{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MS\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8BA70A85-FBB2-401D-81EC-29659666EA2B", "Wicker Responds to Mississippi Joining FirstNet", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TUPELO  U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today issued the following statement regarding Mississippis participation in the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet): Congress has an important oversight role as this nationwide network is being deployed. I am committed to ensuring that FirstNet meets its obligations to Mississippi and our emergency responders. In July, Wicker convened a hearing to examine the progress of the networks deployment. During that hearing, Wicker said, By any estimation, the development of this nationwide public safety broadband network is a challenge, but it is an essential endeavor to ensure that first responders can fulfill their daily mission to save lives. At the center of this effort is the courage of our nations first responders, who put their lives on the line every day  in Mississippi and across the nation  to protect our families, neighborhoods, and communities. They deserve a network that is interoperable, reliable, and secure. Dr. Damon Darsey, an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, was a witness at that hearing. Click here for Mr. Darseys testimony.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=596CAB01-902A-4462-9261-C4C777097AD7", "Wicker Praises Pro-Growth Tax Reform", "2017-12-25", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House and Senate have passed the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With President Trumps signature, the bill becomes the first major rewrite of the tax code since the Reagan Administration. More importantly, middle-class families will see tax relief. After years of stagnant wage growth, this relief could not come soon enough. I voted in favor of the tax reform plan because it serves the best interests of the American people.\r\nFox News producer Maxim Lott has built a website taxplancalculator.com and The New York Times has created an online tax bill calculator to offer estimates of how the new plan could impact your taxes for 2018. For example, a family of four earning $73,000 could see their taxes cut by an estimated $2,000. A family of four earning $40,000 could save an estimated $1,400. The plan cuts income tax rates across the board, expands the standard deduction, and doubles the Child Tax Credit, allowing Americans to bring home bigger paychecks. Most should see this reflected in their paychecks as early as February of next year. Bear in mind, next Aprils tax returns for 2017 will reflect the old rates.\r\nOver the past three decades, our tax code has become more and more out of date, standing in the way of economic growth and opportunity. The new plan simplifies the system, removing loopholes that benefit only special interests. It also looks ahead, laying the groundwork for an economy that can thrive and be competitive in a 21st-century global marketplace. Under the new tax code, our nations job creators are empowered to invest in new equipment, expand their operations, and hire more workers. With the plans passage, companies have already announced bonuses for employees and new jobs. Likewise, a significantly lower corporate tax rate helps encourage companies to do business here in the United States, instead of choosing to invest their assets overseas.\r\nObamacare Loses Central Mandate\r\nNot to be overlooked is the successful repeal of Obamacares individual mandate tax, which penalizes Americans who choose not to purchase insurance. This penalty demonstrates just how much the health-care law has failed to provide affordable care. Millions of Americans are paying the penalty rather than buying expensive insurance they cannot afford.\r\nStriking the individual mandate removes one of the health-care laws most onerous and unpopular provisions, which has disproportionately hurt low-income Americans. Data from the Internal Revenue Service show that most of the Americans who have paid the individual mandate penalty earn an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000. By eliminating a central pillar of the disastrous health-care law, Congress moves closer to its full repeal and replacement with a market-driven plan that works.\r\nTax Plan Fosters Energy Independence\r\nAnother major component of the tax plan is its promotion of Americas energy security. The bill opens 2,000 non-wilderness acres for responsible oil and gas development in the 1002 Area of Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Along with this long-awaited energy exploration comes the potential for substantial job creation and deficit reduction. In addition, Gulf Coast states like Mississippi stand to benefit from the tax plans short-term increase in offshore revenue sharing, which can be used to restore our coastline and safeguard it from future hurricanes.\r\nAs we gather with loved ones during this special Christmas season, I hope families in Mississippi and across the country will be able to look forward to the new year with renewed confidence in their livelihoods, in the economy, and in our nations future. Tax reform is a truly historic moment that will usher in a new chapter for American workers, businesses, and communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=805E3B0D-5F9A-4CC5-B09E-3C18ACC0BE6B", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON NEW CONTINUING RESOLUTION", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement regarding the new continuing resolution (CR) and supplemental appropriations passed in the House of Representatives and referred to the Senate for consideration: This continuing resolution is necessary to ensure continued funding for our national defense and other important priorities. I hope Senators will support its passage. This legislation includes provisions with strong bipartisan support in the Senate and House. It will extend important health care programs for veterans and children, strengthen U.S. missile defenses, and preserve the tools used by the intelligence community to keep our country safe. It is imperative that the Congress use the next few weeks to reach an agreement on spending levels in order to finalize FY2018 appropriations. This new continuing resolution is a necessity, but it is the bare minimum. Congress must act promptly to provide adequate full-year funding for the Defense Department and other agencies.  The new CR would fund federal operations through Jan. 19, 2018. The current CR expires at midnight Friday, Dec. 22. In addition to the CR, legislation was also approved to provide emergency supplemental appropriations to support response and recovery from recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. I will continue to work in the Senate to ensure that supplemental funding is provided to help communities recover, Cochran said. LINKS:  CR text: http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20171218/BILLS-115HR1370-RCP115-52.pdf   Section-by-section Summary: https://rules.house.gov/sites/republicans.rules.house.gov/files/115/PDF/HR%201%20%5BCR%5D/Section-by-Section%20Summary.pdf   Supplemental Appropriations Text: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-115hr4667ih/pdf/BILLS-115hr4667ih.pdf  Supplemental Appropriations Summary: https://rules.house.gov/sites/republicans.rules.house.gov/files/115/PDF/HR%204667%20%5BDisaster%20Relief%5D/HR%204667%20Summary.pdf \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F0AB8036-1D5F-4BE7-9699-92B41BBF9D44", "Wicker Statement on Lethal Arms Sales to Ukraine", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administrations approval of lethal arms sales to Ukraine:\r\nThe Presidents decision is a good first step to give the Ukrainian people the means to defend themselves. The best way to stop Russian aggression is to deter it. I am hopeful that approval will also be given to future sales of anti-tank weapons and other heavy arms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FB5DFCF7-5D74-40DE-95F5-B4C1DB861B48", "COCHRAN VOTES FOR TAX REFORM, OPTIMISTIC OF BENEFITS FOR MISSISSIPPI & NATION", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said his vote for the most significant federal tax reform in more than 30 years represents his optimism that the economy will grow as Mississippi families and small businesses keep more of their hard-earned income. Cochran voted final Senate passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which passed on a 51-48 vote. President Trump has pledged to sign the bill into law. The measure will cut tax rates for individual taxpayers, overhaul small business taxes, and lower the corporate tax rate. This landmark legislation will help our economy grow. Importantly, this bill lowers personal tax rates, which will allow most individuals and families in Mississippi to keep more of what they earn, Cochran said. I am optimistic that small businesses in Mississippi will take advantage of incentives in the bill that can help them grow. Corporate tax reforms will help companies be more competitive globally, invest more at home, and hire more American workers, he said. I look forward to the bill becoming law. The bill is a negotiated compromise between House and Senate-passed legislation. The final agreement nearly doubles the standard deduction for individual and joint tax filers. It expands the Child Tax Credit and preserves tax credits for child and dependent care, and adoption. The bill eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate and associated penalties. Enactment of this bill would permanently reform the tax code for small businesses and corporations. It includes a tax deduction to lower the marginal tax rate applied to pass-through business income for small businesses. For corporations, the bill lowers the tax rate to 21 percent and includes provisions to prompt American corporations to create more jobs at home. The tax-writing committees in the House and Senate produced that attached document outlining policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399394", "Palazzo Votes for Historic Tax Reform", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4)released a statement today following House passage of H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  \r\n\r\nToday marks a historic and vital legislative victory for this Congress, our President and our country. It has been 31 years since our tax code has been reformed. The American people want and need a simple, fair tax code, and Im proud to say that is exactly what weve accomplished today.  \r\n\r\nFor decades weve seen businesses leave this country, and take American jobs with them. Since my first day in Congress I have called for a tax code that is flatter and fairer, that benefits both small businesses and the middle class. American families and individuals have felt the impact of an outdated and broken tax code directly in their wallets, and that is about to change for the better. We made it our goal this year to provide relief to American families, individuals, and businesses, and today we held true to that promise.  \r\n\r\nSeven years in the making, weve waited for this moment to send common-sense, conservative legislation to a President that will do the right thing for the American people and sign it into law. President Trump has proven to be a true leader in the face of this daunting task. Many doubted that we could get tax reform passed, but in one year's time we proved by taking on and successfully achieving one of the biggest legislative accomplishments, that we can work together and get the job done for the American people.  \r\n\r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in the House by a vote of 227-203. This bill provides much needed reforms that will restore American competitiveness, better serve small businesses, and allow hardworking Americans to keep more of their money.  \r\n\r\nSome of the key provisions contained in the bill include:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Repealing the Obamacare individual mandate tax penalties\r\n    \r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\n    Significantly increasing the standard deduction to double the amount of what is earned each year from taxes  from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples\r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\n    Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children\r\n    \r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\n    Maintaining the $2,500 deduction for interest paid on student loans, as well as the lifetime learning credit for up to $2,000\r\n    \r\n    \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Providing immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to help diminish uncertainty and curb costs for families\r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\n    Lowering tax rates for small business owners by allowing them to write off the full cost of modern equipment that will help them maintain cutting edge operations and enhance employee skillsets, further promoting job growth and productivity.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\n    Decreasing the corporate rate from 35% to 21% starting January 1st\r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\n    Offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DB3831A2-F5BF-4277-A65F-AAE1F0C855B3", "Wicker Votes Yes on Final Tax Plan", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted in favor of the final tax plan negotiated between the House and Senate. This is the first update to the nations tax code since 1986. This is an accomplishment of historic proportion, Wicker said. Working with President Trump, Congress has successfully overhauled the tax code to make it simpler, fairer, and smarter. Starting next year, Mississippi families will begin to see more take-home pay and an economy that continues to pick up steam. Job creators and small businesses  the lifeblood of our economy  will have more capital to invest and innovate. This is a big win for the American people built on conservative principles. The Republican tax plan also includes a repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate tax, providing additional relief to low- and middle-class families. If those victories were not enough, the bill also makes a small section of Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge available for energy exploration for the first time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1277", "Kelly, Moulton Introduce Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Act\n\nDecember 18, 2017 | Posted in Press Releases\n\n\n\nKelly, Moulton Introduce Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Act \r\n\r\nWASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) announced introduction of the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Act. This bill addresses the bipartisan push for nationwide broadband in a way that specifically targets small businesses' needs\u2026 Read more \u00bb", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Trent Kelly", "K000388", "trentkelly.house.gov", "trentkelly", "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) announced introduction of the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Act. This bill addresses the bipartisan push for nationwide broadband in a way that specifically targets small businesses' needs and potential. This bipartisan bill has been endorsed by the ACT, The App Association, Engine, The Internet Association, NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association, and Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM).\n\n\"It is vital that our nation's small businesses have the tools they need to be successful,\" Rep. Kelly said. \"Better access to broadband technology - especially in rural areas, will help them improve business practices, grow their client base, and create more jobs.\"\n\n\"Broadband internet access should be a right, not a privilege,\" Rep. Moulton said. \"No matter where you live, you should be able to get the same online service, compete for the same online jobs, and communicate freely with family and friends. I am proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to achieve the goal of nationwide broadband. I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort to help small businesses and hardworking American families to be a part of the modern economy.\"\n\nSpecifically, the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Act:\n\n\u25cf Provides for training at the SBA to assist small businesses on how to maximize investment and external reach through broadband, while advising businesses lacking access on locating Wi-Fi access points and financing for broadband purchase. These resources would be disseminated to SBA district offices, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and other entrepreneurship resource partners.\n\n\u25cf Appoints an existing SBA senior staff member to coordinate training and programs relating to broadband and other new technologies. This coordinator position would also serve as the SBA liaison to the Broadband Opportunity Council, which was created to increase broadband investment and address existing barriers to deployment, affordability, and adoption.\n\n\u25cf Requires the SBA to regularly report to the House and Senate Small Business Committees on the coordinator\u2019s activities related to broadband and emerging technologies.\n\n\u25cf Requires the SBA Office of Advocacy to collect data for a report on small business usage and ability to adopt broadband technology, in light of pricing and availability concerns.\n\nCongressman Trent Kelly represents Mississippi's First Congressional District. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Committee on Agriculture and he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations for the House Small Business Committee. This is his second term.", 1, "2026-04-07T14:16:54Z", "2026-04-07T14:20:00Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=03A34C8C-55A7-4465-8072-4C374869BE11", "Wicker Congratulates Mississippi Shipbuilder for Winning $35M Contract", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, today congratulated Leidos and Gulfports United States Marine Inc., on securing a $35 million contract to develop, test, and build Sea Hunter II, the second of a planned series of autonomous unmanned ships.\r\nThis particular type of ship is becoming a critical component of the Navys efforts to leverage cutting-edge technologies and project American power on the seas, Wicker said. I am proud of the work our states shipbuilders are doing to provide our sailors with a powerful tool to track and destroy underwater threats.\r\nThe Sea Hunter vessels are designed to operate autonomously in the open seas for months at a time to perform countermine, submarine tracking, and other potential missions. Navy officials envision fleets of similar vessels being used to augment manned ships and complete complicated missions with minimal human interaction.\r\nLeidos developed the first Sea Hunter vehicle in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Ageny (DARPA) and the Office of Naval Research. The Office of Naval Research competitively sourced the Sea Hunter II contract. Leidos will partner with United States Marine to build the Leidos-designed vessel primarily in Gulfport and Long Beach, Miss. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 13, 2020.\r\nRead the full defense department announcement here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9F04972D-B00E-43C9-9311-6267C1B4C571", "Wicker Statement on Trumps National Security Strategy", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued this statement after President Trump released his Administrations national security strategy: The President has laid out a bold vision to secure four core national security objectives: protect the homeland, promote economic prosperity, preserve peace through strength, and increase Americas influence across the globe. The strategy also addresses many often-neglected dimensions of national security, including stronger border security, better trade deals, and protecting the industrial base from foreign espionage and theft. I am especially pleased that the Navy plays a unique and pivotal role in achieving the Presidents four core national security objectives. Through its persistent global presence, the Navy stands watch, keeps the seas open for commerce, and signals American resolve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=18851D90-D630-40C2-8F8C-A72FCB1219BE", "Wicker Chairs Hearing on Artificial Intelligence", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "What exactly is artificial intelligence, and what does it mean for how we live and work? That was the topic of discussion at a recent hearing I chaired on Digital Decision-Making, held before the Senate subcommittee that oversees Internet and telecommunications issues.\r\nArtificial intelligence, often referred to as AI, might sound straight out of a science fiction book or TV show, but it is becoming an increasingly common, if not instrumental, part of everyday life. AI is the technology that enables a machine to make a decision based on the data it has collected, such as when a smartphone gives driving directions around congested traffic or an e-mail system detects spam messages. Social media, online shopping, and preventing credit card fraud all have AI components. The applications are widespread, and the technology is evolving swiftly, creating a need for conversations to ensure it is being used safely and responsibly.\r\nThe experts who testified at the hearing detailed how AI is being harnessed to improve ways farmers grow crops, doctors treat illnesses, manufacturers produce goods, and teachers give feedback to students. There are revolutionary, headline-grabbing AI breakthroughs such as self-driving cars, but there are also much more subtle public and private sector advancements in AI that are working to cut costs, boost productivity, and create better lives for Americans.\r\n\r\nMSU Working on Robots for Law Enforcement, Therapy\r\nA lot of that work is being done in Mississippi. One of the hearings witnesses was Dr. Cindy L. Bethel, an associate professor of computer science and engineering at Mississippi State University. In her testimony, she noted three specific AI projects at the university. One is using AI research for robots that could help law enforcement respond to dangerous situations. The robots would collect information about the crime scene before officers have to put themselves in harms way. Another project is focusing on an autonomous transport system for cargo, and a third is developing a robotic therapy dog, which could be used by those who are allergic to pets.\r\nLikewise, for the past two years, the University of Mississippi has held a Tech Summit to engage students, faculty, industry experts, business executives, and policymakers on the future of technology in our state and nation. The forum reaffirms Mississippis reputation as a place for innovation and illustrates the commitment of our universities to help lead the way.\r\nSoftware Industry Delivers Jobs, Economic Benefits in Miss.\r\nAdvancements in AI could have a major impact on the careers available to tomorrows workforce. I am a strong advocate of STEM education and authored a bill earlier this year to promote computer science programs. The field is ripe for young talent, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting 1.3 million job openings in computing by 2022. During the subcommittee hearing, Victoria Espinel, chief executive officer of The Software Alliance, noted that the software industry supports 7,000 jobs and generates more than $800 million in Mississippi.\r\nThis is an exciting time for our state, and I look forward to seeing how AI can continue to transform our communities in positive ways. The possibilities are truly limitless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=174D3863-D1B4-434C-AEBF-E8143929C5E2", "TWO RURAL MISS. HOSPITALS TARGETED FOR ASSISTANCE TO ENSURE CONTINUED ACCESS TO CARE", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced the selection of two rural Mississippi hospitals to receive technical assistance intended to help them ensure continued access to care by improving their financial standing. The Tippah County Hospital (TCH) in Ripley and Sharkey-Issaquena Community Hospital in Rolling Fork are among six health care institutions in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri chosen to participate in the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development (DRCHSD) technical assistance program. Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, championed FY2017 funding for this pilot program with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to provide technical assistance to rural hospitals in the Delta region. Congress appropriated $2.0 million for this effort. This program is intended to help Delta hospitals learn how to ease financial pressures, which have led some community hospitals to close their doors, Cochran said. Im pleased the hospitals in Ripley and Rolling Fork will have an opportunity to adopt practices that could help ensure they are able to continue providing care in their local communities. The Tippah County Hospital is a county-owned critical access hospital, while the Sharkey-Issaquena Community Hospital is a stand-alone prospective payment system acute care facility. The Tippah County facility was cited this week in a Mississippi State Auditor report, Assessing the Financial Health of Mississippis Independent County-Owned Rural Hospitals. Hospitals and clinics selected for the DRCHSD program will take part in a multi-year collaboration with the DRA and Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) to improve financial and operational performance and to enhance telehealth capabilities.  The rural community hospitals will receive technical assistance on more efficient local health care delivery system practices, care coordination, social services integration, emergency medical services access, and workforce recruitment and retention. Other health facilities selected to receive DRCHSD technical assistance include: Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, Natchitoches, La.; Daughters of Charity Services of Arkansas, Dumas Ark.; Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital Hayti, Mo.; and Iron County Hospital in Pilot Knob, Mo.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399393", "Palazzo Commends Committee Passage of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Commends Committee Passage of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 14, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4)today commended the House Natural Resources Committee on passage of H.R. 3588, the Red Snapper Act of which Palazzo is an original co-sponsor, as well as H.R. 200, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which included provisions of The Modern Fish Act that he co-sponsored in April of this year.\r\nFisheriesdata is not being adequately managed on a federal level. This years announcement of the three day snapper season was resounding proof of that. Our fishermen have suffered unfairly from an excessively shrinking snapper season for the past decade, and these bills seek to provide our states with the power they need to manage their own fisheries. Throughout this year, my gulf coast colleagues and I have been successful in working with the new leadership within the Department of Commerce, and finally making strides to provide relief for our recreationalfishermen at home. Todays passage of this legislation in committee is another giant step towards finding a long-term solution to this extremely important issue to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0E2E521F-4954-49D5-9446-B8CA3117F65C", "Senators Support Block Buy of Future Aircraft Carriers", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., were today joined by 15 Senators in sending a letter to Department of Defense Secretary James Mattis expressing their support for the Pentagon\u2019s pursuit to block buy two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in FY2019. \u201cIt is the official policy of the United States government \u2013 and in the interest of our national security \u2013 to meet the Navy\u2019s requirement for 355 ships,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThat requirement includes having a total of 12 aircraft carriers, which are the centerpieces of American power on the seas.\u00a0 Attaining this goal is going to require better procurement strategies and use of taxpayer dollars. Secretary Mattis has my full support to move forward with a block buy for the next two Ford-class carriers.\u201d \u201cCommitting to a block-buy for the newest generation of aircraft carriers would save us both time and money while offering much needed stability to our shipbuilders in Hampton Roads and suppliers across the Commonwealth as they build the ships to meet our nation\u2019s national security needs,\u201d Kaine said. \u201cIt is critical that we ensure tomorrow\u2019s Navy has the next-generation of warships necessary to meet our future challenges around the world, and this procurement strategy will ensure that our flexible force continues to be ready and agile.\u201d In addition to Wicker and Kaine, the letter was signed by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Tim Scott, R-S.C., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Luther Strange, R-Ala., Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Mark Warner, D-Va. The letter reads in full: Dear Secretary Mattis, As you continue preparation of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for the Department of Defense, we write to express our support for the block buy of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers.\u00a0 It is our understanding that the Navy and industry have been evaluating the feasibility of block-buy for CVN-80 and CVN-81, as well as the potential cost savings from such a procurement strategy.\u00a0 We applaud the Department of Defense\u2019s efforts to examine smarter and more efficient acquisition approaches and would actively support the Department\u2019s pursuit of a block buy of Ford-class aircraft carriers in Fiscal Year 2019. Previous block-buys have yielded savings of several percent of the total cost of the ships when compared to annual procurements, which could be in excess of $1 billion for two Ford-class carriers. Total savings could grow to something closer to $2 billion if the procurement intervals between the ships are additionally shortened from five-year centers to three- or four-year centers, which would be consistent with the Navy's goal of achieving and maintaining the 12-carrier force called for in the Navy's 355-ship requirement. In light of the increased budgetary demands placed on the Department, we believe that revisiting a proven acquisition method, one that could be executed without reducing funding for other vital shipbuilding programs, is not only warranted, but a sound investment.\u00a0 As recent events in the Pacific have shown, our nation's carrier fleet is under considerable demand, with 3 of 11 deployed and 7 of 11 carriers underway in recent weeks.\u00a0 A block-buy of Ford-class will help the Navy achieve its objective of 12 carriers that better meets combatant commander requirements and readiness goals to sustain worldwide operations.\u00a0 Additionally, a block-buy would continue to signal to the shipbuilding industrial base about our nation\u2019s resolve to field a 355-ship fleet.\u00a0 Over the past 25 years, our shipbuilding industrial base has undergone a massive consolidation.\u00a0 The community, which used to tap into more than 17,000 suppliers now relies on fewer than 3,000 across the country. These remaining suppliers would significantly benefit from the predictability and stability of a known future workload.\u00a0 We believe the stability offered by a block-buy approach would enable suppliers to develop greater efficiencies and invest in their own businesses, which would further benefit other Navy shipbuilding programs as well. At the forefront of today\u2019s Navy is the Nimitz class carrier and Virginia-class submarine, both of which are successful products of block-buy type initiatives.\u00a0 As we look to the next 50 years, we believe a wise investment of our precious defense dollars would be in the time-proven acquisition method of block-buy for our next generation of aircraft carrier. Thank you for your consideration and service to our country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BF2C35B0-464C-424D-BAC8-255B0B2CFA8C", "Wicker Responds to FCC Vote on Open Internet", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve the \u201cRestoring Internet Freedom Order\u201d:\r\n\u201cThe internet has thrived since its creation without being classified as a public-utility under a Depression-era regulatory framework. However, common ground exists. All sides agree that we want to keep the internet free, open, and vibrant. I believe that under Chairman Pai\u2019s leadership, this is again possible. The FCC\u2019s vote to restore a light-touch to the internet should also kick-start the legislative process in Congress. I am eager to get to work and pass a long-term solution that will protect the internet, encourage innovation, boost investment, and close the digital divide.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D507341A-32E1-45AF-B7F4-56C01E71F8A3", "Wicker, Hassan Introduce Internet of Things Consumer TIPS Act", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., today introduced the \u201cInternet of Things Consumer Tips to Improve Personal Security Act (IOT Consumer TIPS Act) of 2017,\u201d S. 2234, a bill that would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop cyber-security resources for consumers, addressing how consumers can protect themselves against cybercriminals targeting internet-connected devices, widely known as the \u201cInternet of Things (IoT).\u201d This is part of a broader effort by the Senators to improve cybersecurity.\r\n\u201cWith the holiday season upon us, many consumers are buying the latest internet-connected devices for their loved ones. As these devices enter the marketplace, it is important that Americans know how to protect themselves from cybercriminals,\u201d Senator Wicker said. \u201cIf enacted, this legislation would help consumers learn a few simple tricks to help guard against potential cyber intrusions.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs more and more devices that we rely upon in our daily lives become interconnected and internet-accessible, we must enhance our cybersecurity and prevent the ability of hackers to disrupt our economy and the flow of information,\u201d Senator Hassan said. \u201cThere is a lot that consumers can do to protect themselves and their internet-connected devices from cyberattacks. By helping to develop cybersecurity resources for consumer education and awareness around devices that are part of the Internet of Things, the bipartisan TIPS Act is a critical step we can take to strengthen our cyber defenses.\u201d\r\nThe IOT Consumer TIPS Act would foster consumer confidence in IoT devices by providing resources for consumers to protect their devices from cybercriminals. IoT devices include connected appliances and machines such as refrigerators, thermostats, cars, lights, home security cameras, and wearable technology including watches and clothes. Studies estimate that there will be 8.4 billion connected things in use in 2017 and over 20 billion IoT devices will be in use by 2020. With the increasing number of IoT devices, cyber-attacks have become increasingly prevalent as consumers often lack the knowledge necessary to prevent simple cyber intrusions.\r\nSpecifically, the legislation would require the FTC to develop resources on their website to help consumers:\r\n \r\nIdentify the scope of security support from IoT device vendor after purchase;\r\nInitiate or set-up an IoT device for use;\r\nUpdate the software of an IoT device during operation or use;\r\nRecover or fix compromised IoT devices;\r\nReset, delete, or modify data collected or retained by an IoT device when it is no longer in use; and\r\nAccess security services, tools or platforms that may help consumers manage connected devices.\r\n \r\nRead the full legislation here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=03DFBB46-7DEC-4B62-9209-89E23646437C", "Wicker Announces Safety Update for Navy Training Jets", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Seapower, which has jurisdiction over the Navy and naval aviation, today issued an update on efforts to fix safety issues with the oxygen systems on T-45 naval training jets. Some pilots operating these particular jets have experienced physiological episodes (PE), such as losing oxygen, breathing contaminated oxygen, or undergoing cockpit decompression.\r\n\u201cResponding to congressional directives, the Navy is working diligently to identify the root causes, and mitigate the effects, of the physiological episodes on our pilots,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cEvery T-45 jet should be now equipped with a new oxygen-level monitoring system by February. Combined with other recent upgrades, this step should help alert pilots to dangerous declines in oxygen production or pressure levels.\u00a0The Navy has also grounded any T-45 lacking the full collection of modifications. In addition, the Navy is developing a new automatic backup oxygen system scheduled for future installation across the T-45 fleet.\u201d\r\nOn Tuesday, President Trump signed into law a proposal authored by Wicker to help military officials identify the cause of these physiological episodes. The plan would authorize the Secretary of Defense to offer a $10 million prize \u2013 similar to the X Prize \u2013 to incentivize the brightest minds in academia and industry to help find the root cause or causes of PE. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer endorsed the idea during his confirmation hearing in July.\r\nIn April, Wicker conducted a field hearing with Navy officials and pilots stationed at the Naval Air Station in Meridian to discuss safety issues with the T-45 training jets used at the base. Wicker also met with Navy personnel in his Washington office following reports that some Navy instructor pilots were exercising their right to opt out of training flights because of these potential safety issues.\r\nAlthough contaminated oxygen was initially thought to be the major cause of PE in T-45s, testing has revealed that insufficient air flow is the biggest contributing factor.\u00a0 In other words, PE in T-45s is primarily an \u201cair quantity\u201d issue rather than an \u201cair quality\u201d issue. Naval officials are working to ensure a steady flow of breathing air to the cockpit, as well as giving pilots timely and accurate alerts.\r\nT-45 training jets are used at the Naval Air Stations based in Meridian, Miss., Pensacola, Fla., and Kingsville, Texas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3792C068-D1B9-4C8C-9934-73AEF163A471", "Wicker Receives Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Award", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today received the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Freedom to Fly Award in recognition of his support for general aviation.\r\n\u201cI am honored to accept the \u2018Freedom to Fly\u2019 award from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cGeneral aviation provides much-needed support for essential air services in our rural communities. I will continue to be an advocate for Mississippi\u2019s rural airports while working to improve the aviation experiences of all Americans.\u201d\r\nWicker has been a longtime supporter of general aviation and rural airports in Mississippi. In June, Wicker supported the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill that included an amendment he sponsored to guarantee federal support for rural airports. Wicker also targeted support for rural airports in a hearing on the effects of privatizing air traffic control.\r\nFounded in 1939, the AOPA represents the largest aviation community in the world and supports education and advocacy for general aviation, which includes all civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services or air transport for hire.\r\nAttendees at today\u2019s award presentation included:\r\n \r\nMark Baker, President & CEO, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA)\r\nJim Coon, SVP, Government Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6816974C-B590-4A88-8A14-330FBFF7BB95", "Wicker Proposal for 355 Ships Signed Into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced that his bicameral, bipartisan \u201cSecuring the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas (SHIPS) Act\u201d was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump as part of the FY2018 \u201cNational Defense Authorization Act\u201d (NDAA). Wicker\u2019s proposal makes it the official policy of the United States to achieve the Navy\u2019s minimum requirement for a 355-ship fleet. Currently, only 279 ships are in the battle fleet. Wicker is Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee.\r\n\u201cWith his signature, President Trump has confirmed the United States\u2019 resolve to meet the growing needs of our U.S. Navy,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cBuilding up our nation\u2019s fleet is essential to protecting our national security and projecting American power around the globe. We are asking too few ships to do too many things, and today the President took a major step toward rectifying that problem. In the coming weeks, I look forward to working with my colleagues to put together a budget that fully supports our American military personnel and keeps us focused on our goal to achieve a full 355-ship fleet.\u201d\r\nThe defense bill authorizes nearly $700 billion in funding for America\u2019s service members, military installations, and industrial base. The bill includes a nearly $5 billion increase for shipbuilding above President Trump\u2019s budget request, and gives active-duty military personnel a 2.4 percent pay raise.\r\nThe bill also makes permanent the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments to surviving military spouses. The more than 60,000 Americans whose spouses died either on active duty or during retirement will continue to receive $310 per month plus cost-of-living-adjustment indefinitely.\r\nAdditional provisions added by Wicker to the defense bill that could impact Mississippi include:\r\nCapital Region\r\n \r\nEncouraging the Navy to continue developing cutting-edge electronic jammer technology.\u00a0 Jammers prevent enemy air defenses from detecting and shooting down American fighter and bomber planes.\u00a0\r\n \r\nGolden Triangle\r\n \r\nDirecting the Air Force to study opportunities to increase use of civilian airports to support pilot training, which could inform how Columbus Air Force Base makes cooperative agreements with nearby airports; and\r\nMandating that the Pentagon reviews its protected vehicle inventory, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.\r\n \r\nGulf Coast\r\n \r\nAuthorizing multiyear procurement contract authority to allow the Navy to buy up to 15 DDG-51 Flight III Destroyers;\r\nAuthorizing $1.75 billion funding for an additional Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer (DDG-51) plus $250 million to buy long-lead items;\r\nAuthorizing $1.5 billion in funding for an additional Marine Corps amphibious transport ship (LPD-30);\r\nEncouraging the Navy to accelerate procurement of 9th Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA-9); and\r\nRequiring the Navy to evaluate expanding its test and training range locations for unmanned maritime systems.\r\n \r\nWicker also added a provision to the defense bill to help military officials identify the cause of recent physiological episodes (PE) experienced by Navy and Marine Corps pilots at NAS Meridian and other training facilities. The plan would authorize the Secretary of Defense to offer a $10 million prize \u2013 similar to the XPrize \u2013 to incentivize the brightest minds in academia and industry to help find the root cause or causes of PE.\r\nThe defense bill also includes a proposal spearheaded by Wicker and Sen. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to allow National Guardsmen, Reservists, and their dependents to sign up for TRICARE 90 days prior to deployment and keep TRICARE for 90 days after they return.\u00a0 Currently, Guardsmen and Reservists have no lead time to switch their families to TRICARE and no grace period when they come home.\r\nAnother Wicker-sponsored provision would require the TRICARE pharmacy contractor to update its prescription drug-pricing standard regularly, something that Medicare Part D sponsors already do. \u00a0This would result in greater drug price transparency for beneficiaries and community pharmacists, as well as lead to more access to cost-effective generic drugs.\r\nFinally, Wicker and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., were successful in adding their proposal to improve the nation\u2019s cybersecurity workforce pipeline by expanding and enhancing an existing federal scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity fields. The \u201cCyber Scholarship Opportunities Act\u201d would expand and improve the National Science Foundation\u2019s (NSF) CyberCorps: Scholarship-for-Service program, which provides ROTC-style scholarships to students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, helps colleges and universities develop cybersecurity programs, and sponsors cyber boot camps for K-12 students to increase cyber literacy among America\u2019s youth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=797B344B-FD1B-4A30-B07D-FBE41145EE66", "Wicker Convenes Hearing on Artificial Intelligence Technologies", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today conducted a hearing to explore the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the digital economy and best practices to ensure proper use of this technology.\r\nDr. Cindy Bethel, an Associate Professor at Mississippi State University\u2019s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, participated in today\u2019s hearing.\r\nIn his opening statement, Wicker said, \u201cThe excitement surrounding this technology is deserved. AI has the potential to transform our economy.\u00a0 AI\u2019s ability to process and sort through troves of data can greatly inform human decision-making and processes across industries, including agriculture, health care, and transportation. In turn, businesses can be more productive, profitable, and efficient in their operations.\r\n\u201cAs AI systems mature and become more accurate in their descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive capabilities, there are issues that should be addressed to ensure the responsible development and use of this technology.\u00a0 Some of these issues include: understanding how data is gathered; what data is provided for an intelligent machine to analyze; and how algorithms are programmed by humans to make certain predictions.\u00a0 Moreover, understanding how the human end-user interacts with or responds to the digital decision \u2013 and how humans interpret or explain decisions of the AI system over time \u2013 will also need to be addressed.\u201d\r\nThe software industry supports 7,000 jobs in Mississippi and contributes more than $800 million to the state\u2019s economy.\r\nOther witnesses at today\u2019s hearing included:\r\n \r\nMr. Daniel Castro, Vice President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation;\r\nMs. Victoria Espinel, Chief Executive Officer, BSA \u2013 The Software Alliance;\r\nDr. Edward Felten, Ph.D., Robert E. Kahn Professor of Computer Science and Public Affairs, Princeton University; and\r\nDr. Dario Gil, Ph.D., Vice President, IBM Research AI and IBM Q, IBM.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8F18A978-6174-4139-8D82-C66C730D3DEA", "Wicker, Cardin Name Kyle Parker to Lead U.S. Helsinki Commission Staff", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., have announced the joint appointment of Kyle Parker as the Senate Staff Director for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission).\r\n\u201cThe U.S. Helsinki Commission continues to be a force for promoting basic human rights and fundamental freedoms,\u201d Senator Wicker said. \u201cKyle Parker is an accomplished foreign affairs professional with 18 years of experience in directing policy and managing foreign affairs staff. His proven ability to navigate complex international policy problems and build consensus between divergent parties makes him uniquely suited to advance America\u2019s best interests on a global stage. Kyle and I have enjoyed a close working relationship for a long time, and I have always respected his counsel on issues of great importance. I am confident he will lead the Commission with honor and distinction.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is great to welcome Kyle back to the U.S. Helsinki Commission family. His years of public service and experience helping to advance our country\u2019s bipartisan international leadership on democracy, human rights and good governance will be a strong asset to the Commission,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cAlong with Senator Wicker, I am proud that we will have someone with Kyle\u2019s depth of knowledge of European issues and hands-on experience with Russia and anti-corruption measures at the helm of the U.S. Helsinki Commission at this critical moment. Combined with his strong legislative skills and proven successes, Kyle will be able to step into this new role ready from Day One.\u201d\r\nKyle Parker will serve as an advisor to Senators Wicker and Cardin, Chairman and Senate Ranking Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, respectively.\u00a0 He will manage a professional staff charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through the promotion of human rights and the rule of law as well as economic, environmental, and military cooperation across the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The U.S. Helsinki Commission is a bipartisan, bicameral, Congressional-Executive branch agency comprised of nine members each from the Senate and House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.\r\n\u201cWorking with Helsinki Commissioners to create the Magnitsky Act remains the highlight of my career. What began in 2009, as a long shot, is now a movement redefining human rights advocacy around the world, and it all started right here,\u201d Parker said.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to have the confidence of Senators Wicker and Cardin and excited to be returning to the Commission at a time when its mandate is central to managing many of the security challenges facing the United States. The Commission\u2019s staff of world-class experts has an institutional memory that is rare in this city of constant transition. A step removed from the partisan grind on Capitol Hill, the Commission has the space to think beyond the latest headlines and craft innovative solutions to difficult problems. Whether defending the principle of the territorial integrity of states in the face of Russia\u2019s violent occupation of Ukraine, protecting the U.S. investment in peace in the Balkans, or using parliamentary diplomacy to combat the modern slave trade, the Helsinki Commission wields the transformative power of our values in the service of our national interests.\u201d\r\nParker most recently served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee as Ranking Member Eliot Engel\u2019s top expert overseeing U.S. foreign policy toward the 50 countries and three international organizations (NATO, OSCE and EU) covered by the Department of State\u2019s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. From 2006 to 2014, Parker served as Policy Advisor for Eurasia at the U.S. Helsinki Commission. Appointed during the Chairmanship of U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, Parker directed hearings and investigations, developed legislation, and staffed Senators and Representatives from both parties. Prior to entering public service, Parker worked for the American Foreign Policy Council managing high-level political exchanges with post-Soviet states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=BA2B4CA3-1984-4611-B46C-23FB3CEBE1FD", "Wicker Commemorates Mississippis Bicentennial", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A few weeks ago, my wife, Gayle, had an idea about how we should decorate the Christmas tree in my Senate office.\u00a0 She suggested that we should ask a Mississippi school if their students would be willing to create ornaments celebrating our state and its bicentennial.\u00a0 Like some of the ornaments you might have on your Christmas tree at home, these would be handmade, special, and unique.\r\nOrnaments Showcase Skills of Art and STEM Students\r\nThe ornament idea was pitched to Gulfport High School, and the administration, faculty, and students have followed up beyond all expectations.\u00a0 Students and faculty in multiple academic departments worked collaboratively, brainstorming, designing, planning, and producing an impressive collection of wood, acrylic, ceramic, and decoupage ornaments.\r\nThere are ornaments celebrating Mississippi authors, such as Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, and William Faulkner. \u00a0There are also ornaments that pay tribute to celebrities like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Jim Henson. \u00a0There are even ornaments featuring our state\u2019s wildlife, agricultural commodities, and universities, as well as a few that reflect our vibrant Gulf Coast.\r\nThe ornaments showcase the artistic and technical skills of the students at Gulfport High School, which has reorganized its educational curriculum in recent years and just finished a major, multimillion-dollar renovation. \u00a0Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are encouraged to learn critical vocational skills through the school\u2019s career-oriented Academic Institutes. \u00a0The ornament project was truly interdisciplinary, engaging students studying arts and ceramics, construction technology, and engineering. \u00a0It also encompassed nontraditional materials and processes, with engineering students using a 3-D printer to create the treetop star.\r\nHistory, Civil Rights Museums Open in Jackson\r\nMississippi\u2019s bicentennial on December 10 is an important moment for our state. \u00a0Although the history of this land and its inhabitants stretches far beyond our 200 years of statehood, our ancestors made a pivotal decision in 1817 to form a constitution and join America\u2019s great democratic experiment as the 20th state. We became part of a growing nation that would go on to be the greatest the world has ever seen.\r\nThis 200-year milestone is made even more special by the much-anticipated grand opening of 2 Mississippi Museums in Jackson. \u00a0Sitting side by side and covering some 200,000 square feet in our capital city, the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will offer visitors and Mississippians alike an engaging way to learn about our state\u2019s dynamic past and the many notable people who have called it home. \u00a0In the Museum of Mississippi History, visitors will be able to see relics that trace back thousands of years. \u00a0In the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, visitors will get a powerful, in-depth look at Mississippi\u2019s story from 1945 to 1976, when our state was at the center of the nationwide struggle for equality and justice.\r\nI am grateful to have participated in bicentennial celebrations across our state throughout this year, including in my native Pontotoc.\u00a0 Mississippi is my home and the home of my children and grandchildren.\u00a0 It is a place for families, and I hope that this will shine through as generations of Mississippians gather to commemorate this momentous occasion for our state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FB6AF4FE-5BBE-4135-8965-544168764408", "COCHRAN PRAISES OPENING OF CIVIL RIGHTS & HISTORY MUSEUMS FOR STATES BICENTENNIAL", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement to mark the dedication and opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson on Saturday: \u201cThe opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum represents a seminal event in the bicentennial of our beloved state. \u201cThese two institutions give Mississippians and visitors from around the world a setting for learning about the people and experiences that make up our collective story. \u201cI believe understanding Mississippi\u2019s past is indispensable to help us create a better future for new generations.\u00a0 The rich parade of our state\u2019s history has a tendency to prompt study and reflection, mourning and celebration.\u00a0 Interpreting all aspects of our heritage, the good and the bad, is essential to continuing to improve our state. \u201cI commend everyone who has worked toward the opening of these state-of-the-art museums.\u00a0 The people of Mississippi should be proud of them today and well into the future.\u201d Cochran and Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, co-authored a 2013 column, \u201cTwo museums commemorate shared history,\u201d to promote the significance of the museums and Mississippi\u2019s importance to American history and culture.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=71DDEE81-C16E-484B-905F-4DEA1E1A904F", "COCHRAN:  CONTINUING RESOLUTION KEY TO BUDGET AGREEMENT", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today encouraged Senators to support a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government through Dec. 22.\r\n  \u201cWe need this legislation to give Congress and the administration additional time to agree on responsible spending levels for the current fiscal year and beyond.\u00a0 We have known for some time that such an agreement is necessary.\u00a0 I hope the December 22 backstop will facilitate an agreement that will enable the Congress to provide funding for important national security and domestic priorities,\u201d Cochran said. \u201cI encourage Senators to support this continuing resolution.\u00a0 The Appropriations Committees on both sides of the Hill are ready to work constructively to write full-year appropriations legislation that serves the best interests of our nation and its citizens,\u201d he said. The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the new two-week continuing resolution by a 235-193 vote.\u00a0 The Senate will next consider the measure. Government agencies and programs are currently funded through a continuing resolution which expires at midnight Friday, Dec. 8.\r\n###\r\nUPDATE:\u00a0 The Senate passed the continuing resolution by a 81-14 vote Thursday evening.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9E4EC6D4-F768-423E-9DC6-DF8AE8169356", "SENATORS ANNOUNCE SENATE PASSAGE OF MISSISSIPPI BICENTENNIAL RESOLUTION", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today announced Senate passage of their resolution recognizing Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial and honoring the state\u2019s significant contributions to the culture, governance, and intellect of the United States. \u201cCongressional resolutions are important for commemorating special occasions and historic milestones such as Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial, and I am thankful the U.S. Senate could join Senator Cochran and me in celebrating our beloved state on this momentous occasion,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cHowever, resolutions alone will never fully capture the richness of our state\u2019s history. I am honored to join my fellow Mississippians in the opening of Mississippi\u2019s Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History this weekend.\u201d \u201cMississippians are right to be proud of the contributions we have made, and continue to make, to the American story.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased the Senate has approved this resolution, which calls national attention to 200 years of history and culture in our great state,\u201d Cochran said. December 10, 2017, marks the 200th anniversary of the day the United States approved the Mississippi Constitution and accepted the State of Mississippi as the 20th State of the Union. Wicker and Cochran timed the passage of their resolution to coincide with the week of festivities honoring Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial, including the opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Miss. Read the full bicentennial resolution below. Title: Recognizing the bicentennial of the State of Mississippi on December 10, 2017.  Whereas December 10, 2017, marks a historic bicentennial, denoting 200 years since the State of Mississippi was admitted to the Union; Whereas this momentous occasion marks a time for Mississippians and all people of the United States to remember the past and celebrate the future, including the significant contributions of the State of Mississippi to the culture, governance, and intellect of the United States; Whereas on March 1, 1817, President James Monroe signed into law \u201cAn Act to enable the people of the western part of the Mississippi territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such state into the union, on an equal footing with the original states\u201d (3 Stat. 348, chapter 23), setting the boundaries for the State of Mississippi; Whereas on December 10, 1817, the United States approved the Mississippi Constitution and admitted the State of Mississippi as the 20th State of the Union; Whereas the history of Mississippi is most deeply rooted in the people and land of Mississippi, which has produced a unique and rich culture distinct from any other State; Whereas in the 200 years since the birth of Mississippi as a sovereign State, the citizens of Mississippi have made many significant achievements in agriculture, art, cuisine, industry, literature, music, science, and many other important areas; Whereas Mississippians have shown their patriotism to the United States through their dedicated service to the protection of the United States through every major conflict; Whereas the land of Mississippi has produced crops, timber, and protein for the United States and the world while surviving the devastation of hurricanes and other natural disasters over the course of the history of Mississippi; and Whereas the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration Commission is dedicated to celebrating all aspects of the past 200 years of history of Mississippi as a State and has planned numerous major events in coordination with communities, which will culminate on December 9, 2017, with the grand opening of\u2014 \u00a0\u00a0 (1) the Museum of Mississippi History; and  \u00a0\u00a0 (2) the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum:  Now, therefore, be it  Resolved, That the Senate\u2014 \u00a0\u00a0 (1) recognizes the momentous occasion of the bicentennial of the State of Mississippi on December 10, 2017;  \u00a0\u00a0 (2) encourages all Mississippians to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and  \u00a0\u00a0 (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to\u2014  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (A) the Governor of Mississippi;  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (B) the National Archives; and  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (C) the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. \r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=10A80083-D453-409B-AAE6-79A17A87809D", "Wicker, Cochran Announce Senate Passage of Mississippi Bicentennial Resolution", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today announced Senate passage of their resolution recognizing Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial and honoring the state\u2019s significant contributions to the culture, governance, and intellect of the United States.\r\n\u201cCongressional resolutions are important for commemorating special occasions and historic milestones such as Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial, and I am thankful the U.S. Senate could join Senator Cochran and me in celebrating our beloved state on this momentous occasion,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cHowever, resolutions alone will never fully capture the richness of our state\u2019s history. I am honored to join my fellow Mississippians in the opening of Mississippi\u2019s Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History this weekend.\u201d\r\n\u201cMississippians are right to be proud of the contributions we have made, and continue to make, to the American story.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased the Senate has approved this resolution, which calls national attention to 200 years of history and culture in our great state,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nDecember 10, 2017, marks the 200th anniversary of the day the United States approved the Mississippi Constitution and accepted the State of Mississippi as the 20th State of the Union.\r\nWicker and Cochran timed the passage of their resolution to coincide with the week of festivities honoring Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial, including the opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Miss.\r\nRead the full bicentennial resolution below.\r\nTitle: Recognizing the bicentennial of the State of Mississippi on December 10, 2017.\r\nWhereas December 10, 2017, marks a historic bicentennial, denoting 200 years since the State of Mississippi was admitted to the Union;\r\nWhereas this momentous occasion marks a time for Mississippians and all people of the United States to remember the past and celebrate the future, including the significant contributions of the State of Mississippi to the culture, governance, and intellect of the United States;\r\nWhereas on March 1, 1817, President James Monroe signed into law \u201cAn Act to enable the people of the western part of the Mississippi territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such state into the union, on an equal footing with the original states\u201d (3 Stat. 348, chapter 23), setting the boundaries for the State of Mississippi;\r\nWhereas on December 10, 1817, the United States approved the Mississippi Constitution and admitted the State of Mississippi as the 20th State of the Union;\r\nWhereas the history of Mississippi is most deeply rooted in the people and land of Mississippi, which has produced a unique and rich culture distinct from any other State;\r\nWhereas in the 200 years since the birth of Mississippi as a sovereign State, the citizens of Mississippi have made many significant achievements in agriculture, art, cuisine, industry, literature, music, science, and many other important areas;\r\nWhereas Mississippians have shown their patriotism to the United States through their dedicated service to the protection of the United States through every major conflict;\r\nWhereas the land of Mississippi has produced crops, timber, and protein for the United States and the world while surviving the devastation of hurricanes and other natural disasters over the course of the history of Mississippi; and\r\nWhereas the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration Commission is dedicated to celebrating all aspects of the past 200 years of history of Mississippi as a State and has planned numerous major events in coordination with communities, which will culminate on December 9, 2017, with the grand opening of\u2014\r\n(1) the Museum of Mississippi History; and\r\n(2) the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum:\r\nNow, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\r\n(1) recognizes the momentous occasion of the bicentennial of the State of Mississippi on December 10, 2017;\r\n(2) encourages all Mississippians to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and\r\n(3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to\u2014\r\n(A) the Governor of Mississippi;\r\n(B) the National Archives; and\r\n(C) the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=17BC475B-1D3F-48CE-9E2A-C953A4842AE7", "Wicker Asks VA Secretary to Address Physician Appeals System", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin urging him to review VA policy and relevant U.S. laws regarding the removal of doctors who have been deemed clinically incompetent.\r\nThe letter states, in part:\r\n\u201cWorking with the VA, Congress passed important accountability reform legislation in August. However, this legislation - the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act - did not address the full scope of the process necessary to removing VA physicians for clinical competence reasons. The circumstances of Dr. Eleraky's case and reinstatement demonstrate the need for further reform. I support your ongoing effort to reviewing potential policy and legislative changes regarding the removal of unqualified physicians.\u201d\r\nWicker\u2019s letter is in response to recent revelations regarding the firing and subsequent reinstatement in April 2017 of Dr. Mohamed Eleraky at the Jackson VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Jackson, Miss. The neurosurgeon was fired in August 2016 and was suspended from performing surgeries or seeing patients following a botched spinal fusion surgery in 2013.\r\nThe VA has paid Eleraky more than $1 million over the course of 3\u00bd years, during which he has not performed any surgeries.\r\nRead the Senator\u2019s full letter to Sec. Shulkin here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AD16DA9D-151F-47E4-A82D-E3BE7706D985", "Miss. Lawmakers Announce USDA Funding to Upgrade Rural Water Systems", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators\u00a0 Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and\u00a0Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and\u00a0Representatives Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Trent Kelly, R-Miss., today announced more than $6.8 million in federal grants and low-interest loans to improve water and wastewater systems for three rural Mississippi communities.\r\nU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved $1.53 million in grants and $5.33 million in loans to finance system upgrades in rural areas of Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston Counties.\u00a0 The funding is provided through the Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants Program.\r\n\u201cStrong public utilities are important for any community to thrive,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad these deserving Mississippi communities can soon take steps to improve their water infrastructure and provide safe, clean water to their residents.\u201d\r\n\u201cRural Development loans and grants help rural communities update and expand water infrastructure.\u00a0 Reliable water and wastewater services are important for quality of life and economic growth in rural Mississippi,\u201d\u00a0Cochran\u00a0said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m pleased this financial assistance will be put to good use in our state.\u201d\r\n\u201cWater and wastewater systems are vital to ensuring our rural communities are safe and sustainable,\u201d said Harper.\u00a0 \u201cI am glad that these funds will go toward improving water infrastructure for the hardworking Mississippi residents and businesses in Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston counties.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is important that we properly maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure across Mississippi,\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cThese funds will help improve quality of life for residents and business owners.\u201d\r\nThe Toomsuba Water System in Lauderdale County will receive $3.0 million ($1.92 million loan, $1.23 million grant) for a well, pressure filters, backwash tank, detention tank, aerator, sludge pond, concrete control chemical building, chlorinator building and improvements to the water treatment plant.\r\nThe Mooreville-Richmond Water Association in Lee County was awarded a $2.0 million loan for a new well, generator, chemical building and equipment, and distribution upgrades.\u00a0\r\nThe Liberty Plattsburg Waster Association in Winston County was awarded a total of $2.42 million ($1.4 million loan, $416,000 grant) to construct a new 300 GPM water well and new treatment plant.\u00a0 The association is contributing $600,000 toward this effort.\r\nEach loan is for a 40-year term at 1.875 percent interest.\r\nThe Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants program is designed to help rural areas, towns and tribal communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer.\u00a0 The program is intended to help ensure better access to reliable drinking water and wastewater systems for rural residents and businesses.\r\n\u00a0\r\nUSDA Rural Development Awards Grants, Loans to Improve Water and Wastewater Systems in Lauderdale, Lee & Winston Counties", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B6A9E50A-7E0B-4BDD-AF67-3D8F66F0E1CE", "Wicker Presents Congressional Award Medals to Mississippi Students", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today presented Congressional Award medals to seven students. The Congressional Award is Congress\u2019s highest honor for youth.\r\nTo achieve a bronze, silver, or gold Congressional Award medal, each student sets goals for personal achievement in four areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition or exploration. Students are expected to work with parents, teachers, and other adult mentors to achieve their personal goals.\r\nStudents must complete at least 200, 400, or 800 hours of work for the bronze, silver, and gold levels of achievement, respectively.\r\nThe students are scheduled to travel to New York City, where they will present a play intended to help students combat bullying at several elementary schools.\r\nHeadquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Congressional Awards were established by Congress in 1979 and are administered by a public-private partnership that raises its operating budget entirely from private-sector donations.\r\nAward recipients at today\u2019s ceremony included:\r\n \r\nShelby Lindsey, Bronze Medalist, Shannon, Miss.\r\nLane Mitchel, Gold Medalist, New Albany, Miss.\r\nJackson Crist, Silver Medalist, New Albany, Miss.\r\nTaylor Noelle Fields, Silver Medalist, Aberdeen, Miss.\r\nT\u2019ajahlon White, Silver Medalist, Shannon, Miss.\r\nTashunti Trice, Silver Medalist, Shannon, Miss.\r\nCallie Shae Philips, Silver Medalist, Tupelo, Miss.\r\n \r\nView more photos and video from today\u2019s award presentation below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DF33D50B-774D-4A45-AD7E-CB97269C2948", "Wicker Statement on President Trumps Visit to Mississippi", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement upon confirmation of President Donald Trump\u2019s intent to visit Mississippi to celebrate the state\u2019s bicentennial:\r\n\u201cThe President of the United States is welcome in Mississippi. His visit to celebrate our bicentennial would give our state an incredible opportunity to showcase the people and stories that make our state so unique.\u201d\r\nWicker is scheduled to attend the opening of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights museum on Saturday along with other distinguished guests.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EFDB3D4C-F6F5-4CCD-915B-5CD481B7C8E2", "Wicker Supports Presidents Decision to Move American Embassy to Jerusalem", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement in support of President Trump\u2019s decision to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:\r\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s courageous decision to relocate America\u2019s embassy to Jerusalem is long overdue.\u00a0 I supported bipartisan legislation to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 1995 as a freshman member of the House of Representatives. I believe now what I did then: Jerusalem is the eternal and undivided home of the Jewish people. We should treat Israel like we do every other country and locate our embassy in its capital city.\u00a0\r\n\u201cConcerns that moving the embassy will endanger negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians distract from the real and enduring threats to peace \u2013 the continued refusal to acknowledge Israel\u2019s right to exist and the lingering hostility toward the Jewish state from Palestinian leadership and other groups around the world. A peace process that cannot withstand moving the location of America\u2019s embassy was never serious in the first place.\u201d\r\nThe Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 requires the United States to establish its embassy in Jerusalem.\u00a0 Then-Congressman Wicker voted for the legislation, which passed 374-37 in the House of Representatives and 93-5 in the Senate. Currently, the U.S. embassy is located in Tel Aviv, and the United States does not recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital \u2013 despite the fact that Jerusalem has been Israel\u2019s capital since 1950.\u00a0\r\nThe legislation includes a provision for a presidential waiver, which must be renewed every six months. Every U.S. president since President Bill Clinton has signed the waiver, keeping the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is home to several other embassies and is located about an hour outside the capital city of Jerusalem.\r\nPresident Trump has instructed members of his administration to begin the process of moving the embassy to Jerusalem. The process is expected to take several years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1251", "Mississippi lawmakers announce USDA funding to upgrade water and wastewater systems in Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston Counties\n\nDecember 5, 2017 | Posted in Press Releases\n\n\n\nUSDA Rural Development awards grants, loans to improve water and wastewater systems in Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston Counties. Read more \u00bb", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Trent Kelly", "K000388", "trentkelly.house.gov", "trentkelly", "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "USDA Rural Development Awards Grants, Loans to Improve Water and Wastewater Systems in Lauderdale, Lee & Winston Counties\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), today announced more than $6.8 million in federal grants and low-interest loans to improve water and wastewater systems for three rural Mississippi communities.\n\nU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved $1.53 million in grants and $5.33 million in loans to finance system upgrades in rural areas of Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston Counties. The funding is provided through the Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants Program.\n\n\u201cRural Development loans and grants help rural communities update and expand water infrastructure. Reliable water and wastewater services are important for quality of life and economic growth in rural Mississippi,\u201d Cochran said. \u201cI\u2019m pleased this financial assistance will be put to good use in our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cStrong public utilities are important for any community to thrive,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI\u2019m glad these deserving Mississippi communities can soon take steps to improve their water infrastructure and provide safe, clean water to their residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater and wastewater systems are vital to ensuring our rural communities are safe and sustainable,\u201d said Harper. \u201cI am glad that these funds will go toward improving water infrastructure for the hardworking Mississippi residents and businesses in Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston counties.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is important that we properly maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure across Mississippi,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cThese funds will help improve quality of life for residents and business owners.\u201d\n\nThe Toomsuba Water System in Lauderdale County will receive $3.0 million ($1.92 million loan, $1.23 million grant) for a well, pressure filters, backwash tank, detention tank, aerator, sludge pond, concrete control chemical building, chlorinator building and improvements to the water treatment plant.\n\nThe Mooreville-Richmond Water Association in Lee County was awarded a $2.0 million loan for a new well, generator, chemical building and equipment, and distribution upgrades.\n\nThe Liberty Plattsburg Waster Association in Winston County was awarded a total of $2.42 million ($1.4 million loan, $416,000 grant) to construct a new 300 GPM water well and new treatment plant. The association is contributing $600,000 toward this effort.\n\nEach loan is for a 40-year term at 1.875 percent interest.\n\nThe Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants program is designed to help rural areas, towns and tribal communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. The program is intended to help ensure better access to reliable drinking water and wastewater systems for rural residents and businesses.\n\nCongressman Trent Kelly represents Mississippi's First Congressional District. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Committee on Agriculture and he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations for the House Small Business Committee. This is his second term.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-07T14:16:54Z", "2026-04-07T14:20:00Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7D239691-D01D-4A89-9396-007E459E24B7", "MISS. LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE USDA FUNDING TO UPGRADE RURAL WATER SYSTEMS", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), today announced more than $6.8 million in federal grants and low-interest loans to improve water and wastewater systems for three rural Mississippi communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved $1.53 million in grants and $5.33 million in loans to finance system upgrades in rural areas of Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston Counties.\u00a0 The funding is provided through the Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants Program. \u201cRural Development loans and grants help rural communities update and expand water infrastructure.\u00a0 Reliable water and wastewater services are important for quality of life and economic growth in rural Mississippi,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m pleased this financial assistance will be put to good use in our state.\u201d \u201cStrong public utilities are important for any community to thrive,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad these deserving Mississippi communities can soon take steps to improve their water infrastructure and provide safe, clean water to their residents.\u201d \u201cWater and wastewater systems are vital to ensuring our rural communities are safe and sustainable,\u201d said Harper.\u00a0 \u201cI am glad that these funds will go toward improving water infrastructure for the hardworking Mississippi residents and businesses in Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston counties.\u201d \u201cIt is important that we properly maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure across Mississippi,\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cThese funds will help improve quality of life for residents and business owners.\u201d The Toomsuba Water System in Lauderdale County will receive $3.0 million ($1.92 million loan, $1.23 million grant) for a well, pressure filters, backwash tank, detention tank, aerator, sludge pond, concrete control chemical building, chlorinator building and improvements to the water treatment plant. The Mooreville-Richmond Water Association in Lee County was awarded a $2.0 million loan for a new well, generator, chemical building and equipment, and distribution upgrades. The Liberty Plattsburg Waster Association in Winston County was awarded a total of $2.42 million ($1.4 million loan, $416,000 grant) to construct a new 300 GPM water well and new treatment plant.\u00a0 The association is contributing $600,000 toward this effort. Each loan is for a 40-year term at 1.875 percent interest. The Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants program is designed to help rural areas, towns and tribal communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer.\u00a0 The program is intended to help ensure better access to reliable drinking water and wastewater systems for rural residents and businesses.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4CA6BFAB-E15A-47A1-8FE7-8F6FBA19ABBF", "Wicker Statement on Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to Be Secretary of Homeland Security", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior of member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to the confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\r\n\u201cMs. Nielsen is eminently qualified to run this important agency. It is clear that she has the full confidence of the President and former DHS Secretary John Kelly, who is now the White House chief of staff. I am glad she can take charge of her agency and continue her work to keep Americans safe.\u201d\r\nNielsen was nominated by President Donald Trump on October 11, 2017, to replace outgoing DHS Secretary John Kelly.\r\nNielsen previously served as chief of staff to Kelly and as senior legislative policy director for the department\u2019s Transportation and Security Administration (TSA).\r\nNielsen was also part of the White House Homeland Security Council under President George W. Bush\u2019s administration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AF5BFB6D-2FEB-45BC-80FC-9BF4480FDCE8", "Wicker Displays Gulfport High School Christmas Ornaments", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated the start of the Christmas season and the State of Mississippi\u2019s bicentennial by decorating his office Christmas tree with handcrafted, Mississippi-themed ornaments created by students from Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Miss.\r\n\u201cI was blown away by the creativity, skills, and knowledge of Mississippi history demonstrated by the students at Gulfport High School,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThese handcrafted ornaments are a special addition to my D.C. office this Christmas season.\u00a0 They not only showcase the impressive work of our students but also represent the people, icons, and stories that make our state so unique.\u201d\u00a0\r\nGulfport High School recently built a new high school around a career academy concept. All juniors and seniors belong to one of three career academies: Communication, Arts, and Business; Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM); and Health and Human Services. Students from each of the academic divisions crafted ornaments from laser cut wood and glass and traditional ceramics. Students also used the school\u2019s 3-D printer to produce a custom-designed tree topper with embedded battery-operated lights.\r\nSenator Wicker intends to start a holiday tradition by asking one Mississippi school each year to create unique ornaments for the visitors to his Washington office to enjoy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=8B55A46C-83AE-468F-931A-2D17691CA126", "Wicker Proposes Needed Flood Insurance Reforms", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Atlantic hurricane season is officially over. \u00a0November 30 marked the end of a particularly devastating season that produced six major hurricanes at a Category 3 level or higher. \u00a0The National Hurricane Center has classified 2017 as one of its top seven most active hurricane seasons.\r\nThese storms affected millions of Americans, flooding homes and leaving communities in ruin. Hurricane Harvey\u2019s torrential rain over southeast Texas broke historical records. \u00a0Our own Gulf Coast communities suffered damaging floods from the storm surge of Hurricane Nate.\r\nThe National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is used by some five million Americans who live in coastal or flood-prone areas. \u00a0It was created by Congress almost 50 years ago and often serves as the only flood insurance option that Americans have to protect their homes and property.\u00a0 In recent years, however, major storms like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy have put the program\u2019s long-term sustainability at risk. \u00a0Even before Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, Irma, and Nate arrived, NFIP had amassed nearly $25 billion in debt. \u00a0The program is also nearing a critical deadline. \u00a0Congressional reauthorization is needed by December 8.\r\nKeeping Flood Insurance Accessible and Affordable\r\nI have been working on reforms to address NFIP\u2019s financial solvency and future stability. \u00a0Thousands of Mississippians depend on the program. \u00a0This reauthorization is an opportunity to ensure it continues to make flood insurance coverage accessible and affordable.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI turned to the expertise of local officials, industry leaders, and Mississippians when writing the four bills I have introduced to improve NFIP. \u00a0I have also consulted with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Mississippi Insurance Department. \u00a0These are policies that can have a major impact on Mississippians\u2019 lives, and I am determined to ensure that they work in the best interest of our homeowners, small business owners, and communities.\r\nNOAA Nominee Affirms Support for \u2018COASTAL Act\u2019\r\nOne of these bills would build on my \u201cCOASTAL Act,\u201d which became law in 2012. \u00a0That legislation addresses the disputes that can arise over whether properties have been damaged by wind or water. \u00a0Specifically, it requires that scientific data be used by insurance adjusters for making accurate damage assessments. \u00a0My new bill would update the \u201cCOASTAL Act\u201d and offer technical support to NOAA in an effort to expedite implementation of the law.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI asked President Trump\u2019s nominee for NOAA Administrator, Barry Myers, about the \u201cCOASTAL Act\u201d during a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing.\u00a0 I was glad to hear his support for the law\u2019s implementation. \u00a0Accuracy in post-storm assessments is key to providing fair compensation to homeowners and eliminating unnecessary financial burdens on NFIP.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI have also introduced legislation to empower our communities and residents who face flood risks. \u00a0One of these legislative measures would enable small businesses and nonprofits with multiple structures to reallocate insurance surcharges toward flood mitigation. \u00a0Another proposal would ensure that Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is used during the flood mapping process, replacing the archaic maps for some communities in Mississippi.\u00a0 Modernized data can help lower premiums for consumers.\u00a0 A database allowing this information to be shared among federal agencies, states, municipalities, and private partners can save taxpayer dollars.\u00a0 Because consumers deserve the most up-to-date information, I have introduced an additional proposal that would promote continuing education opportunities for insurance agents to stay informed on the latest flood data.\u00a0\r\nI will continue to work with my colleagues on flood insurance reform and hope we can make significant strides soon.\u00a0 The storms of the 2017 hurricane season have demonstrated the extreme devastation that can be wrought and the need to prepare long before the next disaster hits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0E921219-DFF2-464A-854A-1DA0A8C63909", "COCHRAN VOTES TO CUT TAXES, REFORM TAX CODE", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) early Saturday morning voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the first major effort in decades to reform the federal tax code and lower individual, small business, and corporate tax rates. The tax cut legislation was approved by a 51-49 vote.\u00a0 The Senate measure will now move to a conference to reconcile differences with a House-passed measure. \u201cI supported this important legislation because it is the best opportunity in 30 years to improve the federal tax code.\u00a0 The Senate bill would lower taxes for Mississippians.\u00a0 Lowering the tax burden and simplifying the law will also help generate economic growth by making businesses in Mississippi and across the country more competitive. \u201cI look forward to the Senate and House negotiating a final package that can be sent to the President for his signature.\u201d The Senate-passed bill would nearly double the standard deduction for individual and joint tax filers, effectively eliminate the Obamacare individual mandate and associated penalties, increase the child tax credit, and reform the estate tax. The legislation also makes significant and permanent reforms to the tax code for small businesses and corporations.\u00a0 For example, it includes a tax deduction to lower the marginal tax rate applied to pass-through business income for small businesses.\u00a0 For corporations, the bill lowers the tax rate to 20 percent, while also transitioning to a territorial tax system for international operations. The non-partisan Tax Foundation estimates the Senate measure would result in 7,322 new jobs in Mississippi and a $1,808 after-tax income gain for middle-class Mississippi families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A177A353-B131-47A4-B7B5-4692068DBFCB", "Wicker Statement on Passage of Senate GOP Tax Proposal", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement upon passage of the Senate Republicans\u2019 plan for tax reform: \u201cTonight I joined my Senate colleagues to vote to bring this historic legislation one step closer to President Trump\u2019s desk. This proposal would be good for job creation and good for small businesses. It would mean millions of middle-class Americans keep more of their hard-earned dollars. And it would mean that American businesses can compete on a global stage. The next step will be to work with the House of Representatives to iron out differences in our proposals and deliver these tax cuts for the American people.\u201d Yesterday, Wicker participated in a tax reform press conference with members of the Senate, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon, and Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan. The event highlighted the benefits of tax reform, which is expected to create jobs and promote economic growth. Last night, Wicker delivered pre-recorded video remarks to the Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership\u2019s 25th anniversary celebration in Hattiesburg, Miss. Wicker was the keynote speaker but was unable to attend due to late votes in Washington.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399377", "Miss. Lawmakers Requested Ruby Lucas, Widow of Medal of Honor Recipient Jack Lucas, Be Named Co-Sponsor of New Naval Destroyer", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miss. Lawmakers Requested Ruby Lucas, Widow of Medal of Honor Recipient Jack Lucas, Be Named Co-Sponsor of New Naval Destroyer \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 30, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed a decision by Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer to name Ruby Lucas, widow of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Jack Lucas, as a co-sponsor of DDG 125, the USS\u00a0Jack Lucas.\u00a0\r\nSecretary Spencer agreed to name Ruby Lucas as co-sponsor following a formal request from Wicker, Cochran, and Palazzo.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe believe Ms. Lucas fully deserves the honor of being named a co-sponsor for a ship dedicated to the memory of her late husband,\u201d the Mississippi lawmakers\u00a0wrote Spencer.\r\nJack Lucas, who passed away in June 2008, was the youngest Marine and youngest WWII service member to win the Medal of Honor.\u00a0 He was honored for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.\u00a0 Jack Lucas was a longtime resident of Hattiesburg, where Ms. Lucas still resides.\r\nHuntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula will build the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.\u00a0 Ms. Lucas will share co-sponsor responsibilities with Catherine B. Reynolds, who was named the ship\u2019s sponsor by former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus last year.\u00a0 The Ship Ceremonies team from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) informed the USS\u00a0Jack Lucas Commissioning Committee of the change.\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9E9B820F-2CA2-4ABF-B70C-5C37D0D02FD2", "COCHRAN, WICKER, PALAZZO WELCOME SECNAV DECISION ON USS JACK LUCAS", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed a decision by Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer to name Ruby Lucas, widow of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Jack Lucas, as a co-sponsor of DDG 125, the USS Jack Lucas. \u00a0 Secretary Spencer agreed to name Ruby Lucas as co-sponsor following a formal request from Wicker, Cochran, and Palazzo. \u00a0 \u201cWe believe Ms. Lucas fully deserves the honor of being named a co-sponsor for a ship dedicated to the memory of her late husband,\u201d the Mississippi lawmakers wrote Spencer. Jack Lucas, who passed away in June 2008, was the youngest Marine and youngest WWII service member to win the Medal of Honor.\u00a0 He was honored for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.\u00a0 Jack Lucas was a longtime resident of Hattiesburg, where Ms. Lucas still resides. Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula will build the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.\u00a0 Ms. Lucas will share co-sponsor responsibilities with Catherine B. Reynolds, who was named the ship\u2019s sponsor by former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus last year.\u00a0 The Ship Ceremonies team from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) informed the USS Jack Lucas Commissioning Committee of the change.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4717D40F-F864-4219-B373-2E5F6C2EB7F7", "Cochran, Wicker, Palazzo Welcome SECNAV Decision on USS Jack Lucas", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed a decision by Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer to name Ruby Lucas, widow of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Jack Lucas, as a co-sponsor of DDG 125, the USS Jack Lucas.\u00a0\r\nSecretary Spencer agreed to name Ruby Lucas as co-sponsor following a formal request from Wicker, Cochran, and Palazzo.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe believe Ms. Lucas fully deserves the honor of being named a co-sponsor for a ship dedicated to the memory of her late husband,\u201d the Mississippi lawmakers wrote Spencer.\r\nJack Lucas, who passed away in June 2008, was the youngest Marine and youngest WWII service member to win the Medal of Honor.\u00a0 He was honored for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.\u00a0 Jack Lucas was a longtime resident of Hattiesburg, where Ms. Lucas still resides.\r\nHuntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula will build the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.\u00a0 Ms. Lucas will share co-sponsor responsibilities with Catherine B. Reynolds, who was named the ship\u2019s sponsor by former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus last year.\u00a0 The Ship Ceremonies team from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) informed the USS Jack Lucas Commissioning Committee of the change.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C26256F2-7284-4B32-9CF2-79CD031C6174", "Wicker Highlights Benefits of Tax Reform for Small Businesses, Mississippians", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., yesterday participated in a tax reform press conference with members of the Senate, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan, and small business owners and American workers. The press event highlighted the benefits of tax reform, which is expected to create jobs and promote economic growth.\r\nDuring the press conference, Wicker said:\r\n\u201cWe don\u2019t have a lot of bipartisan agreements, but we do have a bipartisan agreement that small business drives this economy and what is good for small business is good for this economy. We \u2026 are here to tell you that this tax bill we hope to advance on to the conference committee tonight or early tomorrow is going to be good for job creation and good for small business.\u201d\r\nTonight, the Senate is expected to vote on a series of amendments to the tax reform proposal.\r\nOther participants at today\u2019s press conference included:\r\n \r\nSenator Roy Blunt, R-S.D.\r\nSenator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.\r\nSenator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.\r\nLinda McMahon, SBA Administrator\r\nKaren Kerrigan, President and CEO, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council\r\nAlan Keck, President, Somerset Recycling, Somerset, Ky.\r\nMatthew Ryan Fisher, Your Hobby Place, Martinsburg, W.Va.\r\nChico Evans, Store Manager, Home Depot, Washington, D.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=21438B54-CCF9-4982-A691-74AA3F44F081", "Wicker Statement on North Korean Provocation", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released this statement following the launch of a long-range missile by North Korea on Wednesday:\r\n\u201cYesterday, North Korea tested a long-range missile, the Hwasong-15, which reportedly can strike the entire U.S. homeland.\u00a0 It is only a matter of time before North Korea can integrate a nuclear warhead onto this missile and others in its arsenal.\u00a0 I hope nations around the world will unite behind the U.S. campaign to pressure the North Korean regime.\u00a0 Congress should also act quickly to fund national defense, which would include the President\u2019s $4 billion emergency request for missile defense.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8378FCCC-11CB-45EE-8D92-383F9F6DBD91", "Wicker Secures Commitment From NOAA Nominee on COASTAL Act", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today questioned Barry Myers, President Trump\u2019s nominee to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and the Atmosphere.\r\nWicker asked the nominee about his plan to implement the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses (COASTAL) Act. Introduced by Senator Wicker and signed into law on July 6, 2012, the COASTAL Act was designed to ensure coastal property owners receive fair compensation after devastating storms like Hurricane Katrina. The law would lower costs to the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by requiring NOAA to produce more detailed \u201cpost storm assessments\u201d that can aid insurance adjusters in determining compensation levels for homeowners in the wake of major tropical cyclones that strike U.S. territory. The COASTAL Act is still not fully implemented, which led Wicker to introduce the COASTAL Implementation Act of 2017 (S. 2093). This bill would allow NOAA to better comply the 2012 law.\r\nWicker also asked the nominee to work with him to advance marine aquaculture initiatives. Wicker has been a champion for U.S. domestic aquaculture producers, introducing legislation targeted at better data collection and fisheries management. NOAA would be a key part of any future legislation.\r\nMr. Myers also committed to advancing the use of unmanned maritime systems with NOAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A059FC6E-D80B-4D8B-AF88-9B67493CACAD", "COCHRAN, WICKER, PALAZZO PLEASED WITH DISASTER ASSISTANCE APPROVAL FOR MISS.", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today welcomed President Trump\u2019s approval of Governor Phil Bryant\u2019s request for federal disaster assistance related to damages caused by Hurricane Nate early last month. President Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Mississippi late Nov. 22.\u00a0 Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo endorsed the request in a Nov. 2 letter to President Trump.\u00a0 Bryant declared a state of emergency on Oct. 6 before Hurricane Nate made landfall on the Mississippi coast on Oct. 8. \u201cFollowing severe weather events across the State of Mississippi on October 8, 2017, we request your full consideration of Governor Phil Bryant\u2019s request for an expedited major disaster declaration,\u201d said the lawmakers\u2019 letter, which also outlined activities in the state prior to and following the storm. \u201cThe State of Mississippi is prepared to expend funds in response to this disaster, but federal assistance is necessary due to the severity and magnitude of the disaster,\u201d the letter stated. The presidential declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide Public Assistance funding for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in George, Greene, Harrison, and Jackson counties.\u00a0 It will also permit Hazard Mitigation grant assistance statewide to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards). In his Oct. 27 request, Bryant cited damage caused by Hurricane Nate, which had high winds in excess of 85 miles per hour and an 11-foot storm surge.\u00a0 Severe storm conditions and tornadoes associated with the hurricane resulted in damaged homes and businesses, significant power outages, and widespread debris.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=002637E3-9A62-4968-855C-AFE1A67F2BD8", "Wicker, Cochran, Palazzo Pleased with Disaster Assistance Approval for Mississippi", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed President Trump\u2019s approval of Governor Phil Bryant\u2019s request for federal disaster assistance related to damages caused by Hurricane Nate early last month.\r\nPresident Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Mississippi late Nov. 22.\u00a0 Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo endorsed the request in a Nov. 2 letter to President Trump.\u00a0 Bryant declared a state of emergency on Oct. 6 before Hurricane Nate made landfall on the Mississippi coast on Oct. 8.\r\n\u201cFollowing severe weather events across the State of Mississippi on October 8, 2017, we request your full consideration of Governor Phil Bryant\u2019s request for an expedited major disaster declaration,\u201d said the lawmakers\u2019 letter, which also outlined activities in the state prior to and following the storm.\r\n\u201cThe State of Mississippi is prepared to expend funds in response to this disaster, but federal assistance is necessary due to the severity and magnitude of the disaster,\u201d the letter stated.\r\nThe presidential declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide Public Assistance funding for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in George, Greene, Harrison, and Jackson counties.\u00a0 It will also permit Hazard Mitigation grant assistance statewide to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards).\r\nIn his Oct. 27 request, Bryant cited damage caused by Hurricane Nate, which had high winds in excess of 85 miles per hour and an 11-foot storm surge.\u00a0 Severe storm conditions and tornadoes associated with the hurricane resulted in damaged homes and businesses, significant power outages, and widespread debris.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=56CD05E0-3E61-448A-B119-2BFD400892DD", "Wicker Highlights How Mississippians Could Benefit From Senate Tax Plan", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After months of negotiations and years of hearings, Congress is on track to enact what would be the first major overhaul of the tax system in 30 years.\u00a0 The House of Representatives has passed its version of the bill, and the Senate version has been approved by the Senate Finance Committee.\u00a0 The full Senate is expected to debate the bill in the coming days, where it will be subject to amendments.\r\nI look forward to the bill\u2019s consideration on the Senate floor.\u00a0 This tax reform plan would help American families by expanding the child tax credit to $2,000. \u00a0It would boost the take-home pay of the middle class, lowering tax rates and doubling the standard deduction for individuals and married couples. \u00a0It would give U.S. workers a better chance of a pay raise because businesses could invest in their employees and future growth rather than send more money to Washington. \u00a0\r\nThe goal is to create a tax system that benefits working Americans and their families.\u00a0 According to a state-by-state analysis by the Tax Foundation, the Senate tax plan would positively impact Mississippians, raising median incomes by about $1,800 and adding more than 7,000 jobs. \u00a0\r\nThese numbers, of course, are only predictions at this point. \u00a0How much an individual or family pays in taxes can be affected by various circumstances. \u00a0However, estimate after estimate shows lower taxes for middle-class families under the Republican plan.\u00a0 The independent Joint Committee on Taxation concluded that the middle class would be the plan\u2019s biggest winners.\r\nHere are a few examples of how the plan might affect three different Mississippi households.\r\n \r\nFor the Single Earner. An unmarried worker making $30,000 a year who does not have any children could see a 1.3 percent increase in his take-home pay under the Republican plan. \u00a0By taking the standard deduction, his income tax could be cut by 9 percent.\r\nFor the Family of Four. \u00a0A married couple who earns $85,000 and has two kids would benefit from the expanded child tax credit and standard deduction. \u00a0The family could see their taxes cut by 20 percent and their take-home pay increase by $2,254. \r\nFor the Retired Couple.\u00a0 Married retirees with $48,000 in income could save under the increased standard deduction for those over the age of 65. \u00a0Taking into account the tax exemptions on their Social Security, this couple could see a tax reduction of 8 percent. \r\n \r\nThese scenarios are drawn from a Tax Foundation analysis calculating how the Senate tax plan would affect individuals and families in different income brackets and economic situations.\u00a0 According to the analysis, most Americans will be able to keep more of what they earn.\u00a0 You can check out all of the scenarios and read more about the Tax Foundation\u2019s analysis here.\u00a0\r\nLawmakers agree that the tax system is broken.\u00a0 Now we have a historic chance to do something about it.\u00a0 The plan currently before the Senate seeks to correct many of the shortcomings that have plagued our system for too long \u2013 making it less complicated, lowering taxes, and boosting America\u2019s competitiveness on the world stage.\u00a0 It is an opportunity we should not miss.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3E46BBB9-4A8F-454A-B4B8-E37D1B9E5AA8", "Wicker Statement on FCC Draft Order to Restore Internet Freedom", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement upon the release of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai\u2019s draft \u201cRestoring Internet Freedom Order,\u201d which was circulated to his fellow commissioners this morning and will be voted on at the FCC\u2019s Open Meeting on December 14:\r\n\u201cI welcome Chairman Pai\u2019s announcement to restore the light-touch regulatory framework that has allowed the internet to thrive since its creation.\u00a0 This action will set the stage for expanding investment and job creation in the internet economy and closing the digital divide that exists in Mississippi and around the United States.\u00a0 I will continue to work with my colleagues to put a legislative solution in place that enshrines net neutrality protections into law and fosters an environment where broadband is accessible, affordable, and reliable for all Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=0CA4C2B8-2438-4A46-9122-72D9308AADC9", "Wicker Commends Trumps Asia Tour", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump has completed the longest presidential tour of Asia in nearly three decades, visiting five countries in 12 days. The stops in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines did not always receive fanfare in U.S. headlines, but the President was warmly received by his international hosts and returned home with wins for our economy and our security.\u00a0 Everywhere, he reiterated that the best interests of Americans are his top priority.\r\nI am glad the President did not shy away from discussing tough topics, including free and fair trade deals and the provocations of North Korea.\u00a0 He also brought up the problem of easily accessible opioids, which flow from China into the United States.\u00a0 Stopping such an influx could greatly help us fight the epidemic, which kills an estimated 91 Americans every day.\r\nNew Agreements in China Could Amount to $250 Billion\r\nI share President Trump\u2019s belief that international trade agreements should benefit U.S. jobs and U.S. workers.\u00a0 Pro-growth trade practices help Mississippi\u2019s businesses and workforce be competitive in the global marketplace. \u00a0In his address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam, President Trump called for respect and reciprocity in any trade agreements made with the United States, criticizing unbalanced deals of the past.\u00a0 In the Philippines, the President commemorated the 40th anniversary of America\u2019s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reiterating our common goals of prosperity and peace.\r\nWith its powerful economy, strong workforce, and plentiful resources, the United States has a great deal to offer the world\u2019s leading companies.\u00a0 In China, President Trump and President Xi Jinping announced 37 new agreements that could total $250 billion in trade and investment. \u00a0In South Korea, businesses pledged to spend tens of billions of dollars on U.S. goods and services.\u00a0 In Vietnam, the groundwork was laid for a stronger bilateral relationship.\u00a0\r\nRegional Pressure Critical to Stopping North Korea\r\nI was glad to see President Trump condemn North Korea\u2019s nuclear ambitions during his time in the region, especially while in South Korea and Japan, which have been threatened by Kim Jong-un\u2019s aggression.\u00a0 In Seoul, President Trump addressed the South Korean National Assembly, declaring, \u201cThe world cannot tolerate the menace of a rogue regime that threatens with nuclear devastation.\u201d\u00a0 He also pointed to the success of South Korea as a counterweight to its volatile northern neighbor, stating that \u201cthe more successful South Korea becomes, the more decisively you discredit the dark fantasy at the heart of the Kim regime.\u201d\r\nPresident Trump was right to call for strong regional pressure on North Korea, especially from China.\u00a0 I am pleased to hear that President Xi has agreed to follow through on United Nations Security Council resolutions to stop North Korea\u2019s nuclear program.\u00a0 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also announced that Japan would be applying additional sanctions on North Korea.\u00a0\r\nThe President showed the world that he has absolute confidence in American strength at home and abroad.\u00a0 As he said to our troops at Yokota Air Base in Japan, \u201cWe dominate the sky. We dominate the sea. We dominate the land and space.\u201d\u00a0 With a tour seizing opportunities for strategic collaboration and defense, our presence on the world stage is unequaled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://harper.house.gov/rep-harper-releases-statement-on-house-passage-of-the-tax-cuts-jobs-act/", "Rep. Harper Releases Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "harper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Harper Releases Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act                  \n            \n            \n                                \n                    WASHINGTONCongressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement on the House of Representatives passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act:\nToday, the House took an important step toward bringing financial relief for all Americans. The last major tax reform bill was signed into law by President Reagan in 1986  over thirty years ago. Since that time, our tax code has become more burdensome, over-complicated, and unfair  especially for middle-class Americans. Our country is in need of serious tax reform that helps grow the economy and ease the burden on hard-working Americans. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a tax reform bill, H.R. 1, that does just that, and more.\nThe bill is designed to provide more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. It is meant to deliver tax relief to every income group, in every state. Analysis tells us that the average taxpayer at every income level gets a cut from this bill. The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act also reduces the corporate tax rate to 20%, which is a key component to revitalize our economy and bring jobs back to the U.S. The Tax Foundation projects this provision will lead to a million new jobs, faster GDP growth, and a 4% average increase in wages, which means everyones after-tax income goes up. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Mississippis Third District.\n\n###\n                \n                \n                    Posted: \n                    November 16, 2017", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399370", "Palazzo Supports Tax Reform Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Supports Tax Reform Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 16, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after voting in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to reform of our current outdated tax code: \r\n            \u201cI\u2019ve been calling for tax reform since before I entered Congress, and today the House finally passed a bill that provides a much needed update to our tax code. First and foremost, this bill allows hardworking Americans to keep more of their hard earned money.Individuals will be able to file their taxes on a piece of paper the size of a post card, eliminating the need to pay for professional assistance or purchase expensive software.\u201d\u201cThis bill will also bring companies back to America, creating more jobs and bigger paychecks.Currently our corporate tax rate is higher than any other industrialized country, which helps explain why so many businesses have packed their bags and taken OUR jobs to other countries.The tax reform legislation passed today reduces the corporate tax rate and encourages businesses to bring their companies back to America.\u201cI\u2019m proud to support this bill and President Trump in his bold efforts to tackle tax reform to a degree in which we haven\u2019t seen since Ronald Reagan was President in 1986. Despite the nonsensical outpouring ofbackground noise from some people in Washington who want things to remain broken and unfair for hardworking Americans and their families, we are continuing our strong efforts to better the quality of life for all. Mississippians deserve to keep their hard earned money so they can have financial relief and flexibility.Americans deserve jobs, fair taxes, and bigger paychecks.While there is still work to do, this bill is a major milestone in helping unburden the American taxpayer and provide them with the tax relief they need a deserve. \u201dThe legislation includes many long sought after tax provisions that will help individuals, families and businesses including:\r\n            \r\n                Doubling the standard deduction for individuals from $6,300 to $12,600 and from $12,000 to $24,000 for married couples.\r\n                Increasing the child tax credit from $1000 to$1,600. \r\n                Repealing the unnecessary death tax and the alternative minimum tax.\r\n                Consolidating the number of tax brackets from seven to four.\r\n                Lowering the corporate tax rate to 20%.\r\n                Reducing the tax rate on hard-earned small business income to no more than 25%\r\n            \r\n            The bill passed in the House by a vote of 227-205. The entire bill text can be found here. \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            ### \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2A0574B8-8D68-4534-97BB-7839CAAE5027", "COCHRAN ADDRESSES FY2018 APPROPRIATIONS OUTLOOK", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement regarding the need for a budget deal between Congress and the administration in order to complete FY2018 appropriations bills: \u201cThe Senate Appropriations Committee has little time to finalize the regular appropriations bills, and to consider additional supplemental appropriations requests for defense and for natural disaster recovery. \u201cWe need a new budget deal to finish our work.\u00a0 Congress and the administration must reach agreement on acceptable top-line funding levels for defense and non-defense programs. \u201cAt the funding cap currently in law, the Appropriations Committee would be hard-pressed to write a 2018 defense bill that fully meets our national security needs or reflects the priorities of the Senate. \u201cThe current continuing resolution expires December 8.\u00a0 We cannot afford to extend that continuing resolution into next year. \u201cA budget agreement is necessary for the Senate to approve responsible appropriations legislation.\u00a0 I urge all parties to those negotiations to redouble their efforts to reach agreement.\u201d To expedite completion of the appropriations bills, Cochran indicated his intention to release chairmen\u2019s marks next week for the remaining four FY2018 appropriations bills not yet taken up by the committee.\u00a0 This action would follow precedent set in previous Congresses, most recently with four bills in FY2015. To date, the Senate Appropriations Committee has marked up eight of the 12 regular appropriations bills for FY2018.\u00a0 The committee has also processed two supplemental appropriations bills and a continuing resolution.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4B3402D7-955F-468A-AC0C-E83017399E66", "Wicker Commends FCC for Recognizing State Role in Lifeline Program", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today welcomed a vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin the process of overturning an Obama-era rule that preempted the authority of states to designate eligible telecommunications carriers (ETC) in the FCC\u2019s Lifeline program.\r\n\u201cStates play an important role in preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs, in addition to ensuring that people have access to essential communications services,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cBy its action today, the FCC is taking steps to ensure states have a say in the Lifeline program.\u201d\r\nLast year, Wicker joined 24 other members of Congress to express concern about then-FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler\u2019s actions to circumvent states in designating ETCs in the Lifeline program. The members wrote:\r\n\u201cWhile the FCC\u2019s order stresses that it does not preempt the state ETC designation process for Lifeline voice service, the state role in designating ETCs will no longer exist by the end of that process. And in the meantime, nothing prevents providers from forum shopping to seek designation from the regulator with the more lenient requirements. As such, we worry this rule change could increase the risk of waste fraud and abuse in the program, as well as the chance that consumers will lose the vital check on service quality that existed prior to the FCC\u2019s decision.\u201d\r\nRead more about the FCC\u2019s proposed rules here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5EA60998-055A-463C-9898-E717EE0D701A", "Wicker Initiative to Build Bigger Navy Heads to President Trumps Desk to Become Law", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Senate today passed a conference committee report of the FY2018 \u201cNational Defense Authorization Act\u201d (NDAA), sending it to President Trump\u2019s desk for his signature. The legislation includes U.S. Senator Roger Wicker\u2019s, R-Miss., \u201cSecuring the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas (SHIPS) Act.\u201d The proposal makes it the official policy of the United States to achieve the Navy\u2019s minimum requirement for a 355-ship fleet. Currently, only 278 ships are in the battle fleet. Wicker is Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee.\r\n\u201cBoth houses of Congress have made an emphatic statement that we need a bigger Navy and we need it now,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cA more robust Navy is critical to our national security and to projecting American power around the globe. This goal is going to require a steadfast commitment, but I believe this is something we can realize in the coming decade.\u201d\r\nThe defense bill authorizes nearly $700 billion in funding for America\u2019s service members, military installations, and industrial base. The bill includes a nearly $5 billion increase for shipbuilding above President Trump\u2019s budget request, and gives active-duty military personnel a 2.4 percent pay raise.\r\nThe bill also makes permanent the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments to surviving military spouses. The more than 60,000 Americans whose spouses died either on active duty or during retirement will continue to receive $310 per month plus cost-of-living-adjustment indefinitely.\r\nAdditional provisions added by Wicker to the defense bill that could impact Mississippi include:\r\nCapital Region\r\n \r\nEncouraging the Navy to continue developing cutting-edge electronic jammer technology.\u00a0 Jammers prevent enemy air defenses from detecting and shooting down American fighter and bomber planes.\u00a0\r\n \r\nGolden Triangle\r\n \r\nDirecting the Air Force to study opportunities to increase use of civilian airports to support pilot training, which could inform how Columbus Air Force Base makes cooperative agreements with nearby airports; and\r\nMandating that the Pentagon reviews its protected vehicle inventory, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.\r\n \r\nGulf Coast\r\n \r\nAuthorizing multiyear procurement contract authority to allow the Navy to buy up to 15 DDG-51 Flight III Destroyers;\r\nAuthorizing $1.75 billion funding for an additional Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer (DDG-51) plus $250 million to buy long-lead items;\r\nAuthorizing $1.5 billion in funding for an additional Marine Corps amphibious transport ship (LPD-30);\r\nEncouraging the Navy to accelerate procurement of 9th Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA-9); and\r\nRequiring the Navy to evaluate expanding its test and training range locations for unmanned maritime systems.\r\n \r\nWicker also added a provision to the defense bill to help military officials identify the cause of recent physiological episodes (PE) experienced by Navy and Marine Corps pilots at NAS Meridian and other training facilities. The plan would authorize the Secretary of Defense to offer a $10 million prize \u2013 similar to the XPrize \u2013 to incentivize the brightest minds in academia and industry to help find the root cause or causes of PE.\r\nThe defense bill also includes a proposal spearheaded by Wicker and Sen. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to allow National Guardsmen, Reservists, and their dependents to sign up for TRICARE 90 days prior to deployment and keep TRICARE for 90 days after they return.\u00a0 Currently, Guardsmen and Reservists have no lead time to switch their families to TRICARE and no grace period when they come home.\r\nAnother Wicker-sponsored provision would require the TRICARE pharmacy contractor to update its prescription drug-pricing standard regularly, something that Medicare Part D sponsors already do. \u00a0This would result in greater drug price transparency for beneficiaries and community pharmacists, as well as lead to more access to cost-effective generic drugs.\r\nFinally, Wicker and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., were successful in adding their proposal to improve the nation\u2019s cybersecurity workforce pipeline by expanding and enhancing an existing federal scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity fields. The \u201cCyber Scholarship Opportunities Act\u201d would expand and improve the National Science Foundation\u2019s (NSF) CyberCorps: Scholarship-for-Service program, which provides ROTC-style scholarships to students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, helps colleges and universities develop cybersecurity programs, and sponsors cyber boot camps for K-12 students to increase cyber literacy among America\u2019s youth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C44BAE4E-4162-4C32-8B36-E92F10116AE8", "Wicker Meets With Treasury Secretary to Discuss Tax Cuts", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin just minutes after the House of Representatives passed a historic plan to cut taxes for American families and job creators. \u201cSecretary Mnuchin reiterated the President Trump\u2019s support for delivering more take-home pay for middle-class families and American workers, and making it easier for job creators to grow the economy,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThe House has done its work, and now the Senate needs to follow suit. As I have said time and again, if we can deliver on these tax cuts, I believe we are going to give a boost to the economy the likes of which we have not seen in more than a decade.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E5C5FC3D-C9A9-428E-812C-98B01BDD0BCC", "Wicker Meets With Treasury Secretary to Discuss Tax Cuts", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin just minutes after the House of Representatives passed a historic plan to cut taxes for American families and job creators.\r\n\u201cSecretary Mnuchin reiterated President Trump\u2019s support for delivering more take-home pay for middle-class families and American workers, and making it easier for job creators to grow the economy,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThe House has done its work, and now the Senate needs to follow suit. As I have said time and again, if we can deliver on these tax cuts, I believe we are going to give a boost to the economy, the likes of which we have not seen in more than a decade.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399359", "Palazzo Opposes Bill that Would Raise Flood Insurance Premiums", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4)\u00a0today voted against the 21st Century Flood Reform Act which would increase premiums for policyholders. \"Despite my many efforts to propose changes that will protect homeowners and make insurance available and affordable, the committee chose to move forward on a bill that will increase premiums. I cannot vote for legislation that could have the same unintended consequences that were in the 2012 Biggert-Waters reform package.\" \"I've made South Mississippi's priorities evidently clear and these were not included in the bill that came to the house floor. I will not support legislation that increases premiums, while also neglecting to address the programs debt.\"\r\nThe 21st Century Reform Act speeds the rate of annual premium increases for policyholders and increases additional fees and surcharges. The impact of several provisions that will be used to determine premiums for coastal and inland properties, replacement costs and other risk assessment tools is still unknown. Congressman Palazzo is a co-chairman of the Home Protection Caucus that works to ensure accessibility and affordability of flood insurance for homeowners. There are 64,447 Mississippians who are provided coverage through the NFIP, which is set to expire on Dec. 8.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=216AD070-4E92-498F-98E8-D470DF254E5C", "Wicker: BRICK Act Would Block Obama-Era EPA Overreach", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today attended a subcommittee hearing to consider his legislation, S. 839, the \u201cBlocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act\u201d (BRICK Act). The legislation would allow for the completion of any pending judicial review of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations prior to requiring compliance. \u201cWhen we weigh the pluses and minuses of any of these (regulations), we need to weigh the cost of the loss of jobs against the benefit,\u201d Wicker said. Brick manufacturers have suffered heavy losses since the recession, shedding 45 percent of jobs between 2005 and 2012. Over half of American brick manufacturers are family-driven small-businesses. Increased compliance costs from EPA regulations are driving more job-losses and consolidations in the industry. In 2003, EPA required brick companies to install expensive new equipment to help control emissions based upon the agency\u2019s Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule.\u00a0 In 2007, after companies spent more than $100 million implementing these controls, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the rule. In 2015, the Obama Administration expanded the 2003 rule and began requiring companies to begin new costly compliance procedures. The updated rule could burden the brick industry with a price tag of an additional $100 million annually to increase emissions controls by only a few percent over the 2003 levels. This rule is pending judicial review and could be overturned \u2013 repeating the 2003 scenario and contributing to regulatory uncertainty for the industry. At today\u2019s hearing, Wicker asked Davis Henry, President of Henry Brick in Selma, Ala., to comment on his testimony about the sale of Mississippi-based Columbus Brick Company to General Shale. Columbus Brick Company was previously a fourth-generation, family-owned company established in 1890 in Columbus, Miss. Mr. Henry's testimony indicated that Al Puckett, the former owner and CEO of Columbus Brick, sold his company to the world\u2019s largest brick manufacturer because of increasing compliance costs and regulatory uncertainty introduced by the EPA\u2019s slate of brick manufacturing regulations. Wicker\u2019s BRICK Act is co-sponsored by Senators Shelly Moore Capito, R-W. Va., James Inhofe, R-Okla., John Boozman, R-Ark., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., John Kennedy, R-La., and Luther Strange, R-Ala.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F4CB96A9-6542-495A-97C9-4D6773E27A88", "Wicker Statement on President Trumps Choice for HHS Secretary", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump nominated Alex Azar to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS): \u201cThe President has chosen wisely. Mr. Azar has a deep understanding of the country\u2019s health-care system and the experience needed to lead this agency. I am hopeful that the Senate will consider his nomination as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=0BFF88A3-563C-475F-8EDA-DC5414C1224E", "Wicker Confident in New Laws Benefiting Veterans", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We have many reasons to celebrate our veterans on Veterans Day.\u00a0 The entire month of November has \u2013 for the first time \u2013 been named National Veterans and Military Families Month by the President.\u00a0 Our veterans have offered us some of the greatest gifts, protecting this nation and its freedoms.\u00a0\u00a0 But our gratitude comes with responsibility.\u00a0 What do we offer these courageous Americans in return?\r\nWe can certainly answer that question better today than we could a few years ago.\u00a0 An unwavering commitment exists to right the wrongs of the past mismanagement and negligence that plagued the VA system and disrupted veterans\u2019 access to care.\u00a0 Real VA reform is a top priority for the White House, and it is a top priority for the Republican-led Congress.\r\nMore Health-Care Choices, Accountability\r\nCongress has passed seven new laws this year in an effort to improve health care and benefits for our veterans.\u00a0 One of these laws improves the Veterans Choice Program, allowing veterans to choose non-VA care when they face long wait times or long drives to the closest medical center.\u00a0 Another updates the GI Bill by giving veterans more time to use their education benefits and extending those benefits to Reserve and National Guard soldiers deployed after Sept. 11, 2001.\r\nOther new laws promote greater accountability and efficiency within the VA, illustrating the widespread resolve to weed out systemic corruption.\u00a0 President Trump has signed a bill that gives the VA Secretary the power to remove VA employees based on misconduct or poor performance.\u00a0 He has also established an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to help fortify a culture of integrity and its capacity to take root in the VA system.\r\n\r\nImprovements Needed at Mississippi\u2019s VA Hospitals\r\nThese federal measures are important, but successful reform will also take continued diligence at the state and local levels.\u00a0 I was disheartened but not surprised based upon my discussions with veterans to learn recently that our state\u2019s two VA medical centers have received low internal rankings by the VA again this year.\u00a0 I have written to VA Secretary David Shulkin to inquire about these performance concerns and ask for prompt action to improve the Jackson and Biloxi hospitals.\u00a0 Additionally, I have invited the Secretary to visit our state to ensure these concerns receive prompt attention and that our state\u2019s nearly 200,000 veterans have access to the quality care they deserve.\r\nOne Mississippian ready to serve on behalf of our veterans is Randy Reeves of Madison.\u00a0 As the head of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and a veteran himself, Randy is an excellent pick to be the VA\u2019s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, a role that is responsible for overseeing burial services and national cemeteries for veterans and their families.\u00a0 The Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination on November 8.\r\nMississippi\u2019s veterans and military families hold a special place in our communities.\u00a0 These men and women have fought for us, and we need to fight for them.\u00a0 That fight includes restoring confidence in the VA system and making good on our promises for better health care and benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://harper.house.gov/duty-honor-and-country/", "Duty, Honor, and Country", "2017-11-11", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "harper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cDuty, Honor, and Country\u201d                  \n            \n            \n                                \n                                \n                    Dear Friend,\nToday, we honor the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces throughout our nation\u2019s history. With great courage and sacrifice, our servicemen and women kept us safe and acted selflessly to protect America\u2019s interests here at home and across the globe. The freedoms we enjoy are possible because of the sacrifices of these brave heroes who defended our nation. For this reason, it is our responsibility to make sure that our veterans and their families are honored, respected and properly cared for.\nTo our veterans here in Mississippi and across the nation, thank you for answering the call to serve. Your commitment to \u201cDuty, Honor, and Country\u201d continues to make us the land of the free and the home of the brave.\nIf you are a veteran and need assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs, please contact us at my Pearl Office \u2013 (601) 932-2410 or\u00a0visit our website\u00a0for further information.\nIt is such a privilege to represent the citizens of Mississippi and it is my great honor to offer my gratitude to those who served our country.\nGod Bless,\nGregg Harper  \nMember of Congress\n                \n                \n                    Posted: \n                    November 11, 2017", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1062861C-AE3F-4302-A1B2-CFCF86669C7E", "COCHRAN, WICKER WELCOME SENATE CONFIRMATION OF CHAD LAMAR", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today welcomed Senate confirmation of William Chadwick (Chad) Lamar of Oxford to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi. Lamar, who was recommended by Cochran and Wicker, was confirmed by unanimous consent on Thursday.\u00a0 President Trump nominated Lamar in June. \u201cChad Lamar now has the important responsibility of serving as the federal government\u2019s chief prosecutor in North Mississippi.\u00a0 His solid career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney should serve him well,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased the Senate has confirmed this well-qualified Mississippian.\u201d \u201cChad Lamar is an experienced prosecutor who has served the Northern District of Mississippi for the past 25 years,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cI am confident he will continue to serve the state with the same level of distinction in his new role.\u201d Lamar has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District since 1991, serving in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions.\u00a0 He is currently the chief of the Criminal Division, and has extensive management experience within the Office of the U.S. Attorney.\u00a0 Lamar has degrees from Millsaps College, the University of Mississippi Lamar School of Law, and the Boston University School of Law. With Lamar\u2019s confirmation, both U.S. Attorney positions in Mississippi are now filled.\u00a0 On Oct. 3, the Senate confirmed D. Michael Hurst of Madison to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=18BDD670-C50D-4551-A5CB-CD7845C9DCA0", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON SENATE TAX REFORM LEGISLATION", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement in support of tax reform legislation unveiled by the Senate Finance Committee: \u201cReforming the federal tax code is important to foster greater economic growth.\u00a0 Small businesses and the middle class need a tax code that does not include the complexities and burdens of current law.\u00a0 I am optimistic about the potential for this legislation to increase economic opportunity and help Mississippi families keep more of their take-home pay.\u201d The Senate legislation is a companion measure to the bill introduced in the House of Representatives.\u00a0 Once both chambers pass their respective bills, differences in the legislation will need to be reconciled before being sent to the President for approval.  Cochran in October voted for the FY2018 Senate budget, which was the first step to advance the tax reform process. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F1A23F3C-C2DE-4A3D-AC9B-994863B3D256", "COCHRAN ISSUES VETERANS DAY STATEMENT", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Cochran and VA Assistant Secretary David Loren.\u00a0 (Download here)\r\n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss) today released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day: \u201cVeterans Day is a special day to honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.\u00a0 I am consistently heartened by the outpouring of support expressed by Mississippians across the state to honor all veterans.\u00a0 We recognize the bravery and sacrifices of servicemembers to protect this great nation and its freedoms throughout our history. \u201cI commend President Trump and Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin for the first-ever designation of November as \u2018Veterans and Military Families Month.\u2019\u00a0 It is an appropriate reminder for us also to honor the families whose support is vital to our servicemen and women.\u201d Cochran, a Navy veteran, this week received a Veterans Day pin from Assistant Secretary David Loren in recognition of the Senator\u2019s military service.\u00a0 The pins, authorized by Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, were presented to members of Congress who served in the Armed Forces. President Trump\u2019s \"Veterans and Military Families Month\" proclamation can be found here:\u00a0 http://bit.ly/2zK9BFw \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6ACBEE62-7EAC-4AA6-9E4E-2BC668691757", "Wicker Praises Senate Tax Cut Plan", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement regarding the tax cut plan unveiled by the Senate Finance Committee:\r\n\u201cAmericans deserve to have a tax code that respects and rewards hard work. The current system, though, is failing middle-class families and stifling economic growth. For too many people, it is difficult to make ends meet, let alone protect a lifetime of savings. The tax cut plan proposed today stays true to our goal of giving Americans more take-home pay and unleashing job creators and innovators. If we can deliver on these tax cuts, I believe we are going to give a jolt to the economy, the likes of which we have not seen in more than a decade. So, I am eager to roll up my sleeves \u2013 working nights if necessary, working weekends if necessary \u2013 to get this bill to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\r\nTo view highlights from the plan, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=79CC9125-E870-48A4-9B1E-44119F7FCFB1", "Wicker Statement on Veterans Day", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, today released this statement on the eve of the Veterans Day weekend:\r\n\u201cOur veterans and military families hold a special place in our communities. These men and women have fought for us, and we need to fight for them,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThe people of our nation\u2019s military are especially dear to me as a veteran, the son of a World War II veteran, and the father of an officer in the Air Force. This weekend is an opportunity for all Americans to thank our veterans for their service and to honor them for their sacrifice.\u201d\r\nWicker is scheduled to attend three Veterans Day events in Mississippi this weekend:\r\n\u00a0\r\nFRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\n9:00\u00a0 AM \u2013 10:00 AM CDT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nBettye May Jack Middle School Veterans Day Program\r\nBettye May Jack Middle School, 128 Martin Luther King Drive, Morton, Miss.\r\n\u00a0\r\n11:00 AM \u2013 12:45 PM CDT:\r\nRankin County Veterans Day Lunch\r\nBrandon Municipal Complex Civic Center, 1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon, Miss.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\n10:00 AM \u2013 11:00 AM:\r\nMS National Guard Newton County Veterans Day Ceremony\r\nNewton County Courthouse Steps, 92 West Broad Street, Decatur, Miss.\r\nWicker Statement on Veterans Day\r\nMiss. Senator Scheduled to Attend Events in Morton, Brandon, & Decatur \r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, today released this statement on the eve of the Veterans Day weekend:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur veterans and military families hold a special place in our communities. These men and women have fought for us, and we need to fight for them,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThe people of our nation\u2019s military are especially dear to me as a veteran, the son of a World War II veteran, and the father of an officer in the Air Force. This weekend is an opportunity for all Americans to thank our veterans for their service and to honor them for their sacrifice.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nWicker is scheduled to attend three Veterans Day events in Mississippi this weekend:\r\n\u00a0\r\nFRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\n9:00\u00a0 AM \u2013 10:00 AM CDT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nBettye May Jack Middle School Veterans Day Program\r\nBettye May Jack Middle School, 128 Martin Luther King Drive, Morton, Miss.\r\n\u00a0\r\n11:00 AM \u2013 12:45 PM CDT:\r\nRankin County Veterans Day Lunch\r\nBrandon Municipal Complex Civic Center, 1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon, Miss.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\n10:00 AM \u2013 11:00 AM:\r\nMS National Guard Newton County Veterans Day Ceremony\r\nNewton County Courthouse Steps, 92 West Broad Street, Decatur, Miss.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8E29E841-D025-4869-B3EF-9349A81C16F8", "Wicker, Cochran Praise Senate Confirmation of Randy Reeves to Lead VA Post", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today praised Senate confirmation of Randy Reeves of Madison to be the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate confirmed Reeves on Wednesday by unanimous consent.\u00a0 With this action, Reeves will now lead the National Cemetery Administration, which maintains 131 national cemeteries and provides burial services for veterans and eligible family members. \u201cRandy Reeves is ready to get to work for our nation\u2019s veterans and their families,\u201d\u00a0Wicker\u00a0said.\u00a0 \u201cI am confident that Mr. Reeves will bring the same spirit of service to this new role as he has demonstrated during his eight years of work with the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and over 20 years with our nation\u2019s military.\" \u201cRandy Reeves will be able to put his considerable experience to good use serving our nation\u2019s veterans and their families.\u00a0 It is a role for which he is well-prepared,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI commend him for his previous service, and I am confident that Randy will serve the Department of Veterans Affairs with distinction.\u201d Reeves, a decorated combat veteran, is the executive director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and is the immediate past president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.\u00a0 He served in the U.S. Navy and retired as a commander and surface warfare officer.\u00a0 Prior to his Navy service, he was an enlisted airman in the U.S. Air Force. At his confirmation hearing on Oct. 4, Reeves testified, \u201cI am acutely aware that, if confirmed, I will be ultimately responsible for the care and service provided to Veterans and families during what is, arguably, the most difficult time in their lives; a responsibility I take very seriously.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DCB1A40C-CDA8-4645-BC56-0161D7CF9A28", "Wicker, Cochran Welcome Senate Confirmation of Chad Lamar", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today welcomed Senate confirmation of William Chadwick (Chad) Lamar of Oxford to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi.\r\nLamar, who was recommended by Cochran and Wicker, was confirmed by unanimous consent on Thursday.\u00a0 President Trump nominated Lamar in June.\r\n\u201cChad Lamar is an experienced prosecutor who has served the Northern District of Mississippi for the past 25 years,\u201d\u00a0Wicker\u00a0said.\u00a0 \u201cI am confident he will continue to serve the state with the same level of distinction in his new role.\u201d\r\n\u201cChad Lamar now has the important responsibility of serving as the federal government\u2019s chief prosecutor in North Mississippi.\u00a0 His solid career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney should serve him well,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased the Senate has confirmed this well-qualified Mississippian.\u201d\r\nLamar has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District since 1991, serving in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions.\u00a0 He is currently the chief of the Criminal Division, and has extensive management experience within the Office of the U.S. Attorney.\u00a0 Lamar has degrees from Millsaps College, the University of Mississippi Lamar School of Law, and the Boston University School of Law.\r\nWith Lamar\u2019s confirmation, both U.S. Attorney positions in Mississippi are now filled.\u00a0 On Oct. 3, the Senate confirmed D. Michael Hurst of Madison to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399358", "MISS. LAWMAKERS APPLAUD AIR FORCE FOR MEETING FLYING JENNIES COMMITMENT", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today expressed gratitude to the U.S. Air Force for meeting its commitment to provide full manpower for the 815th Airlift Squadron, or \u201cFlying Jennies,\u201d at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.\r\nThe lawmakers were informed that the 815th has reached full operational capability and is fully staffed to meet tactical combat airlift missions.\u00a0 The development is welcome news for the Flying Jennies, which were targeted for deactivation in 2013.\u00a0 Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo led the fight to convince the Air Force to overturn the decision and restore the unit to full strength.\r\n\u201cKeeping the Flying Jennies at Keesler makes sense on operational and budget grounds.\u00a0 I commend the Air Force for standing up this unit ahead of schedule, and remain confident the Flying Jennies will continue to protect our national security interests,\u201d said Cochran, Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chairman.\r\n\u201cThe 815th Airlift Squadron and its C-130Js have been a great asset to the Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, and our Gulf Coast community.\u00a0 I am glad the Air Force has completed its plan to restore full combat mission capability to this distinguished unit and that the \u2018Flying Jennies\u2019 will continue to stay right where they belong \u2013 in Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said.\r\n\u201cOver the past several years, I have fought tirelessly to ensure the \u2018Flying Jennies\u2019 remained active and in South Mississippi.\u00a0 This report from the Air Force only further reestablishes what we already knew to be true, that keeping the squadron at Keesler Air Force Base is in fact the right decision,\u201d Palazzo said.\r\nFollowing the 2013 deactivation notice, Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo pressed the Air Force to produce a thorough cost analysis and justification for deactivating the 815th and removing its C-130J \u201cFlying Jennies\u201d from Keesler.\u00a0 The lawmakers used meetings, hearings, briefings, and legislative actions to convince the Air Force in April 2015 to rescind the deactivation order and keep the unit in Mississippi.\r\nAt a March 2016 Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Lt. Gen. James Jackson, Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, committed to Cochran that resources would be made available to restore personnel and mission capability.\u00a0 Jackson testified, \u201cIn the next three years we will have all the manpower to fully operate and be successful with that squadron re-standup down in your state.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0A313CE8-5B38-4434-8E68-C7A4CAC189CE", "COCHRAN, WICKER PRAISE SENATE CONFIRMATION OF RANDY REEVES TO LEADING VA POST", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today praised Senate confirmation of Randy Reeves of Madison to be the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate confirmed Reeves on Wednesday by unanimous consent.\u00a0 With this action, Reeves will now lead the National Cemetery Administration, which maintains 131 national cemeteries and provides burial services for veterans and eligible family members. \u201cRandy Reeves will be able to put his considerable experience to good use serving our nation\u2019s veterans and their families.\u00a0 It is a role for which he is well-prepared,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI commend him for his previous service, and I am confident that Randy will serve the Department of Veterans Affairs with distinction.\u201d \u201cRandy Reeves is ready to get to work for our nation\u2019s veterans and their families,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cI am confident that Mr. Reeves will bring the same spirit of service to this new role as he has demonstrated during his eight years of work with the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and over 20 years with our nation\u2019s military.\u201d Reeves, a decorated combat veteran, is the executive director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and is the immediate past president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.\u00a0 He served in the U.S. Navy and retired as a commander and surface warfare officer.\u00a0 Prior to his Navy service, he was an enlisted airman in the U.S. Air Force. At his confirmation hearing on Oct. 4, Reeves testified, \u201cI am acutely aware that, if confirmed, I will be ultimately responsible for the care and service provided to Veterans and families during what is, arguably, the most difficult time in their lives; a responsibility I take very seriously.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5C1D10F9-CEC5-4C69-BC11-7154F64A432F", "MISS. LAWMAKERS APPLAUD AIR FORCE FOR MEETING FLYING JENNIES COMMITMENT", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today expressed gratitude to the U.S. Air Force for meeting its commitment to provide full manpower for the 815th Airlift Squadron, or \u201cFlying Jennies,\u201d at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. The lawmakers were informed that the 815th has reached full operational capability and is fully staffed to meet tactical combat airlift missions.\u00a0 The development is welcome news for the Flying Jennies, which were targeted for deactivation in 2013.\u00a0 Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo led the fight to convince the Air Force to overturn the decision and restore the unit to full strength. \u201cKeeping the Flying Jennies at Keesler makes sense on operational and budget grounds.\u00a0 I commend the Air Force for standing up this unit ahead of schedule, and remain confident the Flying Jennies will continue to protect our national security interests,\u201d said Cochran, Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chairman. \u201cThe 815th Airlift Squadron and its C-130Js have been a great asset to the Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, and our Gulf Coast community.\u00a0 I am glad the Air Force has completed its plan to restore full combat mission capability to this distinguished unit and that the \u2018Flying Jennies\u2019 will continue to stay right where they belong \u2013 in Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cOver the past several years, I have fought tirelessly to ensure the \u2018Flying Jennies\u2019 remained active and in South Mississippi.\u00a0 This report from the Air Force only further reestablishes what we already knew to be true, that keeping the squadron at Keesler Air Force Base is in fact the right decision,\u201d Palazzo said. Following the 2013 deactivation notice, Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo pressed the Air Force to produce a thorough cost analysis and justification for deactivating the 815th and removing its C-130J \u201cFlying Jennies\u201d from Keesler.\u00a0 The lawmakers used meetings, hearings, briefings, and legislative actions to convince the Air Force in April 2015 to rescind the deactivation order and keep the unit in Mississippi. At a March 2016 Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Lt. Gen. James Jackson, Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, committed to Cochran that resources would be made available to restore personnel and mission capability.\u00a0 Jackson testified, \u201cIn the next three years we will have all the manpower to fully operate and be successful with that squadron re-standup down in your state.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1A58A847-521E-49E4-B7C9-D80AE8C9332D", "Miss. Lawmakers Applaud Air Force for Meeting Flying Jennies Commitment", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today expressed gratitude to the U.S. Air Force for meeting its commitment to provide full manpower for the 815th Airlift Squadron, or \u201cFlying Jennies,\u201d at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. The lawmakers were informed that the 815th has reached full operational capability and is fully staffed to meet tactical combat airlift missions.\u00a0 The development is welcome news for the Flying Jennies, which were targeted for deactivation in 2013.\u00a0 Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo led the fight to convince the Air Force to overturn the decision and restore the unit to full strength. \u201cThe 815th Airlift Squadron and its C-130Js have been a great asset to the Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, and our Gulf Coast community.\u00a0 I am glad the Air Force has completed its plan to restore full combat mission capability to this distinguished unit and that the \u2018Flying Jennies\u2019 will continue to stay right where they belong \u2013 in Mississippi,\u201d\u00a0Wicker\u00a0said. \u201cKeeping the Flying Jennies at Keesler makes sense on operational and budget grounds.\u00a0 I commend the Air Force for standing up this unit ahead of schedule, and remain confident the Flying Jennies will continue to protect our national security interests,\u201d said Cochran, Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chairman. \u201cOver the past several years, I have fought tirelessly to ensure the \u2018Flying Jennies\u2019 remained active and in South Mississippi.\u00a0 This report from the Air Force only further reestablishes what we already knew to be true, that keeping the squadron at Keesler Air Force Base is in fact the right decision,\u201d Palazzo said. Following the 2013 deactivation notice, Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo pressed the Air Force to produce a thorough cost analysis and justification for deactivating the 815th and removing its C-130J \u201cFlying Jennies\u201d from Keesler.\u00a0 The lawmakers used meetings, hearings, briefings, and legislative actions to convince the Air Force in April 2015 to rescind the deactivation order and keep the unit in Mississippi. At a March 2016 Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Lt. Gen. James Jackson, Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, committed to Cochran\u00a0that resources would be made available to restore personnel and mission capability.\u00a0 Jackson testified, \u201cIn the next three years we will have all the manpower to fully operate and be successful with that squadron re-standup down in your state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=45D7582D-7764-4FD0-ABEE-7788F696DBA7", "Wicker Asks VA Secretary for Plan to Improve Performance at Jackson, Biloxi Medical Centers", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin asking the agency for a plan to improve the VA medical centers in Jackson and Biloxi after a recent report gave the two facilities low performance marks. The Veterans Administration\u2019s (VA) 2017 Hospital Star Rating gave the G.V. \u201cSonny\u201d Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson two stars out of five.\u00a0 The Gulf Coast VA Medical Center in Biloxi received one star.\u00a0 \u201cI am concerned about the performance of Mississippi\u2019s two major medical centers,\u201d Wicker wrote. \u201cThese results are especially disappointing since 64 percent of VA facilities showed improvement over last year.\u201d \u201cMississippi veterans\u2026deserve better than two-star and one-star medical centers. VA has a responsibility to help each medical center identify and implement performance improvement measures. Please provide me with VA\u2019s plan to help improve performance at Jackson and Biloxi.\u201d Wicker concluded the letter by inviting Secretary Shulkin to join him in visiting with veterans during a site visit to Mississippi in the near future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2B3FB206-B66B-4538-A318-C86339B0FEEC", "COCHRAN, WICKER & HARPER ANNOUNCE OKTIBBEHA CO. SAFE ROOM FUNDING", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) today announced a $1.54 million award to Oktibbeha County for construction of a domed multipurpose safe room in Starkville. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to construct Phase II of the Oktibbeha County Safe Room at 607 Lynn Lane in Starkville.\u00a0 The 8,756-square-foot monolithic dome facility will be designed to have 7,910 square feet of usable space to serve almost 1,600 students, staff and residents. \u201cOktibbeha County and FEMA will construct this facility to provide new options for staying safe during severe weather.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased this funding has been awarded to help make the community better prepared for emergency situations,\u201d said Cochran. \u201cI\u2019m thankful the people of Starkville and Oktibbeha County will soon have a safe place to seek shelter,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cStorm shelters are essential to ensuring students, faculty, staff, and citizens are protected from Mississippi\u2019s unpredictable and often dangerous weather.\u201d \u201cWith the recent storms and severe weather that devastated many communities across our nation, the need for storm shelters is more apparent than ever,\u201d said Harper.\u00a0 \u201cThe funding and construction of this multi-purpose safe-room will greatly increase severe weather protections for the people of Starkville and Oktibbeha County.\u201d Combined with $242,802 in Phase I design and engineering funding awarded in December 2014, FEMA is making $1.79 million available overall for this project, which will cost $2.04 million to complete.\u00a0 FEMA\u2019s contribution amounts to 87 percent of the overall cost, with the remainder to be funded with nonfederal resources. The safe room will be built to FEMA 361 standards to withstand winds up to 250 mph.\u00a0 This standard allows short-term protection for the public during server weather situations.\u00a0 The facility would also be available for community meetings and events. Oktibbeha County will operate and maintain the dome facility by providing for construction and maintenance. \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1BED0D7D-85FC-45ED-B4D5-9018168A5E83", "Wicker: Advancing the Internet of Things in Rural America", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, conducted a hearing to examine the benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) in rural communities. The hearing also discussed the infrastructure needs necessary to advance the IoT market to ensure rural America has access to products and devices that are driving the digital economy. Mr. Michael Adcock, Executive Director of Telehealth Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), highlighted ways in which it is improving accessibility, quality, and affordability of healthcare in rural Mississippi. In October, the Health Resources and Services Administration the designated UMMC as a Telehealth Center of Excellence. Key highlights of Wicker\u2019s opening statement include: \u201cThe Internet of Things encompasses a diverse market of internet-connected devices, machines, and physical objects.\u00a0 Over the past few years, we have seen an increasing number of physical objects like refrigerators and washing machines take on \u201csmarter\u201d capabilities through internet-connected sensors.\u00a0 Internet connectivity enables these things to collect data and share actionable insights to consumers and businesses alike.\u00a0 This information allows the user to be more productive, efficient, and cost-effective. It is changing our economy.\u201d \u201cIn our rural communities in particular, Internet of Things technologies, such as telemedicine, are making a big impact.\u00a0 In my home state, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which is represented here today, is providing life-saving health-care services through innovative telehealth applications.\u00a0 Physicians are remotely monitoring and diagnosing patients.\u00a0 This remote access can offer specialty care that is not readily available in many rural communities.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cIt is vitally important that the Federal Communications Commission take steps to ensure that the Universal Service Fund program provide adequate and predictable support to help preserve and expand broadband in rural and underserved communities.\u00a0 It is also important for the Commission to collect accurate and reliable coverage data for programs, like Phase II of the Mobility Fund, before making new funding decisions.\u00a0 We should ensure the delivery of essential communications services to communities in need first.\u201d \u201cThe Internet of Things marks an exciting space for digital innovation in this country.\u00a0 There is significant economic potential associated with these technological developments.\u00a0 Today, I look forward to learning from our witnesses about the how the IoT is bringing vital services to rural America and creating opportunities for investment, innovation, and job creation.\u201d Additional witnesses at today\u2019s hearing included:\u00a0\r\n \r\nMr. David Armitage, Founder and CEO of Cartasite\r\nMr. Timothy Hassinger, President and CEO, Lindsay Corporation\r\nMr. Michael Terzich, Chief Administrative Officer, Zebra Technologies\r\nMs. Angela Siefer, Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3E0D7B2-5DA3-4C6D-8135-C751D95D2649", "National Institute on Aging Advances Wickers EUREKA Plan", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has begun the process of implementing U.S. Senator Roger Wicker\u2019s, R-Miss., proposal to create prize-based competitions in the fight against Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Wicker\u2019s \u201cEnsuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer\u2019s (EUREKA) Act\u201d became law in December 2016 as part of the \u201c21st Century Cures Act.\u201d \u201cThis is a time of tremendous hope for millions of Americans who suffer from Alzheimer\u2019s and other forms of dementia,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI believe that prize-based competitions, which pay only for success, will help spur advancements in technology and increase our understanding of these terrible afflictions.\u201d NIA released a Request for Information on November 2 to collect public input and suggestions on the development of the EUREKA prize for Alzheimer's disease research.\u00a0 Additional background information is provided in the RFI.\u00a0 All comments should be submitted electronically by email to NIAPrizeInput@nih.gov by 11:59:59 pm (ET) on December 31, 2017. The plan does not replace other funding and research initiatives for Alzheimer\u2019s but adds another route for breakthroughs. The law requires the agency to establish prize challenges to combat our nation\u2019s most devastating and costliest diseases, including Alzheimer\u2019s. Prize challenges enable government sponsors to pay only when a prize team achieves specified goals or milestones. Although funds will be authorized and reserved for awards, prizes will only be granted when teams achieve clearly defined objectives, making the \u201cEUREKA Act\u201d a cost-effective tool to spur leading-edge research. NIH has set a goal of curing Alzheimer\u2019s by 2025. Today, Alzheimer\u2019s is the most expensive disease in America and has a 100 percent fatality rate. According to a report released earlier this year, caring for people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other dementias is estimated to cost the United States $259 billion in 2017, with one in five Medicare dollars spent on an Alzheimer\u2019s victim. Unless a cure is found for Alzheimer\u2019s, treatment costs are expected to grow to an estimated $1.1 trillion by 2050.\u00a0In Mississippi, 12 percent of senior citizens have Alzheimer\u2019s. The number of victims is expected to rise 22.6 percent by 2025, increasing from 53,000 to 65,000. \u201cEUREKA\u201d was supported by more than 70 organizations, including the XPRIZE Foundation, Alzheimer\u2019s Foundation of America, UsAgainstAlzheimer\u2019s, Alzheimer's Association, Eli Lilly and Company, BrightFocus Foundation, and the MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B5DDE942-245C-4992-BB75-58E118F7F133", "Wicker Unveils Flood Insurance Reform Proposals", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today introduced four legislative measures aimed at improving the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which covers thousands of homeowners in Mississippi. \u201cCongress and the Administration have a month left to finish their work on long-term flood insurance program reauthorization,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI believe the four proposals that I introduced today should be part of those discussions to ensure that Mississippians have access to affordable coverage. They were written in close consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Mississippi Department of Insurance, local officials, industry experts, and constituents. These bills would benefit homeowners, small business owners, and the overall stability of the program.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Specifically, the bills would:\r\n \r\nProvide NOAA with technical assistance to expedite implementation of the COASTAL Act and provide better data and information to homeowners (\u201cCOASTAL Implementation Act,\u201d S. 2093);\r\nDeliver relief for small business owners and nonprofits by allowing surcharges to be used for mitigation (\u201cSmall Business Surcharge Relief Act,\u201d S. 2091);\r\nEmpower local communities to take an active role in flood mapping (\u201cMunicipality Empowerment Mapping Achievement Act,\u201d S. 2090); and\r\nProvide continuing education for insurance agents to ensure that accurate information about flood policies is being presented to consumers (\u201cFlood Insurance Continuing Education and Training Act,\u201d S. 2092).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B9C1E2CE-9454-491E-96B8-F29AC87CDE14", "Wicker, Cochran, & Harper Announce Oktibbeha Co. Safe Room Funding", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Gregg Harper, R-Miss., today announced a $1.54 million award to Oktibbeha County for construction of a domed multipurpose safe room in Starkville. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to construct Phase II of the Oktibbeha County Safe Room at 607 Lynn Lane in Starkville.\u00a0 The 8,756-square-foot monolithic dome facility will be designed to have 7,910 square feet of usable space to serve almost 1,600 students, staff and residents. \u201cI\u2019m thankful the people of Starkville and Oktibbeha County will soon have a safe place to seek shelter,\u201d\u00a0Wicker\u00a0said.\u00a0 \u201cStorm shelters are essential to ensuring students, faculty, staff, and citizens are protected from Mississippi\u2019s unpredictable and often dangerous weather.\u201d \u201cOktibbeha County and FEMA will construct this facility to provide new options for staying safe during severe weather.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased this funding has been awarded to help make the community better prepared for emergency situations,\u201d said Cochran. \u201cWith the recent storms and severe weather that devastated many communities across our nation, the need for storm shelters is more apparent than ever,\u201d said Harper.\u00a0 \u201cThe funding and construction of this multi-purpose safe-room will greatly increase severe weather protections for the people of Starkville and Oktibbeha County.\u201d Combined with $242,802 in Phase I design and engineering funding awarded in December 2014, FEMA is making $1.79 million available overall for this project, which will cost $2.04 million to complete.\u00a0 FEMA\u2019s contribution amounts to 87 percent of the overall cost, with the remainder to be funded with nonfederal resources. The safe room will be built to FEMA 361 standards to withstand winds up to 250 mph.\u00a0 This standard allows short-term protection for the public during server weather situations.\u00a0 The facility would also be available for community meetings and events. Oktibbeha County will operate and maintain the dome facility by providing for construction and maintenance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BFA8F3D7-EFB8-4579-B32B-CFC0E90A10E5", "Wicker Asks Navy Nominees About 355-Ship Fleet", "2017-11-07", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today attended a hearing to consider the nominations of two individuals who will be directly responsible for implementing the procurement of ships to meet the Navy\u2019s 355-ship requirement. \u201cI think a 355-ship fleet should be our goal for the next decade,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cMembers of this committee, the leadership of this committee, are looking at ways to make this a reality. \u2026 We need the top civilians and uniformed leadership in the Navy to get behind its own requirement (for 355 ships).\u201d Wicker directed his first question towards Mr. Thomas B. Modly, who is President Trump\u2019s nominee for Under Secretary of the Navy. If confirmed, Modly would replace Obama-holdover Thomas Dee, who recently expressed pessimism about the Navy\u2019s own much-needed 355-ship requirement. Modly committed to achieving the Navy\u2019s 355-ship requirement without hedging or equivocation. Modly also provided suggestions to increase the size of the fleet in a cost-effective and efficient way, including extending the service life of ships and activating ships in the Ready Reserve. Wicker also questioned the nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, Mr. James F. Geurts. Both nominees agreed that existing shipyards are not producing ships at full capacity and need a commitment from the Navy to justify investments in expanded production. Other nominees at today\u2019s hearing included:\u00a0\r\n \r\nMr. Robert F. Behler to be Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and\r\nDr. Dean L. Winslow to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7EF9834A-C08C-4658-97DF-715468EC7722", "Wicker, Cochran Confident about Farm Service Agency & Rural Development Appointees", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today said they are confident agriculture and rural development needs in Mississippi will be well served with the appointments of Bobby Carson of Marks and John Rounsaville of Madison to lead U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies in the state. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue late Friday appointed Carson to be the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, while Rounsaville was named Rural Development State Director.\u00a0 Cochran and Wicker recommended Carson and Rounsaville to Perdue. \u201cThe people of Mississippi deserve strong leadership from people who understand their needs,\u201d\u00a0Wicker\u00a0said.\u00a0 \u201cBobby Carson and John Rousaville have demonstrated they have the experience and the skills necessary to advocate for Mississippi\u2019s agricultural producers and spearhead rural development and infrastructure projects that will benefit all Mississippians.\u201d \u201cThe Farm Service Agency and Rural Development offices provide important services to farmers and rural communities throughout Mississippi.\u00a0 I am confident Bobby Carson and John Rounsaville will lead these offices ably and with distinction.\u00a0 Both of them understand the needs, challenges, and priorities in our state,\u201d Cochran said. Carson and Rounsaville held the same positions with FSA and Rural Development, respectively, during the President George W. Bush administration. As the FSA State Executive Director, Carson will assist in policy development and in administering and directing programs as part of the day-to-day operations of the FSA in Mississippi.\u00a0 Carson, who served as FSA director from 2004 to 2009, is a long-time farmer and real estate broker in the Delta.\u00a0 He has also served on numerous agriculture, conservation, and financial organizations. Rounsaville will be responsible for administering USDA Rural Development programs and for setting priorities particular to the rural needs of Mississippi.\u00a0 Rural development programs cover a broad range of issues, among them are economic development, business and cooperative services, utilities, and housing. Rounsaville previously managed the Rural Development office from 2006-2007.\u00a0 He is currently vice president for strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, Inc. in Jackson.\u00a0 He has been deputy staff judge advocate for the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard since 2013.\u00a0 He was also a policy advisor for former Governor Haley Barbour and deputy chief of staff to former Congressman Chip Pickering.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=93F622CE-1E9A-4787-A59E-890F7C407586", "Wicker Likes Trumps Judicial Picks", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On the last day of October, Amy Barrett, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame, was confirmed by the Senate to be a judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Although judicial confirmations are usually routine Senate business, many of President Trumps nominees, such as Professor Barrett, have been subjected to unnecessary foot-dragging by Democrats. The partisan showboating against Professor Barrett was exceptionally discourteous and wrong, calling into question her devout Catholic faith as an impediment to her capabilities as a federal judge.\r\nI joined 54 of my Senate colleagues in supporting Professor Barretts confirmation. Her faith is certainly no liability, as some would suggest, nor does it somehow invalidate her impressive legal career and credentials. To imply otherwise is a disservice to her qualifications and ignores Article 6 of our Constitution, which explicitly prohibits religious tests for any office.\r\nCourts Should Uphold the Law, Not Seek to Rewrite It\r\nIt is important for President Trump to select judicial nominees who are committed to applying the law and not their own ideology. That did not seem to be the approach of the Obama Administration, in which a judges personal feelings were seen as an asset to his or her decision-making. President Obama advocated a so-called empathy standard, distorting the impartiality of our justice system. Simply put, our judges should not be swayed by a cases potential political implications, and they should be even-handed in their application of the law.\r\nFollowing Professor Barretts confirmation, the Senate went on to send another three highly qualified conservative judges to the circuit courts. Although these nominees were needlessly entangled in a days-long process because of opposition from Senate Democrats, they easily secured the votes for confirmation. Former Senate majority leader Harry Reid changed the Senates rules on federal judicial nominations in 2013 so President Obama and a Democratic-led Senate could put more liberal-minded jurists on the bench. Now that Senate Republicans have the votes to confirm President Trumps nominees, we are working to restore the federal judiciary to its proper role. The courts should be in the business of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.\r\nTrump Nominations Usher in Sea Change on Federal Judiciary\r\nAppointments to the federal appeals courts are some of the most lasting and consequential decisions of any president. After confirmation, these judges serve for life, surpassing multiple administrations. Many of President Trumps judicial nominees are relatively young, with decades of service ahead of them. Those confirmed to circuit courts, such as the four nominees approved by the Senate this week, will have the final say on most cases. Second only to the Supreme Court in terms of rank, circuit courts weigh in on some of our countrys most pressing legal questions.\r\nPresident Trump assumed office with a vacancy on the Supreme Court and more than 100 openings on the federal bench. He has sought to fill these circuit and district court positions with individuals who possess a clear understanding of the law and a judges duty to apply it fairly to all Americans. I am glad the Senate is prioritizing the confirmation of these outstanding nominees, just as it did with the approval of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=824B49C6-54DF-4D84-B32C-D11D6D79DBCE", "COCHRAN:  USDA INVESTS IN RURAL MISS. ELECTRIC PROJECTS", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that $56.8 million in low-interest loans have been approved to upgrade electric infrastructure in rural areas of central and coastal Mississippi. The U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Office of Rural Development approved the investments through its Electric Program.\u00a0 The Coast Electric Power Association will use a $47.5 million loan for system improvements, while the Central Electric Power Association will receive a $9,250,000 loan for similar work. \u201cFamilies and businesses in rural Mississippi depend on reliable electric service.\u00a0 Rural Development loans help finance work to guarantee and expand service, which is important for growing Mississippi\u2019s economy and supporting public safety,\u201d Cochran said. The Coast Electric Power Association, which serves parts of Harrison, Hancock, and Pearl River counties, will use the USDA investment to build 136 miles of distribution line, improve 270 miles of line, and make other system improvements.\u00a0 The loan includes $689,287 for smart grid projects. The Central Electric Power Association will use its funding to build 240 miles of transmission line, improve another 323 miles of line, and make other improvements.\u00a0 It loan includes $100,000 for smart grid projects, which can include technologies to improve the efficiency and security of the electric grid.\u00a0 The association serves rural areas of Attala, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Rankin, and Scott counties.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=BECA1AF4-A6C6-44D4-8E24-5DBFA22D1A86", "COCHRAN, WICKER CONFIDENT ABOUT FARM SERVICE AGENCY, RURAL DEVELOPMENT APPOINTEES", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Cochran and John Rounsaville (Download)\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today said they are confident agriculture and rural development needs in Mississippi will be well served with the appointments of Bobby Carson of Marks and John Rounsaville of Madison to lead U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies in the state. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue late Friday appointed Carson to be the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, while Rounsaville was named Rural Development State Director.\u00a0 Cochran and Wicker recommended Carson and Rounsaville to Perdue. \u201cThe Farm Service Agency and Rural Development offices provide important services to farmers and rural communities throughout Mississippi.\u00a0 I am confident Bobby Carson and John Rounsaville will lead these offices ably and with distinction.\u00a0 Both of them understand the needs, challenges, and priorities in our state,\u201d Cochran said. \u201cThe people of Mississippi deserve strong leadership from people who understand their needs,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cBobby Carson and John Rousaville have demonstrated they have the experience and the skills necessary to advocate for Mississippi\u2019s agricultural producers and spearhead rural development and infrastructure projects that will benefit all Mississippians.\u201d Carson and Rounsaville held the same positions with FSA and Rural Development, respectively, during the President George W. Bush administration. As the FSA State Executive Director, Carson will assist in policy development and in administering and directing programs as part of the day-to-day operations of the FSA in Mississippi.\u00a0 Carson, who served as FSA director from 2004 to 2009, is a long-time farmer and real estate broker in the Delta.\u00a0 He has also served on numerous agriculture, conservation, and financial organizations. Rounsaville will be responsible for administering USDA Rural Development programs and for setting priorities particular to the rural needs of Mississippi.\u00a0 Rural development programs cover a broad range of issues, among them are economic development, business and cooperative services, utilities, and housing. Rounsaville previously managed the Rural Development office from 2006-2007.\u00a0 He is currently vice president for strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, Inc. in Jackson.\u00a0 He has been deputy staff judge advocate for the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard since 2013.\u00a0 He was also a policy advisor for former Governor Haley Barbour and deputy chief of staff to former Congressman Chip Pickering.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=E5591739-0AC6-428F-B9A9-093F68C8BB58", "Naysaying Detracts From 355-Ship Buildup", "2017-11-03", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Does the Navy stand behind its requirement for a 355-ship fleet? Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and Admiral John Richardson, the Chief of Naval Operations, certainly do. But Acting Undersecretary Thomas Dee, an Obama holdover, recently threw a wet blanket on the requirement, saying 355 ships is probably out of reach until the 2050s. In his comments, Mr. Dee took a line from the Rolling Stones, elaborating that \u201cYou can\u2019t always get what you want.\u201d One would hope that senior Navy officials know the second part of that Rolling Stones refrain: \u201cBut if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.\u201d Yes, shipbuilding is a long process and a 355-ship fleet will not happen overnight. But Mr. Dee\u2019s pessimism about the Navy\u2019s own requirement is disappointing, when it is incumbent on the Navy to develop fleet buildup options within budget constraints. These \u201ccurrent and likely future fiscal environments\u201d were accounted for in the Navy\u2019s 2016 Force Structure Assessment (FSA) of 355 ships. Otherwise, why not shoot for the 650 ships our Combatant Commanders actually need? As the chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, I have no interest in mindless shipbuilding. I believe that our ability to project naval power requires a fleet that can cover all critical maritime regions and account for lengthy transit and maintenance cycles. As Admiral Richardson\u2019s Future Navy white paper put it: \u201cNumbers matter. The number of ships in the Navy\u2019s fleet determines where we can be, and being there is a key to naval power.\u201d The CNO also notes that we ought to achieve a 355-ship fleet in the 2020s, not the 2040s or 2050s. He is right. A 355-ship fleet should be our goal for the next decade. The recent collisions involving the destroyers Fitzgerald and John S. McCain further demonstrate the urgency of our fleet buildup. Although the demand for naval assets has increased substantially since 9/11, the supply of available ships has declined around 20 percent. Our fleet is nearly as small as it was before World War I, and it is fast approaching a \u201cdeath spiral,\u201d according to naval analysts Robert C. O\u2019Brien and Jerry Hendrix. Increasingly overworked and damaged ships are placing an ever-greater strain on the remaining operational ships and the sailors who operate them. Unless we reverse this spiral, O\u2019Brien and Hendrix argue, the nation can expect \u201cmore collisions, more injuries, and more deaths in the fleet.\u201d Congress has taken four steps this year to help lay a firm foundation for an aggressive, fiscally responsible naval buildup. First, the FY18 budget resolution passed by the Senate and the House allows base defense spending to climb to $640 billion. Because this number exceeds the spending caps set in law, I am hopeful that the budget resolution will help energize congressional efforts to raise the caps and provide short-term budget stability for the Navy. Second, both the Senate and House versions of the 2018 defense authorization bill include the Wicker-Wittman SHIPS Act, which would establish the Navy\u2019s 355-ship requirement as our national policy. Enactment of the SHIPS Act through the defense bill\u2019s final conference report would send a strong signal that building up the fleet is an enduring priority. Third, Congress has also supported \u2014 in both defense authorization bills \u2014 the multiyear procurement of Virginia-class attack submarines and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Multiyear procurement would stabilize the industrial base for those ships and generate billions in savings, which could then be plowed into more shipbuilding. For the past two decades, low-rate shipbuilding has eviscerated the supplier base and led to inefficient production schedules. A Navy analysis shows that our shipbuilding industrial base could construct 29 more ships than planned over the next seven years. In other words, our shipyards are up to the challenge. Finally, I amended this year\u2019s defense authorization bill to direct the Navy to go through its inventory and identify opportunities for extending a ship\u2019s service life or reactivating a ship in the Ready Reserve. It is irresponsible to retire ships early or overlook reactivation opportunities if the benefits exceed the costs. The Navy is currently about 80 ships short of its minimum requirement. We cannot afford to be picky. We need to be creative. Earlier this year, former Navy Secretary John Lehman testified in favor of the SHIPS Act and told my subcommittee that President Reagan \u201creaped 90 percent of the benefits of his rebuilding program \u2026 in the first year.\u201d In the early \u201980s, President Reagan, Congress and the Pentagon were serious about rebuilding the fleet. They made it clear to our allies and the Soviets that the American Navy was coming back in a big way. We can do the same today, but we all need to be on the same page. We will never grow the fleet unless the Navy \u2014 and everyone in the Navy leadership \u2014 stands fully behind its own requirements. Indeed, they just might find they get what they need. This op-ed was published in the Navy Times on November 3, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=141377EA-43C7-4D9F-B443-7B286589663E", "Wicker Responds to Navys Final Comprehensive Review", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss.,\u00a0Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, today\u00a0released the following statement\u00a0after\u00a0the Navy released its comprehensive review of recent mishaps at sea, including the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain collisions. Those two particular incidents caused the death of 17 American sailors.\r\n\u201cAs the review tragically reveals, both the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain collisions were avoidable.\u00a0 It is clear from the report \u2013 and the briefing provided to the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this week \u2013 that the size of the Navy was also a contributing factor.\u00a0 As I told the Senate on Tuesday, we are asking too few ships to do too many things.\u00a0 We are wearing out our sailors and their ships. I urge the Navy to implement the report\u2019s recommendations quickly, and I stand ready to help.\u201d\r\nIn August, the Navy announced that it intends to award Ingalls Shipbuilding\u00a0in Pascagoula the contract to repair the USS Fitzgerald, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. The ship was severely damaged on\u00a0June 17, 2017, when a container ship collided with the destroyer off the coast of Japan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=72CE2A30-FC4A-4A8B-B462-2FE87C8A4B34", "Wicker Commends Trump for Repeal of Arbitration Rule", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., commended President Trump for signing legislation, cosponsored by the Mississippi Senator, to repeal an intrusive Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule banning certain arbitration agreements between consumers and businesses. The rule would have harmed consumers by limiting their options to resolve financial disputes.\r\n\u201cFrom the beginning, CFPB has been a thinly veiled attempt by Washington liberals to supersede congressional authority and expand federal control over Americans\u2019 financial decisions,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cI voted to protect consumers\u2019 rights by repealing a regulation that would have encouraged frivolous class action lawsuits against American job creators.\u201d\r\nIn July, the CFPB finalized an Obama-era rule to ban certain financial agreements from including arbitration agreements. Arbitration agreements help expedite the resolution of disputes between consumers and companies, while keeping prices low for consumers. The rule as written would have empowered trial lawyers to pursue lawsuits that deliver millions of dollars in fees each year and can severely limit the amount of money consumers receive for legitimate claims against businesses.\r\nAccording to the CFPB\u2019s own study, consumers recover an average of $5,389 when using arbitration, compared to $32 when a consumer participates in a class action suit. The study noted attorneys take an average of 21 percent of the cash award, and some take as much as 63 percent. Class action attorneys earned over $424 million dollars during the period studied. More than 60 percent of class actions resulted in no relief for class members, as the cases were either settled individually or withdrawn by the plaintiff. Only 12 percent of class actions even obtained a final class settlement.\r\nThe study also showed that arbitration is faster than class action suits. On average, disputes in arbitration were resolved in approximately five months, while class action lawsuits averaged about 23 months for completion. Arbitration can also be cheaper, with consumer costs capped at a $200 filing fee because businesses cover the remainder of the costs in arbitration.\r\nWicker cosponsored the Resolution of Disapproval of the CFPB rule on arbitration (S.J. Res. 47) this summer. The vote in the Senate was 51-50, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E5991110-8189-405C-A484-E7857B1B7A18", "Wicker Asks Army Secretary Nominee About Issues Facing Mississippi Defense Manufacturers", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today asked Dr. Mark Esper, President Trump\u2019s choice to be the next Army Secretary, about two issues facing Mississippi defense manufacturing involving helicopters and uniforms. Wicker\u2019s comments came during Dr. Esper\u2019s nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nIn 2015, Airbus, which builds UH-72A Lakota helicopters in Columbus, Miss., was awarded a contract to build 16 Lakotas. A contract dispute ensued, and those particular helicopters are currently being held up because of the pending court case. These helicopters are the Army\u2019s primary training aircraft. The Army National Guard also uses Lakotas for troop transport and security missions.\r\nThen, in 2017, Congress directed the Army to purchase 28 new Lakotas and provided the funds to pay for them through the FY17 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The Army has not taken action to follow through on this congressional directive, arguing that these additional 28 Lakotas are \u201cheld up in the same protest.\u201d\r\nWicker made the argument that the court case should have no bearing on language in the FY17 appropriations bill, asserting that they are two separate procurement actions. Wicker expressed concerns that this delay could have detrimental impacts on helicopter pilot training and the Lakota industrial base.\r\nIn his response, Dr. Esper committed to working with Wicker to resolve the issue and expedite the contracting actions required to issue a production contract for the new helicopters.\r\nOn the second matter, Wicker brought up an issue facing Mississippi workers in Stonewall who manufacture high-quality military uniforms. Currently, insecticides are applied to the uniforms after they have been cut and sewn so that workers are not ingesting loose fibers. However, the Department of Defense is trying to change the process, to one that adds the insecticide before the cut-and-sew process.\r\nWicker said, \u201cI cannot fathom why the Army would want to change an efficient and proven process that leaves no environmental waste.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B655CE5D-6B63-47AC-AC04-C6A944BE81FA", "Wicker Reiterates the Need for a 355-Ship Navy", "2017-11-01", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, told the Senate that the requirement for a 355-ship Navy is clear, especially in light of recent accidents involving the USS Fitzgerald and John S. McCain that took the lives of seventeen American sailors.\r\nIn response to these incidents, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, directed that a comprehensive review take place. On Tuesday, Wicker and other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have been briefed on those findings. The Navy is scheduled to make the review public later this week.\r\nWicker is the lead author of legislation to make it the policy of the United States to achieve a 355-ship fleet, based on the Navy\u2019s force requirement. The \u201cSHIPS Act\u201d is included in both the House- and Senate-passed versions of the \u201cNational Defense Authorization Act,\u201d which is awaiting action by a conference committee.\r\nKey excerpts of Wicker\u2019s speech include:\r\n\u201cThe review makes it clear that we are not doing right by our sailors, or the Navy, or the taxpayers in terms of making sure these brave men and women have what they need. We need to work quickly with the Navy here in Congress to implement the recommendations that will be coming forward later this week.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe need to enhance training and readiness, and we need to recognize that the size of the fleet has contributed to the problem.\u00a0 Simply put, we need to acknowledge that the Navy has a supply-and-demand problem. \u00a0We are asking too few ships to do too many things for American security, and that needs to be rectified.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe consequences of this supply-demand mismatch were summed up by naval analysts Robert C. O\u2019Brien and Jerry Hendrix in a recent National Review Online article.\u00a0 They argue that the Navy is on the precipice of a \u2018death spiral,\u2019 wherein more overworked and damaged ships place an increasingly greater strain on the remaining operational ships, thus eroding readiness across the fleet.\u00a0 I agree with Mr. O\u2019Brien and Mr. Hendrix that this situation will result in \u2018more collisions, more injuries, and more deaths in the fleet.\u2019 To avoid the death spiral, we need to commit to growing the Navy and meeting its minimum requirement of 355 ships.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u201cAs the Fitzgerald and McCain collisions have demonstrated, the short-term costs of \u2018doing more with less\u2019 are unacceptable.\u00a0 However, the long-term implications will prove devastating to American power and the global order that it underpins.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe U.S. military\u2019s combatant commanders have identified 18 maritime regions where the Navy must secure American interests.\u00a0 Our current naval strategy is designed to command the seas in those regions.\u00a0 The Navy needs a minimum of 355 ships to get this done. If the Navy cannot get the bare minimum it needs, then our naval strategy must change, and I can assure you it would be a change for the worse. Instead of a global command of the seas, what we get would be a new, weaker strategy.\u201d\r\n\u201cI know my colleagues in Congress want a different future.\u00a0 In fact, I am hopeful we can take the first steps this year toward building up the fleet.\u00a0 As former Navy Secretary John Lehman told our subcommittee, President Reagan \u2018reaped 90 percent of the benefits of his rebuilding program \u2026 in the first year.\u2019\u00a0 It made it clear that President Reagan, Congress, and the Pentagon were serious about rebuilding the fleet.\u00a0 It sent a signal to our allies and the Soviets that the American Navy was coming back in a big way.\u201d\r\n\u201cI was disappointed to hear that Acting Undersecretary Thomas Dee, an Obama holdover, say last week that 355 ships is probably out of reach until the 2050s.\u00a0 Mr. Dee\u2019s pessimism about the Navy\u2019s own requirement is perplexing, when it is incumbent on the Navy to develop fleet buildup options within budget constraints.\u00a0 Those \u2018current and likely future fiscal environments\u2019 were accounted for in the Navy\u2019s 2016 Force Structure Assessment (FSA) of 355 ships.\u201d\r\n\u201cCNO Richardson\u2019s white paper on the Future Navy notes that we ought to achieve a 355-ship fleet in the 2020s, not the 2040s or 2050s. Thank goodness for the foresight and positive attitude of the Chief of Naval Operations. He\u2019s right: A 355-ship fleet should be our goal for the next decade. Regrettably, Acting Undersecretary Dee must have been asleep for the past nine months while Congress was talking about this and while we are on the verge of enacting legislation making a 355-ship Navy the official policy of the United States of America.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs O\u2019Brien and Hendrix write, \u2018navies and international influence go hand in hand.\u2019\u00a0 A smaller Navy means a smaller role for America, and we cannot afford that. We must cultivate the national will to avoid this fate. I urge my colleagues to help me in an effort to begin rebuilding our naval power.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=93F99026-9C3D-4636-A2AB-D1F2BBA8D33C", "Wicker Supports Amy Barretts Nomination to Federal Bench", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after Republican Senate leaders and religious liberty groups met to discuss the nomination of Amy Barrett to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals:\r\n\u201cI strongly support the confirmation of Amy Barrett. Sadly, the tactics that Senate Democrats have deployed to delay her nomination prove the lengths they will go to distort the rules and abuse the process. They have even gone so far as to imply that her Catholic faith could be a liability. This week, we will overcome these unnecessary partisan delays and confirm this well-qualified conservative jurist to the bench.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=CF81AE9D-E1EF-475B-941E-9E584F0DD1A9", "Wicker Encouraged by President Trumps Meeting With Senate Republicans", "2017-10-30", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Senate\u2019s passage of a budget resolution on October 19 was only the beginning of a weeks-long process to overhaul the tax code, one of President Trump\u2019s top priorities. \u00a0The House of Representatives has since acted to approve the same budget, demonstrating the unified support among Republicans in Congress to produce results for the American people in the form of pro-growth, job-creating tax cuts.\r\nA few days after the Senate\u2019s budget vote, President Trump reiterated his commitment to getting tax reform done, joining Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill to discuss the next steps. \u00a0The conversation was productive, recognizing the accomplishments that the Administration and Congress have achieved this year, such as regulatory reform and the appointment of conservative judges to the federal bench. \u00a0Major changes to the tax system would be a congressional accomplishment not seen in over 30 years.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nTax Reform Is a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity\r\nReform is desperately needed. Americans spend an excessive amount of time and money filing their taxes every year because of an overly complicated and outdated tax code. \u00a0The Trump Administration has worked with Congress to put together a bold outline of tax ideas in the best interest of American workers, businesses, and middle-class families. \u00a0The goal now is to get these ideas across the finish line, putting more money in Americans\u2019 pockets, simplifying tax returns, and giving the economy the jolt it has needed for a decade.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nAs the President and congressional Republicans have continually emphasized, this once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide relief to America\u2019s middle-class families is not to be missed. \u00a0But a number of legislative hurdles still need to be overcome, including the introduction and subsequent passage of a tax bill in the House and in the Senate. \u00a0These bills are expected early next month, and I am confident Congress can work quickly to send them to the President\u2019s desk before the holidays.\r\n355-Ship Navy Close to Becoming Law\r\nAnother major legislative item nearing the finish line is the final version of the annual defense authorization bill, which outlines the resources our troops need. \u00a0The versions of the defense bills that passed in the Senate and House earlier this year are currently in the conference process, where any differences in policy can be reconciled. \u00a0Both chambers will have the chance to vote on the final version before sending it to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\nI am eager for the defense bill to become law, since both the House and Senate have supported my \u201cSHIPS Act,\u201d which would establish as U.S. policy the need to meet the Navy\u2019s requirement for a minimum of 355 ships. \u00a0\u00a0This provision to build a bigger fleet is important to the future preparedness of our Navy and Marine Corps, which have been strained to meet their operational demands across the globe. \u00a0Like tax reform\u2019s bolstering of U.S. competitiveness, a larger Navy would produce its own positive outcomes in the form of greater national security and global stability.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7C1B12AC-3799-4CAA-A2C3-FCA783EB72BA", "COCHRAN WELCOMES ADMINISTRATION ATTENTION TO OPIOID EPIDEMIC", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following President Trump\u2019s address today regarding the opioid epidemic, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) welcomed the administration\u2019s attention to the crisis. President Trump on Thursday issued a public health emergency declaration to address the opioid crisis.\u00a0 This designation would give federal agencies added flexibility to reprogram existing funds. \u201cThe opioid crisis is a public health and safety challenge that should not be underestimated,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cOver the past few years, the Appropriations Committee has approved significant new funding throughout the government to address this crisis, including money for opioid interdiction, prevention, and treatment programs.\u201d \u201cThe Senate Appropriations Committee welcomes the opportunity to work with the President and his administration to make more progress on this problem, which has already ruined so many lives,\u201d he said. Under the leadership of Republican chairmen, funding to combat opioid abuse has more than quadrupled, while remaining within budget caps\u2014increasing by $1.2 billion or 415 percent over the past three years. This year, the Senate committee has approved FY2018 funding totaling $1.45 billion for health, law enforcement, and veterans agencies to combat heroin and opioid addiction, overdoses and deaths\u2014a significant contrast from the $289 million provided in Fiscal Year 2015. Cochran indicated that the committee welcomes an opportunity to work with the administration to fund:\u00a0 research efforts into pain control and alternative treatments; new and comprehensive pain management training and education for prescribers; increased naloxone availability, particularly for veterans; and state and local law enforcement grants to help communities improve response to opioid-related cases. SUMMARY:\u00a0 Funding Over Past Three Years Under Senate Republican Chairmen to Combat Heroin and Opioid Abuse Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations   From $57 million in FY2015 to $801 million in FY2017; $816 million in FY2018 Senate bill. Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations  From $233 million in FY2015 to $277 million in FY2017; $288 million in FY2018 Senate bill. VA Funding to Combat Heroin and Opioid Abuse  From $231 million in FY2015 to $368 million in FY2017; $386 million in FY2018 Senate bill. TOTAL \u2013 Government Wide  From $289 million in FY2015 to $1.45 billion in FY2017; $1.49 billion in FY2018 Senate bill. (All but FY2018 reflect enacted levels.)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=FDBF9C93-446D-4222-9651-90ACA61D5996", "President Trumps Tax Reform is a Win for American Workers", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More money for middle-class Americans. That is the goal of tax reform and the reason I support it in the Senate. More than 30 years after Congress last rewrote the tax code, I believe we are seizing an opportunity to make history. Now that the budget has passed, the policy details of tax reform will take shape in the coming weeks. A 21st-century economy needs a 21st-century tax system. President Trump and congressional Republicans have worked together to put forward pro-growth ideas that look out for American workers and American businesses. These ideas stem from the belief that Americans can make better decisions about their money than the federal government. I agree. Like any tough policy issue, there have been outspoken critics of this tax reform effort. They have used misguided speculation and guesswork to make dire predictions. However, these naysayers should not derail the pursuit of substantial tax relief for American families. Nor should they stand in the way of a burgeoning economic boon, fueled by policies that will promote U.S. competitiveness. Millions of U.S. jobs and trillions of dollars in economic output could be generated. After a decade of lackluster economic growth, that is the kind of news we need to hear. For years, lawmakers from both political parties have acknowledged that our tax code is outdated and complicated. The difference now is that President Trump and a Republican-led Congress are ready to fix it, refusing to kick the can down the road any longer. What would an updated tax code mean for working Americans? Under the proposed framework, the standard deduction would be doubled and tax brackets would be simplified. There would still be popular tax provisions \u2014 including an expansion of the Child Tax Credit \u2014 but not the unfair smorgasbord of special deductions. U.S. businesses \u2014 big and small \u2014 would see lower tax bills, freeing up funds for capital investment, higher wages and job creation. For the past eight years, Americans have struggled to budget higher living expenses, including a rise in health care premiums, while seeing little to no growth in their paychecks. The nation\u2019s real median wage growth has limped along, rising on average by only sixth-tenths of a percentage point annually for almost a decade. In a new analysis, the White House\u2019s Council of Economic Advisors highlights the difference that a competitive corporate tax rate could make on the wages of American workers. The council predicts that cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent could boost average household incomes by $4,000. This reduction in the corporate tax rate would hardly be a radical move. The United States currently has the highest corporate tax rate in the world \u2014 which has the unintended consequences of encouraging U.S. companies to look overseas when deciding to expand and discouraging global industry from looking to the United States to invest. That discourages new job opportunities here at home. The work done by the Senate Budget Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Trump Administration has paved the way for a tax overhaul not seen since the Reagan Administration. Those 1986 tax reforms ushered in years of noninflationary growth, a bigger economy and, in turn, more tax revenue \u2014 a winning combination for reducing the federal debt \u2014 but are now outdated, putting our job creators at a competitive disadvantage with those overseas. Instead of a bigger economy, growth has stagnated and the federal debt has skyrocketed \u2014 a problem that was not helped by the tax-and-spend policies of the Obama Administration. President Trump\u2019s tax cuts and deregulation are the right ingredients for an economic renaissance. Indeed, a pro-growth policymaking climate has already been accompanied by a record-breaking stock market. The president recognizes what can happen when the federal government steps aside and lets American workers and American businesses take the reins. I am glad the Senate has taken the first steps to help realize this potential. Note: This op-ed appeared in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger on October 26, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=53352978-FA8E-4581-8E37-EB460674AA3E", "Wicker Says Niger Mission Critical to American Interests", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today appeared on CNN to discuss the ongoing Niger investigation. Wicker attended a classified briefing conducted by Pentagon officials this morning to learn more about the fight that resulted in the death of four American soldiers.\r\nKey excerpts of Wicker\u2019s interview include:\r\n\u201cLet me just say in a general sense, I think we were right to be there. What we are doing is trying to prevent this area of Africa from becoming another staging ground, another training ground for terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Al Qaeda. If. we want to prevent another 9/11 being staged from a place like Afghanistan, we need to be where we are now in Africa. I think it is an important mission, and we got specific details about this tragedy, but also some overall guidance about where we are in the region.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe continue to listen to the top experts in the Pentagon. When they say we need something to get the mission done and prevent terrorism from coming to our shores, we will listen to these generals and give them what they need, and give our troops what they need.\u201d\r\n\u201cLet me also add that I heard on one of the news stations that these particular Americans were not highly trained. I do want to make it clear that is not accurate. These were special operations personnel. They volunteered for the most dangerous type of military action, and they were highly trained. They are all the more honored because they stepped forward into something very, very dangerous.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=59045550-77CF-4DF1-8324-EEC27155F914", "Wicker Explores Options to Expand Rural Broadband With Satellite Technology", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, recently attended a hearing to receive testimony on the future of the commercial satellite industry and what role it would play in providing next-generation communications services to both rural and urban areas. Wicker asked witnesses to comment on how satellite providers could be included in a comprehensive broadband infrastructure proposal and how current federal regulations affect satellite infrastructure investment. The hearing is one in a series of Senate Commerce hearings exploring the potential for multiple technologies to expand broadband internet service to underserved and unserved areas, in both rural and urban settings. Wicker has championed legislation to expand rural broadband services and to help close the digital divide. Last week, Wicker introduced the \u201cSPEED Act,\u201d or the \u201cStreamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2017.\u201d The measure would accelerate the deployment of new broadband infrastructure to both rural and urban areas by streamlining the permitting process for telecommunications equipment that is installed in locations that have already been subjected to historical or environmental reviews. Attendees of the hearing included:\u00a0\r\n \r\nMs. Patricia Cooper, Vice President of Satellite Government Affairs, SpaceX\r\nMr. Mark Dankberg, Chief Executive Officer, ViaSat\r\nMr. Stephen Spengler, Chief Executive Officer, Intelsat\r\nMr. Greg Wyler, Founder and Executive Chairman, OneWeb", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AAC06B3C-2029-451D-998C-DAFD941A4D2D", "Wicker Says Trump Right to Declare Opioid Crisis a Public Health Emergency", "2017-10-26", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after President Trump announced that he is directing the Department of Health and Human Services to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency:\r\n\u201cThe opioid epidemic in this country has impacted nearly half of all Americans \u2013 a heartbreaking fact. With his actions today, President Trump is following through on his promise to fight this crisis and help American families heal.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3CFA5456-2D89-49D2-9545-B464DE213F2F", "Wicker to Fox Business: Fast Track to Tax Cuts", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today appeared on Fox Business to discuss the latest on congressional efforts to advance tax cuts for working families and job creators.\r\nKey excerpts of Wicker\u2019s interview include:\r\n\u201cClearly our tax system is out of date and doesn\u2019t serve the purpose of economic growth or job creation. We are on the verge with a good vote in the House, probably tomorrow, to move with our Senate-passed budget. That will save us three weeks and put us on the fast track toward getting a tax cut for job creators and more take-home pay for American workers.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am result-oriented, and I am very pleased that the President spent so much time yesterday talking about the results that this administration, with the help of this Congress, has gotten in the first nine months, including a whole sea change on the federal court.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe are about to deliver some real tax reform, tax cuts to the average American middle-class worker, and if we do this, we are going to give a jolt to the economy the likes of which we haven't seen in eight or 10 years.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=74E1F9E6-62F0-4C0F-91AB-DC1B2500113C", "Wicker Highlights Modern Saltwater Fishing Legislation", "2017-10-24", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate\u2019s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today participated in a congressional hearing to examine the reauthorization of the \u201cMagnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.\u201d\r\nThe hearing is the fourth in a series focused on the state of our nation\u2019s fisheries and the science that supports sustainable management.\r\nWicker highlighted ways in which his legislation, the \u201cModernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act,\u201d would address many of the recommendations outlined in the Morris-Deal report to create a national policy for saltwater recreational fishing. One of the witnesses praised the legislation saying, \u201cit meshes up quite well [with the report], and I think it addresses those issues we would hope to see addressed in Magnuson.\u201d\r\nThe Mississippi Senator also asked the panel about the Gulf Menhaden, which is an important forage fish found in the state. There are proposals to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) to establish a broad \u201crule of thumb\u201d to manage all forage species according to uniform national standards. Dr. Hilborn responded by saying that the forage fish are best managed on a case-by-case basis that takes into account the unique biological and ecological factors affecting different forage species.\u00a0Wicker believes these management and scientific decisions should remain at the regional and local levels.\r\nWitnesses at today\u2019s hearing included:\r\n \r\nMr. Karl Haflinger, Founder and President, Sea State, Inc.\r\nDr. Ray Hilborn, Professor, University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences\r\nDr. Michael Jones, Professor, Michigan State University Quantitative Fisheries Center\r\nDr. Larry McKinney, Director, Texas A&M University Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=63758DDE-7E8C-46A4-8693-846AD27A574B", "COCHRAN ENCOURAGES SENATE TO APPROVE DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING", "2017-10-23", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today encouraged his colleagues to approve supplemental appropriations for hurricane and wildfire relief.  The legislation provides $36.5 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and programs to fight wildfires across the United States.\u00a0 The Senate is scheduled to take a procedural vote Monday afternoon to move the bill toward final passage this week. \u00a0 \u201cSenators will soon be asked to support emergency supplemental appropriations to help American communities respond to devastating hurricanes and wildfires.\u00a0 I encourage Senators to approve this bill,\u201d Cochran said.  \u201cThe number and strength of storms this year have depleted funding needed for disaster recovery.\u00a0 Additional supplemental funding will help ensure first responders and federal agencies have the necessary resources to do their important work,\u201d he continued. The legislation provides $18.7 billion for the DRF, which is the main program providing individual and public assistance to victims of major storms.\u00a0 The bill also provides $16 billion for debt forgiveness for the NFIP, without which the program would be unable to pay new claims from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate.  An additional $576.5 million is available to combat wildfires, which caused fatalities and significant property damage in the western United States.  The supplemental appropriations legislation was approved in the House of Representatives by a 353-69 vote on Oct. 12.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=8B8C6FC5-6CFE-4D50-9AEE-24D509F4D737", "Wicker Urges Senate to Burn the Midnight Oil & Confirm Trump Nominees", "2017-10-23", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The treatment of President Trump\u2019s executive nominees compared to those of his predecessors illustrates just how far Democrats are willing to distort the Senate process. \u00a0Nine months into his term, President Trump has had only 39 percent of his nominees confirmed.\u00a0 President George H. W. Bush had 70 percent of his nominees confirmed by this time in his first year.\u00a0 President Bill Clinton had 76 percent, President George W. Bush had 53 percent, and President Obama had 65 percent.\r\nBreak the Logjam\u00a0\r\nSuch a grossly low statistic should be corrected, even if it means that the Senate stay in session during weekends and late into the evening. \u00a0I have called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to adopt an aggressive schedule that would allow us to break this needless logjam of nominees. \u00a0As we saw during the delay of the state work period in August, the Senate was able to confirm 76 of President Trump\u2019s nominees in a matter of days. \u00a0Only 56 nominees had been confirmed up until that point. \u00a0The same focus that broke that logjam is needed now.\r\nParticularly troubling is the fact that there are outstanding nominees ready to get to work for the American people. \u00a0Instead, they have been waiting for months to receive Senate approval.\u00a0 Some could be helping to provide hurricane relief or fighting terrorism if confirmed. \u00a0It is senseless for these confirmations to stall when the Democrats insist on procedural delays but do not object to the nominees\u2019 qualifications. \u00a0In the end, several of President Trump\u2019s nominees have gone on to receive support from nearly every member of the Senate after needless foot-dragging.\r\nEnd the Abuse of Senate Rules\u00a0\r\nSenate Democrats\u2019 procedural tactic involves invoking dozens of hours of debate time, even though non-controversial nominees could be approved with a simple voice vote.\u00a0 This unnecessary delay is inconvenient for the Trump Administration and bad for the country, since vacancies in the executive branch hamper the President\u2019s ability to advance his agenda. \u00a0But the Democrats\u2019 political games are also an affront to the will of the American people, who democratically elected President Trump to make these leadership picks and build an administration.\r\nI believe the Senate should stay in session through the night, during weekends, and through state work periods to give President Trump\u2019s nominees the timely consideration they deserve. \u00a0That is the least we can do in response to those who have chosen to distort Senate rules and who refuse to follow the example that the minority party has set for every previous administration.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nConfirmation votes are one of the Senate\u2019s most basic duties in our Constitution, which entrusts lawmakers to provide \u201cadvice and consent\u201d on executive nominees.\u00a0 There are more than a thousand executive positions that need Senate approval, and there is too much work to do on behalf of the American people to let these important positions stay vacant. \u00a0We need to be relentless in our efforts to ensure these positions are filled. \u00a0In doing so, we can show the American people that the Senate will continue to function despite those who seek to perpetuate gridlock.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=38379EAD-8AD1-4388-BF78-B5807E490125", "Wicker, Cortez Masto Introduce SPEED Act", "2017-10-20", "2017", "2017-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., have introduced the \u201cStreamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2017\u201d (SPEED Act), S. 1988. The measure would accelerate the deployment of new broadband infrastructure to both rural and urban areas by streamlining the permitting process for telecommunications equipment that is installed in locations that have already been subjected to historical or environmental reviews.\r\n\u201cThis sensible legislation would help fast-track the deployment of next-generation broadband technologies by utilizing existing public right of ways and exempting communications providers from duplicative reviews,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cNew advances in telehealth, online education, precision agriculture, and other internet applications demand faster, better broadband connections. It is time for the federal government to recognize the realities of a modern digital economy and accommodate the needs of American consumers.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am proud to co-sponsor the SPEED Act because it would reduce the barriers to the development of new communications infrastructure in urban and rural communities,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cWe live in an age when nearly every routine task necessitates internet access, including completing homework assignments, applying for a job, and searching for a doctor. And specifically for our rural communities, we need improved services to eliminate gaps in public safety, expand access to tele-health services, and enable more small businesses to connect with their customers.\u00a0 More widespread communications infrastructure will enable these benefits for Nevadans, and the rest of the country.\u201d\r\nSpecifically, the SPEED Act would streamline federal permitting processes that impede the quick and efficient deployment of next-generation broadband technologies, including 5G. Currently, new and replacement telecommunications infrastructure is subject to numerous, sometimes duplicative federal approvals, including environmental and historical reviews. These duplicative approvals extend to areas that have already been established as a public right-of-way (ROW), and where telecommunications infrastructure already exists.\r\nThe SPEED Act would not preempt the authority of a State or local government to apply and enforce all applicable zoning and other land use regulations on communications providers. The proposal also would expedite the review process for telecommunications infrastructure and accelerate the delivery of essential broadband services by:\r\n \r\n\r\nExempting telecommunications infrastructure from environmental and historic reviews by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal agencies in a public ROW if previously installed telecommunications infrastructure has already undergone environmental and historic reviews for the same public ROW. Any provider exempted from these reviews must still comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act;\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nExempting the deployment of small cells from environmental and historical reviews only if 1) they are being deployed in a public ROW and are not higher than an existing structure in the public ROW; and 2) they are serving as a replacement for an existing small cell and they are the same or substantially similar to the small cell that is being replaced;\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nExempting the deployment of wireless services (e.g. voice, video, or data) from environmental and historical reviews if 1) they are located in an existing public ROW and 2) adhere to tower height and guy wire requirements;\r\nDirecting the Government Accountability Office to develop a report analyzing how to increase the efficiency of deploying broadband infrastructure to federal lands; and\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nDirecting the FCC\u2019s Streamlining Federal Siting Working Group to submit a report to Congress on its preliminary findings and recommendations for accelerating the deployment of high-speed Internet access to federal lands across the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 417, "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": "Republican", "p1": "MS", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 417, "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=Republican&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 417, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "MS", "label": "MS", "count": 417, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 417, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-10-20,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ewicker~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D38379EAD-8AD1-4388-BF78-B5807E490125", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2017&_next=2017-10-20%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ewicker~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D38379EAD-8AD1-4388-BF78-B5807E490125&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 95.49631201662123, "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"}