{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MS\" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/30/mississippi-delegation-applauds-key-fields-selection-as-a-kc-46-finalist/", "Mississippi Delegation Applauds Key Field\u2019s Selection as a KC-46 Finalist", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington \u2013 Today, the U.S. Air Force notified Congress that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. In response, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., along with U.S. Congressmen Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., welcomed this announcement and made the following statement.\n\n\u201cWe applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft.\n\n\u201cKey Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East\u2014a vital mission for a consequential region of the world.\n\n\u201cMeridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission. The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi\u2019s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families.\n\n\u201cAs the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.\u201d\n\nBackground on the Mississippi Delegation\u2019s Key Field Engagement:\n\nThe Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft. This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian. Over the past few years, Mississippi\u2019s federal officials have supported additional efforts to modernize Key Field infrastructure, paving the way for the installation to continue its contributions toward America\u2019s national security posture.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/28/wicker-announces-44-million-roadway-investment-for-desoto-county/", "Wicker Announces $44 Million Roadway Investment for DeSoto County", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated a $44 million federal award to improve roadways and traffic systems in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Senator Wicker worked with DeSoto County officials and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to secure this competitive grant. The award flows from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, which was funded in the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senator Wicker helped negotiate the legislation as the senior Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.\n\n\u201cDeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cBy improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis $44 million INFRA grant will help MDOT move a critical capacity project forward, making travel safer and reducing congestion along an important freight corridor. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for our state\u2019s roads and infrastructure,\u201d said Brad White, Executive Director, MDOT.\n\nAbout the $44 million roadway improvement grant:\n\nThe funding will help expand a corridor of I-55/I-69 in DeSoto County that runs from Church Road to one mile north of SR 302. Today, the corridor is four lanes. It will be expanded into a ten-lane thoroughfare by adding three travel lanes in each direction and modifying the interchanges at Church Road and SR 302, specifically by adding ramp lanes, turning lanes, and lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/24/wicker-schatz-telehealth-awareness-resolution-unanimously-adopted-by-the-senate/", "Wicker, Schatz Telehealth Awareness Resolution Unanimously Adopted by the Senate", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Resolution Highlights the Importance of Telehealth Services & Urges Further Action\n\nWashington \u2013 Today, the Senate unanimously approved the resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, designating September 20-26, 2026, \u201cTelehealth Awareness Week.\u201d This resolution recognizes the role that telehealth services play in delivering high-quality health care to millions of Americans.\n\n\u201cTelehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,\u201d said Senator Roger Wicker. \u201cOur resolution shines a light on the value of telehealth services and encourages further action to expand the offerings and outcomes around this innovative type of care.\u201d\n\n\u201cTelehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\nThe senators\u2019 resolution described the importance of telehealth to various populations, including rural communities and areas strained by workplace shortages. It also noted that 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries received at least one telehealth service in 2025 and warned that lapses in Medicare coverage in this space would create negative impacts on seniors\u2019 access to care. Finally, the resolution recommended a series of additional steps to improve telehealth outcomes, such as promoting awareness, highlighting available resources, collecting data, and expanding access.\n\nIn addition to Senators Wicker and Schatz, the resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/22/chairman-wicker-delivers-senate-floor-speech-on-china-and-xi-jinping/", "Chairman Wicker Delivers Senate Floor Speech on China and Xi Jinping", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate, outlining the increasing tempo of Chinese aggression.\n\nIn his speech, Chairman Wicker addressed the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) support for Iran, religious persecutions, and international coercion. The chairman encouraged President Trump to raise these points of contention during this week\u2019s bilateral summit.\n\nChairman Wicker: \u201cThe president might inquire about the purposes of China\u2019s massive military build-up, or about China\u2019s clear support for Iran. This summer, it was all over the press that China gave Iran satellite imagery intelligence, and that intelligence led to the death of American troops.\u201d\n\nChairman Wicker: \u201cFor nearly a decade, Xi Jinping has consigned more than a million Uyghurs to concentration camps in China\u2019s Xinjiang region. I hope our president will take this visit as an opportunity to advocate for the Uyghur people. The fact that they remain in prison by the millions is a grave injustice and a reminder of Xi Jinping\u2019s many human rights abuses.\u201d\n\nChairman Wicker: \u201cI know the president intends to discuss trade and artificial intelligence with the Chinese leadership\u2014and rightfully so. Perhaps some progress will be made. But, Mr. President, during every minute of dialogue, our commander-in-chief should keep in mind that his guest is a brutal, unelected, and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch Chairman Wicker\u2019s full remarks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/22/wicker-hyde-smith-applaud-senate-passage-of-vicksburg-national-military-park-bill/", "Wicker, Hyde-Smith Applaud Senate Passage of Vicksburg National Military Park Bill", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Legislation Marches on to the President\u2019s Desk\n\nWashington \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate\u2019s unanimous approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act. This legislation would permit the State of Mississippi to build a new informational visitor center and make necessary structural improvements around the park. The bill now heads to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cEvery generation has a solemn responsibility to preserve our nation\u2019s history for the ones that follow,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cThe Senate is helping fulfill that duty, unanimously approving our legislation to enhance the experience of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. This legislation will support Mississippi\u2019s efforts to keep the story of Vicksburg alive and accessible for students, families, and visitors.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a monumental step for Vicksburg National Military Park and the State of Mississippi. The land transfer facilitated by this legislation gives the state the ability to tell the complete story of the Siege of Vicksburg for generations to come,\u201d Senator Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI look forward to seeing these improvements to enhance one of Mississippi\u2019s most visited and treasured parks.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis was a great example of Mississippi\u2019s team approach,\u201d said Barry White, Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. \u201cSenator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Congressman Thompson all played vital roles in advancing this legislation. This transfer from the federal government to the state is just one more step toward the public/private partnership that will elevate the Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Vicksburg National Military Park is a critical driver of our local economy but we know that impact could be so much more,\u201d said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. \u201cOur plans for a new Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center will tell the full story of this pivotal part of our nation\u2019s history. We are so thankful to our whole Congressional delegation for securing this land transfer bill and allowing us to move forward with our plans.\u201d\n\nBackground on the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act:\n\nThe Siege of Vicksburg represents a marquee moment in Mississippi history and a turning point in the Civil War. To commemorate this event, Congress established a national park in 1899. Since 1933, the National Park Service has overseen and managed this landmark.\n\nThis legislation slightly alters the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park, transferring a small piece of the land to the State of Mississippi\u2019s jurisdiction. The state has committed $40 million to fund an interactive educational and visitor center in conjunction with Friends of Vicksburg Military Park. In addition, the state plans to build and maintain a connector road to make the new center accessible for park visitors.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/16/chairman-wicker-celebrates-house-passage-of-russia-sanctions-bill/", "Chairman Wicker Celebrates House Passage of Russia Sanctions Bill", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would impose steep financial penalties on the Russian economy as Vladimir Putin continues his war of aggression against Ukraine.\n\n\u201cI applaud the House of Representatives for coming together to approve this consequential sanctions package. For more than four years, the purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas have provided Vladimir Putin with the means to carry on his vicious assault against Ukraine,\u201d said Chairman Wicker. \u201cThese sanctions target the financiers of the Russian war economy, forcing them to pay a heavy price if they continue to do business with the Kremlin. I urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law immediately and to use its authorities to the fullest extent.\u201d\n\nAbout the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026:\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia\u2019s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin\u2019s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Further, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia\u2019s weapons producers.\n\nNotably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2188", "PASSED COMMITTEE: Ezell, Frost, King-Hinds Bill to Give Disaster Survivors More Time to Appeal FEMA Denials", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Yesterday, the bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act, led by Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (MP-AL), passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\u2019s markup, bringing the legislation one step closer to a vote on the House floor.\n\nThe legislation would extend the deadline for applicants to appeal denials of FEMA disaster assistance from 60 to 90 days, matching the amount of time FEMA has to review an appeal. The extension would apply to individual disaster survivors as well as government applicants, including states, cities, counties, and utilities.\n\n\u201cCommunities across South Mississippi know firsthand that recovering from a natural disaster is difficult enough without unnecessary hurdles from the federal government,\" Ezell said. \"The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a commonsense fix that gives families and local communities more time to navigate FEMA\u2019s appeals process and make their case. If FEMA gets 90 days to review an appeal, disaster survivors deserve the same amount of time to submit one. I\u2019m glad to see this bipartisan bill advance out of committee, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, people should not have to race against the clock to prove that they need help,\u201dFrost said. \u201cIf FEMA has 90 days to review an appeal, survivors should have 90 days to make their case. This is a simple fix that gives families and communities the time they need to gather documents, correct mistakes, and access the assistance they are entitled to.\u201d\n\n\u201cDisaster survivors and communities are often navigating an overwhelming recovery process while trying to access the federal assistance they need,\u201dKing-Hinds said. \u201cHaving experienced firsthand the challenges of disaster recovery in the Northern Mariana Islands, I understand how difficult it can be to gather documentation, navigate federal requirements, and appeal a decision while rebuilding lives and critical infrastructure. The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a practical step that gives disaster survivors and local governments a fair opportunity to make their case. I am proud to join Representatives Frost and Ezell in advancing this bipartisan legislation and ensuring that communities across our nation have the time and support they need to recover.\u201d\n\n\"Disaster survivors are often at their most vulnerable when they're forced to navigate FEMA's complex appeals process,\" National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase said. \"The Post-Disaster Protection Act provides much-needed fairness by giving survivors 90 days to appeal a denial, giving them the time they need to gather documentation and correct errors after a disaster upends their lives. This commonsense change will help more residents successfully access the relief they're entitled to and ease the burden on local governments working to help our communities recover. As this legislation heads to markup, counties urge the T&I Committee to advance this bipartisan legislation.\"\n\n\u201cOne of the biggest challenges of responding to and recovering from a disaster is managing the complexities of federal programs,\" A.J. Gary, NEMA President said. \"The Post-Disaster Protection Act will bring applicant deadlines into alignment with federal review periods and help ease the burden on disaster survivors. NEMA thanks the Members willing to co-sponsor and make this bill truly bipartisan.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National League of Cities supports the Post-Disaster Protection Act, which would give communities additional time to appeal FEMA assistance decisions,\" Yucel Ors, Legislative Director, Public Safety and Crime Prevention, National League of Cities said. \"We thank Representatives Maxwell Frost, Mike Ezell, and Kimberlyn King-Hinds for championing this important bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nThe National Association of Counties, Community Associations Institute, United States Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and National Emergency Management Association endorse the bill.\n\nThe Post-Disaster Protection Act is cosponsored by Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-VI), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-ag-committee-advance-long-awaited-farm-bill", "HYDE-SMITH, AG COMMITTEE ADVANCE LONG-AWAITED FARM BILL", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Miss. Senator Calls on Democrats to Help Move Measure Toward Senate Passage\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today voted with a majority of the Senate Agriculture Committee to approve the Farm Bill 2.0, clearing a pathway for the full Senate to debate the long-awaited and long-overdue legislation.\n\nCommittee passage of the Agricultural Act of 2026, or Farm Bill 2.0, was a continuation of an August 6 markup that stalled because not enough members were present. The bill advanced on a 12-11 party-line vote Wednesday afternoon retains the priorities secured by Hyde-Smith during the August session.\n\n\u201cThe legislative calendar shrinks with every passing day, which will make it difficult, but not impossible, to get a new Farm Bill enacted this year, but that will require a good-faith commitment from Senate Democrats to help the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities that rely on it,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cI hope my colleagues truly realize the significant headwinds battering the American agricultural sector and that it is our duty, as their representatives, to finally get a Farm Bill over the finish line. I know the producers, small businesses, and people I\u2019ve talked to throughout Mississippi are more than ready for us to do our job on this issue,\u201d Hyde-Smith continued.\n\nThe legislation adopted today would fully replace the 2018 Farm Bill that technically expired in 2023. It is a comprehensive measure that includes more than 100 bipartisan agricultural and nutritional measures, including many supported by Hyde-Smith.\n\nThe Agricultural Act of 2026 builds on the \u201cSkinny Farm Bill\u201d provisions enacted with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that modernized the farm safety net by significantly increasing reference prices and crop insurance enhancements. It will further strengthen commodity, dairy, crop insurance, and standing disaster assistance programs while expanding opportunities tailored to the unique needs of specialty crop producers. It also included the reinstatement of mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef, permanent, year-round E15 authorization, as well as a one-year extension to give states more time to reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rates.\n\nClick here for more details on Hyde-Smith priorities in the Senate legislation related to rural disaster assistance, seafood country-of-origin labeling, rural economic development, broadband infrastructure, and farm safety.", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2187", "APPROVED BY COMMITTEE: Ezell\u2019s Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act Passes House Natural Resources Committee", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that his Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act (H.R. 5745) passed the House Committee on Natural Resources, advancing the bipartisan legislation toward consideration by the full House.\n\nThe Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act builds upon the existing Rigs to Reefs initiative by establishing a clearer process for converting certain decommissioned offshore oil and gas infrastructure into artificial reefs. The legislation creates procedures and timelines for the reefing process while maintaining safeguards for navigation, human safety, and the marine environment.\n\n\"Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we know the tremendous value healthy fisheries provide to our economy, our communities, and our way of life,\u201d Ezell said. \u201cWhen offshore infrastructure reaches the end of its useful life, we should have a clear and responsible pathway to preserve the marine habitat that has developed around these structures when it makes sense to do so. This bill strengthens that process while maintaining important safeguards for safety, navigation, and our marine environment. I\u2019m proud to see it advance out of committee and look forward to working with my colleagues to move it through the House.\u201d\n\n\u201cRetired offshore energy infrastructure can continue delivering value long after production ends,\" Chairman Westerman said. \"H.R. 5745 formalizes the successful Rigs to Reefs initiative and creates clearer procedures for converting qualifying structures into artificial reefs. These structures provide valuable fish habitat, support marine ecosystems and create new opportunities for anglers and coastal communities. I commend Rep. Ezell for advancing a commonsense solution that strengthens an already successful program, supports American fisheries and puts existing inactive offshore infrastructure to productive use.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to see this bipartisan legislation advance to improve our Gulf ecosystem,\u201dCarter said. \u201cBy streamlining the processes that allow retired offshore platforms to be transformed into artificial reefs, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act preserves critical habitat for Gulf marine life, supports our recreational and commercial fishing, and shows that energy policy and environmental stewardship don\u2019t have to be at odds.\u201d\n\nOffshore oil and gas structures can develop into established reef ecosystems that provide habitat for fish and other marine life. The existing Rigs to Reefs initiative allows certain decommissioned energy infrastructure to be converted into artificial reefs rather than completely removed. Ezell\u2019s legislation would formalize and build upon that process in federal law, establish clearer timelines and procedures, recognize the role of state artificial reef programs, and provide greater accountability throughout the process.\n\nThe bill preserves existing decommissioning options while creating an additional pathway for qualifying structures to be reefed in place. It also directs the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to provide information on idle structures supporting established reef ecosystems and report on reefing applications and outcomes.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-104-million-transform-rural-healthcare-across", "Trump Administration Announces $104 Million to Transform Rural Healthcare Across Mississippi Through Cutting-Edge Technology and Expanded Care Closer to Home", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Michael Guest", "G000591", "guest.house.gov", "guest", "https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "This federal investment will support 167 awards to expand specialty and diagnostic care, improve healthcare facilities and equipment, and bring more services closer to home\n\nThe Trump Administration announced today that more than $104 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding is being put to work to modernize rural healthcare, expand access to services, and strengthen care delivery for Mississippians. This investment will support 167 grants across rural provider technology, capital and care-gap closure, and telehealth programs.\n\nFunded projects include cybersecurity and electronic health record upgrades, remote patient monitoring, new diagnostic and surgical equipment, expanded maternal and behavioral healthcare, and telehealth programs connecting rural patients with specialty care.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,\u201d said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u201cWe are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Mississippi,\u201d said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. \u201cThis is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act \u2014 passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats \u2014 delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.\n\n\u201cWhen we began this work, we set out to do more than simply invest in the healthcare system we already have,\u201d said Gov. Tate Reeves. \u201cWe set out to transform how rural Mississippians access care \u2014 bringing more services closer to home, strengthening the providers and facilities that rural communities depend on, and using technology and innovation to better connect patients to care across our state. Today, we are beginning to see that vision become reality. I want to thank President Trump for making rural healthcare a priority and for giving governors in states like Mississippi the opportunity to make transformational investments in the communities that need them most. I also want to thank Secretary Kennedy, Administrator Oz, and our partners at HHS and CMS for their leadership and for working with states across America as we put these plans into action.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program is a generational investment in rural health care,\u201d said Sen. Roger Wicker. \u201cIt will help Mississippi hospitals modernize systems and improve care across our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to quality healthcare in America shouldn\u2019t depend on where you live,\u201d said Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. \u201cThis $104 million in Rural Health Transformation funding is an investment in the future of rural healthcare in Mississippi, helping our hospitals and clinics modernize their technology, expand telehealth, and bring more specialty care closer to home. I welcome this investment and will continue working to ensure rural communities have access to the resources and care they need to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to have worked with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to deliver the single largest investment to rural health care in American history,\u201d said Rep. Michael Guest. \u201cWith our state receiving over $205 million, Mississippi is set to implement new, innovative solutions that address our growing rural health demands. Mississippi recognizes the importance of rural health care and the need to address our nation\u2019s rural health outcomes. I will continue to prioritize rural health and solutions that will innovate health care in Mississippi.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to quality health care shouldn\u2019t depend on your ZIP code,\u201d said Rep. Mike Ezell. \u201cThis more than $104 million investment will help rural communities across Mississippi modernize their health care facilities, expand access to telehealth and specialty services, and give providers the tools they need to better serve their patients. I\u2019m proud to see these resources coming home to Mississippi and helping ensure families can receive high-quality care closer to home.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Mississippi for fiscal year 2026.\n\nProjects supported by this funding include:\n\nModernizing Technology and Strengthening Cybersecurity: 97 grants totaling approximately $47.4 million will help rural healthcare providers modernize aging technology, strengthen cybersecurity and data protection, improve interoperability, and adopt tools that reduce administrative burden and support safer, more efficient care.\n\nClosing Care Gaps: 43 grants totaling nearly $43.3 million will expand access to essential healthcare services in rural communities, including surgical and specialty care, diagnostic imaging, maternal and behavioral health services, and other critical clinical services. Funding will also support facility and equipment improvements needed to maintain reliable access to care.\n\nExpanding Telehealth Access: 27 grants totaling nearly $13.4 million will expand telehealth and remote patient monitoring capabilities, helping connect rural Mississippians to primary care, behavioral health, specialty care, and chronic disease management services closer to home.\n\nThe Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and well-being for rural communities. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-pro-life-colleagues-call-renewal-trump-rule-stop-obamcare-abortion-services", "HYDE-SMITH, PRO-LIFE COLLEAGUES CALL ON RENEWAL OF TRUMP RULE TO STOP OBAMCARE ABORTION SERVICES", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Request Comes as GAO Watchdog Report Indicates Even More Taxpayer-Subsidized ACA Plans Now Cover Elective Abortions\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, and other pro-life lawmakers today called on the Trump administration to reissue a rule to ensure taxpayers know whether their Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans provide coverage for abortion services.\n\nThe request was prompted by a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published Tuesday (Health Insurance Exchanges: Coverage on Non-Excepted Abortion Services by Qualified Health Plans, 2026 GAO-26-108995), which revealed federal taxpayers subsidized 1,719 ACA Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that covered elective abortions for an estimated 4.4 million individuals this year alone. The report was requested by Hyde-Smith as Senate Pro-Life Caucus chair along with the Senate and House majority leadership, co-chairs of the House and Senate Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and Values Action Teams, and the chairmen of the Senate and House committees of jurisdiction.\n\n\u201cThe GAO\u2019s findings provide further evidence that Obamacare plans, as they have from the beginning, continue to violate the Hyde Amendment ban on the use of federal tax dollars to pay for abortion services,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cPro-life taxpayers should know whether their hard-earned money is being funneled to abortion providers, and the White House should reinstate protections that help ensure that those of us who oppose abortion do not subsidize health exchange plans that provide abortion coverage.\u201d\n\nIn 2019, the first Trump administration issued the Exchange Program Integrity Final Rule that established separate billing requirements for abortion services as specifically mandated by Congress in Section 1303 of the ACA. The Biden administration in 2021 issued a final rule that further facilitated violations of the long-standing and bipartisan Hyde Amendment.\n\nQHPs covering elective abortions have grown since 2014, when the GAO issued a similar report (Health Insurance Exchanges: Coverage of Non-excepted Abortion Services by Qualified Health Plans GAO-14-742R) that showed 1,036 ACA plans covered abortion on demand. With 683 more plans today covering abortion services, nearly a third of all current QHPs operate in violation of the Hyde Amendment \u2013 despite continued claims by Democrats that ACA plans adhere to that law.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-375-million-help-20-miss-rural-hospitals-sustain-workforce", "HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $3.75 MILLION TO HELP 20 MISS. RURAL HOSPITALS SUSTAIN WORKFORCE", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Hyde-Smith Avid Supporter of Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program, Encouraged Miss. Hospitals to Apply\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced that 20 rural hospitals and health providers in Mississippi will receive federal grant funding through a program created to help them sustain their workforces and continue to provide care.\n\nHyde-Smith, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure the $24.7 million appropriated in FY2026 for the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program. This grant program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which recently approved grants to 132 hospitals nationally, including the 20 in Mississippi.\n\n\u201cI encouraged providers in Mississippi to apply for these funds because I know that every little bit helps in the struggle to maintain services and keep the doors open. This effort is more difficult because of structural payment disadvantages linked to Mississippi\u2019s low average wage index, which is a problem Congress must address,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI\u2019m pleased these eligible hospitals availed themselves of these federal resources.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program award is formula-based and calculated by dividing the total available funding ($24,750,000 in FY2026) equally among eligible rural hospitals that apply. As such, Mississippi facilities will receive $3.75 million in total or just over $187,500 per facility:\n\n\u2022 Anderson Regional Medical Center-South Campus, Meridian\n\n\u2022 Baptist Memorial Hospital, Booneville\n\n\u2022 Clay County Medical Corporation, West Point\n\n\u2022 George County Hospital, Lucedale\n\n\u2022 Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Greenwood\n\n\u2022 Highland Community Hospital, Picayune\n\n\u2022 Highland Hills Medical Center, Senatobia\n\n\u2022 Jasper General Hospital, Bay Springs\n\n\u2022 Kings Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven\n\n\u2022 Magee General Hospital, Magee\n\n\u2022 Marion General Hospital, Columbia\n\n\u2022 Neshoba County General Hospital, Philadelphia\n\n\u2022 Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, Clarksdale\n\n\u2022 South Sunflower County Hospital, Indianola\n\n\u2022 Tishomingo Health Services, Iuka\n\n\u2022 University of Mississippi Medical Center-Grenada, Grenada\n\n\u2022 Wayne General Hospital, Waynesboro\n\n\u2022 Webster Health Services, Eupora\n\n\u2022 Winston Medical Services, Louisville\n\n\u2022 Yalobusha General Hospital, Water Valley\n\nAs part of her rural health care focus, Hyde-Smith has cosponsored legislation to address workforce shortages, including the Save Struggling Hospitals Act (S.4233) that would codify the Medicare low-wage index hospital policy that increased Medicare wage index values for hospitals in the bottom 25th percentile. Its enactment would ensure Mississippi hospitals in rural and low-wage areas receive fair Medicare reimbursement for the essential services they provide and help prevent closure.\n\nEarlier this year, Hyde-Smith also encouraged Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to actively work with Congress on legislation to fix the Area Wage Index (AWI) formula that disadvantages hospitals in low-wage states like Mississippi.", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/08/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-over-4-million-for-mississippi-telehealth-efforts/", "Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Guest Welcome Over $4 Million For Mississippi Telehealth Efforts", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, R-Miss., celebrated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) $4.25 million for a five-year redesignation as a Center of Excellence in Telehealth.\n\nCongress appropriated this funding, which flows through the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years.\n\n\u201cThe University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,\u201d said Senator Roger Wicker. \u201cTelehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It\u2019s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS.\n\n\u201cUMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC\u2019s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,\u201dsaid Congressman Michael Guest.\n\n\u201cWe greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC\u2019s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically underserved areas of our state. Telehealth allows us to monitor patients in rural hospitals, to assist patients with chronic conditions and to help students in need of mental health services,\u201d said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.\n\nBackground on the Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program:\n\nThe Telehealth Centers of Excellence program supports academic medical centers, like UMMC, as they work to expand telehealth services to rural communities and improve patient outcomes. This funding will help researchers collect data, enhance studies, and provide telehealth training to professionals.\n\nUMMC is one of two federally recognized Telehealth Centers of Excellence in the country. As such, UMMC will serve as a model that medical institutions across the nation can look to as they work to implement telehealth solutions in their states. UMMC\u2019s commitment to telehealth services has made Mississippi a leader in this emerging health care delivery option.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-over-4-million-mississippi-telehealth-efforts", "Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Guest Welcome Over $4 Million For Mississippi Telehealth Efforts", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Michael Guest", "G000591", "guest.house.gov", "guest", "https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, R-Miss., celebrated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) $4.25 million for a five-year redesignation as a Center of Excellence in Telehealth.\n\nCongress appropriated this funding, which flows through the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years.\n\n\u201cThe University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,\u201d said Senator Roger Wicker. \u201cTelehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It\u2019s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS.\n\n\u201cUMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC\u2019s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,\u201d said Congressman Michael Guest.\n\n\u201cWe greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC\u2019s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically underserved areas of our state. Telehealth allows us to monitor patients in rural hospitals, to assist patients with chronic conditions and to help students in need of mental health services,\u201d said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.\n\nBackground on the Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program:\n\nThe Telehealth Centers of Excellence program supports academic medical centers, like UMMC, as they work to expand telehealth services to rural communities and improve patient outcomes. This funding will help researchers collect data, enhance studies, and provide telehealth training to professionals.\n\nUMMC is one of two federally recognized Telehealth Centers of Excellence in the country. As such, UMMC will serve as a model that medical institutions across the nation can look to as they work to implement telehealth solutions in their states. UMMC\u2019s commitment to telehealth services has made Mississippi a leader in this emerging health care delivery option.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-more-4-million-mississippi-telehealth-efforts", "WICKER, HYDE-SMITH & GUEST WELCOME MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR MISSISSIPPI TELEHEALTH EFFORTS", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today celebrated a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) a $4.25 million grant for a five-year redesignation as a Telehealth Center of Excellence.\n\nWicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years.\n\n\u201cThe University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cTelehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It\u2019s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS.\n\n\u201cUMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC\u2019s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,\u201d said Congressman Guest.\n\n\u201cWe greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC\u2019s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically underserved areas of our state. Telehealth allows us to monitor patients in rural hospitals, to assist patients with chronic conditions and to help students in need of mental health services,\u201d said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.\n\nThe Telehealth Centers of Excellence program supports academic medical centers, like UMMC, as they work to expand telehealth services to rural communities and improve patient outcomes. This funding will help researchers collect data, enhance studies, and provide telehealth training to professionals.\n\nUMMC is one of two federally recognized Telehealth Centers of Excellence in the country. As such, the UMMC Center for Telehealth and Emerging Technologies serves as a model that medical institutions across the nation can look to as they work to implement telehealth solutions in their states. The UMMC commitment to telehealth services has made Mississippi a leader in this emerging health care delivery option.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-usda-plan-purchase-20-million-wild-caught-shrimp-schools-food-banks", "HYDE-SMITH HIGHLIGHTS USDA PLAN TO PURCHASE $20 MILLION IN WILD-CAUGHT SHRIMP FOR SCHOOLS, FOOD BANKS", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Gulf Coast Shrimp Industry Should Benefit from USDA Section 32 Program Purchase\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture decision to purchase up to $20 million in surplus wild-caught shrimp products for distribution to schools and food banks.\n\nThe USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is purchasing the domestic shrimp through the Section 32 Program, a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to buy surplus U.S. commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs.\n\n\u201cThis $20 million purchase of domestic shrimp will offer some much-needed relief to our shrimp industry as it continues to fight through unfair and foreign competition. Our shrimpers work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious shrimp to American tables. I\u2019m glad this purchase will support food banks and school nutrition programs across the country,\u201d said Hyde-Smith, who consistently advocates for Section 32 purchases of Mississippi commodities.\n\nThe latest AMS purchase of wild-caught shrimp was announced in late August as part of an overall $156 million Section 32 acquisition of domestic agricultural commodities. Hyde-Smith also recently led a letter promoting a Section 32 purchase of U.S. farm-raised catfish, which resulted in a USDA decision in July to purchase $20 million of the product.\n\nEarly last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee adopted an amendment to a pending new Farm Bill that is based on Hyde-Smith\u2019s Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act (S.3065), which would ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm-raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production.\n\nHyde-Smith has also introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act (S.4805), which would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, for financing activities related to foreign shrimp farming, processing, or exporting. It follows her introduction of the Safer Shrimp Imports Act (S.667), which would require overseas shrimp facility inspections and require foreign countries wishing to export shrimp to the United States to meet food safety inspection standards equivalent to those of U.S. shrimp producers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/03/chairman-wicker-statement-on-adam-telles-appointment-as-acting-army-secretary/", "Chairman\u00a0Wicker Statement on Adam Telle\u2019s Appointment as Acting Army Secretary", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after President Trump appointed Adam Telle to be the Acting Secretary of the Army.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Adam Telle. The president made an excellent choice in appointing him to serve as Acting Secretary of the Army. Adam has been a fantastic partner as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. I am confident he will succeed in leading America\u2019s Army. Our country faces unprecedented threats from the Axis of the Aggressors, and the Army is crucial to maintaining deterrence. I look forward to working with Adam to ensure our soldiers have everything they need to execute their mission.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-policy-statement-could-signal-movement-buying-american-cotton-act", "Trump Policy Statement Could Signal Movement for Buying American Cotton Act", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Beck Barnes\n\nThe Trump Administration announced its support for the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA) via a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) on September 3, 2026.\n\nAccording to industry sources, a SAP is typically issued by the Executive Branch on pending legislation. The Trump Administration\u2019s statement could signal that consideration of the Bill is near.\n\n\u201cThis legislation advances core Administration priorities of putting American farmers and workers first, restoring domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign sources,\u201d the Statement of Administration Policy reads. \u201cIt also complements the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Great American Cotton Plan to revitalize the cotton farm economy and expand demand for U.S.-grown cotton.\u201d\n\nSenator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) first introduced BACA to the Senate on May 22, 2025. It was later introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives by Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC), among others, on January 22, 2026. Sponsors of the bill have been gathering support elsewhere on Capitol Hill, as they\u2019ve searched for the best opportunity to advance the legislation into law. Industry sources familiar with the matter say that opportunity could come as soon as next week.\n\n\u201cFor context, a SAP is a strong official position issued by the Executive Branch on pending legislation, generally issued when consideration is pending, often a day or two before a floor vote is scheduled,\u201d wrote Buddy Allen, American Cotton Shippers Association President and CEO, in a memo to ACSA members. \u201cIn this case, the message being sent is support for inclusion in a broader package upon development.\n\n\u201cThis is another very positive step forward for BACA,\u201d Allen wrote.\n\nThe National Cotton Council (NCC) was among the first to commend the Trump Administration for its statement in support of BACA.", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-administration-announces-strong-support-hyde-smiths-buying-american-cotton-act", "TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES STRONG SUPPORT FOR HYDE-SMITH\u2019S \u2018BUYING AMERICAN COTTON ACT\u2019", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Official \u2018Statement of Administration Policy\u2019 Issues Strong Support for Hyde-Smith Legislation\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed gratitude to the Trump administration issuing a statement of support for her Buying American Cotton Act (BACA), a positive development that she deems as a \u201ccall to action\u201d to get the measure passed by year\u2019s end.\n\nThe White House on Thursday issued an official Statement of Administration Policy on BACA (S.1919) that says the administration \u201cstrongly supports\u201d the measure and would recommend President Trump to sign it if passed by the Congress. The measure would authorize tax credits to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton and U.S. cotton-manufactured products like yarns and fabric in cotton-based products sold in the United States.\n\n\u201cOfficial support from the White House for the Buying American Cotton Act marks an important milestone in our effort to strengthen the farm economy and increase access to U.S.-grown cotton. With more than 115 cosponsors in Congress, the momentum behind this legislation is undeniable,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cWhile this official support underscores the need to strengthen the farm economy and increase domestic cotton consumption, the work is far from finished. This endorsement represents a call to action. With the full backing of the administration and broad support across Capitol Hill, the Senate must seize this moment and pass this legislation by the end of the year,\u201d Hyde-Smith added. \u201cWe will continue making our case relentlessly to ensure we get this legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress.\u201d\n\nThe White House Office of Management and Budget issues Statements of Administration Policy to formally communicate the administration\u2019s position in support of or opposition to pending legislation.\n\nThe Statement of Administration Policy on S.1919 said, in part, that \u201cThe Administration strongly supports S. 1919, the Buying American Cotton Act of 2025. This legislation advances core Administration priorities of putting American farmers and workers first, restoring domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign sources. It also complements the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Great American Cotton Plan to revitalize the cotton farm economy and expand demand for U.S.-grown cotton.\u201d\n\nRead the full Statement of Administration Policy on BACA here.\n\nSeparately, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins endorsed the measure at a Senate hearing last spring.\n\nEighteen Senators have cosponsored Hyde-Smith\u2019s S.1919. The House companion bill (HR.7230), introduced by Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.), currently has 98 cosponsors.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-visits-mcc-forensic-training-program", "Hyde-Smith visits MCC forensic training program", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Staff Reports\n\nU.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith visited Meridian Community College to get a closer look at specialized forensic training taking place at the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center.\n\nDuring the visit, Sen. Hyde-Smith toured the classroom used by RSA Forensics and learned more about the company\u2019s partnership with MCC. The Collinsville-based company provides forensic science training to law enforcement and other professionals from across the country and around the world.\n\nThe partnership allows RSA Forensics to use MCC\u2019s Workforce Development facilities for its International Forensic Training Academies. Students receive focused classroom training in multiple areas of forensic examination at MCC, while some hands-on evidence processing takes place at the company\u2019s laboratory in Collinsville.\n\nSen. Hyde-Smith\u2019s visit allowed her to see the training environment firsthand and learn how the partnership brings specialized training to Meridian.\n\nFor MCC, partnerships like the one with RSA Forensics are an important part of the College\u2019s workforce mission. By working with businesses and industry partners, MCC can provide facilities and support for training that meets real workforce needs.\n\nThe partnership also brings professionals from outside the area to Meridian for extended training while giving them access to MCC\u2019s classrooms, computer labs and other Workforce Development resources.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-pharmacists-discuss-pbm-reform-senator-hyde-smith-federal-bill-progresses", "Mississippi pharmacists discuss PBM reform with Senator Hyde-Smith as federal bill progresses", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Elise Catrion Gregg\n\nFor another year, Mississippi's legislature has failed to pass measures to reform pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulations. Local pharmacists say that without changes, independent pharmacies around the state could continue to shutter.\n\nAhead of next session, many of those pharmacists are figuring out what to do differently at the state capitol, while looking for help at the federal level to address nationwide reform.\n\nAt a roundtable in Yazoo City last Thursday, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith met with pharmacists and other local medical professionals in the state to discuss both state and federal-level issues. Hyde-Smith indicated that she'd support a bill in the Senate similar to one proposed by the U.S. House late last year.\n\n\"Any legislation that addresses PBMs and the cost of prescription drugs in this country, I will be all over,\" Hyde-Smith told MPB News. \"It is a travesty that PBMs, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, are getting away with what they're getting away with, when they are doing nothing but gouging.\"\n\nSeveral of Mississippi's congressional representatives have already signed onto a proposed U.S. House measure that would limit the costs associated with PBMs.\n\nLast week, Republican congressmen Mike Ezell and Trent Kelly became cosponsors of H.R.6610, the Pharmacists Fight Back [in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act]. Earlier in August, Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson also joined on.\n\nThe bill would drive down some of the expenses and require greater transparency measures associated with pharmacy benefit managers, or third-party workers who play a role in administering prescription drug programs.\n\nIt pertains specifically to health benefit plans for federal employees, including regulations like establishing stricter requirements with pharmacy reimbursements for prescription drugs, requiring greater transparency and prohibiting certain PBM practices that could limit the customers and medications that independent pharmacies have access to.\n\nGuy Phillips, an independent pharmacist in Indianola, says costs associated with PBMs make it hard for independent pharmacies to stay open. He estimates that around a dozen have closed this year alone.\n\n\"A lot them in towns where there's nothing else and nothing's replacing them,\" Phillips said. \"That's not good trend, that's gonna be good for the state.\"\n\nJoe Mohamed, president of the Mississippi Independent Pharmacy Association, said it's been tough pushing for similar protections at the state level, though.\n\n\"The federal level needs to be dealt with to set a good basis for everything to go by,\" Mohamed said. \"If everybody's got a good basis to go by, then everything on the state level can network it into it \u2014 but there's got to be some solid language federal-wise to take care of all this.\"\n\nOther states around Mississippi have passed PBM reform laws. Louisiana passed a state law in June \"to prohibit certain reimbursement cost assignments\" with PBMs. This week Louisiana attorney general, Liz Murrill, announced the state is suing several companies that she alleges manipulated the prescription drug marketplace.\n\nArkansas has passed several laws putting restrictions on PBMs (regarding reimbursements and pharmacy ownership), with multiple court battles ongoing. In the meantime, the state's insurance department, last month, issued numerous reimbursement orders (some with hefty penalties) \"to PBMs who were found to pay, on average, below what is considered a fair and reasonable reimbursement rate to Arkansas pharmacies.\"\n\n\"The PBMs decided they're going to do what they want to do instead of doing what the law says they have to do,\" Mohamed said, discussing Arkansas' current situation. \"I just don't understand why they can overstep the law and not get penalized.\"", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/msu-extension-marks-mississippi-lift-resource-and-referral-network-center-opening-brookhaven", "MSU Extension marks Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network Center opening in Brookhaven", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Contact: Leah Gibbs\n\nBROOKHAVEN, Miss.\u2014Representatives from the Mississippi State University Extension Service were in Brookhaven last week for the opening of the new Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network Center. MSU is a partner with the Mississippi Department of Human Services in the initiative which is expanding access statewide to new early childhood educational materials, family activities, referral services and more.\n\n(Photo by Leah Gibbs)", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/garrards-vision-helping-shape-jacksons-future", "Garrard\u2019s vision helping shape Jackson\u2019s future", "2026-08-29", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Bill Crawford, Contributing columnist\n\nA unique urban park in Jackson seeks to become of one of the state\u2019s premier cultural destinations. Encompassing four distinct museums and featuring playgrounds, sports venues, walking and biking trails, family-friendly gathering spaces, and improved access to the Pearl River, the Lefleur Museum District is the mission of the Lefleur\u2019s Bluff Conservancy chaired by Mississippi Children\u2019s Museum founder and Jackson visionary Susan Garrard.\n\n\u201cThis master plan really was born of the desire from the Children's Museum to replace the Lefleur\u2019s Bluff playground,\u201d Garrard modestly told the Rotary Club of North Jackson. Already having created one of the nation\u2019s top children\u2019s museums, she had a much bigger dream.\n\nIn 2021, the Children\u2019s Museum was one of six recipients awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation\u2019s highest honor for museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. \u201cWe were the youngest museum in the nation,\u201d Garrard said.\n\n\u201cWe were really excited about our medal,\u201d she continued. \u201cAnd we decided that we really, really, really wanted our surroundings here in Jackson to reflect kind of our award-winning ways.\u201d\n\n\u201cHow do other cities do that?\u201d she remembered asking. \u201cOther cities do that through conservancies,\u201d she found out. So, she led the formation of the first conservancy in Mississippi, the LeFleur\u2019s Bluff Conservancy, leased 104 acres from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and got $13 million from the state legislature to, uh, enhance the \u201csurroundings\u201d of the Children\u2019s Museum.\n\nThe enhancements include: $1.8 million from the Capitol Complex Improvement District to revamp Museum Boulevard which runs beside I-55; a 30,000 square foot state of the art playground funded by a $3.86 million grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Mississippi Foundation; new entrances to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Children\u2019s Museum, and the new playground complex; and extension of the Museum Trail along and through LeFleur\u2019s Bluff.\n\nStill to come are a tournament level disc golf course designed by world champion disc golfer Avery Jenkins; a 10-hole youth walking golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones that will be home to First Tee of Mississippi; lighting for nighttime play; botanical gardens; a fitness park; ball field enhancements; pickle ball courts; and future expansions of the Children\u2019s Museum and the Natural Science Museum.\n\nOn Aug. 19, ground broke for a pedestrian and biking bridge over Lakeland Drive to connect the park to Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Sen. Cindy-Hyde Smith obtained $7 million in federal funding for this project.\n\nOh, Garrard also founded the Great City Mississippi Foundation to improve the rest of Jackson around the Children\u2019s Museum.\n\n\u201cLet us not become weary in doing good\u201d \u2013 Galatians 6:9.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/new-primary-care-opens-sen-hyde-smith-secured-funding-attends-opening", "New primary care opens: Sen. Hyde-Smith secured funding, attends opening", "2026-08-29", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By JACK RYAN - Editor\n\nThe weather was sunny and blazing hot Wednesday afternoon during the opening ceremonies for the Southwest Primary Care building. But it also was clear that the mission to improve the area\u2019s elementary medical treatment is warming up.\n\nU.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Brookhaven was among the 100 guests at the event, held under a large tent in the parking lot of the building, located across Marion Avenue from Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center at the corner of Aston Avenue.\n\n\u201cMississippi needs every doctor we can get, and that\u2019s why this ribbon-cutting today is so meaningful,\u201d Hyde-Smith told the assembly. \u201cThere was a real gap that this facility is helping to close.\u201d\n\nThe senator obtained $5.7 million in federal funding for the building, which used to house multiple businesses. The hospital bought the 14,000 square-foot property, renovated it into a single-use facility and resurfaced the parking lot that surrounds the east and north sides of the building.\n\nThe building\u2019s two main functions are to serve as a headquarters for Southwest\u2019s medical residency program, which is now in its third year; and to provide primary care medical treatment from doctors formerly known as family practitioners.\n\nAmong other features, the renovated building has 25 patient examination rooms, and a classroom area where the medical residents gather weekly for meetings with specialists and other education. The medical residents will see patients in the building.\n\nDuring the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of local medical care, and the Primary Care building\u2019s role in it.\n\nSouthwest Health chief operating officer Robert Weathersby said the building will be where \u201cfuture physicians learn what it means to practice medicine.\u201d\n\nDr. Keith Speed, the residency program director, said the building will increase access to primary care. He predicted that some of the doctors who complete their three-year medical residency in McComb will stay here or in Mississippi to practice.\n\n\u201cToday we\u2019re celebrating a building,\u201d Speed said. \u201cBut more importantly, we\u2019re celebrating what will happen inside this building.\u201d He added that the building is not just a clinic but an investment in this area\u2019s future.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/drug-companies-prescribers-endanger-patients-routinely-flouting-fda-rules-senate-probe-finds", "Drug Companies, Prescribers Endanger Patients by Routinely Flouting FDA Rules, Senate Probe Finds", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Kamden Mulder\n\nDrug companies producing chemical abortion pills and the online prescribers they provide those drugs to routinely fail to comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safeguards, an extensive investigation by Senate Republicans found.\n\nMajor drug companies sell large quantities of chemical abortion pills to telemedicine companies, which then prescribe those drugs to women without first ensuring that the drugs will be used according to FDA guidelines, according to an investigative report released Thursday by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.\n\nDanco Laboratories, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions LLC are approved Mifepristone sponsors under the FDA. Mifepristone is the first pill in a two-pill series inducing a chemical abortion.\n\nThe drugmakers insist that it is not their responsibility to ensure that prescribers comply with FDA guidelines, yet the agency\u2019s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program requires that drugmakers ensure that the prescribers they\u2019re selling their drugs to are complying with federal law. If the prescribers are not complying, the drugmakers are required to decertify them.\n\n\u201cGenBioPro is deeply committed to complying with all regulatory frameworks that govern our business and disputes any suggestion to the contrary. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of mifepristone is backed by more than a quarter century of rigorous scientific research, regulatory review, and real-world use, and remains unchanged,\u201d a GenBioPro spokesperson said in a statement provided to National Review.\n\nThe report details a video in which Dr. Christina Francis of the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs posed as a 13-year-old girl and received GenBioPro\u2019s generic Mifepristone from the platform Aid Access within two days of requesting the drug. Aid Access is not a certified prescriber and cannot therefore prescribe the drug directly. Instead, the platform collects a patient\u2019s information and passes it on to a \u201clicensed doctor\u201d who then prescribes the drug without ever having any direct contact with the patient.\n\nFrancis was sent the drug despite informing Aid Access that \u201cshe was 13 years old, had an intrauterine device in place (which leads to higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy), had anemia (low blood count), took blood pressure medication, took blood thinning medication, had three caesarean sections (last one two years ago), and had an ectopic pregnancy one year ago,\u201d the report states.\n\nMultiple REMS guidelines were likely violated in Francis\u2019s case, the report asserts.\n\n\u201cIf the prescriber involved in the transaction was certified, the way in which Dr. Francis was able to order mifepristone indicates numerous instances of what appear to be clear violations of the REMS outlined below. If, on the other hand, the prescriber was not certified, the prescribing and dispensing of GBP\u2019s mifepristone would themselves be violations of the REMS because the drug was accessed outside certified channels,\u201d the report reads.\n\n\u201cIf this is the case, it indicates either that GBP does not have adequate insight into the supply chain and prescribing of its drug or, perhaps even more concerningly, that it may be aware of these types of arrangements and complicit in them.\u201d\n\nDanco Laboratories, Evita Solutions LLC, and Aid Access did not respond to National Review\u2018s request for comment regarding their REMS compliance.\n\nDanco Laboratories\u2019 version of the drug, Mifeprex, was the first name-brand version of Mifepristone approved by the FDA in September 2000; at the time, several safety restrictions were placed on the drug. The initial rules required that the drug not be prescribed to women after seven weeks gestation and that the drug be prescribed in person by a licensed physician after three in-person consultations, after which the patient would be required to sign a patient agreement form. The drugmakers were also required under those rules to report all adverse events to the FDA.\n\nThese safeguards were relaxed dramatically by the Obama and Biden administrations and now, under the Trump administration, the remaining restrictions are barely enforced, according to the report.\n\nUnder former President Barack Obama, for example, the prescription limit was extended to ten weeks gestation. The Obama administration also decreased the mandatory three in-office visits to one \u2014 maintaining only the in-person dispensing requirement \u2014 and expanded the definition of who could prescribe these pills to include so-called health care providers. Prescribers and drug manufacturers were also no longer required to report adverse effects of the drug to the FDA, except when the mother dies after taking the drug.\n\nBefore the dissolution of mandatory reporting, \u201cDanco had reported about 4,000 non-fatal adverse events associated with the use of Mifeprex. However, since this change, Danco has only reported about 150 non-fatal adverse events over the last 10 years,\u201d the report reads.\n\nSimultaneously, in-person dispensing requirements were halted by the Biden administration during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a rise in \u201ctelemedicine\u201d abortions. Despite pressure from pro-life groups, the Trump administration has not reinstated the in-person dispensing requirements and has defended the existing rules in court.\n\n\u201cAbortion drug companies are putting mothers at risk through their failure to properly oversee the prescription and distribution of their products. We are seeing that the explosion in online sales of chemical abortion drugs has opened the door to coercion and abuse of women,\u201d Senator Bill Cassidy (R., La.), the chairman of the committee, said in a statement. \u201cFDA and the sponsors of these drugs have a responsibility to the American people to crack down on these prescribers that violate the prescribing requirements and reinstate the safeguards that keep mothers and babies safe.\u201d\n\nA May 2026 report from the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute found that 81 percent of online abortion drug distributors dispense the drug beyond the ten-week threshold.\n\nThe state of Louisiana is currently suing the FDA on the grounds that the FDA\u2019s removal of in-person dispensing requirements undermines state pro-life laws. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court blocked a lower-court order that would have blocked nationwide distribution of the drugs. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in the case on September 9.\n\nSusan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is urging the FDA to settle in Louisiana v. FDA.\n\n\u201cSen. Cassidy\u2019s research shows there is no way to address the harms of abortion drugs since Danco, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions\u2019 drugs are being shipped through the mail nationwide at all stages of pregnancy, including in the third trimester in North Carolina,\u201d SBA President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. \u201cTodd Blanche has the opportunity to protect women and save the lives of 15,000 babies every month by settling with the state of Louisiana before Sept. 9. He can end this fight with the red states, allow pro-life laws to finally take effect and stop the rise of criminals poisoning mothers with abortion drugs.\u201d\n\nCassidy, alongside Senators Steve Daines (R., Mont.), James Lankford (R., Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R., Miss.), and the late Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) conducted the investigation.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-rural-family-resource-hub-legislation", "Hyde-Smith highlights Rural Family Resource Hub Legislation", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Submitted\n\nU.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) used a visit to an educational and family resource program in Brookhaven to highlight legislation she introduced to help rural and tribal communities establish resource hubs to strengthen families while improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities.\n\nHyde-Smith on Wednesday attended an open house for the Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network site and highlighted her recent introduction of the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act (S.5364) \u2013 a bill to create a federal grant program to strengthen rural and tribal communities through place-based investments in education, workforce development, childcare, health care access, and family support services.\n\n\u201cExpanding access to high-quality early learning environments is critical to improving educational outcomes, supporting healthy child development, and promoting long-term family stability,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cI introduced the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act to help rural communities expand access to childcare, literacy and tutoring programs, career and technical education partnerships, and other locally driven services,\u201d the Senator added. \u201cBy giving communities greater flexibility to tailor these investments to their unique needs, my bill would strengthen families, improve educational outcomes, and expand economic opportunities across rural Mississippi.\u201d\n\nS.5364 would allow eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, local governments, and community partnerships to compete for federal grants to address these challenges through locally designed solutions. Funding could support family resource hubs, literacy and tutoring programs, childcare expansion, telehealth services, workforce development initiatives, career and technical education partnerships, transportation assistance, and behavioral health services.\n\nThe Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network at Mississippi State University Extension Service connects families, educators, and childcare providers with valuable early childhood resources and support. It provides educational resources, referral services, and family engagement opportunities for early childhood professionals and families across the state. In addition, it helps families find childcare options and connects them with workforce development and educational opportunities.\n\nThe Delta Health Alliance, which supports Hyde-Smith\u2019s legislation, also operates resource and referral programs throughout the Mississippi Delta.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/investigation-reveals-abortion-pill-sellers-putting-womens-lives-and-health-risk", "Investigation Reveals Abortion Pill Sellers Putting Women\u2019s Lives and Health at Risk", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Laura Echevarria | Washington, DC\n\nNational Right to Life today praised Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and the late Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for their investigation into the manufacturers of mifepristone and the companies\u2019 failure to provide meaningful oversight of the drug\u2019s distribution and prescription.\n\nThe committee\u2019s report, Mifepristone Without Guardrails: An Investigation into How Chemical Abortion Drug Makers Are Putting Mothers and Babies at Risk, examines the operations of Danco Laboratories, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions\u2014the three companies approved by the Food and Drug Administration to market mifepristone for abortion.\n\n\u201cThis report exposes an abortion-pill system built on secrecy, self-policing, and astonishingly little accountability,\u201d said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. \u201cChairman Cassidy and his colleagues have performed an invaluable public service by demanding answers from companies that profit from the deaths of unborn children while failing to adequately account for the women harmed by their products.\u201d\n\nThe committee found that the manufacturers could not identify meaningful steps they take to ensure that online prescribers comply with the FDA\u2019s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy requirements. Danco and GenBioPro acknowledged that they have never decertified a single prescriber, despite the rapid growth of mail-order abortion and evidence that abortion pills that they provide are being prescribed through websites with little medical evaluation or ongoing oversight.\n\nThe report also reveals serious deficiencies in the reporting of abortion-pill complications. Before the FDA eliminated mandatory reporting of non-fatal adverse events in 2016, approximately 4,000 such events involving Danco\u2019s Mifeprex had been reported. During the following decade, Danco reported only about 150 non-fatal adverse events\u2014even as the use of chemical abortion increased dramatically.\n\nThere is no medical or logical reason why all these complications suddenly disappeared. Nothing was done that made the abortion pill safer.\n\n\u201cAn absence of reports is not evidence of an absence of injuries\u2014especially when the reporting requirement itself has been removed,\u201d said Tobias. \u201cThe committee\u2019s investigation demonstrates how little the FDA, abortion-pill manufacturers, and the public may actually know about the complications women experience.\u201d\n\nAccording to the report, online prescriptions accounted for an estimated 28 percent of all U.S. abortions in 2025\u2014approximately 300,000 abortions\u2014compared with seven percent in 2022. Women may now obtain abortion pills without an in-person examination, receive them through the mail, and undergo the abortion far away from the person who prescribed the drugs.\n\nThe committee\u2019s findings underscore the need for National Right to Life\u2019s model legislation, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability and Education Act, or APPLE Act.\n\nThe APPLE Act requires women to receive truthful information about the risks associated with abortion-inducing drugs and clear notice of their legal rights if they are harmed. It requires the reporting of complications and allows women and their families to hold manufacturers, distributors, prescribers, facilitators, and health-care facilities financially accountable for injuries, trauma, or death caused by abortion pills.\n\n\u201cThe committee has documented the accountability gap. The APPLE Act gives states a practical way to begin closing it,\u201d said Tobias. \u201cWhen abortion-pill manufacturers and prescribers fail to disclose risks, ignore safeguards, or abandon women suffering complications, they should not be insulated from responsibility.\u201d\n\nThe APPLE Act also assures women that seeking emergency medical treatment following an abortion-pill complication will not expose them to criminal charges. The legislation places responsibility where it belongs: on those who manufacture, distribute, prescribe, facilitate, and profit from abortion-inducing drugs\u2014not on the women who may arrive at emergency rooms bleeding, frightened, and in need of care.\n\n\u201cThe abortion industry has built a system in which pills can be prescribed online, shipped across state lines, and taken without medical oversight,\u201d said Tobias. \u201cYet when a woman suffers hemorrhage, infection, an incomplete abortion, or another serious complication, the prescriber may be hundreds of miles away.\u201d\n\nTobias continued, \u201cWomen deserve more than a website, a package in the mail, and instructions to go to the emergency room if something goes wrong.\u201d\n\nNational Right to Life urges state lawmakers to enact the APPLE Act to provide women and their families with truthful information, transparency, and legal recourse.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-rural-family-resource-hub-legislation-during-visit", "HYDE-SMITH HIGHLIGHTS RURAL FAMILY RESOURCE HUB LEGISLATION DURING VISIT", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Miss. Senator Introduces \u2018Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act\u2019\n\nBROOKHAVEN, Miss. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today used a visit to an educational and family resource program in Brookhaven to highlight legislation she introduced to help rural and tribal communities establish resource hubs to strengthen families while improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities.\n\nHyde-Smith on Wednesday attended an open house for the Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network site and highlighted her recent introduction of the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act (S.5364) \u2013 a bill to create a federal grant program to strengthen rural and tribal communities through place-based investments in education, workforce development, childcare, health care access, and family support services.\n\n\u201cExpanding access to high-quality early learning environments is critical to improving educational outcomes, supporting healthy child development, and promoting long-term family stability,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cI introduced the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act to help rural communities expand access to childcare, literacy and tutoring programs, career and technical education partnerships, and other locally driven services,\u201d the Senator added. \u201cBy giving communities greater flexibility to tailor these investments to their unique needs, my bill would strengthen families, improve educational outcomes, and expand economic opportunities across rural Mississippi.\u201d\n\nS.5364 would allow eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, local governments, and community partnerships to compete for federal grants to address these challenges through locally designed solutions. Funding could support family resource hubs, literacy and tutoring programs, childcare expansion, telehealth services, workforce development initiatives, career and technical education partnerships, transportation assistance, and behavioral health services.\n\nThe Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network at Mississippi State University Extension Service connects families, educators, and childcare providers with valuable early childhood resources and support. It provides educational resources, referral services, and family engagement opportunities for early childhood professionals and families across the state. In addition, it helps families find childcare options and connects them with workforce development and educational opportunities.\n\nThe Delta Health Alliance, which supports Hyde-Smith\u2019s legislation, also operates resource and referral programs throughout the Mississippi Delta.\n\nThe Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/17/wicker-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-honor-american-founders-and-founding-principles/", "Wicker, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Honor American Founders and Founding Principles", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Dave McCormick, R-Pa., introduced the National American History and Founders Month Act, which would permanently designate November as a time to celebrate, study, and remember the American founders and founding principles.\n\n\u201cOur founders established a system of government that has held firm these 250 years. As the United States has grown from a fledgling nation into a world leader, the founders\u2019 system has endured. And it will remain strong\u2014but only if we pass down their ideals,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cMay this legislation inspire educators, parents, and community leaders to share the stories of our founding with the coming generations of Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s students will be the engaged leaders of tomorrow only if they have a deep understanding of our nation\u2019s founding and history,\u201d said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. \u201cDesignating November as National American History and Founders Month will mean more opportunities for our students to learn about U.S. history in an engaging way, including lesser-told stories. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s founding principles have guided our nation for 250 years, and we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation understands the rich history that has shaped our country into what it is today. Designating November as National American History and Founders Month will give schools, communities, and organizations across the country a dedicated time to honor our Founders and reflect on our nation\u2019s enduring values. With our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, there is no better moment for this effort. I\u2019m proud to join Senators Wicker and Kaine in introducing this legislation to keep America\u2019s story, and its founding truths, alive for generations to come,\u201d said Senator McCormick.\n\n\u201cWhat sustains a nation is not the absence of flaws. It is shared principles and the honesty to confront our history while preserving the ideals that bind us,\u201d said Dr. Jennifer London, President and Founder of the National American History and Founders Month Organization. \u201cNovember should be the month we do both, every year, from this 250th anniversary of our founding and beyond.\u201d\n\nIn addition to designating November as National American History and Founders Month, the bill urges schools, communities, and other organizations to host commemorative events and educational programs that teach civics and foster historical literacy. The legislation is particularly timely as the United States continues celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-guest-announce-24-million-grant-linked-ummc-cancer-center", "HYDE-SMITH, GUEST ANNOUNCE $2.4 MILLION GRANT LINKED TO UMMC CANCER CENTER", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Miss. Lawmakers Secured NIST Funding in FY2026 Appropriations to Renovate & Equip Research Space\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $2.4 million federal grant to rehabilitate research space at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) as part of the research hospital\u2019s long-term goal of being designated a National Cancer Institute (NCI).\n\nHyde-Smith and Guest, who serve on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, respectively, secured the FY2026 funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The funding will be used to support the renovation and equipping of approximately 14,000 square feet of space in the UMMC Research Wing.\n\n\u201cUpgrading this space at UMMC is just one more step toward creating a facility that will draw more cancer researchers to our state. The world-class work done there, along with the planned UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, is part of our goal to get that critical NCI designation, and I\u2019m pleased to help reach these worthy goals,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cThe University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a national leader in medicine since it hosted the first heart transplant in 1964. Now, UMMC is taking a critical step in attaining its federal designation as a National Cancer Institute. I am proud to serve UMMC through my work in Congress and will continue to support the institution\u2019s legacy of excellence and its efforts to supercharge cancer research, deliver better health outcomes, and ultimately find a cure,\u201d Guest said.\n\nThe project will update research space that has not been renovated in nearly 30 years. The planned improvements will help expand and modernize the UMMC cancer research program.\n\nServing on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith has consistently sought support from successive administrations to gain an NCI designation for UMMC, including at a May hearing to review the National Institutes of Health budget request.\n\nCurrently, there is no NCI-designated cancer center in Mississippi, Louisiana, or Arkansas, which often requires patients in these states to travel significant distances for advanced cancer care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/hyde-smith-guest-announce-24-million-grant-linked-ummc-cancer-center", "HYDE-SMITH, GUEST ANNOUNCE $2.4 MILLION GRANT LINKED TO UMMC CANCER CENTER", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Michael Guest", "G000591", "guest.house.gov", "guest", "https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Miss. Lawmakers Secured NIST Funding in FY2026 Appropriations to Renovate & Equip Research Space\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $2.4 million federal grant to rehabilitate research space at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) as part of the research hospital\u2019s long-term goal of being designated a National Cancer Institute (NCI).\n\nHyde-Smith and Guest, who serve on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, respectively, secured the FY2026 funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The funding will be used to support the renovation and equipping of approximately 14,000 square feet of space in the UMMC Research Wing.\n\n\u201cUpgrading this space at UMMC is just one more step toward creating a facility that will draw more cancer researchers to our state. The world-class work done there, along with the planned UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, is part of our goal to get that critical NCI designation, and I\u2019m pleased to help reach these worthy goals,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cThe University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a national leader in medicine since it hosted the first heart transplant in 1964. Now, UMMC is taking a critical step in attaining its federal designation as a National Cancer Institute. I am proud to serve UMMC through my work in Congress and will continue to support the institution\u2019s legacy of excellence and its efforts to supercharge cancer research, deliver better health outcomes, and ultimately find a cure,\u201d Guest said.\n\nThe project will update research space that has not been renovated in nearly 30 years. The planned improvements will help expand and modernize the UMMC cancer research program.\n\nServing on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith has consistently sought support from successive administrations to gain an NCI designation for UMMC, including at a May hearing to review the National Institutes of Health budget request.\n\nCurrently, there is no NCI-designated cancer center in Mississippi, Louisiana, or Arkansas, which often requires patients in these states to travel significant distances for advanced cancer care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/13/wicker-kelly-celebrate-senate-passage-of-usmma-athletics-act-of-2026/", "Wicker, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of USMMA Athletics Act of 2026", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., praised the U.S. Senate passage of the USMMA Athletics Act of 2026, which would support the athletic programs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Specifically, the legislation would allow the USMMA to establish a nonprofit organization to handle fundraising, licensing, ticketing, and other matters related to athletics. This would bring the USMMA into parity with athletics programs at the other four U.S. service academies.\n\n\u201cBy supporting service academy athletics, we boost recruitment and retention at America\u2019s service academies,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cIt is time to give the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy the same tools that other academies have to make the most of athletics programs.\u201d\n\n\u201cNothing prepared me better for my career\u2014in the Navy, at NASA, and even in the Senate\u2014than the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cThis bill will strengthen and elevate USMMA\u2019s ability to invest in midshipmen both in and beyond the classroom.\u201d\n\nThe USMMA trains midshipmen to serve as licensed officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine or as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. The academy fields 19 teams and conducts 55 percent of its overall recruiting through those athletic programs. Other service academies use a 501(c)(3) entity to generate revenue that supports athletics. The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 would empower the USMMA to create such an organization and to collect funds it accrues. By boosting athletic programs, the USMMA will be able to support enrollment at the academy and, ultimately, the future Merchant Marine force.\n\nThe USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 passed the U.S. Senate on August 6, 2026. Its companion legislation awaits consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-bill-would-improve-federal-education-scholarship-tax-credit", "HYDE-SMITH BILL WOULD IMPROVE FEDERAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Legislation Aims to Encourage Additional Private Investment in Education Freedom Tax Credit\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced she has introduced legislation to increase the impact of an existing federal education scholarship tax credit by indexing it to inflation and making it more attractive to private contributors to support K-12 educational needs.\n\nThe Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Improvement Act (S.5322) would adjust the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC or Education Freedom Tax Credit) that allows individual taxpayers to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 a year to contributions to qualified elementary and secondary scholarship granting organizations. Hyde-Smith\u2019s bill would make it more attractive for couples filing joint tax returns to make contributions and index the tax credit for all such donations to the inflation rate.\n\n\u201cMississippi is among the states committed to the concept of education freedom, which the federal tax credits were created to support. What we created in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act is a terrific idea, but I think we can tweak it to make it even stronger to benefit even more children,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cMy legislation will encourage additional private investment in scholarship-granting organizations, which will help expand educational opportunities without creating a new federal spending program.\u201d\n\nS.5322, which has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, would:\n\nAllow married couples filing a joint return to claim up to twice the individual tax credit for qualified elementary and secondary education scholarship contributions ($3,400 under current law). As written, a couple filing jointly may only claim $1,700.\n\nIndex the individual credit amount for inflation beginning in tax year 2027, with annual adjustments published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This would preserve the long-term value of FSTC by indexing it for inflation.\n\nCreated in last year\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the FSTC is intended to expand the ability of scholarship-granting organizations to support K\u201312 educational expenses, including private school tuition, public school supplemental costs, academic tutoring, special-needs services, internet access, software, and educational equipment. Contributors can begin claiming the tax credit beginning Jan. 1, 2027.\n\nMississippi is among 30 states that have opted to participate in this tax credit program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/12/wicker-armstrong-builds-senate-momentum-for-permitting-reform-as-12-new-cosponsors-join-his-american-energy-mineral-infrastructure-act/", "Wicker, Armstrong Builds Senate Momentum for Permitting Reform as 12 New Cosponsors Join His \u201cAmerican Energy & Mineral Infrastructure\u201d Act", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WICKER AND ARMSTRONG\u2019S AEMI ACT GAINS SENATE SUPPORT AS PUSH TO FIX AMERICA\u2019S BROKEN PERMITTING PROCESS ENTERS CRITICAL FALL WINDOW\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK) is growing momentum behind comprehensive permitting reform, announcing 13 additional Senate cosponsors for S. 4944, the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure (AEMI) Act: Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), David McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jon Husted (R-OH).\n\nThe newly-added cosponsors join original sponsors Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Katie Britt (R-AL), and James Lankford (R-OK) for a total of 17 cosponsors, expanding a base of Senate support that reaches into Republican leadership and both committees with jurisdiction over permitting reform.\n\nThe growing support comes as the Senate left Washington for the August recess without producing a bipartisan permitting reform package. Negotiators say they are making progress and hope to unveil an agreement in September, but significant issues remain unresolved \u2014 including Clean Water Act and National Historic Preservation Act reviews \u2014 and the shrinking legislative calendar leaves little time to turn a deal into law. Against that backdrop, Armstrong is working to reinvigorate conversations on permitting reform in the Senate by advancing concrete provisions that find bicameral and bipartisan support.\n\nAs power demands skyrocket across the nation \u2014 driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, domestic high-tech manufacturing, and industrial expansion \u2014 America\u2019s outdated and duplicative permitting framework continues to stall critical projects. The AEMI Act cuts through bureaucratic red tape, provides long-overdue certainty for builders, and prevents project delays that threaten economic growth and national security.\n\nSenator Roger Wicker (R-MS) said, \u201cIf we hope to secure America\u2019s energy future, the government must get out of the way. This legislation would reduce unnecessary permitting rules, providing greater certainty for those investing in American energy.\u201d\n\nSenator Alan Armstrong (R-OK) said, \u201cOur national energy infrastructure is like a bridge: nobody really cares about it until it falls down, and the cracks are starting to show right now. We have a narrow window to act, and we cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by. I am grateful to my 17 Senate colleagues who are co-sponsoring the AEMI Act. Together, we recognize that America cannot afford another year of delay.\u201d\n\nSenator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) said, \u201cWyoming\u2019s energy industry and infrastructure future depends on our ability to build. For far too long, environmental extremists have weaponized permitting processes to kill critical projects before they ever break ground. I am proud to partner with Senator Armstrong to streamline reviews and ensure Wyoming\u2019s minerals and energy can reach the market.\u201d\n\nSenator Rick Scott (R-FL) said, \u201cPrevious generations of Americans built the greatest economic powerhouse the world has ever seen. Nowadays, however, government seems to be doing everything it can to kill the American spirit with needless bureaucracy. While Communist China cuts corners to get ahead, a mountain of red tape has America fighting the energy war with one hand tied behind our backs. This bill slashes red tape and meets 21st century demands to help President Trump restore American energy dominance.\u201d\n\nSenator Katie Britt (R-AL) said, \u201cAs America continues to lead in industries that require a higher energy demand, like artificial intelligence and manufacturing, it\u2019s critical that we are modernizing our infrastructure to keep up with that demand. This bill creates regulatory certainty for energy and critical mineral projects alike, and it continues to execute on President Trump\u2019s promise to unleash American energy dominance and compete with the People\u2019s Republic of China by slashing burdensome red tape, ensuring environmental decision-making is based on sound science, and preventing partisan politics from inhibiting this necessary growth.\u201d\n\nSenator James Lankford (R-OK) said, \u201cOklahomans know how to build, produce, and deliver. The problem is not our workers or our resources. The problem is a federal permitting system that stands in the way of the people doing the work. I am proud to join Senator Armstrong to advance ideas to cut the red tape and let Oklahoma do what Oklahoma does best.\u201d\n\nSenator Tom Cotton (R-AR) said, \u201cBureaucratic red tape and radical environmentalists\u2019 delay vital energy projects needed to advance American manufacturing. Our bill would streamline the federal permitting process to ensure we can accelerate critical energy infrastructure projects.\u201d\n\nSenator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said, \u201cFor Alaska, few issues are more important than federal permitting reform. We have just about every resource our nation needs in great abundance, but almost every project is challenged, costing us investment, jobs, and security. We can\u2019t even build simple roads without facing lawsuits these days. That\u2019s why I have cosponsored Senator Armstrong\u2019s American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act, which includes a number of good ideas to make lasting improvements to what is currently a failing system.\u201d\n\nSenator Dave McCormick (R-PA) said, \u201cPennsylvania has the workers, resources, and infrastructure to power America for decades, but Washington\u2019s broken permitting system is standing in the way. I\u2019m proud to support this bill to bring clear rules and predictable timelines, get America building again, and help the United States achieve energy dominance and outcompete Communist China.\u201d\n\nSenator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) said, \u201cOhio is leading energy production in the United States, and we refuse to let Washington\u2019s bureaucratic red tape get in the way. It is time to slash burdensome regulations to give our companies the tools and freedom they need to out-compete any country in the world.\u201d\n\nSenator John Cornyn (R-TX) said, \u201cAs energy use rises, we must remove unnecessary barriers holding us back from building reliable infrastructure that can keep up with demand. I am proud to join Senator Armstrong as a cosponsor of the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act, which would help streamline the process for federal permitting and construction and allow Texas to continue fueling the nation.\u201d\n\nSenator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) said, \u201cAmerica cannot achieve energy dominance if critical projects are tied up in years of unnecessary permitting delays and litigation. We need a permitting process that is efficient, predictable, and grounded in common sense to develop Montana\u2019s abundant critical mineral resources and unleash American energy. The American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act gets rid of burdensome red tape, provides certainty for job creators, and ensures radical politics doesn\u2019t stand in the way of projects that strengthen our economy and national security.\u201d\n\nSenator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said, \u201cAmerica\u2019s energy demand is surging due to advanced technology and manufacturing, but our outdated federal permitting process remains a massive barrier to building the infrastructure we need to stay competitive. The American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act would cut red tape and accelerate construction of the critical energy and mineral projects essential to our nation\u2019s future.\u201d\n\nSenator Steve Daines (R-MT) said, \u201cMontana is rich in natural resources, from wind and hydro to coal and natural gas. It\u2019s critical that we optimize the ability to build and provide consistent and reliable Made-In-America energy infrastructure. I\u2019m thrilled to work with Senator Armstrong to streamline reviews and ensure Montana\u2019s energy can reach the market.\u201d\n\nSenator Roger Marshall (R-KS) said, \u201cEvery unnecessary regulation and every year a project sits tied up in red tape comes with a price tag, and eventually that bill gets passed on to American families. We have the energy and resources right here at home to power our country and lower costs. This legislation cuts through the regulatory maze, gets projects moving again, and lets American producers do what they do best.\u201d\n\nSenator Ted Budd (R-NC) said, \u201cAmerica cannot achieve true energy dominance with red tape standing in the way. By cutting the burdensome bureaucratic barriers that hold back American energy, undermine our national security, and stifle economic growth, we can ensure access to the reliable infrastructure needed to power the future. North Carolina is proud to lead the nation in high-tech manufacturing, and by making reliable power more accessible, we can lower energy bills and reshore key industries that create good-paying jobs.\u201d\n\nSenator Jon Husted (R-OH) said, \u201cPermitting reform is affordability. Cutting unnecessary red tape lowers costs, strengthens American competitiveness and helps make life more affordable for working families. America has the energy resources and innovation needed to lead the world, and we need to make sure we can build the infrastructure needed to meet growing demand.\u201d\n\nS. 4944: THE AMERICAN ENERGY AND MINERAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACT OF 2026\n\nStrengthens the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission\u2019s (FERCs) role as the lead agency for interstate natural gas pipelines and LNG facilities, ensuring that no single state can unilaterally block federally authorized projects and reducing delays caused by duplicative or overlapping reviews.\n\nEnsures consistent evidence-based environmental decision-making and includes targeted reforms to the Clean Water Act 401 review process for all types of infrastructure.\n\nProvides certainty with the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) general permits and nationwide permits by eliminating duplicative review, extending permit terms, and incorporating meaningful judicial reforms to avoid baseless lawsuits.\n\nProvides statutory clarification necessary to re-enable essential mining activities on federal lands.\n\nClarifies the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by codifying a targeted scope of review, preventing overly expansive environmental analyses, reaffirming the statute\u2019s procedural nature, and establishing meaningful judicial review standards to ensure NEPA cannot be misused to stall critical infrastructure projects.\n\nBill text can be found here.\n\nA one-pager on the bill can be found here.\n\nThe section by section can be found here.\n\nRead about the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act in Fox News here.\n\nBROAD COALITION OF SUPPORT\n\nThe addition of new Senate cosponsors follows a surge of endorsements from outside stakeholders across the country. Scores of energy producers, mining enterprises, labor unions, manufacturing associations, and policy groups have united behind the AEMI Act, recognizing it as an essential step toward restoring American infrastructure leadership and lower energy costs for families and businesses.\n\nCompanies and organizations supporting Senator Armstrong\u2019s permitting agenda include: ONE Gas, Inc., TC Energy, Williams, EQT, Woodside Energy USA, NextEra Energy, Expand Energy, Labor organizations, United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), South Central Pennsylvania Building Trades, Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 154, Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), American Public Power Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), American Gas Association (AGA), American Petroleum Institute (API), American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA), Center for LNG (CLNG), GPA Midstream, GPSA, Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA), The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, Virginia Oil & Gas Association, National Mining Association (NMA), National Hydropower Association (NHA), Energy Infrastructure Council (EIC), Essential Minerals Association, Colorado Oil and Gas Association, Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), Texas Pipeline Association, Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA), Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE), American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), ClearPath Action, ACC Action, America First Policy Institute, Cato Institute, and the Pacific Legal Foundation.\n\nRead statements of support on the AEMI Act here.\n\nRead statements of support for Senator Armstrong\u2019s permitting agenda here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-push-allow-us-coast-guard-community-partnerships", "HYDE-SMITH BACKS PUSH TO ALLOW U.S. COAST GUARD-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS", "2026-08-11", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Implement Intergovernmental Support Agreements Between USCG & Host Communities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs) with host states and communities.\n\nThe Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act (S.5341) would kickstart an authority \u2013 granted to the USCG in 2013 but never exercised \u2013 to secure better collaborative contracting agreements with local government bodies to deliver lower-cost, higher-quality services at its installations, and strengthen local ties within Coast Guard communities.\n\n\u201cThe Coast Guard has been an integral part of Mississippi communities. It should be allowed to use cooperative agreements to partner with host communities on any number of services, from waste removal to public transportation to childcare. All other branches of the Armed Forces are already demonstrating that millions of dollars can be saved through these cost-saving service agreements. It\u2019s time for the Coast Guard to do the same,\u201d said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.\n\nCoast Guard maintains several stations and vessels in Mississippi, including in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Natchez.\n\nExcept for the Coast Guard, every branch of the Armed Forces has used IGSAs to implement IGSA service contracts that support military installations and surrounding communities. A 2018 Government Accountability Office study of just eight out of the hundreds of IGSAs found that these agreements generated at least $9 million in financial benefits.\n\nS.5341 would require the Homeland Security Secretary to delegate to the Commandant of the Coast Guard authority to enter into IGSAs relating to installation-support services, and for other purposes. Its introduction follows inaction following a December 2024 letter signed by Hyde-Smith and other Senators that sought for the department to use its IGSA authority.\n\nU.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act, which has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/10/wicker-colleagues-resolution-recognizing-national-community-health-center-week-passes-senate/", "Wicker, Colleagues\u2019 Resolution Recognizing National Community Health Center Week Passes Senate", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Saturday, the Senate resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jim Justice (R-WV), Peter Welch (D-VT), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) designating Aug. 2-8, 2026, as National Community Health Center Week passed the Senate unanimously. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.\n\n\u201cWhereas, for over 60 years, community health centers have provided access to high-quality, affordable, comprehensive, preventive care for individuals in the United States, having a positive impact on the health system of the United States;\n\nWhereas, as the largest primary care network in the United States, over 1,500 community health centers provide high quality care for up to 52,000,000 individuals in 17,000 communities, such that 1 in 7 individuals across the United States and 1 in 3 in rural areas rely on community health centers;\n\nWhereas community health centers are an important element of the health system of the United States, serving rural, suburban, island, frontier, and urban communities, often as the only accessible and dependable source of primary care;\n\nWhereas community health centers are responding to the growing burden of chronic disease by expanding access to nutrition services and lifestyle counseling, reducing expensive emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and keeping the people of the United States healthy;\n\nWhereas community health centers integrate a wide range of services into primary care, such as mental health, dental, vision, hearing, and pharmacy services, creating a one-stop shop for all health-related needs;\n\nWhereas community health centers are uniquely governed by patient-majority boards, ensuring communities are fully engaged in the strategy of community health centers for improving care access and quality;\n\nWhereas community health centers are locally operated nonprofit organizations that empower local economies by generating nearly $262,000,000,000 in economic activity across the United States;\n\nWhereas community health centers nationally support 809,000 jobs, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, counselors, dentists, pharmacists, and community health workers on multidisciplinary teams;\n\nWhereas the community health center model of care is effective at overcoming barriers to access, improving health outcomes, and saving taxpayer dollars;\n\nWhereas, in 2025, community health centers provided cancer screening to nearly 11,000,000 patients and helped more than 4,000,000 patients control their hypertension and nearly 2,500,000 patients control their diabetes;\n\nWhereas community health centers are on the front lines of addressing opioid overdoses, responding to health care needs arising from natural disasters, expanding access to care for our veterans, and operating nearly 4,600 school-based sites and over 1,300 mobile units to reach people living in rural and remote areas; and\n\nWhereas National Community Health Center Week offers the opportunity to recognize the contributions of every community health center: Now, therefore, be it\n\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n\nhonors the dedicated staff, board members, patients, and all those responsible for the continued success of community health centers since the first centers opened their doors 6 decades ago;\n\ncelebrates the legacy of community health centers and their vital role in shaping the past, present, and future of the health system of the United States;\n\nsupports the designation of the first week of August 2026, as \u201cNational Community Health Center Week\u201d; and\n\nencourages all people of the United States to participate in National Community Health Center Week by visiting their local community health center and celebrating the important partnership between community health centers and the communities they serve.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/07/chairman-wicker-applauds-passage-of-russia-sanctions-bill-championed-by-sen-lindsey-graham/", "Chairman Wicker Applauds Passage of Russia Sanctions bill Championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate passage of the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would help drain the coffers of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin as he wages his unprovoked war against Ukraine.\n\n\u201cThis sanctions bill will help save lives. It will make peace in Europe more likely,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cI knew Senator Graham for 32 years. He was an accomplished lawmaker, but I can say clearly that this was his most profound achievement. By passing this bill, we salute his memory and continue the work he left us.\u201d\n\nAbout the Bill\n\nThe Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia\u2019s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin\u2019s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Finally, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia\u2019s weapons producers.\n\nNotably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-joins-take-care-veterans-act-improve-va-services-benefits", "HYDE-SMITH JOINS \u2018TAKE CARE OF VETERANS ACT\u2019 TO IMPROVE VA SERVICES & BENEFITS", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Comprehensive Bicameral Measure Bundles Long-Sought VA Program Reforms\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced her support for a comprehensive bicameral bill to improve and expand benefits for American veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.\n\nHyde-Smith has cosponsored the Take Care of America\u2019s Veterans Act (S.4744), which combines 62 bipartisan, bicameral bills into one sweeping bill to address long-sought program changes to improve health care, benefits, and services for veterans, servicemembers, survivors, caregivers, military families, and Veterans Affairs staff.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve visited with so many veterans and their families who are frustrated that commonsense improvements to VA programs get bogged down in the legislative process. The Take Care of Veterans Act is a bold effort to enact many of these program improvements together,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI hope growing support among veterans\u2019 groups will help convince enough lawmakers in the House and Senate to finally deliver for our veterans.\u201d\n\nThe package includes several bills supported by Hyde-Smith, including the Major Richard Star Act to overturn a policy that denies some combat-disabled veterans from receiving full military retirement pay and veteran disability compensation, and the Love Lives on Act to allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain their survivor benefits if they remarry. The overall bill also addresses suicide and overdose prevention, access to care for rural and underserved veterans, women veterans, caretakers of disabled veterans, and benefits to combat-injured veterans.\n\nA coalition of more than 20 veterans, military, caregiver, and survivor organizations last week called on Congress to overcome policy differences to pass the Take Care of Veterans Act, noting that some of the compensation adjustments have been debated for decades without consensus or action.\n\nIn addition to the 22 coalition members that included the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the legislation is supported by Concerned Veterans of America, National Taxpayers Union, Air Force Sergeants Association, ALS Association, Dog Tag Buddies, the Veterans Survivor Coalition, and Brit Slabinski and Earl Plumlee, Medal of Honor recipients, and President and Vice President of the Medal of Honor Society.\n\nU.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chair of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, introduced the Senate measure, which is paid for using elements of pending updates to the VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities for future beneficiaries seeking service-connected disability for sleep apnea or tinnitus. These changes would align future ratings with current medical advances and best practices, as first proposed by the Biden administration in 2022. In total, these updates are expected to reduce future spending by $38 billion over 10 years. By including them in the Take Care of Veterans Act, Congress can redirect half of that future spending reduction back into benefits while maintaining fiscal responsibility for American taxpayers.\n\nS.4744 has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, making it eligible for debate and vote by the full Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-renews-support-close-legal-loophole-requiring-release-aliens-immigration-detention", "HYDE-SMITH RENEWS SUPPORT TO CLOSE LEGAL LOOPHOLE REQUIRING RELEASE OF ALIENS FROM IMMIGRATION DETENTION", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "\u2018Keep Our Communities Safe Act\u2019 Expands DHS Authority in Handling Criminal Illegal Aliens\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in reintroducing legislation to close a legal loophole that generally requires the release of illegal aliens, including those with criminal records, from immigration detention into American communities after six months if no country has accepted them for deportation.\n\nThe Keep Our Communities Safe Act addresses the six-month legal loophole created by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2001 Zadvydas v. Davis ruling. The legislation would amend Section 236 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to expand the authority of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain criminal aliens.\n\n\u201cI am again supporting this commonsense legislation because closing this \u2018catch and release\u2019 loophole will ultimately keep dangerous illegals detained instead of being freed to put law-abiding Americans, law enforcement, and our communities at risk. It\u2019s time to finally fix the current law that permits illegal aliens with criminal records to be released back into the United States after six months simply because no other country will accept them for deportation,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cAmerica is a nation of laws, and if you violate our laws and are subject to removal from the United States, you should remain in detention until the point of deportation,\u201d said Britt. \u201cZadvydas v. Davis created a legal loophole that forces the release of aliens into our communities after six months simply because no country has agreed to take them back. This bill would help to close that loophole once and for all.\u201d\n\nBy amending Section 236, which governs the apprehension and detention of aliens, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act would give DHS greater authority to detain criminal aliens, deny bond to criminal aliens, and generally limit the availability of bond unless the detainee can establish by clear and convincing evidence that they\u2019re not a flight risk or a risk to another person or the community.\n\nThe bill would also amend Section 241 of the law, which governs the removal of aliens, to allow for extensions of detention in a number of cases, including in cases where an illegal alien is a threat to national security or has committed an aggravated felony or crime of violence.\n\nIn addition to Hyde-Smith, additional bill cosponsors include U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).\n\nBackground and a section-by-section summary are available here.\n\nHyde-Smith serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which Britt chairs. Hyde-Smith, who cosponsored similar legislation in previous sessions of Congress, has also joined Britt in other border security and immigration legislation like the Laken Riley Act (S.5) and the Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 (S.4620).\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/06/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-russias-unprecedented-escalation-against-nato-allies/", "Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on Russia\u2019s Unprecedented Escalation Against NATO Allies", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s military failures in Ukraine have led him to undertake unprecedented acts of aggression against our NATO allies. Last week, a Russian cruise missile impacted on Polish territory, and armed Russian drones were shot down over Romanian airspace. This was no accident. These tactics were a deliberate escalation aimed at coercing NATO to end its support of Ukraine. Putin\u2019s schemes will not work. The United States stands with Poland, Romania, and its NATO allies and will continue to support Ukraine.\n\nPutin\u2019s reckless probing of Polish and Romanian territory coincides with the decision to withdraw U.S. brigade combat teams from each country over the last nine months \u2014 a decision I strongly disagreed with. Make no mistake, I support burden sharing and increased defense spending within NATO. President Trump deserves enormous credit for securing agreement among NATO allies to spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defense by 2035.\n\nIt will take time to translate this spending into military capability. The ongoing force posture review in Europe must account for this reality and for the risk that a wounded and failing Putin might seek to change his circumstances through opportunistic aggression in Europe. Putin only understands strength and cost imposition. This is why the Senate is working to pass the Sanctioning of Russia Act.\n\nThe aim of this review should be to strengthen NATO\u2019s conventional defenses and to ensure that any adjustment in U.S. presence be undertaken in a deliberate, coordinated manner \u2014 akin to the 10-year plan on defense spending \u2014 that results in the credible deterrence of Russia and assurance of our allies.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-vows-keep-working-toward-farm-bill-20-passage-committee-democrats-block-progress", "HYDE-SMITH VOWS TO KEEP WORKING TOWARD FARM BILL 2.0 PASSAGE AS COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS BLOCK PROGRESS", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Miss. Senator Bemoans Minority Party Lip Service to Helping Farmers, Ranchers & Rural America\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today vowed to continue working with her Senate Agriculture Committee colleagues to advance the Farm Bill 2.0 that represents a full replacement of the 2018 Farm Bill that technically expired in 2023.\n\nThe Senate Agriculture Committee today conducted a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026 or Farm Bill 2.0 \u2013 a comprehensive measure that includes more than 100 bipartisan agricultural and nutritional measures, including many supported by Hyde-Smith. However, the package stalled along party lines after Democrats balked at a compromise for holding states accountable for errors in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).\n\n\u201cWe were given a choice to move forward with a strong bipartisan compromise that serves the best interests of American farmers, ranchers and rural communities or to continue clinging to insincere lip service that does nothing to help anyone. I\u2019m disappointed that Farm Bill 2.0 was stopped today because this was our chance to deliver the certainty and support that farmers and ranchers in Mississippi and across the nation not only deserve but need to compete and prosper in today\u2019s marketplace,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cDespite the committee being at loggerheads today, I will continue to work with Chairman John Boozman and my colleagues to get a new farm bill over the finish line this year,\u201d the Senator said.\n\nAs negotiated on a bipartisan basis, Farm Bill 2.0 builds on the \u201cSkinny Farm Bill\u201d provisions enacted with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that modernized the farm safety net by significantly increasing reference prices and crop insurance subsidies. The bill before the Agriculture Committee further strengthened commodity, dairy, crop insurance, and standing disaster assistance programs while expanding opportunities tailored to the unique needs of specialty crop producers. It also included permanent, year-round E15 authorization.\n\nHyde-Smith sponsored and supported several provisions included in the Farm Bill 2.0, among them:\n\nThe Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act (S.1019), which establishes a USDA emergency preparedness and response technical assistance program to provide grants to rural water associations to improve the ability of rural water and wastewater systems to prepare for and respond to natural disasters or other extreme weather events.\n\nThe Middle Mile for Rural America Act (S.3633), which is a five-year reauthorization of the USDA Rural Utilities Service middle-mile infrastructure program to help connect rural communities to high-speed internet.\n\nThe Okhissa Lake Rural Economic Development Land Conveyance Act (S.2440), which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain U.S. Forest Service acreage to the state-affiliated Scenic Rivers Development Alliance in support of a rural economic development project at Okhissa Lake in southwest Mississippi.\n\nThe Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act (S.3099), which would create new opportunities for online direct-to-consumer meat and poultry sales for producers, processors, and small meat markets by allowing for the interstate internet sales of certain state-inspected meat and poultry.\n\nThe Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act (S.1693), which would improve crop insurance affordability by increasing premium support for the highest levels of coverage and by enhancing the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO).\n\nDuring the committee markup Thursday, the committee adopted two Hyde-Smith amendments based on legislation she introduced:\n\nA country-of-origin labeling measure that follows the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act (S.3065) and would ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production.\n\nReauthorization of a cost-share grant program based on the Roll-Over Prevention and Safety (ROPS) Act (S.3580) to continue a U.S. Department of Agriculture program for retrofitting older tractors with rollbars and other protections.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2171", "ICYMI: Ezell Pens Op-Ed, 236 Years of Standing Watch: Honoring the Coast Guard's Past and Investing in Their Future", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, recently published an opinion piece recognizing the 236th Anniversary of the United States Coast Guard and highlighting the service's enduring role in protecting America's maritime borders, supporting national security, and safeguarding Mississippi's Gulf Coast.\n\nIn the op-ed, Ezell reflects on the Coast Guard's deep roots in Mississippi\u2014from Coast Guard Air Station Biloxi's anti-submarine operations during World War II to lifesaving search and rescue missions following Hurricane Katrina. He also outlines the Coast Guard's modern missions, including securing the nation's maritime borders, combating illegal drug trafficking, protecting America's fisheries, and defending critical infrastructure.\n\nEzell also discusses recent investments to modernize the Coast Guard, including new cutters, aircraft, facilities, and infrastructure that will strengthen the service for generations to come while supporting Mississippi's shipbuilding industry and workforce.\n\n\"The Coast Guard has faithfully protected our nation for 236 years, and Mississippi has proudly been part of that legacy. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I remain committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the resources they need to defend our nation, protect our waterways, and save lives. Their mission has never been more important, and neither has our commitment to supporting them.\"\n\nEzell's full opinion piece, \"236 Years of Standing Watch: Honoring the Coast Guard's Past and Investing in Their Future,\" is available here: Read the full op-ed.", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9353", "Kelly, Guest, and Ezell Back President Trump's Defense, Farm Aid, and Election-Security Priorities\n\nAugust 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nTags:\nNational Defense / Veterans, \r\n              Agriculture\n\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump expressing their strong support for his legislative efforts to address critical national defense, agricultural, and election-security priorities.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe threats facing our nation require the Department of War to have the resources\u2026 Read more \u00bb", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Trent Kelly", "K000388", "trentkelly.house.gov", "trentkelly", "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump expressing their strong support for his legislative efforts to address critical national defense, agricultural, and election-security priorities.\n\n\u201cThe threats facing our nation require the Department of War to have the resources necessary to defend the United States and protect American interests,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cOur brave men and women in uniform deserve the equipment, munitions, and support needed to carry out their missions and return home safely.\u201d\n\nThe Mississippi lawmakers also emphasized the urgent need to provide relief to struggling farmers.\n\n\u201cFamily farms across Mississippi are going out of business, while many others are struggling to survive from one crop year to the next,\u201d they wrote. \u201cThis assistance would provide a critical lifeline, helping our farmers remain in operation, meet their obligations, and continue producing the food and fiber our nation depends upon.\u201d\n\nKelly, Guest, and Ezell also expressed support for expanding access to voter identification, encouraging strong state election practices, and accounting for the SAVE America Act in the Senate budget resolution.\n\n\u201cYou can count on our support as we urge the Senate to act and work to send the subsequent reconciliation package to your desk without delay,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nRead the full letter below.\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nAs members of the Mississippi congressional delegation, we write to express our strong support for your efforts to address critical national defense, agricultural, and election-security priorities through the budget reconciliation process. We urge the Senate to support your requests and move expeditiously to finalize and pass a budget resolution.\n\nThe threats facing our nation require the Department of War to have the resources necessary to defend the United States and protect American interests. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve the equipment, munitions, and support needed to carry out their missions and return home safely. We fully support your request to meet these immediate defense needs.\n\nWe also strongly support your request for farm aid. Family farms across Mississippi are going out of business, while many others are struggling to survive one crop year to the next. This assistance would provide a critical lifeline, helping our farmers remain in operation, meet their obligations, and continue producing the food and fiber our nation depends upon.\n\nFinally, Americans deserve elections they can trust. We support your efforts to expand access to voter identification, encourage state election practices, and account for the SAVE America Act in the Senate budget resolution.\n\nThank you for your leadership on these priorities. You can count on our support as we urge the Senate to act and work to send the subsequent reconciliation package to your desk without delay.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-applaud-trump-approving-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi", "MISS. LAWMAKERS APPLAUD TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Eight Counties Included in Disaster Declaration Linked to Tropical Storm Arthur\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur.\n\nThe disaster declaration approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. Eight counties were approved for Public Assistance, including Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. In addition, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties were approved for Individual Assistance.\n\n\u201cWe thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,\u201d the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.\n\nFollowing the June storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.\u201d\n\nClick here to read the full disaster declaration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/04/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-for-approving-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi/", "Miss. Congressional Delegation Applauds Trump for Approving Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. The eight counties granted Public Assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state was granted Individual Assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone.\n\n\u201cWe thank President Trump for approving Mississippi\u2019s major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,\u201d the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.\n\nFollowing the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.\u201d\n\nClick here to read the full disaster declaration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-approving-major-disaster", "MISS. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION APPLAUDS TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Michael Guest", "G000591", "guest.house.gov", "guest", "https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. The eight counties granted Public Assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state was granted Individual Assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone.\n\n\u201cWe thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,\u201d the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.\n\nFollowing the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.\u201d\n\nClick here to read the full disaster declaration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-new-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-rural-hospitals", "HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN RURAL HOSPITALS", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act Makes Changes to Bolster & Improve Original Lifeline Program for Rural Communities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week joined U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in introducing new legislation to broaden access to a federal Medicare reimbursement program that can help more rural hospitals remain open to serve patients.\n\nThe Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act or REH 2.0 (S.5164) would ease statutory limitations on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program, which offers Critical Access Hospitals and rural hospitals with under 50 beds an opportunity to convert to a different Medicare designation with higher reimbursement rates in exchange for reducing certain service offerings.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re trying every option we can to give rural hospitals a better chance to stay open. This REH 2.0 legislation is another attempt to build broader eligibility and greater flexibility options within the Rural Emergency Hospital program so that more rural hospitals can continue or resume serving patients,\u201d said Hyde-Smith, who also introduced an REH measure in May 2025. \u201cI am pleased to join Senator Moran in offering this bill for consideration and remain committed to passing legislation to improve the outlook for rural hospitals and clinics.\u201d\n\nREH 2.0 would maintain the original intent of REH designations but offer additional flexibility to accept more eligible rural hospitals that are at risk of closure. The bill also includes the text of the REH Adjustment Act, which expands eligibility to previously closed hospitals and offers them the opportunity to reopen and apply for REH. In addition, it provides statutory flexibility for hospitals to maintain or create a distinct unit for inpatient psychiatric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services as well as authorize REH facilities to enter into swing bed agreements as defined in the Social Security Act.\n\nEndorsed by the National Rural Health Association, S.5164 is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.).\n\nMore than 150 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, with nearly 100 of those closures happening between 2015 and 2023. The financial sustainability of rural hospitals has been increasingly challenged by lower patient volumes, high proportions of uninsured or underinsured patients, supply chain shortages, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals.\n\nIn addition to authoring the Rural Health Sustainability Act (S.1800), Hyde-Smith in May joined U.S. Senator Charles Grassley in introducing the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years. The RCHD program, in which six Mississippi hospitals are enrolled, allows rural hospitals to test innovative Medicare hospital payment models that improve financial sustainability and support health care access.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-12T06:18:38Z", "2026-08-12T06:20:33Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-leads-bicameral-recommendations-improve-h-2a-guest-worker-program", "HYDE-SMITH LEADS BICAMERAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE H-2A GUEST WORKER PROGRAM", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Lawmakers Seek Multi-Agency Administrative Changes to Ease Strain on Agricultural, Livestock & Dairy Industries\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today led a bicameral group of lawmakers in recommending administrative changes the Trump administration should take to significantly improve the effectiveness of the H-2A agricultural guest worker program.\n\nIn a letter addressed to the secretaries of the departments of Labor, State, and Homeland Security, six Senators and 12 Members of the House outline specific administrative steps the agencies should take to correct continued processing delays, regulatory gaps, and structural barriers that place added strains on American agricultural, dairy, and livestock producers already struggling under a difficult economic environment.\n\n\u201cThe H-2A program is indispensable to agriculture across the United States, from specialty crop operations to livestock and dairy producers. However, H-2A regulations have failed to adapt to the continually growing demand for these visas. Processing delays, regulatory imbalances, and broader immigration challenges threaten this program\u2019s effectiveness throughout the country \u2013 all at a time when our nation\u2019s agricultural producers are facing significant economic hardship,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cWe cannot stress enough how important it is for the relevant federal agencies to consider changes to the H-2A program to better support our nation\u2019s agricultural industry \u2013 the men and women who feed and clothe us,\u201d they added.\n\nIn addition to Hyde-Smith, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.), and U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), and Richard McCormick (R-Ga.).\n\nThe letter makes several recommendations to address key concerns, including:\n\nExtending H-2A eligibility to year-round livestock, dairy, poultry, and swine operations, which currently cannot access the program despite qualifying as agricultural labor under the Immigration and Nationality Act.\n\n\u201cRead together, the statute\u2019s broad definition of agricultural labor \u2014 which encompasses livestock production \u2014 and its temporary or seasonal limitation have been interpreted by the Department of Labor in a manner that creates a structural barrier for industries whose labor needs are continuous rather than cyclical; as a result, year-round positions such as full-time dairy herdsmen, permanent ranch hands responsible for daily feeding and herd health, and continuous-duty swine and poultry caretakers are effectively excluded from the program regardless of whether the underlying work qualifies as agricultural labor under the statute's own definition,\u201d the letter said. \u201cWe urge the Departments to consider whether the temporary or seasonal requirement is more appropriately understood as describing the nature of the worker's authorized stay in the United States, rather than a limitation on the type of agricultural industry eligible to participate in the program.\u201d\n\nExtending the H-2A filing window from 60-75 days to 120 days prior to a worker\u2019s start date, contingent on the Department of State and DHS making corresponding adjustments to their own processing timelines.\n\n\u201cThe H-2A program has rapidly expanded since the conception of these filing timelines, yet these regulations have not been updated to reflect this demand and have ultimately caused significant delays in processing resulting in workers arriving after the contract start date. We expect the Departments to coordinate on addressing this compounding issue,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nEstablishing an expedited processing track at the Department of State for employers and workers with a demonstrated record of reliability.\n\n\u201cA trusted-filer or recurring-worker fast lane would allow the Department to direct its limited interview and screening capacity toward higher-risk or first-time cases, while ensuring that reliable, repeat employer-worker pairings are not delayed behind less predictable applications. This kind of targeted efficiency, paired with administrative action at the Department of Labor, would meaningfully shorten the program\u2019s true end-to-end timeline rather than shifting the same bottlenecks later in the process,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 efforts are endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Milk Producers Federation, AmericanHort, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Cane League, National Cotton Council, USA Rice, Western Growers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, International Fresh Produce Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, U.S. Rice Producers Association, National Pork Producers Council, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (GA, AL, FL, MS, SC growers), National Pecan Federation, National Peach Council, Southwest Council of Agribusiness, Florida Peanut Federation, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Vidalia Onion Business Council, MBG Marketing (Michigan Blueberry Growers cooperative), National Watermelon Association, American Sheep Industry Association, South East Dairy Farmers Association, Mississippi Nursery & Landscape Association, Cotton Warehouse Association of America, USA Farmers, and South Carolina Peach Council.\n\nA copy of the full letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/30/wicker-kelly-and-colleagues-honor-gold-star-childrens-day/", "Wicker, Kelly, and Colleagues Honor Gold Star Children\u2019s Day", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., along with numerous colleagues, celebrated the passage of a Senate resolution designating August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children\u2019s Day, which recognizes the children of fallen service members.\n\n\u201cThe sons and daughters of our fallen service members carry on the legacies of their parents. We set aside this day to honor them and to remember the sacrifices of their mothers and fathers,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\n\u201cGold Star children grow up carrying the weight of losing of a parent who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cThese kids deserve to know that their parents\u2019 service will never be forgotten and that this country will always stand behind them.\u201d\n\nAmerica\u2019s Gold Star tradition began in World War I. When a service member deployed, his or her family would often hang a banner bearing a blue star outside the home. If the loved one died in the line of duty, the family replaced the blue star with a gold one. These families came to be known as Gold Star Families. In the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, nearly 625,000 Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been survived by nearly 250,000 children. Senators recognize August 1 specifically to honor these Gold Star Children.\n\nSenator Wicker introduced this resolution alongside Senator Kelly. They are joined by 21 of their colleagues: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Sen Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Sen. Mike Rounds R-S.D., Sen Rick Scott, R-Fla., Sen Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.\n\n\u201cGold Star families have made an immense sacrifice for our nation, none more so than the children of our fallen service members,\u201d said Senator Blunt Rochester. \u201cThousands of children have lost a parent to military service. Designating today as Gold Star Children\u2019s Day acts both a day of remembrance for the service members who lost their lives, but also to their children who have endured the hardship of losing a parent.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe heroism of our fallen soldiers and the sacrifices of their families must not be forgotten. Gold Star children should not bear this burden alone,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cI am proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution to recognize and honor the sons and daughters of the brave service members who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation is forever in debt to the Gold Star children who have sacrificed so we may experience the blessings of freedom our founders promised 250 years ago,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cTo the children we are honoring today, know you are seen and honored in Washington. We owe it to you to support you as you find your paths forward. This resolution is one small gesture \u2013 part of our larger work to make sure you have all you need.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we honor the brave men and women who lay down their lives defending America\u2019s freedoms, we must never forget the parents, spouses, and children they leave behind,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cThese loved ones have also made an enormous sacrifice for our country that cannot go unrecognized. It is with gratitude and humility that I honor the children of our fallen service members, today and every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis resolution honors Gold Star children for the tremendous sacrifices they make for our nation and the loss they will carry with them forever,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cOur nation owes a debt to the thousands of sons and daughters who don\u2019t ask for their parents to serve in uniform but support their moms and dads nonetheless so they can protect the freedoms we cherish.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe our Gold Star families everything and must never forget the kids or what they\u2019ve endured,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cGold Star Children\u2019s Day will honor all the daughters and sons, and their resiliency through the loss of those in uniform they loved. It\u2019s a solemn day that will continue to remind us all that freedom is never free.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a Marine, I am honored to join my colleagues in designating August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children\u2019s Day. After I lost close friends in Iraq, I came home and watched their kids hit life milestones\u2014graduating from high school, getting married\u2014without their mom or dad by their side. As I\u2019ve watched them grow up, their resilience and perseverance have inspired me every day to do my best serving my country and to make sure veterans and their families get the support they have more than earned,\u201d said Senator Gallego.\n\n\u201cGold Star Children have endured an unimaginable loss, and their strength is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the parents they lost in service to our country,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cThe Senate\u2019s passage of this resolution ensures we recognize their resilience, honor the sacrifice of our fallen heroes, and express enduring gratitude to these families.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore than 1,000 West Virginians paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, and we should never, ever forget what they did for all of us. Those brave men and women stood up for freedom, not just here at home, but around the world, and because of them, America remains the greatest nation on Earth. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in honoring the families of these true American heroes, whose courage, patriotism, and love of country continue to inspire us every day,\u201d said Senator Justice.\n\n\u201cWhen a servicemember lays down their life in service to our nation, the loss is carried for a lifetime by the loved ones they leave behind\u2014especially their children,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to honor the immense sacrifices made by these children, and raise awareness about the responsibility all of us have to ensure they receive the best possible support.\u201d\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s use Gold Star Children\u2019s Day to honor the immense sacrifice and resilience of the children of our fallen heroes. We can never forget what they and their loved ones lost in service to our nation,\u201d said Senator Kim.\n\n\u201cWhen a service member makes the ultimate sacrifice, that sacrifice is never theirs alone. It is carried by their spouse, their parents, their brothers and sisters, and especially the children who grow up without a mom or dad because they gave everything for our nation,\u201d said Senator Marshall. \u201cGold Star children live every day with the cost of freedom, and their families have paid a price few of us can truly understand. On Gold Star Children\u2019s Day, we honor these remarkable children, remember the heroes they lost, and reaffirm that as Americans, we owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn Gold Star Children\u2019s Day, we honor the sons and daughters of our nation\u2019s fallen heroes. These children carry a lifelong reminder of the cost of freedom, and their families have made sacrifices that can never be fully repaid. As we remember the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country, we also recommit ourselves to supporting the Gold Star families they left behind and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten,\u201d said Senator Moody.\n\n\u201cThe children who lose a parent in military service to our nation live with a sacrifice they carry for a lifetime,\u201d said Senator Rosen. \u201cI am proud to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle to designate August 1st as Gold Star Children\u2019s Day to honor them and recognize their sacrifice when they lose a parent. I will continue fighting for our servicemembers and their families.\u201d\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cGold Star families know more than anyone that freedom is not free, because they\u2019ve paid the price for it. And children who grow up without a father or mother bear the greatest burden of all. America has enemies across the world that want to destroy our way of life, and our country is worth defending. As a Navy veteran, I\u2019m grateful for every American who answers the call to serve, and my heart goes out to the families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice. That\u2019s why I am proud to once again join my colleagues in honoring Gold Star children across our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cGold Star children bear the unimaginable weight of losing their father or mother in service to our nation. They suffer a loss so few can comprehend, but their bravery and strength should give us all hope and fill our hearts with gratitude,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cWith this resolution, we honor all of the children who have lost so much for our freedoms. We will never forget our brave men and women in uniform, and we will never forget the sacrifices made by their children.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis country owes everything to our Gold Star heroes and their families,\u201d said Senator Tuberville. \u201cIt isn\u2019t just our brave soldiers who make tremendous sacrifices when they sign up to protect our country, but their entire families. This is especially true for the children of men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Please join me in praying and looking for ways to care for the children of Gold Star heroes today and every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation will and can never forget the ultimate sacrifice of our brave servicemembers. We will forever be indebted to them. It\u2019s equally important to recognize and support their families, who are the best among us,\u201d said Senator Reverend Warnock. \u201cI am proud to recognize the bipartisan Gold Star Child Day and honor the families of the servicemembers who have sacrificed everything to keep us safe. As long as I serve all Georgians in the U.S. Senate, I will be a champion for our servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star families.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/29/chairman-wicker-speaks-in-support-of-sen-grahams-russia-iran-sanctions-bill/", "Chairman Wicker Speaks in Support of Sen. Graham\u2019s Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. During his remarks, Senator Wicker honored Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who worked tirelessly to advance freedom and weaken dictators. Senator Wicker urged his colleagues to continue that work by voting to pass this legislation.\n\n\u201cThe Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin\u2019s war machine,\u201d said Senator Wicker \u201cIt will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions.\u201d\n\nRead the full speech below, as delivered:\n\nA number of us gathered today, as we\u2019ve already heard, at the National Cathedral for Senator Lindsey Graham\u2019s funeral, and in a few moments we will vote to advance a bill that Lindsey Graham made possible.\n\nDuring the past few days, we have heard a number of stories about Lindsey Graham\u2019s many idiosyncrasies. His endless energy, he\u2019s been called the \u201cenergizer bunny,\u201d his quotable jokes, his non-quotable quips, his one-of-a-kind personality. We also remember his steadfast love for freedom and his intolerance for tyrants.\n\nThe bill that we will vote on in a few moments reflects those aspects of his personality. I have suggested that it is his greatest political achievement.\n\nIt took a senator like Lindsey Graham to bring this bill so far\u2014in this environment, with these stakes. He brought together so many parties. It seems he did this almost through the sheer force of will. I have seen that drive for 32 years since we came to Washington together as freshmen in 1994.\n\nAgain I say, this could turn out to be Lindsey Graham\u2019s greatest policy achievement.\n\nThe Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin\u2019s war machine. It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions. It will hold accountable those who purchase the most Russian oil and gas. It also will take aim at China\u2019s investments in Russian weapons production, and it will maintain sanctions pressure on Iran.\n\nThese policies will save human lives. They will pave the way for even more impressive battlefield achievements from Ukraine. The Ukrainians have been resourceful from day one. For four years, the freedom fighters have managed to stand against a country four times the size of theirs.\n\nAnd today, Ukraine is using long-range strikes to take the war to Russia. I hope to meet with President Zelensky, of Ukraine, soon. He regularly refers to these strikes as long-range sanctions. Let\u2019s give Ukraine even more sanctions, even more tools to fight back against the dictator Putin.\n\nThis bill will be a moral achievement, Mr. President. It is a clear statement about the aggressor in Russia and the nation he is attacking.\n\nUkraine targets facilities in Russia used to wage war. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin targets apartments, neighborhoods, churches, and corner stores.\n\nAs Ukraine defends its homeland, Vladimir Putin callously sends the sons of Russia into bloodshed.\n\nHe is not persuaded by appeals to human rights. I have made no secret of my complete disgust for the dictator Vladimir Putin and for his many war crimes against the Ukrainian people throughout this unprovoked conflict.\n\nIf we have learned anything about the Russian despot Vladamir Putin over the course of this war, it\u2019s that the slaughter of civilians and even his own Russian troops give him no pause. His soulmates are the dead dictators of the previous century, Mr. President.\n\nPol Pot, Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. Vladimir Putin\u2019s name deserves to be stated among those desperate war criminals. He disregards human life, but he does prize the strength of his war machine. For this, Putin relies on his energy sales \u2013 and that\u2019s what we\u2019re getting to with this bill.\n\nThis legislation will help curtail those energy sales. It will put maximum economic pressure on Vladimir Putin\u2014this is the one thing, apparently the only thing, he understands.\n\nPresident Trump and President Zelensky have long extended the hand of peace. Time and again, Putin has answered with more violence, more destruction, and more innocent Ukrainian and Russian lives snuffed out.\n\nLindsey Graham understood Putin\u2019s calculation, and he wrote a bill to hit Putin where it hurts. We\u2019ll have a chance to act on that bill today. I expect an overwhelming majority vote in favor.\n\nThank you, Mr. President.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/29/wicker-warnock-introduce-tire-safety-legislation/", "Wicker, Warnock Introduce Tire Safety Legislation", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Bill Would Modernize Federal Tire Safety Standards\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., introduced the Tire Safety Modernization Act of 2026, which would update federal tire testing standards to protect passenger safety and reflect modern best practices in tire production.\n\n\u201cTire manufacturing technology has evolved, but federal regulations have not kept pace,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cThis legislation would update performance standards\u2014protecting passenger safety and promoting innovation at the same time.\u201d\n\n\u201cGeorgia\u2019s nation-leading tire manufacturing industry helps keep Georgians safe and connected to boundless opportunities,\u201d said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. \u201cBy modernizing this critical manufacturing sector, we can help foster innovation and keep Americans connected.\u201d\n\n\u201cModernizing federal tire safety standards is essential to ensuring American drivers have access to the safest, most advanced tire technology available,\u201d said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA). \u201cThe \u2018Tire Safety Modernization Act\u2019 is an important step toward aligning U.S. regulations with today\u2019s innovations, strengthening road safety and supporting a more competitive tire manufacturing sector. USTMA and its member companies are grateful to Senators Wicker (R-MS) and Warnock (D-GA) for their leadership in championing this critical legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe introduction of this legislation by Senators Wicker and Warnock represents meaningful progress toward modernizing tire safety regulations. Aligning federal testing requirements with today\u2019s technological advancements will help ensure effective safety oversight while promoting innovation and manufacturing growth in the United States,\u201d said Tansu I\u015f\u0131k, CEO Continental Tire Americas.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Senators Wicker and Warnock for introducing legislation to modernize outdated tire testing requirements. Tire technology continues to advance rapidly, and federal standards should keep pace with innovation. This legislation will help ensure safety requirements reflect today\u2019s technology while supporting U.S. manufacturing competitiveness,\u201d said Brad Heim, VP of Product Development, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.\n\n\u201cAlong with our USTMA colleagues, we applaud the introduction of the Tire Safety Modernization Act. As a domestic manufacturer, we build tires to meet the demands of modern vehicles, modern roads, and modern driving conditions across the United States. Updating testing standards and retiring outdated requirements allows us to focus our engineering and compliance resources on activities that will genuinely benefit drivers and aligns our standards with the rest of the world. This is the kind of thoughtful, science-based regulatory update our industry has been asking for, and we\u2019re glad to see it move forward,\u201d said Jeremy Kahrs, VP of Research & Development, Yokohama Corporation of North America.\n\nThe Tire Safety Modernization Act of 2026 preserves a strong focus on safety. This legislation directs the Department of Transportation to replace outdated testing requirements with more relevant, modern-day performance standards, clarifying existing safety criteria and aligning high-speed testing with internationally recognized best practices.\n\nBill Text Here\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/miss-delegation-urges-trump-approve-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi-1", "Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Michael Guest", "G000591", "guest.house.gov", "guest", "https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure.\n\nU.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone.\n\nIf approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2168", "Ezell Hosts Water Resources Roundtable on the Future of the Mississippi Sound", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) hosted a Water Resources listening session in Biloxi, bringing together federal, state, local, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the Mississippi Sound, the impacts of the Bonnet Carr\u00e9 Spillway, permitting reform, and opportunities to strengthen Mississippi's coastal economy.\n\nThe roundtable featured Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Adam Telle, Col. Shaw of Mobile, and Col. Scotty Autin of New Orleans from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, members of the Mississippi Sound Coalition, local business leaders, and community stakeholders.\n\n\"As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I know firsthand that Mississippi's coast is one of our nation's greatest economic and environmental assets,\" Ezell said. \"Today's discussion brought together the people who are directly impacted by decisions made in Washington and those responsible for implementing them. We had a productive conversation about protecting the Mississippi Sound, modernizing outdated policies, and ensuring the Army Corps of Engineers remains focused on delivering projects\u2014not unnecessary bureaucracy.\"\n\nDuring the discussion, Ezell and Assistant Secretary Telle discussed the Army's ongoing efforts to streamline project delivery through its \"Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork\" initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and accelerate infrastructure projects. They also discussed the Administration's work to finalize a new definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS), providing greater certainty for landowners, businesses, and local communities.\n\nEzell emphasized that Mississippi must remain at the forefront of national discussions involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and federal water resource policy.\n\n\"The challenges facing the Mississippi Sound affect our seafood industry, tourism economy, ports, businesses, and the families who call the Gulf Coast home,\" Ezell said. \"It is critical that Mississippi has a seat at the table as these decisions are made, and I will continue working to ensure our state's priorities are heard.\"\n\nA significant portion of the discussion focused on the long-term impacts of Bonnet Carr\u00e9 Spillway openings on the Mississippi Sound. Stakeholders discussed the need to evaluate decades-old federal policies governing flood control and water management while identifying solutions that better protect coastal ecosystems and local economies.\n\nParticipants also discussed the importance of permitting reform to expedite infrastructure improvements, navigation projects, and coastal resilience efforts while maintaining appropriate environmental protections.\n\n\"I appreciate Assistant Secretary Telle, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Mississippi Sound Coalition, local officials, business leaders, and everyone who participated in today's roundtable,\" Ezell said. \"By bringing everyone together, we can continue working toward practical, science-based solutions that protect our natural resources, strengthen our economy, and preserve the Mississippi Gulf Coast for future generations.\"", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bill-end-costly-distorted-vehicle-fuel-economy-standards", "HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL TO END COSTLY, DISTORTED VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Senators Move to Eliminate CAFE Standards, Regulations that Exceed Congressional Intent, Impose Costly & Unnecessary Mandates\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently helped introduce legislation to help make motor vehicles more affordable for American families by eliminating a 70s-era regulatory regime that has driven up sticker prices.\n\nHyde-Smith joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) in introducing the Restoring Affordability in Automobile Manufacturing (RAAM) Act (S.5092). The bill would eliminate the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which have gradually increased sticker prices for new motor vehicles and laid the statutory groundwork for mandating the types of cars available to consumers, as witnessed by the Biden administration\u2019s effort to impose unrealistic fuel economy targets to achieve a backdoor electric vehicle mandate.\n\n\u201cOver the past 50 years, the CAFE standards have morphed into a big government weapon for regulators to push radical climate agendas and drive vehicle prices up. The Biden administration tried to use it as a club to force EVs on everyone. The RAAM Act would put an end to this government overreach and allow consumers and auto manufacturers to set the market,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-era CAFE standards turned an energy-security program into a de facto electric vehicle mandate, beyond Congress\u2019s original intent to improve fuel economy and strengthen our nation\u2019s energy security,\u201d said Crapo. \u201cToday\u2019s CAFE standards distort the automobile market, saddle manufacturers with costly compliance requirements that drive up vehicle costs for hardworking families and do little to shield Americans from the volatility of global oil markets. The RAAM Act would repeal the costly, outdated CAFE program and put consumers \u2013 not federal regulators \u2013 back in the driver\u2019s seat when it comes to vehicle choice.\u201d\n\nEnacted in 1975 following the OPEC oil embargo to reduce petroleum consumption, improve fuel economy, and strengthen the nation\u2019s energy security, CAFE standards have distorted the automobile market by encouraging manufacturers to design vehicles to satisfy federal regulatory requirements rather than consumer demand, while increasing compliance costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers through higher vehicle prices.\n\nCAFE has also been used increasingly to advance costly climate policy beyond its original focus on energy conservation and fuel security. The proposed Biden-era CAFE standard would have dramatically raised costs, restricted consumer choice, harmed U.S. businesses, and put the U.S. automotive industry at a disadvantage.\n\nEnacting the RAAM Act would eliminate the underlying federal statute that could be used by a future administration to reestablish the Biden-like regulations or impose even stricter standards. It complements congressional Republicans abolishing civil monetary penalties for CAFE standards noncompliance as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Building on that progress, the Trump Administration reversed the Biden-era standards through executive order in 2025.\n\nS.5092, which would eliminate CAFE standards effective model year 2029, is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.). The RAAM Act is supported by the American Petroleum Institute.\n\nIn January 2024, Hyde-Smith also joined Crapo in urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to withdraw the proposed CAFE rule. Hyde-Smith and other members of the Mississippi congressional delegation in July 2024 also fought to have the Biden administration overturn its de facto electric mandate on trucks, tractors, buses and semis.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-lawmakers-urge-caution-in-implementing-new-organ-donation-standards", "Mississippi Lawmakers Urge Caution in Implementing New Organ Donation Standards", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), today issued a letter that encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider feedback from the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) and similar organizations as it implements changes to the nation\u2019s organ donation system.\n\nThe letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz cites concerns raised by MORA, the state\u2019s primary Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), about the performance metrics included in a final rule that could have the unintended consequence of putting organ donation services at risk in states like Mississippi with high chronic disease rates.\n\n\u201cMORA has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, donor family care, hospital development, and community education. These efforts have helped increase donation opportunities while maintaining the dignity and respect every donor and family deserves. Policies that could weaken local infrastructure or create uncertainty in long-standing healthcare partnerships risk undermining this important work,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cWe respectfully encourage CMS to carefully consider stakeholder feedback before implementing the Final Rule and to consider metrics which the OPO community is developing that use CMS\u2019 own measurement framework. These metrics are grounded in science and independently evaluated,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nThe final rule redefines how organ procurement organizations\u2019 performance is measured, now evaluating OPOs using objective donation and transplantation rate metrics, which places a significant number of organizations nationwide at risk of decertification because the metrics do not consider the process measures or the health realities of the communities that OPOs serve.\n\n\u201cThis standard would disadvantage states like Mississippi, where heart disease is the leading cause of death, cancer is second, and chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are widespread. These factors mean our donor populations are often more medically complex, which directly affects donor eligibility, organ quality, and transplant center utilization. In addition, another metric, the transplant rate, is not even within the control of the OPO, but rather based on decisions made by transplant surgeons,\u201d the lawmakers explained.\n\nMORA, which coordinates with donor families, hospital partners, and transplant centers, indicates more than 1,300 Mississippians are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Around 150 to 180 organ transplants are performed in Mississippi annually, the majority of which are kidney transplants. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the state's main transplant center.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-usda-purchase-20-million-surplus-us-farm-raised-catfish", "HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES USDA PURCHASE OF $20 MILLION IN SURPLUS U.S. FARM-RAISED CATFISH", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Agreement Follows Senators\u2019 Request, Supports Producers and Expands Food Assistance Program\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said she expects Mississippi catfish producers to benefit from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreement to purchase up to $20 million in farm-raised catfish for distribution through food banks, charities, and other nutrition assistance programs.\n\nThe $20 million purchase of farm-raised catfish is part of an overall USDA announcement to purchase up to $76.5 million in surplus U.S. commodities through the permanently authorized Section 32 program. This program authorizes the USDA to buy surplus U.S. commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs.\n\n\u201cThe farm-raised catfish industry has been under tremendous financial pressure as producers have struggled with years of rising costs and inflation. Like many agricultural sectors, our catfish farmers have faced significant economic challenges,\u201d said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.\n\n\u201cThese Section 32 purchases will provide meaningful support for producers in Mississippi and other catfish-producing states while delivering a healthy, high-quality source of protein to families served by nutrition programs across the country,\u201d she added.\n\nIn June, Hyde-Smith led a letter encouraging Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to grant a request from the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for relief through the Section 32 program. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the letter.\n\nThe Senators\u2019 June letter to Rollins stressed the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by \u201ca crisis of economic sustainability.\u201d\n\nSection 32 is funded through 30 percent of the previous year\u2019s customs receipts, providing USDA with a permanent mechanism to support domestic producers while supplying nutritious food to families in need.\n\nHyde-Smith and Wicker have consistently advocated for using Section 32 purchases to support Mississippi producers, including the state\u2019s catfish, shrimp, and other agricultural industries, while strengthening food banks and nonprofit nutrition programs.\n\nToday\u2019s announcement builds on a January 2025 USDA agreement to purchase up to $55 million in farm-raised catfish and Gulf shrimp.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-ferc-commissioners-examine-affordability-data-centers-proliferate", "HYDE-SMITH, FERC COMMISSIONERS EXAMINE AFFORDABILITY AS DATA CENTERS PROLIFERATE", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Senate FERC Oversight Hearing Heavily Focused on Rising Power Demands & Affordability\n\nVIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Discusses Electricity Affordability with FERC Commissioners.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Wednesday sought additional details on the mechanisms being put in place to protect families, small businesses, and communities from high electricity bills as data centers and large load manufacturing projects come online in states like Mississippi.\n\nThe Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee conducted an oversight hearing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the agency tasked with addressing rising power demand from data centers and overseeing the implementation of President Trump\u2019s Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation.\n\n\u201cWe talk a lot about affordability, and in your testimonies and your written statements, it was one of the top priorities. This administration and this commission continue to take action to be so conscious of that that ratepayers aren\u2019t burdened by the higher cost. Mississippi, my home state, continues to be at the forefront of safeguarding ratepayers by ensuring companies, like data centers, pay their fair share for large loads,\u201d Hyde-Smith told the five FERC commissioners testifying at the hearing. \u201cWhat mechanisms is FERC implementing specifically for large load customers to pay upfront payments and commitments to maintain minimum financial contributions to keep the rates from rising?\u201d\n\nFERC Chairman Laura Swett said the agency is actively working to deploy the President\u2019s proclamation through a series of steps to \u201censure that the upgrades that are required by large load is not shouldered by consumers. So, we look at it on a case-by-case basis and across the markets.\u201d\n\nIn June, FERC issued show cause orders under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act to six regional grid operators under its jurisdiction to encourage modernized rules for interconnecting large loads.\n\nCommissioner David Rosner told Hyde-Smith that FERC is working with states, like Mississippi, to help ensure the integration of large load projects into the grid are conducted with attention to detail and transparency.\n\n\u201cFundamentally, this problem is a math problem. It\u2019s an accounting problem. It\u2019s not a glamorous problem to solve. It\u2019s kind of like let\u2019s figure out how much infrastructure we built for you and then let\u2019s make sure that gets on your bill,\u201d Rosner said. \u201cWe\u2019re requiring contracts to make sure that we don\u2019t have stranded cost if you leave early. We\u2019re requiring contracts that, if we have to build a lot of infrastructure up front and the project isn\u2019t energized, that we have a way to build the project for that cost and it doesn\u2019t go to other consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn our rules, we\u2019re asking people, if you built a network upgrade to serve a large load, you got to make that public and let the state commission know so that they can then use their large load tariff and charge it to the right customer,\u201d Rosner added.\n\nIn general, the Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation seeks commitments from technology firms to supply their own electricity generation, covering infrastructure upgrades whether they use the power or not. It also seeks independent rate structures for these operations through direct negotiations with utilities and state governments. It also requires hyper-scalers to coordinate with grid operators to enhance grid resilience and help prevent brownouts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-urge-caution-implementing-new-organ-donation-standards", "MISS. LAWMAKERS URGE CAUTION IN IMPLEMENTING NEW ORGAN DONATION STANDARDS", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Hyde-Smith, Wicker & Guest Ask CMS to Work with Mississippi as it Changes Performance Metrics\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), today issued a letter that encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider feedback from the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) and similar organizations as it implements changes to the nation\u2019s organ donation system.\n\nThe letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz cites concerns raised by MORA, the state\u2019s primary Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), about the performance metrics included in a final rule that could have the unintended consequence of putting organ donation services at risk in states like Mississippi with high chronic disease rates.\n\n\u201cMORA has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, donor family care, hospital development, and community education. These efforts have helped increase donation opportunities while maintaining the dignity and respect every donor and family deserves. Policies that could weaken local infrastructure or create uncertainty in long-standing healthcare partnerships risk undermining this important work,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cWe respectfully encourage CMS to carefully consider stakeholder feedback before implementing the Final Rule and to consider metrics which the OPO community is developing that use CMS\u2019 own measurement framework. These metrics are grounded in science and independently evaluated,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\nThe final rule redefines how organ procurement organizations\u2019 performance is measured, now evaluating OPOs using objective donation and transplantation rate metrics, which places a significant number of organizations nationwide at risk of decertification because the metrics do not consider the process measures or the health realities of the communities that OPOs serve.\n\n\u201cThis standard would disadvantage states like Mississippi, where heart disease is the leading cause of death, cancer is second, and chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are widespread. These factors mean our donor populations are often more medically complex, which directly affects donor eligibility, organ quality, and transplant center utilization. In addition, another metric, the transplant rate, is not even within the control of the OPO, but rather based on decisions made by transplant surgeons,\u201d the lawmakers explained.\n\nMORA, which coordinates with donor families, hospital partners, and transplant centers, indicates more than 1,300 Mississippians are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Around 150 to 180 organ transplants are performed in Mississippi annually, the majority of which are kidney transplants. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the state's main transplant center.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2164", "PASSED BY THE HOUSE: Ezell Votes to Strengthen America's Military", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that strengthens America's military, supports service members and their families, revitalizes the defense industrial base, and enhances national security priorities. The bill advances investments in military readiness, defense innovation, and quality of life for those who serve.\n\n\"The world is more dangerous than it has been in decades, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure our military remains the strongest and most capable fighting force on the planet,\" Ezell said. \"The FY2027 NDAA invests in our servicemembers, strengthens our national defense, rebuilds America's defense industrial base, and delivers the resources needed to deter our adversaries. I'm proud to support legislation that puts our troops first, strengthens military readiness, and helps ensure the United States remains prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.\"\n\nThe FY2027 NDAA authorizes critical investments to strengthen America's defense by expanding domestic production capacity, supporting private sector innovation, and creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs. The legislation also advances more than 65 presidential defense priorities, restores critical military capabilities, strengthens nuclear deterrence and missile defense, and provides resources to counter threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.\n\nThe legislation also prioritizes the well-being of America's military families by supporting a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for servicemembers while improving access to housing, education, and childcare. Additionally, the bill continues efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department of Defense by building on reforms enacted last year and establishing new authorities to improve accountability and achieve a clean audit.\n\nAs Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Ezell has consistently advocated for policies that strengthen America's maritime security, modernize the nation's military capabilities, and ensure the United States maintains the world's premier fighting force.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-named-defense-appropriations-subcommittee", "HYDE-SMITH NAMED TO DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Senate Appropriations Committee Reorganizes Subcommittee Memberships Following the Death of Senator Lindsey Graham\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today accepted an appointment to serve on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, giving Mississippi added prominence in Congress when developing funding for the nation\u2019s national security interests.\n\nThe appointment was made as the Senate Appropriations Committee reorganized its subcommittee makeup following the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on July 11. The new assignments were announced Wednesday by Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine).\n\n\u201cI undertake this new assignment on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee with a measure of sadness for my dear colleague Lindsey Graham, but I am also resolved to serve as he did in support of our men and women in uniform,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI am proud to follow in the footsteps of our own Senator Thad Cochran, who chaired and served on this subcommittee so well, ensuring that states like Mississippi can contribute ably to our nation\u2019s defense.\u201d\n\nHyde-Smith retains her chairmanship of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as her memberships on the subcommittees on: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; Homeland Security; and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.\n\nAs part of the reorganization, Hyde-Smith relinquished her membership on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. Links to Hyde-Smith\u2019s overall committee assignments in the 119th Congress are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-committee-review-trump-supplemental-funding-request-agriculture-defense", "HYDE-SMITH, COMMITTEE REVIEW TRUMP SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST FOR AGRICULTURE, DEFENSE", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Senate Appropriations Committee Assesses $11.1B Request for Ag Assistance, $70B for Defense Readiness\n\nVIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Agriculture Secretary Rollins About Continued Assistance Payments for Farmers.\n\nVIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Defense Secretary Hegseth on Supplemental Funding Request and FY2027 Shipbuilding Budget.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday questioned Trump administration officials on the utility of Congress providing supplemental appropriations this year to bolster national security and continue agricultural assistance for row and specialty crop producers.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hyde-Smith participated in a hearing to review President Trump\u2019s request for supplemental funding, including $11.1 billion for temporary economic assistance for farmers and approximately $70 billion to sustain military readiness and critical capabilities upgrades.\n\nRegarding assistance to farmers, Hyde-Smith signaled her support for continuing to provide bridge payments to help producers overcome low commodity prices and escalated input costs.\n\n\u201cOur row crop producers, as you\u2019ve mentioned in your opening remarks, are truly in a serious situation. I\u2019ve talked to multi-generation farmers back home who are the best of the best that did not even plant this year because they could not make the numbers work. And producers in Mississippi and nationwide continue to face these economic conditions,\u201d Hyde-Smith told Rollins. \u201cIf we want the next generation to stay on the land, we\u2019re going to have to take this opportunity to provide this critical market assistance for our farmers and enact policies that build structural demands for commodities, like the Buying American Cotton Act and year-round E15. All of which would make the paths better, more favorable for these producers going forward.\u201d\n\nRollins discussed the need for bridge payments and administration actions to bring down input costs.\n\n\u201cAs of today, ensuring that we can keep these farmers farming while we\u2019re opening the markets, while we\u2019re bringing down the cost of inputs is paramount for a secure America. And that\u2019s why this is so important today,\u201d Rollins said.\n\nOn the Department of Defense request, Hyde-Smith also said the supplemental request lines up with her support for the nation\u2019s warfighters. She also sought Hegseth\u2019s input on the future of domestic shipbuilding.\n\n\u201cI, as well, am committed to ensuring that our war fighters have all the tools necessary to accomplish the mission in Iran and whatever else that they need to defend our nation\u2019s interests. The supplemental request is in line with that goal,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\nHyde-Smith questioned the Defense Department\u2019s FY2027 budget request for a single DDG 51 destroyer instead of the two destroyers desired by naval leadership, as well as the long-term impact on U.S. shipbuilding as the Navy explores using allied shipbuilders and foreign fabricators.\n\n\u201cThe department is exploring options for using allied shipyards and overseas fabrication in future naval construction, which raises questions about the long-term role of the American naval industrial base or shifting work away from domestic ship builders \u2013 shipyards like Ingalls in Mississippi,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cThey need the confidence that the work will be there so they can invest in new facilities, hire and train skilled workers, and expand capacity that we will need in the future.\u201d\n\nHegseth pointed to his earlier testimony about the need to accelerate mission capabilities overall to overcome past funding shortfalls and lack of investment in the military during previous administrations. The Trump administration has requested a more than $1.5 trillion defense budget in FY2027.\n\n\u201cYou just you just made the case for this generational investment because of the underinvestment, Senator, in shipbuilding in the previous administration \u2013 just static flat bureaucratic, slow. We\u2019re having to revitalize that industry and one DDG is a reflection of a backlog in capability. So, as we ramp on more CA [Contract Administration] capacity, those numbers of DDGs, the workhorse of our Navy, will go up as we grow that force,\u201d Hegseth told Hyde-Smith.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-merkley-bill-will-improve-forest-health-expand-market-forestry-biomass-byproducts", "HYDE-SMITH, MERKLEY BILL WILL IMPROVE FOREST HEALTH, EXPAND MARKET FOR FORESTRY BIOMASS BYPRODUCTS", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "\u2018Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act\u2019 Would Broaden Renewable Fuel Standard Definition of Eligible Renewable Biomass\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve forest health and management by creating new market demand for timber and forestry biomass byproducts.\n\nThe Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act (S.5087) would expand the definition of renewable biomass materials that qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program within the Clean Air Act. Importantly, the legislation covers both non-federal private land and federal lands, which broadens its appeal beyond regional interests.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill creates avenues to help reduce the wildfire threats in the West but also clears the way for biomass produced from non-federal lands in heavily forested states like Mississippi to contribute to the nation\u2019s renewable fuels resources,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cWith this bill, we will make it easier to develop a new revenue stream for the thinnings, logging residuals, and mill byproducts that Mississippi landowners and forest products manufacturers already generate, without requiring them to change how they manage their timberland.\u201d\n\n\u201cReducing wildfire risk demands innovative solutions and using all the tools at our disposal to invest in wildfire prevention efforts,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cWoody biomass that comes from responsible forest management activities\u2014like hazardous fuels reduction\u2014presents a huge opportunity for communities in Oregon and across the nation. By updating the definition for these materials to qualify as renewable fuels, we can harness their power to create new markets for these materials, reducing wildfire risk and supporting healthier public, private, and Tribal lands.\u201d\n\nA key barrier to proactive forest management is the lack of viable markets for the woody material removed during fuel reduction treatments, thinning operations, and defensible space clearing. Without an economic outlet for this material, the cost of forest management remains prohibitively high for landowners and land managers, leaving forests untreated and vulnerable to wildfire, insects, disease, and habitat degradation. This bill is designed to create new value for forestry residuals and byproducts, helping offset the cost of proactive forest management.\n\nThe Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act addresses this by expanding the definition of renewable biomass under the RFS, making a broader range of forest-derived material \u2013 including thinnings, harvest residuals, wood chips, sawdust, bark, and manufacturing byproducts from private, federal, and tribal lands \u2013 eligible to generate Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). RINs are the tradeable credits that track renewable fuel volumes under the RFS program, giving refiners more compliance flexibility and expanding the supply of qualifying feedstock.\n\nMississippi has more than 18.9 million acres of forested land, and the bill\u2019s streamlined certification process would let private landowners make woody biomass from that land RFS-eligible by self-certifying as part of the RIN generation process with no new federal permitting layer required.\n\nU.S. Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Angus King (I-Maine) are original cosponsors of S.5087. U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) introduce a House companion bill, which is cosponsored by U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-Miss.).\n\nA summary of the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act is available here.\n\nMore than 80 stakeholder organizations support the legislation, including the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi Loggers Association, Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association, Wildlife Mississippi, Alliance for Wildfire Resilience, American Forest Fuels Alliance, American Biomass Energy Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Forest Resource Council, American Loggers Council, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Boone and Crockett Club, Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Foundation, Forest Landowners Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of State Foresters, National Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pellet Fuels Institute, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association.\n\n\u201cNAFO thanks Senator Merkley and Senator Hyde-Smith for their leadership in introducing the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. Supporting this legislation is an easy call. The bill creates a powerful new tool for addressing the wildfire crisis and the ongoing closures of wood-consuming paper mills by unlocking practical markets for low-value wood and mill residuals. It supports forest health and resilience through active forest management, strengthens the sawmills that supply our housing sector, bolsters rural economies, and helps America meet growing demand for renewable fuels. At a time when forest owners, mills, and rural communities are facing real economic peril, this targeted fix to the definition of wood in the Renewable Fuel Standard is exactly the kind of commonsense solution Congress should advance,\u201d said Dave Tenny, President and CEO, National Alliance of Forest Owners.\n\n\u201cFarm Bureau appreciates the introduction of bipartisan legislation that supports farmers, foresters and both public and private forest lands across the United States. Updating the definition of renewable biomass for the Renewable Fuel Standard will support active land stewardship and reduce wildfire risk through improved management of public lands. Farm Bureau encourages the Senate to swiftly consider the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026,\u201d said Dr. John Newton, Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, American Farm Bureau Federation.\n\n\u201cThe Forest Landowners Association applauds Senators Jeff Merkley and Cindy Hyde-Smith for introducing the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. Family forestry businesses need an all-of-the-above approach to market opportunities, and low-value wood products, manufacturing residuals, and woody biomass should be part of that conversation. While no single policy will address every challenge facing working forests, expanding potential markets for these materials can help provide additional certainty and opportunity for private forest landowners, rural communities, and our nation's forest products supply chain,\u201d said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association.\n\n\u201cThe National Wild Turkey Federation proudly supports the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. A major barrier to achieving healthy, fire-resilient forests is the lack of viable markets for materials generated through forest-management activities, including small-diameter trees, treetops, limbs, and other woody residues. Enabling these materials to be used for biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel creates a critical economic incentive that supports active forest management, strengthens rural wood products infrastructure, and advances forest health,\u201d said Matt Lindler, Director of Government Affairs, National Wild Turkey Federation.\n\nAt an oversight hearing in June, Hyde-Smith focused on the risks posed by the delayed cleanup of significant damage to privately owned and national forest property caused by the May 6-7 tornadoes and Winter Storm Fern.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-delegation-urges-trump-to-approve-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi", "Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure.\n\nU.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone.\n\nIf approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-votes-to-advance-water-resources-legislation/8a27cd34-5f0a-422b-8e24-e64d0c05f838", "Senator Wicker Votes to Advance Water Resources Legislation", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.\n\nSenator Wicker\u2019s unique position on the committee allows him to advocate for Mississippi\u2019s communities and priorities. The committee\u2019s legislation would expand water infrastructure projects and streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' planning and project delivery process. The bill will now move to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cThese investments will help advance critical water projects, strengthen Mississippi's economy, and support the communities and industries that rely on our waterways. I will continue using my position on the Environment and Public Works Committee to deliver meaningful results for Mississippi communities,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\nAmong other policies that are going to benefit Mississippi, WRDA would:\n\nIncrease transparency of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 annual funding capabilities, informing congressional funding allocations for water resource projects.\n\nAuthorize a feasibility study for flood risk management and restoration along the Hatchie River in Tippah, Alcorn, and Union counties.\n\nAuthorize a feasibility study to improve and reconstruct the Walkiah Bluff weir in Pearl River County.\n\nExpedite completion of the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study. Ultimately, this study would modernize the operations of the Bonnet Carr\u00e9 Spillway.\n\nRequire the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the condition of locks and dam facilities along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system.\n\nRequire a study on the use of hydrokinetic turbines in the Mississippi River.\n\nAuthorize $5 million in Section 1301 environmental infrastructure funding for 10 Mississippi communities, including Brandon, Choctaw County, Columbus, Flowood, Forest, Hattiesburg, Lucedale, Natchez, Vicksburg, and West Jackson County Utility District.\n\nIncreases Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure authorizations for four Mississippi communities including:\n\nClinton, from $13.6 million to $18.6 million;\n\nMadison County, from $24 million to $26 million;\n\nOxford, from $10 million to $15 million; and\n\nPicayune, from $5 million to $10 million.\n\nUpdate the water supply contract for the Pat Harrison Waterway.\n\nImprove the national levee safety program to support the long-term planning for, inspection of, and rehabilitation of levees. Mississippi maintains one of the nation\u2019s largest levee systems.\n\nAuthorize a feasibility study for the Gulfport Widening and Deepening Project to increase the depth and width of its main ship channel.\n\nThe 2026 WRDA also contains a host of provisions for nationwide drinking water and wastewater infrastructure initiatives:\n\nGrants technical assistance for emergencies affecting small public water systems at $26 million for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2030, an $11 million increase.\n\nReauthorizes funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund,\n\n$3.75 billion for fiscal year 2027:\n\n$4 billion for fiscal year 2028,\n\n$4.25 billion for fiscal year 2029, and\n\n$4.5 billion for fiscal year 2030.\n\nReauthorizes the Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities program, including $140 million for the fiscal years 2027 through 2030.\n\nAddresses perfluoroalkyl substances and lead service line replacement projects, reauthorizing $3.5 billion for each of the fiscal years of 2027 through 2030.\n\nReauthorizes $65 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2030. The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to publish the amount of time for the application to be processed by the EPA and the Office of Management and Budget before the obligation of funding.\n\nReauthorizes $50 million for the National Estuary Program during each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2030 and adds the Mississippi Sound to the program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-delegation-urges-trump-approve-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi-1", "MISS. DELEGATION URGES TRUMP TO APPROVE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration after remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure.\n\nThe eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone.\n\n\u201cThis extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.\u201d\n\nIf approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported.\n\nClick here to read the delegation's letter to President Trump.", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-chief-of-space-operations-nominee", "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Chief of Space Operations Nominee", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nomination of the next Chief of Space Operations.\n\nLieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess, USSF, nominated to be General and Chief of Space Operations, appeared before the committee.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain and the need to strengthen the U.S. Space Force to meet evolving threats from strategic competitors. The chairman also highlighted the importance of accelerating space acquisition, building a more agile workforce, and ensuring the Space Force has the resources and leadership necessary to maintain America's strategic advantage.\n\nRead Chairman Wicker\u2019s hearing opening statement as delivered.\n\nThe committee meets today to consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, who is nominated to be the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force.\n\nThis hearing comes at a pivotal moment for both our nation's security and the future of the Space Force. If confirmed, General Schiess will become the third Chief of Space Operations. That distinction reflects the relative youth of this service. While the Space Force has already proven its value to the Joint Force, it is still building the institutions, culture, talent pipeline, and operational concepts that will define the service for generations.\n\nThe Space Force was established because our nation recognized that superiority in space is essential to maintaining deterrence on Earth. Today, that mission is more important than ever. The next Chief of Space Operations will assume responsibility as two trends converge: First, the strategic environment is becoming more dangerous even as the demands on the service continue to grow.\n\nThe United States no longer has the luxury of viewing space as a permissive environment. China and Russia have made clear that they see space as a critical warfighting domain. They continue to invest in capabilities designed to challenge America's military advantage. Beijing and Moscow are developing weapons to disrupt our satellites, degrade our communications, interfere with navigation, and threaten the systems that enable every joint military operation.\n\nSo, to meet that challenge, we need two things: increased resources and faster production timelines. On the latter point, I am pleased to see how the Space Force is adopting the FORGED Act\u2019s requirements for Portfolio Acquisition Executives. This is a significant opportunity to streamline decision-making, improve accountability, and accelerate the development and fielding of the resilient space capabilities that our warfighters need. We must successfully implement these reforms if the Space Force is to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats and deliver operational advantages at the speed today's strategic environment demands.\n\nAll of this will require an agile workforce. Congress enacted the Personnel Management Act, the PMA, to help the Space Force build such a team. The PMA gives the Space Force the flexibility to build and sustain a workforce that can move seamlessly between full-time and part-time service, which can attract specialized talent, and that can adapt as mission requirements evolve.\n\nCongress has an important role to play in ensuring that the Space Force has the resources, authorities, and leadership necessary to meet those challenges. We also have a responsibility to help the American people understand why the Space Force exists and why its mission matters. Space capabilities underpin our national security, our economy, and our way of life. Space technology enables the systems we use for missile warning, precision navigation, communications, intelligence collection, and the operations of every military service. As the threat in space grows, public understanding must grow as well. The American people should understand that investments in the Space Force are investments in our security, our prosperity, and our strategic advantage.\n\nOne of the defining responsibilities of the next Chief of Space Operations will be ensuring that the Space Force grows at a pace that matches the threat. Our competitors are rapidly expanding their forces and fielding new capabilities. The United States cannot afford to respond with incremental growth while the threat accelerates. So, I look forward to hearing how General Schiess will expand the Space Force to meet increasing mission requirements.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-darline-graham-introduce-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "Wicker, Darline Graham, Blumenthal, and Shaheen Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine.\n\nU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia\u2019s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.\n\n\u201cWe should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin\u2019s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,\u201d said Wicker.\n\n\u201cUntil the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother\u2019s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump\u2019s desk,\u201d said Senator Darline Graham.\n\nThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine.\n\nThe sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.\n\nThe legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.\n\nA one-pager on the legislation is available here. The text of the bill is available here.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA); U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\n\u201cLindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort,\u201d said Thune. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia\u2019s war machine. I can\u2019t think of a better way to honor his legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cUkraine is at a critical crossroads \u2014 and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia\u2019s murderous slaughter,\u201d Blumenthal said. \u201cWhen Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin\u2019s war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham\u2019s fierce support for Ukraine\u2019s freedom.\u201d\n\n\u201cRussia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin\u2019s doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close,\u201d said Shaheen.\n\n\u201cOne of the many pillars of Senator Graham\u2019s exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America\u2019s national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia\u2019s war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin\u2019s war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House\u2014these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace,\u201d said Britt.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn\u2019t be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation,\u201d said Durbin.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine\u2019s most relentless advocates in the Senate,\u201d said Whitehouse. \u201cThis forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin\u2019s massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia\u2019s war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President\u2019s desk as soon as possible,\u201d said Risch.\n\n\u201cUkraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there\u2019s much more the United States can do to strangle Russia\u2019s war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia\u2019s economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war,\u201d said Coons.\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I\u2019m proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cFor over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin\u2019s war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin\u2019s intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin\u2019s war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end,\u201d said Cotton.\n\n\u201cThis measure is a tribute to Senator Graham\u2019s tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin\u2019s war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion,\u201d said Reed.\n\n\u201cSouth Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear,\u201d said Tim Scott. \u201cThis legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey\u2019s legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President\u2019s goal to end Moscow\u2019s senseless war in Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end,\u201d said King. \u201cThis war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people\u2019s fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin\u2019s war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can\u2019t afford,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I\u2019m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that.\u201d\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin\u2019s war machine,\u201d said Collins. \u201cSenator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin\u2019s aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey\u2019s legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cStronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cThis legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I\u2019ve led for years against Putin\u2019s shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I\u2019m joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia\u2019s energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price,\u201d said Rosen.\n\n\u201cLindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThis bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey\u2019s legacy, help dismantle Putin\u2019s war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cStanding with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia\u2019s primary source of income and cripple its war effort \u2014 the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine,\u201d said Schiff.\n\n\u201cThe surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia\u2019s economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom,\u201d said Sheehy.\n\n\u201cSince I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine\u2019s democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war,\u201d said Klobuchar.\n\n\u201cAs long as Vladimir Putin\u2019s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue,\u201d said Curtis. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine,\u201d said Fetterman. \u201cThis is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin\u2019s grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia\u2019s unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies,\u201d said Sullivan.\n\n\u201cUkraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia,\u201d said Duckworth. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always.\u201d\n\n\u201cUkraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region,\u201d said Peters. \u201cImposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin\u2019s invasion.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia\u2019s oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let\u2019s finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them,\u201d said Lankford.\n\n\u201cThis bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham\u2019s legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin\u2019s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance,\u201d said Hyde-Smith.\n\n\u201cBy securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin\u2019s war accountable,\u201d said Blackburn. \u201cThis bill will help bring this war to an end.\u201d\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin\u2019s war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let\u2019s get this done,\u201d said Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cSenator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia\u2019s war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham\u2019s work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States and our allies must stand up to Putin\u2019s unprovoked war against Ukraine by choking off funds for his war machine and his political cronies. Putin\u2019s invasion is a gross violation of Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and it is critical that the United States support the people of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression. This legislation will strengthen our efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the War in Ukraine,\u201d said Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine,\u201d said Cramer.\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end,\u201d said Capito. \u201cThis legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin\u2019s deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia\u2019s war machine. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham\u2019s life by advancing this effort to strengthen America\u2019s national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine\u2019s fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end,\u201d said Husted.\n\n\u201cRussia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin\u2019s aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin\u2019s war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action,\u201d said Fischer.\n\n\u201cSenator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America\u2019s enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin\u2019s war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham\u2019s legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay,\u201d said Cruz.\n\n\u201cLindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America\u2019s fuse hadn't burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it\u2019s long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they're choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it,\u201d said Lummis.\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty,\u201d said Murkowski. \u201cThe bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham\u2019s longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America\u2019s commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin\u2019s revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia's unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy,\u201d said Budd.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia\u2019s unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham,\u201d said Moran. \u201cAmerica\u2019s continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can\u2019t do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cImposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin\u2019s unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe,\u201d said Daines.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2160", "Ezell Celebrates Christening of Future USS George M. Neal at Ingalls Shipbuilding", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Last weekend, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) joined U.S. Navy leaders, HII executives, the Neal family, and shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding on Saturday to celebrate the christening of the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer to be built at Ingalls.\n\nThe future USS George M. Neal is named in honor of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Navy Cross. Neal displayed extraordinary courage during a 1951 rescue mission after surviving a helicopter crash behind enemy lines, evading capture for nine days before becoming a prisoner of war. He was released in 1952 after enduring more than a year in captivity.\n\n\u201cThe christening of the future USS George M. Neal is a proud moment for Mississippi and our nation,\u201d Ezell said. \u201cGeorge M. Neal\u2019s courage, sacrifice, and service represent the very best of America, and it is fitting that this warship will carry his legacy for generations to come. I\u2019m grateful to the hardworking men and women of Ingalls Shipbuilding whose craftsmanship strengthens our Navy, supports our Gulf Coast economy, and helps keep our nation safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe future USS George M. Neal honors a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,\u201d Under-Secretary of the Navy William Toti said. \u201cAs we christen this ship, we mark another step toward building the Navy our nation needs. Flight III destroyers are critical to our nation\u2019s security, and we are proud to accept each one built by the skilled workforce at Ingalls.\"\n\n\u201cAs a company, HII does a lot of amazing things, but only people \u2014 human beings \u2014 build ships. They build ships with their hands, their minds and toughness. The people of Ingalls Shipbuilding are among the finest craftsmen and craftswomen on the face of the Earth,\u201d Kastner said. \u201cWhen she is delivered, DDG 131 will be the most powerful surface combatant in the world. She will be ready. She\u2019ll be ready because the United States of America makes a conscious choice, generation after generation for now 250 years, to invest in U.S. Navy ships, built by Americans, in America.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of my family, I express my deepest gratitude to the United States Navy, to the incredible honor, for this magnificent destroyer after my father, George Milton Neal,\u201d Gray said. \u201cWe are forever grateful that his life of service, sacrifice and courage will be remembered through a ship that will one day defend our nation and carry his legacy throughout the world.\u201d\n\nThe traditional christening ceremony featured remarks from senior Navy officials, HII leadership, and the ship's sponsor, Kelley Neal Gray, daughter of the ship's namesake, who performed the ceremonial bottle-breaking against the ship's bow.\n\nAs a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Rep. Ezell emphasized the importance of Mississippi's shipbuilding industry to both the nation's defense and the Gulf Coast economy.\n\nDDG 131 is one of several Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding. These next-generation warships feature the advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System, significantly enhancing the Navy's ability to counter evolving threats and maintain maritime dominance.\n\nIngalls Shipbuilding has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy and continues to play a critical role in building the future fleet that protects America's interests around the world.", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-the-ndaa", "Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the NDAA", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cSenator Schumer has chosen to block a bipartisan NDAA from advancing on the Senate floor. He has delayed a bill that prioritizes our military service members and ensures they are better prepared for the challenges ahead. The NDAA would have included another 86 amendments, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. These amendments included bipartisan packages on crime and drugs, bipartisan provisions to ensure America stays ahead of China on chips and artificial intelligence, and bipartisan oversight measures for the State Department and intelligence community.\n\nIt is difficult to understand this action given that the objections to beginning debate on the bill center on what is not in the bill. We have voted dozens of times on military action in Iran, both on the Senate floor and in our committee. Rather than requesting specific votes on Iran on the NDAA, Democrats simply voted against starting the process altogether. Similarly, the committee has already voted on the defense budget topline. This bill is not the proper vehicle to settle disagreements over the adequate balance between defense and domestic spending.\n\nI hope Senator Schumer will reconsider and allow the NDAA to come to the floor so that we can debate these topics and advance legislation containing over 1,100 individual ideas from every senator in this chamber.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-four-senior-civilian-pentagon-nominees", "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Four Senior Civilian Pentagon Nominees", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider nominations for senior defense financial, acquisition, intelligence, and space leadership positions.\n\nJules W. Hurst III, nominated to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Mr. Richard M. O\u2019Malley, nominated to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. Erich D. Hernandez-Baquero, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, and Dr. L. Roger Mason, Jr., nominated to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, all appeared before the committee.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker highlighted the importance of modernizing defense budgeting, streamlining acquisition and sustainment, expanding resilient space capabilities, and improving intelligence collection and analysis, noting that each nominee would play a key role in strengthening the Department of Defense and supporting U.S. national security. The Chairman also took time in his remarks to honor the life of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nRead Chairman Wicker\u2019s hearing opening statement as delivered.\n\nThis hearing will come to order.?To begin with, the Senate has lost a giant. A champion. A former member of this committee who, though he went on to other jurisdictions, was one of the strongest advocates for American strength and American partnerships around the world and peace through strength. That is the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. And so, I would ask all of us to bow our heads for a moment of silence in memory of Senator Graham. Thank you very much.", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-celebrates-new-affordable-housing-law", "HYDE-SMITH CELEBRATES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAW", "2026-07-13", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law, Includes Hyde-Smith Priorities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, today heralded the enactment of the first comprehensive housing affordability measure approved by Congress in decades.\n\nThe 21st Century ROAD (Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream) to Housing Act (HR.6644) includes priority reforms Hyde-Smith has supported to address housing needs in rural America. Hyde-Smith voted with the Senate on June 18 to give the bill its final approval. The bill became law at midnight Friday without President Trump\u2019s signature.\n\n\u201cThe 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents a bipartisan recognition that government should be a helping hand, not a hindrance, as it too often has been in addressing affordable housing needs in Mississippi and across this great nation. This new law takes meaningful steps to increase housing supply by cutting unnecessary regulations, attacking waste, fraud, and abuse in federal housing programs, and providing incentives to invest in affordable housing,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cI commend President Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner for making the affordable housing issues a priority, and I thank Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott for getting this important bill across the finish line. I am also grateful that policies I have advocated for years are part of this package, all of which should help rural states like Mississippi,\u201d Hyde-Smith added.\n\nHyde-Smith has supported legislation, policies, and funding related to key rural and low-income housing programs that are addressed in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. These include:\n\nReforming Disaster Recovery \u2013 Provides a three-year reauthorization of the Community Development Block Grant\u2013Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and establishes the HUD Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency to administer the program.\n\nPromoting New Bank Formation \u2013 Creates a two-year phase-in pilot program for de novo financial institutions that meet federal requirements to encourage the formation of new banks in underserved and rural areas, as based on the Promoting New Bank Formation Act of 2025 (S.113), which Hyde-Smith introduced. She initially introduced a similar bill in the 118th Congress.\n\nIncreasing Housing in Opportunity Zones \u2013 Allows HUD to give added weight to applicants serving areas located in, or primarily serving, designated Opportunity Zones to support housing preservation and construction. This section builds on the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which permanently renewed and enhanced the Opportunity Zone program, driving more than $100 billion of investment to rural and distressed communities. There are 100 designated Opportunity Zones in Mississippi.\n\nStreamlining Rural Housing \u2013 Directs HUD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to coordinate on joint environmental reviews for housing projects funded by both agencies. Hyde-Smith cosponsored the HOUSE Act to repeal the HUD and USDA Final Determination on energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD and USDA-financed housing that can add as much as $31,000 to the price of a new home.\n\nHousing Counseling and Financial Literacy Programs \u2013 Allows HUD to review the performance of housing counseling agencies and counselors to ensure counselors are providing the best information to counsel consumers on seeking, financing, maintaining, renting, or owning a home. Hyde-Smith has made self-sufficiency a priority as part of HUD appropriations funding.\n\nThe overall 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the result of years of bipartisan, bicameral work to remove federal regulatory barriers to providing more abundant and affordable housing options for Americans. Importantly, the bill does not authorize any new federal spending.\n\nThe final bill includes provisions related to housing supply, rural housing, veterans\u2019 housing, homeownership, manufactured housing, disaster recovery, regulatory reform, and coordination and oversight of housing programs and agencies.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the measure signed by President Trump is available here. A Myth vs. Fact review is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-remembers-senator-lindsey-graham", "Senator Wicker Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham", "2026-07-12", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\"There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced.\"", 1, "2026-07-12T07:28:31Z", "2026-07-12T07:30:18Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-and-colleagues-announce-agreement-on-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable", "Wicker and Colleagues Announce Agreement on Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable", "2026-07-10", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement today:\n\n\u201cWe are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon. As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2156", "Ezell Announces More Than $27 Million in Federal BUILD Grants for Mississippi's Fourth District", "2026-07-08", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that more than $27 million in Federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants have been awarded to two critical infrastructure projects in Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District.\n\nThe grants include $22.1 million for the Mississippi Department of Transportation to expand truck parking and improve freight technology along the Interstate 10 corridor in Hancock County, as well as $5 million for the City of D'Iberville to improve the Mallett Road Multimodal Corridor in Harrison County.\n\n\"These investments are a major win for South Mississippi and will strengthen our transportation infrastructure, improve public safety, and support continued economic growth across the Fourth District,\" Ezell said. \"As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I understand the importance of keeping goods moving efficiently through our ports, highways, and freight corridors. These projects will help reduce congestion, improve safety for commercial drivers and the traveling public, and ensure our communities are well-positioned for future growth.\"\n\nThe $22.1 million BUILD grant awarded to the Mississippi Department of Transportation will fund the Mississippi I-10 Freight Corridor TPAS and Truck Parking Expansion project at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase truck parking capacity from 20 spaces to approximately 74 while deploying advanced Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) technology, dynamic parking availability signs, and fiber-optic infrastructure to improve freight movement and driver safety along one of the Gulf Coast's busiest transportation corridors.\n\nThe $5 million BUILD grant awarded to the City of D'Iberville will support the Mallett Road Multimodal Corridor Improvements project. The project includes widening Mallett Road, improving intersections, enhancing traffic flow, upgrading utilities and traffic signals, constructing new turn lanes, and adding a six-foot sidewalk to improve mobility and safety for both motorists and pedestrians.\n\n\"Mississippi's Gulf Coast continues to experience tremendous growth, and these investments will help ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with that progress,\" Ezell continued. \"I appreciate the work of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the City of D'Iberville, and our local leaders who helped make these projects possible. I will continue working to secure federal resources that improve the quality of life for our communities while strengthening Mississippi's economy.\"\n\nThe BUILD Grant Program supports investments in surface transportation infrastructure that improve safety, mobility, economic competitiveness, and quality of life in communities across the country.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-releases-independence-day-statement-nation-celebrates-its-250th-anniversary", "HYDE-SMITH RELEASES INDEPENDENCE DAY STATEMENT AS NATION CELEBRATES ITS 250th ANNIVERSARY", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "\u201cWe are Always Strongest When We Come Together in Gratitude, Pride & Patriotism\u201d\n\nVIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues Statement Celebrating America\u2019s 250th Anniversary.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued an Independence Day statement as Mississippians and citizens across the United States ramp up to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.\n\n\u201cThis Fourth of July, I hope we will set aside our differences and reflect on the values that unite us as Americans,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cThere is so much to celebrate in this remarkable nation, and we are always strongest when we come together in gratitude, pride, and patriotism.\u201d\n\nHyde-Smith\u2019s complete Independence Day message:\n\nHello, I\u2019m U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.\n\n250 years ago, a group of determined patriots put their names to a document that changed the course of history. Their bold declaration established our great nation, the United States of America. And because of them, the freedoms we enjoy today remain truly remarkable.\n\nWe have the freedom to speak our minds, to worship as we please, to build a life for ourselves and our families, and to accomplish whatever we set our minds to.\n\nThese are not small things. They are extraordinary gifts, and they did not come free.\n\nFor 250 years, generations of brave Americans have answered the call to serve, defend, and preserve our nation. Many gave their lives so that future generations could continue to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that define America. As a grateful nation, we must always remember their sacrifice and honor their legacy.\n\nThis Fourth of July, I hope we will set aside our differences and reflect on the values that unite us as Americans.\n\nThere is so much to celebrate in this remarkable nation, and we are always strongest when we come together in gratitude, pride, and patriotism.\n\nMay God bless you, may God bless Mississippi, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. Happy Fourth of July!\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-approving-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi", "MISS. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION APPLAUDS TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration after devastating tornadoes and severe weather struck the state on May 6 and 7, 2026.\n\nThe approval will unlock federal resources to support recovery efforts. The declaration approves Individual Assistance for Lamar, Lincoln, Franklin, Lawrence, and Wilkinson counties and Public Assistance for Lamar, Lincoln, Franklin, and Lawrence counties.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help families, communities, and municipalities rebuild and recover from recent natural disasters,\u201d the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.\n\nFollowing the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves\u2019 request for a major disaster declaration.\n\n\u201cThe magnitude of the destruction has placed extraordinary strain on state and local resources, and the capabilities of volunteer and charitable organizations alone will not be sufficient to meet the long-term recovery needs of affected communities. Federal assistance will be critical to support the recovery of these communities,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-welcomes-new-roadway-funding", "Wicker Welcomes New Roadway Funding", "2026-07-01", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Department of Transportation awarded Mississippi a total of $51,160,000 in three grants. These funds will support infrastructure investments such as roadway improvements, safety improvement measures, lane widening, and increased truck parking.\n\n\u201cRoadways are the building blocks of a strong economy. These grants will help Mississippians do business, welcome tourists, and visit loved ones. I stand ready to help local leaders put these funds to work right away,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I am pleased to be amongst several recipients for the USDOT Build grants. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for transportation in Mississippi. These BUILD grants will allow us to advance critical projects on both the state and local systems, continuing the progress Senator Wicker has championed for our state\u2019s infrastructure over many years,\u201d said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful he shares MDOT\u2019s vision of building and maintaining better roads for the people of Mississippi.\u201d\n\nThe Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program provides competitive discretionary grants to support investments in nationally and regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, rail, transit, and multimodal freight infrastructure. Unlike formula programs, BUILD grants are awarded competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for the program, and, as the lead Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during consideration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, he helped secure significant additional authorized funding for BUILD grants.\n\nMississippi was awarded the following grants:\n\nMississippi Department of Transportation - $22,100,000\n\nThis project will construct truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase the number of truck parking spaces from 20 to 74. It also includes technology upgrades to the existing welcome center lot.\n\nCity of Brandon - $24,060,000\n\nThis project will construct roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements along U.S. Highway 80. It also includes modifications to two intersections located at College Street and Overby Street/SR 471.", 1, "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-173-million-make-improvements-nine-miss-airports", "HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $17.3 MILLION TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT NINE MISS. AIRPORTS", "2026-07-01", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that nine municipal airfields in Mississippi have been awarded more than $17.3 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding.\n\nThe 10 grants for Mississippi are among the Round 4 announcement of FY2026 AIP grants approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The awards meet the Airport Safety and Resilient Infrastructure Development (ASRID) eligibility and prioritization criteria.\n\n\u201cAirport Improvement Program grants will allow more Mississippi airfields to maintain and improve their facilities, and to bring them into compliance with current safety standards. All this work is increasingly important as our state acts to attract more jobs and economic development,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\nASRID supplemental funds were provided in the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4). Some AIP-funded construction projects will also be supported through separate airport infrastructure and terminal grant programs.\n\nThe 10 AIP grants approved for Mississippi include:\n\nGulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport \u2013 $4,442,376 to acquire airfield pavement sweeper equipment, rehabilitate terminal apron and runway pavement, install a new airport rotating beacon, continue terminal apron pavement reconstruction, and replace the airfield lighting control and monitoring system\n\nGulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport \u2013 $3,998,989 to extend Runway 36 and reconfigure Taxiway J connectors.\n\nBruce Campbell Field, Madison \u2013 $3,972,510 ($3.7 million discretionary/$272,510 AIP) to continue runway rehabilitation.\n\nC.A. Moore Airport, Lexington \u2013 $1,550,000 ($950,000 discretionary/$600,000 AIP) to rehabilitate an existing runway.\n\nKey Field, Meridian \u2013 $1,289,688 to rehabilitate runway and taxiway pavement markings, reconstruct existing storm sewer infrastructure in runway safety area, and rehabilitate runway lighting.\n\nRuleville-Drew Airport, Sunflower County \u2013 $972,175 to support construction of a new paved taxiway.\n\nHardy-Anders Field, Natchez \u2013 $500,780 to support construction of a new 10,000-square-foot terminal to accommodate passengers.\n\nClark County Airport, Quitman \u2013 $361,881 to reconstruct runway and taxiway lighting, and to install a precision approach path indicator.\n\nDean Griffin Memorial Airport, Wiggins \u2013 $150,000 to support the acquisition of easement and property to protect the approach to Runway 17.\n\nPaul Pittman Memorial Airport, Walthall \u2013 $80,153 to construct an aircraft maintenance hangar.\n\nIn May, Hyde-Smith reviewed Round 3 AIP grants for Mississippi, which amounted to just over $20 million for work at 24 airports in the state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-511-million-will-fund-three-major-transportation-projects-rankin-hancock-harrison", "HYDE-SMITH: \u00a0$51.1 MILLION WILL FUND THREE MAJOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN RANKIN, HANCOCK & HARRISON COUNTIES", "2026-07-01", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "U.S. Transportation Department Approves FY2026 BUILD Grant Funding for Mississippi\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced the award of $51.1 million in federal transportation grant funding for projects in Rankin, Hancock, and Harrison counties.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding three FY2026 Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants to Mississippi, including: $24 million to the City of Brandon for its U.S. Highway 80 Capacity and Safety Improvements Project; $22.1 million to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for an I-10 Freight Corridor Parking Availability System (TPAS) and Truck Parking Expansion Project; and $5.0 million grant to the City of D\u2019Iberville for its Mallett Road Intermodal Corridor Improvements Project.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt that growth in the capital region and on the beautiful Gulf Coast requires significant infrastructure investments to keep pace and prepare for even greater growth. These BUILD grants for work in Rankin, Hancock, and Harrison counties are terrific news in terms of making Mississippi safer and accommodating to economic growth,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI appreciate Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy\u2019s consideration of these projects, which will make a big difference in my state.\u201d\n\nHyde-Smith wrote letters of support for Mississippi applications for these BUILD grants, which will support surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.\n\nThe City of Brandon project will involve roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements on U.S. Highway 80, including the addition of one west-bound lane, installation of a raised median with designated left-hand turn lanes, and sidewalk construction.\n\nThe MDOT project in Hancock County will involve construction of truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. It will expand truck parking capacity from 20 to approximately 74 spaces, while the TPAS will be used to detect, monitor, and provide real-time truck parking availability information to truck drivers. The project is needed to alleviate the problem of semitrucks parking on the highway or other inappropriate sites.\n\nThe City of D\u2019Iberville project will entail widening Mallett Road from Lamey Bridge Road to Daisy Vestry Road from three to four 11-foot-wide traffic lanes, intersection improvements, and crosswalk installation.\n\nThe BUILD grant program is highly competitive, with hundreds of applications from across the country. Projects for BUILD are evaluated based on merit criteria that include safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental sustainability, state of good repair, innovation, and partnership.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-ask-usda-purchase-surplus-catfish-products", "HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES ASK USDA TO PURCHASE SURPLUS CATFISH PRODUCTS", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Hyde-Smith Leads Letter Asking Ag. Sec. to Approve Section 32 Purchase of Surplus Farm-Raised Catfish Products\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and several of her colleagues today endorsed a request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the industry by purchasing surplus catfish products.\n\nHyde-Smith led a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins asking her to approve a request to purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish products through the Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program. U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the correspondence.\n\n\u201cThe industry\u2019s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators\u2019 letter stresses the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish producers to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by \u201ca crisis of economic sustainability.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe industry has been caught in a severe inflationary squeeze, particularly from 2023 to the present, fundamentally altering its production economics. This pressure has consistently driven the cost of producing U.S. farm-raised catfish above the prices farmers receive for their fish, leading to three continuous years of negative financial returns,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cThe industry\u2019s rising costs are dominated by the increasing expenses of key inputs, especially feed and energy, which represent the backbone of catfish farming operations.\u201d\n\nSection 32 is a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to make emergency purchases of surplus U.S. commodities for distribution to domestic food assistance programs. The program is funded through 30 percent of the previous year\u2019s customs receipts collected by the U.S. government from imported products.\n\nThe letter is a continuation of advocacy by the Senators to include farm-raised catfish, Gulf shrimp, and other commodities included in USDA Section 32 decisions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-encourages-community-lenders-not-delay-applying-funding-following-omb-delays", "HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY LENDERS NOT TO DELAY IN APPLYING FOR FUNDING FOLLOWING OMB DELAYS", "2026-06-30", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Hyde-Smith Led Senate Push for OMB Release of CDFI Application Details\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed hope that Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) banks in Mississippi will be able to successfully apply for federal grant and loan funding following months-long delays by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in releasing key application details.\n\nThe OMB on Tuesday released Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) Program and the Small Dollar Loan (SDL) Program application materials following the receipt of an early June letter led by Hyde-Smith demanding progress. The NOFAs indicate a month-long application process. CDFI lending institutions use BEA and SDL resources to support primarily rural and underserved regions.\n\n\u201cI appreciate OMB getting this data out and I encourage CDFI community lenders to act as quickly as possible to apply. I remain concerned that delays since April might put these lenders behind the eight ball in terms of securing the backing that they rely on to support small businesses and rural communities in Mississippi,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\nEstablished in 1994, the CDFI Fund enables certified lenders to leverage federal dollars with private-sector investment to bring much-needed financial resources to low-income and rural regions. These lenders use public and private partnerships to finance small businesses, affordable housing, and essential community services.\n\nHyde-Smith led the June effort urging OMB Director Russell Voight to release BEA and SDL NOFAs. Ten Senators signed a letter to Vought noting that 80 percent of BEA funds are distributed to rural banks and are used to back billions in loans and investments to support small businesses, housing, and economic development in underserved areas.\n\n\u201cWe cannot express how strongly we believe the failure to immediately release the FY 2025 BEA and SDL NOFAs and application materials will result in the CDFI Fund having insufficient time to process applications and award funds. Such a situation risks preventable harm to the communities that the BEA and SDL were established by Congress to serve,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nLetter signatories included Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nFind 2026 funding opportunity information for the BEA Program here and the SDL Program here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/chairman-wicker-strongly-supports-defense-supplemental-request", "Chairman Wicker Strongly Supports Defense Supplemental Request", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement in support of the administration\u2019s defense supplemental funding request:\n\n\u201cI fully support the defense supplemental request submitted to Congress today and look forward to working with my colleagues to move it forward legislatively as soon as possible. We must ensure our service members have everything they need to face an increasingly dangerous world.\n\n\u201cThis supplemental funding is essential in the near term to maintain readiness through training and military pay. The request would also accelerate immediate production of key capabilities, from exquisite munitions to low-cost hypersonics, strike weapons, and drones. Supplemental resources will help ensure that our forces remain the most capable, lethal, and ready in the world. I urge Congress to act without delay to pass this vital funding measure.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-rounds-introduce-bill-banning-barbaric-abortion-procedures", "HYDE-SMITH, ROUNDS INTRODUCE BILL BANNING BARBARIC ABORTION PROCEDURES", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "\u2018Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act\u2019 Introduced on Fourth Anniversary of the Dobbs Decision that Overturned Roe v. Wade\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senate Pro-Life Caucus Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in introducing legislation to ban the performance of dismemberment abortions.\n\nThe Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026 would establish a federal prohibition on dilation and evacuation procedures, commonly known as dismemberment abortions, in which surgical instruments are used to extract an unborn child piece by piece.\n\n\u201cEvery pre-born child is precious, and it\u2019s appalling that any physician trained to save lives would dismember a child in the womb. The fact that this horrifying procedure is still being done to babies who can feel pain in the womb is why we need to enact the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cEvery life is a precious gift from God and should be treated with dignity,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cDismemberment abortions are among the most brutal methods of abortion, accounting for around 80 percent of second trimester abortions. Our legislation would make performing a dismemberment abortion a criminal offense, with the doctor or health care provider who performs it liable to fines and up to two years in prison.\u201d\n\nThe measure creates criminal penalties for physicians who knowingly perform dismemberment procedures. A physician who knowingly performs the procedure would face fines and/or imprisonment of up to two years.\n\nU.S. Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation (HR.8603).\n\n\u201cUnder our current system, abortion procedures exist in a legal gray area with no federal standards and no accountability. Providers can perform inhumane extraction methods and face zero consequences. That ends now,\u201d said Cammack. \u201cThis bill sets a clear federal standard that holds providers accountable, protects the dignity of all life, and ensures women are protected, not prosecuted.\u201d\n\nAdditional cosponsors include U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).\n\nThe Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act is supported by SBA Pro-Life America, March for Life Action, National Right to Life, Live Action, and the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.\n\nSince the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Hyde-Smith has worked consistently on legislation and policies to support life, including legislation to support women who become pregnant. Hyde-Smith is the author of the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act (S.1834), a bipartisan measure to support expectant parents by preventing cost-sharing requirements for prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, or postpartum health care for Americans with private health insurance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/chairman-wicker-ranking-member-shaheen-statement-in-support-of-darrell-owens-s-nomination-for-u-s-representative-to-the-osce", "Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Shaheen Statement in Support of Darrell Owens\u2019s Nomination for U.S. Representative to the OSCE", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in support of the nomination of Darrell Owens to serve as U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), with the rank of Ambassador.\n\n\u201cAmerican leadership at the OSCE matters now more than ever. For five decades, the Helsinki principles have served as a foundation for security and cooperation across Europe, Central Asia and North America, rooted in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Vladimir Putin\u2019s brutal war against Ukraine has violated every one of those commitments, from Russia\u2019s illegal attempts to annex Ukrainian territory to its attacks on civilians, abduction of Ukrainian children, and campaign of disinformation aimed at weakening democratic institutions across the region.\n\n\u201cAt a moment when authoritarian powers are testing transatlantic resolve, the United States must have a strong and principled voice in one of the few forums dedicated to defending these commitments and holding governments accountable when they violate them. Mr. Owens understands the stakes, the threat posed by Russia\u2019s aggression, and the importance of standing with Ukraine and our democratic allies.\n\n\u201cWith the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly set to convene in The Hague on July 4, the Senate should act without delay. Hundreds of parliamentarians from across the OSCE region will gather to confront some of the most urgent challenges facing the transatlantic community, including Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine, human rights abuses, democratic backsliding, and hybrid threats like disinformation and cyberattacks. The United States should have its representative in place before that work begins. We urge our colleagues to support Mr. Owens\u2019 nomination and confirm him without delay.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cheers-release-senate-farm-bill-20-language", "HYDE-SMITH CHEERS RELEASE OF SENATE FARM BILL 2.0 LANGUAGE", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Hyde-Smith Wins Included in Draft Legislation that Focuses on the People Who Feed America\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today cheered the Senate Agriculture Committee release of Farm Bill 2.0, legislative text that sets the stage for giving agricultural producers and rural communities modernized federal policies to help them compete well into the future.\n\nSenate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) released legislative text that includes more than 100 individual agriculture and rural development bills introduced in the 119th Congress by Hyde-Smith and her Republican and Democrat colleagues. It builds on the Farm Bill 1.0 farm safety net provisions enacted last year as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\n\u201cThe release of the Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft is an important step toward getting the Senate to pass a much-needed and complete farm bill that builds on the ag wins in last year\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Act,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cThere have been significant economic and global changes since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted, and there is an urgent need for us to give our farmers and rural communities the new tools and certainty they need to compete and grow. I know that\u2019s what producers in Mississippi and from around the country have told me for a long time.\u201d\n\n\u201cI appreciate all the work that went into this legislation by Chairman Boozman and the committee. I look forward to continuing to work with them to move this process toward a committee markup and Senate passage,\u201d Hyde-Smith added.\n\nIn general, the budget-neutral Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft legislation would:\n\nStrengthen the farm safety net, modernize conservation programs, expand support for specialty crop and seafood producers, promote American-grown products, and improve forest management.\n\nSupport rural communities by boosting local and regional food processing, expand access to capital and infrastructure investments, improve rural health and mental health services, enhance safe drinking water, and increase broadband connectivity.\n\nStrengthen long-term U.S. agriculture competitiveness by modernizing farm financing, expanding market opportunities, investing in research and innovation, supporting specialty crop advancements, and enhancing safeguards against foreign threats to U.S. farmland and food supply chains.\n\nHyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, sponsored and supported several provisions included in the Farm Bill 2.0, among them:\n\nThe Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act (S.1019), which establishes a USDA emergency preparedness and response technical assistance program to provide grants to rural water associations to improve the ability of rural water and wastewater systems to prepare for and respond to natural disasters or other extreme weather events.\n\nThe Middle Mile for Rural America Act, which is a five-year reauthorization of the USDA Rural Utilities Service middle-mile infrastructure program to help connect rural communities to high-speed internet.\n\nThe Okhissa Lake Rural Economic Development Land Conveyance Act, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain U.S. Forest Service acreage to the state-affiliated Scenic Rivers Development Alliance in support of a rural economic development project at Okhissa Lake in southwest Mississippi.\n\nThe Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act (S.3099), which would create new opportunities for online direct-to-consumer meat and poultry sales for producers, processors, and small meat markets by allowing for the interstate internet sales of certain state-inspected meat and poultry.\n\nAn overview of Farm Bill 2.0 is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"], ["https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2148", "Ezell Honors Mississippi Students Accepted to U.S. Military Service Academies", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Mike Ezell", "E000235", "ezell.house.gov", "ezell", "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS4) announced that 7 students from Mississippi\u2019s Fourth Congressional District have accepted their appointments to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies. The students were nominated by Ezell and have received offers of appointment for the Class of 2030 at their respective academies.\n\n\u201cIt was a privilege to nominate these outstanding students from Mississippi\u2019s Fourth District to attend our nation\u2019s prestigious U.S. Service Academies,\u201d Ezell said. \u201cThis year\u2019s applicant pool was exceptionally competitive, reflecting the talent, character, and commitment of young people across Mississippi. I am proud to have played a small role in helping these students pursue their dreams of serving our country. As they begin this next chapter, I have no doubt they will represent Mississippi with honor and distinction, and I wish each of them continued success in the years ahead.\u201d\n\nThe following students received appointments and will start their collegiate careers very soon:\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado\n\nPeton Broom\n\nEli Hodges\n\nKooper Kinsey\n\nJoshua Mayhue\n\nU.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York\n\nBrian Skrmetti\n\nU.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland\n\nMorgan Ann McWilliams\n\nJohn Pierre Haydel", 1, "2026-06-19T06:50:32Z", "2026-06-19T06:53:40Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-the-memorandum-of-understanding-with-iran", "Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement:\n\n\u201cSince day one, I have supported President Trump\u2019s efforts to end Iran\u2019s 47-year threat to the United States and our partners. I am concerned that the memorandum of understanding negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the President\u2019s goals.\n\nSpecifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran \u2013 though not funded by U.S. taxpayers \u2013 would make Iran\u2019s payoff under President Obama\u2019s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison. I believe it would be an error to force Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that continues to attack Israel on its northern border. I also oppose the U.S. lifting any sanctions on Iran, or unfreezing Iranian funds, in exchange for Iran\u2019s mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days. The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal \u2014 \u201cDeath to America, Death to Israel.\u201d The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim.", 1, "2026-06-19T06:50:32Z", "2026-06-19T06:53:40Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-schiff-introduce-food-supply-chain-resilience-legislation-expand-markets-ag-producers", "HYDE-SMITH, SCHIFF INTRODUCE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND MARKETS FOR AG PRODUCERS", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Legislation Aims to Improve Resiliency by Building Out the Middle of the Food Supply Chain\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) today introduced legislation to strengthen the resilience of the U.S. food supply chains and expand markets for agricultural producers, particularly small and mid-sized operations.\n\nThe American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.4842), which is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), is intended to cultivate a more resilient, competitive supply chain by helping to create new markets for local and regional foods, as well as for small and diversified producers. Specifically, the legislation would make the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program permanent and create a Regional Food Systems Hubs (RFSH) Program.\n\n\u201cMaking the RSFI permanent will give states greater certainty to make long-term investments that strengthen food supply chains and benefit producers and consumers,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cMississippi has been very effective in using its RFSI grants statewide to build out pathways to get food our producers grow from farm to market. The RFSI, combined with the regional hubs, provides the incentives for producers and policymakers to do what needs to be done to get more locally produced agricultural products a broader market.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur family farmers need more opportunities in today\u2019s global agricultural markets. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Senators Hyde-Smith, Klobuchar, and Justice to strengthen our food supply chains and create new markets for small and mid-sized producers, expanding opportunities so that farmers have a means of selling their products to more places and consumers have more options,\u201d said Schiff.\n\nThe RFSI Program provides grants to individual states, like Mississippi, that then redistribute that funding to support projects that build or expand facilities, upgrade equipment, improve food safety compliance, strengthen distribution networks, and enhance energy and water efficiency. RFSI is also a tool for Mississippi State University\u2019s Vision 2030 initiative, a joint effort to align research, resources, and public and private sector efforts to highlight the economic value leaving Mississippi's agriculture and forestry industries each year and find ways to keep more of that value in the state.\n\nEstablishing the RFSH program would create at least 10 regional hubs covering all U.S. states and territories, plus one dedicated intertribal hub. Nonprofits, universities, or tribal organizations under cooperative agreements with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service would operate the hubs, which would provide producers with direct technical, business, and marketing assistance to help connect local producers to institutional buyers like schools, hospitals, military bases, and grocery distributors. The hubs would also serve as a single point of contact for local food businesses by coordinating federal resources from USDA, Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Economic Development Administration.\n\nS.4842 is supported by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), American Farmland Trust (AFT), National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and National Farmers Union.\n\n\u201cNASDA applauds the introduction of the American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act and supports its efforts to codify the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program and to establish the Resilient Food Systems Hubs program. These investments will strengthen regional food systems by expanding and diversifying domestic market access for farmers, improving supply chain resilience, supporting farm viability, and increasing procurement opportunities for institutions like schools and hospitals,\u201d said Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO. \u201cNASDA commends Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, Adam Schiff, Jim Justice and Amy Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this important legislation. NASDA urges swift passage to ensure the long-term resilience and stability for American farmers, supply chains, and communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis important legislation will help farmers access new markets, keep working lands in production, and create economic opportunities in communities across the country,\u201d said AFT President John Piotti. \u201cAFT applauds Senators Schiff, Hyde-Smith, Klobuchar, and Justice for this practical, bipartisan approach to strengthening regional food systems and ensuring the long-term viability of American agriculture. When farms thrive, America thrives.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/cornyn-coons-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-bolster-ukraine-s-defense-arsenal-using-seized-russian-sovereign-assets", "Cornyn, Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Bolster Ukraine\u2019s Defense Arsenal Using Seized Russian Sovereign Assets", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness (SABER) Act, which would amend current law to allow Ukraine to use assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other Russian sovereign assets for the purchase of military equipment to defend against Vladimir Putin\u2019s war machine:\n\n\u201cThe REPO Act laid important groundwork for seizing and repurposing billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to help the Ukrainian people defend their own sovereignty after Russia\u2019s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cBy extending the law\u2019s permissible use of funds to replenish Ukraine\u2019s arsenal, this legislation would go one step further to helping our ally defend against Russian aggression and force Putin to foot the bill for arming Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cUkraine is on the frontline of freedom in Europe, protecting the rest of the world from Putin\u2019s unprovoked aggression,\u201d said Sen. Coons. \u201cUkraine\u2019s army has fought courageously under incredibly difficult circumstances, and we need to ensure they have the tools and funds they need to defeat Putin on the battlefield and build back stronger once the war ends. With this bipartisan legislation, we are opening up new pathways for support so we can assure our and Ukraine\u2019s security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians (REPO) Act ensured that frozen Russian assets be used to support Ukraine\u2019s fight for sovereignty. As Ukrainians continue to resist Russia\u2019s assault, they should have every means available to defend themselves. The SABER Act would build on existing law, allowing confiscated Russian sovereign assets to be used to purchase military equipment Ukraine needs to defeat Putin\u2019s war machine,\u201d said Sen. Wicker.\n\n\u201cThe resolve and resilience of Ukrainians in defending their homeland from Russian forces has been commendable, and the international community must continue to do all we can to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to be successful on the battlefield and rebuild their country,\u201d said Sen. Kaine. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m joining my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to allow the use of Russian sovereign assets to buy defense articles that would support Ukraine\u2019s fight against Russia.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest land war in Europe since World War II, and the United States must do our part to stand with our Ukrainian allies. Our bipartisan legislation assists Ukraine as they continue to defend against Putin\u2019s unrelenting attacks. Importantly, this support for Ukraine comes at no cost to the American taxpayer,\u201d said Sen. Grassley.\n\n\u201cSeizing Russian sovereign funds so that war criminal Putin can\u2019t use them for his illegal invasion in Ukraine was the first step, and we achieved that through our bipartisan REPO law,\u201d said Sen. Whitehouse. \u201cHundreds of billions of dollars in frozen Russian funds should be put to good use repelling Russian invaders and supporting the brave Ukrainians fighting for freedom.\u201d\n\nU.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians (REPO) Act, now law, currently permits frozen Russian sovereign assets under U.S. jurisdiction to be confiscated and transferred to Ukraine for the use of:\n\nMaking contributions to an international body, fund, or mechanism established consistent with that is charged with determining and administering compensation or providing assistance to Ukraine;\n\nSupporting reconstruction, rebuilding, and recovery efforts in Ukraine;\n\nAnd providing economic and humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.", 1, "2026-07-08T07:27:19Z", "2026-07-08T07:28:28Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-introduces-save-our-shrimpers-act-senate", "HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES \u2018SAVE OUR SHRIMPERS ACT\u2019 IN THE SENATE", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Bill to Bar U.S. Taxpayer Dollars from Supporting Foreign Shrimp Farms Introduced Following House Passage\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today introduced legislation to begin signaling Senate support for an effort to protect U.S. shrimpers and processors by barring the use of taxpayer funding to support foreign shrimp farms.\n\nThe Save Our Shrimpers Act would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, for financing activities related to foreign shrimp farming, processing, or exporting. U.S. Representative Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas) authored this bill (HR.2071), which the House passed overwhelmingly last month.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s shrimpers are tough and don\u2019t mind fair competition, but for too long they\u2019ve had to battle heavily subsidized foreign producers operating on an unfair playing field. The fact that U.S. dollars are aiding and abetting that unfair competition is appalling and must come to an end,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI commend Congressman Nehls for advancing the Save Our Shrimpers Act through the House, and I\u2019m proud to introduce a companion bill in the Senate that sends a clear message that we\u2019re committed to fighting for America\u2019s shrimping industry.\u201d\n\nThe Save Our Shrimpers Act would require the U.S. Department of the Treasury to condition the delivery of any federal funds to an international financial institution on the requirement that the funds not be used to finance any activity related to foreign shrimp operations.\n\nWhile current federal law stipulates that the Treasury Department instruct U.S. executive directors at international monetary institutions to vote against any assistance that facilitates an export commodity surplus that causes injury or harm to United States producers\u2014such as foreign shrimp. Compliance with the law has been lax, with the U.S. only voting for the first time in history against a foreign shrimp aquaculture project in April 2025.\n\nHyde-Smith\u2019s introduction of the Save Our Shrimpers Act aligns with her earlier introduction of the Safer Shrimp Imports Act (S.667), which would require overseas shrimp facility inspections and require foreign countries wishing to export shrimp to the United States to meet food safety inspection standards equivalent to those of U.S. shrimp producers.\n\nThe Save Our Shrimpers Act is supported by the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) and other stakeholder organizations in shrimp-producing states, including the Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, Inc.\n\n\u201cInternational financial institutions have flooded the global shrimp market through misguided, non-market support for foreign shrimp aquaculture, which has severely undercut U.S. commercial shrimpers,\u201d said Blake Price, director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. \u201cThe Save Our Shrimpers Act will ensure development funding is better directed and that American fishermen are not forced to compete with unfairly subsidized farmed shrimp. The Southern Shrimp Alliance is incredibly grateful to Senator Hyde-Smith for making this legislation a priority.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Save Our Shrimpers Act represents a meaningful effort to level the playing field and safeguard the shrimping grounds, ensuring a fair, transparent, and sustainable framework for domestic shrimpers and related industries,\u201d said Ryan Bradley, director of the Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, Inc.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/capito-cosponsors-bill-expand-historic-tax-credit-access", "Capito cosponsors bill to expand Historic Tax Credit access", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "The bill would expand Historic Tax Credit access by creating a new 30% transferable credit for small and rural projects and lowering eligibility thresholds.\n\nFrom Staff Reports\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has cosponsored legislation aimed at expanding access to the federal Historic Tax Credit and increasing eligibility for restoration projects.\n\nThe Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2025 would build on tax provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Supporters said the bill is designed to encourage economic growth and local investment by making the Historic Tax Credit easier to use for more projects.\n\n\u201cWest Virginia has such wonderful history and architecture, and we\u2019ve seen successful investments across our state through the revitalization of historic properties for new businesses or apartments. The HTC brings to life some of our most recognizable structures and we should make it easier for these investments to take place \u2013 not harder,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cBy simplifying the transaction structure of this credit and increasing project eligibility, we will continue to encourage innovative ways to increase community engagement, economic development, and tourism using our historic buildings.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would create a new 30% transferable credit for small and rural projects. It also would restore the base credit so it is payable in the same year the renovated property is placed into service.\n\nThe bill would lower the project cost threshold required for eligibility by eliminating the basis-adjustment requirement, bringing the Historic Tax Credit more in line with credits such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.\n\nThe measure also would expand eligible renovation projects by reducing the rehabilitation investment threshold from 100% to 50% of project expenses. Under the bill, project expenses would need to exceed half of the project\u2019s cost to qualify for the credit.\n\nThe legislation also would amend rules for tax-exempt entities, such as health care centers, arts organizations, community services and workforce training providers, to improve access to the credit.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/young-colleagues-urge-administration-investigate-foreign-pharmaceutical-price-controls", "Young, Colleagues Urge Administration to Investigate Foreign Pharmaceutical Price Controls", "2026-06-17", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "June 17, 2026 \u2022 Original Press Release (Publisher's Website)\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, and a group of Senate Republican colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick. In the letter, they urged the Administration to launch a Section 301 investigation into unfair foreign pharmaceutical pricing practices and use it to pursue stronger commitments from trading partners that protect American patients and innovators.\n\nIn their letter, the senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe are concerned that Germany, Japan, and other high-income countries continue to maintain policies inconsistent with the Administration\u2019s objective that U.S. trading partners pay their fair share for pharmaceutical innovation. USTR\u2019s recent Special 301 report confirmed that these governments continue to use unfair policies to suppress pharmaceutical prices below fair market value and arbitrarily limit access to these lifesaving products. These policies limit export opportunities for U.S. companies, increase the burden on the United States to finance global drug development, and reduce the flow of investment into new treatments and cures.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator Young, U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) joined the letter.\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer,\n\nWe welcome the United States-United Kingdom Arrangement on Pharmaceutical Pricing as an important step toward addressing foreign price controls that force Americans to subsidize pharmaceutical innovation for the rest of the world. We write to encourage the Trump Administration to pursue similar agreements with other countries that use non-market distorting policies to unfairly shift the costs of drug development onto the United States.\n\nWe are concerned that Germany, Japan, and other high-income countries continue to maintain policies inconsistent with the Administration\u2019s objective that U.S. trading partners pay their fair share for pharmaceutical innovation. USTR\u2019s recent Special 301 report confirmed that these governments continue to use unfair policies to suppress pharmaceutical prices below fair market value and arbitrarily limit access to these lifesaving products. These policies limit export opportunities for U.S. companies, increase the burden on the United States to finance global drug development, and reduce the flow of investment into new treatments and cures.\n\nRather than moving toward fairer market access and pricing practices, some foreign governments are brazenly expanding them to further reduce their contributions to innovation. For example, even though Germany already spends far less than the United States on innovative medicines, the German government recently announced significant additional cuts to drug prices and reimbursement These plans were announced just weeks after USTR publicly identified Germany\u2019s suppression of pharmaceutical prices as an unfair trade barrier in USTR\u2019s 2026 National Trade Estimate Report.\n\nThe United States should act quickly to send a strong signal that foreign policies undervaluing U.S. innovation and investment will be met with a serious and sustained trade response, particularly before Germany and Japan vote to further unfair drug prices and other countries follow suit if they see no repercussions from the U.S. government. Therefore, we urge the Administration to initiate a Section 301 investigation into foreign pharmaceutical pricing practices as soon as possible.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-seek-usda-action-protect-us-farm-raised-catfish-highly-contagious-viruses", "WICKER, HYDE-SMITH SEEK USDA ACTION TO PROTECT U.S. FARM-RAISED CATFISH FROM HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS VIRUSES", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to mitigate the threat posed by two viruses to farm-raised catfish production in Mississippi and other states.\n\nWicker and Hyde-Smith joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in sending a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that recommends prompt action by the USDA to assess and mitigate the highly contagious Yellow Catfish Virus (YcCV) and Channel Catfish Virus (CCV) before they can be transmitted to U.S. aquaculture operations.\n\n\u201cThe domestic catfish industry is a critical component of the broader agriculture economy in the Southeast, supporting rural economies, providing jobs, and contributing to national food security. An outbreak of a highly pathogenic virus such as YcCV or CCV could have devastating economic and ecological consequences,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cWe therefore respectfully request that APHIS prioritize a formal risk assessment of YcCV and CCV, including evaluation of potential pathways for entry, establishment, and spread within the United States. The mounting evidence surrounding YcCV and CCV underscores the need to ensure that emerging aquatic animal diseases receive appropriate attention and resources commensurate with their risk,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe lawmakers recommended that the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) \u201cplace the burden of proof on exporting countries\u201d by requiring them to demonstrate that their products are free of YcCV and CCV prior to export to the United States. They also want APHIS to work with international counterparts to institute effective surveillance, biosecurity, and certification measures to prevent the export of infected products.\n\nYcCV, an emerging, highly contagious virus first identified in Chinese aquaculture operations in 2020, can remain viable during freezing and thawing, suggesting potential pathways for introduction into the United States. It has been shown to have mortality rates approaching 90 percent in infected populations.\n\nThe Senators wrote that CVC, a highly pathogenic virus already known to be in the United States, underscores the importance of preventing additional viral threats, such as YcCV, that could put fish health, production, and economic wellbeing in peril.\n\n\u201cCountries exporting catfish and related species to the United States should demonstrate all necessary steps to detect, control, and eliminate the presence of YcCV and CCV in their aquaculture systems and processing chains,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nMississippi leads the nation in farm-raised catfish production. Its 129 catfish operations covering more than 28,000 acres produced more than 65 percent of the nation\u2019s farm-raised catfish. Its production value amounted to $196 million in 2025.\n\nIn addition to Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Britt, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the letter to Rollins. The Senators\u2019 effort is supported by the Catfish Farmers of America.\n\nFind the Senators\u2019 letter to Rollins and Dudley Hoskins, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-01T06:34:07Z", "2026-07-01T06:35:35Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/anti-trafficking-activist-helps-usher-something-beautiful-something-broken", "Anti-Trafficking Activist Helps Usher Something Beautiful From Something Broken", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Former Mexican legislator Rosi Orozco helps human trafficking survivors put their lives back together.\n\nBy Savannah Hulsey Pointer\n\nAnita was begging on the streets. Her mother had died, leaving the 12-year-old to fend for herself.\n\nWhen her stepsister took her in, it seemed like a lifeline.\n\nInstead, it was a trap. Anita\u2019s life was not her own. Her stepsister forced her into sex work; by the time she was 14, she was answering calls for a sex hotline. Anita\u2019s stepsister then prostituted her out to violent men.\n\nShe was rescued by the kindness of a stranger who saw her tears, snuck her out of a hotel, and got her to a shelter.\n\nToday, Anita studies marketing and works as an activist against human trafficking. She has testified to its evil all over the world, even addressing the United Nations.\n\nRosi Orozco relates the tale sadly but serenely. She has seen scores of similar stories.\n\nBut her words brim with emotion when she says of Anita, \u201cI\u2019m very proud of her.\u201d\n\nOrozco is a human rights activist and former Mexican congresswoman whose work for trafficking victims spans two decades. Working to give a voice to victims, Orozco has interviewed more than 170 people affected by this violent crime.\n\nShe has worked on numerous government projects to push back against the industry, including powerful anti-trafficking legislation. Through advocacy and shelter work, she has helped hundreds of girls to rebuild their lives after being trafficked. Retired from her role as legislator, nonetheless she continues to advocate and speak out against human trafficking.\n\n\u2018Dirty Money\u2019\n\nAfter a decade working with victims of domestic abuse, in 2005 Orozco turned her efforts to fighting human trafficking. In 2007, she opened her first shelter, a safe house in Mexico City known as Camino a Casa.\n\nOrozco describes human trafficking as a multi-million-dollar \u201cdirty money\u201d industry. She is particularly concerned about the smuggling of children across the U.S.\u2013Mexico border.\n\nIn 2023, Orozco traveled to the United States\u2013Mexico border with Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The women saw that smugglers\u2014also known as coyotes\u2014were bringing children into the United States, and that law enforcement appeared helpless to do anything about it.\n\n\u201cThey were crossing with coyotes, children without any parents, and the police and the guards and the Border Patrol couldn\u2019t do anything because there was no control at all in the borders,\u201d Orozco said in an interview with EpochTV\u2019s \u201cAmerican Thought Leaders\u201d last month.\n\nDuring that time, the Biden administration directed Border Patrol agents to catch and quickly release large groups of illegal immigrants, which meant that trafficking often went undetected.\n\nChildren have been used by smugglers, who \u201crent\u201d them to adults crossing the border, so they are processed as a \u201cfamily\u201d and receive expedited processing by Border Patrol and released into the country. An estimated 60 percent of children who cross the border alone or with smugglers are forced into child pornography or drug trafficking, according to a 2022 report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.\n\nChildren brought to the United States are often seen as simply passengers of migrants who come to America for a better life, but Oroczo described a very different situation. In many cases, she said\u2014possibly hundreds of thousands of cases\u2014there are families in Mexico who are fervently hoping their children are brought home.\n\n\u201cWhen you see the pain of the families who [have] lost their children, and then you see the border \u2026 they are suffering,\u201d Oroczo said.\n\n\u201cThey are suffering either forced labor or sexual exploitation, and that\u2019s really a nightmare that you cannot imagine.\u201d\n\n\u201cThey are expecting the children to come back,\u201d she said.\n\n\u201cWhen I have talked to the mothers whose [daughters have] disappeared, they said, \u2018I sleep without wanting to sleep; I eat without being [hungry], and I live without life. Because to see the empty chair, to see the empty bed every day \u2026\u201d\n\nParents will spend all the money they have to try to find their children, she said.\n\nThe problem isn\u2019t limited to Mexico. Statistics from the United Nations\u2019 International Labour Organization indicate that almost 30 million people are enslaved worldwide. And Oroczo believes that the problem might be much bigger than that, due to a lack of reporting. [source]\n\nMany minors are lured to foreign destinations by criminal organizations and then trapped in forced labor, drug dealing, or prostitution, Orozco said.\n\nA Personal Fight\n\nThose who lead the fight to stop human trafficking are often people for whom the effort is intensely personal, Orozco said.\n\nOne activist\u2019s child was gone for 17 days and then recovered. Another\u2019s daughter was burned to death; she now heads a non-governmental organization that has helped dozens of people touched by trafficking.\n\nHuman traffickers prey on the very vulnerable, she said.\n\nOrozco told the story of a mother who didn\u2019t even have a phone to make calls to look for her missing daughter, and couldn\u2019t afford to travel to look for her. After her child\u2019s disappearance, she had just enough money to print out 12 photos of her daughter.\n\n\u201cPeople who take advantage of the vulnerability of all these poor families \u2026 are the most disgusting creatures in the world,\u201d Oroczo said.\n\nCriminal organizations use violence to control their victims, Orozco said. One means of control is to force them to commit violence against others. \u201cThey will be forced to kill somebody,\u201d she recounted.\n\nThe horrific practice leaves the young killers robot-like, without their identity and without their humanity, she said.\n\nHowever, supply and demand dictate that the entire industry rides on the back of the consumers, and Oroczo blames them equally: \u201cSomebody that is watching porn \u2026 or having sex with children, it really is not only hurting that child, but the whole family [that] is waiting for that child to come back home.\u201d\n\nOrozco recounted one case that started with an ad targeting young girls that promised good pay for work in the tourism industry. One of the victims was 14 years old. Along with her 15 and 17-year-old friends, she was captured because she was vulnerable, Orozco said. Traffickers knew that the girls\u2019 families would not protect them.\n\nAuthorities in Mexico and the United States work to rescue minors who have been trafficked, but the work is dangerous. Those who work in shelters to aid human trafficking victims also put themselves in danger. Children who have been trained to deal drugs or sell their bodies for profit are valuable to cartels and mafias and these criminal groups won\u2019t let their victims go without a fight.\n\nWorking Through Laws\n\nCorruption within governments, such as the Mexican government, has also contributed to the issue. While there are strong anti-trafficking laws in several states, in order to cope with the problem, those states must enforce the laws, which they don\u2019t always do.\n\nSome Mexican states are applying the country\u2019s anti-trafficking laws, Orozco said, resulting in the rescue of some victims. But many more have disappeared\u2014disappearances in Mexico have surged during the past decade, with some 130,000 people officially registered as missing.\n\nWhen the opportunity arose for Oroczo to run for Mexico\u2019s congress, she campaigned by investing everything in a program against trafficking, making it her only issue. Although the odds were against her, she won her seat in 2009, without being affiliated with any party.\n\nDuring her time in office, she served as president of the legislature\u2019s Special Commission for the Fight Against Human Trafficking. She also garnered the unanimous support of Mexico\u2019s congress to pass the country\u2019s law against trafficking.\n\nMexico\u2019s law focuses first on the victim, Orozco said. Under the law, she said, a trafficker will go to jail if prosecutors can prove he was earning money from the exploitation of his victims. But, if a victim comes forward to authorities with details of how he or she was exploited, violently coerced or deceived, \u201cthen the penalties will go much higher.\u201d\n\nAfter leaving congress in 2012, Orozco became a full-time activist, dedicated to protecting victims of trafficking and pushing for stronger laws. She\u2019s president of the United Against Human Trafficking Commission, a non profit dedicated to abolishing human trafficking and helping victims. She has received numerous awards for her work.\n\nFilling the Broken Pieces\n\nSurvivors like Anita who successfully rebuild their lives are much like broken pottery repaired by \u201ckintsugi\u201d, the former legislator said.\n\nMasters of kintsugi, a Japanese art, repair shattered pottery with gold. The result is no longer broken, but more beautiful than before.\n\n\u201cThey bring them together with gold, and that\u2019s the way they have to fill those broken pieces in their lives,\u201d she said.\n\nOroczo believes faith in God also plays a huge role in recovery for many trafficking survivors.\n\n\u201cWhen these girls find that they can restore their life, they can have a blank page, they can have these pieces together thanks to God, because in these shelters there is something very important, that is faith. And the girls become whole when they find that God created with a purpose.\u201d\n\nWhile faith is by no means a requirement, according to the activist, those who work with victims of trafficking try to be an example of love and to show their faith to those who are recovering from harm.\n\n\u201cWe really believe Jesus is the one who gave their life for them \u2026 and that they can be restored as he resurrected,\u201d Oroczo said.\n\n\u201cThey can be resurrecting their lives for a better life, for a victorious life.\u201d\n\nThere is a profound need for support, for shelter and resources for victims, the former lawmaker said. \u201cWe need more people that [do] not turn their faces to the side and decide to go to this fight to help the children here in the United States,\u201d she said.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-senators-urge-usda-protect-catfish-viruses", "Mississippi senators urge USDA to protect catfish from viruses", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "By Sethanie Smith\n\nWASHINGTON (WJTV) \u2013 U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to mitigate the threat posed by two viruses to farm-raised catfish production in Mississippi and other states.\n\nWicker and Hyde-Smith both joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in sending a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that recommends prompt action by the USDA to assess and mitigate the Yellow Catfish Virus (YcCV) and Channel Catfish Virus (CCV) before they can be transmitted to U.S. aquaculture operations.\n\n\u201cThe domestic catfish industry is a critical component of the broader agriculture economy in the Southeast, supporting rural economies, providing jobs, and contributing to national food security. An outbreak of a highly pathogenic virus such as YcCV or CCV could have devastating economic and ecological consequences,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe therefore respectfully request that APHIS prioritize a formal risk assessment of YcCV and CCV, including evaluation of potential pathways for entry, establishment, and spread within the United States. The mounting evidence surrounding YcCV and CCV underscores the need to ensure that emerging aquatic animal diseases receive appropriate attention and resources commensurate with their risk.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers recommended that the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) \u201cplace the burden of proof on exporting countries\u201d by requiring them to demonstrate that their products are free of YcCV and CCV prior to export to the United States. They also want APHIS to work with international counterparts to institute effective surveillance, biosecurity and certification measures to prevent the export of infected products.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/us-army-contracts-general-atomics-long-range-maneuvering-projectile-program", "U.S. Army contracts with General Atomics for long-range maneuvering projectile program", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "\u201cThank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise,\u201d said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nBy Frank Corder\n\nGeneral Atomics Electromagnetic Systems announced Monday that it has been awarded a U.S. Army contract to demonstrate a long-range maneuvering projectile under the Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program.\n\nThe company said it invested early to mature key technologies and reduce development risk ahead of the ERAP award, leveraging experience from other advanced projectile programs to position the system for rapid progress within the Army led effort.\n\nGeneral Atomics also noted that it continues to invest in and expand its advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Mississippi. Its Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo is designed to support surge capacity, incorporating automation, modular production processes and new materials to increase efficiency.\n\nU.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said General Atomics has always proven it can deliver the technology needed to keep the U.S. armed forces on the cutting edge.\n\n\u201cAmerican service members need the best tools to face today\u2019s threats. This is exactly the kind of investment that will equip them for that job,\u201d Wicker said in a statement. \u201cThank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise.\u201d\n\nFellow Mississippi U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith was pleased with contract announcement as well.\n\n\u201cThis contract award strengthens our nation\u2019s long-range precision fire capabilities while delivering real economic benefits to Mississippi. Investments like this grow high-skilled jobs, expand advance manufacturing capacity, and reinforce Mississippi\u2019s critical role in equipping and supporting America\u2019s warfighters,\u201d said Hyde-Smith.\n\nThe company said the award funds flight demonstrations to validate a next generation, maneuvering 155 mm projectile capable of achieving significantly greater ranges than current rounds while maintaining precision in GPS degraded or denied environments.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-wicker-joins-general-atomics-in-unveiling-advanced-munitions-production-line", "Sen. Wicker Joins General Atomics in Unveiling Advanced Munitions Production Line", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger F. Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", "wicker", "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "TUPELO \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today joined General Atomics (GA) executives and senior defense and government officials to highlight how Mississippi has played a key role in U.S. defense production and readiness. GA announced that for more than 20 years, it has invested over $1 billion in long-term infrastructure and industrial-base capacity to strengthen U.S. defense manufacturing. GA Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) uses automation and advanced machining to increase output, shorten delivery timelines and support critical defense programs. The announcement was made during an event at the company\u2019s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo, Mississippi. Senator Wicker was joined by Michael Duffey, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Brandon Williams, the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration.\n\nThrough federal, state, and industry partnerships, GA-EMS has integrated digital manufacturing technologies, advanced equipment, and technical expertise to rapidly transition defense systems from development into full-rate production for U.S. and allied customers. The facility encompasses over 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space, with additional expansion planned to support future requirements.\n\n\u201cBusiness expansions in Mississippi prove that the magnolia state is a great place to invest, create economic opportunity, and rebuild the American arsenal. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I\u2019ve seen the importance of building our defense systems right here at home. Peace through strength is made up of American investment, partnerships, and ingenuity. The Made in Mississippi initiative will contribute to the U.S. industrial base for generations to come,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\nDuring the event, GA-EMS highlighted how long-term investments in Mississippi are advancing weapons such as Vektrex\u2122, the company\u2019s 155 mm launcher-compatible projectile leveraged for its solution for the U.S. Army\u2019s Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program. Within the Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Mistick Village, a highly automated manufacturing complex, integrates robotics, autonomous machining, assembly and systems-integration capabilities that support Vektrex, ERAP and other precision-strike programs. These automated manufacturing systems provide the scalable, high-rate production capacity required as demand grows.\n\n\u201cStrong industrial capability does not happen overnight,\u201d said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. \u201cWe invested early in the workforce, technologies and partnerships needed to move innovation from development to production. Those investments have created a production-ready ecosystem that enables us to respond quickly to customer requirements, accelerate fielding and support sustained defense demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cMississippi plays an increasingly important role in strengthening the industrial foundation that supports our military,\u201d said Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey. \u201cInvestments like these expand high-skilled workforce opportunities, strengthen domestic supply chains and demonstrate how Mississippi continues contributing to America\u2019s national and economic strength.\u201d\n\n\"A strong America requires a strong industrial base,\" said Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. \u201cThe capabilities showcased here underscore the importance of investing in our workforce, modernizing our infrastructure and enhancing our production capacity which are necessary to maintain peace through strength.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-16T06:53:21Z", "2026-06-16T06:55:02Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-helps-introduce-bipartisan-community-college-agricultural-education-bill", "HYDE-SMITH HELPS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION BILL", "2026-06-12", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Legislation Would Fund Workforce Training, Education Programs at Community Colleges\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week helped introduce bipartisan legislation to expand agricultural workforce training and education programs at community and technical colleges across the nation.\n\nThe Community College Agriculture Advancement Act (S.4730) would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to give community colleges greater access to federal grant funding to develop and expand educational programs focused on careers in the agricultural sector. U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) led the bill.\n\n\u201cCommunity colleges are often the front door to careers in agriculture, especially in rural states like Mississippi with an extensive community college system. This bill gives those institutions access to resources that are too often out of reach. We think this is a smart and practical investment that will strengthen our agricultural communities and help ensure the next generation is prepared to meet the needs of this vital industry,\u201d Hyde-Smith said.\n\n\u201cAmerica needs agriculture and students studying agriculture need hands-on experience,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cCollege students everywhere should have access to agriculture business and training programs that better prepare them for their future careers.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunity colleges throughout Nebraska are essential to developing the ag workforce our producers depend on \u2013 yet they often lack the resources to expand programs, hire instructors, and maintain facilities. I'm proud to co-lead this bill to change that, ensuring community colleges thrive and the next generation of producers has opportunities to succeed,\u201d Fischer said.\n\nCommunity and technical colleges have historically received less federal support than four-year institutions, despite serving as a critical pipeline for Mississippi\u2019s agricultural workforce.\n\nSpecifically, the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would:\n\nEstablish a competitive USDA grant program where the nation\u2019s nearly 1,100 community colleges would apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture.\n\nAuthorize $20 million for the grant program.\n\nGive priority to institutions that work directly with local agriculture operations to provide experiential training for students.\n\nInclude farm business management-related subjects such as finance and accounting as eligible activities for funding.\n\nThe Senate measure is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Husted (R-Ohio), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) authored a House companion bill (HR.5468).\n\nS.4730 is supported by the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement, the Association of Community College Trustees, and the American Association of Community Colleges.\n\n\u201cCommunity colleges play a vital role in building the skilled agricultural workforce our nation depends on. This legislation will expand access to high-quality training, strengthen partnerships with local industry, and equip students with the technology-driven skills needed to lead modern agriculture. It is a smart, bipartisan investment in our students, our rural communities, and our food systems,\u201d said Dr. Tracy Kruse, Executive Director, Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement.\n\nFrom Mississippi, the bill is supported by the Mississippi Community College Board, Hinds Community College, Jones College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and numerous other stakeholders.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-applauds-senate-passage-bill-crack-down-contraband-cellphones-prisons", "HYDE-SMITH APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON CONTRABAND CELLPHONES IN PRISONS", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "Miss. Senator Cosponsored Bill to Toughen Penalties for Smuggling Cell Phones in Federal Prisons\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today applauded Senate passage of legislation she cosponsored to enhance safety and accountability in federal prisons by stemming the flow of contraband.\n\nThe Senate on Wednesday night passed the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act (S.736) by voice vote. The bipartisan legislation would enhance safety and accountability measures in federal prisons by upgrading the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prison from a misdemeanor to a felony.\n\n\u201cContraband cellphones in federal prisons pose a risk to guards and other prison personnel, and in the worst cases to the victims of crime orchestrated using cellphones from within prison walls. Those supplying the phones are just as much to blame, and this bill ups the price they\u2019ll pay,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cI\u2019m pleased this bill has been passed now to give the House time to pass it and get it to the President.\u201d\n\nWhile the penalty in Mississippi for introducing or possessing contraband cell phones in state prison is punishable by up to a 15-year prison term, existing federal law caps punishment for this same offense in federal prisons at no more than one year. S.736 would increase the penalty to up to five years in prison.\n\nS.726, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), is named in honor of Lt. Osvaldo Albarati, the Bureau of Prisons correctional officer who was murdered in 2013 after completing his shift at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Five men who later pleaded guilty to the crime admitted they targeted Albarati as a direct result of continuous seizures of contraband, including cell phones. The inmate who placed the hit on Albarati did so using a contraband cell phone.\n\nHyde-Smith has also cosponsored the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act (S.1137), which would allow state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming systems to prevent inmates from using contraband cellphones in prison facilities. It would authorize systems to disrupt, prevent, interfere with, or jam wireless communication into, from, or within a correctional facility.\n\nHyde-Smith cosponsored these bills as part of an ongoing legislative effort to fight the widespread use of contraband cellphones by prisoners in federal and state prison facilities to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes that endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-19T06:50:32Z", "2026-06-19T06:53:40Z"], ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-cap-out-pocket-insulin-costs", "HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO CAP OUT-OF-POCKET INSULIN COSTS", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "INSULIN Act Would Limit Out-of-Pocket Cost at $35, Reinforce Patient Protections\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday agreed to cosponsor bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of insulin, reinforce patient protections, and make the lifesaving medicine more accessible for Mississippians living with diabetes.\n\nThe Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act (S.4189) would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance.\n\n\u201cThe INSULIN Act represents a strong, bipartisan effort to try to stop the unnecessary year-over-year increase in the price of insulin. Mississippians from across the state share their stories of their stress caused by insulin prices,\u201d Hyde-Smith said. \u201cThese elevated insulin prices not only affect family budgets, but they also cost taxpayers more as those living with diabetes ration dosages and end up hospitalized with other complications. The INSULIN Act is a step in the right direction.\u201d\n\nS.4189 would directly address the root causes of high insulin list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products.\n\nThe INSULIN Act would:\n\nLimit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nMandate that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100 percent of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices to help patients in the form of reduced premiums.\n\nPromote generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients.\n\nCreate a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month.\n\nEstablish an insulin resource center and hotline for uninsured diabetes patients to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.\n\nSenate Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Senators Shaheen (R-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced S.4189, which has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. With Hyde-Smith, a total of 26 Senators are sponsoring the measure.\n\nOn the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hyde-Smith has supported funding for diabetes research, in addition to pressuring agencies like the Federal Trade Commission to investigate PBMs for market manipulation and other anticompetitive practices that increase the cost of prescription drugs like insulin. She has also encouraged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce prices by accelerating the approval of lower-cost, generic insulin products.\n\nAccording to the Mississippi State Department of Health, Mississippi is ranked in the top five states nationally for diabetes rates, with an estimated one in seven Mississippians living with the disease. Mississippi has one of the highest diabetes mortality rates in the country, recording upwards of 34.7 to 42.1 deaths per 100,000 residents. The national rate is 27.8 deaths per 100,000 residents.\n\nS.4189 is supported by the American Diabetes Association, Breakthrough T1D, the Endocrine Society, the National Kidney Foundation and other stakeholders.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-24T06:25:30Z", "2026-06-24T06:26:49Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 366, "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": "2026"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 366, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 321, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 45, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "MS", "label": "MS", "count": 366, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 366, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-06-11,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehydesmith~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fhyde-smith-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-cap-out-pocket-insulin-costs", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MS&year=2026&_next=2026-06-11%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehydesmith~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fhyde-smith-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-cap-out-pocket-insulin-costs&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 113.13314782455564, "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"}