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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

1,203 rows where chamber = "Senate" and state = "MS" sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/28/wicker-announces-44-million-roadway-investment-for-desoto-county/ Wicker Announces $44 Million Roadway Investment for DeSoto County 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated a $44 million federal award to improve roadways and traffic systems in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Senator Wicker worked with DeSoto County officials and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to secure this competitive grant. The award flows from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, which was funded in the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senator Wicker helped negotiate the legislation as the senior Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “DeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success,” said Senator Wicker. “By improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State.” “This $44 million INFRA grant will help MDOT move a critical capacity project forward, making travel safer and reducing congestion along an important freight corridor. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for our state’s roads and infrastructure,” said Brad White, Executive Director, MDOT. About the $44 million roadway improvement grant: The funding will help expand a corridor of I-55/I-69 in DeSoto County that runs from Church Road to one mile north of SR 302. Today, the corridor is four lanes. It will be expanded into a ten-lane thoroughfare by adding three travel lanes in each direction and modifying the interchanges at Church Road and SR 302, specifically by adding ramp lanes, turning lanes, and lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes. ### 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/24/wicker-schatz-telehealth-awareness-resolution-unanimously-adopted-by-the-senate/ Wicker, Schatz Telehealth Awareness Resolution Unanimously Adopted by the Senate 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Resolution Highlights the Importance of Telehealth Services & Urges Further Action Washington – Today, the Senate unanimously approved the resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, designating September 20-26, 2026, “Telehealth Awareness Week.” This resolution recognizes the role that telehealth services play in delivering high-quality health care to millions of Americans. “Telehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,” said Senator Roger Wicker. “Our resolution shines a light on the value of telehealth services and encourages further action to expand the offerings and outcomes around this innovative type of care.” “Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,” said Senator Schatz. The senators’ resolution described the importance of telehealth to various populations, including rural communities and areas strained by workplace shortages. It also noted that 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries received at least one telehealth service in 2025 and warned that lapses in Medicare coverage in this space would create negative impacts on seniors’ access to care. Finally, the resolution recommended a series of additional steps to improve telehealth outcomes, such as promoting awareness, highlighting available resources, collecting data, and expanding access. In addition to Senators Wicker and Schatz, the resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/22/chairman-wicker-delivers-senate-floor-speech-on-china-and-xi-jinping/ Chairman Wicker Delivers Senate Floor Speech on China and Xi Jinping 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington — Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate, outlining the increasing tempo of Chinese aggression. In his speech, Chairman Wicker addressed the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) support for Iran, religious persecutions, and international coercion. The chairman encouraged President Trump to raise these points of contention during this week’s bilateral summit. Chairman Wicker: “The president might inquire about the purposes of China’s massive military build-up, or about China’s clear support for Iran. This summer, it was all over the press that China gave Iran satellite imagery intelligence, and that intelligence led to the death of American troops.” Chairman Wicker: “For nearly a decade, Xi Jinping has consigned more than a million Uyghurs to concentration camps in China’s Xinjiang region. I hope our president will take this visit as an opportunity to advocate for the Uyghur people. The fact that they remain in prison by the millions is a grave injustice and a reminder of Xi Jinping’s many human rights abuses.” Chairman Wicker: “I know the president intends to discuss trade and artificial intelligence with the Chinese leadership—and rightfully so. Perhaps some progress will be made. But, Mr. President, during every minute of dialogue, our commander-in-chief should keep in mind that his guest is a brutal, unelected, and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America.” Click here to watch Chairman Wicker’s full remarks. ### 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/22/wicker-hyde-smith-applaud-senate-passage-of-vicksburg-national-military-park-bill/ Wicker, Hyde-Smith Applaud Senate Passage of Vicksburg National Military Park Bill 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Legislation Marches on to the President’s Desk Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act. This legislation would permit the State of Mississippi to build a new informational visitor center and make necessary structural improvements around the park. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk. “Every generation has a solemn responsibility to preserve our nation’s history for the ones that follow,” said Senator Wicker. “The Senate is helping fulfill that duty, unanimously approving our legislation to enhance the experience of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. This legislation will support Mississippi’s efforts to keep the story of Vicksburg alive and accessible for students, families, and visitors.” “This is a monumental step for Vicksburg National Military Park and the State of Mississippi. The land transfer facilitated by this legislation gives the state the ability to tell the complete story of the Siege of Vicksburg for generations to come,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I look forward to seeing these improvements to enhance one of Mississippi’s most visited and treasured parks.” “This was a great example of Mississippi’s team approach,” said Barry White, Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Senator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Congressman Thompson all played vital roles in advancing this legislation. This transfer from the federal government to the state is just one more step toward the public/private partnership that will elevate the Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center.” “The Vicksburg National Military Park is a critical driver of our local economy but we know that impact could be so much more,” said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. “Our plans for a new Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center will tell the full story of this pivotal part of our nation’… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/16/chairman-wicker-celebrates-house-passage-of-russia-sanctions-bill/ Chairman Wicker Celebrates House Passage of Russia Sanctions Bill 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would impose steep financial penalties on the Russian economy as Vladimir Putin continues his war of aggression against Ukraine. “I applaud the House of Representatives for coming together to approve this consequential sanctions package. For more than four years, the purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas have provided Vladimir Putin with the means to carry on his vicious assault against Ukraine,” said Chairman Wicker. “These sanctions target the financiers of the Russian war economy, forcing them to pay a heavy price if they continue to do business with the Kremlin. I urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law immediately and to use its authorities to the fullest extent.” About the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026: The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia’s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin’s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Further, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia’s weapons producers. Notably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine. 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-pro-life-colleagues-call-renewal-trump-rule-stop-obamcare-abortion-services HYDE-SMITH, PRO-LIFE COLLEAGUES CALL ON RENEWAL OF TRUMP RULE TO STOP OBAMCARE ABORTION SERVICES 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Request Comes as GAO Watchdog Report Indicates Even More Taxpayer-Subsidized ACA Plans Now Cover Elective Abortions WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, and other pro-life lawmakers today called on the Trump administration to reissue a rule to ensure taxpayers know whether their Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans provide coverage for abortion services. The request was prompted by a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published Tuesday (Health Insurance Exchanges: Coverage on Non-Excepted Abortion Services by Qualified Health Plans, 2026 GAO-26-108995), which revealed federal taxpayers subsidized 1,719 ACA Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that covered elective abortions for an estimated 4.4 million individuals this year alone. The report was requested by Hyde-Smith as Senate Pro-Life Caucus chair along with the Senate and House majority leadership, co-chairs of the House and Senate Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and Values Action Teams, and the chairmen of the Senate and House committees of jurisdiction. “The GAO’s findings provide further evidence that Obamacare plans, as they have from the beginning, continue to violate the Hyde Amendment ban on the use of federal tax dollars to pay for abortion services,” Hyde-Smith said. “Pro-life taxpayers should know whether their hard-earned money is being funneled to abortion providers, and the White House should reinstate protections that help ensure that those of us who oppose abortion do not subsidize health exchange plans that provide abortion coverage.” In 2019, the first Trump administration issued the Exchange Program Integrity Final Rule that established separate billing requirements for abortion services as specifically mandated by Congress in Section 1303 of the ACA. The Biden administration in 2021 issued a final rule that further facilitated violations of the long-standing and bipartisan Hyde Amendment. QHPs covering elective abortions have grown since 2014, when the GAO is… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/08/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-over-4-million-for-mississippi-telehealth-efforts/ Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Guest Welcome Over $4 Million For Mississippi Telehealth Efforts 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, R-Miss., celebrated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) $4.25 million for a five-year redesignation as a Center of Excellence in Telehealth. Congress appropriated this funding, which flows through the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,” said Senator Roger Wicker. “Telehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.” “As one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It’s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS. “UMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC’s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,”said Congressman Michael Guest. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC’s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically … 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-more-4-million-mississippi-telehealth-efforts WICKER, HYDE-SMITH & GUEST WELCOME MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR MISSISSIPPI TELEHEALTH EFFORTS 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today celebrated a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) a $4.25 million grant for a five-year redesignation as a Telehealth Center of Excellence. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,” said Senator Wicker. “Telehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.” “As one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It’s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS. “UMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC’s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,” said Congressman Guest. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC’s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically underserved areas of our state. Telehealth allows us to m… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-usda-plan-purchase-20-million-wild-caught-shrimp-schools-food-banks HYDE-SMITH HIGHLIGHTS USDA PLAN TO PURCHASE $20 MILLION IN WILD-CAUGHT SHRIMP FOR SCHOOLS, FOOD BANKS 2026-09-04 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Gulf Coast Shrimp Industry Should Benefit from USDA Section 32 Program Purchase WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture decision to purchase up to $20 million in surplus wild-caught shrimp products for distribution to schools and food banks. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is purchasing the domestic shrimp through the Section 32 Program, a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to buy surplus U.S. commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs. “This $20 million purchase of domestic shrimp will offer some much-needed relief to our shrimp industry as it continues to fight through unfair and foreign competition. Our shrimpers work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious shrimp to American tables. I’m glad this purchase will support food banks and school nutrition programs across the country,” said Hyde-Smith, who consistently advocates for Section 32 purchases of Mississippi commodities. The latest AMS purchase of wild-caught shrimp was announced in late August as part of an overall $156 million Section 32 acquisition of domestic agricultural commodities. Hyde-Smith also recently led a letter promoting a Section 32 purchase of U.S. farm-raised catfish, which resulted in a USDA decision in July to purchase $20 million of the product. Early last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee adopted an amendment to a pending new Farm Bill that is based on Hyde-Smith’s Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act (S.3065), which would ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm-raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production. Hyde-Smith has also introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act (S.4805), which would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, for financing activities related to foreign shrimp farming, processing, or exporting. It follows her introduction of the Safer Sh… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/03/chairman-wicker-statement-on-adam-telles-appointment-as-acting-army-secretary/ Chairman Wicker Statement on Adam Telle’s Appointment as Acting Army Secretary 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after President Trump appointed Adam Telle to be the Acting Secretary of the Army. “Congratulations to Adam Telle. The president made an excellent choice in appointing him to serve as Acting Secretary of the Army. Adam has been a fantastic partner as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. I am confident he will succeed in leading America’s Army. Our country faces unprecedented threats from the Axis of the Aggressors, and the Army is crucial to maintaining deterrence. I look forward to working with Adam to ensure our soldiers have everything they need to execute their mission.” ### 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-policy-statement-could-signal-movement-buying-american-cotton-act Trump Policy Statement Could Signal Movement for Buying American Cotton Act 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Beck Barnes The Trump Administration announced its support for the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA) via a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) on September 3, 2026. According to industry sources, a SAP is typically issued by the Executive Branch on pending legislation. The Trump Administration’s statement could signal that consideration of the Bill is near. “This legislation advances core Administration priorities of putting American farmers and workers first, restoring domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign sources,” the Statement of Administration Policy reads. “It also complements the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Great American Cotton Plan to revitalize the cotton farm economy and expand demand for U.S.-grown cotton.” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) first introduced BACA to the Senate on May 22, 2025. It was later introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives by Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC), among others, on January 22, 2026. Sponsors of the bill have been gathering support elsewhere on Capitol Hill, as they’ve searched for the best opportunity to advance the legislation into law. Industry sources familiar with the matter say that opportunity could come as soon as next week. “For context, a SAP is a strong official position issued by the Executive Branch on pending legislation, generally issued when consideration is pending, often a day or two before a floor vote is scheduled,” wrote Buddy Allen, American Cotton Shippers Association President and CEO, in a memo to ACSA members. “In this case, the message being sent is support for inclusion in a broader package upon development. “This is another very positive step forward for BACA,” Allen wrote. The National Cotton Council (NCC) was among the first to commend the Trump Administration for its statement in support of BACA. 1 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-administration-announces-strong-support-hyde-smiths-buying-american-cotton-act TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES STRONG SUPPORT FOR HYDE-SMITH’S ‘BUYING AMERICAN COTTON ACT’ 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Official ‘Statement of Administration Policy’ Issues Strong Support for Hyde-Smith Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed gratitude to the Trump administration issuing a statement of support for her Buying American Cotton Act (BACA), a positive development that she deems as a “call to action” to get the measure passed by year’s end. The White House on Thursday issued an official Statement of Administration Policy on BACA (S.1919) that says the administration “strongly supports” the measure and would recommend President Trump to sign it if passed by the Congress. The measure would authorize tax credits to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton and U.S. cotton-manufactured products like yarns and fabric in cotton-based products sold in the United States. “Official support from the White House for the Buying American Cotton Act marks an important milestone in our effort to strengthen the farm economy and increase access to U.S.-grown cotton. With more than 115 cosponsors in Congress, the momentum behind this legislation is undeniable,” Hyde-Smith said. “While this official support underscores the need to strengthen the farm economy and increase domestic cotton consumption, the work is far from finished. This endorsement represents a call to action. With the full backing of the administration and broad support across Capitol Hill, the Senate must seize this moment and pass this legislation by the end of the year,” Hyde-Smith added. “We will continue making our case relentlessly to ensure we get this legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress.” The White House Office of Management and Budget issues Statements of Administration Policy to formally communicate the administration’s position in support of or opposition to pending legislation. The Statement of Administration Policy on S.1919 said, in part, that “The Administration strongly supports S. 1919, the Buying American Cotton Act of 2025. This legislation advances core Administration pri… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-visits-mcc-forensic-training-program Hyde-Smith visits MCC forensic training program 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Staff Reports U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith visited Meridian Community College to get a closer look at specialized forensic training taking place at the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center. During the visit, Sen. Hyde-Smith toured the classroom used by RSA Forensics and learned more about the company’s partnership with MCC. The Collinsville-based company provides forensic science training to law enforcement and other professionals from across the country and around the world. The partnership allows RSA Forensics to use MCC’s Workforce Development facilities for its International Forensic Training Academies. Students receive focused classroom training in multiple areas of forensic examination at MCC, while some hands-on evidence processing takes place at the company’s laboratory in Collinsville. Sen. Hyde-Smith’s visit allowed her to see the training environment firsthand and learn how the partnership brings specialized training to Meridian. For MCC, partnerships like the one with RSA Forensics are an important part of the College’s workforce mission. By working with businesses and industry partners, MCC can provide facilities and support for training that meets real workforce needs. The partnership also brings professionals from outside the area to Meridian for extended training while giving them access to MCC’s classrooms, computer labs and other Workforce Development resources. 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-pharmacists-discuss-pbm-reform-senator-hyde-smith-federal-bill-progresses Mississippi pharmacists discuss PBM reform with Senator Hyde-Smith as federal bill progresses 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Elise Catrion Gregg For another year, Mississippi's legislature has failed to pass measures to reform pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulations. Local pharmacists say that without changes, independent pharmacies around the state could continue to shutter. Ahead of next session, many of those pharmacists are figuring out what to do differently at the state capitol, while looking for help at the federal level to address nationwide reform. At a roundtable in Yazoo City last Thursday, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith met with pharmacists and other local medical professionals in the state to discuss both state and federal-level issues. Hyde-Smith indicated that she'd support a bill in the Senate similar to one proposed by the U.S. House late last year. "Any legislation that addresses PBMs and the cost of prescription drugs in this country, I will be all over," Hyde-Smith told MPB News. "It is a travesty that PBMs, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, are getting away with what they're getting away with, when they are doing nothing but gouging." Several of Mississippi's congressional representatives have already signed onto a proposed U.S. House measure that would limit the costs associated with PBMs. Last week, Republican congressmen Mike Ezell and Trent Kelly became cosponsors of H.R.6610, the Pharmacists Fight Back [in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act]. Earlier in August, Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson also joined on. The bill would drive down some of the expenses and require greater transparency measures associated with pharmacy benefit managers, or third-party workers who play a role in administering prescription drug programs. It pertains specifically to health benefit plans for federal employees, including regulations like establishing stricter requirements with pharmacy reimbursements for prescription drugs, requiring greater transparency and prohibiting certain PBM practices that could limit the customers and medications that independent pharmacies have access to. Guy Phillips, an independent … 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/msu-extension-marks-mississippi-lift-resource-and-referral-network-center-opening-brookhaven MSU Extension marks Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network Center opening in Brookhaven 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Contact: Leah Gibbs BROOKHAVEN, Miss.—Representatives from the Mississippi State University Extension Service were in Brookhaven last week for the opening of the new Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network Center. MSU is a partner with the Mississippi Department of Human Services in the initiative which is expanding access statewide to new early childhood educational materials, family activities, referral services and more. (Photo by Leah Gibbs) 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/garrards-vision-helping-shape-jacksons-future Garrard’s vision helping shape Jackson’s future 2026-08-29 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Bill Crawford, Contributing columnist A unique urban park in Jackson seeks to become of one of the state’s premier cultural destinations. Encompassing four distinct museums and featuring playgrounds, sports venues, walking and biking trails, family-friendly gathering spaces, and improved access to the Pearl River, the Lefleur Museum District is the mission of the Lefleur’s Bluff Conservancy chaired by Mississippi Children’s Museum founder and Jackson visionary Susan Garrard. “This master plan really was born of the desire from the Children's Museum to replace the Lefleur’s Bluff playground,” Garrard modestly told the Rotary Club of North Jackson. Already having created one of the nation’s top children’s museums, she had a much bigger dream. In 2021, the Children’s Museum was one of six recipients awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. “We were the youngest museum in the nation,” Garrard said. “We were really excited about our medal,” she continued. “And we decided that we really, really, really wanted our surroundings here in Jackson to reflect kind of our award-winning ways.” “How do other cities do that?” she remembered asking. “Other cities do that through conservancies,” she found out. So, she led the formation of the first conservancy in Mississippi, the LeFleur’s Bluff Conservancy, leased 104 acres from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and got $13 million from the state legislature to, uh, enhance the “surroundings” of the Children’s Museum. The enhancements include: $1.8 million from the Capitol Complex Improvement District to revamp Museum Boulevard which runs beside I-55; a 30,000 square foot state of the art playground funded by a $3.86 million grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Mississippi Foundation; new entrances to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Children’s Museum, and the new playground complex; an… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/new-primary-care-opens-sen-hyde-smith-secured-funding-attends-opening New primary care opens: Sen. Hyde-Smith secured funding, attends opening 2026-08-29 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By JACK RYAN - Editor The weather was sunny and blazing hot Wednesday afternoon during the opening ceremonies for the Southwest Primary Care building. But it also was clear that the mission to improve the area’s elementary medical treatment is warming up. U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Brookhaven was among the 100 guests at the event, held under a large tent in the parking lot of the building, located across Marion Avenue from Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center at the corner of Aston Avenue. “Mississippi needs every doctor we can get, and that’s why this ribbon-cutting today is so meaningful,” Hyde-Smith told the assembly. “There was a real gap that this facility is helping to close.” The senator obtained $5.7 million in federal funding for the building, which used to house multiple businesses. The hospital bought the 14,000 square-foot property, renovated it into a single-use facility and resurfaced the parking lot that surrounds the east and north sides of the building. The building’s two main functions are to serve as a headquarters for Southwest’s medical residency program, which is now in its third year; and to provide primary care medical treatment from doctors formerly known as family practitioners. Among other features, the renovated building has 25 patient examination rooms, and a classroom area where the medical residents gather weekly for meetings with specialists and other education. The medical residents will see patients in the building. During the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of local medical care, and the Primary Care building’s role in it. Southwest Health chief operating officer Robert Weathersby said the building will be where “future physicians learn what it means to practice medicine.” Dr. Keith Speed, the residency program director, said the building will increase access to primary care. He predicted that some of the doctors who complete their three-year medical residency in McComb will stay here or in Mississippi to practice. “Today we’re celebrat… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/drug-companies-prescribers-endanger-patients-routinely-flouting-fda-rules-senate-probe-finds Drug Companies, Prescribers Endanger Patients by Routinely Flouting FDA Rules, Senate Probe Finds 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Kamden Mulder Drug companies producing chemical abortion pills and the online prescribers they provide those drugs to routinely fail to comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safeguards, an extensive investigation by Senate Republicans found. Major drug companies sell large quantities of chemical abortion pills to telemedicine companies, which then prescribe those drugs to women without first ensuring that the drugs will be used according to FDA guidelines, according to an investigative report released Thursday by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Danco Laboratories, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions LLC are approved Mifepristone sponsors under the FDA. Mifepristone is the first pill in a two-pill series inducing a chemical abortion. The drugmakers insist that it is not their responsibility to ensure that prescribers comply with FDA guidelines, yet the agency’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program requires that drugmakers ensure that the prescribers they’re selling their drugs to are complying with federal law. If the prescribers are not complying, the drugmakers are required to decertify them. “GenBioPro is deeply committed to complying with all regulatory frameworks that govern our business and disputes any suggestion to the contrary. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of mifepristone is backed by more than a quarter century of rigorous scientific research, regulatory review, and real-world use, and remains unchanged,” a GenBioPro spokesperson said in a statement provided to National Review. The report details a video in which Dr. Christina Francis of the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs posed as a 13-year-old girl and received GenBioPro’s generic Mifepristone from the platform Aid Access within two days of requesting the drug. Aid Access is not a certified prescriber and cannot therefore prescribe the drug directly. Instead, the platform collects a patient’s information and passes it on to a “licensed doctor” who then prescribes th… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-rural-family-resource-hub-legislation Hyde-Smith highlights Rural Family Resource Hub Legislation 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Submitted U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) used a visit to an educational and family resource program in Brookhaven to highlight legislation she introduced to help rural and tribal communities establish resource hubs to strengthen families while improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities. Hyde-Smith on Wednesday attended an open house for the Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network site and highlighted her recent introduction of the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act (S.5364) – a bill to create a federal grant program to strengthen rural and tribal communities through place-based investments in education, workforce development, childcare, health care access, and family support services. “Expanding access to high-quality early learning environments is critical to improving educational outcomes, supporting healthy child development, and promoting long-term family stability,” Hyde-Smith said. “I introduced the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act to help rural communities expand access to childcare, literacy and tutoring programs, career and technical education partnerships, and other locally driven services,” the Senator added. “By giving communities greater flexibility to tailor these investments to their unique needs, my bill would strengthen families, improve educational outcomes, and expand economic opportunities across rural Mississippi.” S.5364 would allow eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, local governments, and community partnerships to compete for federal grants to address these challenges through locally designed solutions. Funding could support family resource hubs, literacy and tutoring programs, childcare expansion, telehealth services, workforce development initiatives, career and technical education partnerships, transportation assistance, and behavioral health services. The Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network at Mississippi State University Extension Service connects families, educators, and childcare providers with valuable early childhood reso… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/investigation-reveals-abortion-pill-sellers-putting-womens-lives-and-health-risk Investigation Reveals Abortion Pill Sellers Putting Women’s Lives and Health at Risk 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Laura Echevarria | Washington, DC National Right to Life today praised Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and the late Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for their investigation into the manufacturers of mifepristone and the companies’ failure to provide meaningful oversight of the drug’s distribution and prescription. The committee’s report, Mifepristone Without Guardrails: An Investigation into How Chemical Abortion Drug Makers Are Putting Mothers and Babies at Risk, examines the operations of Danco Laboratories, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions—the three companies approved by the Food and Drug Administration to market mifepristone for abortion. “This report exposes an abortion-pill system built on secrecy, self-policing, and astonishingly little accountability,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Chairman Cassidy and his colleagues have performed an invaluable public service by demanding answers from companies that profit from the deaths of unborn children while failing to adequately account for the women harmed by their products.” The committee found that the manufacturers could not identify meaningful steps they take to ensure that online prescribers comply with the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy requirements. Danco and GenBioPro acknowledged that they have never decertified a single prescriber, despite the rapid growth of mail-order abortion and evidence that abortion pills that they provide are being prescribed through websites with little medical evaluation or ongoing oversight. The report also reveals serious deficiencies in the reporting of abortion-pill complications. Before the FDA eliminated mandatory reporting of non-fatal adverse events in 2016, approximately 4,000 such events involving Danco’s Mifeprex had been reported. During the following decade, Danco reported only about 150 non-fatal adverse events—even as the use o… 1 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-rural-family-resource-hub-legislation-during-visit HYDE-SMITH HIGHLIGHTS RURAL FAMILY RESOURCE HUB LEGISLATION DURING VISIT 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Miss. Senator Introduces ‘Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act’ BROOKHAVEN, Miss. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today used a visit to an educational and family resource program in Brookhaven to highlight legislation she introduced to help rural and tribal communities establish resource hubs to strengthen families while improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities. Hyde-Smith on Wednesday attended an open house for the Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network site and highlighted her recent introduction of the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act (S.5364) – a bill to create a federal grant program to strengthen rural and tribal communities through place-based investments in education, workforce development, childcare, health care access, and family support services. “Expanding access to high-quality early learning environments is critical to improving educational outcomes, supporting healthy child development, and promoting long-term family stability,” Hyde-Smith said. “I introduced the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act to help rural communities expand access to childcare, literacy and tutoring programs, career and technical education partnerships, and other locally driven services,” the Senator added. “By giving communities greater flexibility to tailor these investments to their unique needs, my bill would strengthen families, improve educational outcomes, and expand economic opportunities across rural Mississippi.” S.5364 would allow eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, local governments, and community partnerships to compete for federal grants to address these challenges through locally designed solutions. Funding could support family resource hubs, literacy and tutoring programs, childcare expansion, telehealth services, workforce development initiatives, career and technical education partnerships, transportation assistance, and behavioral health services. The Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network at Mississippi State University Extension Service connects fa… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/17/wicker-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-honor-american-founders-and-founding-principles/ Wicker, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Honor American Founders and Founding Principles 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Dave McCormick, R-Pa., introduced the National American History and Founders Month Act, which would permanently designate November as a time to celebrate, study, and remember the American founders and founding principles. “Our founders established a system of government that has held firm these 250 years. As the United States has grown from a fledgling nation into a world leader, the founders’ system has endured. And it will remain strong—but only if we pass down their ideals,” said Senator Wicker. “May this legislation inspire educators, parents, and community leaders to share the stories of our founding with the coming generations of Americans.” “Today’s students will be the engaged leaders of tomorrow only if they have a deep understanding of our nation’s founding and history,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. “Designating November as National American History and Founders Month will mean more opportunities for our students to learn about U.S. history in an engaging way, including lesser-told stories. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.” “America’s founding principles have guided our nation for 250 years, and we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation understands the rich history that has shaped our country into what it is today. Designating November as National American History and Founders Month will give schools, communities, and organizations across the country a dedicated time to honor our Founders and reflect on our nation’s enduring values. With our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, there is no better moment for this effort. I’m proud to join Senators Wicker and Kaine in introducing this legislation to keep America’s story, and its founding truths, alive for generations to come,” said Senator McCormick. “What sustains a nation is not the absence of flaws. It is shared principles and the honesty to confront our history while preserving the ideals that bind us,” said Dr. Jennife… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-guest-announce-24-million-grant-linked-ummc-cancer-center HYDE-SMITH, GUEST ANNOUNCE $2.4 MILLION GRANT LINKED TO UMMC CANCER CENTER 2026-08-14 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Miss. Lawmakers Secured NIST Funding in FY2026 Appropriations to Renovate & Equip Research Space WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $2.4 million federal grant to rehabilitate research space at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) as part of the research hospital’s long-term goal of being designated a National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hyde-Smith and Guest, who serve on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, respectively, secured the FY2026 funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The funding will be used to support the renovation and equipping of approximately 14,000 square feet of space in the UMMC Research Wing. “Upgrading this space at UMMC is just one more step toward creating a facility that will draw more cancer researchers to our state. The world-class work done there, along with the planned UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, is part of our goal to get that critical NCI designation, and I’m pleased to help reach these worthy goals,” Hyde-Smith said. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a national leader in medicine since it hosted the first heart transplant in 1964. Now, UMMC is taking a critical step in attaining its federal designation as a National Cancer Institute. I am proud to serve UMMC through my work in Congress and will continue to support the institution’s legacy of excellence and its efforts to supercharge cancer research, deliver better health outcomes, and ultimately find a cure,” Guest said. The project will update research space that has not been renovated in nearly 30 years. The planned improvements will help expand and modernize the UMMC cancer research program. Serving on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith has consistently sought support from successive administrations to gain an NCI designation… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/13/wicker-kelly-celebrate-senate-passage-of-usmma-athletics-act-of-2026/ Wicker, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., praised the U.S. Senate passage of the USMMA Athletics Act of 2026, which would support the athletic programs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Specifically, the legislation would allow the USMMA to establish a nonprofit organization to handle fundraising, licensing, ticketing, and other matters related to athletics. This would bring the USMMA into parity with athletics programs at the other four U.S. service academies. “By supporting service academy athletics, we boost recruitment and retention at America’s service academies,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to give the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy the same tools that other academies have to make the most of athletics programs.” “Nothing prepared me better for my career—in the Navy, at NASA, and even in the Senate—than the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy,” said Kelly. “This bill will strengthen and elevate USMMA’s ability to invest in midshipmen both in and beyond the classroom.” The USMMA trains midshipmen to serve as licensed officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine or as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. The academy fields 19 teams and conducts 55 percent of its overall recruiting through those athletic programs. Other service academies use a 501(c)(3) entity to generate revenue that supports athletics. The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 would empower the USMMA to create such an organization and to collect funds it accrues. By boosting athletic programs, the USMMA will be able to support enrollment at the academy and, ultimately, the future Merchant Marine force. The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 passed the U.S. Senate on August 6, 2026. Its companion legislation awaits consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services. ### 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-bill-would-improve-federal-education-scholarship-tax-credit HYDE-SMITH BILL WOULD IMPROVE FEDERAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Legislation Aims to Encourage Additional Private Investment in Education Freedom Tax Credit WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced she has introduced legislation to increase the impact of an existing federal education scholarship tax credit by indexing it to inflation and making it more attractive to private contributors to support K-12 educational needs. The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Improvement Act (S.5322) would adjust the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC or Education Freedom Tax Credit) that allows individual taxpayers to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 a year to contributions to qualified elementary and secondary scholarship granting organizations. Hyde-Smith’s bill would make it more attractive for couples filing joint tax returns to make contributions and index the tax credit for all such donations to the inflation rate. “Mississippi is among the states committed to the concept of education freedom, which the federal tax credits were created to support. What we created in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act is a terrific idea, but I think we can tweak it to make it even stronger to benefit even more children,” Hyde-Smith said. “My legislation will encourage additional private investment in scholarship-granting organizations, which will help expand educational opportunities without creating a new federal spending program.” S.5322, which has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, would: Allow married couples filing a joint return to claim up to twice the individual tax credit for qualified elementary and secondary education scholarship contributions ($3,400 under current law). As written, a couple filing jointly may only claim $1,700. Index the individual credit amount for inflation beginning in tax year 2027, with annual adjustments published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This would preserve the long-term value of FSTC by indexing it for inflation. Created in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the FSTC is intended … 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/12/wicker-armstrong-builds-senate-momentum-for-permitting-reform-as-12-new-cosponsors-join-his-american-energy-mineral-infrastructure-act/ Wicker, Armstrong Builds Senate Momentum for Permitting Reform as 12 New Cosponsors Join His “American Energy & Mineral Infrastructure” Act 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WICKER AND ARMSTRONG’S AEMI ACT GAINS SENATE SUPPORT AS PUSH TO FIX AMERICA’S BROKEN PERMITTING PROCESS ENTERS CRITICAL FALL WINDOW WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK) is growing momentum behind comprehensive permitting reform, announcing 13 additional Senate cosponsors for S. 4944, the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure (AEMI) Act: Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), David McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jon Husted (R-OH). The newly-added cosponsors join original sponsors Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Katie Britt (R-AL), and James Lankford (R-OK) for a total of 17 cosponsors, expanding a base of Senate support that reaches into Republican leadership and both committees with jurisdiction over permitting reform. The growing support comes as the Senate left Washington for the August recess without producing a bipartisan permitting reform package. Negotiators say they are making progress and hope to unveil an agreement in September, but significant issues remain unresolved — including Clean Water Act and National Historic Preservation Act reviews — and the shrinking legislative calendar leaves little time to turn a deal into law. Against that backdrop, Armstrong is working to reinvigorate conversations on permitting reform in the Senate by advancing concrete provisions that find bicameral and bipartisan support. As power demands skyrocket across the nation — driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, domestic high-tech manufacturing, and industrial expansion — America’s outdated and duplicative permitting framework continues to stall critical projects. The AEMI Act cuts through bureaucratic red tape, provides long-overdue certainty for builders, and prevents project delays that threaten economic growth and national security. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) said, “If we … 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-push-allow-us-coast-guard-community-partnerships HYDE-SMITH BACKS PUSH TO ALLOW U.S. COAST GUARD-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 2026-08-11 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Implement Intergovernmental Support Agreements Between USCG & Host Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs) with host states and communities. The Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act (S.5341) would kickstart an authority – granted to the USCG in 2013 but never exercised – to secure better collaborative contracting agreements with local government bodies to deliver lower-cost, higher-quality services at its installations, and strengthen local ties within Coast Guard communities. “The Coast Guard has been an integral part of Mississippi communities. It should be allowed to use cooperative agreements to partner with host communities on any number of services, from waste removal to public transportation to childcare. All other branches of the Armed Forces are already demonstrating that millions of dollars can be saved through these cost-saving service agreements. It’s time for the Coast Guard to do the same,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. Coast Guard maintains several stations and vessels in Mississippi, including in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Natchez. Except for the Coast Guard, every branch of the Armed Forces has used IGSAs to implement IGSA service contracts that support military installations and surrounding communities. A 2018 Government Accountability Office study of just eight out of the hundreds of IGSAs found that these agreements generated at least $9 million in financial benefits. S.5341 would require the Homeland Security Secretary to delegate to the Commandant of the Coast Guard authority to enter into IGSAs relating to installation-support services, and for other purposes. Its introduction follows inaction following a December 2024 letter signed by Hyde-Smith and other Senator… 1 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/10/wicker-colleagues-resolution-recognizing-national-community-health-center-week-passes-senate/ Wicker, Colleagues’ Resolution Recognizing National Community Health Center Week Passes Senate 2026-08-10 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – On Saturday, the Senate resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jim Justice (R-WV), Peter Welch (D-VT), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) designating Aug. 2-8, 2026, as National Community Health Center Week passed the Senate unanimously. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here. “Whereas, for over 60 years, community health centers have provided access to high-quality, affordable, comprehensive, preventive care for individuals in the United States, having a positive impact on the health system of the United States; Whereas, as the largest primary care network in the United States, over 1,500 community health centers provide high quality care for up to 52,000,000 individuals in 17,000 communities, such that 1 in 7 individuals across the United States and 1 in 3 in rural areas rely on community health centers; Whereas community health centers are an important element of the health system of the United States, serving rural, suburban, island, frontier, and urban communities, often as the only accessible and dependable source of primary care; Whereas community health centers are responding to the growing burden of chronic disease by expanding access to nutrition services and lifestyle counseling, reducing expensive emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and keeping the people of the United States healthy; Whereas community health centers integrate a wide range of services into primary care, such as mental health, dental, vision, hearing, and pharmacy services, creating a one-stop shop for all health-related needs; Whereas community health centers are uniquely governed by patient-majority boards, ensuring communities are fully engaged in the strategy of community health centers for… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/07/chairman-wicker-applauds-passage-of-russia-sanctions-bill-championed-by-sen-lindsey-graham/ Chairman Wicker Applauds Passage of Russia Sanctions bill Championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate passage of the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would help drain the coffers of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin as he wages his unprovoked war against Ukraine. “This sanctions bill will help save lives. It will make peace in Europe more likely,” said Senator Wicker. “I knew Senator Graham for 32 years. He was an accomplished lawmaker, but I can say clearly that this was his most profound achievement. By passing this bill, we salute his memory and continue the work he left us.” About the Bill The Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia’s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin’s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Finally, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia’s weapons producers. Notably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine. ### 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-joins-take-care-veterans-act-improve-va-services-benefits HYDE-SMITH JOINS ‘TAKE CARE OF VETERANS ACT’ TO IMPROVE VA SERVICES & BENEFITS 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Comprehensive Bicameral Measure Bundles Long-Sought VA Program Reforms WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced her support for a comprehensive bicameral bill to improve and expand benefits for American veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Hyde-Smith has cosponsored the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (S.4744), which combines 62 bipartisan, bicameral bills into one sweeping bill to address long-sought program changes to improve health care, benefits, and services for veterans, servicemembers, survivors, caregivers, military families, and Veterans Affairs staff. “I’ve visited with so many veterans and their families who are frustrated that commonsense improvements to VA programs get bogged down in the legislative process. The Take Care of Veterans Act is a bold effort to enact many of these program improvements together,” Hyde-Smith said. “I hope growing support among veterans’ groups will help convince enough lawmakers in the House and Senate to finally deliver for our veterans.” The package includes several bills supported by Hyde-Smith, including the Major Richard Star Act to overturn a policy that denies some combat-disabled veterans from receiving full military retirement pay and veteran disability compensation, and the Love Lives on Act to allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain their survivor benefits if they remarry. The overall bill also addresses suicide and overdose prevention, access to care for rural and underserved veterans, women veterans, caretakers of disabled veterans, and benefits to combat-injured veterans. A coalition of more than 20 veterans, military, caregiver, and survivor organizations last week called on Congress to overcome policy differences to pass the Take Care of Veterans Act, noting that some of the compensation adjustments have been debated for decades without consensus or action. In addition to the 22 coalition members that included the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior… 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-renews-support-close-legal-loophole-requiring-release-aliens-immigration-detention HYDE-SMITH RENEWS SUPPORT TO CLOSE LEGAL LOOPHOLE REQUIRING RELEASE OF ALIENS FROM IMMIGRATION DETENTION 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper ‘Keep Our Communities Safe Act’ Expands DHS Authority in Handling Criminal Illegal Aliens WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in reintroducing legislation to close a legal loophole that generally requires the release of illegal aliens, including those with criminal records, from immigration detention into American communities after six months if no country has accepted them for deportation. The Keep Our Communities Safe Act addresses the six-month legal loophole created by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2001 Zadvydas v. Davis ruling. The legislation would amend Section 236 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to expand the authority of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain criminal aliens. “I am again supporting this commonsense legislation because closing this ‘catch and release’ loophole will ultimately keep dangerous illegals detained instead of being freed to put law-abiding Americans, law enforcement, and our communities at risk. It’s time to finally fix the current law that permits illegal aliens with criminal records to be released back into the United States after six months simply because no other country will accept them for deportation,” Hyde-Smith said. “America is a nation of laws, and if you violate our laws and are subject to removal from the United States, you should remain in detention until the point of deportation,” said Britt. “Zadvydas v. Davis created a legal loophole that forces the release of aliens into our communities after six months simply because no country has agreed to take them back. This bill would help to close that loophole once and for all.” By amending Section 236, which governs the apprehension and detention of aliens, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act would give DHS greater authority to detain criminal aliens, deny bond to criminal aliens, and generally limit the availability of bond unless the detainee can establish by clear and convincing evidence that they’re not a flight … 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/06/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-russias-unprecedented-escalation-against-nato-allies/ Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on Russia’s Unprecedented Escalation Against NATO Allies 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “Vladimir Putin’s military failures in Ukraine have led him to undertake unprecedented acts of aggression against our NATO allies. Last week, a Russian cruise missile impacted on Polish territory, and armed Russian drones were shot down over Romanian airspace. This was no accident. These tactics were a deliberate escalation aimed at coercing NATO to end its support of Ukraine. Putin’s schemes will not work. The United States stands with Poland, Romania, and its NATO allies and will continue to support Ukraine. Putin’s reckless probing of Polish and Romanian territory coincides with the decision to withdraw U.S. brigade combat teams from each country over the last nine months — a decision I strongly disagreed with. Make no mistake, I support burden sharing and increased defense spending within NATO. President Trump deserves enormous credit for securing agreement among NATO allies to spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defense by 2035. It will take time to translate this spending into military capability. The ongoing force posture review in Europe must account for this reality and for the risk that a wounded and failing Putin might seek to change his circumstances through opportunistic aggression in Europe. Putin only understands strength and cost imposition. This is why the Senate is working to pass the Sanctioning of Russia Act. The aim of this review should be to strengthen NATO’s conventional defenses and to ensure that any adjustment in U.S. presence be undertaken in a deliberate, coordinated manner — akin to the 10-year plan on defense spending — that results in the credible deterrence of Russia and assurance of our allies.” ### 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-vows-keep-working-toward-farm-bill-20-passage-committee-democrats-block-progress HYDE-SMITH VOWS TO KEEP WORKING TOWARD FARM BILL 2.0 PASSAGE AS COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS BLOCK PROGRESS 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Miss. Senator Bemoans Minority Party Lip Service to Helping Farmers, Ranchers & Rural America WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today vowed to continue working with her Senate Agriculture Committee colleagues to advance the Farm Bill 2.0 that represents a full replacement of the 2018 Farm Bill that technically expired in 2023. The Senate Agriculture Committee today conducted a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026 or Farm Bill 2.0 – a comprehensive measure that includes more than 100 bipartisan agricultural and nutritional measures, including many supported by Hyde-Smith. However, the package stalled along party lines after Democrats balked at a compromise for holding states accountable for errors in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “We were given a choice to move forward with a strong bipartisan compromise that serves the best interests of American farmers, ranchers and rural communities or to continue clinging to insincere lip service that does nothing to help anyone. I’m disappointed that Farm Bill 2.0 was stopped today because this was our chance to deliver the certainty and support that farmers and ranchers in Mississippi and across the nation not only deserve but need to compete and prosper in today’s marketplace,” Hyde-Smith said. “Despite the committee being at loggerheads today, I will continue to work with Chairman John Boozman and my colleagues to get a new farm bill over the finish line this year,” the Senator said. As negotiated on a bipartisan basis, Farm Bill 2.0 builds on the “Skinny Farm Bill” provisions enacted with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that modernized the farm safety net by significantly increasing reference prices and crop insurance subsidies. The bill before the Agriculture Committee further strengthened commodity, dairy, crop insurance, and standing disaster assistance programs while expanding opportunities tailored to the unique needs of specialty crop producers. It also included permanent, year-round E15 authori… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-applaud-trump-approving-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi MISS. LAWMAKERS APPLAUD TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Eight Counties Included in Disaster Declaration Linked to Tropical Storm Arthur WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. The disaster declaration approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. Eight counties were approved for Public Assistance, including Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. In addition, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties were approved for Individual Assistance. “We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the June storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” Click here to read the full disaster declaration. ### 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/04/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-for-approving-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi/ Miss. Congressional Delegation Applauds Trump for Approving Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. The eight counties granted Public Assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state was granted Individual Assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. “We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi’s major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” Click here to read the full disaster declaration. ### 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-new-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-rural-hospitals HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN RURAL HOSPITALS 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act Makes Changes to Bolster & Improve Original Lifeline Program for Rural Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week joined U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in introducing new legislation to broaden access to a federal Medicare reimbursement program that can help more rural hospitals remain open to serve patients. The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act or REH 2.0 (S.5164) would ease statutory limitations on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program, which offers Critical Access Hospitals and rural hospitals with under 50 beds an opportunity to convert to a different Medicare designation with higher reimbursement rates in exchange for reducing certain service offerings. “We’re trying every option we can to give rural hospitals a better chance to stay open. This REH 2.0 legislation is another attempt to build broader eligibility and greater flexibility options within the Rural Emergency Hospital program so that more rural hospitals can continue or resume serving patients,” said Hyde-Smith, who also introduced an REH measure in May 2025. “I am pleased to join Senator Moran in offering this bill for consideration and remain committed to passing legislation to improve the outlook for rural hospitals and clinics.” REH 2.0 would maintain the original intent of REH designations but offer additional flexibility to accept more eligible rural hospitals that are at risk of closure. The bill also includes the text of the REH Adjustment Act, which expands eligibility to previously closed hospitals and offers them the opportunity to reopen and apply for REH. In addition, it provides statutory flexibility for hospitals to maintain or create a distinct unit for inpatient psychiatric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services as well as authorize REH facilities to enter into swing bed agreements as defined in the Social Security Act. Endorsed by the Na… 1 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-leads-bicameral-recommendations-improve-h-2a-guest-worker-program HYDE-SMITH LEADS BICAMERAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE H-2A GUEST WORKER PROGRAM 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Lawmakers Seek Multi-Agency Administrative Changes to Ease Strain on Agricultural, Livestock & Dairy Industries WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today led a bicameral group of lawmakers in recommending administrative changes the Trump administration should take to significantly improve the effectiveness of the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. In a letter addressed to the secretaries of the departments of Labor, State, and Homeland Security, six Senators and 12 Members of the House outline specific administrative steps the agencies should take to correct continued processing delays, regulatory gaps, and structural barriers that place added strains on American agricultural, dairy, and livestock producers already struggling under a difficult economic environment. “The H-2A program is indispensable to agriculture across the United States, from specialty crop operations to livestock and dairy producers. However, H-2A regulations have failed to adapt to the continually growing demand for these visas. Processing delays, regulatory imbalances, and broader immigration challenges threaten this program’s effectiveness throughout the country – all at a time when our nation’s agricultural producers are facing significant economic hardship,” the lawmakers wrote. “We cannot stress enough how important it is for the relevant federal agencies to consider changes to the H-2A program to better support our nation’s agricultural industry – the men and women who feed and clothe us,” they added. In addition to Hyde-Smith, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.), and U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/30/wicker-kelly-and-colleagues-honor-gold-star-childrens-day/ Wicker, Kelly, and Colleagues Honor Gold Star Children’s Day 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., along with numerous colleagues, celebrated the passage of a Senate resolution designating August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children’s Day, which recognizes the children of fallen service members. “The sons and daughters of our fallen service members carry on the legacies of their parents. We set aside this day to honor them and to remember the sacrifices of their mothers and fathers,” said Senator Wicker. “Gold Star children grow up carrying the weight of losing of a parent who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said Senator Kelly. “These kids deserve to know that their parents’ service will never be forgotten and that this country will always stand behind them.” America’s Gold Star tradition began in World War I. When a service member deployed, his or her family would often hang a banner bearing a blue star outside the home. If the loved one died in the line of duty, the family replaced the blue star with a gold one. These families came to be known as Gold Star Families. In the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, nearly 625,000 Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been survived by nearly 250,000 children. Senators recognize August 1 specifically to honor these Gold Star Children. Senator Wicker introduced this resolution alongside Senator Kelly. They are joined by 21 of their colleagues: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Sen Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Sen. Mike Rounds R-S.D., Sen Rick Scott, R-Fla., Sen Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. “Gold Star familie… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/29/chairman-wicker-speaks-in-support-of-sen-grahams-russia-iran-sanctions-bill/ Chairman Wicker Speaks in Support of Sen. Graham’s Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. During his remarks, Senator Wicker honored Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who worked tirelessly to advance freedom and weaken dictators. Senator Wicker urged his colleagues to continue that work by voting to pass this legislation. “The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin’s war machine,” said Senator Wicker “It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions.” Read the full speech below, as delivered: A number of us gathered today, as we’ve already heard, at the National Cathedral for Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, and in a few moments we will vote to advance a bill that Lindsey Graham made possible. During the past few days, we have heard a number of stories about Lindsey Graham’s many idiosyncrasies. His endless energy, he’s been called the “energizer bunny,” his quotable jokes, his non-quotable quips, his one-of-a-kind personality. We also remember his steadfast love for freedom and his intolerance for tyrants. The bill that we will vote on in a few moments reflects those aspects of his personality. I have suggested that it is his greatest political achievement. It took a senator like Lindsey Graham to bring this bill so far—in this environment, with these stakes. He brought together so many parties. It seems he did this almost through the sheer force of will. I have seen that drive for 32 years since we came to Washington together as freshmen in 1994. Again I say, this could turn out to be Lindsey Graham’s greatest policy achievement. The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin’s war machine. It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions. It will hold accountable those who purchase the most Russian oil and gas. It also wil… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/29/wicker-warnock-introduce-tire-safety-legislation/ Wicker, Warnock Introduce Tire Safety Legislation 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Bill Would Modernize Federal Tire Safety Standards Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., introduced the Tire Safety Modernization Act of 2026, which would update federal tire testing standards to protect passenger safety and reflect modern best practices in tire production. “Tire manufacturing technology has evolved, but federal regulations have not kept pace,” said Senator Wicker. “This legislation would update performance standards—protecting passenger safety and promoting innovation at the same time.” “Georgia’s nation-leading tire manufacturing industry helps keep Georgians safe and connected to boundless opportunities,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “By modernizing this critical manufacturing sector, we can help foster innovation and keep Americans connected.” “Modernizing federal tire safety standards is essential to ensuring American drivers have access to the safest, most advanced tire technology available,” said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA). “The ‘Tire Safety Modernization Act’ is an important step toward aligning U.S. regulations with today’s innovations, strengthening road safety and supporting a more competitive tire manufacturing sector. USTMA and its member companies are grateful to Senators Wicker (R-MS) and Warnock (D-GA) for their leadership in championing this critical legislation.” “The introduction of this legislation by Senators Wicker and Warnock represents meaningful progress toward modernizing tire safety regulations. Aligning federal testing requirements with today’s technological advancements will help ensure effective safety oversight while promoting innovation and manufacturing growth in the United States,” said Tansu Işık, CEO Continental Tire Americas. “We appreciate Senators Wicker and Warnock for introducing legislation to modernize outdated tire testing requirements. Tire technology continues to advance rapidly, and federal standards should keep pace with innovati… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bill-end-costly-distorted-vehicle-fuel-economy-standards HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL TO END COSTLY, DISTORTED VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Senators Move to Eliminate CAFE Standards, Regulations that Exceed Congressional Intent, Impose Costly & Unnecessary Mandates WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently helped introduce legislation to help make motor vehicles more affordable for American families by eliminating a 70s-era regulatory regime that has driven up sticker prices. Hyde-Smith joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) in introducing the Restoring Affordability in Automobile Manufacturing (RAAM) Act (S.5092). The bill would eliminate the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which have gradually increased sticker prices for new motor vehicles and laid the statutory groundwork for mandating the types of cars available to consumers, as witnessed by the Biden administration’s effort to impose unrealistic fuel economy targets to achieve a backdoor electric vehicle mandate. “Over the past 50 years, the CAFE standards have morphed into a big government weapon for regulators to push radical climate agendas and drive vehicle prices up. The Biden administration tried to use it as a club to force EVs on everyone. The RAAM Act would put an end to this government overreach and allow consumers and auto manufacturers to set the market,” Hyde-Smith said. “The Biden-era CAFE standards turned an energy-security program into a de facto electric vehicle mandate, beyond Congress’s original intent to improve fuel economy and strengthen our nation’s energy security,” said Crapo. “Today’s CAFE standards distort the automobile market, saddle manufacturers with costly compliance requirements that drive up vehicle costs for hardworking families and do little to shield Americans from the volatility of global oil markets. The RAAM Act would repeal the costly, outdated CAFE program and put consumers – not federal regulators – back in the driver’s seat when it comes to vehicle choice.” Enacted in 1975 following the OPEC oil embargo to reduce petroleum consumption, improve fuel economy, and strengthen the nation’s energy security, … 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-lawmakers-urge-caution-in-implementing-new-organ-donation-standards Mississippi Lawmakers Urge Caution in Implementing New Organ Donation Standards 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), today issued a letter that encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider feedback from the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) and similar organizations as it implements changes to the nation’s organ donation system. The letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz cites concerns raised by MORA, the state’s primary Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), about the performance metrics included in a final rule that could have the unintended consequence of putting organ donation services at risk in states like Mississippi with high chronic disease rates. “MORA has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, donor family care, hospital development, and community education. These efforts have helped increase donation opportunities while maintaining the dignity and respect every donor and family deserves. Policies that could weaken local infrastructure or create uncertainty in long-standing healthcare partnerships risk undermining this important work,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully encourage CMS to carefully consider stakeholder feedback before implementing the Final Rule and to consider metrics which the OPO community is developing that use CMS’ own measurement framework. These metrics are grounded in science and independently evaluated,” the lawmakers continued. The final rule redefines how organ procurement organizations’ performance is measured, now evaluating OPOs using objective donation and transplantation rate metrics, which places a significant number of organizations nationwide at risk of decertification because the metrics do not consider the process measures or the health realities of the communities that OPOs serve. “This standard would disadvantage states like Mississippi, where heart disease is the leading cause of death, cancer is second, and chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are wides… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-usda-purchase-20-million-surplus-us-farm-raised-catfish HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES USDA PURCHASE OF $20 MILLION IN SURPLUS U.S. FARM-RAISED CATFISH 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Agreement Follows Senators’ Request, Supports Producers and Expands Food Assistance Program WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said she expects Mississippi catfish producers to benefit from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreement to purchase up to $20 million in farm-raised catfish for distribution through food banks, charities, and other nutrition assistance programs. The $20 million purchase of farm-raised catfish is part of an overall USDA announcement to purchase up to $76.5 million in surplus U.S. commodities through the permanently authorized Section 32 program. This program authorizes the USDA to buy surplus U.S. commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs. “The farm-raised catfish industry has been under tremendous financial pressure as producers have struggled with years of rising costs and inflation. Like many agricultural sectors, our catfish farmers have faced significant economic challenges,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “These Section 32 purchases will provide meaningful support for producers in Mississippi and other catfish-producing states while delivering a healthy, high-quality source of protein to families served by nutrition programs across the country,” she added. In June, Hyde-Smith led a letter encouraging Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to grant a request from the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for relief through the Section 32 program. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the letter. The Senators’ June letter to Rollins stressed the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by “a crisis of economic sustainability.” Section 32 is funded through 30 percent of the previous year’s customs receipts, providing USDA with a permanent… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-ferc-commissioners-examine-affordability-data-centers-proliferate HYDE-SMITH, FERC COMMISSIONERS EXAMINE AFFORDABILITY AS DATA CENTERS PROLIFERATE 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Senate FERC Oversight Hearing Heavily Focused on Rising Power Demands & Affordability VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Discusses Electricity Affordability with FERC Commissioners. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Wednesday sought additional details on the mechanisms being put in place to protect families, small businesses, and communities from high electricity bills as data centers and large load manufacturing projects come online in states like Mississippi. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee conducted an oversight hearing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the agency tasked with addressing rising power demand from data centers and overseeing the implementation of President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation. “We talk a lot about affordability, and in your testimonies and your written statements, it was one of the top priorities. This administration and this commission continue to take action to be so conscious of that that ratepayers aren’t burdened by the higher cost. Mississippi, my home state, continues to be at the forefront of safeguarding ratepayers by ensuring companies, like data centers, pay their fair share for large loads,” Hyde-Smith told the five FERC commissioners testifying at the hearing. “What mechanisms is FERC implementing specifically for large load customers to pay upfront payments and commitments to maintain minimum financial contributions to keep the rates from rising?” FERC Chairman Laura Swett said the agency is actively working to deploy the President’s proclamation through a series of steps to “ensure that the upgrades that are required by large load is not shouldered by consumers. So, we look at it on a case-by-case basis and across the markets.” In June, FERC issued show cause orders under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act to six regional grid operators under its jurisdiction to encourage modernized rules for interconnecting large loads. Commissioner David Rosner told Hyde-Smith that FERC is working with st… 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-urge-caution-implementing-new-organ-donation-standards MISS. LAWMAKERS URGE CAUTION IN IMPLEMENTING NEW ORGAN DONATION STANDARDS 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Hyde-Smith, Wicker & Guest Ask CMS to Work with Mississippi as it Changes Performance Metrics WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), today issued a letter that encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider feedback from the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) and similar organizations as it implements changes to the nation’s organ donation system. The letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz cites concerns raised by MORA, the state’s primary Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), about the performance metrics included in a final rule that could have the unintended consequence of putting organ donation services at risk in states like Mississippi with high chronic disease rates. “MORA has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, donor family care, hospital development, and community education. These efforts have helped increase donation opportunities while maintaining the dignity and respect every donor and family deserves. Policies that could weaken local infrastructure or create uncertainty in long-standing healthcare partnerships risk undermining this important work,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully encourage CMS to carefully consider stakeholder feedback before implementing the Final Rule and to consider metrics which the OPO community is developing that use CMS’ own measurement framework. These metrics are grounded in science and independently evaluated,” the lawmakers continued. The final rule redefines how organ procurement organizations’ performance is measured, now evaluating OPOs using objective donation and transplantation rate metrics, which places a significant number of organizations nationwide at risk of decertification because the metrics do not consider the process measures or the health realities of the communities that OPOs serve. “This standard would disadvantage states like Mississippi, where heart disease is the leading cause of deat… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-named-defense-appropriations-subcommittee HYDE-SMITH NAMED TO DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Senate Appropriations Committee Reorganizes Subcommittee Memberships Following the Death of Senator Lindsey Graham WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today accepted an appointment to serve on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, giving Mississippi added prominence in Congress when developing funding for the nation’s national security interests. The appointment was made as the Senate Appropriations Committee reorganized its subcommittee makeup following the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on July 11. The new assignments were announced Wednesday by Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine). “I undertake this new assignment on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee with a measure of sadness for my dear colleague Lindsey Graham, but I am also resolved to serve as he did in support of our men and women in uniform,” Hyde-Smith said. “I am proud to follow in the footsteps of our own Senator Thad Cochran, who chaired and served on this subcommittee so well, ensuring that states like Mississippi can contribute ably to our nation’s defense.” Hyde-Smith retains her chairmanship of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as her memberships on the subcommittees on: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; Homeland Security; and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. As part of the reorganization, Hyde-Smith relinquished her membership on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. Links to Hyde-Smith’s overall committee assignments in the 119th Congress are available here. ### 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-committee-review-trump-supplemental-funding-request-agriculture-defense HYDE-SMITH, COMMITTEE REVIEW TRUMP SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST FOR AGRICULTURE, DEFENSE 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Senate Appropriations Committee Assesses $11.1B Request for Ag Assistance, $70B for Defense Readiness VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Agriculture Secretary Rollins About Continued Assistance Payments for Farmers. VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Defense Secretary Hegseth on Supplemental Funding Request and FY2027 Shipbuilding Budget. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday questioned Trump administration officials on the utility of Congress providing supplemental appropriations this year to bolster national security and continue agricultural assistance for row and specialty crop producers. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hyde-Smith participated in a hearing to review President Trump’s request for supplemental funding, including $11.1 billion for temporary economic assistance for farmers and approximately $70 billion to sustain military readiness and critical capabilities upgrades. Regarding assistance to farmers, Hyde-Smith signaled her support for continuing to provide bridge payments to help producers overcome low commodity prices and escalated input costs. “Our row crop producers, as you’ve mentioned in your opening remarks, are truly in a serious situation. I’ve talked to multi-generation farmers back home who are the best of the best that did not even plant this year because they could not make the numbers work. And producers in Mississippi and nationwide continue to face these economic conditions,” Hyde-Smith told Rollins. “If we want the next generation to stay on the land, we’re going to have to take this opportunity to provide this critical market assistance for our farmers and enact policies that build structural demands for commodities, like the Buying American Cotton Act and year-round E15. All of which would make the paths better, more favorable for these producers going forward.” Rollins discussed the need for bridge payments and administration actions to bring down input costs. “As of today, ensuring that we can keep these farmers far… 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-merkley-bill-will-improve-forest-health-expand-market-forestry-biomass-byproducts HYDE-SMITH, MERKLEY BILL WILL IMPROVE FOREST HEALTH, EXPAND MARKET FOR FORESTRY BIOMASS BYPRODUCTS 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper ‘Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act’ Would Broaden Renewable Fuel Standard Definition of Eligible Renewable Biomass WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve forest health and management by creating new market demand for timber and forestry biomass byproducts. The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act (S.5087) would expand the definition of renewable biomass materials that qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program within the Clean Air Act. Importantly, the legislation covers both non-federal private land and federal lands, which broadens its appeal beyond regional interests. “This bipartisan bill creates avenues to help reduce the wildfire threats in the West but also clears the way for biomass produced from non-federal lands in heavily forested states like Mississippi to contribute to the nation’s renewable fuels resources,” Hyde-Smith said. “With this bill, we will make it easier to develop a new revenue stream for the thinnings, logging residuals, and mill byproducts that Mississippi landowners and forest products manufacturers already generate, without requiring them to change how they manage their timberland.” “Reducing wildfire risk demands innovative solutions and using all the tools at our disposal to invest in wildfire prevention efforts,” said Merkley. “Woody biomass that comes from responsible forest management activities—like hazardous fuels reduction—presents a huge opportunity for communities in Oregon and across the nation. By updating the definition for these materials to qualify as renewable fuels, we can harness their power to create new markets for these materials, reducing wildfire risk and supporting healthier public, private, and Tribal lands.” A key barrier to proactive forest management is the lack of viable markets for the woody material removed during fuel reduction treatments, thinning operations, and defensible space clearing. Without an economic outle… 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-delegation-urges-trump-to-approve-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. If approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-votes-to-advance-water-resources-legislation/8a27cd34-5f0a-422b-8e24-e64d0c05f838 Senator Wicker Votes to Advance Water Resources Legislation 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Senator Wicker’s unique position on the committee allows him to advocate for Mississippi’s communities and priorities. The committee’s legislation would expand water infrastructure projects and streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' planning and project delivery process. The bill will now move to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. “These investments will help advance critical water projects, strengthen Mississippi's economy, and support the communities and industries that rely on our waterways. I will continue using my position on the Environment and Public Works Committee to deliver meaningful results for Mississippi communities,” said Senator Wicker. Among other policies that are going to benefit Mississippi, WRDA would: Increase transparency of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ annual funding capabilities, informing congressional funding allocations for water resource projects. Authorize a feasibility study for flood risk management and restoration along the Hatchie River in Tippah, Alcorn, and Union counties. Authorize a feasibility study to improve and reconstruct the Walkiah Bluff weir in Pearl River County. Expedite completion of the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study. Ultimately, this study would modernize the operations of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the condition of locks and dam facilities along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system. Require a study on the use of hydrokinetic turbines in the Mississippi River. Authorize $5 million in Section 1301 environmental infrastructure funding for 10 Mississippi communities, including Brandon, Choctaw County, Columbus, Flowood, Forest, Hattiesburg, Lucedale, Natchez, Vicksburg, and West Jackson County Utility District. Increases Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure authorizations for four Mississippi c… 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-delegation-urges-trump-approve-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi-1 MISS. DELEGATION URGES TRUMP TO APPROVE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration after remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” If approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported. Click here to read the delegation's letter to President Trump. 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-chief-of-space-operations-nominee Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Chief of Space Operations Nominee 2026-07-16 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nomination of the next Chief of Space Operations. Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess, USSF, nominated to be General and Chief of Space Operations, appeared before the committee. In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain and the need to strengthen the U.S. Space Force to meet evolving threats from strategic competitors. The chairman also highlighted the importance of accelerating space acquisition, building a more agile workforce, and ensuring the Space Force has the resources and leadership necessary to maintain America's strategic advantage. Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered. The committee meets today to consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, who is nominated to be the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. This hearing comes at a pivotal moment for both our nation's security and the future of the Space Force. If confirmed, General Schiess will become the third Chief of Space Operations. That distinction reflects the relative youth of this service. While the Space Force has already proven its value to the Joint Force, it is still building the institutions, culture, talent pipeline, and operational concepts that will define the service for generations. The Space Force was established because our nation recognized that superiority in space is essential to maintaining deterrence on Earth. Today, that mission is more important than ever. The next Chief of Space Operations will assume responsibility as two trends converge: First, the strategic environment is becoming more dangerous even as the demands on the service continue to grow. The United States no longer has the luxury of viewing space as a permissive environment. China and Russia have made clear that they see space as a critical warfighting domain. They continue to invest in capabilities de… 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-darline-graham-introduce-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable Wicker, Darline Graham, Blumenthal, and Shaheen Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable 2026-07-16 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. “We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker. “Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas. A one-pager on … 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-the-ndaa Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the NDAA 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “Senator Schumer has chosen to block a bipartisan NDAA from advancing on the Senate floor. He has delayed a bill that prioritizes our military service members and ensures they are better prepared for the challenges ahead. The NDAA would have included another 86 amendments, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. These amendments included bipartisan packages on crime and drugs, bipartisan provisions to ensure America stays ahead of China on chips and artificial intelligence, and bipartisan oversight measures for the State Department and intelligence community. It is difficult to understand this action given that the objections to beginning debate on the bill center on what is not in the bill. We have voted dozens of times on military action in Iran, both on the Senate floor and in our committee. Rather than requesting specific votes on Iran on the NDAA, Democrats simply voted against starting the process altogether. Similarly, the committee has already voted on the defense budget topline. This bill is not the proper vehicle to settle disagreements over the adequate balance between defense and domestic spending. I hope Senator Schumer will reconsider and allow the NDAA to come to the floor so that we can debate these topics and advance legislation containing over 1,100 individual ideas from every senator in this chamber.” 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-four-senior-civilian-pentagon-nominees Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Four Senior Civilian Pentagon Nominees 2026-07-14 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider nominations for senior defense financial, acquisition, intelligence, and space leadership positions. Jules W. Hurst III, nominated to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Mr. Richard M. O’Malley, nominated to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. Erich D. Hernandez-Baquero, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, and Dr. L. Roger Mason, Jr., nominated to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, all appeared before the committee. In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker highlighted the importance of modernizing defense budgeting, streamlining acquisition and sustainment, expanding resilient space capabilities, and improving intelligence collection and analysis, noting that each nominee would play a key role in strengthening the Department of Defense and supporting U.S. national security. The Chairman also took time in his remarks to honor the life of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered. This hearing will come to order.?To begin with, the Senate has lost a giant. A champion. A former member of this committee who, though he went on to other jurisdictions, was one of the strongest advocates for American strength and American partnerships around the world and peace through strength. That is the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. And so, I would ask all of us to bow our heads for a moment of silence in memory of Senator Graham. Thank you very much. 1 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-celebrates-new-affordable-housing-law HYDE-SMITH CELEBRATES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAW 2026-07-13 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law, Includes Hyde-Smith Priorities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, today heralded the enactment of the first comprehensive housing affordability measure approved by Congress in decades. The 21st Century ROAD (Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream) to Housing Act (HR.6644) includes priority reforms Hyde-Smith has supported to address housing needs in rural America. Hyde-Smith voted with the Senate on June 18 to give the bill its final approval. The bill became law at midnight Friday without President Trump’s signature. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents a bipartisan recognition that government should be a helping hand, not a hindrance, as it too often has been in addressing affordable housing needs in Mississippi and across this great nation. This new law takes meaningful steps to increase housing supply by cutting unnecessary regulations, attacking waste, fraud, and abuse in federal housing programs, and providing incentives to invest in affordable housing,” Hyde-Smith said. “I commend President Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner for making the affordable housing issues a priority, and I thank Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott for getting this important bill across the finish line. I am also grateful that policies I have advocated for years are part of this package, all of which should help rural states like Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith added. Hyde-Smith has supported legislation, policies, and funding related to key rural and low-income housing programs that are addressed in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. These include: Reforming Disaster Recovery – Provides a three-year reauthorization of the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and establishes the HUD Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency to administer the program. Promoting New Bank Formation – Creates a two-year pha… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-remembers-senator-lindsey-graham Senator Wicker Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham 2026-07-12 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper "There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced." 1 2026-07-12T07:28:31Z 2026-07-12T07:30:18Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-and-colleagues-announce-agreement-on-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable Wicker and Colleagues Announce Agreement on Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable 2026-07-10 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement today: “We are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon. As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine.” 1 2026-07-11T07:10:48Z 2026-07-11T07:14:29Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-releases-independence-day-statement-nation-celebrates-its-250th-anniversary HYDE-SMITH RELEASES INDEPENDENCE DAY STATEMENT AS NATION CELEBRATES ITS 250th ANNIVERSARY 2026-07-02 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper “We are Always Strongest When We Come Together in Gratitude, Pride & Patriotism” VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues Statement Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued an Independence Day statement as Mississippians and citizens across the United States ramp up to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “This Fourth of July, I hope we will set aside our differences and reflect on the values that unite us as Americans,” Hyde-Smith said. “There is so much to celebrate in this remarkable nation, and we are always strongest when we come together in gratitude, pride, and patriotism.” Hyde-Smith’s complete Independence Day message: Hello, I’m U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. 250 years ago, a group of determined patriots put their names to a document that changed the course of history. Their bold declaration established our great nation, the United States of America. And because of them, the freedoms we enjoy today remain truly remarkable. We have the freedom to speak our minds, to worship as we please, to build a life for ourselves and our families, and to accomplish whatever we set our minds to. These are not small things. They are extraordinary gifts, and they did not come free. For 250 years, generations of brave Americans have answered the call to serve, defend, and preserve our nation. Many gave their lives so that future generations could continue to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that define America. As a grateful nation, we must always remember their sacrifice and honor their legacy. This Fourth of July, I hope we will set aside our differences and reflect on the values that unite us as Americans. There is so much to celebrate in this remarkable nation, and we are always strongest when we come together in gratitude, pride, and patriotism. May God bless you, may God bless Mississippi, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. Happy Fourth of July! ### 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-approving-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi MISS. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION APPLAUDS TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI 2026-07-02 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after devastating tornadoes and severe weather struck the state on May 6 and 7, 2026. The approval will unlock federal resources to support recovery efforts. The declaration approves Individual Assistance for Lamar, Lincoln, Franklin, Lawrence, and Wilkinson counties and Public Assistance for Lamar, Lincoln, Franklin, and Lawrence counties. “We are grateful to President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help families, communities, and municipalities rebuild and recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “The magnitude of the destruction has placed extraordinary strain on state and local resources, and the capabilities of volunteer and charitable organizations alone will not be sufficient to meet the long-term recovery needs of affected communities. Federal assistance will be critical to support the recovery of these communities,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. ### 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-welcomes-new-roadway-funding Wicker Welcomes New Roadway Funding 2026-07-01 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Department of Transportation awarded Mississippi a total of $51,160,000 in three grants. These funds will support infrastructure investments such as roadway improvements, safety improvement measures, lane widening, and increased truck parking. “Roadways are the building blocks of a strong economy. These grants will help Mississippians do business, welcome tourists, and visit loved ones. I stand ready to help local leaders put these funds to work right away,” said Senator Wicker. “On behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I am pleased to be amongst several recipients for the USDOT Build grants. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for transportation in Mississippi. These BUILD grants will allow us to advance critical projects on both the state and local systems, continuing the progress Senator Wicker has championed for our state’s infrastructure over many years,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We’re grateful he shares MDOT’s vision of building and maintaining better roads for the people of Mississippi.” The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program provides competitive discretionary grants to support investments in nationally and regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, rail, transit, and multimodal freight infrastructure. Unlike formula programs, BUILD grants are awarded competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for the program, and, as the lead Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during consideration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, he helped secure significant additional authorized funding for BUILD grants. Mississippi was awarded the following grants: Mississippi Department of Transportation - $22,100,000 This project will construct truck parking and technology improvements alon… 1 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-173-million-make-improvements-nine-miss-airports HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $17.3 MILLION TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT NINE MISS. AIRPORTS 2026-07-01 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that nine municipal airfields in Mississippi have been awarded more than $17.3 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding. The 10 grants for Mississippi are among the Round 4 announcement of FY2026 AIP grants approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The awards meet the Airport Safety and Resilient Infrastructure Development (ASRID) eligibility and prioritization criteria. “Airport Improvement Program grants will allow more Mississippi airfields to maintain and improve their facilities, and to bring them into compliance with current safety standards. All this work is increasingly important as our state acts to attract more jobs and economic development,” Hyde-Smith said. ASRID supplemental funds were provided in the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4). Some AIP-funded construction projects will also be supported through separate airport infrastructure and terminal grant programs. The 10 AIP grants approved for Mississippi include: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport – $4,442,376 to acquire airfield pavement sweeper equipment, rehabilitate terminal apron and runway pavement, install a new airport rotating beacon, continue terminal apron pavement reconstruction, and replace the airfield lighting control and monitoring system Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport – $3,998,989 to extend Runway 36 and reconfigure Taxiway J connectors. Bruce Campbell Field, Madison – $3,972,510 ($3.7 million discretionary/$272,510 AIP) to continue runway rehabilitation. C.A. Moore Airport, Lexington – $1,550,000 ($950,000 discretionary/$600,000 AIP) to rehabilitate an existing runway. Key Field, Meridian – $1,289,688 to rehabilitate runway and taxiway pavement markings, reconstruct existing storm sewer infrastructure in runway safety area, and rehabilitate runway lighting. R… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-511-million-will-fund-three-major-transportation-projects-rankin-hancock-harrison HYDE-SMITH:  $51.1 MILLION WILL FUND THREE MAJOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN RANKIN, HANCOCK & HARRISON COUNTIES 2026-07-01 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper U.S. Transportation Department Approves FY2026 BUILD Grant Funding for Mississippi WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced the award of $51.1 million in federal transportation grant funding for projects in Rankin, Hancock, and Harrison counties. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding three FY2026 Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants to Mississippi, including: $24 million to the City of Brandon for its U.S. Highway 80 Capacity and Safety Improvements Project; $22.1 million to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for an I-10 Freight Corridor Parking Availability System (TPAS) and Truck Parking Expansion Project; and $5.0 million grant to the City of D’Iberville for its Mallett Road Intermodal Corridor Improvements Project. “There’s no doubt that growth in the capital region and on the beautiful Gulf Coast requires significant infrastructure investments to keep pace and prepare for even greater growth. These BUILD grants for work in Rankin, Hancock, and Harrison counties are terrific news in terms of making Mississippi safer and accommodating to economic growth,” Hyde-Smith said. “I appreciate Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s consideration of these projects, which will make a big difference in my state.” Hyde-Smith wrote letters of support for Mississippi applications for these BUILD grants, which will support surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The City of Brandon project will involve roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements on U.S. Highway 80, including the addition of one west-bound lane, installation of a raised median with designated left-hand turn lanes, and sidewalk construction. The MDOT project in Hancock County will involve construction of truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. I… 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-ask-usda-purchase-surplus-catfish-products HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES ASK USDA TO PURCHASE SURPLUS CATFISH PRODUCTS 2026-06-30 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Hyde-Smith Leads Letter Asking Ag. Sec. to Approve Section 32 Purchase of Surplus Farm-Raised Catfish Products WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and several of her colleagues today endorsed a request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the industry by purchasing surplus catfish products. Hyde-Smith led a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins asking her to approve a request to purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish products through the Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program. U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the correspondence. “The industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,” the Senators wrote. The Senators’ letter stresses the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish producers to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by “a crisis of economic sustainability.” “The industry has been caught in a severe inflationary squeeze, particularly from 2023 to the present, fundamentally altering its production economics. This pressure has consistently driven the cost of producing U.S. farm-raised catfish above the prices farmers receive for their fish, leading to three continuous years of negative financial returns,” the Senators wrote. “The industry’s rising costs are dominated by the increasing expenses of key inputs, especially feed and energy, which represent the backbone of catfish farming operations.” Section 32 is a permanently authorized program that allows the U… 1 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-encourages-community-lenders-not-delay-applying-funding-following-omb-delays HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY LENDERS NOT TO DELAY IN APPLYING FOR FUNDING FOLLOWING OMB DELAYS 2026-06-30 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Hyde-Smith Led Senate Push for OMB Release of CDFI Application Details WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed hope that Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) banks in Mississippi will be able to successfully apply for federal grant and loan funding following months-long delays by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in releasing key application details. The OMB on Tuesday released Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) Program and the Small Dollar Loan (SDL) Program application materials following the receipt of an early June letter led by Hyde-Smith demanding progress. The NOFAs indicate a month-long application process. CDFI lending institutions use BEA and SDL resources to support primarily rural and underserved regions. “I appreciate OMB getting this data out and I encourage CDFI community lenders to act as quickly as possible to apply. I remain concerned that delays since April might put these lenders behind the eight ball in terms of securing the backing that they rely on to support small businesses and rural communities in Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith said. Established in 1994, the CDFI Fund enables certified lenders to leverage federal dollars with private-sector investment to bring much-needed financial resources to low-income and rural regions. These lenders use public and private partnerships to finance small businesses, affordable housing, and essential community services. Hyde-Smith led the June effort urging OMB Director Russell Voight to release BEA and SDL NOFAs. Ten Senators signed a letter to Vought noting that 80 percent of BEA funds are distributed to rural banks and are used to back billions in loans and investments to support small businesses, housing, and economic development in underserved areas. “We cannot express how strongly we believe the failure to immediately release the FY 2025 BEA and SDL NOFAs and application materials will result in the CDFI Fund having insufficient time to process applicati… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/chairman-wicker-strongly-supports-defense-supplemental-request Chairman Wicker Strongly Supports Defense Supplemental Request 2026-06-24 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement in support of the administration’s defense supplemental funding request: “I fully support the defense supplemental request submitted to Congress today and look forward to working with my colleagues to move it forward legislatively as soon as possible. We must ensure our service members have everything they need to face an increasingly dangerous world. “This supplemental funding is essential in the near term to maintain readiness through training and military pay. The request would also accelerate immediate production of key capabilities, from exquisite munitions to low-cost hypersonics, strike weapons, and drones. Supplemental resources will help ensure that our forces remain the most capable, lethal, and ready in the world. I urge Congress to act without delay to pass this vital funding measure.” ### 1 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-rounds-introduce-bill-banning-barbaric-abortion-procedures HYDE-SMITH, ROUNDS INTRODUCE BILL BANNING BARBARIC ABORTION PROCEDURES 2026-06-24 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper ‘Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act’ Introduced on Fourth Anniversary of the Dobbs Decision that Overturned Roe v. Wade WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Pro-Life Caucus Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in introducing legislation to ban the performance of dismemberment abortions. The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026 would establish a federal prohibition on dilation and evacuation procedures, commonly known as dismemberment abortions, in which surgical instruments are used to extract an unborn child piece by piece. “Every pre-born child is precious, and it’s appalling that any physician trained to save lives would dismember a child in the womb. The fact that this horrifying procedure is still being done to babies who can feel pain in the womb is why we need to enact the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act,” Hyde-Smith said. “Every life is a precious gift from God and should be treated with dignity,” said Rounds. “Dismemberment abortions are among the most brutal methods of abortion, accounting for around 80 percent of second trimester abortions. Our legislation would make performing a dismemberment abortion a criminal offense, with the doctor or health care provider who performs it liable to fines and up to two years in prison.” The measure creates criminal penalties for physicians who knowingly perform dismemberment procedures. A physician who knowingly performs the procedure would face fines and/or imprisonment of up to two years. U.S. Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation (HR.8603). “Under our current system, abortion procedures exist in a legal gray area with no federal standards and no accountability. Providers can perform inhumane extraction methods and face zero consequences. That ends now,” said Cammack. “This bill sets a clear federal standard that holds providers accountable, protects the dignity of all life, and ensures women are protected, not prosecuted.” Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), James Risch… 1 2026-07-03T08:00:00Z 2026-07-03T08:01:30Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/chairman-wicker-ranking-member-shaheen-statement-in-support-of-darrell-owens-s-nomination-for-u-s-representative-to-the-osce Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Shaheen Statement in Support of Darrell Owens’s Nomination for U.S. Representative to the OSCE 2026-06-23 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in support of the nomination of Darrell Owens to serve as U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), with the rank of Ambassador. “American leadership at the OSCE matters now more than ever. For five decades, the Helsinki principles have served as a foundation for security and cooperation across Europe, Central Asia and North America, rooted in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Vladimir Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine has violated every one of those commitments, from Russia’s illegal attempts to annex Ukrainian territory to its attacks on civilians, abduction of Ukrainian children, and campaign of disinformation aimed at weakening democratic institutions across the region. “At a moment when authoritarian powers are testing transatlantic resolve, the United States must have a strong and principled voice in one of the few forums dedicated to defending these commitments and holding governments accountable when they violate them. Mr. Owens understands the stakes, the threat posed by Russia’s aggression, and the importance of standing with Ukraine and our democratic allies. “With the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly set to convene in The Hague on July 4, the Senate should act without delay. Hundreds of parliamentarians from across the OSCE region will gather to confront some of the most urgent challenges facing the transatlantic community, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, human rights abuses, democratic backsliding, and hybrid threats like disinformation and cyberattacks. The United States should have its representative in place before that work begins. We urge our colleagues to support Mr. Owens’ nomination and confirm him without delay.” ### 1 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cheers-release-senate-farm-bill-20-language HYDE-SMITH CHEERS RELEASE OF SENATE FARM BILL 2.0 LANGUAGE 2026-06-23 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Hyde-Smith Wins Included in Draft Legislation that Focuses on the People Who Feed America WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today cheered the Senate Agriculture Committee release of Farm Bill 2.0, legislative text that sets the stage for giving agricultural producers and rural communities modernized federal policies to help them compete well into the future. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) released legislative text that includes more than 100 individual agriculture and rural development bills introduced in the 119th Congress by Hyde-Smith and her Republican and Democrat colleagues. It builds on the Farm Bill 1.0 farm safety net provisions enacted last year as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. “The release of the Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft is an important step toward getting the Senate to pass a much-needed and complete farm bill that builds on the ag wins in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act,” Hyde-Smith said. “There have been significant economic and global changes since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted, and there is an urgent need for us to give our farmers and rural communities the new tools and certainty they need to compete and grow. I know that’s what producers in Mississippi and from around the country have told me for a long time.” “I appreciate all the work that went into this legislation by Chairman Boozman and the committee. I look forward to continuing to work with them to move this process toward a committee markup and Senate passage,” Hyde-Smith added. In general, the budget-neutral Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft legislation would: Strengthen the farm safety net, modernize conservation programs, expand support for specialty crop and seafood producers, promote American-grown products, and improve forest management. Support rural communities by boosting local and regional food processing, expand access to capital and infrastructure investments, improve rural health and mental health services, enhance safe drinking water, an… 1 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-the-memorandum-of-understanding-with-iran Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran 2026-06-18 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement: “Since day one, I have supported President Trump’s efforts to end Iran’s 47-year threat to the United States and our partners. I am concerned that the memorandum of understanding negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the President’s goals. Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran – though not funded by U.S. taxpayers – would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison. I believe it would be an error to force Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that continues to attack Israel on its northern border. I also oppose the U.S. lifting any sanctions on Iran, or unfreezing Iranian funds, in exchange for Iran’s mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days. The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal — “Death to America, Death to Israel.” The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim. 1 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-schiff-introduce-food-supply-chain-resilience-legislation-expand-markets-ag-producers HYDE-SMITH, SCHIFF INTRODUCE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND MARKETS FOR AG PRODUCERS 2026-06-18 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Legislation Aims to Improve Resiliency by Building Out the Middle of the Food Supply Chain WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) today introduced legislation to strengthen the resilience of the U.S. food supply chains and expand markets for agricultural producers, particularly small and mid-sized operations. The American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.4842), which is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), is intended to cultivate a more resilient, competitive supply chain by helping to create new markets for local and regional foods, as well as for small and diversified producers. Specifically, the legislation would make the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program permanent and create a Regional Food Systems Hubs (RFSH) Program. “Making the RSFI permanent will give states greater certainty to make long-term investments that strengthen food supply chains and benefit producers and consumers,” Hyde-Smith said. “Mississippi has been very effective in using its RFSI grants statewide to build out pathways to get food our producers grow from farm to market. The RFSI, combined with the regional hubs, provides the incentives for producers and policymakers to do what needs to be done to get more locally produced agricultural products a broader market.” “Our family farmers need more opportunities in today’s global agricultural markets. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Senators Hyde-Smith, Klobuchar, and Justice to strengthen our food supply chains and create new markets for small and mid-sized producers, expanding opportunities so that farmers have a means of selling their products to more places and consumers have more options,” said Schiff. The RFSI Program provides grants to individual states, like Mississippi, that then redistribute that funding to support projects that build or expand facilities, upgrade equipment, improve food safety compliance, strengthen distribution … 1 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/cornyn-coons-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-bolster-ukraine-s-defense-arsenal-using-seized-russian-sovereign-assets Cornyn, Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Bolster Ukraine’s Defense Arsenal Using Seized Russian Sovereign Assets 2026-06-18 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness (SABER) Act, which would amend current law to allow Ukraine to use assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other Russian sovereign assets for the purchase of military equipment to defend against Vladimir Putin’s war machine: “The REPO Act laid important groundwork for seizing and repurposing billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to help the Ukrainian people defend their own sovereignty after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By extending the law’s permissible use of funds to replenish Ukraine’s arsenal, this legislation would go one step further to helping our ally defend against Russian aggression and force Putin to foot the bill for arming Ukraine.” “Ukraine is on the frontline of freedom in Europe, protecting the rest of the world from Putin’s unprovoked aggression,” said Sen. Coons. “Ukraine’s army has fought courageously under incredibly difficult circumstances, and we need to ensure they have the tools and funds they need to defeat Putin on the battlefield and build back stronger once the war ends. With this bipartisan legislation, we are opening up new pathways for support so we can assure our and Ukraine’s security.” “The Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians (REPO) Act ensured that frozen Russian assets be used to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. As Ukrainians continue to resist Russia’s assault, they should have every means available to defend themselves. The SABER Act would build on existing law, allowing confiscated Russian sovereign assets to be used to purchase military equipment Ukraine needs to defeat Putin’s war machine,” said Sen. Wicker. “The resolve and resilience of Ukrainians in defending their homeland from Russian forces has been commendable, and the internatio… 1 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-introduces-save-our-shrimpers-act-senate HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES ‘SAVE OUR SHRIMPERS ACT’ IN THE SENATE 2026-06-17 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Bill to Bar U.S. Taxpayer Dollars from Supporting Foreign Shrimp Farms Introduced Following House Passage WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today introduced legislation to begin signaling Senate support for an effort to protect U.S. shrimpers and processors by barring the use of taxpayer funding to support foreign shrimp farms. The Save Our Shrimpers Act would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, for financing activities related to foreign shrimp farming, processing, or exporting. U.S. Representative Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas) authored this bill (HR.2071), which the House passed overwhelmingly last month. “America’s shrimpers are tough and don’t mind fair competition, but for too long they’ve had to battle heavily subsidized foreign producers operating on an unfair playing field. The fact that U.S. dollars are aiding and abetting that unfair competition is appalling and must come to an end,” Hyde-Smith said. “I commend Congressman Nehls for advancing the Save Our Shrimpers Act through the House, and I’m proud to introduce a companion bill in the Senate that sends a clear message that we’re committed to fighting for America’s shrimping industry.” The Save Our Shrimpers Act would require the U.S. Department of the Treasury to condition the delivery of any federal funds to an international financial institution on the requirement that the funds not be used to finance any activity related to foreign shrimp operations. While current federal law stipulates that the Treasury Department instruct U.S. executive directors at international monetary institutions to vote against any assistance that facilitates an export commodity surplus that causes injury or harm to United States producers—such as foreign shrimp. Compliance with the law has been lax, with the U.S. only voting for the first time in history against a foreign shrimp aquaculture project in April 2025. Hyde-Smith’s introduction of the Save Our… 1 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/capito-cosponsors-bill-expand-historic-tax-credit-access Capito cosponsors bill to expand Historic Tax Credit access 2026-06-17 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper The bill would expand Historic Tax Credit access by creating a new 30% transferable credit for small and rural projects and lowering eligibility thresholds. From Staff Reports WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has cosponsored legislation aimed at expanding access to the federal Historic Tax Credit and increasing eligibility for restoration projects. The Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2025 would build on tax provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Supporters said the bill is designed to encourage economic growth and local investment by making the Historic Tax Credit easier to use for more projects. “West Virginia has such wonderful history and architecture, and we’ve seen successful investments across our state through the revitalization of historic properties for new businesses or apartments. The HTC brings to life some of our most recognizable structures and we should make it easier for these investments to take place – not harder,” Senator Capito said. “By simplifying the transaction structure of this credit and increasing project eligibility, we will continue to encourage innovative ways to increase community engagement, economic development, and tourism using our historic buildings.” The legislation would create a new 30% transferable credit for small and rural projects. It also would restore the base credit so it is payable in the same year the renovated property is placed into service. The bill would lower the project cost threshold required for eligibility by eliminating the basis-adjustment requirement, bringing the Historic Tax Credit more in line with credits such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. The measure also would expand eligible renovation projects by reducing the rehabilitation investment threshold from 100% to 50% of project expenses. Under the bill, project expenses would need to exceed half of the project’s cost to qualify for the credit. The legislation also would amend rules for tax-exempt entities, such as health care cen… 1 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/young-colleagues-urge-administration-investigate-foreign-pharmaceutical-price-controls Young, Colleagues Urge Administration to Investigate Foreign Pharmaceutical Price Controls 2026-06-17 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper June 17, 2026 • Original Press Release (Publisher's Website) WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, and a group of Senate Republican colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick. In the letter, they urged the Administration to launch a Section 301 investigation into unfair foreign pharmaceutical pricing practices and use it to pursue stronger commitments from trading partners that protect American patients and innovators. In their letter, the senators wrote: “We are concerned that Germany, Japan, and other high-income countries continue to maintain policies inconsistent with the Administration’s objective that U.S. trading partners pay their fair share for pharmaceutical innovation. USTR’s recent Special 301 report confirmed that these governments continue to use unfair policies to suppress pharmaceutical prices below fair market value and arbitrarily limit access to these lifesaving products. These policies limit export opportunities for U.S. companies, increase the burden on the United States to finance global drug development, and reduce the flow of investment into new treatments and cures.” In addition to Senator Young, U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) joined the letter. Full text of the letter may be found here and below. Dear Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer, We welcome the United States-United Kingdom Arrangement on Pharmaceutical Pricing as an… 1 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-seek-usda-action-protect-us-farm-raised-catfish-highly-contagious-viruses WICKER, HYDE-SMITH SEEK USDA ACTION TO PROTECT U.S. FARM-RAISED CATFISH FROM HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS VIRUSES 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to mitigate the threat posed by two viruses to farm-raised catfish production in Mississippi and other states. Wicker and Hyde-Smith joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in sending a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that recommends prompt action by the USDA to assess and mitigate the highly contagious Yellow Catfish Virus (YcCV) and Channel Catfish Virus (CCV) before they can be transmitted to U.S. aquaculture operations. “The domestic catfish industry is a critical component of the broader agriculture economy in the Southeast, supporting rural economies, providing jobs, and contributing to national food security. An outbreak of a highly pathogenic virus such as YcCV or CCV could have devastating economic and ecological consequences,” the Senators wrote. “We therefore respectfully request that APHIS prioritize a formal risk assessment of YcCV and CCV, including evaluation of potential pathways for entry, establishment, and spread within the United States. The mounting evidence surrounding YcCV and CCV underscores the need to ensure that emerging aquatic animal diseases receive appropriate attention and resources commensurate with their risk,” they continued. The lawmakers recommended that the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) “place the burden of proof on exporting countries” by requiring them to demonstrate that their products are free of YcCV and CCV prior to export to the United States. They also want APHIS to work with international counterparts to institute effective surveillance, biosecurity, and certification measures to prevent the export of infected products. YcCV, an emerging, highly contagious virus first identified in Chinese aquaculture operations in 2020, can remain viable during freezing and thawing, suggesting potential pathways for introduction into the United States. It has been shown to have mortality… 1 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/anti-trafficking-activist-helps-usher-something-beautiful-something-broken Anti-Trafficking Activist Helps Usher Something Beautiful From Something Broken 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Former Mexican legislator Rosi Orozco helps human trafficking survivors put their lives back together. By Savannah Hulsey Pointer Anita was begging on the streets. Her mother had died, leaving the 12-year-old to fend for herself. When her stepsister took her in, it seemed like a lifeline. Instead, it was a trap. Anita’s life was not her own. Her stepsister forced her into sex work; by the time she was 14, she was answering calls for a sex hotline. Anita’s stepsister then prostituted her out to violent men. She was rescued by the kindness of a stranger who saw her tears, snuck her out of a hotel, and got her to a shelter. Today, Anita studies marketing and works as an activist against human trafficking. She has testified to its evil all over the world, even addressing the United Nations. Rosi Orozco relates the tale sadly but serenely. She has seen scores of similar stories. But her words brim with emotion when she says of Anita, “I’m very proud of her.” Orozco is a human rights activist and former Mexican congresswoman whose work for trafficking victims spans two decades. Working to give a voice to victims, Orozco has interviewed more than 170 people affected by this violent crime. She has worked on numerous government projects to push back against the industry, including powerful anti-trafficking legislation. Through advocacy and shelter work, she has helped hundreds of girls to rebuild their lives after being trafficked. Retired from her role as legislator, nonetheless she continues to advocate and speak out against human trafficking. ‘Dirty Money’ After a decade working with victims of domestic abuse, in 2005 Orozco turned her efforts to fighting human trafficking. In 2007, she opened her first shelter, a safe house in Mexico City known as Camino a Casa. Orozco describes human trafficking as a multi-million-dollar “dirty money” industry. She is particularly concerned about the smuggling of children across the U.S.–Mexico border. In 2023, Orozco traveled to the United States–Mexico border with Sen… 1 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-senators-urge-usda-protect-catfish-viruses Mississippi senators urge USDA to protect catfish from viruses 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Sethanie Smith WASHINGTON (WJTV) – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to mitigate the threat posed by two viruses to farm-raised catfish production in Mississippi and other states. Wicker and Hyde-Smith both joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in sending a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that recommends prompt action by the USDA to assess and mitigate the Yellow Catfish Virus (YcCV) and Channel Catfish Virus (CCV) before they can be transmitted to U.S. aquaculture operations. “The domestic catfish industry is a critical component of the broader agriculture economy in the Southeast, supporting rural economies, providing jobs, and contributing to national food security. An outbreak of a highly pathogenic virus such as YcCV or CCV could have devastating economic and ecological consequences,” the Senators wrote. “We therefore respectfully request that APHIS prioritize a formal risk assessment of YcCV and CCV, including evaluation of potential pathways for entry, establishment, and spread within the United States. The mounting evidence surrounding YcCV and CCV underscores the need to ensure that emerging aquatic animal diseases receive appropriate attention and resources commensurate with their risk.” The lawmakers recommended that the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) “place the burden of proof on exporting countries” by requiring them to demonstrate that their products are free of YcCV and CCV prior to export to the United States. They also want APHIS to work with international counterparts to institute effective surveillance, biosecurity and certification measures to prevent the export of infected products. 1 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/us-army-contracts-general-atomics-long-range-maneuvering-projectile-program U.S. Army contracts with General Atomics for long-range maneuvering projectile program 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper “Thank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. By Frank Corder General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems announced Monday that it has been awarded a U.S. Army contract to demonstrate a long-range maneuvering projectile under the Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program. The company said it invested early to mature key technologies and reduce development risk ahead of the ERAP award, leveraging experience from other advanced projectile programs to position the system for rapid progress within the Army led effort. General Atomics also noted that it continues to invest in and expand its advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Mississippi. Its Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo is designed to support surge capacity, incorporating automation, modular production processes and new materials to increase efficiency. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said General Atomics has always proven it can deliver the technology needed to keep the U.S. armed forces on the cutting edge. “American service members need the best tools to face today’s threats. This is exactly the kind of investment that will equip them for that job,” Wicker said in a statement. “Thank you to the Army for saying yes to next-generations munitions and yes to Mississippi defense expertise.” Fellow Mississippi U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith was pleased with contract announcement as well. “This contract award strengthens our nation’s long-range precision fire capabilities while delivering real economic benefits to Mississippi. Investments like this grow high-skilled jobs, expand advance manufacturing capacity, and reinforce Mississippi’s critical role in equipping and supporting America’s warfighters,” said Hyde-Smith. The company said the award funds flight demonstrations to validate a next generation, maneuvering 155 mm projectile capable of achievi… 1 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-wicker-joins-general-atomics-in-unveiling-advanced-munitions-production-line Sen. Wicker Joins General Atomics in Unveiling Advanced Munitions Production Line 2026-06-15 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper TUPELO – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today joined General Atomics (GA) executives and senior defense and government officials to highlight how Mississippi has played a key role in U.S. defense production and readiness. GA announced that for more than 20 years, it has invested over $1 billion in long-term infrastructure and industrial-base capacity to strengthen U.S. defense manufacturing. GA Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) uses automation and advanced machining to increase output, shorten delivery timelines and support critical defense programs. The announcement was made during an event at the company’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo, Mississippi. Senator Wicker was joined by Michael Duffey, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Brandon Williams, the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration. Through federal, state, and industry partnerships, GA-EMS has integrated digital manufacturing technologies, advanced equipment, and technical expertise to rapidly transition defense systems from development into full-rate production for U.S. and allied customers. The facility encompasses over 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space, with additional expansion planned to support future requirements. “Business expansions in Mississippi prove that the magnolia state is a great place to invest, create economic opportunity, and rebuild the American arsenal. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’ve seen the importance of building our defense systems right here at home. Peace through strength is made up of American investment, partnerships, and ingenuity. The Made in Mississippi initiative will contribute to the U.S. industrial base for generations to come,” said Senator Wicker. During the event, GA-EMS highlighted how long-term investments in Mississippi are advancing weapons such as Vektrex™, the company’s 155 mm launcher-compatible projectile leveraged for its solution for the U.S. Army’s Extend… 1 2026-06-16T06:53:21Z 2026-06-16T06:55:02Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-helps-introduce-bipartisan-community-college-agricultural-education-bill HYDE-SMITH HELPS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION BILL 2026-06-12 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Legislation Would Fund Workforce Training, Education Programs at Community Colleges WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week helped introduce bipartisan legislation to expand agricultural workforce training and education programs at community and technical colleges across the nation. The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act (S.4730) would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to give community colleges greater access to federal grant funding to develop and expand educational programs focused on careers in the agricultural sector. U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) led the bill. “Community colleges are often the front door to careers in agriculture, especially in rural states like Mississippi with an extensive community college system. This bill gives those institutions access to resources that are too often out of reach. We think this is a smart and practical investment that will strengthen our agricultural communities and help ensure the next generation is prepared to meet the needs of this vital industry,” Hyde-Smith said. “America needs agriculture and students studying agriculture need hands-on experience,” said Hickenlooper. “College students everywhere should have access to agriculture business and training programs that better prepare them for their future careers.” “Community colleges throughout Nebraska are essential to developing the ag workforce our producers depend on – yet they often lack the resources to expand programs, hire instructors, and maintain facilities. I'm proud to co-lead this bill to change that, ensuring community colleges thrive and the next generation of producers has opportunities to succeed,” Fischer said. Community and technical colleges have historically received less federal support than four-year institutions, despite serving as a critical pipeline for Mississippi’s agricultural workforce. Specifically, the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would… 1 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-applauds-senate-passage-bill-crack-down-contraband-cellphones-prisons HYDE-SMITH APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON CONTRABAND CELLPHONES IN PRISONS 2026-06-11 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Miss. Senator Cosponsored Bill to Toughen Penalties for Smuggling Cell Phones in Federal Prisons WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today applauded Senate passage of legislation she cosponsored to enhance safety and accountability in federal prisons by stemming the flow of contraband. The Senate on Wednesday night passed the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act (S.736) by voice vote. The bipartisan legislation would enhance safety and accountability measures in federal prisons by upgrading the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prison from a misdemeanor to a felony. “Contraband cellphones in federal prisons pose a risk to guards and other prison personnel, and in the worst cases to the victims of crime orchestrated using cellphones from within prison walls. Those supplying the phones are just as much to blame, and this bill ups the price they’ll pay,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased this bill has been passed now to give the House time to pass it and get it to the President.” While the penalty in Mississippi for introducing or possessing contraband cell phones in state prison is punishable by up to a 15-year prison term, existing federal law caps punishment for this same offense in federal prisons at no more than one year. S.736 would increase the penalty to up to five years in prison. S.726, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), is named in honor of Lt. Osvaldo Albarati, the Bureau of Prisons correctional officer who was murdered in 2013 after completing his shift at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Five men who later pleaded guilty to the crime admitted they targeted Albarati as a direct result of continuous seizures of contraband, including cell phones. The inmate who placed the hit on Albarati did so using a contraband cell phone. Hyde-Smith has also cosponsored the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act (S.1137), which would allow state and federal prisons to us… 1 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-cap-out-pocket-insulin-costs HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO CAP OUT-OF-POCKET INSULIN COSTS 2026-06-11 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper INSULIN Act Would Limit Out-of-Pocket Cost at $35, Reinforce Patient Protections WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday agreed to cosponsor bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of insulin, reinforce patient protections, and make the lifesaving medicine more accessible for Mississippians living with diabetes. The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act (S.4189) would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. “The INSULIN Act represents a strong, bipartisan effort to try to stop the unnecessary year-over-year increase in the price of insulin. Mississippians from across the state share their stories of their stress caused by insulin prices,” Hyde-Smith said. “These elevated insulin prices not only affect family budgets, but they also cost taxpayers more as those living with diabetes ration dosages and end up hospitalized with other complications. The INSULIN Act is a step in the right direction.” S.4189 would directly address the root causes of high insulin list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products. The INSULIN Act would: Limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form. Mandate that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100 percent of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices to help patients in the form of reduced premiums. Promote generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients. Create a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs t… 1 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/insulin-act-would-limit-out-pocket-costs-35-monthly INSULIN Act would limit out-of-pocket costs to $35 monthly 2026-06-11 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Daily Leader Staff Legislation now in the U.S. Senate would lower the cost of insulin for patients with diabetes, as well as reinforce patient protections. Senate Bill 4189, The Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance, and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to American’s with no insurance. “The INSULIN Act represents a strong, bipartisan effort to try to stop the unnecessary year-over-year increase in the price of insulin. Mississippians from across the state share their stories of their stress caused by insulin prices,” said Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, of Brookhaven. “These elevated insulin prices not only affect family budgets, but they also cost taxpayers more as those living with diabetes ration dosages and end up hospitalized with other complications. The INSULIN Act is a step in the right direction.” S.4189 would directly address the root causes of high insulin list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products. The INSULIN Act would: Limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form. Mandate that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100 percent of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices to help patients in the form of reduced premiums. Promote generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients. Create a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month. Establish an insulin resource center and hotline… 1 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-bill-elevate-natchez-historic-sites-advances-senate HYDE-SMITH BILL TO ELEVATE NATCHEZ HISTORIC SITES ADVANCES IN SENATE 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Energy Committee Approves Bill to Designate Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as National Park Service Affiliated Areas WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today applauded committee passage of her legislation to designate the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in Adams County and Historic Jefferson College in Natchez as affiliated areas of the National Park Service (NPS). Hyde-Smith’s Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College Affiliated Areas Establishment Act (S.3878) was among several measures advanced by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee at a business meeting Wednesday. The bill, which passed on a voice vote, is now available for consideration by the full Senate. “This is an important step forward for Natchez, Adams County, and Mississippi,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the ENR Committee. “The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Historic Jefferson College are irreplaceable landmarks within our state’s story. Connecting these sites to the National Park Service will bring more resources and visibility to their preservation for generations to come.” S.3878 would make the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians eligible for preservation, protection, and interpretation resources as an affiliate area of the Natchez National Historical Park. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish Jefferson College as an affiliated area once the Secretary determines it meets the necessary criteria. The bill, which is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), also directs the National Park Service to establish boundaries and develop management plans for both affiliated areas within three years. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, working in partnership with the NPS, would oversee management of the sites. The bill does not authorize the NPS to acquire property within the affiliated areas or assume responsibility for their operation, maintenance, or day-to-day management. Hyde-Smith first … 1 2026-06-17T06:49:24Z 2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-usda-sec-rollins-discuss-broadening-us-cotton-cattle-markets HYDE-SMITH, USDA SEC. ROLLINS DISCUSS BROADENING U.S. COTTON, CATTLE MARKETS 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper At USDA Oversight Hearing, Hyde-Smith Looks to Save U.S. Cotton and Reverse Diminishing Cattle Herds VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Confer on Promoting U.S. Cotton and Rebuilding American Cattle Herds. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed optimism that Congress and the Trump administration can make the necessary moves to rebuild the U.S. cotton industry and American cattle herds that were in decline even before the arrival of the New World screwworm. Hyde-Smith addressed those issues with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at a Senate Agricultural Committee hearing on oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. COTTON Hyde Smith praised the White House release of its Great American Cotton Plan to increase the demand for U.S. cotton, one aspect of which includes Hyde-Smith’s Buying American Cotton Act (S.1919) to establish tax credits to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton and U.S.-manufactured cotton products. “I can remember as a child seeing the bumper stickers, ‘Cotton is King.’ It’s not king anymore. I know we can bring that back, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t,” Hyde-Smith said, after noting the loss of cotton gins in Mississippi over the past 35 years – from 181 in 1991 to just 33 today. “So, from what started out a year ago as what some people thought of as a messaging bill, we’ve gotten traction because it is so logical and thanks to the unique coalition of the Cotton Belt farmers, fashion brands that we all know and have heard of. They’ve gotten on board, as well as health advocates and business leaders across the nation. They are just embracing the Buying American Cotton Act, and it has become a major priority for the American producers as well as the retailers,” Hyde-Smith added. Rollins concurred, “My vision, with your partnership and probably your vision too, is that all these great American companies should be at the table and say, ‘From now on, I’m going to start with, let’s say, 20 percent. I’m on… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-wicker-s-statement-on-u-s-army-corps-recommendation-on-gulfport-channel-deepening Sen. Wicker’s Statement on U.S. Army Corps Recommendation on Gulfport Channel Deepening 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Roger F. Wicker W000437 www.wicker.senate.gov wicker https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ landmark decision to move forward with a plan to deepen and widen the federal channel that serves the Port of Gulfport. Senator Wicker initiated the feasibility study that led to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision. Now that the study is complete and has been signed by the Chief Engineer and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project needs to be authorized by Congress. Senator Wicker, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, will work to ensure this project is authorized in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act. “We are making a quantum leap forward for the Port of Gulfport. A deeper, wider channel will unlock even more growth for our bustling maritime economy. Mississippians will benefit for years to come,” said Senator Wicker. “Completing the study for this project was one of my top priorities that was included in the 2022 Water Resources Development Act. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made the right decision to prioritize this study, and I am already advocating for the next step. William Hardy, who founded Gulfport and first dredged its port, would be proud of our progress thus far.” Moving commerce by sea is the most efficient way to transport large volumes of cargo. Deep-water ports like Gulfport connect America's heartland to global markets. A deeper and wider channel will allow larger ships, bigger cargo loads, and higher volumes of trade to flow into and out of Mississippi. 1 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/bill-elevate-natchez-historic-sites-advances-us-senate Bill to elevate Natchez historic sites advances in US Senate 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Miracle Jennings WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJTV) – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) announced a committee passed her legislation to designate the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in Adams County and Historic Jefferson College in Natchez as affiliated areas of the National Park Service (NPS). The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College Affiliated Areas Establishment Act (S.3878) was among several measures advanced by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee during a business meeting on June 10, 2026. The bill is now available for consideration by the full Senate. “This is an important step forward for Natchez, Adams County, and Mississippi,” said Hyde-Smith. “The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Historic Jefferson College are irreplaceable landmarks within our state’s story. Connecting these sites to the National Park Service will bring more resources and visibility to their preservation for generations to come.” The bill would make the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians eligible for preservation, protection and interpretation resources as an affiliate area of the Natchez National Historical Park. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish Jefferson College as an affiliated area once the Secretary determines it meets the necessary criteria. The bill, which is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), also directs the NPS to establish boundaries and develop management plans for both affiliated areas within three years. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, working in partnership with the NPS, would oversee management of the sites. 1 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-blasts-health-care-delays-insurers-get-inbetween-patients-their-doctors HYDE-SMITH BLASTS HEALTH CARE DELAYS AS INSURERS GET INBETWEEN PATIENTS & THEIR DOCTORS 2026-06-09 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Hyde-Smith Delivers Floor Speech Encouraging Congress to Act on Two Bipartisan Bills to Curb Prior Authorization Requirements VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Urges Colleagues to Act on Legislation to Place Restrictions on Prior Authorization Power Held by Health Insurance Companies. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today sharply criticized the use of prior authorization by health insurance companies that often delay or even deny physician-prescribed care for patients. In a floor speech Tuesday, Hyde-Smith called on Congress to pass “practical, bipartisan” legislation she supports that would limit the ability of insurers to use prior authorization requirements to disrupt patient care. “Across the country, patients and providers alike are increasingly frustrated by prior authorization requirements imposed by insurance companies. Too often, these requirements override the medical judgement of doctors who know their patients best,” Hyde-Smith said. “I have had oncologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, and many other medical professionals visit my office to share their ongoing concerns with how prior authorizations are disrupting care. They are trained experts, yet their decisions are being second-guessed by insurers.” “The delays aren’t minor. Patients are often forced to wait days, weeks, or even months for critical care, which, in many cases, will still be denied in the end. There are simply too many unnecessary hurdles standing between a patient, doctor, and the care that they need,” the Senator continued. Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, encouraged colleagues to pass legislation to correct the imbalance. She specifically highlighted two bipartisan bills on which she is an original cosponsor: The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S.1816), led by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), would streamline the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage to ensure patients can acces… 1 2026-06-13T06:32:19Z 2026-06-13T06:34:27Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/members-congress-praise-pregnancy-help-dc-advocacy-training Members of Congress praise pregnancy help at D.C. advocacy training 2026-06-09 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Lisa Bourne Federal lawmakers offered marked praise for pregnancy help providers and the work they do during a recent training event in the nation’s capital. Telling Our Story: The Keys to Unlocking Pregnancy Center Advocacy was presented by pro-life legal and advocacy non-profit Americans United for Life (AUL). AUL partnered with several other organizations to present the training, also termed Pregnancy Center Advocacy Day and Pregnancy Center Day on the Hill. The event brought pregnancy help directors and select staff from roughly 90 centers nationwide came to learn how to effectively tell their organization’s story and advocate with lawmakers and others on behalf of pregnancy help. Following the training component participants had meetings on Capitol Hill with federal lawmakers and staff where they had the opportunity to put their training into action. During the June 3-4 event, Members of Congress made brief appearances to offer remarks of encouragement and praise or sent such comments along in a video message shared during an appreciation banquet. Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) addressed the banquet in person, calling the work of pregnancy help “essential.” Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) was among those to present a recorded message, emphasizing the human connection that pregnancy centers provide by offering to walk alongside women and help them in practical ways, such as diapers, ultrasound, and encouragement. “Those things matter to people,” he said. “They matter to God, and quite frankly, they matter to that child in ways that people will never know.” Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) gave a shout-out to pregnancy centers in his state, saying they provide support and resources to women and families in need. “They're an important part of every community,” Biggs said, “giving every woman considering abortion a place of support to continue pregnancy, a place where they find the help they need to choose life.” “There's no better way to show how important each and every human life is,” said Biggs. Sen. Ma… 1 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/new-senate-bill-would-boost-penalty-stealing-guns-ffl-licensees New Senate Bill Would Boost Penalty For Stealing Guns From FFL Licensees 2026-06-08 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By Mark Chesnut Federally licensed firearms dealers have been getting hit hard by smash-and-grab thefts for years, with criminals targeting gun shops because the merchandise inside is worth significantly more on the black market than what most retail establishments stock. A Senate bill introduced this week aims to make that calculation considerably less attractive. On June 3, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2026, legislation designed to substantially enhance criminal penalties for stealing firearms from licensed dealers. The bill has 18 cosponsors and the backing of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry’s primary trade association. The scale of the problem The numbers behind the legislation are substantial. According to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives data cited in Graham’s announcement, FFL theft incidents from 2021 to 2025 totaled 4,046, resulting in 23,319 firearms stolen from licensed dealers over that five-year period. That works out to roughly 4,664 firearms stolen from licensed dealers annually, moving from legal commerce directly into the black market via criminal break-ins. South Carolina alone, Graham’s home state, accounted for 618 stolen firearms from FFL thefts during the 2021-2025 window. These aren’t firearms that found their way into criminal hands through straw purchases, theft from individual owners, or any of the other diversion mechanisms gun-control advocates typically cite. They’re firearms taken at gunpoint or by smash-and-grab burglary from the same licensed dealers Brady and Everytown spend their time attacking as “the largest sellers of crime guns.” The actual sources of firearms entering criminal commerce are the criminals breaking into gun shops — not the dealers operating those shops legally. What the bill does The FFL Protection Act includes several substantive enhancements to federal criminal penalties for FFL theft: Increases the statutory maximum penalty for knowing… 1 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-again-joins-effort-increase-penalties-smash-and-grab-gun-thefts HYDE-SMITH AGAIN JOINS EFFORT TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR ‘SMASH-AND-GRAB’ GUN THEFTS 2026-06-05 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper ‘Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act’ Reintroduced to Crack Down on Criminals Who Target Licensed Gun & Ammo Dealers WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is again supporting legislation to increase the prison penalties for “smash-and-grab” thefts from federally licensed firearms and ammunition dealers. Hyde-Smith this week joined U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in reintroducing the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act (S.4671) to address the persistent and dangerously high rate of attacks targeting licensed gun dealers. “Law-abiding citizens who want to own a firearm don’t engage in smash-and-grab robberies. It’s the criminal element committing these crimes that leads to more illegal firearms on our streets and more crime. It’s past time to enact this legislation to put stiffer prison sentences on the books for these criminals,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who has cosponsored Graham’s legislation in the past two Congresses. “I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to make ‘smash-and-grabs’ more costly for criminals. Americans have a right to lawfully buy, own and sell firearms – criminals who steal them must pay the price,” said Senator Graham. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that from 2021 to 2025, 4,046 FFL theft incidents were reported, involving a total of 23,319 firearms stolen from FFLs. A March 2026 ATF report on FFL firearms thefts and losses indicated at least 17 reports of burglary and larceny in Mississippi involving 91 firearms in 2025. The FFL Protection Act of 2026 would: Increase the statutory maximum penalty for knowingly stealing any firearm in an FFL’s business inventory from 10 to 20 years. Impose a mandatory minimum three-year sentence for burglary from an FFL and a minimum five-year sentence for robbery from an FFL. Criminalize the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector. The FFL Protection Act is supported by the National Shooting Sports Found… 1 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-offers-work-forest-service-chief-miss-tornado-winter-storm-fern-cleanup HYDE-SMITH OFFERS TO WORK WITH FOREST SERVICE CHIEF ON MISS. TORNADO & WINTER STORM FERN CLEANUP 2026-06-03 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Senator Presses for Progress to Mitigate Wildfire Threats in Storm-Damaged National Forests in Mississippi VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith and Forest Service Chief Discuss Recovery Needs for Storm-damaged National Forests in Mississippi. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday offered to work with Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to ensure his agency has the resources needed to help Mississippi recover from tornado and severe winter weather damage across the state. Hyde-Smith and Schultz discussed recovery efforts during a Senate Agriculture Committee oversight hearing on the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Hyde-Smith focused on the risks posed by the delayed cleanup of significant damage to privately owned and national forest property caused by the May 6-7 tornadoes and Winter Storm Fern. “I surveyed the damage, and it is pretty staggering. The tornado caused, obviously, damage on private land as well as our federal land. It’s pretty significant,” said Hyde-Smith, describing “tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars” in damage to trees, Forest Service facilities, roads, campgrounds, and other infrastructure in the Homochitto, Delta, and Holly Springs national forests. Hyde-Smith endorsed passage of a supplemental appropriations package to accelerate storm damage cleanup, reduce wildfire threats, and rebuild damaged infrastructure in affected areas in Mississippi. “I’m concerned, obviously, about the dead timber and the biomass that’s left behind that we know are perfect conditions to create wildfires that we certainly do not need. If this material is not removed quickly, that’s exactly what we’re going to be experiencing. So, being very frank, the wildfires in these already hard-hit areas, which have experienced drought conditions, would be catastrophic and threatening to the surrounding communities,” Hyde-Smith said. Schultz indicated that the USFS has cleared 70 miles of national forest roadway and prepared six salvage timber sales in different Mississippi Forests, amounting to a… 1 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-seeks-update-disaster-declaration-following-tornadoes Hyde-Smith seeks update on disaster declaration following tornadoes 2026-06-03 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper By FROM STAFF REPORTS Federal officials are reviewing Mississippi’s request for a disaster declaration following last month’s tornado outbreak, and U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith expressed optimism that it will be approved. The senator asked for an update Tuesday on the request that, if approved, will provide assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to recover from multiple tornadoes that hit the state on May 6 and 7. “Mississippi recently submitted requests for both public assistance and individual assistance following the tornadoes on May the 6th and the 7th, very close to where I live, and we’re still waiting for a determination,” Hyde-Smith said at a Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. Gov. Tate Reeves asked for the federal disaster declaration last month after tornadoes hit Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln and Wilkinson counties. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar said President Donald Trump has accepted the request and that final assessments are being made. “My understanding is that we're still working with the state to do the final assessment,” Mullin said. “We know the declaration has been made by the governor. We know the president did accept that declaration, but now we’re looking at what the cost is for our funding to actually reimburse for public assistance.” Edgar said Mississippi’s request is one of 13 instances of natural disasters awaiting approval for federal assistance. Hyde-Smith also asked about possible changes in FEMA public assistance thresholds for natural disasters after the FEMA Review Council issued a report recommending changes. “States like Mississippi closely monitor FEMA’s public assistance disaster declaration thresholds,” she said. “You know, we have a lot of hurricanes, we have a lot of tornadoes, and there’s just been considerable discussion regarding potential changes to these thresholds and what they mean for states’ ability to qualify for this assistance.” She asked for clarification on… 1 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-gets-positive-feedback-miss-disaster-request-tornado-recovery-assistance HYDE-SMITH GETS POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON MISS. DISASTER REQUEST FOR TORNADO RECOVERY ASSISTANCE 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper At Hearing, Hyde-Smith Also Asks Homeland Sec. Mullin for Clarification on Possible FEMA Aid Threshold Reforms VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Gets Positive Feedback from Homeland Security Secretary Mullin on Mississippi’s Latest Disaster Declaration Request. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said she’s optimistic President Trump will approve the State of Mississippi’s latest request for a major disaster declaration after receiving positive feedback from top officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At a Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing Tuesday afternoon, Hyde-Smith sought an update on the disaster request submitted by Governor Tate Reeves following devastating early-May tornadoes in Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Wilkinson counties. “Mississippi recently submitted requests for both public assistance and individual assistance following the tornadoes on May the 6th and the 7th, very close to where I live, and we’re still waiting for a determination,” Hyde-Smith said. “Can you tell me the status of those requests, and will you commit to working with our office to ensure we receive a timely response so disaster-affected communities can start rebuilding and get back to as-normal-as-possible as we can?” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar indicated the President has accepted the request and that final assessments are being made on the request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. “My understanding is that we're still working with the state to do the final assessment. We know the declaration has been made by the governor. We know the president did accept that declaration, but now we’re looking at what the cost is for our funding to actually reimburse for public assistance,” Mullin said. “So, we did get that. It was approved by the president. We do go through the process to be able to make sure of the validation of all the costs. As you know, the public assistance grants… 1 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-welcomes-mississippi-participation-behavioral-health-demo-program HYDE-SMITH WELCOMES MISSISSIPPI PARTICIPATION IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEMO PROGRAM 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Magnolia State Joins CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program, Key to More Sustained Resources for Care WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today welcomed the addition of Mississippi into a Medicaid demonstration program linked to additional resources for the state’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program. Mississippi is among 10 new states included in the federal CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program, which provides states with sustainable behavioral health funding to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services. “The Mississippi Department of Mental Health deserves credit for doing the legwork required to join this demonstration program, which has the potential to improve access to mental health and substance abuse treatment across the state,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over federal health programs. “I look forward to seeing how MDMH will put these resources to use to improve the lives of so many more Mississippians.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced Mississippi’s inclusion in the four-year demonstration program late last week. “Every American deserves access to effective mental health and addiction treatment,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “By bringing 10 new states into the CCBHC Demonstration Program, we are expanding coordinated treatment services in communities across the country. This program strengthens behavioral health systems, advances President Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, and helps us Make America Healthy Again.” Prior to the selection, Mississippi took part in a one-year planning phase during which clinics are certified as CCBHCs and in which prospective payment systems for Medicaid services are establish… 1 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z 2026-06-11T06:41:07Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-seek-restore-protect-life-rule-keep-taxpayer-dollars-supporting-abortions MISS. LAWMAKERS SEEK TO RESTORE PROTECT LIFE RULE, KEEP TAXPAYER DOLLARS FROM SUPPORTING ABORTIONS 2026-06-01 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Hyde-Smith, Wicker, Kelly, Guest Among Lawmakers Asking Trump HHS to Strike Biden-era Pro-Abortion Rule WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) and Michael Guest (R-Miss.) are part of push for the Trump administration to restore a rule to ensure Title X Family Planning Program funding does not support abortion or abortion services. The Mississippi delegation is among 159 lawmakers who signed a letter that asks Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to strike down a Biden-era Title X rule that allowed abortion providers like Planned Parenthood to reap millions in taxpayer dollars annually. The letter seeks the restoration of a Trump-era Title X rule that required complete physical and financial separation between a grantee’s Title X activities and abortion activities. Hyde-Smith, as chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, led the letter with U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.). Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and other members of the congressional leadership signed the letter. “We ask you to correct the misguided actions of the previous administration and reimplement the Protect Life Rule to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize the abortion industry,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is time to restore the bright line of separation between family planning and abortion that is consistent with the plain text of the statute and Congressional intent. We urge you to move swiftly to issue regulations for the Title X program that will protect federal taxpayer funds from being spent for Title X programs where abortion is a method of family planning,” they wrote. The letter commends the previous Protect Life Rule established during the first Trump administration for eliminating the abortion referral mandate and requiring complete physical and financial separation between a grantee’s Title X activities and abortion activities… 1 2026-06-10T06:36:00Z 2026-06-10T06:37:32Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-mandatory-e-verify-legislation-strengthen-worker-eligibility-law HYDE-SMITH BACKS MANDATORY E-VERIFY LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN WORKER ELIGIBILITY LAW 2026-05-27 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Cosponsors ‘Mandatory E-Verify Act’ to Hinder Illegal Immigrant Incentive, Hiring in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) to introduce legislation to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify program and require its use by all employers in the United States. The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 (S.4620) would, among other things, establish a national standard for the E-Verify program, which is already mandatory across a number of states and federal entities, including the United States Senate. “E-Verify used to confirm worker eligibility, but lax enforcement and open-border policies have weakened its effectiveness to guarantee that authorized workers, not ineligible illegal immigrants, are being hired,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. “If you come to this country illegally, you shouldn’t be here to begin with, and you shouldn’t be working in the United States,” said Britt. “We should enforce the law and ensure jobs go to Americans, not illegal aliens. E-Verify works, evidenced by the more than 43 million times it was used in 2025 alone. This is a common-sense bill that everyone should be able to get on board with, and I will work diligently to usher this legislation through the Senate and get it to President Trump’s desk.” S.4620 would enhance civil and criminal penalties for employing illegal aliens, strengthen fraud prevention measures within the E-Verify program, and prohibit states from blocking or preventing employers from using E-Verify. The Immigration and Nationality Act outlaws the employment of illegal immigrants, yet one of the primary drivers of illegal immigration is the perceived opportunity to work and seek employment in the United States. E-Verify, which was established during the Clinton presidency with bipartisan support, remains one of the most efficient and effective tools for verifying eligibility and cutting off a major incentive that drives illegal immigration… 1 2026-06-06T06:16:30Z 2026-06-06T06:17:47Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-encourages-americans-honor-fallen-heroes-defending-freedoms-they-died-protect HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO HONOR FALLEN HEROES BY DEFENDING FREEDOMS THEY DIED TO PROTECT 2026-05-22 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2026 Memorial Day Message. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued a statement in which she encouraged Mississippians and all Americans to live in a way that reflects the values for which American service members died defending. “This Memorial Day, let us live in a way that reflects the values they defended – with gratitude, purpose, and with a commitment to never take our liberty for granted,” Hyde-Smith said. Read Hyde-Smith’s complete 2026 Memorial Day message below: Each year, Memorial Day calls us back to what matters most: the men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom. Their sacrifice was an act of courage and a gift that has shaped every generation of Americans. As we gather with friends and family this holiday weekend, let us remember the true meaning of this day. Freedom has a price. To our Gold Star Families: your loss is immeasurable, and Mississippi stands with you today, and always. Mississippi has a deep connection to this day of remembrance, and that legacy continues in the character of our people and our honor of those who gave their all. This Memorial Day, let us live in a way that reflects the values they defended – with gratitude, purpose, and with a commitment to never take our liberty for granted. May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and the United States of America. ### 1 2026-06-04T06:38:12Z 2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-weighs-pros-cons-miss-fy27-transportation-budget HYDE-SMITH WEIGHS PROS & CONS FOR MISS. IN FY27 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET 2026-05-22 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate MS Cindy Hyde-Smith H001079 www.hydesmith.senate.gov hydesmith https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom scraper Miss. Senator Back Continued Essential Air Service Funding, Other Infrastructure Grant Programs Benefitting Rural Communities VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Weighs Pros and Cons for Mississippi in FY2027 Transportation Budget. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week weighed the pros and cons for Mississippi in the administration’s FY2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Transportation, signaling continued support for programs like the Essential Air Service that benefit passenger air service in smaller Mississippi communities. Hyde-Smith, chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, made the assessment in her opening remarks for a THUD Appropriations hearing Tuesday afternoon with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “I’ve heard from many of my constituents across my home state of Mississippi about the need for continued investment in our surface, aviation, maritime, and safety projects,” Hyde-Smith said. “We need to make sure that our appropriations bill strikes a balance to meet the needs of all Americans, especially those in rural communities, which face unique transportation and economic development challenges.” “We will work through these challenges to produce a bipartisan product worthy of Senate consideration. And as I’ve said many times, I believe that our funding decisions should be guided by fiscal responsibility with the taxpayers in mind,” the Senator continued. On the con side, Hyde-Smith expressed disappointment with the reprised recommendation to cut the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which would undercut rural communities’ ability to provide dependable commercial air service. “The EAS program is critical to connecting our nation’s rural communities like those in Greenville, Tupelo, Meridian, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to the broader transportation network,” Hyde-Smith said. “Significant funding cuts would jeopardize economic development and threaten jobs in local communities across the country,… 1 2026-06-03T06:40:39Z 2026-06-03T06:42:22Z

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