{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MS\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2bd2b1a0-a544-4cd9-abf1-1ec916e0ab6b", "COCHRAN & WICKER DEMAND STOP TO OSHA ACTIONS AGAINST SMALL FARMS", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today demanded that the Obama administration immediately cease regulatory actions against small, family-owned farm operations--punitive actions that fly in the face of a 37-year-old prohibition against such practices.\r\nCochran and Wicker have signed a letter to Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez that pointedly asks that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cease taking regulatory actions against small farms with grain storage bins. Small farms, defined as those employing 10 or fewer workers, have been specifically exempted by Congress from such oversight since 1976.\r\n\u201cThe way the administration is going about putting OSHA on family-owned farms is unconscionable.\u00a0 Congress specifically exempts small farming operations from the heavy hand of this bureaucracy.\u00a0 OSHA must stop this overreach and adhere to the law,\u201d said Cochran, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.\r\n\u201cThis is yet another example of Washington bureaucrats meddling in the lives of Americans,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cOSHA has no business regulating grain storage bins on family farms, and the agency should put a stop to it immediately.\u201d\r\nUsing a narrow interpretation of the congressional probation and skewed interpretation of grain bin operations, OSHA has determined that small farming operations are subject to its regulatory reach, oversight and fines.\u00a0 The agency\u2019s view of grain bin operations as distinctly separate from exempt farm operations has the potential of affecting the more than 300,000 farms in the United States that have on-farm grain storage.\r\n\u201cIn viewing a farm\u2019s \u2018grain bin operation\u2019 as somehow distinct from its farming operation, OSHA is creating an artificial distinction in an apparent effort to circumvent the Congressional prohibition on regulating farms,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cThe use of grain bins is an integral part of farming operations.\u00a0 Without grain bins, farmers must sell corn and soybeans immediately after harvest, when prices are usually low.\u00a0 Storing grain in bins is thus a fundamental aspect of farming.\u00a0 Any farm that employs 10 or fewer employees and used grain bins only for storage prior to marketing should be exempt, as required by law, from OSHA regulations.\u201d\r\nThe letter signed by 43 Senators asks Perez to take three steps:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Cease all OSHA actions predicated on the skewed interpretation of the congressional exemption;  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Require OSHA to correct its misinterpretation after seeking guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and agriculture-related organizations; and,  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Require OSHA to provide a list and description of the regulatory actions taken since 2011 against farms with incorrectly categorized non-farming activities and 10 or fewer employees.\r\nFinally, the letter accuses OSHA of \u201cbureaucratic mission creep\u201d and says the agency should ask Congress for such regulatory authority.\r\n\u201cWorker safety is an important concern for all of us\u2014including the many farmers who probably know better than OSHA regulators how to keep themselves and their employees safe on farms.\u00a0 If the Administration believes that OSHA should be able to enforce its regulations on farms, it should make that case to Congress rather than twisting the law in the service of bureaucratic mission creep.\u00a0 Until then, Congress has spoken clearly and we sincerely hope that you will support America\u2019s farmers and respect the intent of Congress by reining in OSHA,\u201d the letter states.\r\nIn addition to Johanns, Cochran and Wicker, the letter is signed by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and David Vitter (R-La.).\r\nThe letter to Labor Secretary Perez is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c577e139-088d-4dd5-bc32-b10a15854ec8", "COCHRAN OFFERS OBAMACARE REPEAL BILL DESPITE WHITE HOUSE TWISTS", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today admonished the Obama administration for its desperate move to effectively reverse a major tenant of its health insurance reform law--minimum standards for all health insurance policies.\r\nThe White House on Thursday announced that an estimated five million Americans who have lost their health insurance because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) would be exempt from purchasing policies on government-sponsored health insurance exchanges and be allowed to buy private-sector catastrophic coverage without being penalized.\u00a0 Catastrophic plans typically do not offer all of the essential health benefits recently required for coverage by the administration.\r\nThe administration announced the exemption just hours before Cochran introduced the Health Insurance Accountability Act to fully repeal Obamacare if, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the number of uninsured at any point after Jan. 1, 2014, is greater than the number of uninsured at the time the law was enacted in March 2010.\r\n\u201cThe President is again trying to salvage his signature achievement by twisting the law to mask its flaws.\u00a0 Millions have lost their health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act and now the administration is second-guessing its own support of minimum health standards, a cornerstone of the law,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe Health Insurance Accountability Act\u00a0introduced by Cochran (S.1894) would require the GAO to conduct a study in consultation with the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the number of individuals in the United States who are uninsured now as opposed to the number of uninsured when PPACA was enacted.\u00a0 If more Americans are left uninsured, Obamacare would be repealed.\r\n\u201dThe point of this legislation is to hold the President and his administration accountable for this law and its disastrous implementation.\u00a0 There is no reason individuals, families and businesses should continue to be subjected to such a gigantic, intrusive and expensive experiment if the law is not even accomplishing its primary goals.\u00a0 If it\u2019s not working and can\u2019t be fixed, get rid of it,\u201d said Cochran, who has since 2009 repeatedly voted against Obamacare.\r\nThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week reported that about 800,000 individuals have received Medicaid eligibility determinations from the enrollment website and that just 365,000 individuals had selected insurance plans from the state and federal health insurance exchanges that were launched on Oct. 1.\u00a0 The enrollment rate represents less than one percent of those who were uninsured at the time of the law\u2019s enactment.\r\nOriginal cosponsors to this legislation include Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).\r\nA copy of the Health Insurance Accountability Act is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364817", "Palazzo Statement on Passage of Budget Plan", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Biloxi, MS- Congressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4), released the following statement today after Senate passage of a budget plan that would protect the military from an additional $31 billion in sequestration cuts over the next two years:\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve fought against devastating defense cuts for more than two years because they threaten to put tens of thousands of soldiers out of work and make us weaker as a nation. My support for this imperfect budget plan is part of that fight to keep our nation secure. My support for Chairman Miller\u2019s bills to protect military retiree pensions is part of my unwavering commitment to fellow veterans.\u201d\r\nSenior Defense Department officials have said that sequestration cuts could force the Department to lay off hundreds of thousands of troops and jeopardize the military\u2019s ability to carry out its missions. \u00a0In July of this year, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel indicated that Army forces might be cut by as much as 155,000 and the Marine Corps could see reductions by as much as 44,000. At that time, he also indicated that without action, sequestration could cause Tricare fees to rise, housing allowances to be cut, pay raises to be scaled back, and commissary subsidies to be reduced. And in recent House Armed Services Committee hearings, Navy leadership testified that it would have to reduce its fleet by 30 ships. \u00a0\r\nThe budget plan would restore $31 billion in defense budgets over the next two years.\r\nPalazzo is also joining House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, (FL-1) in introducing two measures that would protect cost of living adjustments for military retirees.\r\nPalazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves with the Mississippi National Guard.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7f4c3988-601d-4777-bdab-f4e28a9d2d94", "COCHRAN TO PROPOSE BILL TRIGGERING OBAMACARE REPEAL IF INSURANCE GOALS UNMET", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today signaled his intent to introduce legislation to repeal President Obama\u2019s signature health insurance reform law if it results in more Americans left uninsured after Jan. 1, 2014 than were uninsured at the time of the law\u2019s 2010 enactment.\r\nCochran said that even Democrats should agree that repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) would be warranted if the law reduces or fails to increase the number of Americans with health insurance.\r\n\u201cThe American people understand what many in Washington won\u2019t admit:\u00a0 the Affordable Care Act is an unfixable and expensive mess.\u00a0 I have supported its repeal from the beginning, and I will offer legislation based on the simple premise that the law should be repealed if it fails to meet its primary goal of expanding health insurance coverage,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe Cochran bill, the Health Insurance Accountability Act, would provide for the repeal of PPACA if it is determined that the law has resulted in an increase in the number of uninsured individuals since the law was enacted in March 2010.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe President, Democrats in Congress and their allies forced this misguided law through Congress without a single vote from our party and with a promise that the uninsured would be able to attain affordable health insurance.\u00a0 Right now, the opposite is occurring as millions of people are losing the insurance they have and like.\u00a0 Worse yet, millions of families now face the prospect of more expensive premium rates and higher deductibles--assuming they can even successfully enroll on the flawed government website,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week reported that fewer than 365,000 individuals had selected insurance plans from the state and federal health insurance exchanges that were launched on Oct. 1.\u00a0 This represents less than one percent of those who were uninsured at the time of the law\u2019s enactment.\r\nAccording to recent estimates, 5.6 million people have had their insurance policies cancelled for next year because they didn\u2019t meet PPACA requirements.\u00a0 In 2012, the Census Bureau estimated that more than 47 million nonelderly Americans were uninsured.\r\nSince its inception, Cochran has opposed the PPACA, voting repeatedly to repeal and defund the law.\u00a0 The Mississippi Senator has also cosponsored a series of bills intended to protect the American people, including: the Obamacare Repeal Act (S.177); the If You Like Your Health Plan, You Can Keep It Act (S.1617); the Health Care Privacy and Anti-Fraud Act (S.1666); the Delay Until Fully Functional Act (S.1592); and the Exchange Information Disclosure Act (S.1590).\u00a0 He has also backed legislation to delay the application of the individual and employer health insurance mandates under the PPACA.\r\nLINKS:  *\u00a0\u00a0 Cochran Audio, Dec. 13:\u00a0 http://1.usa.gov/1ej58t3\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=de94093c-5330-4134-969f-656507e6b4c4", "MISS. LAWMAKERS URGE U.S. OFFICIALS TO HELP PROTECT AMERICAN INTERESTS AT FACTORY IN CHINA", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, with Representative Alan Nunnelee, today asked U.S. diplomatic and trade representatives to help protect the interests of an American company, while dysfunction at a joint venture in China poses risks to U.S. jobs in Northeast Mississippi and elsewhere.\r\nThe Republican lawmakers from Mississippi are among a bipartisan, bicameral group that Wednesday sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Mike Froman urging them to address ongoing problems experienced by the Cooper Tire and Rubber Company at upcoming U.S.-China Joint Committee on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) meetings. The Dec. 19-20 meetings in Beijing will be chaired by Pritzker, Froman and their Chinese counterparts.\r\n\u201cWe write today with deep concern about a serious issue Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is facing at its joint venture in China which has put the entire company at risk, including more than 5,000 jobs in the United States, and which has serious implications for all American businesses with interests and investments in China. We respectfully request your assistance in resolving this urgent matter,\u201d the letter said.\r\nCooper Tire, with a Chinese partner, operates a joint venture factory in Shandong Province, China, that since June 2013 has experienced work stoppages and other actions that threaten the entire company.\u00a0 Efforts to resolve the deteriorating situation have been unsuccessful.\u00a0 The disruption has derailed the production process and forced Cooper to violate regulatory obligations, which could potentially have broad impacts on its U.S. operations and its 5,000 U.S. workers.\u00a0 The company employs 1,300 workers at its Tupelo facility.\r\nAdditional excerpts from the letter state:\r\n\u201cCooper has been facing a series of actions in violation of its rights as the majority owner of the joint venture\u2026These actions have included, initially, two 5,000-employee work stoppages and, subsequently, labor actions including forced occupation of the CCT production facility; denial of access for Cooper and its appointed members of CCT management to the facility, financial data, and personal property; workers\u2019 refusal to input financial and production data into CCT systems in accordance with internal operating procedure; workers\u2019 refusal to produce Cooper-branded products; and the unlawful appropriation of company chops and registration documents.\u201d\r\n\"In response to these actions, Cooper has requested assistance from Chinese government authorities at all levels, has appealed to local police, and has attempted to seek justice in local courts of law, but the situation continues. Cooper management has made multiple attempts to ... reach a resolution. ... At this point, the situation remains unresolved and Cooper has suffered considerable losses.\"\r\nThe letter to the U.S. officials was spearheaded by Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).\u00a0 In addition to Cochran, Wicker and Nunnelee, the correspondence was signed by Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), Representative Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6c4f4fba-e45b-4744-950b-04bf41f9840c", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON RYAN-MURRAY BUDGET AGREEMENT", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding the budget agreement reached between Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the respective chairs of the budget committees in the House and Senate:\r\n\u201cI do not support the budget agreement, which is well-intentioned but falls short of the mark.\u00a0 I supported the Budget Control Act because it cut discretionary spending by nearly a trillion dollars and created an opportunity for another $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction.\u00a0 It is the only significant deficit reduction legislation signed into law in years.\u00a0 My expectation was that the sequester cuts built into that law would compel the administration and Congress to enact broad reforms to control growth in mandatory programs, which poses the greatest threat to the economy and our nation\u2019s fiscal standing.\u00a0 That has not happened.\r\n\u201cRepresentative Ryan and Senator Murray made a good-faith effort to negotiate an agreement that would return some sense of order and transparency to the federal budget process.\u00a0 I appreciate the difficulty of that effort, but don\u2019t believe the agreement does enough about the most serious structural budget problems facing our nation.\u201d\r\nOn Monday, Cochran cosponsored an amendment to the budget legislation (H.J.Res.59) offered by Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to restore more than $6.0 billion for military retirement pay for current and future military retirees. Among other things, the Ryan-Murray budget agreement targets military retirement benefits to offset recommended spending increases in FY2014 and FY2015.\u00a0 (http://1.usa.gov/1bMSM4F)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=35c0892b-aefe-49c0-82bd-8dc534b33b40", "COCHRAN:  MORE AMERICANS COULD BE UNINSURED UNDER OBAMACARE", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cochran audio available below. \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 There is a real possibility, according to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), that more Americans will be left without health insurance as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a partisan law intended to do just the opposite.\r\nCochran recently addressed problems with the implementation of the health insurance reform law passed in 2010 without a single Republican vote.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe ongoing problems with the law\u2019s enrollment website conspicuously foreshadow the more significant failures that can be expected as this law is implemented,\u201d said Cochran, who pointed to last week\u2019s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid report showing fewer than 365,000 individuals had selected insurance plans from state and federal health insurance exchanges.\r\n\u201cIt has been estimated that more than 47 million nonelderly Americans were uninsured in 2012.\u00a0 This means that less than 1 percent of the uninsured population in the U.S. has selected a health insurance plan by way of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIt is likely that on January 1st of next year, more Americans will be uninsured than were uninsured at the time that the health care law was enacted.\u00a0 This law\u2019s primary intent was to expand coverage, to encourage insurance, but it seems to be failing on both counts.\u201d\r\nCochran also said correspondence and messages from Mississippians indicate that full implementation of the law, sometimes referred to as \u201cObamacare,\u201d is affecting their health insurance options.\u00a0 He cited a self-employed couple from Oxford whose insurance policy was cancelled.\u00a0 Their new monthly premium will increase from just over $700 to almost $1,400--an increase of more than 90 percent.\r\n\u201cTo put that in perspective, that is more than $16,000 per year that a family would have to spend on health insurance premiums alone.\u00a0 These types of figures are not affordable for most Americans. So there is a sticker shock associated with this misguided effort to improve our nation\u2019s health insurance programs,\u201d he said.\r\nCochran said Congress \u201ccan do better\u201d to improve the American health care system, including reducing health care costs.\r\n\u201cHealth insurance is just one component of our nation\u2019s very complex health care system and we can do better,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cWe should get together and find common ground to improve the quality of health care in this country and to reduce overall health care costs.\u00a0 We owe that to our constituents, our economy, and to the future of health care in this country.\u00a0 This is simply too important not to.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=81eaaeec-a886-49cf-a112-0299fda7d63b", "WICKER AMENDMENT PROTECTS MILITARY PENSIONS FROM  BUDGET CUTS", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Joint Release Issued by Senator Roger Wicker) \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today introduced an amendment to restore full retirement pay for current and future military retirees. The current Ryan-Murray budget agreement cuts retirement benefits for these retirees by more than $6 billion. The amendment is cosponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss.\r\n\u201cThese proposed cuts represent a broken promise to those who have voluntarily chosen to serve our nation in the military,\u201d Senator Roger Wicker said. \u201cThis is not a matter of nickels and dimes for our retired and active-duty troops. It is unfair to ask the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States to shoulder the full weight of these cuts. It is not too late for Congress to keep its promises to our military personnel. I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this amendment without delay.\u201d\r\n\"Our men and women in uniform have served admirably during some of our nation's most troubling times,\u201d said Senator Lindsey Graham. \u201cThey deserve more from us in their retirement than this agreement provides.\u00a0 Simply put, it doesn\u2019t do enough to protect those who have spent their lives protecting our nation.\u201d\r\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s servicemembers have already sacrificed so much on our behalf and Congress should not put additional burdens on them even as it spares federal civilian workers from the same treatment,\u201d said Senator Jeff Sessions. \u201cCertainly we should instead scour the federal budget for other available savings. Removing this unbalanced treatment of our military retirees ought to be one of the key actions we should take before this legislation moves forward.\u00a0 In fact, greater savings than this can be achieved by passing a legislative fix recommended by the Inspector General of the U.S. Treasury that would stop the IRS from improperly providing tax credits to illegal aliens.\u201d\r\n\u201cUnder the Obama Administration, our military has borne the cost of Washington's fiscal recklessness time and time again,\u201d said Senator Jim Inhofe. \u201cThe Ryan-Murray budget deal cherry picked once again from our men and women in uniform to strip away from the retirement benefit they have earned by their service. Last year Congress established the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission to provide a comprehensive review of opportunities for meaningful pay and benefit reform. That Commission was told they could recommend any option as long as it grandfathered those who currently serve and those who are currently retired. Congress should keep its promises and should do everything possible to maintain the sacred vow our country has made to those who have honorably served our country.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis amendment addresses our continued concern with further cuts to benefits for retired and active duty military personnel,\u201d said Senator Thad Cochran. \u201cThere is no justification in first turning to those who have served or are serving in the military and asking them to make new sacrifices.\u201d\r\nThe Ryan-Murray budget deal automatically subtracts a full percentage point from annual cost-of-living increases. The Military Officers Association of America issued a report showing that military personnel \u201cwho serve a 20 year career would lose nearly 20 percent of their retired pay. An E-7 retiring at age 40 today would experience a loss of $83,000 in purchasing power \u2013 an O-5 would lose $124,000.\u201d\r\nOn Friday, Wicker and Graham joined Senator Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., in a letter to their Senate colleagues calling for a bipartisan solution to replace the $6.3 billion in cuts to military retiree benefits.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9a7fe39-1510-4738-8843-7ee4eba2dd80", "COCHRAN:  GOLDEN TRIANGLE AEROSPACE FIRM WINS $14.0 MILLION DEFENSE CONTRACT", "2013-12-14", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that the Department of Defense has awarded a $14.0 million competitive contract to Aurora Flight Sciences in Columbus to assist in the development of a new aircraft for the Department of Defense.\r\nThe Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded the contract under its X-Plane program to support development of a new plane that incorporates advanced air speed and performance measures not present in current aircraft.\u00a0 Work on the Vertical Take-Off and Landing Experimental Plane (VTOL X-Plane) project will be carried out in Columbus.\r\n\u201cThis award is an example of Mississippi companies successfully competing for programs that bring high tech jobs to our state, while providing the best equipment and capabilities to our Armed Forces,\u201d said Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\n\u201cI am pleased to see businesses like Aurora grow in Mississippi to provide cutting-edge technology in the aerospace arena,\u201d he said.\r\nAurora Flight Sciences designs and builds robotic aircraft and other advanced aerospace vehicles for scientific and military applications.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDr. John Langford, Aurora Flight Sciences CEO, said, \u201cMississippi has a talented workforce, and we have continued to diversify and grow our ability to provide high tech production for very advanced military and commercial applications.\u00a0\u00a0 That is in no small measure a result of the leadership of Senator Cochran and his encouragement and support.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=266106ce-0d06-409c-8b0e-574610d4d323", "COCHRAN OFFERS ASSURANCES ON FARM BILL PROGRESS", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Audio of Cochran Remarks Available Below \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today offered his thoughts on the prospects of Congress completing a new, five-year farm bill early next year.\r\nCochran addressed work on the farm bill during remarks to the Senate following his participation in the latest Friday morning conference meeting with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Representatives Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), the House Agriculture Committee chairman and ranking member.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to say that we are making progress, but there are still decisions that lie ahead of us.\u00a0 I am hopeful that on both sides of the aisle in both bodies, we can come together on a farm bill agreement that will reform and modernize programs, produce budget savings at the same time, and provide certainty about the government\u2019s role to producers and consumers alike,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nFarm bill negotiators are working toward producing an agreement that can be considered next month by the conference committee and then both houses of Congress.\u00a0 The chief negotiators have been meeting regularly since the initial farm bill conference meeting on Oct. 30.\r\n\u201cWe have been working to reach an agreement on a new, five-year farm bill that we can take to the House and the Senate and, in collaboration and working through our differences, make progress and establish a framework for our agriculture sector to continue to contribute in an important way in the economic life of our nation,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe agriculture industry contributes to more than 20 percent of Mississippi\u2019s total economy, representing an important source of employment and income to Mississippians.\u00a0 The state has more than 40,000 farms and roughly 30 million acres of farm and forestland.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=706:thompson-calls-for-action-on-extending-federal-unemployment&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Calls for Action on Extending Federal Unemployment", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221122116/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-kids-first-research-act", "House Passes Kids First Research Act", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement after House passage of the \u201cGabriella Miller Kids First Research Act,\u201d a bipartisan bill authored by the third-term Mississippi lawmaker that funds pediatric medical research with the money currently designated for political nominating conventions:\n\u201cCreating a lifetime of hope and opportunity for our most vulnerable kids is more important than subsidizing week-long political pep rallies for the Democratic and Republican parties. And I am pleased that my House colleagues acknowledged this simple truth. But we are not done yet. I urge the Senate to act swiftly and advance this important legislation to the president\u2019s desk so that our nation\u2019s children can experience the full benefits of promising clinical trials and medical advancements.\u201d\n###\nGregg Harper is a third-term Republican lawmaker from Mississippi.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221123639/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/excellent-news", "Excellent news", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Excellent news                     U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.)                      \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Good evening--\n\tEarlier today, the House passed the \u201cGabriella Miller Kids First Research Act\u201d by a vote of 295-103.\n\tYou\u2019ve all heard me say it:Let\u2019s put kids first. This is just what the House did today by advancing my bill that funds pediatric medical research with the money currently designated for political nominating conventions.\n\tBut we\u2019re not done yet. I urge the Senate to act swiftly and send this important legislation to the president\u2019s desk so that our nation\u2019s children can experience the full benefits of promising clinical trials and medical advancements.\n\tBecause of your help, this bill passed the House. And with your continued support, we\u2019ll send this legislation to the White House.\n\tWill you help me spread the word by forwarding this email to three friends?\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=173b8362-ce17-47f1-ba17-ecc255bee331", "SENATE OKAYS JUDICIAL DIVISION REALIGNMENT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) on Tuesday supported Senate passage of legislation to realign the federal judicial divisions for the Southern District of Mississippi.\r\nCochran and Wicker recently requested prompt consideration of HR.2871, which was approved by unanimous consent in the Senate on Tuesday evening.\u00a0 The measure consolidates the existing five judicial divisions into four, following realignment recommendations of the federal judges serving in the Southern District of Mississippi.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe federal judiciary in the Southern District of Mississippi recognizes the budgetary constraints on the courts, as well as the opportunity to improve the efficiency of court operations,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased the Senate has approved this legislation and look forward to its implementation.\u201d\r\n\u201cUpdating these boundaries is a practical step that will serve people in South Mississippi well,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cThis realignment will allow the Southern District to utilize resources more capably and organize in a more efficient and effective manner.\u201d\r\nWith Senate passage, HR.2871 will be sent to the White House to be signed into law.\u00a0 Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) cosponsored the measure, which was approved 401-0 by the House on Nov. 12.\u00a0 The divisional realignment will take effective on the date of enactment.\u00a0\r\nThe legislation, which is expected to result in approximately $135,000 in first-year cost savings for the judiciary and U.S. Marshals Service, redraws the division boundaries for the Southern District of Mississippi by eliminating the Eastern Division that has been served by the federal courthouse in Meridian.  \u00a0   HR.2871 defines the four reconfigured divisions for the Southern District of Mississippi as:  1.\u00a0\u00a0 Northern Division:\u00a0 Copiah, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Sharkey, Smith, Warren and Yazoo counties.\u00a0 Court for the Northern Division will be in Jackson.  2.\u00a0\u00a0 Southern Division:\u00a0 George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone counties.\u00a0 Court will be held in Gulfport.  3.\u00a0\u00a0 Eastern Division:\u00a0 Clarke, Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Perry, Wayne and Walthall counties. Court will be held in Hattiesburg.  4.\u00a0\u00a0 Western Division:\u00a0 Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Pike and Wilkinson counties.\u00a0 Court will be held in Natchez.\r\nThe realignment is supported by judges in the Southern District, the Fifth Judicial Circuit, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Office of the Public Defender for the Southern District of Mississippi, and the legal community.\r\nIn September 2012, Congress completed work on similar legislation to realign the federal judicial boundaries for the Northern District of Mississippi, condensing four divisions into three. (http://1.usa.gov/UypenR)\r\nLINKS:  *\u00a0 Map of Existing Divisions: See file below  *\u00a0 Map of Proposed Divisions: See file below  *\u00a0 U.S. District Court Southern District of Mississippi: http://1.usa.gov/1847Gc0", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221131654/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/miller-harper-turning-eac-scene-weekend-bernie%E2%80%99s", "Miller & Harper: Turning EAC Into A Scene From Weekend at Bernie\u2019s", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, the Committee on House Administration Chairman Candice Miller, R-Mich., and Committee member Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., issued the following statement ahead of the Senate confirmation hearing to place two commissioners at the obsolete Election Assistance Commission (EAC):\n\u201cFor the past two years, the EAC has limped along without purpose or benefit, costing taxpayers over 11 million each year.\u00a0 It\u2019s a zombie agency that epitomizes bureaucracy and government waste, which is why this Committee and the House have voted multiple times to shut it down \u2013 but not the Senate. To the contrary, Wednesday, the Democratic-controlled Senate is holding a confirmation hearing to place commissioners there for the first time in two years.\n\u201cThe EAC is dead, and having two commissioners carrying it between them like a scene from Weekend At Bernie's doesn't make it any more alive, or any more useful. Unfortunately, since the Senate changed its rules, it could approve these nominations on a purely partisan basis and continue to force taxpayers to subsidize government waste.\"\nBACKGROUND:  \n\tThe EAC, which has been without commissioners for the past two years, was intended to sunset in 2005.\u00a0 Despite fulfilling its purpose, having exhausted the federal funds it was responsible for distributing to states and completing its required research, the agency remarkably continues to operate \u2013 costing\u00a0 taxpayers an estimated $11.5 million annually.\u00a0 Since the 112th Congress, Representative Harper has introduced three bills to eliminate the obsolete agency. Two of Harper's bills were approved by the Committee and one, H.R. 3463, passed the House 235-190 in December of 2011.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221132214/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/caring-our-kids", "Caring for our kids", "2013-12-08", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Caring for our kids                     U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.)                      \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Good evening--\n\tCreating a lifetime of hope and opportunity for our most vulnerable kids is more important than subsidizing week-long political pep rallies for the Democratic and Republican parties.\n\tThis is why the House is set to vote on my bill that pays for children\u2019s medical research with the money that the federal government currently sets aside for political conventions.\n\tJust last week, we renamed the bill after a courageous young girl who lost her battle to cancer. It\u2019s called the\u201cGabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.\u201d I had the privilege of meeting Gabriella\u2019s family. Make no mistake: No parent ever wants to experience the heartbreaking journey that the Millers have walked through over the past few years.\n\tThis bill helps kids like Evie Horton in Mississippi, who fights with all of her strength to overcome the struggles of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. And Evie\u2019s cousin, Reese McDonald. And the many other families who face the challenges of raising a child battling a pediatric disorder.\n\tSo let\u2019s put kids first. Let\u2019s pass the \u201cGabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.\u201d\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=704:thompson-disturbed-by-attorney-general-s-interpretation-of-mississippi-s-new-gun-carry-law&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Disturbed by Attorney General\u2019s Interpretation of Mississippi\u2019s New Gun Carry Law", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=705:thompson-mourns-death-of-world-leader-and-activist-nelson-mandela&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Mourns Death of World Leader and Activist Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5fd46385-de97-4897-bc72-9a806a16161f", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF NELSON MANDELA", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela:\r\n\u201cNelson Mandela was an inspiration to many people around the world.\u00a0 He will be remembered for his courage, sacrifices and leadership during troubled times.\u00a0 May he now rest in well-deserved peace.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1c5e5563-b4d7-4d0f-ac7c-5a31d649998c", "EMPLOYEE RIGHTS ACT COSPONSORED BY COCHRAN & WICKER", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced their support for legislation to give workers more of a say on whether to join a labor union, while also offering them stronger protections from union tactics regarding dues, votes and forms of intimidation.\r\nThe Employee Rights Act (S.1712) cosponsored by Cochran and Wicker represents an attempt to update U.S. labor laws for the first time in more than 50 years.\u00a0 Among other things, the bill would allow workers to choose or reject union representation without fear of intimidation or retribution.\u00a0 It also includes provisions to address secret ballot elections, union recertification, paycheck protection, strikes, and anti-racketeering loopholes.\r\n\u201cLabor unions today operate under outdated laws and policies that infringe on workers\u2019 freedoms and inhibits overall economic growth.\u00a0 The Employee Rights Act would update the relationship between workers and unions.\u00a0 It would give employees greater power to determine if they want union representation and make unions more accountable to those workers,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cThis legislation gives workers the freedom they deserve to make the best choice for themselves,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cThe Employee Rights Act protects employees from being forced to join unions or to have their union dues used for political purposes without their consent.\u00a0 It is vital that the rights of American workers are protected and not unfairly left at the whim of Big Labor.\u201d\r\nIntroduced by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), S.1712 is intended to ensure that the rights of workers, not the unions, are the priority under labor agreements.\r\nIn addition to Cochran and Wicker, other cosponsors include Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Tom Coburn (R -Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).\r\nA companion measure (HR.3485) was introduced in the House by Representative Tom Price (R-Ga.).\u00a0 Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) is among its 45 cosponsors.\r\nThe following is a review of provisions in the Employee Rights Act (S.1712):\r\nSecret Ballot Elections \u2013 Guarantees employees the right to a secret ballot election when deciding whether to join a union.   \u00a0  Union Recertification Elections \u2013 Requires unionized workplaces with employee turnover exceeding 50 percent to conduct secret ballot elections to determine whether a majority of employees still wants union representation.  \u00a0  Paycheck Protection \u2013 Prevents unions from using employees\u2019 dues and fees for purposes unrelated to their bargaining functions\u2013including political contributions and expenditures\u2013without the employees\u2019 written consent.  \u00a0  Secret Ballot Strike Votes \u2013 Provides employees the right to a secret ballot vote before union leaders can order a strike.  \u00a0  Prevent \u201cQuickie\u201d or \u201cSnap\u201d Elections \u2013 Negates recent National Labor Relations Board regulatory efforts to unfairly expedite union elections by preventing unions from obtaining employees\u2019 private information and by ensuring due process in determining issues such as appropriate bargaining units and individuals\u2019 eligibility.   \u00a0  Prevent Union Coercion \u2013 Permits employees to collect lost wages, illegally-collected union dues, and/or liquidated damages from a union that interferes with their rights under the National Labor Relations Act.\u00a0 It would allow right to petition for decertification of the union, and impose a procedural penalty on unions that interfere with the decertification petition process.  \u00a0  Criminalize Union Threats \u2013 Strengthens prohibitions on the use or threat of violence for achieving purposes related to unionization and collective bargaining.\u00a0 This provision would resolve loopholes created by the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. v. Enmons, which effectively exempts unions from federal anti-racketeering statutes.  \u00a0  Eliminate Needless Disparities \u2013 Conforms and make equal the definition of an \u201cunfair labor practice\u201d on the part of a union with that of an employer.\u00a0 In addition, allow every employee in a represented bargaining unit\u2013regardless of union membership status\u2013to have the same rights as union members to vote on the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement or to engage in strike or work stoppage.\u00a0 Require unions to provide audited financial statements to agency fee payers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=233342da-5a49-4f32-b93b-74d98566971d", "UPDATE:  PROPOSED NEW REGS COULD JEOPARDIZE DIALYSIS TREATMENTS", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "UPDATE, November 22, 2013:\u00a0 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) late today issued a final rule to update payment policies and rates under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System for renal dialysis services furnished to beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2014.\r\nSenator Cochran, who this month wrote CMS to raise concerns about proposed changes, was informed Friday by CMS that:\r\n\u201cIn response to comments, CMS is implementing a 3- to 4-year transition of the drug utilization reduction by offsetting the reduction by the payment update, that is the ESRD bundled market basket minus productivity increase factor, and other impacts (such as the outlier or training add-on, if applicable) to create an overall zero percent impact for all ESRD facilities from the previous year\u2019s payments for CYs 2014 and 2015\u2026\u201d\r\nA CMS fact sheet and news release are available below.\r\nThe CMS final rule can be viewed at:\u00a0 http://ofr.gov/inspection.aspx.\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 13, 2013\r\nCOCHRAN:\u00a0 PROPOSED NEW REGS COULD JEOPARDIZE DIALYSIS TREATMENTS\r\nProposed Cuts to Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease Program Worry Mississippi Dialysis Patients, Service Providers\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) is warning that proposed changes to Medicare reimbursement rates for end-stage renal disease care could jeopardize dialysis treatments for Mississippians, particularly in rural areas where access to care can be limited.\r\nCochran has asked Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to consider revising a proposed rule that would effectively undercut reimbursements to dialysis treatment centers throughout the country.\u00a0 CMS could soon finalize a proposed rule to update and revise the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system for 2014.\u00a0 The rule could result in a 9.4 percent reduction in payments to ESRD facilities, including the more than 70 certified ESRD facilities in Mississippi.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from dialysis patients in Mississippi who are worried the proposed reductions will affect their treatment, particularly their access to quality care,\u201d said Cochran, a member of the Senate Diabetes Caucus.\r\n\u201cDialysis treatments are vital for many people with diabetes and kidney-related illnesses.\u00a0 I hope the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will agree to a more reasonable rule that is fiscally responsible but also fair to dialysis providers,\u201d he said.\r\nThe proposed ESRD payment reductions would result in CMS reimbursing most dialysis providers less than the cost of the services they provide.\u00a0 The average Medicare margin for a dialysis facility is currently about 4 percent, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which also recommended that reimbursement rates be held constant.\r\n\u201cI request that you consider revising the proposed rule to ensure that funding levels are sufficient to cover the cost of providing life-sustaining treatment to Medicare beneficiaries and to maintain access to quality dialysis care in communities across the country,\u201d Cochran wrote Travenner.\r\nBecause the Medicare ESRD program currently provides coverage to more than 80 percent of Americans living with ESRD who require dialysis services, Cochran warned that if the proposed rule is finalized \u201cproviders will be forced to take steps to reduce costs, which could reduce faculty staffing and limit patients\u2019 flexibility to receive their dialysis treatments.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn some cases, facility closures could occur, which would significantly reduce patient access to care, particularly in rural communities where access is already a concern.\u00a0 These cuts would likely have a detrimental impact on dialysis clinics throughout Mississippi and affect many patients receiving dialysis treatment in my state,\u201d Cochran wrote.\r\nCochran, who is the lead Republican cosponsor of the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2013 (S.323), is among 76 Senators who recently wrote in support of continued investment in the Special Diabetes Program, an initiative focused on improving diabetes treatment, prevention and research.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CMS ESRD Website: http://go.cms.gov/HPOqCP  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mississippi ESRD Facilities: http://1.usa.gov/17TFuIT   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mississippi State Department of Health Directory of Health Facilities: http://1.usa.gov/1cUQWFR\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ca10c9dd-39c8-4483-98ce-1c87fbd87552", "COCHRAN OPPOSES DEMOCRATS\u2019 \u201cNUCLEAR OPTION\u201d", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding his strong opposition to the Senate Democratic majority\u2019s decision to implement the so-called \u201cnuclear option\u201d to limit the rights of the minority in the consideration of the President\u2019s nominees.\r\n\u201cThe Democratic majority\u2019s action to overturn nearly 225 years of precedent will transform how the United States Senate conducts its business, and not for the better.\u00a0 Allowing a simple majority to end debate is a mistake and greatly diminishes the Senate\u2019s responsibility to provide advice and consent as set out in the Constitution.\u00a0 The Senate was never intended to operate like the House of Representatives or to serve as a rubber stamp for any President.\u00a0 This historic institution and the American people have lost something very important and special.\u201d\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Cochran\u2019s December 2012 \u201cNuclear Option\u201d statement: http://1.usa.gov/17QzT0c\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362239", "Palazzo Statement for Flood Insurance Hearing Addressing Affordability, FEMA Implementation", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4), today submitted a statement before a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled: \u201cImplementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012: Protecting Taxpayers and Homeowners\u201d. The hearing was scheduled at the request of Palazzo and others earlier this year. In his submitted statement, Palazzo said: \nThe residents of Mississippi\u2019s Fourth District have a unique story to tell of BW12\u2019s financial and emotional toll on their communities. \u2026 In my district, many policyholders are residents whose families have resided near Mississippi's Gulf Coast for decades, or middle-class retirees who spent years working and saving to invest in the homes they have today. \u2026 It is unconscionable to move the goal posts on these residents who did nothing but follow the rules.\nThe goal of Tuesday\u2019s hearing was to get answers lawmakers have sought from FEMA officials regarding the implementation of Biggert-Waters 2012. Specifically, Palazzo asked for justification for implementing parts of the law while ignoring others, including affordability measures: \nThe affordability study is vital to understand fully the impact that rate increases will have on homeowners and communities, how to address affordability challenges, and how to implement actuarial rates in a compassionate manner.\u00a0 Yet, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has testified that the affordability study won\u2019t be completed for another two years. The completion of the affordability study is paramount to rate increase implementation, and it is implicitly clear in the legislative text that Congress intended to have FEMA complete the affordability study before it implemented BW12\u2019s rate increases.\nIn addition to the hearing, Palazzo continues to push bipartisan, bicameral reforms with the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. The bill, which boasts 134 cosponsors in the House and 22 Senate cosponsors, bears many similarities to legislation Palazzo first introduced\u00a0in March of this year. Both would institute immediate relief with delays to rising flood insurance rates, while providing time to allow for the affordability studies mandated by BW-12. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nPalazzo also serves as Vice Chairman of the Home Protection Caucus which was instrumental in passing a one-year delay for flood insurance rates in the House of Representatives in June 2013 by a vote of 281-146. In August 2013, Palazzo hosted FEMA Associate Administrator David Miller in South Mississippi to show firsthand the effects of rate increases on homeowners and communities that built back to code following Hurricane Katrina. \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d39bbccb-238d-486c-ac3f-8af7b438ba7e", "COCHRAN:  FLOOD INSURANCE RATE HIKES COULD UNDERMINE POSITIVE REFORMS", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Audio of Cochran remarks available below. \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\u00a0WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today helped build support for Senate passage of legislation intended to ensure that National Flood Insurance Program reforms enacted last year do not undermine the overall program.\r\nCochran on Tuesday joined six other Senators, including Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.), to discuss problems arising from implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, including \u201cskyrocketing flood insurance premiums\u201d being levied on homeowners and businesses around the country.\r\n\u201cThe reform legislation enacted in 2012 made positive changes to the program.\u00a0 Today, some of those changes are now working in opposition to the broader goals of reform, hence the importance of this legislation.\u00a0 These shortcomings existed in the law, and they actually threaten to weaken the flood insurance program,\u201d Cochran said.  \u00a0  Cochran, an original cosponsor of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (S.1610), took part in a dialogue on the Senate floor to advocate for consideration of that legislation.\u00a0 Provisions from S.1610 have been offered as an amendment the National Defense Authorization Act (S.1197) now being considered by the Senate.\r\n\u201cBefore allowing unaffordable flood insurance rates to devalue private property and harm local communities and economies, we should be absolutely sure the government\u2019s engineering practices and procedures are as sound as possible.\u00a0 It will be very difficult to rebuild communities or restore home equity once they are lost.\u00a0 So, we had better get it right,\u201d Cochran told his colleagues.\r\n\u201cOur bill does not create new programs to address rising premiums.\u00a0 It simply leaves in place some current practices so that we can make sure that the productive reforms we enacted last year will actually improve the credibility of the program among communities and homeowners.\u00a0 Our bill would not affect positive reforms related to expanding program participation, or the phase-out of subsidized flood insurance premiums for vacation homes and homes that have a history of repeated flooding,\u201d he said.\r\nS.1610 would require FEMA to certify that it has implemented a flood mapping approach that relies on sound scientific and engineering methodologies to determine varying levels of flood risk in all areas with NFIP participation.\u00a0 FEMA must also propose a draft affordability framework for congressional review.\u00a0 The bill sets a 24-month deadline for FEMA to take these actions and could delay rate hikes until affordability regulations authorized by Congress are finalized.\u00a0 (Bill summary: http://1.usa.gov/1gan2xU)\r\nSupporters of S.1610 and the House companion measure (HR.3370) advocate passage of this legislation this year, either as a stand-alone measure or part of another bill expected to clear Congress this year.\r\nThe following are Cochran\u2019s remarks to the Senate today:\r\nIt is a fact that the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which we\u2019re discussing, seeks to protect homeowners from increases in the cost of flood insurance premiums until the Administration reviews and reports to Congress on the flood mapping technologies, methodologies, and insurance affordability that are being issued under existing law.\u00a0\r\nOne problem that we\u2019re concerned about is that the program was supposed to protect taxpayer investments, communicate perceived flood risk to homeowners, and encourage communities to protect themselves against flood risks.\u00a0 The reform legislation enacted in 2012 made positive changes to the program.\u00a0 Today, some of those changes are now working in opposition to the broader goals of reform, hence the importance of this legislation.\u00a0 These shortcomings existed in the law, and they actually threaten to weaken the flood insurance program.\r\nThe success of flood insurance is so important to many inland and coastal states, such as mine and Louisiana, where the distinguished Senator is from.\u00a0 Communities there continue to work to overcome damages caused by the greatest natural disaster in our nation\u2019s history, the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, and now skyrocketing flood insurance premiums.\r\nUnder the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, the Administration would be required to provide assurances to Congress that it is using sound mapping methods to make flood insurance rate determinations.\u00a0 A study by the National Academies of Science produced in March of this year has called into question some of the engineering practices the government uses to determine rates.\u00a0\r\nBefore allowing unaffordable flood insurance rates to devalue private property and harm local communities and economies, we should be absolutely sure the government\u2019s engineering practices and procedures are as sound as possible.\u00a0 It will be very difficult to rebuild communities or restore home equity once they are lost.\u00a0 So, we had better get it right.\r\nOur bill does not create new programs to address rising premiums.\u00a0 It simply leaves in place some current practices so that we can make sure that the productive reforms we enacted last year will actually improve the credibility of the program among communities and homeowners.\u00a0 Our bill would not affect positive reforms related to expanding program participation, or the phase-out of subsidized flood insurance premiums for vacation homes and homes that have a history of repeated flooding.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=494304eb-1977-4304-a4e1-250baa3ac719", "COCHRAN SHARES MISSISSIPPI FAMILY\u2019S PRICEY OBAMACARE STORY", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Audio of Cochran Floor Statement Available Below \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today shared the story of a constituent from Hazlehurst about the \u201csticker shock\u201d his family faces if\u00a0forced to enroll in the federal government-run health insurance exchanges.\r\nCochran was among 34 Republican Senators who spoke on the Senate floor Thursday to share \u201cYour Story\u201d submissions from across the country regarding the personal and pricey problems created by the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), so-called \u201cObamacare.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe more my constituents learn about the administration\u2019s so-called \u2018Affordable Care Act,\u2019 the more it becomes clear that major changes should be considered,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe Hazlehurst family related to Cochran that its insurance cost will nearly double under PPACA.\u00a0 The family is losing current health insurance that has a $3,000 yearly deductible, a $6,000 out-of-pocket maximum and a premium of a little over $1,300 per month.\u00a0 The lowest cost insurance option available under Obamacare includes a $7,000 yearly deductible, with a $12,000 out-of-pocket maximum and a premium of a little over $2,400 a month.\r\n\u201cThis family is just one example of millions of Americans who are suffering from sticker shock because of the cost of insurance plans on the president\u2019s new health insurance exchanges. The shock is made worse for those who are being rejected by the plans that they were told they could keep but now cannot.\u201d\r\nStarting with the contentious debate on the legislation that created PPACA in 2009 and 2010, Cochran has repeatedly voted to repeal and defund the law.\u00a0 In January, he was an original cosponsor of the Obamacare Repeal Act (S.177), introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas).\r\nWith the failed launch of the HeathCare.gov website, Cochran has cosponsored a series of bills intended to protect the American people, including: the If You Like Your Health Plan, You Can Keep It Act (S.1617); the Health Care Privacy and Anti-Fraud Act (S.1666); the Delay Until Fully Functional Act (S.1592), the Exchange Information Disclosure Act (S.1590), as well as legislation to delay the application of the individual and employer health insurance mandates under Obamacare.\r\nThe following is the text of Cochran\u2019s remarks:\r\n\u201cThe more my constituents learn about the administration\u2019s so-called \u2018Affordable Care Act,\u2019 the more it becomes clear that major changes should be considered.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI recently heard from a constituent who had learned from accessing the Obama administration's enrollment web site that the plan with the lowest cost available to him has a $7,000 yearly deductible, with a $12,000 out-of-pocket maximum and a premium of a little over $2,400 a month, nearly twice as much as he and his wife currently pay.\r\n\u201cThis family is just one example of millions of Americans who are suffering from sticker shock because of the cost of insurance plans on the President\u2019s new health insurance exchanges. The shock is made worse for those who are being rejected by the plans that they were told they could keep but now cannot.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear we need to urge the administration to consider going back to the drawing board. We should get together, too, here in the Senate and find common ground that makes better sense for the American people.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381489", "Palazzo Condemns Jackson VAMC Failures at House Veterans Affairs Hearing", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4), today at a House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing, condemned recent reports of improper and inadequate care given to veterans at the Jackson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The hearing took place on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and included two panels of former and current Jackson VAMC officials. \r\nIt just seems like we are breaking one of our fundamental promises to the men and women who serve our nation, and that's not providing the care that they deserve, that they have earned, Palazzo stated. I'm shocked, I'm sickened, I'm disgusted that we are even having this. And that this is a VA medical center that bears the name Sonny Montgomery, is not in keeping with his legacy of service.\r\nThe Jackson VAMC has been the subject of intense scrutiny following whistleblower allegations that were substantiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Office of Special Counsel, the Office of Investigator General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Among the allegations are: understaffing of personnel, overbooking of patients, lack of supervision for medical staff, fraudulent Medicare certifications, and illegal narcotics prescription policies. In one case, a veteran employee of the Jackson VAMC who came in for a routine skin graft operation was connected to a negative pressure wound therapy machine (or wound vac), forgotten for several hours, and died as a result. In addition to these gross negligences, Palazzo pointed out the failure to discipline responsible staff who committed or attempted to cover up what one witness described as egregious errors: \r\nIt just sounds like the good old boy network. You know you're either transferred, or you resign and you become a consultant somewhere within the system. There just seemsto be some serious issues with the VA, and I don't just think it's Jackson. I think there's management issues all across the nation, and I hope by bringing attention to this one that we can fix it so no other veterans have to endure the nightmare that they are going through in Jackson. The fact that Mr.Jenkins lost a friend, and thank you for your service as well, you lost a friend, a fellow employee and a veteran because of gross incompetence and people aren't in jail? I'd like to know everyone that was involved inthat. They should have been fired immediately.\r\nA full list of the two panels, as well as video exchange from Palazzo's participation, can be found below. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClick here or on the picture above for video from today's hearing.\r\n\r\nPanel 1\r\n Dr. Phyllis Hollenbeck, M.D., FAAFP, Former Physician of Family Medicine, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center\r\n Dr. Charles Sherwood, M.D., Former Chief of Ophthalmology, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center\r\n Erik Hearon, Maj. Gen. (Ret.), United States Air Force\r\n Mr. Charles Jenkins, President, American Federation of Government Employees, Local 589\r\nPanel 2\r\n Ms. Rica Lewis-Payton, Network Director of VISN-16, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center\r\n Accompanied By:\r\n Dr. Gregg Parker, M.D., Neurologist and Chief Medical Officer of VISN-16, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center\r\n Mr. Joe Battle, Director, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center\r\n###\r\n\r\nCongressman Steven Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and still actively serves with the Mississippi Army National Guard. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and also serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space on the House Science, Space & Technology Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c417be13-0071-4cea-871a-9909213470cf", "COCHRAN:  PROPOSED NEW REGS COULD JEOPARDIZE DIALYSIS TREATMENTS", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) is warning that proposed changes to Medicare reimbursement rates for end-stage renal disease care could jeopardize dialysis treatments for Mississippians, particularly in rural areas where access to care can be limited.\r\nCochran has asked Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to consider revising a proposed rule that would effectively undercut reimbursements to dialysis treatment centers throughout the country.\u00a0 CMS could soon finalize a proposed rule to update and revise the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system for 2014.\u00a0 The rule could result in a 9.4 percent reduction in payments to ESRD facilities, including the more than 70 certified ESRD facilities in Mississippi.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from dialysis patients in Mississippi who are worried the proposed reductions will affect their treatment, particularly their access to quality care,\u201d said Cochran, a member of the Senate Diabetes Caucus.\r\n\u201cDialysis treatments are vital for many people with diabetes and kidney-related illnesses.\u00a0 I hope the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will agree to a more reasonable rule that is fiscally responsible but also fair to dialysis providers,\u201d he said.\r\n\u00a0The proposed ESRD payment reductions would result in CMS reimbursing most dialysis providers less than the cost of the services they provide.\u00a0 The average Medicare margin for a dialysis facility is currently about 4 percent, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which also recommended that reimbursement rates be held constant.\r\n\u201cI request that you consider revising the proposed rule to ensure that funding levels are sufficient to cover the cost of providing life-sustaining treatment to Medicare beneficiaries and to maintain access to quality dialysis care in communities across the country,\u201d Cochran wrote Travenner.\r\nBecause the Medicare ESRD program currently provides coverage to more than 80 percent of Americans living with ESRD who require dialysis services, Cochran warned that if the proposed rule is finalized \u201cproviders will be forced to take steps to reduce costs, which could reduce faculty staffing and limit patients\u2019 flexibility to receive their dialysis treatments.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn some cases, facility closures could occur, which would significantly reduce patient access to care, particularly in rural communities where access is already a concern.\u00a0 These cuts would likely have a detrimental impact on dialysis clinics throughout Mississippi and affect many patients receiving dialysis treatment in my state,\u201d Cochran wrote.\r\nCochran, who is the lead Republican cosponsor of the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2013 (S.323), is among 76 Senators who recently wrote in support of continued investment in the Special Diabetes Program, an initiative focused on improving diabetes treatment, prevention and research.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0CMS ESRD Website: http://go.cms.gov/HPOqCP  \u2022\u00a0Mississippi ESRD Facilities: http://1.usa.gov/17TFuIT  \u2022\u00a0Mississippi State Department of Health Directory of Health Facilities: http://1.usa.gov/1cUQWFR\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221132323/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/its-yours-so-keep-it", "It's yours. So keep it.", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "It's yours. So keep it.                     U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.)                      \n              Nov 12, 2013      \t\t  Issues: Health Care      \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Good morning--\nWe\u2019ve all heard it: \u201cIf you like your plan, you can keep it.\u201d Time and again, you were promised by the Obama administration that if you like your health coverage, you could continue the plan.\nBut with each news cycle, the president\u2019s anecdotal promises are falling flat. Just how bad is it? So bad that the president had to apologize for misleading the American public.\nI accept this apology. And if the president is sincere, he\u2019ll accept the \u201cKeep Your Health Plan Act\u201d \u2013 a bill that the House is expected to pass this week.\nI\u2019m an original cosponsor of this bill, which simply says that insurance plans currently available in the individual market can be offered again next year. That\u2019s it. It\u2019s your health care. So keep it.\nAlso, I\u2019d like to hear how ObamaCare is impacting you and your family. I encourage you to share your story by visiting my Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/GreggHarper.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=13097410-6810-409a-940a-4e5fdc7f8c58", "COCHRAN JOINS TRIBUTE TO WATER VALLEY VETERAN", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WATER VALLEY, Miss. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today paid tribute to a Mississippi veteran who waited more than four decades to receive Purple Heart honors he earned while serving in Vietnam.\r\nAt a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4100, Cochran expressed his gratitude for the service of all veterans and joined in a tribute to James Brown of Water Valley.\u00a0 Brown was wounded in 1970 during combat action in Vietnam as a Specialist 4th Class in the Army 1st Calvary Division, but was never awarded the Purple Heart medal.\r\n\u201cWe appreciate the service and sacrifices made by all our veterans.\u00a0 We understand that the freedoms we enjoy come with a price and cannot be taken for granted,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cWe are all very pleased that Mr. James Brown is receiving the Purple Heart he earned more than 40 years ago.\u00a0 His valor in combat in Vietnam serves as testimony to us and to future generations of Americans of his commitment to defend our country, even at the risk of his own life,\u201d said the Senator, whose office helped secure service-connected benefits for Brown earlier this year.\r\nThe Purple Heart was initially created by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit.\u00a0 The medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who has been wounded, killed, or has died after being wounded.\r\nCochran, a U.S. Navy veteran, reiterated his belief that the nation must meet its obligations to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces.\r\n\u201cToday, the new generation of all-volunteer veterans returning from more than a decade of sustained combat operations reminds us of our indebtedness to all our veterans and their families.\u00a0 We must continue to meet those commitments.\u00a0 It will keep our nation strong,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4f946c05-3c7f-497d-8b80-46f0f33b5fe9", "COCHRAN ISSUES 2013 VETERANS DAY STATEMENT", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), a U.S. Navy veteran, today issued the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day 2013:\r\n\u201cVeterans Day 2013 gives us an opportunity to set aside our day-to-day worries and celebrate the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.\u00a0 It is a national day of recognition and gratitude for those who have bravely served and fought to defend the freedoms that make the United States a beacon of liberty to the world.\r\n\u201cI am heartened each year by the pride that Mississippians have for our Armed Forces, and their appreciation for the sacrifices made by loved ones on behalf of our nation.\u00a0 The ceremonies, parades and programs taking place this year will reflect the admiration we share for our veterans.\u00a0 It is gratifying to see the deep respect that the people of my state have for those who have served, from the first Mississippians who took up arms to defend this land to those currently deployed around the world.\r\n\u201cToday, the new generation of all-volunteer veterans returning from more than a decade of sustained combat operations reminds us of our sacred obligations to all our veterans and their families. We must dedicate ourselves to meeting those commitments.\u00a0 Doing so will make us a stronger nation.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI appreciate that on Veterans Day the world will witness an American people united in its appreciation of the men and women who have served and fought for our republic.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=8dfe7810-6331-4403-b44d-982cd0999ed7", "COCHRAN COSPONSORS HUNTING, FISHING & RECREATIONAL SHOOTING PROTECTION ACT", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced his renewed support for legislation to ensure that traditional ammunition used for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting remains protected against from stricter federal regulations.\r\nCochran is cosponsoring the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S.1505), a measure introduced in response to calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations barring the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle. These items have a long-standing exemption from regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).\u00a0 S.1505 would confirm and clarify the regulatory exemptions already granted to traditional hunting ammunition and fishing tackle.\r\n\u201cI don\u2019t see a need for the Environmental Protection Agency to develop costly, new regulations that would force ammunition and fishing gear manufacturers to completely alter how they do business.\u00a0 Such federal regulations would make hunting and fishing more expensive and compromise successful conservation programs\u2014all without any scientific evidence that traditional ammunition poses an environmental threat,\u201d said Cochran, who cosponsored similar legislation in the 112th Congress.\r\nThe EPA has been petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity, a leading anti-hunting organization, and other groups to issue nationwide regulations to ban the manufacture or use of traditional ammunition and fishing tackle containing lead components.\r\nThe legislation, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, would amend TSCA to exclude from the definition of \u201cchemical substance\u201d any firearm, ammunition and sport fishing equipment components that are subject to federal excise tax.\u00a0 The measure would affirm the existing policy of allowing state agencies, such as state fish and game agencies, to set regulations for ammunition and tackle.\r\nS.1505 was introduced by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\u00a0 This bill is supported by the National Rifle Association, Safari Club, Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Foundation, Wildlife Forever and other hunting and fishing groups.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7043557f-5535-43c6-a8fa-7b1394816abd", "COCHRAN & WICKER:  ARMY DELAYING USM ROTC CLOSURE FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 A U.S. Army decision to delay the termination of the U.S. Army ROTC program at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) was met with praise today by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who this week sent correspondence to the Army regarding ongoing concerns with the closure plan.\r\nThe Office of the Secretary of the Army on Wednesday notified Cochran and Wicker of the decision to delay for at least 24 months any action to close the Army ROTC program at USM.\u00a0 All programs targeted by the Army will be put on probationary status during the delay.\r\n\u201cAn examination of the Army\u2019s rationale for closing the Southern Miss ROTC program made it clear that more analysis is needed.\u00a0 Two years will give the Army plenty of time to more carefully consider the successful history of the Southern Miss program,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI am grateful to Secretary McHugh for this decision, and salute Dr. Bennett and Governor Bryant for their work to preserve this ROTC program.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am pleased with the Army\u2019s decision to delay the closing of the ROTC program at USM,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cIt is unfortunate that we even need to discuss this issue given USM\u2019s long-standing importance to our nation\u2019s fighting forces. This delay represents just the first step in our fight to protect USM\u2019s proud ROTC tradition. I join Senator Cochran in congratulating Gov. Bryant, Dr. Bennett, and LTC Worley on their efforts to help save the program.\u201d\r\nThe Mississippi Senators, along with Representative Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), this week wrote John M. McHugh, Secretary of the Army, to request that top Pentagon officials meet with USM President Dr. Rodney Bennett to discuss the methodology used to determine which ROTC units would be closed.\u00a0 The lawmakers also asked that the Army provide them with responses to Bennett\u2019s questions.\u00a0 The correspondence was the latest action taken by the lawmakers to have the Army justify targeting its ROTC program at USM.\r\n\u201cSince 1951, USM has produced more than 1,500 diverse and superbly-qualified Army officers for service to our nation, sixteen of whom have achieved flag rank,\u201d the lawmakers wrote McHugh.\u00a0 \u201cGiven the significant contributions the graduates of this program have made to the Army, we are convinced that terminating USM\u2019s Army ROTC program would be a disservice to the state of Mississippi and our nation.\u201d\r\nCochran is vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 Wicker is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nIn early October, the Army announced that 13 of 273 Reserve Officer Training Corps programs would be closed by the end of the 2014-15 academic year.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ad6c43fa-a667-4cea-9211-8de3e796761e", "SENATE CONFIRMS DEBRA BROWN TO BE U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE", "2013-11-04", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Audio of Cochran & Wicker floor statements is available below.)\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed Debra M. Brown of Jackson to be a U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi following recommendations from U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\r\nBrown, who will fill the seat held by the late District Court Judge Allen Pepper, was confirmed on a 90-0 vote.\u00a0 The Yazoo City native will become the first African American female federal district judge in Mississippi, and one of two female district court judges in the state.\r\nPrior to Monday\u2019s vote, Cochran and Wicker spoke on the Senate floor to recommend confirmation of Brown, who was nominated for the judicial position on May 16, 2013.\r\n\u201cI am confident Debra Brown will serve with distinction as a United States district court judge in Mississippi. Her personal background, educational accomplishments, and legal experience should serve her well as she assumes this important position,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Senate vote is recognition of her qualifications to serve as a member of the federal judiciary.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am thrilled and honored to be part of this historic moment for Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cMs. Brown is a proven trailblazer. Our country needs judges who have a record of professional excellence, integrity, and public service.\u00a0 I am confident her service will be good for our nation, our state, and especially good for the city of Greenville, where she will preside. Having a judge who is also an architect would be particularly serendipitous for Greenville, as the federal courthouse there is woefully inadequate and in desperate need of a new state-of-the-art courthouse.\u201d\r\nCochran and Wicker introduced Brown and recommended her approval at the July 10 Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on her nomination.\u00a0 The committee approved her nomination in August on a unanimous voice vote.\r\nBrown, a shareholder the Wise Carter Child & Caraway law firm in Jackson, earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Mississippi State University in 1987 and a law degree in 1997 from the University of Mississippi School of Law.\u00a0 Prior to joining Wise Carter Child & Caraway in January 2012, she was a partner with the Phelps Dunbar law firm in Jackson.\r\nBrown is a member of the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, as well as a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, the Magnolia Bar Association and the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association where she has served also as president.\u00a0 She is also a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation.\r\nThe 2004 recipient of the Jackson Young Lawyers Outstanding Service Award, Brown was also recognized in 2008 by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi\u2019s Leading Business Women.\u00a0 She has also been involved in civic and charitable organizations.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381088", "Palazzo Introduces Legislation Limiting Terms for Members of Congress", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Introduces Legislation Limiting Terms for Members of Congress \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 31, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4), this week introduced legislation that would set limits on the number of years Members of Congress can serve to no more than twelve years.Palazzo released the following statement:  Our founding fathers that made up the first Congress were citizen servants who lived among the people they served, by the laws they created. When you look at recent attempts to exempt Congress from ObamaCare, it is obvious that much has changed. The plan I'm proposing today is a responsible measure that would ensure lawmakers' time is limited so that they are forced once again to return home to live by the laws they create. Palazzo's plan would amend the U.S. Constitution to limit members of the U.S. House of Representatives to six terms and members of the U.S. Senate to two terms. Palazzo is also a cosponsor of the End Pensions in Congress Act, and has called for other Members of Congress to join him in giving up their congressional pensions once they leave office.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5ea98c9a-d661-4c8a-a414-4cb22aff5c5c", "SENATORS FIGHT TO PROTECT FARMERS & HUNTERS FROM BURDENSOME REGS", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), John Boozman (R-AR), Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) today introduced the Farmer and Hunter Protection Act to prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) from unfairly penalizing farmers and sportsmen for rolling their fields during hunting season.\r\nDuring the summer of 2012, weather conditions in the Southeast caused some harvested rice fields to re-head, creating accidental second growth crops. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may now view these second growth crops that have been rolled as baited fields, even though this practice was recommended by local cooperative extension services as a way to return nutrients to the soil. Inadvertent baiting of a field can level a fine of up to $100,000 for a farmer, $15,000 for a hunter, and prohibit hunting on the land.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s inexcusable that the Fish and Wildlife Service may force our farmers and hunters to pay a fine for a long-standing agricultural practice,\u201d Pryor said. \u201cThis irresponsible action would not only harm our families\u2019 way of life, it would negatively impact hunting season\u2014which is a huge driver of economic activity in Arkansas. Our common-sense bill will resolve this issue and ensure the rights of Arkansans are protected.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis is a common, recommended agriculture practice Arkansas farmers have followed for generations. Threatening to penalize our farmers for this normal procedure is bad policy that will have a lasting impact on the industry in addition to the sportsmen who use the land. Allowing state cooperative extension offices the ability to determine what is acceptable is a commonsense solution,\u201d Boozman said.\r\n\u201cThis is an example of a regulatory process gone wrong.\u00a0 Farmers and hunters, who follow recommended land management practices, should not be subjected to unfair and costly penalties,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cSportsman\u2019s Paradise is not just a slogan on our license plates; it\u2019s a way of life in Louisiana. By unfairly fining farmers and hunters for tried and true techniques, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services would make sportsmen, hunters, and farmers the next endangered species. As someone who enjoys hunting, I know how important the hunting season is in Louisiana. The last thing our hunters and farmers need is senseless and ridiculous regulations ahead of this year\u2019s hunting season,\u201d said Landrieu.\r\nThe Farmer and Hunter Protection Act (S.1634) would allow each state\u2019s cooperative extension service to distinguish between normal agriculture practices and baiting.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e835a380-a4f3-42c0-adc6-aeeb9e40da73", "COCHRAN ENCOURAGED BY NAVY PLAN TO MOVE SEABEE PERSONNEL TO GULFPORT", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said he is encouraged by the U.S. Navy\u2019s plan to move Seabee personnel to the Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport within a year.\r\nThe Navy has informed Cochran, the vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriation Subcommittee, of its intent to transfer Seabee personnel to Gulfport.\u00a0 The permanent duty station change requests would involve a total of 31 officer and enlisted billets, with an estimated $2.65 million annual payroll.\r\n\u201cThe Seabee Center at Gulfport, with its excellent record of service, is benefitting from the Navy\u2019s effort to consolidate its operations.\u00a0 I\u2019m encouraged that Mississippi will continue to host a strong Seabee presence as the Navy works to improve its operations in an era of constrained budgets,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe Navy notices involve the transfer of two officer billets and 17 enlisted billets from the SEVENTH Naval Construction Regiment to Gulfport, as well as one officer billet and another 11 enlisted billets from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion TWENTY SEVEN.\u00a0 The personnel moves would be effective Oct. 1, 2014.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221132353/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/whatever", "\"Whatever.\"", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\"Whatever.\"                     U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.)                      \n              Oct 30, 2013      \t\t  Issues: Health Care      \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Hello--\nThe cabinet secretary in charge of the Obama administration's signature health law admitted to some of the law\u2019s shortfalls today.\nBut when I asked Secretary Kathleen Sebelius if the president is ultimately responsible for ObamaCare\u2019s failures, she answered, \"Whatever.\"\nWatch the conversation here: http://bit.ly/1cqYmAz\nWhatever? The millions of folks being kicked off of their health insurance plans deserve better than whatever. And they deserve answers to the president's anecdotal promises that are falling flat with each news cycle.\nThis is not about politics. This is not about a website. This is about a multi-year, multi-billion dollar broken promise.\nMississippians and our country deserve transparency from a White House that is unwilling to accept responsibility for its faults. Whatever is unacceptable.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d764b798-cb7f-4f0e-be18-ea74cb779a66", "MISS. SENATORS ASK HHS TO RECONSIDER HOME HEALTH CARE CUTS", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) have raised concerns that the use of incomplete information may result in a 14 percent cut to home health services for seniors over the next four years.\r\nCochran and Wicker are among a bipartisan majority of Senators who recently asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use more accurate cost calculations to redraft a proposed rule regarding Medicare home health reimbursements.\u00a0 Fifty-one Senators signed a letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner that outlines their concerns about the draft regulation.\r\nCMS has proposed a draft rule regarding the 2014 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS) that would cut Medicare home health funding by 14 percent over four years, or a 3.5 percent annually between 2014 to 2017.\u00a0 The Senators assert that the home health payment rebasing calculations could limit access to home health services, especially in rural and underserved areas.\r\n\u201cThe number of Mississippians who benefit from home health services continues to grow.\u00a0 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should not rush into implementing a flawed rule that could jeopardize the care for these vulnerable senior citizens,\u201d Cochran said.  \u00a0  \u201cHome health services are essential to patients in rural states like Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cArbitrarily cutting these critical services could drive many patients, particularly seniors, out of their homes and into more costly medical settings.\u201d\r\nThe Senators ask CMS to consider using more current sources of data and analysis to more accurately reflect home health agencies\u2019 costs per episode of care, rather than relying on 2011-era cost reporting data.\u00a0 The Senators are concerned that the draft rule fails to fully account for home health agencies\u2019 costs associated with telehealth technologies, Health Information Technology, regulatory compliance, as well as hospital-based agencies\u2019 overhead expenses.\r\n\u201cWe are committed to ensuring fair and accurate payment for Medicare services, as well as access to care for people in their homes.\u00a0 That is why we urge you to consider additional data to more accurately reflect the full cost of care borne by home health agencies in determining rebasing,\u201d the Senators wrote Tavenner.\r\n\u201cIf finalized in its current form, the HHPPS proposed rule would raise serious concern about access to care for vulnerable seniors, especially in rural and underserved areas,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cWe firmly believe in ensuring the accuracy of all Medicare reimbursement.\u00a0 However, we are concerned that the proposed rule may fall short of this goal due to its reliance on incomplete data and analysis that results in the under-counting of home health agencies\u2019 costs per episode of care, and an inappropriately high rebasing adjustment.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f301fa86-8d27-474b-9efe-8338271202b2", "COCHRAN:  REACH FARM BILL AGREEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today asserted that a new farm bill is an opportunity for the Congress to demonstrate that lawmakers can work together on issues that affect the lives of Americans every day.\r\nCochran, ranking member on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, on Wednesday helped begin the House-Senate conference tasked with negotiating a final agreement on a new, five-year farm bill.\u00a0 The conference committee meeting opened formal negotiations between the House and Senate to update agriculture, nutrition, conservation and rural development policies. Congress last passed a farm bill in 2008.\r\n\u201cFarm bills always reflect the times in which they are drafted,\u201d Cochran said in his opening remarks.\u00a0 \u201cMembers of the Senate and the House believe that the farm bill can help reduce costs which will strengthen the federal budget situation.\u00a0 Both bills recommend significant, although different, levels of savings.\u00a0 We have an opportunity to demonstrate to the American people that their government can achieve savings, and at the same time, meet the agricultural, nutrition and conservation needs of the country.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe time to complete our work has come.\u00a0 The farm bill expired on September 30th, so it is important that we reach a consensus and craft a conference report that will pass both the House and the Senate as soon as possible,\u201d he said.\r\nCochran acknowledged the differences between the farm bill legislation that passed the Senate and House this year, but stressed the need to resolve those disagreements.\r\n\u201cAs we complete our work on the final agreement for all 12 titles of the farm bill, we should keep in mind all of those who rely on the programs contained in this legislation,\u201d said Cochran.\r\n\u201cThe agriculture community and our economy need the certainty that a five-year farm bill provides.\u00a0 The programs included in the farm bill affect real people every day:\u00a0 farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, as well as millions of children, mothers, and fathers will all be influenced by the decisions we make,\u201d he said.\r\nThe drive to complete a farm bill as soon as possible intensified with the expiration of a short-term extension of 2008 farm bill policies on Sept. 30.\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CRS Comparison Report on Senate and House farm bills: http://1.usa.gov/1anlb6w\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nPrepared Remarks  U.S. SENATOR THAD COCHRAN (R-Miss.)  Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry\r\nHouse-Senate Conference Committee on the  The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (HR.2642)  October 30, 2013\r\nMr. Chairman, let me begin by commending the members of the Senate and the House for having completed the consideration of these bills.\u00a0 The prospects for passage of the legislation are within reach.\u00a0 All members of the conference and all members of the Agriculture Committees of the House and the Senate deserve our sincere congratulations for this accomplishment.\r\nThe time to complete our work has come.\u00a0 The farm bill expired on September 30th, so it is important that we reach a consensus and craft a conference report that will pass both the House and the Senate as soon as possible.\r\nOver the past two years, much has been made of the differences in the Senate and House bills:\r\nIn the Commodity Title, the question has been how to deal with the variety of crops produced in different regions and provide a real safety net for all of our nation\u2019s farmers when prices decline.\r\nIn the Nutrition Title, we need to ensure that waste, fraud and abuse reforms are given the serious attention they deserve while at the same time providing an appropriate safety net for the families affected by economic hardship.\u00a0 There is no reason we cannot make commonsense reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while still providing assistance to families in need.\r\nThe conference committee also has to decide how to handle several provisions that help cut through bureaucratic red tape and lighten the regulatory burdens that many farmers and ranchers face.\u00a0 The House included a number of these provisions, while the Senate did not.\r\nDespite these differences, our bills are similar in many ways.\u00a0 The Conservation Title, for example, is substantially the same in both the House and Senate bills.\u00a0 We\u2019ve protected programs that work well to ensure the good health of our nation\u2019s land and waters, including the Conservation Reserve Program, the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.\r\nFarm bills always reflect the times in which they are drafted.\u00a0 Members of the Senate and the House believe that the farm bill can help reduce costs which will strengthen the federal budget situation.\u00a0 Both bills recommend significant, although different, levels of savings.\u00a0 We have an opportunity to demonstrate to the American people that their government can achieve savings, and at the same time, meet the agricultural, nutrition and conservation needs of the country.\r\nCrop insurance has become an increasingly large part of the safety net for producers.\u00a0 Both bodies have worked to ensure that they provide effective risk management tools are provided.\u00a0 As we consider a final version of the Crop Insurance Title, I\u2019m sure that we\u2019ll be reminded of the many similarities between the Senate and House bills, and resolve our differences.\u00a0\r\nAs we complete our work on the final agreement for all 12 titles of the farm bill, we should keep in mind all of those who rely on the programs contained in this legislation.\u00a0 Inaction on our part will result in more problems like those recently witnessed when the Livestock Indemnity Program was not available to help when disaster struck cattle producers in states like Nebraska and the Dakotas.\r\nThe agriculture community and our economy need the certainty that a five-year farm bill provides.\u00a0 The programs included in the farm bill affect real people every day:\u00a0 farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, as well as millions of children, mothers, and fathers will all be influenced by the decisions we make.\r\nNow is the time to act to complete work on this legislation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356923", "Palazzo Hosts Second Annual Youth Leadership Summit", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), will host his second annual Youth Leadership Summit for high school juniors and seniors on Tuesday, November 5th, on the Hattiesburg campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.\r\nI want to recognize and encourage South Mississippi students who exhibit strong leadership qualities in their schools and communities, Palazzo stated. These students are the future of our state and our nation, and it is my hope that they will come away from this summit with the tools they need to continue serving their communities.\r\nConfirmed guest speakers include:\r\n Fred Haise, Apollo 13 astronaut \r\n Randy G. Pierce, Associate Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court \r\n Hannah Roberts, 2013 Miss University of Southern Mississippi\r\n Sarah Thomas, candidate to become the National Football League's first woman to serve as a permanent official\r\nHigh schools throughout Mississippi's fourth congressional district will select juniors and seniors to participate based on academic performance, community service, and extracurricular activities, as well as the ability to overcome adversity. This year's Summit will also feature a college fair to connect students with local colleges and universities, with participation from The University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, Jones County Junior College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Pearl River Community College.\r\nThe summit will take place on Tuesday, November 5th, from 8 AM to 2 PM at the Thad Cochran Center, 118 College Drive, USM Hattiesburg Campus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357048", "Palazzo Says Flood Insurance Bill Addresses Affordability Issues, Flawed FEMA Regulations", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4), today joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators in introducing the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. The bill contains a four-year delay to changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), halting implementation of rate increases under the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 until 2 years after FEMA completes the affordability study originally mandated under the law. The newly released legislation would also require the agency to address a host of issues that have arisen from FEMA's selective implementation of measures under BW12. \nPalazzo released the following statement: \nThis legislation is the product of continuing bipartisan, bicameral efforts to address unintended consequences of BW12 and keep flood insurance affordable and available for residents in South Mississippi and flood-prone areas across the nation. Premiums were never supposed to change until after FEMA conducted affordability studies, took time to review the findings, and adjusted regulations accordingly. FEMA's selective implementation of regulations, as well as questions surrounding changing flood maps, have created a nightmare for many facing increasing flood insurance rates. This proposal would provide the oversight, clarification, and time FEMA needs to right this wrong and provide some peace of mind for NFIP policyholders.\nSpecifically, the legislation:\n \n    Imposes a delay likely to total four years for the most vulnerable properties, by delaying implementation of rate increases until two years after FEMA completes an affordability study, which was mandated in Biggert-Waters but not undertaken. FEMA has estimated it will take 2 years to complete the affordability study. It would then take up to an additional 2 years for FEMA to submit an affordability framework to Congress and for Congress to review the framework. This means rate increases would be delayed for 4 years in total. The delay applies to: primary, non-repetitive loss residences that are currently grandfathered; all properties sold after July 6, 2012; and all properties that purchased a new policy after July 6, 2012\n    Requires FEMA to propose an affordability framework that addresses the identified affordability issues within 18 months after the completion of the study and provides 6 months for Congressional review\n    Allows FEMA to utilize National Flood Insurance Funds to reimburse policyholders who successfully appeal a map determination\n    Eliminates the 50 percent cap on state and local contributions to levee construction and reconstruction\n    Protects the so-called basement exception, which allows the lowest proofed opening in a home to be used for determining flood insurance rates\n    Establishes a Flood Insurance Rate Map Advocate within FEMA to answer current and prospective policyholder questions about the flood mapping process\n    Requires FEMA to certify that the agency has fully adopted a modernized risk-based approach to analyzing flood risk.\n \nIn March, Palazzo first introducedlegislationthat would provide immediate relief for rising flood insurance rates while keeping the National Flood Insurance Program solvent for future disasters.The package would freeze all rate hikes for one year and slow the growth of rate increases to flood insurance policies over the next ten years.It would also offer flood mitigation tax credits of up to $5,000 for homeowners and small businesses, as well as grant funding to NFIP policy holders who mitigate against future flood risk.He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Home Protection Caucus which he helped form earlier this year, and was instrumental in passing a House one-year delay for changing flood insurance rates in June 2013 by a vote of 281-146. He also hosted FEMA Associate Administrator David Miller in South Mississippi in August 2013, to show firsthand the effects of rate increases on homeowners and communities that built back to code following Hurricane Katrina.\nOriginal Cosponsors of the House legislation include: Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY); Maxine Waters (D-CA); Cedric Richmond (D-LA); Pete Olson (R-TX); Steven Palazzo (R-MS); Patrick Murphy (D-FL); Bill Cassidy (R-LA); Doris Matsui (D-CA); Kevin Cramer (R-ND); William Keating (D-MA); Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL);Corrine Brown (D-FL); RubnHinojosa (D-TX); Gregory Meeks (D-NY); Mike McIntyre (D-NC); Jerrold Nadler (D-NY); Richard Nugent (R-FL); Bobby Scott (D-VA); Jim Langevin (D-RI); Joseph Crowley (D-NY); Gwen Moore (D-WI); Glenn Thompson (R-PA); Walter Jones (R- NC); Peter Welch (D- VT)\nWilliam Enyart (D- IL); Frank LoBiondo (R- NJ); Stephen Lynch (D-MA); John Carney (D-DL); John Culberson (R-TX); Kathy Castor (D-FL); Joe Garcia (D-FL); Lois Frankel (D-FL); Nydia Velazquez (D-NY); Jan Schakowsky (D-IL); Peter King (R-NY); Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ); Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); Frederica Wilson (D-FL); Filemon Vela; (D- TX); Rodney Davis (R-IL); John Tierney (D-MA); Ed Perlmutter (D  CO); Keith Ellison (D-MN); Ted Deutch (D-FL); Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL); Jerry McNerney (D-CA); Charles Boustany (D-LA); William Lacy Clay (D-MO); Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO); Steve Scalise (R LA); Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY); John Garamendi (D-CA) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX).\nA companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA). \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=fac831e1-9202-4cfb-b142-1c6cfa661f37", "COCHRAN PLAYS KEY ROLE IN BIPARTISAN BILL TO DELAY FLOOD INSURANCE HIKES", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said he will work to win bipartisan support for legislation he helped write to protect Mississippi homeowners and businesses from exorbitantly expensive flood insurance premium hikes.  \u00a0  Cochran worked primarily with a bipartisan group of eight Senators\u2014four Republicans and four Democrats\u2014led Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to develop the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (S.1610).\u00a0 The bill introduced Tuesday would forestall rate increases until FEMA\u2019s mapping methods are certified as technically sound, and until the affordability study is completed.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from people from the Gulf Coast to the Delta to the Tenn-Tom who are justifiably alarmed by the prospect of unaffordable flood insurance leaving them unprotected or, worse, driving them off their property,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI support the long-term flood insurance reforms that Congress enacted last year.\u00a0 However, before implementing policies that could drive people out of homes and harm local economies, we need to make absolutely sure the methods being used to calculate risk are technically sound,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThis legislation represents a responsible, limited approach to address the unintended problems created in implementing well-intentioned flood insurance program reforms.\u00a0 These high rates could actually force homeowners out of the program and jeopardize all of the reforms we\u2019ve made to improve its solvency.\u201d\r\nFEMA implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 has resulted in property owners across the country being notified that the price of their National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies will increase dramatically.\u00a0 This legislation passed the Senate without opportunity for amendment as part of a larger package that included the Highway Bill and Gulf Coast RESTORE Act.\r\nIn addition to demanding completion of an affordability study, the bill would require FEMA to certify that it has implemented a flood mapping approach that relies on sound scientific and engineering methodologies to determine varying levels of flood risk in all areas with NFIP participation.\u00a0 FEMA must also propose a draft affordability framework for congressional review.\u00a0 The bill sets a 24-month deadline for FEMA to take these actions and could delay rate hikes until affordability regulations authorized by Congress are finalized.\r\nFEMA is currently revising its mapping methodologies through a process called Levee Analysis and Mapping Procedures.\u00a0 FEMA began this reform in March 2011 after a coalition led by Cochran questioned the validity and credibility of the agency\u2019s \u201cwithout levees\u201d mapping procedure.\u00a0 A March 2013 study by the National Academies of Science called into question the technical validity of some of FEMA\u2019s current mapping practices.\r\n\u201cThis is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that is a product of negotiations and compromise, and probably the best chance we have for hitting the pause button before the more harmful effects of Biggert-Waters can take effect,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI hope we can continue to improve the bill.\u201d\r\nAdditional bill authors include Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Alaska), and David Vitter (R-La.).\r\nA section-by-section summary of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=22d3f160-6355-4d48-96fa-c12f8824a846", "COCHRAN, WICKER COSPONSOR BILL TO DELAY OBAMACARE MANDATE", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today cosponsored legislation to delay the health insurance individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) until the insurance exchanges are certified as fully functional.\r\nThe Mississippi Senators are original cosponsors of the Delay Until Fully Functional Act, introduced Monday by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\u00a0 The bill would ensure that American citizens are not penalized for being unable to enroll using the faulty American Health Benefit Exchanges.  \u00a0   Under the PPACA or \u201cObamacare,\u201d the individual mandate requires uninsured Americans to purchase healthcare insurance by Dec. 15 or face a penalty tax.\u00a0 Since its launch on Oct. 1, the federal healthcare.gov website has been largely unworkable and actually crashed over the weekend.\r\n\u201cThis legislation acknowledges what the Obama administration will not admit\u2014that its insurance exchange websites, developed at great expense to taxpayers, are an unworkable mess.\u00a0 Mississippians should not be taxed for being unable to use dysfunctional websites,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cThe difficulties that Americans are facing with the Obamacare website highlight the rampant problems associated with the health-care law,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cPeople in Mississippi should not be penalized because of the Administration\u2019s failed rollout of the online health-care exchanges. It is not fair or right to force Americans to enroll in a broken system.\u201d\r\nThe legislation would delay the individual mandate and require that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) study the exchange websites and report to Congress within 30 days.\u00a0 If the exchanges are not found to be fully functional, the GAO would conduct subsequent studies and report every 60 days until the Comptroller General determines that the exchanges are fully functional.\u00a0 At that point, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) inspector general would be required to certify the results of the GAO report.\u00a0 The individual mandate could be reinstated six months after the HHS inspector general certification.\r\nFreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform and the National Taxpayers Union have endorsed this legislation, which is also sponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).\r\nA companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Trey Radel (R-Fla.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221145601/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/its-true", "It's true", "2013-10-27", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Hello--\nCongress has to figure out a way to overcome physician shortages and reach underserved patients.\nThe answer to this problem isn\u2019t some far-reaching law like ObamaCare, which saddles families and businesses with new tax increases and mandates.\nInstead, we should begin by strengthening Medicare and enhancing Medicaid through expanded telemedicine coverage. This is why I introduced a bill this week to help connect health professionals with vulnerable patients through telehealth networks.\nI\u2019ve said it before: Telemedicine works. It extends care to patients. It serves our aging population. But most importantly, it\u2019s about fairness. And access to care shouldn\u2019t be limited based on where folks choose to live.\nMy goal is to build on existing reforms that states like Mississippi have pioneered. Along the way, I hope to help states lower their health costs by encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and reducing avoidable hospital visits.\nHere\u2019s where I need your help. We\u2019ve experienced the benefits of telemedicine in Mississippi. But your friends across the country need to know how these health networks help improve care and cut costs. Will you please consider forwarding this message to three friends?\nWith your help, we can make a difference. And with this bill, we can demonstrate that real health reforms don\u2019t require an over-reaching, trillion-dollar law.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356136", "Palazzo Welcomes SpaceX to South Mississippi", "2013-10-23", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Welcomes SpaceX to South Mississippi \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 23, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04) released the following statement today after the announcement of an agreement between NASA Stennis Space Center and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to bring testing of SpaceX's Raptor engine to the facility.\r\nI am pleased to see the continued growth of commercial space programs at Stennis with the addition of SpaceX engine testing. As the world's premier rocket testing facility, Stennis will provide SpaceX with matchless capabilities for testing their new Raptor engines. As a long-time advocate for bringing increased commercial space activities to Stennis, I know that SpaceX will be a welcome addition to South Mississippi. The Gulf Coast aerospace corridor is open for business and continues to bolster U.S. leadership in space.\r\nThe State of Mississippi, with support from the Mississippi Development Authority and the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, reached an agreement with SpaceX to expand testing capabilities at NASA Stennis Space Center. Improvements to the E-2 test-stand infrastructure will allow new testing to begin in early 2014.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131103082739/http://harper.house.gov:80/press-release/bipartisan-telehealth-bill-introduced", "Bipartisan Telehealth Bill Introduced", "2013-10-23", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Legislation to strengthen Medicare and enhance Medicaid through expanded telemedicine coverage has been introduced by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers.\nThe \u201cTelehealth Enhancement Act of 2013,\u201d authored by U.S. Reps. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), builds on existing payment innovations. This proposal is the result of a months-long drafting process involving patients, providers, and other industry stakeholders, the bill sponsors say.\n\u201cThese efforts began with a conversation about physician shortages and concerns with patients\u2019 access to quality and affordable health care,\u201d the authors said in a letter urging their colleagues to cosponsor the bill. \u201cUntil we are able to attract more physicians to rural communities and tighten the access gap, the next best alternative is to use technology to connect health professionals with underserved populations \u2013 rural and urban \u2013 through telehealth networks.\u201d\nAmong other reforms, the bill adjusts Medicare home health payments to account for remote patient monitoring and expands coverage to all critical access and sole community hospitals, regardless of metropolitan status. The package also covers home-based video services for hospice care, home dialysis, and homebound beneficiaries.\n\tUnder the bill, states will also have the option of setting up high-risk pregnancy networks within their Medicaid programs. This model centers on the success of state programs, notably Arkansas ANGELS, to use telehealth for the coordination and improvement of at-risk births and neonatal care.\n\u201cOur aim is to complement states that are pioneering telemedicine across the country,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cWe hope to help states lower health costs by encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles as well as reducing avoidable hospital visits.\u201d\nMany trade associations have signaled support for the legislation, including the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).\n\u201cStudies have shown that telehealth can improve access, reduce costs and improve the quality of healthcare,\u201d said Jonathan Linkous, chief executive officer of the ATA. \u201cTo unlock this potential, we need to give health providers the ability to use this technology where ever appropriate.\u00a0ATA supports this legislation because it takes a sensible approach to move aside government restrictions and allow patients access to health services wherever they are located.\u00a0Instead of going to the doctor, it allows the doctor to go to the patient.\u201d\nThe bill, H.R. 3306, has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Ways and Means.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=da0d793d-b2ec-4407-8b21-361505db2815", "COCHRAN:  SPACE-X DECISION BODES WELL FOR JOB GROWTH IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI", "2013-10-23", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the agreement signed today between the State of Mississippi and the commercial space company SpaceX bodes well for future job growth at and around NASA\u2019s John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County.\r\nCochran commended the accord which will involve SpaceX investing in the E-2 test stand at Stennis to support engine research, development and testing of the firm\u2019s Raptor methane rocket engines.\u00a0 The agreement, signed by Governor Phil Bryant, also involved the Mississippi Development Authority, Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission and NASA.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe have been talking with SpaceX for many years about working at Stennis Space Center, and I am pleased to officially welcome them to our Mississippi family.\u00a0 I hope this is just the beginning of their endeavors in our state,\u201d Cochran said. \u201cOur state wins through this beneficial public-private contract that will enhance the Space Center\u2019s historic role in rocket engine testing and as a center for technical activity and skilled jobs.\u201d\r\n\u201cI appreciate all the good work put into reaching this agreement, including the efforts of Governor Bryant, the Mississippi Development Authority and local leaders in South Mississippi.\u00a0 It is proof that we have a team in place that helps make Mississippi a great place to do business,\u201d he said.\r\nAs a long standing member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Cochran has worked hard to ensure that Stennis Space Center has the assets necessary to support both government and private-sector missions.\u00a0 In recent years, Cochran has supported appropriations measures to upgrade aging Stennis infrastructure, including resources for the E-complex that SpaceX will be further outfitting for methane rocket experiments.\r\nIn addition to his work on the E-complex, Cochran authored a FY2012 appropriations provision requiring NASA to examine and report on the condition and necessity of the massive B-2 test stand, which is used by NASA for large rocket engine systems tests.\u00a0 That report elicited a NASA decision to request $12 million in FY2012 appropriations to initiate the rehabilitation and reuse of the existing B-2 test stand to support the NASA Space Launch System (SLS) program.\u00a0 The NASA report also identified a need for further upgrades to the B-2 stand and led to Cochran successfully securing $168 million in FY2013 funding to keep the B-2 test stand upgrade on schedule for the development of SLS.\r\nCochran was also closely involved in crafting the 2010 NASA Reauthorization Act, through which Congress directed the commencement of the SLS program to replace the Space Shuttle program.\r\n\u201cA robust test infrastructure is important to ensuring future astronauts will be as safe as possible when they climb aboard the next generation of rockets,\u201d Cochran said. \u201cStronger testing saves money in the long run, and there\u2019s no better place in the world to test rocket engines than Hancock County, Mississippi.\u201d\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Mississippi Development Authority: http://www.mississippi.org/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Stennis Space Center:\u00a0 http://1.usa.gov/19s4DaD   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 SpaceX:\u00a0 http://www.spacex.com/   \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 March 2012 Cochran statement on Stennis: http://1.usa.gov/1bUoO15\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221151145/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/non-functioning-government-bad-business", "Non-Functioning Government is Bad for Business", "2013-10-18", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Hello--\nOn Wednesday, the House and Senate voted on a bill to end the government shutdown and preserve the full faith and credit of the United States of America. I supported that effort.\nOur country could not afford to default on our obligations. The business and financial services communities agreed, and they supported passage of the bill. I\u2019m including a letter of support from 251 pro-business organizations including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Farm Bureau, the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Federation of Independent Business.\nWe have much work left to do, and I remain committed to reducing spending and the debt. My vote on Wednesday was part of an effort to keep the government running and our obligations met while we continue that work.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress\nOctober 17, 2013\nThe Honorable Gregg Harper  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives  \n\tWashington, DC\u00a0 20515\n\tDear Congressman Harper:\n\tThe undersigned 251 organizations thank the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate for passing a Continuing Resolution to resume normal funding of the federal government into the next fiscal year and for raising the federal debt limit to avoid default and preserve the full faith and credit standing of the United States government.\n\tFor well-known reasons the Congress was unable to use this opportunity to address related pressing issues.\u00a0 Among these most especially is the need to restrain federal spending, both discretionary spending and mandatory spending, thereby reducing federal budget deficits and containing the growth of federal debt in the near-term and for the long haul.\n\tEntitlement spending remains the main driver of current and future deficits and high debt levels and must be addressed. \u00a0Today we spend $1.6 trillion on just three of the nation\u2019s entitlement programs \u2013 Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. \u00a0In 10 years, the total price for these programs will soar to $3 trillion.\u00a0 As our earlier communications affirmed: Congress cannot continue \u201ckicking the can down the road.\u201d\n\tFortunately, while passing the Continuing Resolution the Senate requested a conference with the House on the budget resolution, and the House has already responded positively with the appointment of conferees. \u00a0Such a conference, representing a welcome return to the regular order budget process, offers an opportunity to resolve funding for the balance of fiscal year 2014, amend the sequester as appropriate, address the debt limit on a more long-term basis, and pursue substantive entitlement reforms to continue the process of restoring fiscal discipline. \u00a0We urge the conferees and the Congress to take this opportunity for corrective action to address the unaffordable path of entitlement spending, to stabilize federal finances and to undertake fundamental tax reform to strengthen the American economy.\n\tAgain, we thank you for your vote and encourage you to keep moving forward most immediately through the work of the budget conference.\u00a0 \u00a0In this we are encouraged in that the conference co-chairs, Paul Ryan (R-WI) of the House Budget Committee and Patty Murray (D-WA) of the Senate Budget Committee, are committed to fiscal discipline and a successful, bipartisan budget conference.\n\tSincerely,\n\tAeronautical Repair Station Association  \n\tAgricultural Retailers Association  \n\tAir Conditioning Contractors of America  \n\tAir-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute  \n\tAirlines for America  \n\tAirports Council International - North America  \n\tAmerican Apparel & Footwear Association  \n\tAmerican Beverage Association  \n\tAmerican Coatings Association  \n\tAmerican Concrete Pressure Pipe Association  \n\tAmerican Council of Engineering Companies  \n\tAmerican Farm Bureau Federation  \n\tAmerican Forest & Paper Association  \n\tAmerican Gas Association  \n\tAmerican Hotel & Lodging Association  \n\tAmerican Insurance Association  \n\tAmerican International Automobile Dealers Association  \n\tAmerican Iron and Steel Institute  \n\tAmerican Land Title Association  \n\tAmerican Rental Association  \n\tAmerican Road & Transportation Builders Association  \n\tAmerican Supply Association  \n\tAmerican Trucking Associations  \n\tAMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology  \n\tArizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry  \n\tArizona Small Business Association  \n\tArkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas  \n\tArlington Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tAssociated Equipment Distributors  \n\tAssociated General Contractors of America  \n\tAssociated Oregon Industries  \n\tAssociation Forum of Chicagoland \u2013 IL  \n\tAssociation of Equipment Manufacturers  \n\tAssociation of Home Appliance Manufacturers  \n\tAssociation of Washington Business  \n\tAurora Regional Chamber of Commerce \u2013 IL  \n\tAustin Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tAustin Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tAutomotive Aftermarket Industry Association  \n\tBaltimore Washington Corridor Chamber \u2013 MD  \n\tBarrow County Chamber of Commerce \u2013 GA  \n\tBatavia Chamber of Commerce \u2013 IL  \n\tBismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce \u2013 ND  \n\tBrainerd Lakes Chamber \u2013 MN  \n\tBuckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AZ  \n\tBuffalo Niagara Partnership \u2013 NY  \n\tBuilding Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International  \n\tBusiness Council of Alabama  \n\tBusiness Roundtable  \n\tCabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NC  \n\tCalifornia Chamber of Commerce  \n\tCalifornia Manufacturers & Technology Association  \n\tCarolinas Food Industry Council  \n\tCarpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tCarson Valley Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NV  \n\tCentral LA Chamber of Commerce \u2013 LA  \n\tChamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County \u2013 AL  \n\tChamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley \u2013 WV  \n\tChamber Southwest Louisiana  \n\tChambers of Commerce Alliance of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties \u2013 CA  \n\tCharleston Metro Chamber of Commerce \u2013 SC  \n\tChicago Southland Chamber of Commerce - IL  \n\tChicagoland Chamber of Commerce \u2013 IL  \n\tConnecticut Business & Industry Association  \n\tConstruction Financial Management Association (CFMA)  \n\tConstruction Industry Round Table  \n\tConsumer Bankers Association  \n\tCorn Refiners Association  \n\tCushing Chamber of Commerce & Industry \u2013 OK  \n\tDakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MN  \n\tDallas Regional Chamber \u2013 TX  \n\tDayton Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 OH  \n\tDC Chamber of Commerce  \n\tDelaware State Chamber of Commerce  \n\tDenver Metro Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CO  \n\tDestination Marketing Association International  \n\tEdison Electric Institute  \n\tElectronics Representatives Association  \n\tErie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership \u2013 PA  \n\tFairfax County Chamber of Commerce \u2013 VA  \n\tFairmont Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MN  \n\tFall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. \u2013 MA  \n\tFashion Accessories Shippers Association  \n\tFinancial Services Forum  \n\tFlorida Chamber of Commerce  \n\tFort Madison Partners \u2013 IA  \n\tFremont Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tFullerton Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tGateway Regional Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NJ  \n\tGeorgia Chamber of Commerce  \n\tGreater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NM  \n\tGreater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tGreater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tGreater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce \u2013 FL  \n\tGreater Des Moines Partnership \u2013 IA  \n\tGreater Durham Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NC  \n\tGreater El Paso Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tGreater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce \u2013 FL  \n\tGreater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association \u2013 IA  \n\tGreater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tGreater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce \u2013 PA & NJ  \n\tGreater North Dakota Chamber  \n\tGreater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce \u2013 IL  \n\tGreater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AZ  \n\tGreater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AZ  \n\tGreater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NC  \n\tGreater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry \u2013 PA  \n\tGreater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce \u2013 LA  \n\tGreater Spokane Incorporated \u2013 WA  \n\tGreater Topeka Chamber of Commerce \u2013 KS  \n\tGuitar & Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA)  \n\tHanover Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 PA  \n\tHarrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC \u2013 PA  \n\tHilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce \u2013 SC  \n\tHudson County Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NJ  \n\tIllinois Manufacturers' Association  \n\tIndependent Electrical Contractors (IEC)  \n\tIndustrial Packaging Alliance of North America  \n\tIndustrial Supply Association  \n\tInternational Dairy Foods Association  \n\tInternational Foodservice Distributors Association  \n\tInternational Franchise Association  \n\tInternational Housewares Association  \n\tInternational Warehouse Logistics Association  \n\tInvestment Company Institute  \n\tIowa Association of Business and Industry  \n\tJoliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry \u2013 IL  \n\tJunction City Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 KS  \n\tKalispell Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MT  \n\tKansas Grain and Feed Association  \n\tKentucky Chamber of Commerce  \n\tKingsport Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TN  \n\tLincoln Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NE  \n\tLittle Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AR  \n\tLongview Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tLos Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tLubbock Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tManagement Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS)  \n\tManhattan Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NY  \n\tManufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation  \n\tMarana Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AZ  \n\tMarshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 IA  \n\tMaryland Chamber of Commerce  \n\tMaui Chamber of Commerce \u2013 HI  \n\tMetal Powder Industries Federation  \n\tMetro South Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MA  \n\tMetroHartford Alliance \u2013 CT  \n\tMetroWest Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MA  \n\tMinneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MN  \n\tMissouri Association of Manufacturers  \n\tMissouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry  \n\tMobile Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AL  \n\tMontana Chamber of Commerce  \n\tMonterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tMonticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry \u2013 MN  \n\tMotor & Equipment Manufacturers Association  \n\tNaperville Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 IL  \n\tNational Asphalt Pavement Association  \n\tNational Association of Chemical Distributors  \n\tNational Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders  \n\tNational Association of Manufacturers  \n\tNational Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts  \n\tNational Association of Trailer Manufacturers  \n\tNational Association of Wholesaler-Distributors  \n\tNational Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA)  \n\tNational Black Chamber of Commerce\u00ae  \n\tNational Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)  \n\tNational Electrical Manufacturers Association  \n\tNational Federation of Independent Business  \n\tNational Grocers Association  \n\tNational Marine Distributors Association (NMDA)  \n\tNational Marine Manufacturers Association  \n\tNational Parking Association  \n\tNational Restaurant Association  \n\tNational Retail Federation  \n\tNational Roofing Contractors Association  \n\tNational Society of Professional Surveyors  \n\tNational Stone, Sand & Gravel Association  \n\tNational Utility Contractors Association  \n\tNebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry  \n\tNew Jersey State Chamber of Commerce  \n\tNew Orleans Chamber of Commerce \u2013 LA  \n\tNon-Ferrous Founders\u2019 Society  \n\tNorth American Equipment Dealers Association  \n\tNorth Carolina Chamber  \n\tNorth Carolina Retail Merchants Association  \n\tNorth Star Consulting Group  \n\tNortheast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association  \n\tNorthern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce  \n\tNorthern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce  \n\tNorthumberland County Chamber of Commerce \u2013 VA  \n\tNorthwest Food Processors Association  \n\tNuclear Energy Institute  \n\tOhio Chamber of Commerce  \n\tOrange County Business Council \u2013 CA  \n\tOrlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) \u2013 FL  \n\tOutdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association (OPEESA)  \n\tOutdoor Power Equipment Institute  \n\tOverland Park Chamber of Commerce \u2013 KS  \n\tOxnard Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tPalm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tPasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association \u2013 CA  \n\tPennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry  \n\tPetroleum Marketers Association of America  \n\tPort Hueneme Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tPortland Cement Association  \n\tPrince William Chamber of Commerce \u2013 VA  \n\tRetail Industry Leaders Association  \n\tRochester Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MN  \n\tRogers \u2013 Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AR  \n\tSalt Lake Chamber \u2013 UT  \n\tSan Antonio Chamber of Commerce \u2013 TX  \n\tSanta Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tSchuylkill Chamber of Commerce \u2013 PA  \n\tSecondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART)  \n\tSecurities Industry and Financial Markets Association  \n\tSierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AZ  \n\tSmugglers' Notch Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 VT  \n\tSociety of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA)  \n\tSouth Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tSouth Carolina Retail Association  \n\tSpringfield Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MO  \n\tSt. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 MN  \n\tSt. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce \u2013 LA  \n\tSummit Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CO  \n\tTacoma-Pierce County Chamber \u2013 WA  \n\tTennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry  \n\tThe Aluminum Association  \n\tThe Association for Hose & Accessories Distribution  \n\tThe Business Council of New York State, Inc.  \n\tThe Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City-Jonesborough-Washington County (TN)  \n\tThe Council of Industry of Southeastern New York  \n\tThe Ohio Manufacturers' Association  \n\tThe Real Estate Roundtable  \n\tTompkins County Chamber of Commerce \u2013 NY  \n\tTorrance Area Chamber of Commerce \u2013 CA  \n\tTravel Goods Association  \n\tTucson Metro Chamber \u2013 AZ  \n\tTulsa Regional Chamber \u2013 OK  \n\tU.S. Chamber of Commerce  \n\tU.S. Travel Association  \n\tUnited States Telecom Association  \n\tValley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA) \u2013 CA  \n\tVan Buren Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AR  \n\tVirginia Chamber of Commerce  \n\tWashington Retail Association  \n\tWest Virginia Manufacturers Association  \n\tWindow and Door Manufacturers Association  \n\tWisconsin Grocers Association  \n\tWoodworking Machinery Industry Association  \n\tYuma County Chamber of Commerce \u2013 AZ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1421fb1b-71ab-407a-9cca-b2764a67f692", "COCHRAN & WICKER: USDA MUST EXPLAIN LOAN PROGRAM DISRUPTION", "2013-10-18", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today challenged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to explain recent ill-timed decisions regarding marketing assistance loans that are creating financial uncertainty and hardships for farmers and businesses, including what will amount to a one-month delay in processing loans.\r\nCochran, along with 13 other Senators, wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that requests explanations for the Sept. 30 decision to apply a 5.1 percent sequester on marketing assistance loans made after Oct. 1, which could result in price reductions for peanut and cotton yields.\u00a0 The letter also asks the USDA to explain the rationale behind the timing of the loan processing delay.  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0   \u201cMarketing assistance loans represent a financial tool used by our peanut and cotton producers to market their crops and maintain stable farm operations.\u00a0 Secretary Vilsack should explain why it USDA has disrupted the use of these assets during harvest season and, ideally, take corrective actions,\u201d said Cochran, who spearheaded the letter.\r\n\u201cChanging the rules in the middle of the game is unfair to our nation\u2019s food producers, particularly during harvest season,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cWith so many uncertainties, the farm industry depends on careful planning. USDA\u2019s unfair decision to abruptly cut and delay these loans could have a significant impact on Mississippi farmers, businesses, and consumers.\u201d\r\nThe 14-day loan processing delay to allow for software updates was scheduled to begin Oct. 1 but was further delayed during the 16-day partial government shutdown.\u00a0 The USDA indicated during the shutdown that the 14-day software upgrade would commence when the government reopened.\r\n\u00a0\u201cThe decision to apply sequestration and delay loan processing just as harvest across much of the Sunbelt is gearing up is particularly damaging because it was made without warning,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cThis means growers, marketing cooperatives, private merchandizing firms, and agribusinesses were unable to make alternative plans to mitigate the financial hardship imposed by the decisions.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe call to your attention our constituents\u2019 concerns about the lack of details and transparency in the USDA\u2019s last-minute announcement.\u00a0 Most notable is the fact that the news release did not specify whether loan redemptions would also be impacted by sequestration.\u00a0 This will have a direct bearing on how growers, marketing cooperatives, private merchandizing firms, and agribusinesses adjust their current and future marketing strategy,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\nIn addition to Cochran and Wicker, the letter was signed by Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), ranking member on the Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management, John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), and David Vitter (R-La.).\r\nA copy of the letter to Vilsack is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=703:thompson-calls-for-congress-to-set-good-example&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Calls for Congress to Set Good Example", "2013-10-17", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355805", "Palazzo Statement on Vote Against Senate Debt Ceiling / Funding Resolution", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Statement on Vote Against Senate Debt Ceiling / Funding Resolution \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 16, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), released the following statement today after voting against a Senate-led bill to raise the debt ceiling.\r\n\r\nI am disappointed that we missed what may have been our last real opportunity to defund or delay Obamacare before its full implementation. I stood with the people of Mississippi and voted against the so-called Senate deal because it does nothing to fix Obamacare, does nothing to reduce spending, and does nothing to get our country back on the right fiscal track. The Senate deal only punts the tough decisions yet again, something I find unacceptable for the future of our nation. My colleagues and I will continue to fight to ensure a better country for our children and grandchildren.\r\nThe Senate-led bill would raise the US government's debt limit until February 7th and fund the government through January 15th with the requirement of a bipartisan budget committee to issue longer term recommendations by mid-December and includes no language to defund or delay any provisions of the Affordable Care Act.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221131754/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/harper-votes-end-shutdown-prevent-government-defaulting-debts", "Harper Votes To End Shutdown, Prevent Government From Defaulting On Debts", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement regarding his vote to end the government shutdown and protect the full faith and credit of the United States:\n\t\"While I am not satisfied with the agreement passed by the Senate and House, I believe that it was in the best interest of the country to end the shutdown and ensure that our debts are paid. We could not risk default.\u00a0The people of Mississippi's Third Congressional District sent me to Washington to work for them, and part of my job is to help ensure a functioning government.\"\n\tThe bill that passed will fund the government through a continuing resolution until January 15, 2014. It will also extend the nation's borrowing authority through February 7, 2014. Harper added:\n\t\"Since the enactment of Obamacare, I have been committed to repealing, defunding and reforming the law, voting over 40 times to do just that. The bill passed tonight will help ensure income verification of those receiving subsidies under the healthcare exchanges. While it's not everything I wanted, I believe it's a step forward as we continue to chip away at the law.\"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n###\nGregg Harper is a third-term Republican lawmaker from Mississippi.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221152515/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/responsibility-govern", "A Responsibility to Govern", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Good evening,\n\tThe House voted tonight to end the 16-day-old government shutdown and\u00a0to protect the full faith and credit of the United States.\u00a0\n\tWhile I was not satisfied with the agreement that was reached, I believe that it was in the best interest of the country to end the shutdown and ensure that our debts are paid. We cannot default on our obligations. I would like to make a few points.\n\tThe bill passed by the Senate and House will fund the government through a continuing resolution (CR) until January\u00a015, 2014. It will also extend the nation's borrowing authority through February 7, 2014. The CR will fund the government at existing lower sequestration levels.\u00a0Keep in mind\u00a0that for the first time since the Korean War, we have reduced overall federal spending two years in a row.\u00a0The CR will require both chambers to appoint conferees to a budget committee, which hasn't happened in the\u00a0nearly five years I've been in Congress.\n\tIt is important to remember that an increase in the debt limit, or borrowing authority, is not an authorization for an increase in new\u00a0spending. It simply allows the treasury to pay debts already incurred. I firmly believe that future spending must be decreased.\n\tSince the enactment of ObamaCare, I have been committed to repealing, defunding and reforming the law, and I have voted over 40 times to do just that. The most recent of those votes came just before a shutdown of the federal government.\u00a0The bill passed tonight will help ensure income verification on those receiving subsidies under the healthcare exchanges. And while it's certainly not close to\u00a0everything I wanted, I believe it's a step forward as we continue to chip away at the law. I will remain vigilant in supporting efforts\u00a0that oppose\u00a0this train wreck known as ObamaCare.\n\tTonight, we put furloughed Department of Defense civilians who support our troops back to work and Veterans Home Administration loans to vets back on track; we gave stability to the financial markets and our\u00a0hometown bankers and small businesses; and we're staying on track to\u00a0reduce spending and peel back ObamaCare.\n\tThe people of Mississippi's Third Congressional District sent me to Washington to work for them, and part of my job is to help ensure a\u00a0functioning government and to honor our obligations.\u00a0Tonight, that's what I did.\nGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=048a7da9-621b-4e8e-9ded-64d714e89e6e", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON ENDING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, AVERTING DEFAULT", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Video link to Senator Cochran's Speech: http://bit.ly/198Hyt7\r\nAudio from Senator Cochran\u2019s Speech is Available Below\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said a bipartisan agreement to reopen the federal government and prevent risking the nation\u2019s credit worthiness should be followed with concrete steps toward \u201ca long-term agreement that will reduce our debt through structural changes to government spending.\u201d\r\nCochran, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered a speech to the Senate on Wednesday regarding legislation that would reopen the government and ensure the nation\u2019s immediate financial stability.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that we seem close to resolving the current impasse, and I hope that over the coming weeks we can devote ourselves to thoughtful and productive deliberations on the budget.\u00a0 It is important that we act to restore the confidence of the American people in the United States Senate.\u00a0 We must take real steps to strengthen our nation\u2019s fiscal foundation so that our economy can grow, and American families and businesses can prosper,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cIn getting past our current fiscal stalemates, I hope that we can next achieve a long-term agreement that we will reduce our debt through structural changes to government spending. As a part of that process, we must talk seriously about the President\u2019s health care law; its serious flaws and its impact on families and businesses.\u00a0 I have consistently opposed this law and one of my goals is seeing that it is repealed, delayed or made voluntary.\u00a0 Achieving that goal may take longer than we would prefer, because we are in the minority.\u00a0 But the law\u2019s declining popularity should give Senators from both parties reason to reevaluate it,\u201d he said.\r\nThe legislation would also require a Senate and House conference committee to finalize a FY2014 budget resolution by mid-December. The Congress has not produced a joint budget resolution since 2009.\u00a0\r\n\u201cNow we have given ourselves another opportunity to make broader budget reforms.\u00a0 It will be a benefit to the Legislative Branch and the people who elected us if we can establish a budget framework that will enable us to deal in a more transparent manner with all legislation, including appropriations bills and reform measures to simplify our tax code,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nThe following is the text of Senator Cochran\u2019s remarks:\r\nSTATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR THAD COCHRAN\r\nMr. President, I am optimistic that soon we will be able to enact legislation to reopen our government and affirm the world\u2019s long-standing confidence in our nation\u2019s financial stability and system of democracy.\u00a0 The current situation is an unfortunate byproduct of our sometimes discordant form of government, which at this time happens to be divided between the two parties.\r\nDespite the challenges of recent weeks, I hope this experience demonstrates to the Senate, to the other body, and to the Administration that the nation is best served when we work together.\u00a0 If we allow our current hardships to pass on only to immediately entrench and get ready for the next crisis, we will be wasting an opportunity to extract a positive outcome from these last, difficult weeks.\u00a0\r\nUnder the Rules of the Senate, individual Senators are provided with significant power to shape the activity of this body.\u00a0 That\u2019s the way the Senate was designed to operate, and it has served this body and the country well.\u00a0 Recognizing that the rights entrusted to each of us can be powerful, we must be judicious in their application.\u00a0 We must always remember that each of us was elected by the people.\u00a0 If we work in cooperation, and even opposition, with a sense of realism and respect for ourselves and our institution, I believe this body can function effectively.\r\nIn getting past our current fiscal stalemates, I hope that we can next achieve a long-term agreement that we will reduce our debt through structural changes to government spending.\r\nAs a part of that process, we must talk seriously about the President\u2019s health care law; its serious flaws and its impact on families and businesses.\u00a0 I have consistently opposed this law and one of my goals is seeing that it is repealed, delayed or made voluntary.\u00a0 Achieving that goal may take longer than we would prefer, because we are in the minority.\u00a0 But the law\u2019s declining popularity should give Senators from both parties reason to reevaluate it.\r\nAs part of a sustainable budget plan, I hope we can reach a long-term agreement on a Farm Bill to provide producers and consumers with certainty, and to preserve the security Americans enjoy by our ability to generate independently food and fiber for ourselves and for the world.\u00a0 The Farm Bill this body adopted earlier this year would help accomplish those goals and save 23 billion dollars over the next five years.\r\nIf we can achieve a responsible budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2014 and beyond, I am confident the Appropriations Committee can produce bipartisan bills to fund the government in a responsible manner.\u00a0 I hope all members have begun to recognize that our inability to act on individual appropriations bills has reduced each senator\u2019s opportunity to help shape federal programs, and has eliminated a principal means of overseeing the Executive Branch.\u00a0\r\nThe Appropriations Committee has long been able to produce bills that reflect input from all members with disparate views, reflecting their different needs and their different priorities.\u00a0 The Committee has continued to do so since passage of the Budget Control Act, which will have the effect of cutting\u2014reducing spending\u2014by more than $2 trillion from discretionary accounts over the next 10 years.\u00a0 It is the only significant deficit reduction legislation enacted in recent memory.\u00a0 I supported that Act, as did a majority of Senators on both sides of the aisle.\r\nNow we have given ourselves another opportunity to make broader budget reforms.\u00a0 It will be a benefit to the Legislative Branch and the people who elected us if we can establish a budget framework that will enable us to deal in a more transparent manner with all legislation, including appropriations bills and reform measures to simplify our tax code.\r\nMr. President, I am pleased that we seem close to resolving the current impasse, and I hope that over the coming weeks we can devote ourselves to thoughtful and productive deliberations on the budget.\u00a0 It is important that we act to restore the confidence of the American people in the United States Senate.\u00a0 We must take real steps to strengthen our nation\u2019s fiscal foundation so that our economy can grow, and American families and businesses can prosper.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=49c61b14-c2aa-45eb-9168-4f4afb4a1fd1", "MISS. SENATORS UNEQUIVOCALLY OPPOSED TO U.N. ARMS TRADE TREATY", "2013-10-15", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today signed a letter to President Obama that states their unequivocal opposition to ratification of a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty that the Obama administration has signed.\r\nCochran and Wicker reiterated their disapproval of the Arms Trade Treaty with the letter, which states:\u00a0 \u201cAs members of the Senate, we pledge to oppose the ratification of this treaty, and we give notice that we do not regard the United States as bound to uphold its object and purpose.\u201d\r\nOn Sept. 25, Secretary of State John F. Kerry on behalf of President Obama signed onto the treaty, which is intended to regulate international arms sales.\u00a0 Cochran and Wicker have consistently opposed the proposed treaty because it does not sufficiently safeguard U.S. sovereignty, protect Second Amendment rights or exempt civilian firearms from its scope.\r\n\u201cThe signing of this treaty is another example of a post-election pivot by this administration.\u00a0 Fortunately, a majority of Senators are on record as being wary of any proposal from the United Nations that might infringe on their Constitutional right to bear arms. I am proud to be among them, and resolved to oppose ratification,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cThe Obama Administration\u2019s decision to sign the UN Arms Trade Treaty is a direct assault on the Second Amendment,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cThe treaty could be used as a backdoor approach to limit the rights of every American to keep and bear arms. I stand with the majority of Mississippians in opposing this affront to U.S. sovereignty.\u201d\r\nSigned by a bipartisan group of 50 Senators, the letter highlights six specific reasons the Senators cannot support ratification, among them the fact that vague criteria in the measure would \u201csteadily subject the United States to the influence of internationally-defined norms, a process that would impinge on our national sovereignty.\u00a0 We believe that treaties which allow foreign sources of authority to impose judgment or control upon the United States, as this one does, violate the right of the American people, under the Constitution, to freely govern themselves.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe urge you to notify the treaty depository that the U.S. does not intend to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty, and is therefore not bound by its obligations. As members of the Senate, we pledge to oppose the ratification of this treaty, and we give notice that we do not regard the U.S. as bound to uphold its object and purpose,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\nRatification of the treaty will require an affirmative two-thirds vote from the Senate, or at least 67 votes.\u00a0 In March, Wicker and Cochran were among 53 Senators who voted for an amendment to a budget resolution that expressed opposition to the United States entering into the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty.\u00a0\r\nThe letter was spearheaded by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.).\u00a0 In addition to Cochran and Wicker, it was signed by Senators: Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Jeffrey Chiesa (R-N.J.), Daniel Coats (R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Ind.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), and David Vitter (R-La.).\r\nA copy of the signed letter to President Obama is available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9764af42-ba7d-47f2-8e83-9185a7057382", "COCHRAN, WICKER SUPPORT SUSPENDING FLOOD INSURANCE RATE HIKES", "2013-10-11", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today joined a bipartisan push to provide immediate relief from the soaring flood insurance rate hikes that threaten to make flood protection unaffordable for thousands of Mississippi homeowners and businesses.\r\nCochran and Wicker are among 24 Senators who are asking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to support delaying aspects of the Bigger-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act that are resulting in unaffordable flood insurance premiums.\u00a0 The Senators sent a letter that urges the Senate leaders to use any viable legislation as a vehicle for passing provisions to suspend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rate hikes.  \u00a0  \u201cIt is reasonable to stop and give the FEMA, Congress and the public time to assess more carefully whether this is truly the best policy for our economy,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cSome of the reforms passed last year are necessary to ensure the long term viability of the National Flood Insurance Program.\u00a0 However, the manner in which those reforms are being implemented is alienating the very people the program is intended to help and may actually make the program less solvent in the long run.\u00a0 The new insurance rates penalizes citizens, who have followed the rules, and places the heaviest burden on those who are just now recovering from recent disasters.\u201d\r\n\u201cReform of the National Flood Insurance Program is an absolute necessity for the many Mississippians who depend on it,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cAdjustment of premiums that accurately reflect the risk of flooding faced by insured properties is central to the effort.\u00a0 However, rate increases that are literally unaffordable in some cases will end up doing net harm to the program, policyholders, and taxpayers when at-risk homes and businesses go without coverage.\u00a0 A brief delay to study the effects of premium increases and look for less harmful approaches is entirely appropriate.\u201d\r\nA temporary delay, the Senators wrote, would also allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete an affordability study that was required in the 2012 flood insurance reform law.\u00a0 FEMA only recently embarked on this study.\u00a0 Additionally, a March 2013 study by the National Academies of Science (NAS) raised serious questions about the validity of the technologies and methodologies FEMA is currently using to assess risk.\r\n\u201cAlthough these homeowners and businesses built to code and played by the rules, their premiums could go from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars because of the rate reforms included in Biggert-Waters.\u00a0 While we continue to work together for a comprehensive and fiscally responsible legislative solution, it is imperative that we provide immediate rate relief for impacted policyholders, and we request the inclusion of these provisions in any viable legislative vehicle that may be available,\u201d the letter states.\r\nThe Senate Appropriations Committee, on which Cochran serves, approved provisions in the FY2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill that would prohibit FEMA from using funds in the bill to implement the most harmful flood insurance premium section of the 2012 reform law. The House of Representatives approved the same prohibition in its version of that bill.\r\nAmong the other Senators who also signed the letter are Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and David Vitter (R-La.).\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Letter to Reid & McConnell is available below.  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 2013 NAS Study, \u201cLevees and the National Flood Insurance Program, Improving Policies and Practices:\u201d http://bit.ly/17utC90\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d570f86a-8bf6-4a46-a688-6d3ab05eafb8", "COCHRAN READY FOR FARM BILL CONFERENCE TALKS", "2013-10-11", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, today asserted his readiness to engage in negotiations to finalize a new, five-year farm bill.\r\nCochran welcomed a vote in the House of Representatives on Friday authorizing a conference committee with the Senate to reconcile differences in Senate- and House-passed versions of a 2013 farm bill\u2014legislation that sets agriculture, conservation and nutrition assistance policies for the country.\u00a0 The voice vote established a yet-to-be-named House delegation of 17 Republicans and 12 Democrats.\r\n\u201cThe table will be for us to work on a long-term farm bill that is equitable to all producers in all regions of the country.\u00a0 The task before us is urgent.\u00a0 I am ready and optimistic about working with our House counterparts to resolve significant differences and put in place policies that work well for the agriculture industry, American consumers and the economy,\u201d Cochran said.\r\n\u201cOur farmers and ranchers, and the small businesses that depend on the rural economy, need the certainty that we can provide by finishing the 2013 farm bill,\u201d he said.\r\nCochran will join Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) in leading the Senate conference delegation that includes seven Democrat and five Republican Senators (http://1.usa.gov/1fm3B4x).\u00a0\u00a0\r\nA short-term extension of 2008 farm bill policies expired Sept. 30, creating the need for conferees to work toward finalizing a new farm bill before the end of the year.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=99b4e1eb-2568-4e8b-8400-b4e95160765c", "COCHRAN COMMENDS KAREN P. STEWART OF TERRY, THE 2013 ANGEL IN ADOPTION HONOREE FOR MISSISSIPPI", "2013-10-08", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today congratulated Karen P. Stewart of Terry, who is being honored in Washington for her work to expand adoption services in Mississippi.\r\nStewart, who was nominated by Cochran as Mississippi\u2019s 2013 Angel in Adoption, is being honored this week as part of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute\u2019s annual \u201cAngels in Adoption\u201d program.\u00a0 Stewart is branch director for Bethany Christian Services of Mississippi. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker.\r\n\u201cI commend Mrs. Stewart for her dedication to a career that has had such a positive impact on so many lives.\u00a0 The Angels in Adoption program is recognizing her for her special ability to work with both expectant and adoptive parents to create an adoption plan that works best for each child,\u201d Cochran said.\r\nStewart has worked with Bethany Christian Services of Mississippi since 1987, serving in many roles including pregnancy counselor, adoption worker and director.\u00a0 She is certified master trainer in Infant Adoption Awareness Training.\u00a0 During her tenure with Bethany, more than 650 children have been placed in adoptive homes.\u00a0 Previously, Stewart\u2019s career included with Hinds County Human Services, as well as the Mississippi Department of Human Services, on cases involving children in foster care, including those awaiting adoption.\r\nThe Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on increasing awareness about children in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes, and on eliminating barriers to adoption. CCAI, which does not receive government funding, was established in 2001 as an outgrowth of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.\u00a0 Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker, along with Congressman Alan Nunnelee, are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption for the 113th Congress.\r\nIn late September, Cochran became an original cosponsor of The Adoption Information Act (S.1539), which would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare, distribute, and update annually pamphlets that list all the adoption centers in each state along with associated contact information.\u00a0 Family planning organizations that receive federal funding would be required to provide HHS with their plans to issue adoption promotion literature to all their clients.\r\nLINKS:  \u2022\u00a0Mississippi Department of Health/Adoption Information:\u00a0 http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/fcs_adoptall.html\u00a0\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Bethany Christian Services of Mississippi: http://www.bethany.org/\u00a0   \u2022\u00a0Angels in Adoption:\u00a0 http://www.angelsinadoption.org/   \u2022\u00a0Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute:\u00a0 http://www.ccainstitute.org\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/13", "13", "2013-10-05", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "harper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352529", "Palazzo Supports Back Pay for Federal Workers", "2013-10-05", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Supports Back Pay for Federal Workers \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 5, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Palazzo Supports Back Pay for Federal Workers\n\nWashington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04) today voted in favor of a House measure to provide retroactive pay for furloughed federal workers who are not currently receiving pay. He has also requested that his own paycheck be held until other federal employees receive compensation.\n\"Many federal workers continue to report for duty without the guarantee of a paycheck, and many others are furloughed through no fault of their own. I hope this bill provides some peace of mind for both furloughed and non-furloughed workers as the House continues its efforts to end the shutdown.\"\nThe Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 3223) would provide for compensation of federal employees currently furloughed due to the government shutdown. Palazzo has also written the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives requesting that his check be withheld until the lapse in appropriations ends. You can read the full letter here.\n\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352495", "Palazzo Votes for Vital FEMA Funding", "2013-10-04", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Votes for Vital FEMA Funding \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 4, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04), today supported a House bill that would fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 247-164.\r\nAs I work here in Washington to reopen essential government services, my thoughts and prayers are with my constituents in South Mississippi as Tropical Storm Karen heads towards the Gulf Coast. I will continue to support funding for vital services like FEMA, pay for our troops and veterans' benefits, nutrition assistance for low income women and children, and to keep our national parks open. I also look forward to supporting tomorrow's legislation to provide backpay for federal workers, many of whom are furloughed through no fault of their own.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352458", "Palazzo Supports National Park Funding, Welcomes White House WWII Memorial Reversal", "2013-10-02", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), today supported bills to reopen national parks and provide funding for the National Institutes of Health. Palazzo also welcomed a White House reversal on a policy that would have prevented World War II veterans with Honor Flights from accessing the World War II Memorial during the government closure.\nThe House will continue working to pass bills like these that fund vital functions on which most Americans can agree, Palazzo stated. I'm also glad to see that the Administration appears to be reversing course and granting access to Honor Flights visiting the World War II Memorial. Hundreds of World War II veterans have been eagerly awaiting assurance that they will be able to safely visit their Memorial. If ever there were a group that deserve access to their Memorial, it is these members of the Greatest Generation.\nThe Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight was the first Honor Flight group to travel to Washington following the midnight October 1st government shutdown. After making multiple inquiries to National Park Service officials, the Department of Interior, and the White House, Palazzo's office received responses indicating that barricades would be present and that no one would be allowed to access the park. When specifically pressed about the accessibility for Honor Flight groups, officials gave no assurances that any of the week's Honor Flights would be permitted access, instead stating that the barricade measures were the result of a shutdown. \nAfter park personnel on site at the Memorial Tuesday morning confirmed they would be unable to move barricades, Congressman Palazzo was joined by Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6), Congressman Richard Nugent (FL- 11), and Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-1) in clearing a path and leading the group of veterans down into the Memorial. Other Members of Congress were also on hand to escort veterans into the Memorial, including most of Mississippi's congressional delegation.\nAs of Wednesday morning, following further requests, the Obama Administration remained unable to provide assurances that additional Honor Flights would be granted access. A statement released Wednesday afternoon by a National Park Service spokeswoman appeared to grant access to other Honor Flight groups expected to travel to Washington later this week.\nA copy of the letter sent to President Obama is attached. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=702:thompson-calls-house-republicans-to-stop-granstanding-and-serve&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Calls House Republicans to Stop Granstanding and Serve", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221174423/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/shutdown", "Shutdown", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Hello--\nAt midnight, when the federal government shut down, it was Harry Reid\u2019s refusal to have a grownup conversation that cut the lights out on Americans.\nThe House of Representatives did its job. And we did it three times, passing reasonable budgets to keep the government\u2019s doors open.\nBut the Democratic-controlled Senate\u2019s denial of duty leaves families questioning if they\u2019ll have a paycheck to cover this month\u2019s bills.\nIt was never my mission to shut down the government. All I\u2019m asking for is fairness. And the president\u2019s refusal to talk with lawmakers that aren\u2019t in his political party isn\u2019t what Americans expect or deserve. It\u2019s just that simple.\nSo don\u2019t be fooled when the White House tells you that veterans will lose services and seniors may lose benefits. In fact, employees at veterans hospitals reported to work this morning and social security checks are scheduled to go out as planned. The truth is the only real interruption in government is a loss of trust.\nLike you, I\u2019m concerned about how this shutdown will impact Mississippians. This isn\u2019t about scoring political points. It\u2019s about principles. And I will always fight for our Mississippi values.\nI\u2019ll stay in touch as the House continues to work on getting the government back up and running and living within our means.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7850c063-7ced-45ce-b6f8-912eb1bd3f4e", "COCHRAN PRAISES WWII VETERANS\u2019 \u201cCALM, COOL & COLLECTED DEMEANOR\u201d IN SHUTDOWN CONFRONTATION", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today paid tribute to World War II veterans from Mississippi who overcame obstacles erected in Washington as part of the partial government shutdown and cautioned policy makers not to make the shutdown \u201cmore difficult than it has to be.\u201d\r\nIn a speech to the Senate, Cochran saluted an Honor Flight contingent of more than 90 veterans and volunteers who flew to Washington Tuesday to visit the national World War II Memorial and other sites.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the open-air memorial had been barricaded to prevent visitors during the shutdown, which began at midnight.\u00a0 Reaching the Memorial, the Magnolia State group went through the shutdown barriers in order to visit the memorial and lay a wreath at the memorial\u2019s \u201cMississippi\u201d column.\r\n\u201cI take this opportunity to thank the veterans from our state for their calm, cool, and collected demeanor during what could have been a frustrating experience,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI'm sure they will all receive a very warm welcome tonight when they return home to Gulfport.\"\r\n\u201cI\u2019m very pleased that the visit of these veterans to Washington was not ruined by the government shutdown, even though there were some obstacles.\u00a0 But I hope their experience reminds us\u2014federal agencies, members of Congress, others who live here in the nation\u2019s capital\u2014not to make this situation more difficult than it has to be,\u201d he said.\r\n\u201cI salute all veterans for their service to our nation and the access that they have achieved, even on a day where the agencies are \u2018closed.\u2019\u00a0 There are certain premises that should remain open and are available for visitation and visibility\u201d he said.\r\nPrior to the group\u2019s visit, Cochran\u2019s office reached out to the National Park Service to request that the Mississippi World War II veterans be given access to the memorial, and recommended that the agency revise its barricade policy to accommodate upcoming Honor Flight delegations from other states this week.\r\nAudio available below.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=700:thompson-statement-on-government-shutdown&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Statement on Government Shutdown", "2013-09-30", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=701:thompson-calls-for-end-to-legislation-to-nowhere&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Calls for End to \"Legislation to Nowhere\"", "2013-09-30", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351869", "Palazzo: \"No Justification for Shutting Out Our Veterans\"", "2013-09-30", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) today sent a letter to President Obama requesting that the Administration not restrict access to World War II veterans traveling to Washington as part of Honor Flight visits this week. The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed earlier today that in the event of a government closure, it would go to extra lengths to barricade the open-air monuments and memorials on the National Mall, including the World War II Memorial. Palazzo also released the following statement.\nI don't know if this is a political ploy or a bureaucratic oversight, but even in the event of a government closure, there is absolutely no justification for shutting out our veterans from their Memorial. This is an open-air memorial that the public has 24/7 access to under normal circumstances --- even when Park Service personnel aren't present. It actually requires more effort and expense to shut out these veterans from their Memorial than it would to simply let them through. My office has been in touch with NPS officials and the Administration to try to resolve this issue. Mississippi veterans are still planning to travel to Washington tomorrow to see their Memorial, and I still plan to be there to greet them. I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure these World War II veterans have access to their Memorial.\nDespite the National Park Service's plans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight still intends to bring more than 90 World War II veterans to Washington on Tuesday. The veterans range in age from 84 to 98, and for most this will be their only opportunity to visit their Memorial. In addition to the Mississippi flight, Honor Flights from ten other states are scheduled to visit the World War II Memorial this week.\n Palazzo observed the effects that shutting out veterans would have in his letter to President Obama, stating:\nIt would truly be devastating to our veterans that travel great lengths to share this experience with family and friends and see a piece of their own history.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351670", "Palazzo Committed to Keeping ObamaCare Off Backs of Struggling Families and Small Businesses", "2013-09-28", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), released the following statement in support of the latest House Republican continuing resolution plan to keep the government open while shielding Americans from ObamaCare.\r\nI remain committed to protecting the American people from this costly and controversial law while providing the necessary funding to keep the government open. If we fail to delay or defund ObamaCare, Americans will be forced to purchase health insurance or face government fines. And Mississippians face some of the highest premiums in the nation under ObamaCare. I cannot in good conscience stand idly by while this very bad law is placed on the backs of struggling families and small businesses. \r\nThe vote is expected to take place on Saturday on a package that funds the government through December 15th, provides continued funding for the Department of Defense and seniors who rely on Social Security, ensures payment for troops in the event of a government closure, repeals the medical device tax and prevents ObamaCare from going into effect for one year. The vote follows passage of a Senate measure that maintained current spending levels but stripped out House measures that would have defunded ObamaCare.\r\nThe House first took action to fund the government and defund ObamaCare on Friday, September 20th with passage of a continuing resolution measure by a vote of 230-189. The Senate response passed a week later on a partisan basis, funding the government through November 15th while stripping out the ObamaCare defunding measures. Saturday's vote will send the continuing resolution measure back to the Senate for consideration ahead of the October 1st deadline. \r\nPalazzo is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2682, the Defund ObamaCare Act, which was introduced by Representative Tom Graves and Senator Ted Cruz in July. He is also an original cosponsor of H.R. 3121, the American Health Care Reform Act, an ObamaCare replacement bill recently introduced by members of the conservative Republican Study Committee. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351626", "Palazzo Continues to Push for Flood Fix", "2013-09-27", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), today with a bipartisan group of 73 lawmakers sent a letter to House leadership requesting that a one-year delay to changes in flood insurance rates be added to upcoming legislation. Palazzo, along with Representatives Bill Cassidy (LA-6), Michael Grimm (NY-11), and Cedric Richmond (LA-2), championed a similar provision added to a FY14 Homeland Security Appropriations bill that passed earlier this year. That measure passed with the bipartisan support of 281 members of the House, but has yet to come before the full Senate for a vote.\nThe letter cited changes to flood insurance that have the potential to devastate home values, small businesses, and entire communities across the country. Specifically, the letter notes: \"In Mississippi and through no fault of their own, homeowners are facing foreclosures because of these rate increases, despite following the rules and building to code after Hurricane Katrina.\"\nFlood insurance rates for NFIP policyholders are expected to increase as early as October of this year due to changes enacted in the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 as well as changes to FEMA flood maps.As one of the founders of the Home Protection Caucus and its Vice Chair, Palazzo has also worked as part of a bipartisan, bicameral effort to address flood rate issues facing NFIP policyholders and communities across the nation. In March 2013, Palazzo introduced legislation that would enact rate changes in a more compassionate way and give policyholders more flexibility for lowering rates through mitigation activities. \nThe letter also states: \nDespite the efforts of the House, the U.S. Senate has, to date, failed to pass any measure shielding policyholders from catastrophic flood insurance rate increases. It is thus incumbent for the U.S. House of Representatives to once again lead and put forth a measure that will delay the implementation of steep rate increases. We urge on behalf of our constituents that the House-passed amendment included in the FY14 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, or a similar provision providing relief from the rapid and unanticipated flood insurance rate increases, be added to the forthcoming debt ceiling legislation in addition to any legislative vehicle used to complete the appropriations process for the 2014 fiscal year.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1a81abf9-4b6b-43aa-8e2f-f8c016b75523", "COCHRAN VOTES TO DEFUND OBAMACARE, PLEDGES CONTINUED FIGHT TO REPEAL UNPOPULAR LAW", "2013-09-27", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today stressed his continued opposition to President Obama\u2019s unpopular and troubled healthcare law, which was the subject of several Senate votes on a short-term funding bill to avoid a government shutdown.\r\nCochran voted for a procedural motion allowing the Senate to move forward on a House-passed funding measure that eliminates funding for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare.\u00a0 He also voted against the amendment sponsored by Majority Leader Harry Reid to restore funding to implement Obamacare and opposed final passage of the bill.\u00a0 The short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 15 now goes back to the House of Representatives.\r\nIn a statement entered into the Congressional Record,\u00a0Cochran noted his agreement with Mississippians, who strongly oppose the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI have voted to dismantle, defund, delay and reverse this law every chance I\u2019ve been given,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cI will continue to fight for our shared end goal\u2014to fully repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cAs the negative impacts of this law become more apparent, people in my state of Mississippi have expressed a great deal of concern about how the law is affecting their families and businesses.\u00a0 They have articulated a pronounced unease about the costs of the law, and the extent to which the federal government will be involved in their personal healthcare decisions.\u00a0 I share their concerns,\u201d he said.\r\nCochran explained his belief that a vote that would have likely led to a federal government shutdown would have setback the ultimate goal of overturning Obamacare.\r\n\u201cShutting down the government to show how much we dislike the law won\u2019t stop Obamacare.\u00a0 The mandates in Obamacare don\u2019t go away if we don\u2019t fund the rest of the government.\u00a0 Most of the funding to implement Obamacare does not depend on us passing this appropriations bill; that funding is mandatory spending that has already been provided in law,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0\r\n\u201cTo stop Obamacare we have to enact a law that does just that.\u00a0 That requires a sufficient number of votes in the House and in the Senate, and it requires either the President\u2019s signature or a veto-proof majority in both houses.\u00a0 Republicans don\u2019t currently have the votes in the Senate to pass such legislation. But more importantly, I don\u2019t think voting to stall the very language that we opponents of Obamacare wish to see enacted\u2014and risking a government shutdown as a result\u2014will get us closer to the goal of stopping Obamacare,\u201d he said.\r\nA copy of the full text of Cochran's Record statement is available below.\r\nMAKING CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 -- (Senate - September 27, 2013)\r\nMr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I have opposed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act since it was forced through a Democratic-controlled Congress without the support of a single Republican in the House or Senate. I have voted to dismantle, defund, delay and reverse this law every chance I have been given. I will continue to take every possible action that might be effective in achieving its repeal.\r\nAs the negative impacts of this law become more apparent, people in my State of Mississippi have expressed a great deal of concern about how the law is affecting their families and businesses. They have articulated a pronounced unease about the costs of the law, and the extent to which the Federal Government will be involved in their personal healthcare decisions. I share their concerns.\r\nMy constituents recognize that the law is not working as promised. The administration has delayed implementation of several of the law's key provisions. These special exceptions and exemptions are clear indications that the law is overly complex and ill-conceived.\r\nAs their representatives in Washington, we should respect the fact that the majority of Americans do not support this law, otherwise known as ``Obamacare.''\r\nI dislike Obamacare as much as any of my colleagues. I strongly support the provisions in this appropriations bill that would bring implementation of Obamacare to a halt. However, to now vote to stop that very bill in its tracks makes little sense to me.\r\nShutting down the government to show how much we dislike the law would not stop Obamacare. The mandates in Obamacare do not go away if we do not fund the rest of the government. Most of the funding to implement Obamacare does not depend on us passing this appropriations bill; that funding is mandatory spending that has already been provided in law.\r\nTo stop Obamacare we have to enact a law that does just that. That requires a sufficient number of votes in the House and in the Senate, and it requires either the President's signature or a veto-proof majority in both houses. I suspect that we do not currently have the votes in the Senate to pass such legislation. But more importantly, I do not think voting to stall the very language that we opponents of Obamacare wish to see enacted--and risking a government shutdown as a result--will get us closer to the goal of stopping Obamacare.\r\nI think a government shutdown might have the opposite effect. It will\u00a0 shift public and media focus away from the costly and damaging aspects of the health care law just as it is being fully implemented, and it will detract from the ability of the American people to clearly express their discontent about the law. It is only such expressions of discontent that will either change the minds of a sufficient number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, or send new representation to Washington to aid in the fight against Obamacare.\r\nIt is shortsighted for those of us who oppose the Obamacare law to take actions that would not reverse the law's potentially devastating impacts, and will likely damage our prospects of achieving that goal in the future. The stakes are too high.\r\nI will continue to fight for our shared end goal--to fully repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043320/http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=699:thompson-and-jackson-hinds-to-host-aca-enrollment-event-featuring-hhs-regional-director&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson and Jackson-Hinds to Host ACA Enrollment Event Featuring HHS Regional Director", "2013-09-24", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases\t \n\t \n\t\t\tThompson and Jackson-Hinds to Host ACA Enrollment Event Featuring HHS Regional Director\t\t \nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that he has partnered with the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center to host an Affordable Care Jubilee on October 4, 2013. The goal of the event is to educate and assist the constituency on enrollment in the marketplace and will feature Dr. Pamela Roshell, Regional Director of Health and Human Services.\nEach day, I strive to change the picture of health in Mississippi. Over 500,000 Mississippians between the ages of 18 and 64 are uninsured. We must take advantage of every opportunity to educate and enroll our population. I encourage Mississippians to come out on October 4thto learn more about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act and to enroll themselves and their families, said Thompson.\nBeginning October 1, 2013, consumers in all states will be able to choose new, affordable health insurance coverage through a new Health Insurance Marketplace through the Affordable Care Act. Mississippi will participate in a Federally- facilitated Marketplace.\nWhen:  \nOctober 4, 2013, 1:00PM  6:00PM CDT\nWhere:  \n  Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center  \n3502 West Northside Drive; Jackson, MS 39213\n\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=40ed6acf-c95f-4e51-997a-7c0b13e023f2", "SENATORS INTRODUCE ADOPTION INFORMATION ACT", "2013-09-24", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced today the introduction of legislation to ensure family planning service projects and programs effectively promote information about adoption. The Adoption Information Act (S.1539) would require federal grant recipients to provide assurances to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding their plan to issue adoption promotion literature.\r\nOriginal cosponsors of the Adoption Information Act include Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).  \u00a0  \u201cAdoption forever changes the lives of countless children in need of a good home and parents who feel the call to form or enrich a loving family,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cUnfortunately, many individuals utilizing family planning services do not receive adequate information about this important opportunity for birth and adoptive parents. It is critical that those seeking these services are informed of all options available to them. This legislation helps make sure the option of adoption is effectively promoted.\u201d   \u00a0  \u201cThis is an important initiative that will enhance knowledge of adoption for families looking to provide a permanent and loving home for a child,\u201d said Senator Inhofe. \u201cI am proud to work with Sen. Fischer and my colleagues to ensure continued improvements are made to further promote and enhance the adoption process.\u201d\r\n\u201cActively promoting the benefits of adoption can open the doors for more children to be placed with loving families.\u00a0 This measure would instruct family planning agencies to spread the word about adoption services, and to do so within the Department of Health and Human Services budget,\u201d Senator Cochran said.\r\n\u201cOne way we can continue to promote a culture of life is to help every child find a good home to live in and a loving family to share their lives with,\u201d said Senator Enzi. \u201cI thank Senator Fischer for her leadership on this issue and for promoting adoption as a viable option for many families and individuals across the country.\u201d\r\n\u201cProviding women with greater access to adoption information embraces life and ought to be included in any family planning discussion,\u201d said Senator Johanns. \u201cAdoption is a worthy, loving option with life-changing impacts.\u00a0 I strongly support this measure that discourages abortion and supports life.\u201d\r\n\u201cEvery child deserves the opportunity to be part of a permanent and loving family,\u201d Senator Moran said. \u201cIndividuals using federal family planning programs should be educated about adoption to ensure they\u2019re making a fully informed decision. The Adoption Information Act makes certain adoption is promoted as a viable option.\u201d\r\n\u201cKnowing and understanding the available options is critical to ensuring birth parents and adoptive parents have the information they need,\u201d said Senator Thune. \u201cMore can be done to make information available to those seeking services and to ensure that each family makes an informed decision. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to move this legislation through Congress.\u201d\r\nSpecifically, the legislation would require family service project or program grant recipients to:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Provide each person served by the project or program a pamphlet containing a list of all the adoption centers in the state, along with contact information, at the time that person inquires about family planning services;  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Verbally inform each person that the pamphlet was provided by HHS and contains a list of adoption centers located in the state; and  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Provide clients with an opportunity to read the pamphlet.  \u00a0  Under this bill, HHS is required to prepare, distribute, and update annually the pamphlets provided to individuals and families. Additionally, the bill makes clear HHS can only use previously appropriated funds to carry out these requirements.\r\nIn 2007, there were just 18,078 infant adoptions in the United States, a rate of 4.2 domestic infant adoptions per 1,000 live births, according to the National Council for Adoption.   \u00a0  Last month, Congressman Robert Wittman (R-Va.) introduced similar legislation (HR.3062), which is awaiting action in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Wittman applauded the introduction of Fischer\u2019s bill and released the following statement:  \u00a0  \u201cI was adopted as an infant, so I understand how important it is for birth mothers to be aware that adoption is an option and have access to the tools to locate and contact their local adoption agencies, which is why I was proud to introduce the Adoption Information Act in the House of Representatives. I also recognize that domestic adoptions are more important now than ever as countries like Russia are closing their doors to American adoptions. There are many safe and loving American families that yearn to give a child a permanent home.\u201d  \u00a0  The Adoption Information Act is supported by the National Council for Adoption, Nebraska Children\u2019s Home Society, and Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350536", "Palazzo Votes in Favor of CR Plan to Defund ObamaCare", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), released the following statement after voting in support of a continuing resolution measure that would fully fund the government through December 15th while fully defunding ObamaCare. The measure passed the House by a vote of 230-189. \r\nThe American people have been crying out for relief from this bad law since the day it was signed. Today, Republicans in the House stand united around a solution to fund government while fully defunding ObamaCare. It is now in the Senate's hands to choose between continuing to burden the American people under this trainwreck or joining us in providing much-needed relief from its mandates, taxes, and increasing costs. I believe this is a fight worth fighting for the people of Mississippi, and I believe the American people are with us.\r\nThe continuing resolution passed today would keep the full faith and credit of the United States, and would also provide continued funding for the Department of Defense and seniors who rely on Social Security. It would prevent any increase in spending over current budget levels.\r\nPalazzo is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2682, the Defund ObamaCare Act, which was introduced by Representative Tom Graves and Senator Ted Cruz in July and added to the House leadership plan this week after conservative members called for stronger defunding measures. He is also an original cosponsor of H.R. 3121, the American Health Care Reform Act, an ObamaCare replacement bill introduced earlier this week by members of the conservative Republican Study Committee. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221183349/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/defund-obamacare", "Defund ObamaCare", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Hello--\nThe House of Representatives passed a short term budget today that defunds ObamaCare and keeps the federal government operating through December 15, 2013.\nI supported this bill because it protects Mississippians from ObamaCare\u2019s harmful mandates and avoids a government shutdown.\nThis debate now moves to the Senate -- the chamber where this conversation belongs. The House has done its job. It\u2019s time for the Senate to stand up for the American people.\nEven more, the House has advanced over 40 bills that would defund, dismantle, and destroy ObamaCare. Seven of these attempts have been signed into law. As the speaker said yesterday, I hope that this proposal will be the eighth.\nBut the White House has already signaled that the president would veto this bill, claiming that the resolution \u201cadvances a narrow ideological agenda.\u201d\nMr. President, with over half of the country still giving this far-reaching law unfavorable marks, the opposition to ObamaCare is hardly narrow.\nLet\u2019s defund ObamaCare. Let\u2019s keep the government open. And let\u2019s tackle America\u2019s spending and debt problem as we fight the next battle about our country\u2019s economic future.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350426", "Palazzo Supports Nutrition Assistance Reforms", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Supports Nutrition Assistance Reforms \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        September 19, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\nWashington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act.  \r\n\r\n\r\nMy number one goal is ensuring we're giving assistance to those who need it most while giving able-bodied persons, without dependents, the opportunity to contribute through minimal work requirements and job training programs. There are a lot of folks who will claim we don't care about the poor. That's simply not true. This is a responsible measure that makes some of the most serious assistance reforms since welfare was addressed in 1996. I believe it will restore integrity to a troubled program.\r\nThe Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act would reform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and close loopholes to save taxpayers almost $40 billion. Palazzo also previously voted for nutrition assistance reforms this year as part of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, or FARRM Bill.\r\n\r\nAmong its reforms, the bill would end the extension of waivers to able-bodied individuals under the age of 50 who have no dependents and receive benefits for longer than three months, enforce income thresholds, and empower states to engage recipients in job training programs. \r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350255", "Palazzo Supports House CR Plan to Defund ObamaCare", "2013-09-18", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), released the following statement in support of a plan released today by Republican leadership in the House of Representatives that would fully fund the government through December 15th while fully defunding ObamaCare. The measure would keep the full faith and credit of the United States, and would also provide continued funding for the Department of Defense and seniors who rely on Social Security. It would prevent any increase in spending over current budget levels.\r\nOnce again, the American people are speaking out, and we're listening. As I and my colleagues have called for defunding this trainwreck of a law over the last few weeks, some have told us to give up the fight or said this is an impossible task. But as we've seen recently with Syria, the American people still have the power to enact change when they speak out loud and clear. I believe this is a fight worth fighting for the people of Mississippi, and I believe the American people are with us. I hope they will continue to speak out loud and clear so that the Senate and the Obama Administration have no choice but to listen.\r\nPalazzo is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2682, the Defund ObamaCare Act, which was introduced by Representative Tom Graves and Senator Ted Cruz in July and added to the House leadership plan this week after conservative members called for stronger defunding measures. The House is expected to vote on the plan as early as this Friday.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/911", "9/11", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "harper.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c56fb575-8a87-421e-bec9-08e8e1014fd3", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON OBSERVANCE OF 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In observance of the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement:\r\n\u201cThe victims of the attacks on that clear day twelve years ago are still remembered and mourned, as are the brave servicemen and women who have given their lives to combat terrorism.\u00a0 I hope all Americans will take a moment today to reflect on the price of freedom, and to appreciate its many blessings.\u201d\r\nThe U.S. Congress today observed the 9/11 attacks with a moment of silence and brief ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221131830/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/congress-sends-white-house-bill-convey-surplus-natchez-trace-property-public-use", "Congress Sends White House A Bill To Convey Surplus Natchez Trace Property For Public Use", "2013-09-10", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), along with Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), today reported final congressional approval of legislation authorizing the transfer of surplus land within the Natchez Trace Parkway to the City of Natchez for public recreation purposes.\nThe House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 419-1 to overwhelmingly approve the Natchez Trace Parkway Conveyance Act of 2013 (S.304), legislation introduced by Cochran and cosponsored by Wicker.\u00a0 Harper was instrumental in moving the bill through the House of Representatives.\u00a0 The measure will now be sent to the White House for the President\u2019s consideration.\n\u201cThe willingness of the National Park Service to give up surplus property created an opportunity for the Natchez and Adams County residents to use these parcels, which are not integral to the Natchez Trace Parkway, for recreational and public uses,\u201d said Cochran.\u00a0 \u201cI appreciate Senator Wicker and Congressman Harper\u2019s work to move this bill through the legislative process.\u00a0 I look forward to it being enacted.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased to see that Congress has enacted this common sense transfer of Park Service land to the city of Natchez and the state,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cPeople in Natchez and those who visit will greatly benefit from additional parks and recreational areas. I am proud to have worked with Senator Cochran and Congressman Harper in achieving this goal.\u201d\n\u201cWith the passage of this legislation, the City of Natchez and its residents are one step closer to converting this unused land to recreation space. I\u2019m pleased to support Senator Cochran\u2019s efforts in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion,\u201d Harper said.\nSupported by the National Park Service (NPS), S.304 authorizes the transfer of approximately 67 acres of surplus NPS property to the State of Mississippi and City of Natchez.\u00a0 The City would be given title to 37 acres adjacent to Natchez High School, known as the \u201cbean field,\u201d for recreational purposes.\u00a0 The state would hold title to the remaining 30 acres.\nThe legislation, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent in June, also adjusts parkway boundaries to include approximately ten acres of NPS-owned land along Liberty Drive to State Highway 61/84.\u00a0 This adjustment was requested by the National Park Service.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4f4e5a03-1fd7-4305-a187-171ec442ccdb", "CONGRESS SENDS NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY CONVEYANCE BILL TO PRESIDENT", "2013-09-10", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), along with Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), today reported final congressional approval of legislation authorizing the transfer of surplus land within the Natchez Trace Parkway to the City of Natchez for public recreation purposes.\r\nThe House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 419-1 to overwhelmingly approve the Natchez Trace Parkway Conveyance Act of 2013 (S.304), legislation introduced by Cochran and cosponsored by Wicker.\u00a0 Harper was instrumental in moving the bill through the House of Representatives.\u00a0 The measure will now be sent to the White House for the President\u2019s consideration.\r\n\u201cThe willingness of the National Park Service to give up surplus property created an opportunity for the Natchez and Adams County residents to use these parcels, which are not integral to the Natchez Trace Parkway, for recreational and public uses,\u201d said Cochran.\u00a0 \u201cI appreciate Senator Wicker and Congressman Harper\u2019s work to move this bill through the legislative process.\u00a0 I look forward to it being enacted.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am pleased to see that Congress has enacted this common sense transfer of Park Service land to the city of Natchez and the state,\u201d said Wicker.\u00a0 \u201cPeople in Natchez and those who visit will greatly benefit from additional parks and recreational areas. I am proud to have worked with Senator Cochran and Congressman Harper in achieving this goal.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith the passage of this legislation, the City of Natchez and its residents are one step closer to converting this unused land to recreation space. I\u2019m pleased to support Senator Cochran\u2019s efforts in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion,\u201d Harper said.\r\nSupported by the National Park Service (NPS), S.304 authorizes the transfer of approximately 67 acres of surplus NPS property to the State of Mississippi and City of Natchez.\u00a0 The City would be given title to 37 acres adjacent to Natchez High School, known as the \u201cbean field,\u201d for recreational purposes.\u00a0 The state would hold title to the remaining 30 acres.\r\nThe legislation, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent in June, also adjusts parkway boundaries to include approximately ten acres of NPS-owned land along Liberty Drive to State Highway 61/84.\u00a0 This adjustment was requested by the National Park Service.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1540f286-59b3-4832-babe-6e1775ee90c3", "COCHRAN, WICKER:  $18.2 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR MISS.", "2013-09-05", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today reported the approval of more than $18.2 million in federal grant funding for transportation projects in Mississippi, including $14.0 million for the Mississippi Export Rail Line in Jackson County.\r\nThe rail line project, as well as a $4.2 million grant to strengthen the I-20 Vicksburg Mississippi River Bridge, will be funded through FY2013 congressional appropriations approved for the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s National Infrastructure Investment or \u201cTIGER\u201d program.\u00a0 The Mississippi Senators supported applications from Mississippi for this funding.\r\n\u201cThese transportation grants are geared toward improving transportation efficiency, public safety and our economy,\u201d said Cochran, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 \u201cThe rail line in Jackson County, in particular, will not only improve public safety but create new economic opportunities for industries from the coast to the Midwest and Canada to ship products through the Port of Pascagoula.\u201d\r\n\u201cIncreasing the productivity and safety of these transportation lifelines will help lead Mississippi\u2019s economic future,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cEnhancements on the Mississippi Export Rail Line and Vicksburg Mississippi River Bridge are critical to Mississippi\u2019s economy. These two grants will make a significant impact on improving transportation in Mississippi.\u201d\r\nThe $14.0 million grant for the Port of Pascagoula Intermodal Improvement project was awarded to the Jackson County Port Authority to support relocation of the Mississippi Export Rail Line between Moss Point and Pascagoula.\u00a0 The project would entail using an existing railroad right-of-way to create a more direct rail route between the two communities.\u00a0 By redirecting the line through less-travelled areas, the project would eliminate 16 at-grade rail-highway crossings now associated with the railroad.\u00a0 The improved track configuration would allow the line to handle 60 to 75-car unit trains and facilitate shipments to and from the upper Midwest and Canada.\u00a0 The Jackson County Port Authority application has broad support from the local communities and the State of Mississippi.\r\nThe $4.2 million grant to the Mississippi Department of Transportation to rehabilitate the I-20 Vicksburg Mississippi River Bridge is intended to improve the resiliency of the bridge, which has experienced stress due to movement of the pier foundations both along and perpendicular to the bridge.\u00a0 According to the U.S. Transportation Department, the work will improve the ability of the bridge truss and deck to withstand minor lateral movements.\r\nLINK:  \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER Program:\u00a0 http://www.dot.gov/tiger\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ad463402-3f27-4906-92c1-585af7da23ad", "LAWMAKERS WELCOME REPORT ON PORT OF GULFPORT RESTORATION", "2013-09-04", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today welcomed a new report highlighting the state\u2019s progress to repair and grow the Port of Gulfport.  \u00a0  Major findings in the Mississippi Development Authority\u2019s (MDA) Status Report include the creation of 1,200 new jobs, increased acreage for new tenants, accelerated pace of construction, and a $50 million investment for the Island View hotel as part of commercial developments.   \u00a0  \u201cThe Port of Gulfport is a key component of the economy in South Mississippi and our state.\u00a0 Governor Bryant's progress report is informative and encouraging in that it recommends challenging, yet obtainable, goals to move this project forward,\u201d Cochran said.  \u00a0  \u201cAs a longtime supporter of expanding Mississippi\u2019s ports, I\u2019m excited about the developments outlined in this report,\u201d Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cRecovery from Hurricane Katrina and the expansion of the Port of Gulfport are critical to the economy of the Gulf Coast and the entire state. The Port of Gulfport is well on its way to maximizing its potential as a first-class center of business and transportation.\u201d\r\n\u201cGovernor Bryant and new Port Director Jonathan Daniels made progress at the Port of Gulfport a top priority, and this report shows that their hard work is paying off,\u201d Palazzo said. \u201cI commend them on recent successes and I will continue working at the federal level, with House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster and others, to support economic development at the Port of Gulfport.\u201d  \u00a0  The report is a joint effort between MDA, the Mississippi State Port Authority, and Governor Phil Bryant. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, then-Governor Haley Barbour, along with state officials and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, worked to secure a comprehensive plan to repair and grow the Port of Gulfport.   \u00a0  Governor Bryant commissioned the report in 2012 to review the project\u2019s progress in completing a restoration and expansion of the port.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=697:thompson-statement-on-syria-briefing&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON STATEMENT ON SYRIA BRIEFING", "2013-08-31", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a91e7328-670a-4b2e-afb7-247783691167", "COCHRAN STATEMENT ON 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON", "2013-08-28", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King\u2019s \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech:\r\n\u201cThe anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington gives us a chance to consider the legacies of courageous Americans in the advancement of civil rights.\u00a0 The \u2018I Have a Dream\u2019 speech was one of the most inspirational speeches I had ever heard.\u00a0 Today we acknowledge the Reverend Martin Luther King\u2019s vision for our country, our nation\u2019s progress toward that vision, and the contributions of many Mississippians along the way.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=346622", "PALAZZO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEFUNDING OBAMACARE", "2013-08-23", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), joined a letter this week asking House leadership to include measures defunding ObamaCare in any relevant appropriations legislation taken up later this year.\nThe letter follows Palazzo's August 2nd announcement on the House floor in which he stated his support for defunding ObamaCare in a continuing resolution and called on colleagues to join him. Palazzo is also the author of H.J. Res 28, the Right to Refuse Amendment, which he introduced earlier this year with Senator Marco Rubio. The Right to Refuse would reverse Obamacare's individual mandate tax and prevent Congress from taxing Americans for failure to purchase products like health insurance. \nBelow are Congressman Palazzo's remarks as delivered on the House floor:\nMr. Speaker, I am not a fan of government mandates, and neither are my constituents in Mississippi. But there is one mandate that the people of Mississippi sent me to Washington with: to repeal, replace, dismantle, delay and defund Obamacare. \nI've heard from families, small businesses, and hard-working Americans across my district who all have the same message  this law is a train wreck.\nThat is why one of my very first votes in Congress was to repeal Obamacare. That is why I've voted to repeal it nearly 40 times over the last three years. That is why I introduced a constitutional amendment to restore the right of the American people to refuse this bad law. That is also why I firmly believe we must defund Obamacare in a continuing resolution this body takes up later this year. \nI believe this is a fight worth fighting for the people of Mississippi, and I believe it's a fight worth fighting for the American people. \nI'm calling on my colleagues to join me in this fight to stand strong, to stand together, and let's defund Obamacare.\nI yield back. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=345838", "Palazzo Continues to Question Air Force Moves at Keesler, Welcomes Delay", "2013-08-13", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hattiesburg, MS- Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) today welcomed news that an earlier Air Force decision to move C-130J planes stationed at Keesler has been delayed until April 2014, with possible delays until October 2014, when the Air Force will reassess and determine the best course of action.\r\nPalazzo released the following statement:\r\nI will continue working to ensure the Air Force and the Commission tasked with analyzing Air Force structure changes understand the costs associated with moving these planes, Palazzo stated. From all angles, this proposed move doesn't make sense for the Air Force, Keesler, or for South Mississippi. The Air Force had to change its plans last year when it could not provide adequate cost or mission justifications for moving planes from Keesler to Dobbins Reserve Base. Since that time, they have failed to provide similar justifications for subsequent plans to move these planes. I believe these movements must be halted until the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force releases their report in February. This delay accomplishes that goal. \r\nThe news comes on the heels of Palazzo's recent testimony before the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, in which he also testified:\r\nThe Air Force cannot continue to move planes, equipment, and people around every few years without looking at costs, the impact to communities, and current readiness. In a time of shrinking budgets and uncertainty, these movements appear unnecessary and, more importantly, as uncalculated expenditures. I believe the commission must strongly recommend that the Air Force stop all moves that were recommended without an estimate of short term cost savings, unless they are a matter of absolute military necessity.\r\nOriginal plans to move planes from Keesler to Dobbins Reserve Base were scrapped after Palazzo raised questions about the costs associated with the move. In a hearing on the House Armed Services Committee in 2012, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Lieutenant General Christopher D. Miller, responded to Palazzo's questions by acknowledging there could be extra costs associated with moving planes and stating, It is true that the facilities there are not exactly suited at present for the C-130J.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=345402", "Palazzo Responds to DOD Furlough Announcement", "2013-08-06", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hattiesburg, MS  Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS) today issued the following statement in response to a Department of Defense announcement stating that furloughs for civilian employees will be reduced from 11 days to 6:\r\nSix furlough days are still six too many. While this is welcome news for many who have been suffering under the current furlough policy, we must take more permanent actions to provide for those who protect us and who directly support our men and women in uniform. The Defense Appropriations bill the House passed a few weeks ago would protect all civilian Department of Defense personnel in the coming fiscal year. The world is not becoming safer, and the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make are not getting smaller. We must put an end to these devastating and disproportionate defense cuts that threaten our national security.\r\nPalazzo supported measures in the House FY14 Defense Appropriations bill that would end furloughs for all Department of Defense civilians, including a specific provision Palazzo sponsored addressing dual-status military technicians.The bill also included more than $5 billion in strategic and prioritized reductions from the previous year's budget and a 1.8 percent military pay raise, an increase over the president's 1 percent request.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=345179", "Palazzo Calls for Defunding Obamacare", "2013-08-02", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), today called on colleagues to join him in the effort to defund Obamacare in a continuing resolution to be enacted later this year.\nPalazzo is the author of H.J. Res 28, the Right to Refuse Amendment, introduced earlier this year with Senator Marco Rubio. It would reverse Obamacare's individual mandate tax and prevent Congress from taxing Americans for failure to purchase products like health insurance.\nPalazzo also supported today's passage of H.R. 2009, the Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act, which would prevent the troubled agency from implementing or enforcing any part of the new health care law.\nBelow are Congressman Palazzo's remarks as delivered on the House floor:\nMr. Speaker, I am not a fan of government mandates, and neither are my constituents in Mississippi. But there is one mandate that the people of Mississippi sent me to Washington with: to repeal, replace, dismantle, delay and defund Obamacare. \nI've heard from families, small businesses, and hard-working Americans across my district who all have the same message  this law is a train wreck.\nThat is why one of my very first votes in Congress was to repeal Obamacare. That is why I've voted to repeal it nearly 40 times over the last three years. That is why I introduced a constitutional amendment to restore the right of the American people to refuse this bad law. That is also why I firmly believe we must defund Obamacare in a continuing resolution this body takes up later this year. \nI believe this is a fight worth fighting for the people of Mississippi, and I believe it's a fight worth fighting for the American people. \nI'm calling on my colleagues to join me in this fight to stand strong, to stand together, and let's defund Obamacare.\nI yield back. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221183430/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/obamacare-and-your-family", "ObamaCare and your family", "2013-08-02", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Hello--\nYesterday, I asked an Obama administration official tough questions about ObamaCare\u2019s impact on families.\nYou see, in the official\u2019s remarks, she claimed \u2013 and I paraphrase: \u201cThere is growing evidence that these reforms are working for the entire system\u2026keeping costs low\u2026for consumers\u2026shopping for coverage in the private health insurance market.\u201d\nThis isn\u2019t true for folks in Mississippi like Forrest Collier. Just last week, Forrest emailed me to say that his family\u2019s health care premiums increased from roughly $8,000 last year to nearly $19,000 this year. Let me repeat that. A family in Ridgeland, Miss., has seen their premiums jump from $8,000 to $19,000 a year.\nNot only does this limit Forrest\u2019s ability to provide for his family, but this rate shock has also kept the Colliers from doing the things that they enjoy most. In Forrest\u2019s words, \u201cObamaCare is a train wreck and is having a huge impact on working families.\u201d\nHe\u2019s right. And this is not what Mississippi families were promised.\nThe American people were promised \u2013 time and again \u2013 that working families would see a $2,500 drop in premiums. How can the administration claim that ObamaCare is \u201ckeeping costs low\u201d when Mr. Collier\u2019s testimonial proves otherwise?\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221162531/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/i-have-good-news", "I have good news.", "2013-07-25", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "I have good news.                     U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.)                      \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Hello--\nMississippians rely on coal for energy and jobs. But the EPA is in the process of regulating coal ash as a hazardous material, which could have negative effects on the economy.\nHere\u2019s the truth. Coal ash has been used for decades as a safe part of many products that Americans use every day.\nAnd I have good news. The House passed a bill today to halt this regulation.\nThe \u201cCoal Residuals Reuse and Management Act\u201d provides an alternative to the Obama administration\u2019s proposed rule. I am a cosponsor of this bill because it protects jobs, the environment, and our economy.\nNot only is this bill fair for job creators, it\u2019s fair for Mississippi\u2019s families too. There\u2019s no question -- our state relies on coal and coal ash for energy and jobs.\u00a0\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=343834", "PALAZZO PROTECTS MILITARY TECHNICIANS FROM FURLOUGHS, KEEPS DOD POLICY CONSISTENT", "2013-07-24", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS) today announced the addition of an amendment to the House version of FY14 Defense Appropriations that would include military technicians in a Department of Defense furlough exemption that was announced in July 2012.\u00a0 The amendment is similar to another Palazzo provision, H.R. 1014, which would include military technicians in a more permanent exemption, and currently has 65 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle.\r\nIn remarks made on the House floor, Palazzo stated: \u00a0\r\n\u201cThese dual status technicians work every day in direct support of our warfighters. They supply our troops with the equipment they need to fight and win and return home safely. But because of a technicality \u2013 because they are paid out of a different account - these Guardsmen and Reservists have been on furlough for almost a month now. All my amendment would do is ensure that these men and women receive the same treatment as our other uniformed personnel, and are included in the furlough exemption.\u201d\r\nAs a result of defense cuts enacted as part of sequestration, military technicians with National Guard and Reserve units across the nation were placed on furlough in the last few weeks, despite the fact that all other uniformed, deployable service personnel were exempted from the same furloughs. In Mississippi alone, more than 1,400 military technicians were furloughed in early July. Palazzo introduced H.R. 1014 in March of this year to address the oversight and include military technicians in the Department of Defense furlough exemption that was announced in July 2012.\u00a0The bill currently has 65 House cosponsors, and has been endorsed by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). The Congressional Budget Office has verified that Palazzo\u2019s amendment will add zero cost to the defense appropriations bill. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\"This amendment is a big first step to correcting an oversight that hurts nearly 50,000 dedicated uniformed soldiers and airmen and erodes the National Guard's ability to respond both at\u00a0home and abroad,\" said retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett Jr, president of the National Guard Association of the United States. \"Rep. Steven Palazzo recognized this situation early. His efforts led to yesterday's action. National Guardsmen and those they serve across the country are in his debt.\" \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe President, Congress, and DoD all agreed to exempt uniformed personnel from being furloughed in order to limit the impact on military readiness,\u201d stated Seth Waugh, Director of Government Affairs for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. \u201cWe believe the furlough of National Guard military technicians violates that intent and are pleased that Congressman Palazzo has stood up, once again, for the National Guard. \u00a0By allowing these uniformed members of our Armed Forces to be protected in the same way as their active duty counterparts, Congress is honoring their commitment to our military.\u00a0 Without Congressman Palazzo\u2019s amendment, the readiness of our National Guard will continue to be in jeopardy, not only for state emergencies, but for federal missions as well.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nIn his statements early Wednesday morning, Palazzo also reiterated concerns with sequestration\u2019s effects on the Department of Defense:\r\n\u201cI have supported several alternatives that would resolve this sequestration mess across our defense budgets and across the federal government. I have lain awake at night, worried about the damaging effects these cuts will have if we do not prioritize cuts and fix this problem.\u00a0 I hope we will see some consensus on a real fix to sequestration soon.\u00a0\r\n\u201cBut the exception has already been made for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to defend this nation. And rightly so. My amendment simply ensures we include all of our deployable men and women in uniform in that exemption.\u201d\r\nPalazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War, an actively-serving member of the Mississippi National Guard, and serves on the House Armed Services Committee. \r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=344381", "Palazzo Supports Defense Bill with Funds for Troops and Protection for Military Technicians", "2013-07-24", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House FY14 Defense Appropriations bill with responsible reductions in defense spending, military pay raises above the president\u2019s request, and furlough exemptions for deployable, uniformed military personnel. \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe world is not becoming safer, and the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make are not getting smaller,\u201d Palazzo stated. \u201cWith passage of each year\u2019s defense bills, we must ensure we are giving our warfighters all of the tools, training and support that they need to fight and win and return home safely. This bill does that, while providing a military pay raise, responsibly reducing spending, and ensuring all deployable, uniformed military personnel are equally protected from furloughs until Congress enacts a budget deal to end sequestration cuts.\u201d \u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe bill included more than $5 billion in strategic and prioritized reductions from the previous year\u2019s budget. It also included a 1.8 percent military pay raise, an increase over the president\u2019s 1 percent request. Palazzo successfully added an amendment to the bill which would include military technicians in a furlough exemption granted to military personnel in July 2012. Palazzo cited the technicians\u2019 omission in the original exemption as a \u201ctechnicality,\u201d explaining: \u201cMy amendment simply ensures we include all of our deployable men and women in uniform in that exemption.\u201d \n\u00a0\nIf passed by the Senate and signed into law, Palazzo\u2019s amendment would go into effect in fiscal year 2014 and would impact the more than 1,400 Mississippi military technicians that received furlough notices earlier this month. It was supported by the National Guard Association of the United States and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. \n\u00a0\n\"This amendment is a big first step to correcting an oversight that hurts nearly 50,000 dedicated uniformed soldiers and airmen and erodes the National Guard's ability to respond both at\u00a0home and abroad,\" said retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett Jr, president of the National Guard Association of the United States. \"Rep. Steven Palazzo recognized this situation early. His efforts led to yesterday's action. National Guardsmen and those they serve across the country are in his debt.\" \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe President, Congress, and DoD all agreed to exempt uniformed personnel from being furloughed in order to limit the impact on military readiness,\u201d stated Seth Waugh, Director of Government Affairs for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. \u201cWe believe the furlough of National Guard military technicians violates that intent and are pleased that Congressman Palazzo has stood up, once again, for the National Guard. \u00a0By allowing these uniformed members of our Armed Forces to be protected in the same way as their active duty counterparts, Congress is honoring their commitment to our military.\u00a0 Without Congressman Palazzo\u2019s amendment, the readiness of our National Guard will continue to be in jeopardy, not only for state emergencies, but for federal missions as well.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0\n**Click here or on the image below for video from Congressman Palazzo\u2019s remarks.**", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a8c2bc4b-b9f6-4d11-9012-06f4cdc30c1a", "COCHRAN BACKS BILL TO STOP OBAMA ENERGY REGULATION THREAT", "2013-07-24", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Thad Cochran", "C000567", "www.cochran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Asserting that smothering U.S. energy production with new regulations is not conducive to a prospering economy, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced his support for legislation to block the President Obama\u2019s efforts to impose new environmental regulations on power plants.\r\nCochran is cosponsoring the National Energy Tax Repeal Act (S.1324), a measure that would prohibit President Obama from issuing new carbon emissions standards through a Presidential Memorandum for existing coal fired power plants.\u00a0 The measure would require specific approval from Congress before the Obama administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could move forward with such regulations.\r\n\u201cFor all the talk about helping the middle class, it will be family budgets and small business bottom lines that take the hit from the far-reaching energy regulations planned by the President.\u00a0 The costs associated with these rules amount to a new tax on energy,\u201d Cochran said.\u00a0 \u201cMississippians are already paying high prices at the pump, and now the administration wants to raise their power bills.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bill affirms that responsibility to direct such restrictions lies with Congress, and cannot be assumed by the Environmental Protection Agency unless authorized by the elected representatives of the people,\u201d the Mississippi Senator said.\r\nIn June, President Obama declared that he would issue a Presidential Memorandum directing the EPA to issue stricter carbon emissions regulations for existing coal fired power plants.\u00a0 In addition, the administration has since indicated it expects to move forward with other regulations, including delayed rules on new power plants.\r\nThe Senate bill states that \u201cany action to control emissions of greenhouse gases from existing coal fired power plants in the United States by mandating a national energy tax would devastate major sectors of the economy, cost thousands of jobs, and increase energy costs for low-income households, small businesses, and seniors on a fixed income.\u201d\r\nS.1324 has been referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.\u00a0 The measure was introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and is also cosponsored by Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=343094", "Committee Approves Bill to Prioritize NASA's Missions", "2013-07-18", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Committee Approves Bill to Prioritize NASA\u2019s Missions\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology today approved the NASA Authorization Act of 2013 [H.R. 2687]\u00a0 to reauthorize programs at NASA for two years, including a topline budget of $16.8 billion dollars, which is consistent with the requirements of the Budget Control Act.\r\n\u00a0\r\nChairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): \u201cThe NASA Authorization Act offers us the opportunity to set goals and establish priorities for the greatest space program in the world.\u00a0 That is our responsibility\u2014to take the initiative, make decisions and govern. I remain hopeful that the House and Senate will find a mutually agreed-upon solution this fall to repeal and replace the Budget Control Act in order to deal with our nation\u2019s overall debt.\u00a0 Until such a deal is struck, we should stay within the overall funding caps of the Budget Control Act.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe NASA Reauthorization Act of 2013 ensures sustainability of purpose and budget for high-priority programs and gives direction to the agency on future endeavors. It properly invests in the continued development of the next generation of human space flight systems by investing in the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule. The bill directs significantly more funds for development of SLS and Exploration Ground Systems than was included in the President\u2019s request.\u00a0 It also ensures efficient and effective utilization of the International Space Station, the on-schedule development of the commercial crew program, and continued delivery of supplies with the Commercial Resupply Services program.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe bill also prohibits two controversial administration proposals. It cancels the proposed reorganization of NASA education programs and prohibits the administration\u2019s poorly defined Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM), which has raised concerns within the scientific community.\r\n\r\nSpace Subcommittee Chairman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.): \u201cThis bill ensures sustainability of purpose and budget for high-priority programs, and gives direction to NASA on future endeavors. While it is safe to say everyone on this Committee would like to see more funding for NASA, we must do the best with the hand we\u2019ve been dealt. The good men and women who serve their country at NASA and who have devoted their lives to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge deserve no less and neither do the American people.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nH.R. 2687 was approved by a vote of 22 - 17. For additional information about the markup, including amendments and roll call votes, please visit the Science, Space, and Technology Committee website.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221183504/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/seem-fair-you", "seem fair to you?", "2013-07-17", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Gregg Harper", "H001045", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "seem fair to you?                     U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.)                      \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n    \n  \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Good evening--\nAfter claiming that ObamaCare's implementation is on schedule, the administration abruptly delayed the mandate that would have penalized business owners who choose not to provide health insurance to their employees.\nThe decision to exempt businesses from this law but still require average citizens to obtain government-approved health insurance is backwards.\nDoes this seem fair to you? Me neither.\nThis move hurts Americans, many of whom are facing a stagnant economy and higher taxes. What\u2019s worse is that most of these hard-working folks are young.\nThis is why I voted earlier today to give families and individuals the same break that the White House wants for large companies.\nObamaCare is broken. And it can\u2019t be fixed by handpicking some provisions to enforce and others to conveniently ignore.\n\tGod Bless,    \n\tGregg Harper  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=342720", "Palazzo Praises Senate Flood Insurance Provision", "2013-07-16", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS), today released the following statement praising advancement of a flood insurance provision added to the Senate version of the FY 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations bill passed on the Subcommittee level. The Senate language follows House-passage of a Palazzo provision in June, which would essentially delay flood insurance rate increases for a year by blocking implementation of Section 207 of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPalazzo released the following statement: \u201cThese provisions delaying flood insurance increases are the result of a serious bipartisan, bicameral effort to address issues with NFIP changes scheduled to take place later this year. I am glad to see this provision making progress in the Senate. We must keep working to ensure the flood insurance program remains solvent while enacting changes in a compassionate way that doesn\u2019t punish policyholders facing steep rate increases under the current law.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nPalazzo\u2019s provision passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 281-146 in the House of Representatives in June, and had the support of the National Association of Realtors, the American Bankers Association, and the National Association of Home Builders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=695:thompson-statement-on-zimmerman-verdict&catid=41&Itemid=148", "Thompson Statement on Zimmerman Verdict", "2013-07-14", "2013", "2013-07", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thompson Statement on DHS Confirmation Vote\nDecember 5, 2017 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news the Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to be Homeland Security Secretary:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=342432", "Palazzo Supports Farm Bill With Reforms", "2013-07-11", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Steven Palazzo", "P000601", "palazzo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Palazzo Supports Farm Bill With Reforms \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        July 11, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS) released the following statement today after voting in support of H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013\u00a0 The bill provides much-needed support for Mississippi farmers while reducing overall farm policy spending by approximately $20 billion, and separates funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from agricultural industry funding. \r\n\u201cThis bill provides the support Mississippi farmers need while restoring fiscal responsibility to the way we fund agriculture. The American agricultural industry is a crucial part of our economy. I am glad we were able to pass this five-year bill with support for farmers and savings for taxpayers.\u201d\r\nAmong reforms included in the bill, it eliminates direct payments to farmers, repeals and consolidates more than 100 government programs, and saves more than $20 billion in overall spending.\u00a0 ###\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://benniethompson.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=694:thompson-on-his-vote-against-hr-2642-farm-bill&catid=41&Itemid=148", "THOMPSON ON HIS VOTE AGAINST H.R. 2642 (FARM BILL)", "2013-07-10", "2013", "2013-07", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Office     \n          Washington, DC 20515    \n          Phone: (202) 225-5876  Fax: (202) 225-5898    \n  \n      \n           Bolton Office     \n          Bolton, MS 39041    \n          Phone: (601) 866-9003  \n\tFax: (601) 866-9036; (800) 355-9003    \n  \n      \n           Greenville Office     \n          Greenville, MS 38701    \n          Phone: (662) 335-9003  \n\tFax: (662) 334-1304    \n  \n      \n           Greenwood Office     \n          Greenwood, MS 38930    \n          Phone: (662) 455-9003  \n\tFax: (662) 453-0118    \n  \n      \n           Jackson Office     \n          3607 Medgar Evers BoulevardJackson, MS 39213    \n          Phone: (601) 946-9003  \n\tFax: (601)-982-5337    \n  \n      \n           Marks Office     \n          P.O. Box 356263 East Main StreetMarks, MS 38646    \n    \n  \n      \n           Mound Bayou City Hall Office     \n          P.O. Box 679 106 Green AvenueSuite 106Mound Bayou, MS 38762    \n          (662) 741-9003  \n\t(662) 741-9002", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 185, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "MS", "p1": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 148, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 37, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 185, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "MS", "label": "MS", "count": 185, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 185, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-07-10,http~3A~2F~2Fbenniethompson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Findex~2Ephp~3Foption~3Dcom_content~26view~3Darticle~26id~3D694~3Athompson-on-his-vote-against-hr-2642-farm-bill~26catid~3D41~26Itemid~3D148", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MS&year=2013&_next=2013-07-10%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fbenniethompson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Findex~2Ephp~3Foption~3Dcom_content~26view~3Darticle~26id~3D694~3Athompson-on-his-vote-against-hr-2642-farm-bill~26catid~3D41~26Itemid~3D148&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 96.42352513037622, "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"}