{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MS\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/national-association-secretaries-state-call-congress-provide-missing-funds", "National Association of Secretaries of State Call on Congress to Provide Missing Funds Needed for Election Security", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "National Association of Secretaries of State Call on Congress to Provide Missing Funds Needed for Election Security\nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, the Congressional Task Force on Election Security, chaired by Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-Pa.) and Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) applauded the National Association of Secretaries of States call for Congress to provide the remaining $396 million in outstanding Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds to assist in updating and maintaining our nations aging election systems.\n\nRussias unprecedented assault on the countrys elections in 2016, targeting 21 states voting systems, exposed the urgent need to protect these systems  which includes voting machines and voter registration databases. Currently, there is nearly $400 million remaining from the 2002 Help America Vote Act that can be used for this purpose.\n\nIn November, Brady and Thompson sent a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee to request fully appropriating the remaining HAVA funds to help states secure their voting infrastructure.\n\nCongressman Brady and Congressman Thompson issues the following statement today:\n\nWhen a sovereign nation attempts to meddle in our elections, it is an attack on our country. We cannot leave states on their own to defend against the sophisticated tactics of state actors like Russia. As the National Association of Secretaries of State correctly stated, the money that states desperately need to take crucial security steps has already been authorized by Congress, is available, and can be appropriated right away. It is time our colleagues in Congress recognize that ensuring the security of our election systems is a bipartisan issue. With the next federal election less than a year away, Congress must act immediately.\n\nAlthough the election was over a year ago, federal election security action has been nonexistent. Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions admitted to Congress that he had not followed through to ensure that the 2018 elections are secure. According to the National Association of State Secretaries, providing the remaining funding under HAVA will help states enhance the efficiency and security of elections, including through the purchase of new voting systems, the implementation of additional cybersecurity tools, and the hiring of additional IT professionals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-s-statement-us-committee-homeland-security-s-passage-his", "Congressman Thompsons Statement On U.S. Committee on Homeland Securitys Passage of His Bill Protecting Places of Worship Against Terrorism", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact : Guy King\nDecember 13, 2017\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\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(202) 225-5876\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson\u2019s Statement On U.S. Committee on Homeland Security\u2019s Passage of His Bill Protecting Places of Worship Against Terrorism \u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the passage of the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2017:\n\u201cRegrettably, the volume of homegrown violent extremist threats to houses of worship and other non-profits has grown significantly over the past year. This threat is not new and it is not limited to big cities. We cannot forget that in 2015, a man trying to start a \u201crace war\u201d murdered nine parishioners in a mass shooting at the AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.\u201d\n\u201cMy legislation, which passed today with bipartisan support, seeks to ensure that DHS continues to be a valuable partner to non-profits that are at risk of a terrorist attack. As places of public gathering without extensive security protection, churches and other houses of worship are considered soft targets, much like shopping malls, restaurants, and theaters.\u00a0 My bill directs FEMA to set aside $15 million to help protect at-risk institutions and it sends a message of support to non-profit organizations across the country that homegrown extremists and others with violent ideologies seek to attack.\u201d\nCopy of the bill is attached.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-watson-coleman-after-nyc-attack-tsa-must-focus-overdue-security", "Thompson, Watson Coleman: After NYC Attack TSA Must Focus on Overdue Security Mandates", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nThompson, Watson Coleman: After NYC Attack TSA Must Focus on Overdue Security Mandates \nDecember 12, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security, sent a letter to the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding two surface transportation security mandates that have not been implemented and are long overdue.\u00a0 Yesterday\u2019s attack in New York City underscores the urgent need for TSA to move forward with these critical mandates with renewed urgency.\n\u00a0\nLink to Letter\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/does-new-homeland-security-secretary-agree-trump", "Does the New Homeland Security Secretary Agree with Trump?", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nDoes the New Homeland Security Secretary Agree with Trump?\nDecember 6, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent the below letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, on her first day, reminding her of President Trump\u2019s past inflammatory statements on homeland security matters and inquiring if she agrees with these statements. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s future actions and policymaking on these topics impact all Americans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nLink to Letter\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-dhs-border-numbers-show-no-need-wall", "Thompson: DHS Border Numbers Show No Need for Wall", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nThompson: DHS Border Numbers Show No Need for Wall\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) end-of-year immigration enforcement numbers:\n\u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s report from DHS show that with border apprehensions continuing to decline to a 45-year low, there is absolutely no need to waste billions of taxpayer dollars on an unnecessary border wall.\u00a0 The Administration can try to twist these numbers into whatever they please, but the fact remains that after unprecedented investments in border security over the last decade, the border has become harder to cross and fewer people are trying. Focusing massive, new government resources on a campaign promise would be a foolish and irresponsible exercise.\u201d\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-dhs-confirmation-vote", "Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nThompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 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:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhile I am glad that the Department of Homeland Security will soon finally have a permanent leader for the first time since July, there is still much we do not know about Ms. Nielsen\u2019s plans for the Department. She still must show us she has the ability lead a workforce of 240,000 while keeping the country safe and secure.\u00a0 She also must show us she will work with Congress as a coequal partner.\u00a0 I, like many Americans, have been concerned with the precarious direction this Administration has pushed the Department in since January.\u00a0 It is clear the Department has been a political tool of the White House tasked with enacting campaign promises while lacking any standard definition of accountability.\u00a0 Instead, the Department should focus its time and energy on empowering its frontline workforce to keep our skies, waters, and borders from foreign and domestic threats.\u201d\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-s-statement-president-trump-s-attendance-ms-civil-rights", "Congressman Thompsons Statement on President Trumps Attendance to MS Civil Rights Museum Opening", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\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\u00a0Contact : Guy King\nDecember 4, 2017\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\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 (202) 225-5876\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson\u2019s Statement on President Trump\u2019s Attendance to MS Civil Rights Museum Opening\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWith President Donald Trump accepting Gov. Phil Bryant\u2019s invitation to attend the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, I am hopeful he will begin to understand the pain he is causing in the black and underserved communities across America,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cHis unfair budget cuts in agriculture, education, healthcare and housing disproportionately impacts people of color and is viewed by many as an act reminiscent of Jim Crow policies of the south.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/troublesome-new-fema-request-100-million-single-vendor-puerto-rico-recovery", "Troublesome: New FEMA Request for $100 Million Single Vendor Puerto Rico Recovery Contract", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nTroublesome: New FEMA Request for $100 Million Single Vendor Puerto Rico Recovery Contract \nDecember 1, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke regarding a Request for Information (RFI) issued by FEMA for Resource Capability and Transportation Support needs in the wake of extensive hurricane damage in Puerto Rico. The contract to a single vendor could be worth more than $100 million.\n\u00a0\nLetter excerpts:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe have certainly seen the danger in awarding a single vendor a contract of this magnitude, namely the award of a now-canceled $300 million contract to Whitefish Energy Holdings, a company that clearly lacked the capacity to manage the reconstruction of the Puerto Rico power grid.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt goes without saying that those directly impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria should be the first in line to participate in rebuilding and recovery efforts.\u00a0 Small, local, and minority-owned businesses should be granted a fair opportunity to contract with the federal government.\u201d\n\u00a0\nLink to letter\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-bennie-thompson-hearing-statement-world-wide-threats-keeping", "Ranking Member Bennie Thompson Hearing Statement World Wide Threats: Keeping America Secure in the New Age of Terror", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Ranking Member Bennie Thompson Hearing Statement\nWorld Wide Threats: Keeping America Secure in the New Age of Terror \nNovember 30, 2017\nNovember 30, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 In the wake of the disturbing rise in domestic terrorism in recent years, Democratic Members of this Committee have repeatedly asked for a hearing on this important topic. While this hearing is our annual one examining worldwide threats, a great deal of our conversation will likely be focused on the terror threat from right here at home.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIncidents like the 2015 killing of nine churchgoers by a white supremacist at Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston and the hate-fueled violence that left a young woman dead and 19 others injured during a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville earlier this year highlight the threat posed by domestic extremists.\n\u00a0\nDomestic terrorist organizations have even adopted some of the same techniques for recruitment and radicalization as foreign terrorist organizations, using the Internet to reach followers and coordinate their actions.\n\u00a0\nUnfortunately, President Trump insists on fueling the fire of hatred and extremism in America, calling the marchers in Charlottesville \u201cvery fine people\u201d and just yesterday re-tweeting inflammatory anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British organization. James Clapper, the former Director of National Intelligence, called Trump\u2019s re-tweeting of the videos \u201cbizarre and disturbing\u201d and said his action undermines our relationship with our \u201cfriends and allies.\u201d\n\u00a0\nAmericans should be able to look to our President for a steady hand and responsible leadership in uncertain times, but unfortunately President Trump consistently conducts himself in a way that jeopardizes our security and is not befitting of the office he holds.\n\u00a0\nAlso, though they cannot say so themselves, the President\u2019s actions make the already difficult jobs of the witnesses joining us on the first panel today even harder. The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and National Counterterrorism Center play key roles in securing the homeland from terrorists both foreign and domestic.\n\u00a0\nI hope to hear from these witnesses today about the challenges they face, what emerging threats we should be aware of, and how Congress can support them in their mission, consistent with our American laws and values.\n\u00a0\nSince much of our focus is typically on foreign terrorists, today I am especially interested in hearing how the witnesses assess the threat from domestic extremist and terrorist groups and learning what can be done to protect us from this rising concern.\n\u00a0\nI also look forward to hearing from our second panel of witnesses on this topic later this morning.\u00a0 They bring special expertise on domestic extremism and terrorism issues and I hope Members will hear what they have to say and engage in a thoughtful dialogue.\n\u00a0\nThe Southern Poverty Law Center in particular is dedicated to fighting hate and seeking justice and equality for all Americans, and I look forward to their recommendations for countering the ideologies that are inspiring violence in America. I had hoped to have NAACP testify as well, but their invitation was issued less than 24 hours prior to the hearing and the late notice prevents their participation today. I look forward to inviting them to testify at a future hearing.\n\u00a0\nIn closing, I want to say that we know there are those around the world who seek to come here and do Americans harm. Those charged with preventing such attacks have the unwavering support of all the Members of this Committee, consistent with the laws and values of our Nation.\n\u00a0\nI hope that the same attention and resources will be dedicated to fighting domestic extremism and terrorism here at home to ensure the security of all Americans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/republicans-refuse-naacp-witness-domestic-terrorism-hearing", "Republicans Refuse NAACP Witness for Domestic Terrorism Hearing", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Republicans Refuse NAACP Witness for Domestic Terrorism Hearing\nNovember 28, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent the below letter to Committee Chairman Michael McCaul protesting his exclusion of the NAACP from a full Committee hearing Thursday on homeland threats and domestic terrorism:\n\u00a0\nI write regarding our Full Committee hearing entitled \"Worldwide Threats: Keeping America Secure in the New Age of Terror\" scheduled for November 30, 2017. As you know, I have requested that representatives from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) be invited to testify at the hearing to share their perspectives on the disturbing rise of domestic terrorism. \n\u00a0\nI am greatly disappointed that, to date, you have not honored this longstanding request and instead have issued an invitation only to SPLC. In the wake of incidents like the 2015 Charleston church shooting and the attack in Charlottesville earlier this year, all Members of the Committee could benefit from the NAACP's important testimony. \n\u00a0\nI would also point out that the Majority selected all three witnesses on the first panel and two of the three witnesses currently on the second panel with no input from or consultation with Democrats. Certainly, there is no Committee rule prohibiting the NAACP from being invited.\u00a0 This Committee has a long history of bipartisanship on matters related to securing the homeland from terrorism. I hope you will consider this request with that in mind.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nOn behalf of the Democratic Members of the Committee, I urge you to issue an invitation to NAACP for this hearing. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\u00a0\nLink to Letter\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/election-security-task-force-requests-funding-state-election-security-replacing", "Election Security Task Force Requests Funding for State Election Security, Replacing Outdated Voting Machines", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Election Security Task Force Requests Funding for State Election Security, Replacing Outdated Voting Machines \nNovember 20, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 The Congressional Task Force on Election Security, chaired by Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA) sent a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee to request funding to help states secure their voting infrastructure. \n\u00a0\nRussia\u2019s unprecedented assault on the country\u2019s elections in 2016, targeting 21 states\u2019 voting systems, exposed the urgent need to protect these systems \u2013 which includes voting machines and voter registration databases. Currently, there is nearly $400 million remaining from the 2002 Help America Vote Act that could be used for this purpose. The Brennan Center for Justice has reported that replacing outdated, paperless voting machines would cost up to $400 million. Although the election was over a year ago, federal election security action has been nonexistent. Just last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions admitted to Congress that he had \u201cnot followed through\u201d to ensure that the 2018 elections are secure.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson and Congressman Brady released the following statement along with their letter:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhen a sovereign nation attempts to meddle in our elections, it is an attack on our country.\u00a0 We created the Task Force on Election Security to better understand what can be done to protect our elections going forward.\u00a0 Finding that voting machines and voter databases can be easily hacked, there is a clear and urgent need for federal funding to help states secure their elections. We cannot leave states on their own to defend against the sophisticated tactics of state actors like Russia. The money that states desperately need to take crucial security steps is available and can be appropriated right now.\u00a0 We urge our colleagues in Congress to recognize with us that ensuring the security of our election systems is a bipartisan issue.\u00a0 With the next federal election less than a year away, Congress must act now.\u201d \n\u00a0\nLink to Letter to Appropriations\n\u00a0\nTask Force Preliminary Findings and Recommendations\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact:\n\t(Thompson) Adam Comis at 202-225-9978\n\t(Brady) Peter Whippy at 202-225-1943", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-emergency-supplemental-request", "Thompson Statement on Emergency Supplemental Request", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thompson Statement on Emergency Supplemental Request\u00a0 \nNovember 17, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the Administration\u2019s $44 billion emergency supplemental request:\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s third disaster supplemental request is an insult to all of our fellow Americans that are still recovering from major natural disasters.\u00a0 President Trump seems to have forgotten that the nation just faced three catastrophic hurricanes.\u00a0 We must not forget the situation in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is still dire.\u00a0 Somehow \u2013 yet unsurprisingly \u2013 this funding request ignores the wildfire devastation in California.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cTo be clear, this request\u2019s stinginess is both contemptable and ineffectual.\u00a0 Shortchanging our recovery efforts serves no one and will only add to the suffering of the victims of these disasters.\u00a0 Worse yet, seeking offsets from critical programs that help the poor and by extending arbitrary budget caps will only add to the damage this Administration\u2019s priorities have inflicted on the country.\u00a0 I hope Congress can again come together in bipartisan fashion to ignore this request and agree on a more appropriate number.\u201d \n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/republicans-protect-trump-administration-and-cancel-hearing-san-juan-mayor", "Republicans Protect Trump Administration and Cancel Hearing with San Juan Mayor", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Republicans Protect Trump Administration and Cancel Hearing with San Juan Mayor  The Majority has no interest in oversight or the truth\nOctober 30, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement after Committee Republicans canceled Wednesday\u2019s hearing \u201cAssessing FEMA\u2019s Preparedness and Response Capabilities\u201d with FEMA Administrator Brock Long and San Juan Mayor Carmen Yul\u00edn Cruz.\u00a0 No reason or rescheduled date was given.\n\u00a0\n\"I invited the Mayor of San Juan to testify before our Committee\u2019s hearing on FEMA\u2019s preparedness and response capabilities so our entire Committee could receive an accurate picture of what is happening in Puerto Rico from someone who has been on the ground since day one. It is inexcusable that the Republicans have delayed this hearing for the third time with no rational reason in a blatant attempt to silence the Mayor and shield the Trump Administration from another bad news story. It is clear that House Republicans and the Administration fear the Mayor and her telling her story. Now the Committee on Homeland Security \u2013 the authorizing committee of DHS \u2013 won't be hearing from the Mayor or FEMA Administrator Long even though they will both be on Capitol Hill this week.\"\n\u00a0\n\"I visited Puerto Rico earlier this month and it is painfully clear that the real story of the plight of our fellow Americans in a humanitarian crisis is not being told. The federal response to hurricanes hitting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is inadequate in almost every respect and the situation is still dire. The American people deserve to know what went wrong during this Administration\u2019s first hurricane season so we can make sure none of our fellow Americans ever have to go through this again.\u201d\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/election-security-task-force-hold-second-public-forum", "Election Security Task Force to Hold Second Public Forum", "2017-10-23", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA ADVISORY Election Security Task Force to Hold Second Public Forum \nOctober 23, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 On Tuesday, October 24th, the Congressional Task Force on Election Security, will hold its second public forum: Securing America\u2019s Elections: Preparing for 2018 and Beyond. The task force will hear from Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, Virginia Elections Commissioner Edgardo Cort\u00e9s, and Commissioner and Vice-Chair of the Election Assistance Commission, Thomas Hicks. The forum will focus on steps states are taking to secure their elections, and what the federal government can do to do assist.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDetails:\n\u201cSecuring America\u2019s Elections: Preparing for 2018 and Beyond\u201d \nCongressional Task Force on Election Security Forum\n12 p.m.\nTuesday, October 24th\n1310 Longworth House Office Building\nPanelists:\nNellie Gorbea, Rhode Island Secretary of State \nEdgardo Cort\u00e9s, Virginia Department of Elections Commissioner\nThomas Hicks, Election Assistance Commission Commissioner & Vice-Chair\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe Congressional Task Force on Election Security was created this summer to following the news that Russia interfered and attempted to influence the 2016 Presidential election. The Task Force seeks to identify solutions that will safeguard our elections going forward.\u00a0 It is chaired by Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA). The Task Force had its first public forum in September and heard from former Department of Homeland Security officials.\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact:  \n\t(Thompson) Adam Comis at 202-225-9978  \n\t(Brady) Jamie Fleet at 202-225-2061", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-senate-must-scrutinize-dhs-nominee-history-experience", "Thompson: Senate Must Scrutinize DHS Nominee History & Experience", "2017-10-16", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThompson: Senate Must Scrutinize DHS Nominee History & Experience\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 16, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to Senator Ron Johnson, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, urging him to scrutinize Kirstjen Nielsen\u2019s professional background and experience thoroughly during her confirmation process to potentially become Homeland Security Secretary.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExcerpt from letter:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhile I am pleased the President has finally named a nominee for this critical national security position, I am greatly troubled by Ms. Nielsen\u2019s record as Senior Director for Preparedness and Response at the White House Homeland Security Council during the Bush Administration\u2019s botched response to Hurricane Katrina.\u00a0 Given the ongoing tragedy in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with other homeland security challenges facing our Nation, the Department of Homeland Security must have a proven, capable leader as Secretary.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Ms. Nielsen\u2019s record raises questions about her suitability for such a position.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLink to letter\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews Article\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-payne-trump-you-must-commit-puerto-rico-recovery", "Thompson, Payne to Trump: You Must Commit to Puerto Rico Recovery", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson, Payne to Trump: You Must Commit to Puerto Rico Recovery\u00a0 \nOctober 12, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, sent a letter to President Trump after yet another series of injurious tweets on Puerto Rico and the recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria.\u00a0 Reps. Thompson and Payne urge President Trump not to renege on the federal government\u2019s commitment to Puerto Rico\u2019s recovery and demand he ensure the federal government tells the truth on the ongoing response efforts there. \n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson also released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s tweets from President Trump are, as I\u2019ve said before, unbefitting of any president and are quite frankly heinous.\u00a0 It is beyond comprehension that the President is chomping at the bit to get the federal government out of Puerto Rico leaving our fellow Americans to somehow recover and rebuild on their own.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it seems that the President has made some sort of inhuman calculus that helping Americans in Puerto Rico is of no political benefit.\u00a0 The lack of leadership coming from this Administration when it comes to helping Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to be appalling to those of us who know that much more needs to be done.\u00a0 Instead of being on a constant misinformation and spin campaign, with hopes that the real stories never get out, it is high time this Administration gets to work.\u201d\n\u00a0\nLink to Letter\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-vel-zquez-seek-audit-maria-death-toll", "Thompson, Velzquez Seek Audit of Maria Death Toll", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson, Vel\u00e1zquez Seek Audit of Maria Death Toll With Conflicting Reports, Lawmakers Ask for Thorough Investigation into Total Fatalities\n\u00a0\nOctober 12, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Reps. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) and Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, wrote the U.S. Department of Homeland Security asking for an investigation into underreporting in the official death toll following Hurricane Maria. \n\u00a0\nIn light of news reports suggesting that numbers could be much higher than the official count of 45 lives lost, the lawmakers asked for an official review of casualty counts. \n\u00a0\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know what\u2019s happening to their fellow U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico,\u201d Vel\u00e1zquez said. \u201cGiven recent reports suggesting that the death toll is much higher than is being officially acknowledged, we need a swift and thorough investigation to ensure the real magnitude of this crisis is made public.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cHaving just been in Puerto Rico last weekend, it is clear that the real story of what is happening is not being told by this Administration,\u201d said Thompson.\u00a0 \u201cThe federal response is woefully adequate and now we are seeing numerous reports that the death toll is unknown or not being reported accurately.\u00a0 The whole nation deserves to know what is happening to our fellow citizens.\u201d\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nLink to letter\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contacts:\n\t(Thompson) Adam Comis at 202-225-9978\n\t(Vel\u00e1zquez) Alex Haurek at 202-225-2361", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-fema-grants-second-district", "Congressman Thompson Announces FEMA Grants To the Second District", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact : Guy King\nOctober 11, 2017\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\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(202) 225-5876\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson Announces FEMA Grants To the Second District \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced four U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency grants totaling $10,168,502 for \u00a0Yazoo, Holmes, Montgomery counties and the city of Durant. The grants will be cover the cost of debris removal in result of the severe storm that took place on April 30, 2017.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe April storm took a toll on Mississippians residing in all of the counties affected,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cSix months later, we are still in the process of rebuilding. I am hopeful the reimbursement grants awarded by FEMA will be used to aid in moving forward from the devastating storm that occurred.\u201d\n\u00a0\nYazoo County will receive an award of $3,520,577.96. Holmes County is to receive the amount of $3,476,343.74. Montgomery County will be awarded $1,631,892.58. And, the city of Durant will receive $1,539,687.73. \n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-s-statement-dhs-secretary-nomination", "Congressman Thompsons Statement on DHS Secretary Nomination", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact : Guy King\nOctober 11, 2017\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\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(202) 225-5876\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson\u2019s Statement on DHS Secretary Nomination \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the news that the President has nominated Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased that the President has finally made a nomination for Secretary of Homeland Security after letting the critical national security position remain vacant as the nation faced multiple major hurricanes and a domestic terrorism attack,\u201d Thompson said.\u00a0\u201cI am eager to hear from Ms. Nielsen on what her main priorities are for the Department and its 230,000 employees.\u201d\n\u00a0\nHe continued: \u201cHowever, I am very concerned about her past work in the Bush Administration during its botched response to Hurricane Katrina and am fearful that DHS \u2013 as well as this President \u2013 has not learned all the lessons from that tragedy given what we are seeing unravel in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is extremely important that the DHS Secretary stay above the partisan fray and not allow the position be a political pawn of the White House.\u00a0 DHS has not been without problems, but has made great strides in improving its workforce since its creation and we must not allow these gains go to waste.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-joins-codel-puerto-rico", "Congressman Thompson Joins CODEL to Puerto Rico", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact : Guy King\nOctober 6, 2017\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\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(202) 225-5876\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson Joins CODEL to Puerto Rico\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Tomorrow, Saturday Oct. 7, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, will join a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Puerto Rico to survey hurricane damage and the government response. \n\u00a0\n\u201cIt is clear that the real story of what is happening in Puerto Rico is not coming through,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cOur fellow citizens are in a humanitarian crisis and need our help.\u00a0 Most of the island is without adequate access to food, water, and power and we have seen little substantive progress. Since the federal government seems more concerned with assuring everyone they are doing a fantastic job \u2013 without much evidence \u2013 it is critical that we try to see what is really happening on the ground with our own eyes.\u00a0 I particularly hope to learn about where and why the federal response is lacking, if smaller islands like Vieques are being adequately helped, and how the Red Cross is assisting.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThompson continued: \u201cI witnessed the horrors of Hurricane Katrina firsthand and I now fear we are seeing the same obvious lack of direction and attention.\u00a0 Congress will soon be funding what is necessary for the continuing response and recovery and it is essential we have all the information possible.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-bennie-thompson-statementthe-taking-americans-land-build-trumps", "Ranking Member Bennie Thompson Statement:The Taking Americans' Land to Build Trump's Wall Act (H.R. 3548)", "2017-10-04", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ranking Member Bennie Thompson Statement:\nThe Taking Americans' Land to Build Trump's Wall Act (H.R. 3548)\n\u00a0\nOctober 4, 2017 - A central promise in President Trump\u2019s campaign was that he would build a \u201cbig, beautiful wall\u201d across the entire Southern border and Mexico would pay for it. There was a time, in the not too distant past, when this Committee cared about facts, data, and results.\n\u00a0\nWe supported DHS having a border strategy, collecting metrics on the effectiveness of operations, and deploying personnel, equipment, and infrastructure to adjust to threats. \n\u00a0\nLast month, the Department of Homeland Security provided evidence that our responsible approach to border security is paying off.\u00a0 In its 20-page report, DHS concluded \"available data indicate that the southwest land border is more difficult to illegally cross today than ever before.\" DHS found that the inflow of illegal crossers is down as are apprehensions rates. It is getting harder and harder to cross, and less people are trying.\n\u00a0\nYet, here we are today, considering a misguided, unnecessary, fiscally-irresponsible measure to formally authorize President Trump\u2019s Wall at all costs. We will hear throughout the day that this is a $15 billion bill.\u00a0 Actually, the costs are much higher and, one thing is for sure, they will not be borne by Mexico. It will be American taxpayers, landowners, the environment, and Native Americans that will bear the costs.\n\u00a0\nI have seen estimates that construction costs for the Wall could be between $20 to $70 billion, and, since H.R. 3548 does not include any mileage limitations, specifications, or cost controls, there is no telling how much it will actually cost to build. \n\u00a0\nToday, the Federal government only owns a third of those sections of the Southwest border that do not have physical barriers.\u00a0 As such, to fulfill President Trump\u2019s promise of a \u201cbig, beautiful wall,\u201d H.R. 3548 would trigger the most extensive Federal Takings that this nation has seen in years.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nThis is not just my expectation.\u00a0 The President made it clear that he expects to pursue legal actions against ranchers and small landowners and wants to hire a team of eminent domain attorneys to do it. \n\u00a0\nIf history is any indication, when the Federal government wants land to build barriers, it is ranchers and small landowners who bare the biggest costs.\u00a0 A decade after the Secure Fence Act, there are still 93 Americans waiting to get paid for land taken by the Federal government.\u00a0 The Federal government might just see a quarter acre of land as worth a couple hundred dollars but to a landowner who has had it in his family for generations, it is priceless.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nAdditionally, the environment along the border would harmed. Big Bend National Park, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, and other Federal lands would be carved up.\u00a0 Also carved up would be the habitat and endangered species that they protect. It would make it difficult for wildlife to move across the border including American Jaguars and ocelots\u2014which have begun to return to various parts of the U.S. after a long absence. \n\u00a0\nA 28,000 member Native American tribe, the Tohono O\u2019odham Nation would also pay a steep price. This tribe controls 75 miles along the U.S.-Mexico border and one tribe member explained, the wall \u00a0would cut \u201cthrough our ancestral land, and it divides families that have been able to go back and forth freely since before the border line was drawn.\u201d \n\u00a0\nThe bill has hidden costs too. On the top of page 73, it states, \u201cThere are authorized to be appropriated to U.S. Customs and Border Protection such sums as may be necessary\u2026\u201d to increase the annual rate of basic pay of CBP employees.\u00a0 I believe that CBP personnel should be adequately paid but the way this bill goes about it calls into question the seriousness of this effort.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nThis \u201csuch sums\u201d language and the absence of offsets for the $15 billion authorization violate the General Protocols issued by Republican House Leadership for bills to be considered in the 115th Congress.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nThe bill before us would authorize Trump\u2019s Border Wall at all costs. It is a $15 billion boondoggle that abandons past bipartisan efforts to stop throwing money at the border in an ad hoc way in favor of strategically deploying resources. I hope that after today, we can have a serious conversation about the border and move forward together in a productive manner.\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-s-statement-gop-tax-overhaul", "Congressman Thompsons Statement on GOP Tax Overhaul", "2017-10-02", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Guy King\nOctober 2, 2017\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\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 (202)226-5804\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson\u2019s Statement on GOP Tax Overhaul\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) released his statement on the Republican Tax Overhaul.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Ryan-McConnell tax framework will leave thousands of low-income and middle-class Mississippians at an unfair disadvantage,\u201d Thompson said.\u00a0\u201cThey will pay more in taxes, while Republicans ensure the wealthy continue to thrive at the expense of others.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-las-vegas-shooting", "Thompson Statement on Las Vegas Shooting", "2017-10-02", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nThompson Statement on Las Vegas Shooting\nOctober 2, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the mass shooting in Las Vegas last night:\n\u00a0\n\u201cToday, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Las Vegas and all who were affected by the terrible mass shooting last night.\u00a0 We are forever thankful to the first responders who put their lives on the line to help those in need.\u00a0 Mass shootings have been too common in recent years and it is clear that much more needs to be done.\u00a0 Only if we work together can we counter the forces of terror and hate \u2013 no matter the source.\u201d\n\u00a0\n# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\nMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-thompson-jackson-lee-and-green-present-hbcu-game-day-offering", "Reps. Thompson, Jackson Lee and Green Present HBCU Game Day Offering", "2017-09-29", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contact : Guy King\nSeptember 29, 2017\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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(202) 226-5804\n\u00a0\nReps. Thompson, Jackson Lee and Green Present HBCU Game Day Offering\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 \u00a0U.S Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Shelia Jackson Lee (TX-18) and Al Green (TX-09) will host an offering after the annual Alcorn State University and Texas Southern University football game. \n\u00a0\nCongressman Bennie G. Thompson: \u201cAs a two-time HBCU graduate, I am deeply committed to preserving these institutions to ensure they continue educating future generations of our youth,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cI am confident in Alcorn pulling a win against Texas Southern because no one knows football better than a Mississippi SWAC school.\u201d \n\u00a0\nCongresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee: \u201cGiven Texas Southern University\u2019s illustrious heritage of educating African American students and inspiring them to achieve their dreams, I have no doubt that the TSU Tigers will reinforce this tradition of excellence when the Alcorn Braves encounter the #TSUNAMI.\u00a0 TS-TS-TSU! I thought you knew! #TSU\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe game will take place at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas on Friday, September 29, 2017, at 8:00 P.M. The three members of Congress have agreed to offer one another catfish or bar-b-que if the HBCU in the member\u2019s district and/or state wins the game.\n\u00a0\nThe Alcorn State University and Texas Southern University face-off comes a week after National HBCU Week, which is dedicated to bring awareness of the importance of HBCUs nationwide. \n\u00a0\nAlcorn State University sits in Mississippi\u2019s Second Congressional District, represented by Thompson, while Texas Southern University is located in Texas\u2019 Eighteenth Congressional District, represented by Jackson Lee and the alma mater of Green.\n\u00a0\nIf you have any questions please contact Guy King at guy.king@mail.house.gov (Thompson), Rucks Russell at rucks.russell@mail.house.gov (Jackson Lee) or Kamau Marshall at Kamau.marshall@mail.house.gov (Green).\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-federal-response-puerto-rico-woefully-inadequate", "Thompson: Federal Response in Puerto Rico Woefully Inadequate", "2017-09-27", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThompson: Federal Response in Puerto Rico Woefully Inadequate\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptember 27, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the current situation and federal response in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Irma and Maria:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cIt is painfully clear that the devastation in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands point to a woefully inadequate federal response after the islands received direct hits from two major hurricanes.\u00a0 If not immediately addressed, the unfolding humanitarian crisis will inflict more lasting damage to the islands. This lack of action shows that the President and his Administration has yet to comprehend the gravity and impact of what is happening on our own soil. Having lived through Hurricane Katrina, I recognize the President\u2019s obvious lack of direction and attention--and I now fear we could see history repeating itself.\u201d \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cInstead of blaming the Puerto Rican people for the situation they are in, congratulating himself for a job well done, and obsessing over NFL politics, we need the President in the situation room coordinating an efficient response and requesting emergency relief from Congress.\u00a0 Instead of having Congressional Republicans on a retreat to announce tax cuts for the rich, we need a working Congress ensuring emergency aid is available so the federal government has the resources it needs.\u00a0 The President must realize what is unfolding under his watch. The lack of urgency from our government is putting human life at risk. Our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are suffering. They need help and they need it now.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t# \u00a0#\u00a0 #\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMedia contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-urges-hosemann-remove-russian-software-mississippi", "Congressman Thompson Urges Hosemann to Remove Russian Software from Mississippi Electoral Systems", "2017-09-15", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Thompson Urges Hosemann to Remove Russian Software from Mississippi Electoral Systems\n\u00a0\nWashington \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) sent a letter to Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Secretary of State, urging him to remove any use of Kaspersky, a Russian cyber-security company, software from Mississippi\u2019s electoral systems.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs voter registration databases house such information, we must be certain the software used does not give Russia or other malicious actors a back door to it,\u201d Thompson wrote in the letter. \u201cTherefore, I strongly advise that you take the necessary steps to identify any use or presence of Kaspersky products on Mississippi election systems and remove it.\u201d\n\u00a0\nRep. Thompson, Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, also sent a letter to Chairman of the House Committee on Administration, U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (MS-03) today, suggesting Harper advise the entire U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit by removing any Kaspersky software from its\u2019 network.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Thompson\u2019s letter to Sec. Hosemann can be viewed here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-trump-administration-ending-daca", "Thompson Statement on Trump Administration Ending DACA", "2017-09-05", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thompson Statement on Trump Administration Ending DACA\n\u00a0\nSeptember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Trump Administration will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:\n\u00a0\n\"Just when you thought this President and his craven Administration couldn't stoop any lower, they now go after the most vulnerable.\u00a0 This is an atrocious and heartless decision to end a program that gave hope to nearly a million, brought them out of the shadows, and allowed them to contribute to the only country they know.\u00a0 It is truly sad that we have a severely unpopular President that all too often is unable to do the right thing and refuses to show his face to defend this mean-spirited decision. He should be focusing on real homeland security matters and getting dangerous criminals off our streets rather than throwing red meat to his base. This will do nothing to improve national security and will only cause more chaos and break up families.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cCongress must quickly come together, in bipartisan force, to stop this President and permanently protect those that came to this country under no fault of their own and are now a part of our society and economy. Democrats will stand firm together to protect DREAMers and Republicans must show they are willing to do the same.\u00a0 Denying them protection not only runs against our values and damages the economy, but will be permanent stain on our history.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-administration-must-focus-harvey-recovery-not-wasteful-wall", "Thompson: Administration Must Focus on Harvey Recovery,  Not Wasteful Wall", "2017-08-31", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thompson: Administration Must Focus on Harvey Recovery,\u00a0 Not Wasteful Wall\nAugust 31, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the Customs and Border Protection announcement of awards for border wall prototypes:\n\u00a0\n\"Today's border 'wall' announcement from DHS to advance the President's pet project is incredibly tone deaf as flood waters from Hurricane Harvey still ravage Texas and Louisiana.\u00a0\u00a0 The Department of Homeland Security's top priority should be its emergency response and recovery efforts as lives still need to be saved and preparations need to be made for a recovery that will take years.\u00a0\u00a0 Funding relief efforts should be the focus - not obsessing over funding a wasteful, unnecessary wall that will do nothing but fulfill a campaign promise.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-president-trump-s-afghanistan-deployment-announcement", "Congressman Thompson on President Trumps Afghanistan Deployment Announcement", "2017-08-22", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Thompson on President Trump\u2019s Afghanistan Deployment Announcement\n\u00a0\nWashington \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) issued the following statement concerning President Trump\u2019s recent announcement to deploy more U.S. troops to Afghanistan.\n\u00a0\n\u201cLast night, President Trump told Americans everywhere his intent to deploy thousands of more U.S. troops to Afghanistan,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cThis is without a doubt, an act he certainly has not thought out. His careless effort to put American lives in danger will not aide in ending the war or bringing our troops home. Trump, yet again, is acting without a plan, causing the American people to suffer in the end.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/immediate-release-democrats-call-domestic-terrorism-hearings", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Democrats Call for Domestic Terrorism Hearings", "2017-08-16", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 15, 2017 (WASHINGTON) \u2013 Today, the twelve Democratic members of the House Committee on Homeland Security, led by Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), sent the below letter to Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and the Republican members of the Committee to urge the Committee hold hearings on domestic terrorism.\nIn March and June of this year, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to Chairman McCaul requesting the Committee on Homeland Security address the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism through our oversight and legislative activities during the 115th Congress. Now, as our country has suffered yet another tragic and deadly domestic terrorist attack, we as Democratic Members of the Committee write to you, our Republican colleagues, to urge you to join with us to hold hearings to examine the troubling rise in domestic terrorism in our Nation.\nThis weekend, the \u201cUnite the Right\u201d rally in Charlottesville, Virginia attracted hundreds of self-identified white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and other members of alt-right groups. This rally was founded and fueled by hate. Despicable violence towards counter-protesters caused the death of a Charlottesville-area woman, Heather Heyer, and injuries to more than 20 others. This heinous, cowardly act was terrorism, plain and simple. Terrorism is not confined to a single ideology or inspiration. \nUnfortunately, it has become clear we cannot count on President Trump for action. Even before he was elected, many of us were concerned that his unwillingness to denounce and distance himself from white nationalists would be taken as tacit support by those ready to use violence to advance their racist ideology. As leaders of the legislative branch of government, we must stand up to all ideologically-motivated violence. Failure to act as innocent people continue to be terrorized, harmed, and killed by domestic terrorists puts American lives in peril. \nIt is past time for this Committee on Homeland Security to act. As Democratic Members, we stand ready to work in bipartisan manner to help stop acts of domestic terror and uphold the ideals that truly make America great. We look forward to a hearing on this critical issue when we return in September. \nLink to Letter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-calls-removal-confederate-symbols-ms-flag-and-us-capitol", "Congressman Thompson Calls for Removal of Confederate Symbols on MS Flag and U.S. Capitol", "2017-08-15", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) calls for the removal of all confederate monuments and emblems in the United States Capitol and on the Mississippi state flag.\n\u201cConfederate memorabilia have no place in this country and especially not in the United States Capitol. These images symbolize a time of racial discrimination and segregation that continues to haunt this country and many African-Americans who still to this day face racism and bigotry.\u201d\n\u201cIn Mississippi, the confederate emblem continues to be flown on the state flag and was used as a rallying prop during the events that occurred in Charlottesville. The confederate flag was seen in almost every video image taken last Saturday. It is past-time for action to remove all confederate symbols in the U.S. Capitol and on the Mississippi state flag. I urge my colleagues both Republican, and Democrat, to work with me to ensure the permanent removal of all offensive and despicable confederate imagery.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-55750-grant-grenada-safe-room", "Congressman Thompson Announces $55,750 Grant for Grenada Safe Room", "2017-07-19", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Thompson Announces $55,750 Grant for Grenada Safe Room\n\u00a0\nWashington \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced the approval of a $55,750 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, being paid to the City of Grenada for phase two of the emergency safe room construction.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs communities continue to improve their infrastructure, it is important that we include investments in safety and security,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cHaving the appropriate structural preventions, in a region that is susceptible to storm damage, is essential to saving lives in the event of a disaster.\u201d\n\u00a0\nTrey Baker, city manager of Grenada, is pleased to know there will be something in place to protect the city\u2019s residents from emergency situations.\n\u00a0\n\"The safe room is going to be a game changer for the City of Grenada,\u201d Baker said. \u201cHaving a staging area for severe weather and other possible disasters in the Mondy Road area, coupled with our existing facilities makes us much better prepared to protect our citizens.\"\u00a0\n\u00a0\nPhase one of the safe room has already undergone completion, and the FEMA grant will be used to administer further modifications. The project is a 361 multi-purpose safe room with a total of 2,765 square feet. The safe room will be located at 260 Mondy Road, Grenada, Mississippi.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-congressman-thompson-announces-congressional-task-force-democratic-weekly", "VIDEO: Congressman Thompson Announces Congressional Task Force in Democratic Weekly Address", "2017-07-14", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: Congressman Thompson Announces Congressional Task Force in Democratic Weekly Address\n\u00a0\nWashington \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02) delivered the Weekly Democratic Address announcing the commencement of the Congressional Task Force on Election Security geared to investigate Russia\u2019s possible involvement in the 2016 presidential election.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe must get the truth about Russia\u2019s meddling and the full extent of the Trump campaign\u2019s complicity,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cBut, we must also take action to protect our elections and our election infrastructure next time.\u201d\n\u00a0\nRep. Thompson, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee will co-chair the task force with Congressman Robert Brady (PA-01), ranking member of the Committee on House Administration; with members of the two respective committees also serving on the task force.\n\u00a0\nThe Congressional Task Force on Election Security will be a platform for members of the House Homeland Security Committee and the Committee on House Administration to discern knowledge and testimonies from experts with the expertise of cybersecurity and the electoral framework. The task force will also provide suggestions on how to prevent future threats on our election procedure.\n\u00a0\nThe video of Congressman Thompson\u2019s full remarks can be seen here.\nBelow is a full transcript of the address:\n\u00a0\n\u201cHello, I\u2019m Congressman Bennie Thompson.\u00a0 I represent Mississippi\u2019s 2nd Congressional District, and I am the top Democrat on the Committee on Homeland Security.\n\u00a0\n\u201cNearly everyone outside the White House accepts the Intelligence Community's conclusion that Russia carried out the hacking campaign in an attempt to influence the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cAnd this week, in Donald Trump Jr.\u2019s emails, we saw the first public evidence that the Trump Campaign eagerly intended to collude with Russia.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis shocking new evidence raises even graver questions about Russia\u2019s success infiltrating the election systems in 21 states and stealing voting records containing personal information.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAll of this has damaged Americans\u2019 faith in our democracy and confidence in the security of our voting systems.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIn fact, just this week, one poll found one in four respondents reported that they may not vote in the next election because of cybersecurity concerns.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis is not acceptable.\u00a0 Congress must act and act immediately.\u00a0 We must get the truth about Russia\u2019s meddling and the full extent of the Trump Campaign complicity.\u00a0 But we must also take action to protect our elections and our election infrastructure next time.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThat is why House Democrats launched the Congressional Task Force on Election Security, which I am proud to co-chair with Congressman Brady from Pennsylvania.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis task force\u2019s central mission is to focus on how to bolster the cyber and physical security of our election system ahead of the 2018 election.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt will be a forum for Members of Congress to hear from experts in cybersecurity and election infrastructure and identify actions that should be taken to help ensure the integrity of our election systems and guard against future attacks.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhile elections are the exclusive responsibilities of the states, the Federal government has a responsibility to step up and help, where needed, to support states as they work to prevent the Russians or other bad actors from disrupting and interfering with our elections.\n\u00a0\n\u201cProtecting the integrity of our election system should not be a partisan concern.\u00a0 We hope House Republicans will join us.\n\u00a0\n\u201cUnfortunately, we have a President who shows no interest in preventing last year\u2019s election interference from happening again.\u00a0 The Department of Homeland Security is also wavering over whether our election infrastructure should be designated part of our country\u2019s critical infrastructure.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cHere in Congress, Republican leaders have displayed no appetite to tackle this critical homeland security issue \u2013 or even hold hearings.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIf we continue to do nothing, we make it easy for Russia and other nefarious actors to meddle in future elections.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe must put politics aside for the good of the country and work together on this and so many other important issues to the American people.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI thank you for your attention and urge you to stay engaged.\u00a0 Our Democracy demands your involvement.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-supports-usdot-eas-program-greenville-airport", "Congressman Thompson Supports USDOT EAS program for Greenville Airport", "2017-06-29", "2017", "2017-06", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Thompson Supports USDOT EAS program for Greenville Airport\nWashington \u2013 Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that Boutique Airlines has been re-selected to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) to the Mid-Delta Regional Airport in Greenville, Mississippi.\nCongressman Bennie G. Thompson is in full support of the USDOT\u2019s continuous support in providing travel services to the Mississippi Delta.\n\u201cI have met with federal officials on numerous occasions to express the need to maintain commercial air service through the Essential Air Service program for the people of Greenville and the Mississippi Delta,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cWith the program supporting 12 weekly nonstop round trips to Nashville International Airport and 6 weekly nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort-Worth International Airport, Mississippi Delta residents will continue to have a convenient option to travel to destinations both near and far.\u201d\nThe EAS is a Department of Transportation program that subsidizes air carrier service to small and, in some cases, isolated communities. The EAS program provides subsidies to air carriers for providing service between selected small communities and hub airports. The program was originally established in 1978 as part of airline deregulation to ensure a minimum level of air service to smaller communities that might otherwise lose service because of economic factors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-299995-awarded-jackson-state-university", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $299,995 AWARDED TO JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY", "2017-06-14", "2017", "2017-06", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI \u2013 Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The National Science Foundation has awarded $299,995 to Jackson State University.\n\u00a0\nThe Students Understanding Chemistry Concepts to Enhance STEM Skills (SUCCESS) \u00a0project at Jackson State University will target at-risk and underrepresented students, with a focus on biology majors, and will enable them to successfully complete general and organic chemistry. The SUCCESS project will provide three-day Chemistry Readiness Workshops prior to the start of a course, and an additional two-hour SUCCESS Session during each week of the semester. Enabling at-risk and underrepresented students to succeed in their chosen major will support diversification of the STEM workforce. How these interventions promote student success will be documented, and the knowledge gained will complement successful approaches to undergraduate instruction across multiple STEM disciplines.\n\u00a0\nThe impact of Chemistry Readiness Workshops, the modified Xavier University Chemistry Drill Program, and Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) sessions on the success of students in general chemistry will be documented. Data from the intervention groups will be compared to historical data and evaluated to determine whether these strategies: (a) improve attendance in chemistry classes, (b) decrease drop/fail/withdraw rates, (c) improve students' conceptual understanding of chemistry, and (d) improve student retention. The results will be disseminated in biology and chemistry education conferences, and associated proceedings. Overall, this project will contribute to what is known about the promoting student success in STEM with at-risk and underrepresented students. This project will support broadening participation in STEM and the STEM workforce.\n\u00a0\nFor more information call 703-292-8070.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-brownfield-grants-awarded-mississippi-second", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES Brownfield Grants Awarded to the Mississippi Second Congressional District", "2017-06-02", "2017", "2017-06", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON ANNOUNCES Brownfield Grants Awarded to the Mississippi Second Congressional District\n\nBOLTON, MISSISSIPPI Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded six Brownfields grants to entities in the Mississippi Second Congressional District. The amount awarded totals $1.3 million.\n The City of Vicksburgwill receive $400,000 for two brownfields cleanup grants ($383,500 for hazardous substances and $16,500 for petroleum). The funds will be used to clean up the 1832 Kuhn North Facility and the 1959 Kuhn South Facility of the former Kuhn Memorial Hospital. Both cleanup sites were part of a 12.8-acre former hospital, which has been vacant since 1989. They are contaminated with metals, PCBs, and inorganic contaminants. Grant funds for both sites also will be used to conduct air monitoring and support community involvement activities.\n\tCanton $300,000 ($200,000 for hazardous substances and $100,000 for petroleum) to include an update of the citys brownfields inventory.\n\tClarksdale $300,000 ($166,200 for hazardous substances and $133,800 for petroleum) to include an update of the citys brownfields inventory. Assessment activities will focus on the 18th Street Neighborhood and the Brickyard Area.\n\tCrystal Springs $300,000 ($123,000 for hazardous substances and $177,000 for petroleum) to include area-wide planning and the prioritization of the citys brownfield sites.\n\tGreenville $300,000 ($200,000 for hazardous substances and $100,000 for petroleum) to include area-wide planning. One area of focus is the Lower Mississippi River Port Investment Initiative Area.\n A Brownfield is a property, of which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. EPA's Brownfields Program enables states, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-request-investigation-mississippi-legislator-s-call-lynchings", "Thompson Request Investigation Into Mississippi Legislators Call for Lynchings", "2017-05-24", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thompson Request Investigation Into Mississippi Legislator\u2019s Call for Lynchings\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement regarding Mississippi Legislator Karl Oliver\u2019s call for the lynching of individuals who seek the removal of symbols of the Confederacy:\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe recent Facebook post made by Karl Oliver was dangerous and as an elected official in Mississippi he should have been aware of the harm that could result from the post,\u201d said Thompson.\u00a0 \u201cHis insistence that people who are opposed to symbols commemorating the treasonous acts of the Confederate State of America should be lynched is deeply disturbing.\u00a0\u00a0 This type of hate speech is extremely perilous and could inspire others to commit criminal acts.\u00a0 We should be reminded that less than two years have passed since nine African-American church members were murdered by a radicalized individual who swore allegiance to the confederate flag and we are three years removed from a group of college students placing a noose and a confederate flag on a statue of civil rights icon James Meridith.\u00a0 These young people didn\u2019t learn to hate on their own. They were inspired by people, like Mr. Oliver, who seek to indoctrinate others with vile speech.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am requesting that Department of Justice officials review the comments made by Mr. Oliver to determine if his recommendation of violence constitutes an immediate threat to individuals who are committed to removing tributes to the Confederacy from our public spaces.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-trump-s-fy-2018-budget", "Thompson Statement on Trumps FY 2018 Budget", "2017-05-24", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thompson Statement on Trump\u2019s FY 2018 Budget\n  \n\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement regarding President Trump\u2019s fiscal year 2018 budget request:\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s budget is perhaps the most damaging proposal for rural America that we have ever seen,\u201d said Thompson. \u00a0\u201cThe Trump budget seeks to eliminate the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program and the Single Family Housing Direct Loans Program. \u00a0President Trump also reneged on his promise to not cut Medicaid. \u00a0It is clear that President Trump has turned his back on rural America.\u201d \u00a0\n\u201cUnfortunately, many of us have become numb to Donald Trump\u2019s foolish rhetoric and irrational tweets but this budget is a stark reminder of the dangers his Presidency. Perhaps the President should spend less time at his golf courses and more time meeting real Americans. \u00a0I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a budget that works for all Americans.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/newest-members-congress", "Newest Members of Congress", "2017-01-03", "2017", "2017-01", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Office     \n          Washington, DC 20515    \n          Phone: (202) 225-5876  Fax: (202) 225-5898    \n  \n      \n           Bolton Office     \n          Bolton, MS 39041    \n          Phone: (601) 866-9003  \n\tFax: (601) 866-9036; (800) 355-9003    \n  \n      \n           Greenville Office     \n          Greenville, MS 38701    \n          Phone: (662) 335-9003  \n\tFax: (662) 334-1304    \n  \n      \n           Greenwood Office     \n          Greenwood, MS 38930    \n          Phone: (662) 455-9003  \n\tFax: (662) 453-0118    \n  \n      \n           Jackson Office     \n          3607 Medgar Evers BoulevardJackson, MS 39213    \n          Phone: (601) 946-9003  \n\tFax: (601)-982-5337    \n  \n      \n           Marks Office     \n          P.O. Box 356263 East Main StreetMarks, MS 38646    \n    \n  \n      \n           Mound Bayou City Hall Office     \n          P.O. Box 679 106 Green AvenueSuite 106Mound Bayou, MS 38762    \n          (662) 741-9003  \n\t(662) 741-9002", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 39, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "MS", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 39, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 39, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MS&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "MS", "label": "MS", "count": 39, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 39, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 159.7943459637463, "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"}