8 million TIGER VI grant application submitted by Claiborne County, along with Franklin and Jefferson counties and Alcorn State University.\u00a0 The funding will support the collaborative Three-County Roadway Improvements Program (TRI-Mississippi) to undertake critical roadway repairs to improve transportation reliability and safety in this rural area.\u00a0\r\nEarlier this year, Cochran and Wicker issued letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the TRI-Mississippi grant application.\r\n\u201cThis grant is an investment in these rural counties and the county collector road system on which its economic vitality is based,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cThe demand for transportation infrastructure funding is intense and credit goes to this Mississippi collaboration for demonstrating to the U.S. Department of Transportation that it has a workable plan to benefit public safety and economic growth.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis grant will have a tremendous impact on residents and travelers in Claiborne, Franklin, and Jefferson counties,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cImproving these transportation routes is important to public safety and helps support economic growth in the region.\u201d\r\nThe TIGER VI funding will improve substandard roads and aging, deteriorating bridges within the region.\u00a0 The work will improve access to regional employment centers, including Alcorn State University.\u00a0 It will also involve the rehabilitation of nuclear evacuation routes from the Grand Gulf Nuclear Generating Station.\r\nThe TIGER VI Discretionary Grants Program is highly competitive, with funding provided to transportation projects that will make significant transportation improvements to a region or community.\u00a0 The program is designed to give the Transportation Department more flexibility in supporting projects sought by state and local officials, who best understand local needs.\u00a0 Applications must use economic analysis to prove that their projects justify their costs.\u00a0 The program is funded through annual congressional appropriations.\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER Program:\u00a0 http://www.dot.gov/tiger\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b43e848e-b76b-4b47-90bb-ce7c944095a6", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON COMBATING ISLAMIC STATE", "2014-09-10", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today issued the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s address to explain the U.S. response to the threats posed by the Islamic State, which is also referred to as ISIS or ISIL:\r\n\u201cThe President\u2019s speech on the eve of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is a stark reminder that we live in a volatile and dangerous world.\u00a0 The barbaric actions of Islamic State are abhorrent to us, and our nation must act with resolve to protect both the innocent and our security interests.\u00a0 The President has now outlined a strategy that will require his administration to work closely with Congress and the international community.\u00a0 I will do my part with the firm belief that our focus must remain on keeping Americans safe.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392863", "Palazzo Returns from Middle East", "2014-09-09", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after returning from the Middle East with members of the House Armed Services Committee:\nWith the horrible brutality we have seen taking place across the Middle East over these past few months, I felt strongly that I needed to see firsthand the realities of the threat we are facing in the region. In addition to meeting with the great men and women serving in our armed forces, I met with the heads of state of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, both Muslim countries and non-Muslim countries, and all agreed that the greatest threat to the Middle East are radical Islamist groups like ISIS.\nWe need a strategy from the United States that responds to these threats with force and justice, partnering with our allies in the Middle East to defeat ISIS and establish stability and security in the region. I believe one lesson learned here is that it's just as dangerous to rush away from war as it is to rush into it.\nPalazzo traveled to Israel, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon and several other senior Members of the committee. The group met with several heads of state, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, King of Jordan Abdullah II, and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. They also met with several defense ministers of these countries.\nDuring the trip the delegation visited troops that are deployed in support of operations across the globe on several U.S. and allied military installations. The purpose of the trip was to see firsthand the ongoing operations of CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM, and included a number of briefings from both U.S. personnel and host nation officials.\n    \n        \n                                                                                                          \n        \n    \nPictured: Congressman Palazzo meeting with Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe Yaalon, accompanied by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912005840/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/isis", "ISIS", "2014-09-09", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThe Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, recently called ISIS, \u201can organization that has an apocalyptic end-of-days strategic vision.\u201d Earlier this summer, ISIS made territorial gains militarily in Iraq and Syria and announced the establishment of a caliphate in areas under its control. They have pursued, attacked, and killed members of Christian minority groups in northern Iraq and have attempted to invade Kurdish controlled regions in Iraq. And last but certainly not least, ISIS has beheaded two American journalists, and is said to be planning more beheadings.\nIn August, the United States military began bombing ISIS held sites to stem their advancements. Without these surgical strikes, I have no doubt that Iraqi minority groups, including Christians, would have been slaughtered on the Sinjar Mountains and in the surrounding territories. The U.S. bombing campaign has assisted Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga in retaking territory. Working with these groups on the ground has made the U.S. bombing campaign very effective, while also reduced the need for a large presence of U.S. combat troops on the ground.\nThe United States has an obligation to lead and respond whenever the innocent are being massacred. We must quickly formulate a plan to wipe this radical terror group off the face of the earth before they have the capabilities to hit us here at home. There must also be a coalition of the willing that includes Arab nations. The United States cannot and should not have to go it alone in this fight.\nI know the American public is war weary after fighting in the Middle East for over a decade, but we must respond to injustice with military might. I look forward to continued debate on the U.S. response in the coming weeks and hope that we will soon see a comprehensive plan from the Commander-in-Chief that cuts ISIS to the core.\nGod Bless,\nGregg Harper\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912010702/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/harper-remembers-jack-cristil", "Harper Remembers Jack Cristil", "2014-09-09", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Harper Remembers Jack Cristil                     CONTACT: Jordan See                      \n              Sep 9, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S.\u00a0Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss) today released the following statement on news of the passing of the beloved former sports broadcaster of six decades of Mississippi State University athletics and who was known throughout the South as \"the Voice of the Bulldogs,\" Jacob Sanford \u201cJack\u201d Cristil:\n\u201cFor 58 years, Cristil had been at the microphone broadcasting across the radio airwaves for Mississippi State football and basketball games. As an Honorary Bulldog I know that I speak on behalf of all the Bulldog Family at Mississippi State University in expressing our sincere gratitude for Cristil\u2019s leadership, his dedication, and steadfast confidence at MSU.\u201d\nCristil was known for his commitment to journalistic professionalism in his broadcasts as well as his unique trademark expressions such as, \"You can wrap this game in maroon and white!''\n\u201cJack Cristil will remain an icon for all who love the Maroon and White. To say thank you to Jack Cristil seems woefully inadequate, but I do take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through those of us he influenced. May Jack Cristil always be remembered for the excellence he inspired in all of us.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 377, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "MS", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 307, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 70, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 377, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "MS", "label": "MS", "count": 377, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 377, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-09-09,https~3A~2F~2Fweb~2Earchive~2Eorg~2Fweb~2F20140912010702~2Fhttp~3A~2F~2Fharper~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fharper-remembers-jack-cristil", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MS&year=2014&_next=2014-09-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fweb~2Earchive~2Eorg~2Fweb~2F20140912010702~2Fhttp~3A~2F~2Fharper~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fharper-remembers-jack-cristil&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 102.08204900845885, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}