Press releases
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149 rows where party = "Republican", state = "MS" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=77F8525A-C852-4F14-A242-F979DF68F2C8 | COCHRAN: $30 MILLION AWARDED TO DELTA SCHOOLS, EDUCATION PROGRAMS | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Education is awarding nearly $30 million to childhood education programs in the Mississippi Delta. The nonprofit Delta Health Alliance (DHA) has been awarded a “Promise Neighborhood” grant, consisting of $5,999,980 per year for five years, to administer to schools and education programs in Leland, Hollandale, Arcola, and Stoneville. The funding will focus on supporting schools, community programs and family support systems to promote early childhood education, high school graduation and college attendance. “This grant award is significant and should help improve educational achievement in the Delta,” Cochran said. “Education is a key to promoting economic growth and well-being of our state, and I’m pleased the Department of Education is making this investment in the Mississippi Delta.”Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves as a senior member on the appropriations subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over the Department of Education. He supported the DHA grant application.DHA applied for the federal grant to establish the “Deer Creek Promise Neighborhood” with partners, among which are the city governments and school districts of Leland and Hollandale, the City of Arcola, area medical and housing organizations, Delta Council, Keplere Institute, Mississippi Delta Community College, and others.The purpose of the Promise Neighborhood program is to significantly improve the educational and developmental outcomes of children and youth in distressed communities. The program seeks to transform those communities through increasing coordination of schools, programs, and family support organizations to enable long-term success of local students.The Deer Creek program will be the second Promise Neighborhood operated by DHA. In 2012, it was awarded federal funding for a program in Indianola. At Cochran’s request, Education Secretary John King this year visited the Indianola program and prai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=812AF3EA-0358-42FE-9C39-0C6E4B20A809 | COCHRAN, WICKER ANNOUNCE $1.15 MILLION TO READY MISS. CITIES FOR COASTAL RAIL SERVICE | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four Mississippi Gulf Coast cities will receive $1.15 million to help prepare for passenger rail service, U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced.The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) is awarding Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding to Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula. The funding is intended to be used for station-area planning and construction to prepare for possible restoration of passenger rail service on the Gulf Coast.“Interest in reestablishing passenger rail service has grown steadily over the years. Restoring this service would be an asset to the overall transportation options available on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for economic and tourism interests,” said Cochran, Senate Appropriations Committee chairman.“This funding represents a strategic down payment aimed at restoring passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast,” Wicker said. “Our local communities need to be ready for the influx of people who will be traveling up and down the rail line. A lot of hard work lies ahead, but this is a milestone in reaching that goal.” The Mississippi Senators worked with the SRC to deliver previously-appropriated federal funding to cities in Mississippi. Seven other FRA-funded awards are being made to communities in Alabama and Louisiana for similar passenger rail service projects.“Our congressional delegation has led the cause of restoring rail to Gulf Coast at the federal level, leveraging the strong local demand that has been building since 2005,” SRC Chairman Greg White said. “We are especially grateful to Senators Cochran and Wicker of Mississippi, in particular, who played a critical role in accelerating the availability of these Federal Railroad Administration funds, building on the growing momentum to keep this large-scale project moving forward.”“Passenger rail service has been out of commission in many of these communities since Hurricane Katrina destroyed rail infrastructure across the Gulf Coast in 2005,” says SRC Secretary-Tre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F9A7CD8A-7439-46E0-9F0B-FF7F349D5005 | COCHRAN: MISSISSIPPI TO BENEFIT FROM ARMY CORPS DISASTER FUNDING | 2016-12-14 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said repairs to federal flood control projects and navigation improvements in Mississippi will be funded from more than $400 million in disaster relief approved by Congress to address flood damage that occurred in the Lower Mississippi River Valley in the winter and spring of 2016.Cochran said more than $30 million of this lower Mississippi funding has been identified for use in Mississippi on at least 23 different Army Corps of Engineers projects to repair damages to levees, dikes and backwater improvements.“Ongoing assessments of flood control systems, ports and navigation on the lower Mississippi indicate extensive and corrosive damage from flooding last winter and spring,” Cochran said. “The strength of the Mississippi River levee system is measured by its weakest link. It was important that the Army Corps of Engineers has resources to ensure viable navigation and flood protection on the Mississippi and its tributaries.”Cochran, as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in ensuring that the Army Corps received emergency funding as the Congress approved a disaster recovery package. The disaster funding became law when President Obama signed the FY2017 continuing resolution (HR.2028) this weekend.The continuing resolution provides the Army Corps with more than $400 million for improvements in the Lower Mississippi Valley. This funding is provided through the Mississippi River and Tributaries project, Operations and Maintenance account and the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program. This ongoing work is necessary to prevent another disaster like the great the flood of 1927, which caused the equivalent of more than $17 billion in damages.The Mississippi River Commission assessed the MR&T system and determined that heavy rains and severe flooding caused by storms in December 2015 and March 2016 compounded the need for repairs already underway following the historic 2011 floods.The Board of Mississippi Levee Comm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=649 | Cochran, Wicker, Kelly: Post office to be named after fallen Miss. Soldier December 13, 2016 | Posted in Press Releases Cochran, Wicker, Kelly: Post office to be named after fallen Miss. Soldier President Expected to Sign Rep. Trent Kelly Bill to Name Oxford Post Office for 1st Lt. Donald C. Carwile WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today said they expected the President to sign legislation cleared by the… Read more » | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Trent Kelly | K000388 | trentkelly.house.gov | trentkelly | https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx | scraper | President Expected to Sign Rep. Trent Kelly Bill to Name Oxford Post Office for 1st Lt. Donald C. Carwile WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today said they expected the President to sign legislation cleared by the Senate to name a post office in Oxford for the late 1st Lt. Donald C. Carwile, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008. Before adjourning the 114th Congress early Saturday morning, the Senate approved a bill Kelly introduced (HR.5309) to honor Carwile by naming the U.S. Postal Service facility at 401 McElroy Drive, Oxford, the “Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building.” “I look forward to the President signing this bill so that this building can stand as a reminder of Lieutenant Carwile’s brave service and sacrifice. I’m pleased that his life will be honored in his hometown,” Cochran said. “Mississippians who never got the chance to meet First Lieutenant Carwile will know of his service and sacrifice because of this post office,” said Wicker. “I appreciate the work that Congressman Kelly put forward to make this tribute a reality for the Oxford community and First Lieutenant Carwile’s family.” “Army First Lieutenant Carwile is a hero. We will never forget his sacrifice to protect our freedoms in this great nation. It is important to honor notable Mississippians who are willing and proud to pay that price. Everyone who passes through the doors of the post office will be reminded of a soldier who loved his country,” Kelly said. Carwile’s father Dennis said, “I’m really proud. It’s an honor for me and my wife Judy. He’s always going to be our hero. I can’t be more pleased that this has happened. I can’t thank everybody enough that has worked to get this done.” Carwile was killed on Aug. 15, 2008, during a combat mission in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Carwile, a Lafayette High School graduate, enlisted in the Army in 2006 and qualified for Officer Candidate Sch… | 1 | 2026-04-07T14:16:54Z | 2026-04-07T14:19:54Z |
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FF7D48A8-DD5C-4B06-91F2-94B2E613CD3F | COCHRAN, WICKER, KELLY: POST OFFICE TO BE NAMED AFTER FALLEN MISS. SOLDIER | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today said they expected the President to sign legislation cleared by the Senate to name a post office in Oxford for the late 1st Lt. Donald C. Carwile, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008.Before adjourning the 114th Congress early Saturday morning, the Senate approved a bill Kelly introduced (HR.5309) to honor Carwile by naming the U.S. Postal Service facility at 401 McElroy Drive, Oxford, the “Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building.”“I look forward to the President signing this bill so that this building can stand as a reminder of Lieutenant Carwile’s brave service and sacrifice. I’m pleased that his life will be honored in his hometown,” Cochran said.“Mississippians who never got the chance to meet First Lieutenant Carwile will know of his service and sacrifice because of this post office,” said Wicker. “I appreciate the work that Congressman Kelly put forward to make this tribute a reality for the Oxford community and First Lieutenant Carwile’s family.”“Army First Lieutenant Carwile is a hero. We will never forget his sacrifice to protect our freedoms in this great nation. It is important to honor notable Mississippians who are willing and proud to pay that price. Everyone who passes through the doors of the post office will be reminded of a soldier who loved his country,” Kelly said.Carwile’s father Dennis said, “I’m really proud. It’s an honor for me and my wife Judy. He’s always going to be our hero. I can’t be more pleased that this has happened. I can’t thank everybody enough that has worked to get this done.”Carwile was killed on Aug. 15, 2008, during a combat mission in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Carwile, a Lafayette High School graduate, enlisted in the Army in 2006 and qualified for Officer Candidate School. He earned numerous service awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A1E967C6-CE92-4EF9-81CA-86F382889A73 | COCHRAN: PASS BILL TO FUND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, AVOID MIDNIGHT SHUTDOWN | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | (Click here to view video.) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today urged Senate adoption of legislation to keep the federal government open and fund urgent priorities around the nation.In a speech to the Senate, Cochran highlighted funding in the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR.2028) for the Armed Forces, disaster recovery, and efforts to combat opioid abuse. The Senate has until midnight to pass the resolution in order to avoid a partial government shutdown. The measure was approved Thursday by the House of Representatives on a 326-96 vote.The following are Cochran’s remarks:Mr. President, this resolution will provide government funding through April 28th at the level prescribed in last year’s budget agreement.I urge the Senate to support the resolution.It provides funding to continue counterterrorism operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. It supports our allies through the European Reassurance Initiative. It includes funding for humanitarian assistance and to protect American diplomats.The resolution also funds important priorities here at home. It appropriates $872 million to fight opioid abuse and support innovative cancer research. These funds will begin to implement the CURES Act, which the Senate passed earlier this week by a vote of 94 to 5.The resolution also contains funding to respond to Hurricane Matthew, severe flooding in Louisiana, and other recent natural disasters. In total, $4.1 billion is available under this bill and will be allocated to recovery programs that benefit 45 states.The resolution also provides funding to help Flint, Michigan, respond to the contamination of tis water supply, and to help communities around the country provide safe drinking water.Mr. President, I urge the adoption of this resolution. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=EFD28873-12D9-46D3-AC1B-E46DDD2E4178 | COCHRAN VOTES FOR CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO AVERT SHUTDOWN, FUND KEY PRIORITIES | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | (Click here to view video.) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) late Friday night voted for Senate passage of the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR.2028), which will fund national security and federal operations through April 28, 2017: The continuing resolution passed the Senate by a 63 to 36 vote, and will become law when signed by the President. Passage of the legislation averted a potential partial government shutdown at midnight.“This continuing resolution is not a substitute for full-year appropriations, but it is necessary to sustain the operations of the federal government until we can complete consideration of the remaining FY2017 appropriations bills,” Cochran said.“Until then, I am pleased the Senate is sending the President a continuing resolution that provides our Armed Forces with additional funding to continue counterterrorism operations and commits new funding to help states recover from disasters,” he said.Under Cochran’s leadership, the Senate Appropriations Committee completed work on all 12 appropriations bills in each session of the 114th Congress. Over the two-year course of this Congress, the committee conducted 156 hearings, began reporting bills early in the year, and gained Senate approval of individual appropriations bills for the first time in years.Of the dozen FY2017 bills, four were passed by the Senate this year and one has been signed into law—the FY2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.The new 115th Congress is scheduled to convene on Jan. 3, 2017. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D0527118-9960-4945-8412-C6FE563A9A0C | COCHRAN STATEMENT ON NEW CONTINUING RESOLUTION | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement on the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR.2028) introduced in the House of Representatives:“Extending the continuing resolution into spring will allow Congress to work with the incoming administration on appropriations priorities for the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. I remain committed to passing thoughtful, fiscally-responsible bills as this process goes forward.“This continuing resolution will provide for continued government operations and important funding for our Armed Forces and the fight against terrorism. I am pleased that it also provides additional funding to address urgent needs around the country, including disaster recovery.”The continuing resolution, which covers 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, will maintain government operations at a rate of $1.070 trillion through April 28, 2017.The bill includes the FY2017 Security Assistance Appropriations Act, which provides an additional $10.1 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding for the Department of Defense ($5.8 billion) and Department of State ($4.3 billion) to pay for costs related to counterterrorism operations.In addition, the measure contains $4.1 billion for supplemental disaster relief funding for recovery efforts across the country. Of significance, the additional funding will support flood recovery efforts in Louisiana, West Virginia, and Texas, as well as disaster recovery efforts from Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.The legislation also includes a limited number of “anomalies,” which are programmatic or funding changes related to unique situations arising during the duration of the continuing resolution. Among them are provisions to maintain operational tempo and staffing necessary to address border security, immigration enforcement, aviation security, and protection of the President-elect. ### RELATED FILES Continuing Resolution … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3623B76B-113A-463B-9AE2-0D5F5FCE5EAA | MISS. DELEGATION COMMENDS BRIG. GEN. (Ret.) ROY ROBINSON AS NEW NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Mississippi congressional delegation today commended Brig. Gen. (Ret.) J. Roy Robinson on his selection to be the next president of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the nation’s primary advocacy organization for the National Guard.U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) in September endorsed Robinson to the NGAUS Board of Directors. Robinson, a native of Meridian and decorated combat veteran, has been executive director of the National Guard Association of Mississippi (NGAMS) since 2008.“Given General Robinson’s track record of service and success, we are confident that he will continue the tradition of excellence in supporting the men and women currently serving in the Army and Air National Guard, their families and all Guard retirees ensuring that the National Guard has a strong voice not only in Washington, D.C., but throughout the nation,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in recommending Robinson.As the chief executive officer of the NGAUS, Robinson will be responsible for the association’s day-to-day operations in Washington and oversee the National Guard Educational Foundation.A former commander of combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Assistant Adjutant General, Robinson has been an active member of the NGAMS and NGAUS since he commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1985. The Mississippi Military Family Relief Fund was enacted and expanded under Robinson’s leadership of the NAGMS.Prior to joining NGAMS, he served at the Mississippi Military Department in such positions as Assistant Chief of Staff, Headquarters, State Area Command and Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Joint Forces Headquarters.Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in speech communications from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University. He … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-selected-chaim-committee-house-administration | Rep. Harper Selected as Chair of Committee on House Administration | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Last night, U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) was selected as Chairman of the Committee on House Administration for the 115th Congress by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI). Harper made the following statement upon his appointment, “I am so honored that Speaker Ryan has trusted me to take on the responsibilities of Chairman of the Committee on House Administration,” said Congressman Harper. “As the Committee that oversees the operations of the House of Representatives, I will work hard to ensure that the institution runs in an effective and efficient manner as we tackle the challenges facing our country. I look forward to working with this upcoming Congress and the new administration as we enact real change toward building a Better Way for a Confident America.” In his announcement of Harper’s appointment, Speaker Paul Ryan said: “It is such a privilege to appoint my friend and colleague Gregg Harper as Chairman of the Committee on House Administration. His experience, sense of fairness, and good nature will serve the committee and the country well. I look forward to working with Gregg as we strive to meet the highest standards of stewardship on behalf of the American people.” Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), the outgoing Chairman of the Committee, congratulated Chairman Harper on his appointment: “I sincerely congratulate Gregg Harper on his appointment as Chairman of the Committee on House Administration. Gregg’s prior service on the Committee and tenure in the House of Representatives will be an invaluable asset as he leads the Committee as Chairman and helps to guide our Institution forward. This Committee has the responsibility to ensure that the House runs in an effective and efficient manner, and I am confident he will meet these challenges and responsibilities over the next two years. I applaud Speaker Ryan on making this important appointment and I wish Gregg all the best as he takes on this chairmanship.” The Committee on House Administration is a standing committee of the House of Represent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398969 | Palazzo Supports Bill to Fund Military | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Steven Palazzo | P000601 | palazzo.house.gov | legacy | Palazzo Supports Bill to Fund Military f t # e Washington, DC, December 2, 2016 Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act to continue funding our Military. “Unfortunately, the world is not becoming a safer place but ever more dangerous. Which is why it is vital that we continue to support a strong national defense. The legislation passed today emphasizes military readiness efforts in Afghanistan and against ISIS. Furthermore, it ensures that our men and women in uniform have the tools and resources they need to do their job. "The effects of the Obama administration’s policies have been detrimental and left us in a state of global uncertainty, where our enemies no longer fear us and our friends no longer trust us. Moving forward it’s now our job to reverse these harmful effects and solidify our international standing. And that means ensuring our military is not only the best in the world , but the greatest this world has ever known.” The National Defense Authorization Act contains a 2.1% pay raise for troops, an increase from President Obama’s proposed 1.6% The bill also prohibits the closure of the Guantanamo Bay facility and transfer of terrorism detainees to the United States. The bill contains $440 million dollars in additional funding for the Navy’s future LX (R) Amphibious Ship program which is currently under design by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, MS. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398970 | Palazzo Praises Fellow Marine Mad Dog Mattis as Defense Secretary | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Steven Palazzo | P000601 | palazzo.house.gov | legacy | Palazzo Praises Fellow Marine ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis as Defense Secretary f t # e Washington, December 2, 2016 Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced his decision to nominate retired General James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense. “President Trump could not have chosen a better person to serve as our next Secretary of Defense than my fellow Marine, General Jim Mattis. Marines lead the way. “When it comes to our military, there is no room for the political correctness we’ve seen throughout the Obama administration, and no one knows that better than a fellow Marine. General Mattis has a no-nonsense attitude, which is exactly the type of leader we need as SECDEF. We have a lot of work to do when it comes to cleaning up the messes made by the past administration within our military, and I know he is the right man for the job.” f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E618C86-A83B-4C41-A6B4-AEEF3CA09FD6 | COCHRAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOO FERRISS IN CONGRESSIONAL RECORD | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) this week paid tribute to the late David “Boo” Ferriss, the renowned Major League All-Star pitcher who went on to become a successful baseball coach for the Delta State University.Ferriss, 94, passed away Nov. 24. His life and career were remembered by Cochran in a Congressional Record statement.“Coach Ferriss will be remembered as a great Mississippian who dedicated his life to the game that he loved and to a generation of players that he educated on the field and in life,” Cochran said. “For myself and all those who knew Boo Ferriss, I commemorate his years of service and a life well lived.”The following is the text of Cochran’s tribute to Ferriss: REMEMBERING DAVID “BOO”' FERRISS Mr. President, I wish to recognize the life and service of Major League All-Star pitcher and long-time head baseball coach at Delta State University, David “Boo” Ferriss, who passed away on November 24, 2016.Boo Ferriss was born in Shaw, Mississippi, and raised in the Mississippi Delta region. He joined the baseball team as a student at Mississippi State University in 1941 before signing a major league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization in 1942. Ferriss’ early career with the Red Sox included a two-year hiatus to serve in World War II. Discharged in 1945, he was called up to play for the Red Sox, helping lead the team to the 1946 World Series. Despite suffering a shoulder injury in 1947, Ferriss played for the Red Sox until 1950, finishing with a 65-30 record as a pitcher.Following his retirement from professional baseball, Ferriss went on to become the head coach of the Delta State University baseball team, a position he held with great success for nearly 26 years. He led the Statesmen to three Division II World Series and four Gulf South Conference Championships. Induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Red Sox Hall of Fame are among the numerous awards made to honor Ferriss’ achievements. In 2003, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame estab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-responds-passage-21st-century-cures-act | Rep. Harper Responds to the Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Upon House passage of the 21st Century Cures Act—legislation introduced by the Energy and Commerce Committee to revolutionize medical innovation and research and bring it into the 21st Century—Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement: “I am so pleased that the 21st Century Cures Act passed the House this evening. This bill is going to fundamentally transform the way we find cures by revolutionizing scientific collaboration and promoting medical innovation,” said Congressman Harper. “I am honored to be a co-sponsor of this bill to reduce the burdens and regulations holding us back and bring our health care infrastructure into the 21st century to deliver hope for patients and their loved ones.” The 21st Century Cures Act passed today 392-26. The bill works to bring the national health care infrastructure into the modern age of technology and digital innovation by accelerating the cycle of discovery, development and delivery of new cures and treatments that will ensure the United States remains the global leader in biomedical innovation. Institutions like the University of Mississippi Medical Center will benefit from the bill’s focus on precision medicine, innovation at the FDA, investments in the next generation of medical researchers, support for advancing translational science, and support for the national pediatric research network. The state of Mississippi and UMMC are already at the forefront of medical innovation and the 21st Century Cures Act will only serve to encourage further medical breakthroughs. The highlights of the Cures legislation accelerates cutting-edge research and personalized drug development, modernizes clinical trials and evidence development. The legislation aims to bring the FDA into the 21st century by utilizing flexible approaches to reviewing medical devices that represent breakthrough technologies, and creating regulatory modernization—giving them the funding to recruit and retain the best and brightest scientists, doctors and engineers. ##… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0F25A98D-55C0-4B8B-82B0-FCF8521A22CE | MS SENATORS, GOV. & UMMC WELCOME FUNDING FOR STATEWIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant today welcomed the release of $33 million in federal funding to allow the state to implement infrastructure to enhance coordination among emergency responders statewide.The approval of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Project (BTOP) grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce ends years of negotiations among federal agencies, the Senators, the State of Mississippi, and others to advance this effort to improve the state’s emergency communications capabilities.Permitting Mississippi to utilize the BTOP funding in this way will allow the state to increase utilization of the Mississippi Wireless Information Network (MSWIN) system, establish a state-of-the-art integrated public safety communications center, and advance the Mississippi Tele-Assist System. The award will extend through June 2020.“The need for a strong communications network is one of the many important lessons our state has learned from disaster response. This funding is important to ensure that emergency responders can offer timely and lifesaving care,” Cochran said. “I am pleased that we finally obtained the federal go-ahead to complete a project started nearly six years ago to build on Mississippi’s first-rate capabilities.”“Years of hard work, persistence, and a lot of patience have finally paid off,” Wicker said. “The promise this technology holds for Mississippians cannot be overstated. This high-tech emergency network will save lives. I especially want to thank Secretary Pritzker for working with us to navigate the regulatory and administrative hurdles necessary to get the green light. This is a major win for our state.”“Systems that allow for quick and dependable communication among emergency personnel are essential to minimizing or eliminating loss of life and property in a disaster. It is critical that this technology be available to Mississippians. I am thankful to Senator Cochran, Senator Wicker, UMMC and everyo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=31F7F446-0580-479E-B37B-FB1730B38A5F | COCHRAN NAMES BRAD WHITE NEW CHIEF OF STAFF | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, today announced that he is naming Brad White as the chief of staff, effective Jan. 1, 2017.White has served as Cochran’s state director since June 2015. In his new position, White will advise the Senator and oversee his Senate office staff in Washington and Mississippi. White will replace Keith Heard, who has served as chief of staff during the 114th Congress and who will return to the private sector.“I am optimistic about the new Congress and the new administration, and look forward to having Brad White as my chief of staff. My focus will remain on making Mississippi and our nation stronger and more secure,” Cochran said. “I am grateful to Keith Heard for his good service to my office and to the people of Mississippi. I wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career.”Prior to joining the Cochran staff, White was chief of staff at the Mississippi Department of Audit. In addition to serving as a member of the Republican National Committee, White was chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party from 2008 to 2011. Between 1999 and 2008, he held various positions within the Mississippi Transportation Commission, the Mississippi Public Service Commission and the Simpson County Economic Development Foundation. White, a native of Braxton, has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Belhaven University. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398968 | Palazzo Praises CIA Pick Pompeo | 2016-11-18 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Steven Palazzo | P000601 | palazzo.house.gov | legacy | Palazzo Praises CIA Pick Pompeo f t # e Washington, November 18, 2016 Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today praising President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Congressman Mike Pompeo as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: “I am very proud of my colleague and friend, Mike Pompeo, for his nomination as CIA Director. Our national security must be prepared for the challenges currently facing our country, and I am confident that Representative Pompeo will help keep our nation safe. “A few years ago, Mike and I had a friendly rivalry over who had the best Air Force base in the country. Since the Air Force chose Keesler Air Force Base number one, I suppose being named CIA Director is a well-deserved consolation prize. I know Congressman Pompeo will serve our nation well.” Congressman Pompeo graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986 and has represented the fourth district of Kansas since 2011. His district includes McConnell Air Force Base, which was ranked as the second best Air Force base in the country by the Air Force in 2013. Keesler Air Force base, which is located in Congressman Palazzo’s district, was ranked as the best Air Force base the same year. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6228F4F2-213E-451E-91C5-64CF48127A0D | COCHRAN ISSUES VETERANS DAY STATEMENT | 2016-11-10 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of Friday observances in Mississippi and around the nation, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss) today released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day and to thank servicemembers for their dedication to the United States of America:“This Veterans Day, I encourage all Mississippians to honor and thank those who have served our country. This day should remind us of the sacrifices that men and women in uniform have made to protect our freedoms. Their bravery and selfless dedication represents the best of American character.“Our nation owes these dedicated men and women a debt of gratitude, and we must ensure that our obligations to our veterans are met.”A Navy veteran, Cochran serves as the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5C346BD4-1637-46F2-87AE-E633AEFCE0E0 | MISSISSIPPI ADDED AS A FULL MEMBER OF PAN-PACIFIC UAS TEST RANGE COMPLEX | 2016-11-09 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | The following news release was issued by Mississippi State University (Contact Jim Laird, jim.laird@msstate.edu)FAIRBANKS, Alaska and STARKVILLE, Miss.-- The State of Mississippi has joined Alaska, Oregon, and Hawaii as a full member in the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) led Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (PPUTRC), one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) seven Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Sites.The Mississippi program will be led by Mississippi State University, and will include several UAS test and evaluation sites in the state. MSU is also the lead for the FAA’s UAS Center of Excellence — the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, or ASSURE.The announcement was made Tuesday [Nov. 8] during the opening of the Alaska UAS Interest Group annual meeting in Anchorage.“This is a significant and strategically important alliance for the unmanned aircraft system sector in Mississippi. It gives academia and industry greater options for developing, testing and evaluating these aircraft. I commend Mississippi State University for its leadership in this growing aviation sector,” said U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, R-Miss.The PPUTRC is the largest and most diverse of the seven test site programs offering a range of geographic and climactic test conditions, including arctic, tropical, high-desert, mountainous, maritime, controlled urban, and many others.“The addition of Mississippi to the PPUTRC adds increased capabilities to the Test Site including diverse subject matter experts, additional test and evaluation infrastructure, and more opportunities to support maritime operations, which are important to all PPUTRC members,” said Cathy Cahill, chief executive officer of the PPUTRC and director of UAF’s Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration.The addition of Mississippi to the program provides local test site capabilities to support UAS stakeholders in the Southeastern United States.“We have several ideal locations in Mississippi for UAS testing and evaluation, and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FCEE605D-205C-4771-B1CF-2C212E17FAAF | COCHRAN STATEMENT ON THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION | 2016-11-09 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss) today released the following statement congratulating President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence:“I congratulate President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence on being chosen to lead this great country. The people have voted for change and for leadership to deal with the serious challenges facing our nation. Now in the great tradition of our American democracy, it is time to unite toward a common purpose. I look forward to working with the new administration and my colleagues in the Senate to make our nation more secure and prosperous.”Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-miss-delegation-requests-presidential-medal-freedom-award-civil-rights | Rep. Harper, Miss. Delegation Requests Presidential Medal of Freedom Award for Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers | 2016-11-04 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Mississippi congressional delegation today requested that President Obama posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Medgar Wiley Evers, the distinguished civil rights leader who was assassinated more than 50 years ago. U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) issued the request in a letter to the President. “Mr. Evers dedicated his life to the defense of civil rights in Mississippi and the United States… His leadership, dedication and sacrifice continue to inspire many Americans and have enhanced freedom for all of humankind,” the Mississippi lawmakers wrote. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest U.S. civilian honor awarded to individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Awardees are selected by the President. President Harry S. Truman selected the first Medal of Freedom recipient in 1946. Mississippi natives who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom include: civil rights activist James Earl Chaney (2014); Representative G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery (2005); Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise (1970); historian Dumas Malone (1983); musical artists Leontyne Price (1964) and B.B. King (2006); writers Eudora Welty (1980) and Tennessee Williams (1980); and media mogul Oprah Winfrey (2013). The text of the delegation letter is available below and here http://bit.ly/2ewsY9i. Dear Mr. President, We are honored to encourage you to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to heroic civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers. Medgar Evers served our nation as a member of the U.S. Army during World War II and then as a leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Mississippi. As the first Field Secretary in Mississippi for the N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2FE69006-A6DF-4678-82C1-14A87FC99333 | MISS. DELEGATION REQUESTS PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM FOR CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER MEDGAR EVERS | 2016-11-04 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Mississippi congressional delegation today requested that President Obama posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Medgar Wiley Evers, the distinguished civil rights leader who was assassinated more than 50 years ago.U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) issued the request in a letter to the President.“Mr. Evers dedicated his life to the defense of civil rights in Mississippi and the United States… His leadership, dedication and sacrifice continue to inspire many Americans and have enhanced freedom for all of humankind,” the Mississippi lawmakers wrote.The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest U.S. civilian honor awarded to individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Awardees are selected by the President. President Harry S. Truman selected the first Medal of Freedom recipient in 1946.Mississippi natives who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom include: civil rights activist James Earl Chaney (2014); Representative G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery (2005); Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise (1970); historian Dumas Malone (1983); musical artists Leontyne Price (1964) and B.B. King (2006); writers Eudora Welty (1980) and Tennessee Williams (1980); and media mogul Oprah Winfrey (2013).The text of the delegation letter is available below and here [ADD LINK].Dear Mr. President,We are honored to encourage you to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to heroic civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers. Medgar Evers served our nation as a member of the U.S. Army during World War II and then as a leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Mississippi. As the first Field Secretary in Mississippi for the NAACP, Mr. Evers rec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=DE2BC90D-7227-454F-9278-8AA62DF502EC | COCHRAN: BALDWYN TO RECEIVE $8.8 MILLION FOR WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE | 2016-11-02 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the City of Baldwyn will receive $8.8 million in federal funding to restore and upgrade its wastewater system. The $3.19 million grant and a $5.6 million loan to the Lee and Prentiss County community is administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Water & Environmental Programs (WEP).“This infrastructure investment can help improve quality of life and economic development opportunities for people in the Baldwyn area. I’m pleased that the USDA recognizes the value of this funding in northeast Mississippi and throughout the state,” said Cochran.WEP grant and loan awards are designed to assist communities of 10,000 or fewer residents address infrastructure needs by a providing technical assistance and financing to develop or improve drinking water and waste disposal systems. Earlier this year, the USDA announced $4.17 million in additional Rural Development grants and loans to Mississippi communities, including a $2 million loan to benefit rebuilding of the Winston County Medical Center in Louisville. Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves on the subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over the USDA and Rural Development. He is also the senior Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, which is tasked with setting USDA policy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-gregg-harper-receives-award-supporting-manufacturing | Rep. Gregg Harper Receives Award for Supporting Manufacturing | 2016-10-31 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | RICHLAND, MS – Friday, October 28, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) presented Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence at an event hosted by Siemens in Richland, Mississippi. “We are honored to host Congressman Harper at our Richland plant to recognize his ongoing, strong support for the manufacturing industry,” said Muhammad Sohail, vice president of Siemens High Voltage Products. “Our 425 employees at this manufacturing plant are proud to build innovative, high-quality products that are modernizing the energy industry and making power more reliable for millions.” “Manufacturers play such an important role in our robust industry here in Mississippi," commented Congressman Harper. “I am so honored to receive this award from my good friends at NAM and Siemens, and I will continue to support legislation that furthers a dynamic and competitive environment for the manufacturing industry in Mississippi and across the United States.” “Manufacturing in Mississippi and across the country are changing lives for the better—through the jobs we create and the products we make. Manufacturing is about improving the human condition, one innovation at a time,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Rep. Harper is helping to make our success possible by standing with manufacturers when it matters and casting the right votes. “Manufacturers employ over 12 million men and women in the U.S., who are making everything from lifesaving medicines to the most cutting edge technology. The strength of manufacturing in America is responsible for the success of America in the world. When manufacturing succeeds, America succeeds, so Rep. Harper’s consistent support for manufacturing means he is supporting a better future for all Americans.” Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Ex… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F01D0ADB-A010-40A5-8D6B-9CB17BF65F2F | COCHRAN, WICKER: MISS. PROJECTS GAIN $3.38 MILLION BOOST FROM DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY | 2016-10-26 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced $3.38 million in new Delta Regional Authority (DRA) grants to Mississippi to support projects ranging from levee construction and water system improvements to an Amtrak platform and job training.The $3.38 million in federal funding is being awarded to eight infrastructure and community development projects in Clarksdale, Duncan, Itta Bena, Leland, Marks, Natchez, Webb and Yazoo City. Combined with nonfederal contributions, more than $7.2 million will be invested in the projects.“This Delta Regional Authority funding will support immediate and long-term projects that can make a difference in the lives of Mississippians. Combined with other nonfederal and private contributions, these projects can help improve the quality of life and economic outlook for many people,” Cochran said. “I am pleased the Delta Regional Authority is putting this funding to good use.”“Many of Mississippi’s communities will benefit from these investments to help improve infrastructure and encourage job creation,” Wicker said. “This Delta Regional Authority-directed funding makes good use of taxpayer funds to support local projects and increase the well-being of residents. These announcements are great news for the entire state.”DRA awarded grants to the following Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) projects: • Adams County – $2,325,500 available in DRA and nonfederal funding to support Phase I construction of the Bellwood Levee, which would be designed to make 100 acres of county-owned property at the Port of Natchez-Adams County suitable for industrial use. (DRA grant - $1,266,500; nonfederal funding - $1,059,000) • City of Leland – $1,132,859 in DRA and nonfederal funding to support installation of a new water well, an elevated water tank and distribution system improvements. (DRA grant - $900,000; nonfederal funding - $1,059,000)DRA approved the following States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) grants to suppor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=DC05C3F8-F3AC-4F5F-AF85-BB6D0C7829B3 | COCHRAN, WICKER PRESSURE OBAMA ON CANADIAN SOFTWOOD LUMBER EXPORTS | 2016-10-25 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are among a bipartisan group of Senators pressuring the Obama administration to make progress with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement to protect U.S. timber jobs and communities.Cochran and Wicker signed a letter to President Obama that encourages the administration to remain firm in negotiations to reach an agreement that addresses the effects of subsidized Canadian lumber exports to the United States. The Magnolia State lawmakers signed the letter to signal the importance of not allowing subsidized exports to diminish the $1.1 billion forestry industry in Mississippi.“The overall health of the American timber industry has direct effect on mills and forestry jobs in Mississippi. Any agreement that does not adequately address the government subsidies granted by Canada would be unfair to our workers and rural communities,” Cochran said.“A fair trade agreement between Canada and the United States is critical to the lumber industry in Mississippi,” Wicker said. “The Administration needs to negotiate a deal that protects American jobs from being undercut by subsidies that help prop up their Canadian competition.”Forest products produced on Mississippi’s 19.7 million acres of forestland generated $1.16 billion in 2015, an increase of $138 million over the preceding year, according to the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.The letter, led by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), stresses that a new agreement should be consistent with a joint statement signed by the President and Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau in June. The Senators’ letter is critical of reluctance by Canadian negotiators to adhere to the goals of the joint statement.“Hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and thousands of U.S. rural communities depend on fairness in trade in softwood lumber. That is why we will continue to urge you, and any future Administration, to seek a fair, effective,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/miss-delegation-welcomes-selection-mississippi-potential-usaf-trainer-aircraft | MISS. DELEGATION WELCOMES SELECTION OF MISSISSIPPI FOR POTENTIAL USAF TRAINER AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION | 2016-10-24 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The entire Mississippi congressional delegation today praised the selection of Mississippi as the potential host to produce of the next generation of trainer aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) on Monday said the selection of Meridian by the Raytheon Company for its trainer aircraft production has the potential to expand the state’s role in aerospace manufacturing for years to come. Raytheon plans to compete its T-100 Integrated Air Training System to be the Air Force’s choice for the next generation of trainers to replace the Eisenhower-era T-38 Talons to be used at pilot training facilities like Columbus Air Force Base. If selected by the Air Force, Raytheon would construct a multi-million dollar facility in Meridian. The Air Force is expected to issue a request for proposal in December, with selection of the new trainer in late 2017. “New, cutting-edge training aircraft are critical to our national security, and I am confident that Mississippi workers can help provide those planes,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. “I look forward to this competition and I am excited that Meridian may play an expanded role in defense of our nation.” “For more than 30 years, Raytheon has been a strong partner in our state, enhancing national security and providing jobs for hundreds of Mississippi families,” said Wicker, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It is no secret that our state is a leader in aerospace manufacturing and technology. This announcement has tremendous potential for Meridian and the future of the industry in Mississippi.” “I am very pleased that Raytheon is growing its relationship with the State of Mississippi by building its T-100 training aircraft in Meridian. Mississippi’s talent base is as skilled and prepared for high-te… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=AB9F2ADC-AD46-47AB-BBD0-A70D873BEEAB | MISS. DELEGATION WELCOMES SELECTION OF MISSISSIPPI FOR POTENTIAL USAF TRAINER AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION | 2016-10-24 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker at the 2016 Farnborough Air Show. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The entire Mississippi congressional delegation today praised the selection of Mississippi as the potential host to produce of the next generation of trainer aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) on Monday said the selection of Meridian by the Raytheon Company for its trainer aircraft production has the potential to expand the state’s role in aerospace manufacturing for years to come.Raytheon plans to compete its T-100 Integrated Air Training System to be the Air Force’s choice for the next generation of trainers to replace the Eisenhower-era T-38 Talons to be used at pilot training facilities like Columbus Air Force Base. If selected by the Air Force, Raytheon would construct a multi-million dollar facility in Meridian. The Air Force is expected to issue a request for proposal in December, with selection of the new trainer in late 2017.“New, cutting-edge training aircraft are critical to our national security, and I am confident that Mississippi workers can help provide those planes,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. “I look forward to this competition and I am excited that Meridian may play an expanded role in defense of our nation.”“For more than 30 years, Raytheon has been a strong partner in our state, enhancing national security and providing jobs for hundreds of Mississippi families,” said Wicker, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It is no secret that our state is a leader in aerospace manufacturing and technology. This announcement has tremendous potential for Meridian and the future of the industry in Mississippi.”“I am very pleased that Raytheon is growing its relationship with the State of Mississippi by building its T-100 training aircra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=44DB50B7-3F7C-4A91-B183-DCD7509F54E5 | HARRISON CO. SCHOOLS GAIN $1.9 MILLION TO CONTINUE WIND RETROFIT WORK | 2016-10-18 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the Harrison County School District has been awarded $1.9 million to continue retrofitting school facilities to survive hurricane-force winds.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the hazard mitigation grant as part of an ongoing wind retrofit initiative on Harrison County School District schools. This grant will be used for roof hardening at Harrison Central High School in Gulfport.“The Harrison County schools have worked diligently since Hurricane Katrina to ensure that their facilities can withstand destructive winds. I am pleased that FEMA is continuing to provide resources to carry out this preventative work,” said Cochran, who is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over FEMA.FEMA is providing $1.8 million for the Harrison Central High School project, which combined with $95,176 in nonfederal funding constitutes the $1.9 million grant award. In September, FEMA also provided $91,652 for architectural and design work on this project.The Harrison County School Wind Retrofit Project involves 18 campuses, many of which are used as “shelters of last resort” during emergencies. Seven campuses have been completed to date, including installation of doors, windows and other protective devices that should withstand 180 mph winds.With this latest award, FEMA has contributed more than $14.1 million to the district’s retrofit initiative.### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9BA95AE5-1D41-4619-B5A0-D08BA5CAA6C9 | U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE, PARTNERS BREAK GROUND ON THEODORE ROOSEVELT VISITOR CENTER | 2016-10-12 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) on Wednesday helped break ground on the Theodore Roosevelt Visitor Center, which will be located at the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge. Those wielding shovels included, from left: Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall; David Viker, chief of the Southeast Region National Wildlife Refuge System; Billy Van Devender, owner of the Onward Store; Wildlife Mississippi Executive Director James L. Cummins; Senator Cochran; Simon Roosevelt, great-great grandson of President Roosevelt; Governor Phil Bryant; and Ann Marie Parker, great-niece of Roosevelt hunting guide Holt Collier. Click here to download image. (This announcement was produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)ONWARD, MISS. – Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and U.S. Senator Thad Cochran joined David Viker of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Mississippi representatives and other partners to break ground for a 5,000 square-foot Theodore Roosevelt Visitor Center. The future visitor center will be located at the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge. The visitor center will recognize President Roosevelt’s conservation legacy and the importance of the Mississippi Delta’s diverse wildlife and natural resources. It will honor President Roosevelt’s famous bear hunt of 1902. President Roosevelt teamed up with freed slave and renowned hunter Holt Collier in pursuit of Louisiana black bear. The president’s refusal to kill a restrained male bear during the hunt was widely publicized at the time and resulted in the creation of a stuffed toy known today as the teddy bear. The future visitor center is located on property near the site of the 1902 hunt.“Today’s groundbreaking marks the culmination of more than a decade of collaboration and cooperation between the Service and its partners to ensure President Roosevelt’s conservation legacy endures,” said Viker, the Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System chief in the Southeast Region. “The Theodore Roosevelt Visitor Center is becoming a reality… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4B087FB4-1EE4-4A3A-8DEC-4CD2DF21FCF6 | COCHRAN, WICKER, KELLY: $2.0M USDA LOAN TO AID WINSTON CO. MEDICAL CENTER | 2016-10-04 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today announced that reconstruction of a new Winston County Medical Center in Louisville will benefit from the approval of a $2.0 million, zero-interest federal loan. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the $2.0 million Rural Economic Development Loan Program application from the Meridian-based East Mississippi Electric Power Association. The 10-year loan will be used to support ongoing rebuilding of the Winston County medical complex, which was destroyed in a devastating tornado on April 28, 2014.“This loan marks another important step forward in the rebuilding of the Winston County Medical Center. I am hopeful that this financing will help in restoring permanent medical facilities for people in the Louisville and Winston County area,” Cochran said.“Rebuilding this medical center will benefit the people of Winston County – not only by providing health-care services but also by bringing in new jobs for the community,” Wicker said. “We continue to push ahead toward the full restoration of what was lost during the devastating tornadoes in 2014. This is a major advancement in this effort.”“I’m proud to see the progress that has been made since the 2014 tornado in Winston County. It’s important that effort continues with the rebuilding of the Winston County Hospital and the infrastructure needed to offer much-needed medical services to constituents,” Kelly said.The USDA loan is part of an overall effort to finance the recovery projects. In December, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a $1.78 million cost-share grant to support the ongoing rebuilding effort. FEMA is expected to provide an estimated $10.8 million, 75 percent of eligible costs not covered by the county’s insurance policies.The rebuilt medical center is expected to retain its 226 employees and create an additional 15 jobs in Louisville. The medical center complex is expected to b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A298C12D-75FC-4947-9ADF-538FD29B49CF | COCHRAN, WICKER: MOSS POINT PLANT HAS GROWING ROLE PRODUCING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT FOR NAVY | 2016-10-04 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today highlighted Mississippi’s growing role in providing unmanned aircraft for the Defense Department, pointing to two recent U.S. Navy contracts for aircraft to be produced in Moss Point.The Northrup Grumman facility at Moss Point will be one of the primary manufacturing locations for production of 10 ship-based MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopters and three shore-based MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft. Through contracts awarded to Northrup Grumman Systems Corp., construction and assembly of the Fire Scout and Triton fuselage will take place at the Moss Point facility, including installation of the internal electrical and mechanical components.“The Moss Point facility is responsible for final assembly of the Fire Scouts, and it will assume a similar role in producing the Triton fuselage. This is good news, both in terms of confidence in our workforce and in terms of maintaining stable production lines for aircraft required by the Defense Department. It is clear that Moss Point workers will play a critical role in the future of Navy unmanned aviation,” Cochran said.“It is clear why the Moss Point facility and its workers are being asked to play a bigger role in producing the next generation of unmanned aircraft,” Wicker said. “This increased workload is a testament to the high-quality job that they are doing to deliver cutting-edge aircraft to our national defense.”The Navy last month awarded a $108.1 million contract for the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned air systems, using FY2015 and FY2016 procurement funds provided by Congress. The Moss Point facility will complete final assembly and checkout of the Fire Scout aircraft before delivery to the Navy. Work on these aircraft is expected to be completed in August 2019. Last week, the Navy also awarded a $255.2 million contract to procure three low-rate initial production Lot 1 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft, one main operation control station, one forward operation control st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=30E7BFB2-877C-44CC-9552-D266FDDFCEA2 | COCHRAN, WICKER & PALAZZO ANNOUNCE $2.0 MILLION GRANT FOR GULFPORT INFRASTRUCTURE | 2016-09-30 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), today reported that the City of Gulfport has been awarded a $2.0 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for ongoing infrastructure improvements.“Gulfport is working systematically on water and wastewater system repairs and replacement following Hurricane Katrina. This FEMA grant is intended to help make the city’s water and wastewater services stronger and more reliable,” Cochran said.“This project highlights how important it is to provide reliable water service to Gulfport residents, while strengthening the community to withstand future storms,” Wicker said. “These investments are critical to the long-term success of the city and its ability to continue growing.” “Our communities on the Gulf Coast have shown great resilience in the years following hurricane Katrina, and it’s imperative that we continue to support their ongoing recovery efforts. This grant will allow the City of Gulfport to have a sustainable water and wastewater management system thus improving the quality of life for coast residents,” Palazzo said.The FEMA Public Assistance grant to Gulfport will support water and wastewater improvements in the city. The $2,023,299 grant is awarded under the federal disaster declaration issued after Hurricane Katrina. No state or local matching funds are required with this award.FEMA Public Assistance grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments and some nonprofit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures. These grants can also fund the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities.In May, FEMA awarded the City of Biloxi an $8.9 million grant for ongoing work to purchase easements to replace infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Katrina and subsequent storms. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D8E7FFF5-0045-4EC5-97A5-C17B6F2B0B10 | COCHRAN, WICKER PUSH ADMINISTRATION TO ABANDON PROPOSED ESTATE TAX REGS | 2016-09-30 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker are among 41 Senators encouraging the Treasury Department to abandon proposed regulations that would significantly increase the estate tax burden on family farms and businesses.The Senators expressed their concerns in a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. The proposed regulations, if finalized, would contradict long-standing legal precedent and greatly discourage families from continuing to operate and grow their farms and businesses for eventual transfer to future generations.“Treasury should pursue policies that encourage the creation and growth of family businesses and not propose regulatory changes that make it more difficult and costly for families to transfer ownership to future generations. We thus request that Treasury withdraw the proposed regulations and ask that any regulations that Treasury may issue in the future more directly target perceived abuses in the valuation of transferred interests in family businesses,” the Senators wrote.The letter was spearheaded by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.Full text of the letter can be found below. Dear Secretary Lew: We write to express our serious concerns over proposed regulations (REG-163113-02) published on August 4, 2016, under Internal Revenue Code section 2704 (“proposed regulations”) that, if finalized in their current form, will significantly increase the estate tax burden on family businesses. The proposed regulations eliminate or greatly reduce the discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability for family farms and businesses and will thus discourage families from continuing to operate and build their businesses. We ask that the proposed regulations not be finalized in their current form as they directly contradict long-standing legal precedent, create new uncertainty for taxpayers, and put family-owned businesses at a disadvantage relative to other t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-gregg-harper-receives-health-it-congressional-leadership-award | Rep. Gregg Harper Receives Health IT Congressional Leadership Award | 2016-09-29 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) received the Health IT Congressional Leadership Award on Wednesday evening from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Each year HIMSS honors Members of Congress whose efforts demonstrate a significant contribution to the positive transformation of healthcare through the use of information technology (IT). A member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Harper is being awarded for elevating the discussion on telehealth within the Committee’s healthcare focus. During his tenure on the Committee, Rep. Harper has continuously championed and supported a number of bills, including the bipartisan Telehealth Enhancement Act and the CONNECT for Health Act, which are strongly supported by HIMSS and the health IT community. Rep. Harper received the award during the National Health IT Week Partners Awards Reception at the American College of Surgeons Rooftop along with Congresswoman Matsui (D-CA). Harper commented, “I am deeply honored to receive this award from HIMSS. The advancement of health technology has had an enormous, positive impact on the well-being of the people of Mississippi and I will continue to do everything I can to help lead the charge to ensure that high-quality care is provided through telehealth and other exciting initiatives.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=366F9502-18FA-4F18-B46D-879D5CE911E1 | SENATE CLEARS LIVESTOCK MARKET BILL TO BECOME LAW | 2016-09-29 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today welcomed Senate passage of legislation to ensure protections for livestock producers who use 21th century technology for livestock sales.The Senate on Thursday sent the Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act to the White House. It would amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to ensure that the law’s protections are extended to online or video livestock auctions. The bill would also ensure modern electronic banking options. The Senate approved HR.5883, the companion bill to Cochran and Tester’s S.3350, by unanimous consent.“I am confident that this bipartisan legislation will be signed into law and that the protections it offers to producers will improve livestock transactions,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.“I’ve seen it firsthand, life on the farm and ranch is changing in the 21st century. We see four-wheelers taking the place of horses, and combines that can do a month’s work in a day—it’s time that our livestock auction laws reflect the world we live in,” Tester said. “I am pleased to see my common-sense bipartisan legislation pass to help bring livestock auctions into the 21st century.”HR.5883, introduced by Representative David Rouzer (R-N.C.), will clarify that Packers and Stockyards Act provisions apply to online or video auctions, just as they do for fixed-facility livestock market transactions. The legislation would also authorize modern electronic payment methods, including credit and debit cards or the Automated Clearing House payments system. The law currently only authorizes the use of checks or wire transfers to settle livestock sales.In Mississippi, the legislation has the support of the Mississippi Farm Bureau, the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, and livestock markets in the state. On the national level, it is backed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Associatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F21C9ADE-5AF3-44E5-91E9-F63E9A1454A0 | THREE MISS. COMMUNITY COLLEGES WILL ANCHOR $10.5 MILLION WORKFORCE TRAINING PUSH | 2016-09-29 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three North Mississippi community colleges will serve as anchors for a $10.5 million initiative to produce a workforce ready to work in the state’s growing automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, according to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).Cochran today announced the award of three ARC grants for infrastructure and workforce training projects involving East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), Northwest Mississippi Community College (NMCC) and Itawamba Community College (ICC). The grants are funded through $16 million appropriated by Congress in FY2016 for ARC to support workforce training programs in southern and south-central Appalachia.“These education and training projects will increase opportunities for Mississippians to develop the skills to work in our state’s expanding aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industries,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I appreciate the confidence the Appalachian Regional Commission is placing in the potential of Mississippi’s workforce to support more manufacturing jobs.”“Southern Appalachia’s manufacturing industry is growing.” said Earl Gohl, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. “These investments will help Mississippi’s manufacturing workforce become skilled, ready, and globally competitive.”In total, ARC is providing $8.96 million for the three projects, which will be matched with $1.59 million in county, state and private resources. The overall goal of the grants is to provide the training and educational facilities necessary to train workers for technical manufacturing positions.EMCC is awarded $4.6 million to construct six additional high-bay classrooms as part of the school’s workforce training facility or “Communiversity” at the entrance to the Golden Triangle Regional Global Industrial Aerospace Park in Lowndes County. In addition to $6.1 million in earlier ARC funding, this $42 million, 135,000-square-foot “Communivers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-congress-override-obamas-jasta-veto | Rep. Harper, Congress Override Obama's JASTA Veto | 2016-09-28 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and the House of Representatives voted this afternoon to override President Obama’s veto on the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA. This comes on the heels of the Senate’s vote to override earlier today, marking the first time that Congress has successfully overridden a veto during the Obama Administration. The bill, S. 2040, allows victims and families of victims of terrorist attacks to bring legal claims against foreign states that aid and abet acts of terror that occur on U.S. soil. This would empower the families of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. court for their suspected role in supporting the hijackers who carried out the strikes. “If I have the choice between siding with a foreign country and standing up for the American people, I will always put America first,” said Congressman Harper. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0C96DCD4-2859-4FD7-A7CA-F78B31C7EC75 | JANICE MITCHELL, LONGTIME COCHRAN AIDE, TO RETIRE | 2016-09-28 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Senator Thad Cochran presents Janice Mitchell with a copy of a Congressional Record statement recognizing her 38 years of service. Mitchell retires Friday. (Click here to download image.) WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today expressed his appreciation for Janice Mitchell of Madison, a constituent service representative who will retire Friday after assisting Mississippians for 38 years.Mitchell, the only African American woman to have worked for two Mississippi Senators, joined the staff of the late U.S. Senator John C. Stennis in 1978 before beginning work for Cochran in his Jackson field office in 1985. The Magee, Miss., native is one of the longest-serving staff members in the history of the U.S. Senate. Her final day will be Sept. 30.“Janice has had a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Senate. She has proven to be a friend, not just to me and my staff, but to thousands of individuals and families she has helped over the years,” Cochran said.During her tenure, Mitchell managed nearly 5,000 constituent cases for Mississippians needing assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration, a majority of which have been resolved favorably.In a Congressional Record statement recognizing Mitchell’s service, Cochran stated: “Janice's tenure as a Senate employee has been historic. Janice Mitchell is one of the longest-serving staff members in Senate history and the only African-American woman to have worked for two Senators from Mississippi…“Janice is compassionate, caring, and proficient. She has exceeded her duty to help Mississippians navigate Federal programs and receive the benefits to which they are entitled.”The full text of Cochran’s statement is available here: http://bit.ly/2dmxJ6Z ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=837BA22D-1FFF-4D65-AE0A-3FA16470B0EC | COCHRAN: SENATE PASSES CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN | 2016-09-28 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | Video: Cochran floor speech encouraging passage of the continuing resolution. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement marking Senate passage of a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through Dec. 9, 2016:“The continuing resolution will sustain government operations and ensure stability for our national defense. It is a short-term fix that will allow the Senate and House to complete work on the FY2017 appropriations bills later this year. I am committed to achieving that goal.“I am pleased that this measure provides record funding for our veterans and their families. It also provides funding to meet urgent needs around the country, including the heroin and opioid epidemic, disaster recovery for flood-ravaged communities, and the public health threat from the Zika virus.”The Senate voted 72-26 to approve the continuing resolution. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.The inclusion of the FY2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill in CR marks the first time since 2009 that a regular appropriations measure was signed into law before the end of the fiscal year.Under Cochran’s leadership, the Senate Appropriations Committee completed work on all 12 FY2017 appropriations bills in record time this year. The committee has worked under an accelerated schedule, setting records for the earliest bill markups in years. ### LINKS: • Continuing Resolution Summary: http://bit.ly/2cZW4dz | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9411D2F1-8452-4E9A-860B-6604CD5220BF | COCHRAN: GULFPORT YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM AWARDED $1.0 MILLION | 2016-09-26 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the YouthBuild program in Gulfport has been awarded more than $1.0 million from the U.S. Department of Labor.The $1,098,940 Labor Department grant has been awarded to CLIMB Community Development Corp. to operate the Gulfport YouthBuild program, which provides educational and occupational instruction to low-income, at-risk youths. The YouthBuild grant requires a 25 percent nonfederal, matching contributions.“YouthBuild provides young people with an alternative path for completing their education and learning career skills. The Gulfport program will be able to use this funding to continue its good work on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.The YouthBuild eligible youth education assistance to earn their GED while also gaining construction and other skills that can lead to employment opportunities. Participants can also earn an AmeriCorps education award for post-secondary schooling.The Gulfport award is one of 77 programs in 35 states to receive FY2016 funding. YouthBuild programs in the United States are operated by autonomous non-profit or public entities, which are required to secure nonfederal public or private funding.Cochran serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Labor Department. In early June, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $84.5 million for the national YouthBuild in FY2017. ### LINKS • CLIMB Community Development Corporation: http://www.climbcdc.org/ • Department of Labor YouthBuild: https://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/youthbuild.cfm | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/congressional-taiwan-caucus-releases-statement-105th-national-day-taiwan | Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Release Statement on the 105th National Day of Taiwan | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart Rep. Albio Sires Rep. Gerald E. Connolly Rep. Gregg Harper “October 10, 2016 will mark the 105th National Day of Taiwan. As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, we would like to congratulate the people of Taiwan on this occasion and wish them a Happy Double Ten Day. There is much to celebrate this year with regards to Taiwan democracy and U.S.-Taiwan relations. This year, the world witnessed Taiwan’s third peaceful transition of power, and Taiwan’s first female president took office. U.S. trade in goods with Taiwan reached $66 billion last year making Taiwan our 9th largest trading partner, and the United States completed a $1.83 billion arms sale to Taiwan in accordance with the commitments made in the Taiwan Relations Act. The United States Congress once again enacted legislation directing the Administration to develop a strategy to help Taiwan secure greater participation in international organizations. This is something Congress has done previously, specifically with respect to Taiwan’s inclusion in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is of vital importance that the United States continues to push for Taiwan’s inclusion in ICAO. Airports in Taiwan handle large cargo and passenger volumes, and for the sake of passenger safety and international security, Taiwan must be allowed to participate in ICAO. We would like to use the occasion of Taiwan’s National Day to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and our continued commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six-Assurances. It is an honor and privilege to support this vital relationship, and we look forward to joining the people of Taiwan in celebrating their 105th National Day.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=E880A6FF-C733-4B1B-96BD-B061F33E0479 | COCHRAN COMMENDS ARTHUR F. SKIPPER JERNIGAN AS MISSISSIPPI ANGEL IN ADOPTION | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Senator Thad Cochran and Arthur F. “Skipper” Jernigan WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today commended the work of Arthur F. “Skipper” Jernigan of Madison, who was honored in Washington on Wednesday as an “Angel in Adoption” for Mississippi.Jernigan is Cochran’s nominee to be the recipient of the 2016 “Angels in Adoption” award. The “Angels in Adoption” program, which is sponsored by the nonprofit Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). Jernigan, an attorney with Jernigan Copeland & Anderson, PLLC in Ridgeland, has practiced in the area of adoption law for more than 40 years. He has handled hundreds of adoptions for Mississippi Children’s Home Services, other agencies and private parties.“The legal process for adoptions can be daunting. Skipper Jernigan deserves commendation for being an advocate for children and families going through this process. His civic service also makes him worthy of recognition,” Cochran said. Jernigan, a former University of Mississippi football standout and Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame inductee, was honored Wednesday night at the annual national gala celebration of advocates for children and family involved in adoption and foster care programs. In addition to handling adoption cases, Jernigan has lectured at numerous conferences on adoption law and is recognized as a leading adoption attorney in Mississippi. Additionally, as part of his pro bono service to the Mississippi Bar and the Jackson community, Jernigan has represented indigent parties on behalf of Mission First in the area of adoption law and related matters.Jernigan and his wife, Judy Lynn, are involved in church and civic volunteer activities, including Meals on Wheels and the Billy Brumfield House, an affiliate of Stewpot Ministries in Jackson, which serves the homeless and those with severe financial difficulties. Jernigan has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations. He has also served nine years on the board of directors for Mississippi Baptist Health Sys… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/miss-lawmakers-faa-grants-38-million-supplement-jackson-airport-improvements | MISS. LAWMAKERS: FAA GRANTS $3.8 MILLION TO SUPPLEMENT JACKSON AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), announced that the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport will receive a $3.38 million airport improvement grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The award, which is made up of $1.44 million in formula funding and $1.93 million in discretionary appropriations, will facilitate continued runway rehabilitation and outdated lighting replacement. “The efficient and safe operation of an airport requires consistent facility maintenance. I’m pleased the Federal Aviation Administration has committed additional resources to enhance safe aviation operations in Jackson,” Cochran said. "The Jackson Airport stands to benefit from upgrades to its runway and lighting," Wicker said. "These infrastructure improvements are critical to upholding important aviation standards, giving the capital area access to the safest air service possible." Harper commented, “The Jackson-Evers International Airport is an important economic and transportation resource for Central Mississippi and throughout the state. I am pleased to see these funds invested in improving the airport’s existing infrastructure and connecting the people of Jackson to cities across the United States and abroad.” This grant will supplement a $13.8 million grant awarded in July for runway rehabilitation and wildlife hazard assessments at the Jackson airport. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6C44AC0F-0A72-43DE-8498-445BD3C88BF1 | MISS. LAWMAKERS: FAA GRANTS $3.8 MILLION TO SUPPLEMENT JACKSON AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), announced that the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport will receive a $3.38 million airport improvement grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).The award, which is made up of $1.44 million in formula funding and $1.93 million in discretionary appropriations, will facilitate continued runway rehabilitation and outdated lighting replacement.“The efficient and safe operation of an airport requires consistent facility maintenance. I’m pleased the Federal Aviation Administration has committed addition resources to enhance safe aviation operations in Jackson,” Cochran said."The Jackson Airport stands to benefit from upgrades to its runway and lighting," Wicker said."These infrastructure improvements are critical to upholding important aviation standards, giving the capital area access to the safest air service possible."Harper commented, “The Jackson-Evers International Airport is an important economic and transportation resource for Central Mississippi and throughout the state. I am pleased to see these funds invested in improving the airport’s existing infrastructure and connecting the people of Jackson to cities across the United States and abroad.”This grant will supplement a $13.8 million grant awarded in July for runway rehabilitation and wildlife hazard assessments at the Jackson airport. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D26B59CF-9D78-4E15-B5C9-8C6735F9E19B | MISS. PHARMACY BOARD RECEIVES $352,000 FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy has received a $352,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance the state’s prescription drug monitoring program.The DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance grant is intended to improve the ability of the state to collect and analyze controlled substance prescription data. The award is funded through the Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which was created to prevent and reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, and to stop pharmaceutical crime.“Most overdose deaths in Mississippi and other states are attributed to the abuse of prescription opioids or heroin use. This grant should help the state find the best monitoring and reporting practices to curb wrongful prescriptions and the abuse of these medications,” Cochran said.Mississippi instituted a prescription drug monitoring system in 2014 for licensed physicians who prescribe, administer or dispense any controlled substance in the state.Earlier this year, Cochran supported enactment of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which became law in July. This law authorizes additional federal support for efforts to assist states and localities in fighting opioid abuse, improving treatments, and coordinating law enforcement efforts.Under Cochran’s chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the committee has increased funding by 113 percent to combat opioid abuse. For FY2017, the committee approved resources totaling $132 million for Justice Department programs to help states and local communities combat heroin and opioid abuse. This includes $14.0 million for the DOJ prescription drug monitoring program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=DBE49681-549E-418B-86ED-246602C8DDE7 | COCHRAN BACKS BILLS OFFERING RELIEF FROM OBAMACARE TAX PENALTIES | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that he is cosponsoring legislation to provide relief to Mississippians stuck between escalating Obamacare premium costs and higher tax penalties for going without health insurance.The Relief from Obamacare Mandate Act (S.3297) would establish processes to provide financial relief for individuals and families from the Obamacare individual mandate tax penalty.“This legislation is one more attempt to protect vulnerable families and individuals from harmful aspects of Obamacare. This law has had plenty of unintended consequences, among them higher tax fines for those who cannot afford premium and deductible costs that are prohibitively expensive,” Cochran said.The centerpiece of S.3297 is a new exemption from the tax penalty for residents in states where average Obamacare insurance premiums exceed 10 percent. In addition to the new tax penalty exemption, the bill would also enable the cost of deductibles to be included in the exemption provided to those who cannot afford coverage under Obamacare.Insurance indicators point to premiums increasing from 5 percent to as high as 43 percent in Mississippi. At the same time, competitive choices among plans under the government’s health insurance policies are decreasing in the state.Cochran, who opposed Obamacare from its inception, is also an original cosponsor of the State Flexibility to Provide Affordable Health Options Act (S.3326). This legislation would allow residents in states with failing exchanges to use Obamacare subsidies to purchase a 2017 health plan of their choice, even if that plan isn’t part of any government exchange. It would also allow states to waive the Obamacare requirement to buy a specific health care plan or pay a fine of as much as $2,000 for a family of four next year.“This legislation would increase options for families in Mississippi and elsewhere to obtain health insurance without being locked into troubled Obamacare exchanges,” Cochran said.S.3297 was introduced by Se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=461 | House passes legislation to honor fallen Mississippi soldier September 20, 2016 | Posted in Press Releases Tags: National Defense / Veterans House passes legislation to honor fallen Mississippi soldier WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Representative Trent Kelly (MS-01) to honor a Mississippi soldier killed in action. H.R. 5309 designates the United States Postal Service facility in Oxford, Mississippi as the "Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile… Read more » | 2016-09-20 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Trent Kelly | K000388 | trentkelly.house.gov | trentkelly | https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Representative Trent Kelly (MS-01) to honor a Mississippi soldier killed in action. H.R. 5309 designates the United States Postal Service facility in Oxford, Mississippi as the "Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building." H.R. 5309 now awaits further Senate action. Carwile and fellow soldier Army Private First Class Paul E. Conlon, Jr. of Somerville, Massachusetts were killed during a combat mission in Afghanistan on August 15, 2008 during Operation Enduring Freedom. "This small gesture will honor his memory and will serve as a reminder to the community of First Lieutenant Carwile's selfless service and sacrifice for our freedom," Representative Kelly said. "He is a hero." First Lieutenant Carwile joined the Army after graduating from Lafayette High School. His career path included service as a patrol officer for the Batesville and Oxford Police Departments. In 2006, Carwile reenlisted in the Army and qualified for Officer Candidate School. Lieutenant Carwile distinguished himself as a soldier by earning numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. He is survived by his wife Jennifer and two daughters, Elizabeth Reese and Avery Claire. The Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building will be located at 401 McElroy Drive in Oxford, Mississippi. | 1 | 2026-04-07T14:16:54Z | 2026-04-07T14:19:53Z |
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=403B83A0-308C-486C-8386-E11953736701 | HOLMES CO. BUSINESS AWARDED $6.76 MILLION FEMA CONTRACT FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES | 2016-09-20 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a $6.76 million contract to a Holmes County business to supply temporary housing for Louisiana flood victims. Lexington Homes, Inc. in Lexington was awarded the fixed-price contract to construct and deliver 155 manufactured homes, which will be used to support flood disaster recovery efforts in Louisiana. Severe storms and flooding there in August led to a federal emergency designation for 22 parishes.“The temporary housing assistance offered by FEMA can help disaster victims rebuild their lives. I am pleased that a Mississippi manufacturer has been awarded a contract to supply this housing,” said Cochran.The $6.76 million contract is funded through FY2016 appropriations provided by Congress. Lexington Homes is one of seven builders to compete successfully for this indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, which includes four option years.Eligible disaster victims whose pre-disaster residence is inaccessible or uninhabitable can apply through the FEMA Individuals and Households Program for temporary housing assistance. Under this program, FEMA provides one, two or three-bedroom units.Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves on the subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1ECF76C-7188-416F-873E-DBA68D5F7B7E | COCHRAN: UMMC TAPPED FOR RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT | 2016-09-20 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has been awarded a $2.0 million federal grant to carry out a demonstration project to improve emergency medical communications, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported.UMMC will use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant for a Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project to enhance emergency communications and response capabilities. The goal is to aid in the development of a National Emergency Communications Plan by coordinating the use of existing technologies to improve first responder capabilities, particularly among those with limited medical training.“Improving the coordination of medical and emergency communications can help save lives, and not just during disaster situations. This grant will help develop available capabilities to increase medical care options in rural areas, and be used to develop best practices nationwide,” Cochran said. “I believe Mississippi and UMMC are well suited to perform this project.”This demonstration project will involve leveraging the Mississippi Wireless Information Network (MSWIN) technologies and existing infrastructures to sustain statewide medical communications systems and improve rural medical care delivery. This project will target the 30,000 users on the MSWIN Land Mobile Radio System and work to improve the use of the existing radio system.The demonstration project is funded with FY2016 discretionary funding. Congress last year directed the DHS Office of Emergency Communications to undertake the initiative and provided $2.0 million to carry it out.Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves on the subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security.### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=169DCDF9-BEE2-4819-A24B-B747BDC4832E | COCHRAN, TESTER INTRODUCE BILL TO UPDATE 95-YEAR-OLD LIVESTOCK MARKETING LAW | 2016-09-16 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today announced the introduction of legislation to amend a 95-year-old law to address technological advances now being used in livestock sales.The Senators' bill, S.3350, would amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to ensure that the law’s protections are extended to online or video livestock auctions and to ensure modern electronic banking options.“The Packers and Stockyards Act was written to protect the integrity of livestock sales and to promote competition. This legislation is intended to make certain that this law remains an effective tool for livestock producers by recognizing the benefits of modern technology,” Cochran said.“Plain and simple, the old laws on the books are all hat and no cattle. Every year when I buy my steer and hog to feed my family, I think about the folks who are buying and selling 1,000 head. These hardworking producers deserve a sensible process that keeps up with their changing industry,” said Tester. “This is a common-sense bill that will strengthen Montana’s livestock industry and ensure it continues trucking into the future.”The Senate legislation would clarify that Packers and Stockyards Act provisions apply to online or video auctions. This change would ensure that producer protections provided at fixed-facility livestock markets are extended to those who buy or sell through online or video auctions.Secondly, the Cochran-Tester bill would authorize modern electronic payment methods, including credit and debit cards or the Automated Clearing House payments system. The law currently only authorizes the use of checks or wire transfers to settle livestock sales.S.3350 has been referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee. Similar legislation (HR.5883), introduced by Representative David Rouzer (R-N.C.), was approved this week by the House Agriculture Committee.Changes to the Packers and Standards Act are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, Live… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=C6FE4017-8639-4027-8E79-0263E65B2071 | COCHRAN, WICKER ANNOUNCE $1.49 MILLION GRANT FOR COAHOMA COUNTY SAFE ROOM | 2016-09-16 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced that a $1.49 million federal grant has been awarded to support construction of a multi-purpose safe room on the campus of Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award will support construction of a 10,000-square-foot safe room built to FEMA-361 standards to protect people during hurricane or tornado-force winds. The multipurpose facility will be built to withstand wind speeds up to 250 mph. “Tornadoes and other sever weather are a consistent concern for Mississippians. I’m pleased that this investment can help Coahoma Community College and Clarksdale residents be better prepared for inclement weather,” said Cochran. “Many people living in small communities rely on safe rooms for protection during tornadoes and severe storms,” Wicker said. “The need for a reinforced facility in Coahoma County is real, and this is exactly the type of project for which this program was designed. Students, staff, and local residents can be assured that shelter will be available when disaster strikes.”When completed, the safe room will be able to protect 1,592 students, faculty, staff, and residents within a half-mile radius of Coahoma Community College. It will be located at 3240 Friars Point Road. Federal funding, which totals $1,491,300, represents 90 percent of the $1,657,000 total construction cost. The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to states and local governments for long-term hazard mitigation activities designed to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. Data shows that investments in hazard mitigation before a disaster creates a net savings of taxpayer dollars during post-disaster response and recovery periods. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=28CB7C8F-CFE3-4002-8B8B-6E40546F79EE | COCHRAN, WICKER VOTE FOR PASSAGE OF WATER PROJECTS BILL TO BENEFIT MISSISSIPPI | 2016-09-15 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today voted for Senate passage of bipartisan water infrastructure legislation that includes provisions they developed to authorize federal resources for improving waterways, flood control and other projects in Mississippi.The Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (S.2848 or WRDA) would authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout the country including navigational improvements, flood control, ecosystem restoration and clean water infrastructure. The bill was passed 95-3.“This legislation is important to the well-being of our state and the entire nation. Army Corps of Engineers activities in Mississippi benefit affect our economy and the safety of our citizens. I’m pleased that this positive and bipartisan bill will extend and expand the ability of the Army Corps to continue this good work,” Cochran said.“Federal investments in our nation’s water projects pay enormous dividends,” Wicker said. “Better ports and harbors help businesses and workers stay competitive and keep prices down for consumers. Strengthening dams and levees protect our communities from flooding and can help safeguard critical fishing, shrimping, and oyster grounds. Upgrades to local infrastructure give people the confidence to know that they are drinking safe, clean water. This bipartisan legislation attempts to achieve all of those goals by clearing a backlog of critical projects.”Wicker serves on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which wrote WRDA. Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, serves on the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Army Corps of Engineers and programs authorized in WRDA.For Mississippi, the Senators concentrated on provisions to expand the ability of the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies to work with state and local officials to improve flood control, inland ports, wastewater infrastructure, conservation, and coastal resilience.Cochran and Wicker worked to include t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/house-admin-congratulates-carla-hayden-14th-librarian-congress | House Admin Congratulates Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress | 2016-09-14 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | House Admin Congratulates Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress WASHINGTON – Committee on House Administration Chairman Candice Miller (R-MI), Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA), and Joint Committee on the Library Vice-Chairman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement congratulating Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress: “We congratulate Dr. Carla Hayden as she marks the beginning of her service as the 14th Librarian of Congress. As Dr. Hayden works to lead the Library into the future, our Committee looks forward to working with her and her staff to keep the tradition of collecting, preserving, and offering a vast collection of educational resources. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to David Mao who served as Acting Librarian, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the Library’s mission during the past year. “Today is a historic day for the Library; an institution which stands as a steadfast symbol of learning and democracy. We wish Dr. Hayden the best in the days and years to come.” CHA | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-gregg-harper-named-guardian-small-business | Rep. Gregg Harper Named Guardian of Small Business | 2016-09-14 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.-The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading advocate for small businesses, today awarded Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) with its biennial Guardian of Small Business Award for his outstanding support of America’s small business owners in the 114th Congress. “Many elected officials claim that they are champions of small business, but our Guardian Award shows our members and other small business owners who is really fighting for them,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. “Based on his voting record, Rep. Harper is one of the most reliable advocates for small business in Washington.” The Guardian of Small Business is NFIB’s most prestigious award. It is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with NFIB on the key issues identified by small business owners. NFIB tracks the votes of every member of Congress. House members and Senators who vote with NFIB members at least 70 percent of the time are eligible for the Guardian Award. Harper received a 100 voting record during the 114th Congress. “NFIB is honored to present Rep. Harper with this award,” Duggan said. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=679E94E8-C27E-42D6-95C6-D39454FA5545 | COCHRAN: RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION SERVING STARKVILLE AREA AWARDED $343,000 USDA LOAN | 2016-09-14 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – A rural water association serving the Starkville area has been awarded a $343,000 low-interest federal loan to improve its water delivery system, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced.The Blackjack Water Association, Inc., will use the 40-year, 2.25 percent loan to install new generators at two wells sites and to rehabilitate the association’s elevated 100,000-gallon water storage tank. “Nearly 400 families and businesses rely on water supplied by this locally-controlled association, and this Rural Development loan will help ensure reliable water deliveries for these consumers,” Cochran said.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is providing the loan through its Water and Waste Disposal Loan program. The award to the Oktibehha County water association is the latest in a series of FY2016 awards approved for Mississippi by USDA Rural Development.Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves on the subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over the USDA and Rural Development. He is also the senior Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, which is charged with recommending USDA policy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/congressman-harper-honored-farm-bureau | Congressman Harper Honored By Farm Bureau | 2016-09-12 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | JACKSON – Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) has been presented with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award for his outstanding work in the 114th Congress. This is the fourth consecutive time that Mississippi Farm Bureau has honored Harper for his strong commitment to the farmers of Mississippi. “We are pleased to recognize Congressman Harper with our Friend of Farm Bureau Award and are grateful for the many things he does for Mississippi agriculture,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick. “The congressman and his staff have been very supportive of our farmers by attending Farm Bureau events and listening to farmers’ concerns.” Harper serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he is a member of three subcommittees: Environment and the Economy; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Energy and Power. The state’s senior House Republican also sits on the select Committee on House Administration, a special appointment made by House Speaker John Boehner. Additionally, he serves as vice chairman of the Joint Committee of the Library of Congress and chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing Congressman Harper was cited for his support for his work on America’s Small Business Tax Relief Act; (H.R. 1105): Death Tax Repeal Act; (H.R. 2353): Highway and Transportation Funding Authorization; (H.R. 2146): Trade Promotion Authority; (H.R. 1599); Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act; (H.R. 2029): Consolidated Appropriations; (S.J. Res. 22); Senate Resolution of Disapproval on EPA/Corps WOTUS rule; & (H.R. 2406); Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act. “I am so honored to receive this award from my longtime friends at the Mississippi Farm Bureau,” said Congressman Harper. “I have always fought to defend Mississippi’s dedicated farmers and strengthen our important agricultural industry. I look forward to continuing to support this important organization and our farmers in the future.” The Friend of Farm Bureau Award is given at the end of each Congress to Members of the U.S. House o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/flood-recovery-grant-awarded-wilkinson-county | Flood Recovery Grant Awarded To Wilkinson County | 2016-09-12 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | PEARL – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS), Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announced today the award of a $250,000 post-disaster grant to Wilkinson County to assist residents with repairing homes damaged by flooding in early August. Damage assessments, conducted by MEMA and local officials, show three homes were destroyed, 23 with major damage and 58 others with minor damage in Wilkinson County, primarily in the town of Crosby. The damage did not meet the threshold for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Stafford Act. This assistance is being provided by MEMA to the newly formed non-profit Community Based Recovery Committee (CBRC) in Wilkinson County with remaining funds from the Alternative Housing Pilot Program (AHPP) awarded to Mississippi by FEMA following Hurricane Katrina. The requirement of the original AHPP grant is that the funds must be used for on-going housing needs as a result of the disaster. "As we have seen in the aftermath of last month’s flooding, federal disaster assistance programs are generally restricted to state boundaries. When storm systems affect multiple states, people are often refused federal aid simply because their home sits across a state line from their neighbors," said Rep. Harper. "Many Mississippians, particularly those in the Crosby community, were as badly impacted by the recent flooding as the people of Louisiana—however our state’s total damages were not sufficient enough to trigger federal assistance. As a result, the state of Mississippi has stepped up to respond to this disaster," continued Harper. "I am pleased that these Mississippians will be able to rebuild their homes and begin the healing process all thanks to Director Smithson and the great team at MEMA." Gov. Bryant explained, "Under the direction of Lee Smithson, MEMA has shown its willingness to go the extra mile to help our residents get back on their feet after a disaster. This method ensures that every penny w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7050AECE-76E1-47EB-B541-F67EE64A0EAB | COCHRAN REPORTS $1.58 MILLION IN USDA LOAN & GRANT AID TO RURAL MISS. | 2016-09-09 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that federal grants and loans worth more than $1.58 million have been approved to support water infrastructure improvements and law enforcement in rural Mississippi.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is awarding $1.58 million to rural communities and counties in Mississippi, including $1.2 million in long-term, low-interest loans and $376,750 in grant funding.“The Department of Agriculture Rural Development provides financial help to rural communities to provide public services that benefit their residents. I am pleased that new water infrastructure and community service resources are going to these Mississippi communities,” Cochran said.The loans will be support water delivery improvements for the City of Fulton and the Sardis Lake Community Water Association in Batesville. Community Facilities Program grants were awarded to Carroll and Issaquena counties and the Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District in Natchez. Combined with nonfederal contributions, $1.65 million will be invested in rural Mississippi.The USDA Rural Development awards include: • City of Fulton – $870,000 loan to support construction of a new water pump station, standpipe storage tank and distribution line upgrades to improve the northern portion of the city’s water system. This is a 35-year, 2.25 percent interest loan. • Sardis Lake Community Water Association, Batesville – $341,000 loan and $279,000 grant to upgrade 2.2 miles of water mains and piping. This is a 40-year, 2.25 percent interest loan. • Issaquena County – $43,400 grant to support the purchase of two vehicles for the Issaquena County Sheriff’s Department. The county will contribute $14,575. • Carroll County – $38,300 grant to support the purchase of two vehicles for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. The county will contribute $12,844. • Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District, Natchez – $16,050 grant to support the purc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A031E492-237B-4517-82AC-EE1AD7F64377 | COCHRAN, WICKER: GULFPORT TO RECEIVE $3.9 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING | 2016-08-31 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced that the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport have been awarded $3,893,247 in federal grants designed to spur community and economic development.“These grants are investments in Gulfport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Cochran said. “This funding, with its focus on economic and community development, can benefit businesses and families throughout the region.” “I am pleased that we are working to enhance our Gulf Coast with these federal grants, which will aid local housing developments, improve airport infrastructure, and promote safety,” Wicker said.The largest of the three individual grants will provide $3,005,248 for runway rehabilitation at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. This Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program award will support the rehabilitation of 5,500 feet of the runway to maintain structural integrity, minimize foreign object debris, and increase passenger safety.Additionally, a $581,068 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was awarded to the City of Gulfport to support community development projects near the Gulfport Job Corps Center. These flexible grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are designed to better enable local governments to expand economic opportunities and housing availability, especially for low and middle-income residents.The City of Gulfport will also receive a $306,931 grant from the HUD HOME program, which provides funding to help local governments implement housing strategies designed to promote homeownership and increase affordable housing opportunities. The funding is expected to be used for public housing rehabilitation.Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully worked to maintain FY2016 funding for the Airport Improvement Program and CDBG program, which were proposed to be cut by the President’s budget request. Many Mississippi communities b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FA89E479-7ABF-439B-982A-0F5FBC44FB52 | COCHRAN, WICKER: $1 MILLON FAA AWARD FOR GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGIONAL AIRPORT | 2016-08-30 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced that the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, near the intersection of Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha Counties, Miss., has received a federal grant for more than $1 million to increase passenger safety.The grant, totaling $1,063,485, was provided through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program. It will allow the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority to rehabilitate the airport’s apron, which is the area of an airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, and boarded.“The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is an important asset for an area that is growing as a hub for technology, research and manufacturing. I am pleased that local authorities will have these resources to improve the efficiency of this airport,” Cochran said.“This federal investment represents a continued commitment to improving the existing airport infrastructure at Golden Triangle,” Wicker said. “These enhancements, along with the construction of a third new industrial park, highlight the tremendous economic progress being made in the area.”Wicker serves a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which last spring drafted a new FAA reform bill that expands the Airport Improvement Program. The legislation was enacted into law in July.Cochran chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, which in May approved the FY2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. This measure provides $3.35 billion from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to continue support for the Airport Improvement Program. Many Mississippi airports benefit from this program, which is designed to help facilities meet FAA operations and safety standards. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=00FCE045-7630-4513-A7CC-35C2DB6536A6 | URGENT RURAL MISS. PROJECTS WIN SUPPORT FROM DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY | 2016-08-25 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today applauded the distribution of Delta Regional Authority (DRA) grant secured last year to support infrastructure improvements and community development projects in rural Mississippi.The DRA is awarding more than $3.28 million in eight grants, which when combined with nonfederal contributions, will result in more than a $14.8 million investment in eight Mississippi communities. The grants are the result of a $10 million funding increase Cochran worked to secure for the DRA as part of the FY2016 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.“These grants give rural communities greater leverage to put money in place to repair and improve infrastructure, provide services and attract economic activity,” Cochran said. “I am pleased that rural Mississippi will benefit from the additional resources provided to the Delta Regional Authority.”Overall, the DRA was appropriated $25 million for FY2016, of which $10 million was set aside specifically for basic public infrastructure for underserved communities. The FY2016 appropriation was the highest funding level for the DRA since Congress authorized it in 2000. DRA awarded the following infrastructure grants: • City of Cleveland – $1,014,000 to support Phase I of an overall sanitary sewer system improvement project that will serve 19,000 residents in Cleveland and Bolivar County. Combined with local and state revolving loan funds, $9,444,000 is available for Phase I. • Lincoln County – $1,250,000 to support industrial access road repairs for the Brookhaven Industrial Park, which supports more than 1,000 jobs. With nonfederal funding, $2,747,491 is available for this project. • City of Hollandale – $450,000 to support a city-wide water system improvement project involving the repair of system deterioration, which affects water delivery to residents.DRA approved the following States' Economic Development Assistance Program grants to support community-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3F37FE44-44B6-40DF-A690-2E16B8951BDE | COCHRAN, WICKER ANNOUNCE TUPELO AIRPORT GRANT | 2016-08-19 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced nearly $950,000 in federal grant funding for the Tupelo Regional Airport improvements. The Tupelo Airport Authority is receiving $948,223, of which $829,179 is from FY2016 appropriated funding provided by Congress for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airport safety and infrastructure. “I’m pleased to see the Federal Aviation Administration make this investment in the Tupelo Regional Airport. Continuing improvements at the airport can help increase economic development and connectivity throughout Northeast Mississippi,” Cochran said. “These funds represent a commitment by the federal government to improve Tupelo Regional Airport’s existing infrastructure,” Wicker said. “The FAA grants help to ensure that passengers in North Mississippi continue to have access to affordable, safe air travel.” The FAA Airport Improvement Program funding for Tupelo will go toward rehabilitation of a taxiway and runway, which could lead to improvements in passenger safety and airport efficiency. The goal of the work is to maintain the structural integrity of the existing taxiway. Last year, Cochran and Wicker, along with U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) announced a similar $716,779 grant for runway safety improvements, fencing installation and runway rehabilitation at the Tupelo airport. Many Mississippi airports benefit from this program to help facilities meet FAA operations and safety standards. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=616C2BEC-671F-48D2-89C6-7C7B542F9477 | COCHRAN, OFFICIALS PRAISE LARGEST EVER NIH RESEARCH GRANT TO UMMC | 2016-08-15 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today praised the award of Mississippi’s largest ever National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant, a five-year $19.5 million investment to increase capacity for clinical research in the state.Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was joined in announcing the grant by University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter and University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs LouAnn Woodward. The award is the direct result of the additional funding provided by Congress for the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program for FY2016.“I am pleased that National Institutes of Health has confidence in the University of Mississippi Medical Center and its potential to advance medical research. The enhanced capability to conduct clinical trials and research will broaden Mississippi’s contributions to finding cures and treatments that can benefit the public,” Cochran said.“We are honored by this NIH investment to substantially enhance our capacity and success in translating research discoveries and innovations to better health outcomes,” Dr. Vitter said. “We are grateful to Senator Cochran and the NIH for accelerating our pace toward our goal of a healthier Mississippi, and congratulate our research team at our medical center campus for winning this significant award.”“The timing of this magnificent grant couldn’t be better as it coincides with the development of our Translational Research Center and Clinical Research Unit, facilities that will be crucial to our success in clinical research,” said Dr. Woodward. “We look forward to putting these assets to work in the cause of discovering tomorrow’s treatments and cures.”NIH will provide $3.5 million annually for five years to UMMC for an initiative titled “Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research.” The IDeA Program Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR) grant will allow UMMC to expand the infrastructure and training n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381 | Kelly Announces New Communications Director August 12, 2016 | Posted in Press Releases Kelly Announces New Communications Director TUPELO, Miss. - Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today announced Susan Parker as his new communications director. Parker, a native of Columbus, Miss., attended the Mississippi University for Women where she studied journalism. Prior to working for Kelly, Parker was a reporter with WTVA Television for 24… Read more » | 2016-08-12 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Trent Kelly | K000388 | trentkelly.house.gov | trentkelly | https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx | scraper | TUPELO, Miss. - Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today announced Susan Parker as his new communications director. Parker, a native of Columbus, Miss., attended the Mississippi University for Women where she studied journalism. Prior to working for Kelly, Parker was a reporter with WTVA Television for 24 years. She has won numerous awards from the Associated Press for writing and photography, including the Howard Lett Newsperson of the Year award in 2010. “Susan possesses many years of journalism experience across multiple news sources,” Kelly said. “Her knowledge of and dedication to the First District make her a strong addition to our team. She is an excellent communicator and I am certain that she will do an outstanding job in this role.” Parker replaces Eliza Jones Swisher who has relocated to Oklahoma. Representative Trent Kelly represents Mississippi’s First Congressional District. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Small Business Committee. This is his first term. ### | 1 | 2026-04-07T14:16:54Z | 2026-04-07T14:19:51Z |
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FF12E158-CAF9-48A2-9902-9E5A1E24AE60 | USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT INVESTS $374,800 IN FIVE MISS. COUNTIES | 2016-08-11 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that five Mississippi communities and two counties will receive $374,800 in rural development grant funding for public safety and public health projects.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved seven grants for Mississippi, including funding for the communities of Fayette, Lexington, Pace, Shaw, and Vaiden. Carroll and Jefferson Davis counties are also receiving funding.“Rural development grants represent small investments that can help smaller communities provide for the public health and safety of their residents,” Cochran said.Overall investment in the seven Mississippi projects totals $669,695 when combined with nonfederal contributions.The USDA Rural Development grants approved for Mississippi to support or improve community facilities for health care, public safety and public service include: • Town of Fayette – $244,800 to purchase a fire truck ($74,976 nonfederal funding; $299,776 total project cost) • City of Lexington – $30,000 to fund a study deteriorating wastewater infrastructure to determine alternative operating changes or capital improvements that may be required to meet environmental regulations • Town of Pace – $23,900 to support West Railroad Street repairs ($135,550 Mississippi Development Authority and town funding; $159,450 total project cost) • City of Shaw – $19,500 to purchase a police vehicle ($6,500 nonfederal funding; $26,000 total project cost) • Town of Vaiden – $21,000 to purchase a patrol vehicle ($7,100 nonfederal funding; $28,200 total project cost) • Carroll County – $24,200 to purchase health clinic equipment for the Vaiden Health Clinic ($44,987 nonfederal funding; $69,187 total project cost) • Jefferson Davis County – $31,000 to purchase two patrol vehicles ($25,782 nonfederal funding; $57,082 total project cost)Cochran is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves on the subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over the USDA and Ru… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363 | Media Advisory | Kelly, Boyd to Present Military Medals August 10, 2016 | Posted in Press Releases Tags: National Defense / Veterans Kelly, Boyd to Present Military Medals Thursday, August 11 11:00 am CST in MANTACHIE: Representative Trent Kelly and State Representative Randy Boyd (R-Mantachie) will present military medals to World War II Army Veteran Orva "O.R." Dulaney, Medic, United States Army. The ceremony will take place at the Mantachie First Baptist Church sanctuary located at 6080 Highway… Read more » | 2016-08-10 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Trent Kelly | K000388 | trentkelly.house.gov | trentkelly | https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Kelly, Boyd to Present Military Medals Thursday, August 11 11:00 am CST in MANTACHIE: Representative Trent Kelly and State Representative Randy Boyd (R-Mantachie) will present military medals to World War II Army Veteran Orva "O.R." Dulaney, Medic, United States Army. The ceremony will take place at the Mantachie First Baptist Church sanctuary located at 6080 Highway 363. O.R. Dulaney served as a medic during World War II. He survived some of the most fierce battles armed with just a pocket knife. His bravery on the battlefield earned him high honors in the form of medals. When Dulaney returned from the war, he worked at a grocery store. One day he hung his coat with medals displayed on a back door. That would be the last time he would see his medals. Fast forward 70 years later. Through the efforts of Kelly and Boyd, Dulaney will again receive the medals that he earned and deserves. Representative Trent Kelly represents Mississippi’s First Congressional District. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Small Business Committee. This is his first term. ### | 1 | 2026-04-07T14:16:54Z | 2026-04-07T14:19:51Z |
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7840E4F3-44BD-475D-BE13-3907515543C3 | MISS. SENATORS URGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR U.S. SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM | 2016-08-09 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today encouraged eligible Mississippi high school students to apply for the 2017 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP).Two Mississippi high school students will be selected to represent the state at the 55th annual USSYP Washington Week in Washington, D.C., and receive a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship. High school seniors or juniors involved in student government, civic or educational organizations are eligible for the week-long program. The selection process is, in part, based on academic achievement, leadership capabilities and public service.“The U.S. Senate Youth Program can be a valuable opportunity for students to learn firsthand about American government,” Cochran said. “I encourage all eligible students to apply for this prestigious scholarship program.” “The Senate Youth Program inspires students to develop leadership skills and get more involved in their communities,” said Wicker, who serves as the Senate co-chair of the 2017 program. “Young Mississippians who are chosen for this educational experience will benefit from the opportunity to learn more about our government and the value of public service.”The U.S. Senate established the program in 1962 to introduce student leaders to the federal government and public policy. The USSYP Washington Week program includes meetings with U.S. Senators, a Supreme Court Justice, cabinet secretaries, and other policymakers.The USSYP includes scholarships and a week-long trip (March 4-11, 2017) to Washington for each of the 104 delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The non-profit Hearst Foundation fully funds and administers the USSYP. Mississippi’s 2016 Senate Youth Program delegates were Joseph Hasbrouck of Pascagoula and Jackson Wilkins of Hattiesburg.Interested students can visit www.ussenateyouth.org for more information or access the 2017 USSYP brochure outlining the rules and selection process information … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=DC995AEC-B90A-4921-9682-66F37E941CCB | COCHRAN, WICKER URGE USDA TO REVISE SNAP RULE | 2016-08-03 | 2016 | 2016-08 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) have joined a bipartisan group of Senators raising concerns that a proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule could limit food access in rural areas.Cochran and Wicker are among 47 Senators who signed a letter asking USDA to revise its controversial proposed rule on retailer eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The rule would require all retailers, including smaller food suppliers like convenience stores, to stock seven different varieties of food products within four “staple food” groups in order to be eligible to accept SNAP benefits.While the USDA intended the rule to increase access to healthy foods, it would actually limit food access for many people in rural communities--contrary to congressional intent in the 2014 farm bill. For example, compliance costs could prevent many small retailers from accepting SNAP in areas where larger food retailers are not present or accessible.The Senators encouraged Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack “to seriously consider the combined impact of the requirements in this proposed rule and revise the rule to better balance the importance of ensuring the availability of nutritious food and providing adequate access for SNAP recipients in all parts of the country.”“Unfortunately, the combined impact of the proposed changes will likely result in the removal of a large number of small format retailers and small businesses from SNAP. This raises questions regarding the ability of FNS [USDA Food and Nutrition Service] to mitigate the food access challenges as Congress intended,” the letter said.Within the 2014 farm bill, Congress stressed maintaining critical nutrition assistance for families. At the same time, the law included strong provisions to fight trafficking, fraud and misuse within the SNAP program and to invest savings in new pilot programs to help people secure employment through job training and other services. The Senate FY2017 Ag… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=CC43A84D-222E-46C7-9984-4B8324A641DF | COCHRAN CONGRATULATES MISSISSIPPIS 2016 BOYS & GIRLS NATION DELEGATES | 2016-07-28 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | Mississippi delegates to the 2016 Boys Nation and Girls Nation programs. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) on Thursday commended Mississippi’s delegates to the 2016 American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation for representing the Magnolia State well at the annual national event.The delegates (left to right), Reid Stevens of Starkville, Cailin Sims of Vancleave, Rachel Shoemaker of Taylorsville, and Bradley Curtis of Starkville, visited with Cochran as part of their week-long Boys Nation and Girls Nation experience.Curtis, a Starkville High School senior, and Stevens, who attends Starkville Academy, were selected through the 2016 Mississippi Boys State program at the University of Mississippi to represent the state at Boys Nation in Washington D.C.Shoemaker and Sims were chosen to attend Girls Nation by delegates to this year’s Mississippi Girls State program, which was held at the University of Southern Mississippi earlier this summer. Shoemaker attends Laurel Christian High School, while Sims is a senior at Vancleave High School.The Boys and Girls Nation programs focus on government and citizenship education for students who are selected from their respective Girls and Boys State programs. The students selected to represent their states are referred to as “senators.” The annual state and national programs are sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/harper-cochran-wicker-announce-10-million-grant-upgrade-natchez-railway | Harper, Cochran, Wicker Announce $10 Million Grant to Upgrade Natchez Railway | 2016-07-27 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | HARPER, COCHRAN, WICKER ANNOUNCE $10 MILLION GRANT TO UPGRADE NATCHEZ RAILWAY Natchez Railway Bridge Upgrades Could Spur Economic Growth in Southwest Mississippi WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), today praised the award of a $10 million federal transportation grant to the City of Natchez to upgrade bridges on the Natchez railway. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the City of Natchez the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funding to upgrade five structurally-deficient bridges along the Natchez railway between Natchez and Brookhaven. Cochran, Wicker and Harper supported the Natchez application for federal funding. “Improved service along the railway would stimulate economic development at the Natchez-Adams County Port and Industrial Park, in neighboring Franklin and Lincoln Counties, and across Southwest Mississippi,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There is intense competition for TIGER grants, and I am very pleased that Natchez has successfully secured this funding.” "South Mississippi will see substantial benefits from this TIGER grant,” Wicker said. “Increasing the productivity and safety along the Natchez railway promises to boost economic growth throughout the entire region. I am pleased that these grants are being used to address critical gaps in rail service in our state.” “This grant is an investment in Southwest Mississippi that will increase the traffic base, boost production and provide additional job opportunities,” said Harper. “More importantly, this grant assures cost effective, reliable and safe rail service for the citizens and businesses of Adams, Franklin and Lincoln Counties.” The bridge repair work would represent a major step toward maximizing the potential of the railway. The improvements would permit railcars that meet the 286,000 pound industry standard and allow trains to travel at 25 mph over the repaired bridges. T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=590A3E37-7DD4-44DB-8BBB-0D59BA344D56 | COCHRAN, WICKER, HARPER: $10 MILLION GRANT TO UPGRADE NATCHEZ RAILWAY | 2016-07-26 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), today praised the award of a $10 million federal transportation grant to the City of Natchez to upgrade bridges on the Natchez railway.The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the City of Natchez the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funding to upgrade five structurally-deficient bridges along the Natchez railway between Natchez and Brookhaven. Cochran, Wicker and Harper supported the Natchez application for federal funding.“Improved service along the railway would stimulate economic development at the Natchez-Adams County Port and Industrial Park, in neighboring Franklin and Lincoln Counties, and across Southwest Mississippi,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There is intense competition for TIGER grants, and I am very pleased that Natchez has successfully secured this funding.”"South Mississippi will see substantial benefits from this TIGER grant,” Wicker said. “Increasing the productivity and safety along the Natchez railway promises to boost economic growth throughout the entire region. I am pleased that these grants are being used to address critical gaps in rail service in our state.”“This grant is an investment in Southwest Mississippi that will increase the traffic base, boost production and provide additional job opportunities,” said Harper. “More importantly, this grant assures cost effective, reliable and safe rail service for the citizens and businesses of Adams, Franklin and Lincoln Counties.”The bridge repair work would represent a major step toward maximizing the potential of the railway. The improvements would permit railcars that meet the 286,000 pound industry standard and allow trains to travel at 25 mph over the repaired bridges. Trains are currently limited to lighter loads and must travel at 10 mph over the bridges.The Natchez award is funded through FY2016 transportation appropriations, inclu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F72A9B68-C015-4A02-9B63-B0D05CBF77F8 | MISS. SENATORS ASK INTERIOR DEPT. TO DROP PROPOSED OFFSHORE RULE | 2016-07-25 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today said the lack of evidence that offshore energy production adversely affects onshore air quality should prompt the withdrawal of a proposed new federal rule on offshore activities.Cochran and Wicker are among 17 Senators who have signed a letter asking Interior Secretary Sally Jewel to withdraw the “Air Quality Control, Reporting, and Compliance” rule proposed by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).“This rulemaking amounts to creating a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist. The administration’s eagerness to impose new regulations before the end of the year should not undermine facts and basic fairness to states that produce offshore energy,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Interior Department.“This proposed rule is unnecessary,” Wicker said. “The agency has already proved that this regulation would not make a significant impact on making inland air cleaner. This is a solution in search of a problem. It is clear that regulatory action is not scientifically justified.”The letter highlights the fact that BOEM has failed to determine that offshore activities violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards in coastal areas. The letter points out that the agency’s own National Environmental Policy Act review, as well as required Clean Air Act State Implementation Plans, have found that offshore emission sources do not contribute significantly to onshore air quality.The Senators also criticized BOEM for advancing the proposed rule before two ongoing studies, costing $4.0 million, have been concluded. These studies could be completed in 2017.“Unless and until such studies are completed, peer reviewed, and assessed, it is impossible for BOEM to put forth a credible cost benefit analysis. Moreover, the affected entities cannot be reasonably expected to take adequate stock of or fully inform BOEM regarding the regulation,” the letter said. “Therefore, we ask the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=31B2FEC4-9B95-4AF8-B5AF-C1851D8A63CC | COCHRAN, WICKER ANNOUNCE $20.3 MILLION FOR MISSISSIPPI AIRPORT UPGRADES | 2016-07-22 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today reported that 19 Mississippi airport facilities will benefit from $20.3 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.The Airport Improvement Program grants include significant awards for the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, with $13.8 million approved for runway work in Jackson and nearly $4.6 million for noise abatement and other work in Gulfport.“These grants are important investments in the safety, security and efficiency of local airports in Mississippi,” Cochran said. “This funding will support projects that should help the development of Mississippi businesses and communities.”“Airport infrastructure directly impacts Mississippians’ quality of life, passenger safety, and the economic competitiveness of our communities,” Wicker said. “These grants – benefiting airports across the state – will support critical projects that promise to bring about long-term rewards for residents and local businesses.”Last spring, a new FAA reform bill was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, of which Wicker serves as a senior member. The House-Senate conference agreement, passed by the full Senate on July 13, includes provisions to expand the Airport Improvement Program. The legislation was signed into law by President Obama on July 15.Cochran chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, which in May approved the FY2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. This measure continues a level obligation limit of $3.35 billion from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to continue support for the Airport Improvement Program. Mississippi airports benefit from this program, which helps these facilities meet FAA operations and safety standards.The 19 FAA grants, totaling $20,382,115, for Mississippi will support the following airport projects:• Jackson-Medgar Wile… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2AACC420-9EEC-4E3A-BC12-7D76B2AAD912 | COCHRAN: NORTHERN GULF INSTITUTE GETS EXPANDED ROLE AS MISSISSIPPI WINS NEW NOAA AWARD | 2016-07-15 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today praised the selection of Mississippi State University to continue its leadership of an expanded Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) research consortium that will now monitor the entire Gulf of Mexico.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) selected Mississippi State following an open competition to determine leadership for the NGI, a NOAA Cooperative Institute. The five-year agreement involves a $7 million award, which can be renewed annually based on performance.“The health of the Gulf of Mexico directly affects the economy of Mississippi and the nation,” Cochran said. “Mississippi State University has succeeded in ensuring that the Northern Gulf Institute excels in providing NOAA with cutting-edge research on the Gulf ecosystem. This new award affirms and expands those responsibilities, which is good news for the university, its partners and NOAA.”The NGI consortium is led through a partnership between Mississippi State and the University of Southern Mississippi. The new award adds the University of Alabama at Huntsville to the consortium, which already includes Louisiana State University, Florida State University and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.In addition, the award extends the scope of NGI research from the northern reaches of the Gulf to the entire Gulf of Mexico. NGI will focus its research on coastal hazards, ecosystem management, data management, and climate variability on the Gulf ecosystems.Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has supported the NGI since its founding 10 years ago. In 2007, Cochran secured funding to support construction of a NGI facility at the Stennis Space Center, which has allowed the organization to expand its collaborations with organizations such as the National Data Buoy Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Weather Service and NASA. ### LINKS • Northern Gulf Institute: http://www.northerngulfinstitute.org/ • NOAA Cooperative Institute: http://ci.noaa.go… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6B6B1791-FE52-4E20-9395-641CB02E1110 | COCHRAN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT FUNDING TO FIGHT HEROIN & OPIOID ABUSE EPIDEMIC | 2016-07-15 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said he is optimistic Congress will agree to provide funding for initiatives to fight heroin and prescription opioid painkiller abuse as authorized in legislation cleared for the President’s signature.The Senate gave final congressional approval to the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2015 (S.524) this week. The authorizing bill would strengthen federal efforts to assist states and localities fight opioid abuse, improve treatments, and coordinate law enforcement efforts. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.“The heroin and prescription drug abuse crisis affecting most states, including Mississippi, is a national concern. The enactment of this federal legislation will allow Congress to aid states and communities as they try to address this growing epidemic,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.“This bill will further guide appropriations to respond to the health, social and law enforcement problems created from opioid abuse. Over the past two years alone, the Appropriations Committee has already approved significant funding increases to fight this problem,” he said.The rate of overdoses and deaths attributed to heroin and prescription opioid abuse have risen dramatically throughout the country. Nearly 30,000 Americans died from drug-related deaths in 2014, including dozens of heroin and prescription opioid deaths in Mississippi.Under Cochran’s chairmanship, the Senate Appropriations Committee has already approved FY2017 funding for opioid abuse programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, representing a 542 percent increase over the funding level two years ago. Significant funding increases have also been approved for the Justice Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, Drug Free Communities, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program to disrupt the distribution, use, and prevalence of heroin and opioid abuse.Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Jack… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=03985847-36F4-42A7-A80C-1F4AAC71BC75 | DEMOCRAT FILIBUSTER OBSTRUCTS RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE FOR NATIONS DEFENSE | 2016-07-14 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss) today encouraged Senate Democrats to end their filibuster of the FY2017 Defense Appropriations Bill. The Senate has a responsibility to give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to defend our nation. We do so in this bipartisan bill. Filibustering its consideration causes uncertainties that endanger our national security, said Cochran, who also chairs the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. This bill is the product of bipartisan work to provide the resources the President and our military leaders say is necessary to defend our country and its national security interests. Its passage would provide the stability and security our men and women in the Armed Forces need, he said. The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the FY2017 Defense Appropriations Bill in May, but Senate Democrats are now blocking the measure from being considered by the Senate. The Senate FY2017 Defense Appropriations Bill provides $515.9 billion in base Department of Defense funding and $58.6 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. The bill is consistent with the amounts approved in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and redirects $15.1 billion in targeted cuts to unfunded requirements identified by the Services. Thursdays 55-42 vote marks the fifth consecutive time that Senate Democrats have blocked consideration of the defense appropriations measure. The FY2017 bill was first blocked by Democrats on July 7, mirroring repeated delaying tactics by Democrats on the FY2016 defense bill after three failed votes last year. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=98254C33-B002-4804-8E14-59894043AE54 | APPROPRIATORS TO OBAMA: ACT AGGRESSIVELY TO USE EXISTING FUNDS TO COMBAT ZIKA | 2016-07-14 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to continued Democrat obstruction, the chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees today encouraged President Obama to act aggressively to use available funding to combat the Zika virus. The congressional leaders issued the request in a letter sent to the President after Senate Democrats on Thursday again blocked Senate consideration of legislation to make $1.1 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations available immediately to address the public health threat posed by the Zika virus. If Senate Democrats continue to block consideration of Zika legislation, we urge you to aggressively use funds already available to mount a strong defense against the virus, the letter states. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has transfer authority that can be used as an additional source for Zika preparedness. The previous Secretary did not hesitate to use this authority to support the failing Affordable Care Act Exchanges. The Secretary of State also has authority to reprogram funding to provide additional foreign assistance to address the Zika virus outside the United States. The letter was authored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-Ky.) and signed by: Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Representative Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairmen of the Senate and House appropriations subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Representative Kay Granger (R-Texas), chairs of the Senate and House appropriations subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations. Text of the letter follows: Dear Mr. President: Your Administration has asked Congress to provide additional resources to prepare for, and prevent, the spread of the Zika virus. We have responded by both supporting the reprioritization of existing resources and passing through our respective chambers legislation that would provide additional Zika response funding. On F… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=41FBEA36-025F-4C20-B32D-058968A57D2A | COMMITTEE APPROVES MEDGAR EVERS HOME LEGISLATION | 2016-07-13 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this morning approved legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to authorize a study on designating the home of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers as a National Park Service unit. Wednesdays committee approval of the Medgar Evers House Study Act (S.2177) makes the measure available for consideration by the Senate. More than 50 years have passed since many of the significant events of the civil rights movement took place. The tragic murder of Medgar Evers at his home was such an event. This bill would direct the National Park Service to study how the nations civil rights history may be enhanced by the preservation of the Evers home, Cochran said. We are one step closer to achieving this important goal, Wicker said. I am confident that the study, once completed, will prove what many of us already know that Medgar Everss home is a historic landmark worthy of being included in the National Park System. I am hopeful that the Senate will consider this legislation soon. The measure would authorize a special resource study to evaluate the national significance of the Medgar Evers home in Jackson and to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System. The study would also consider alternatives for preserving, protecting and interpreting the site by federal, state, or local governments, or private entities and organizations. The legislation is supported by Tougaloo College, which acquired the Evers home in 1993 and designated it as a museum in 1997. The site is a designated Mississippi landmark under the State Antiquity Law and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A House companion measure (HR.959) introduced by Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) was approved by voice vote in the House of Representatives last September. Medgar Evers, a World War II veteran and civil rights leader, was assassinated June 12, 1963, in the driveway o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/no-american-should-be-above-law | No American Should Be Above the Law | 2016-07-08 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, As you know by now, FBI Director James Comey announced this week that the FBI did not recommend criminal charges to the Department of Justice (DOJ), and that the DOJ will not pursue charges in connection to the existence of Secretary Hillary Clinton’s private email server that contained classified information. I have taken a few days this week to contemplate this important issue, its impact on our country, and to give Director Comey the opportunity to explain his decision to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Director Comey’s decision is disappointing. The findings released by the FBI investigation on Tuesday make it clear that Secretary Clinton has consistently misled the American people since the news of her private email server came to light in the Spring of 2015. For more than a year now, she has time and time again lied to the American people. Director Comey’s news conference clearly described her very poor judgment, and it’s clear to me that her actions were illegal. FBI investigators found 110 emails in 52 email chains on Hillary Clinton's server that were classified at the time that they were sent or received. Previously, she had denied that she had sent or received classified emails. Like most Americans, I struggle with the idea that a public official can be given a free pass for the reckless handling and transmission of national security information and putting our country’s very safety at risk, when other public officials and members of the military have been held responsible for breaking the law in this manner. I have signed on to a letter requesting that the Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, pursuant to her authority under federal law, appoint a Special Prosecutor to formally investigate this matter. A Special Prosecutor should make the decision on whether or not Secretary Clinton should be prosecuted. No American, regardless of position, wealth, or status, should be above the law. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://harper.house.gov/press-release/praying-americas-police | Praying For America's Police | 2016-07-08 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Gregg Harper | H001045 | harper.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement in response to the news that law enforcement officers were ambushed in Dallas late last night, killing five, and wounding seven other police officers: “I am sickened and heartbroken by last night’s cowardly, senseless act of violence against law enforcement officers who were protecting the rights of those who wished to peacefully protest in downtown Dallas, marking the deadliest day for law enforcement since 9/11,” said Harper. “Sidney and I send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, first responders, law enforcement and the entire city of Dallas.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=34D1569F-31C4-4601-B4B9-4A74A1639E4A | COCHRAN STATEMENT ON THE SHOOTINGS IN DALLAS | 2016-07-08 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement regarding the shootings in Dallas, Texas:“I deplore the violence against law enforcement officers at a peaceful protest. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The shootings in Dallas are an affront to the right of peaceful assembly and the rule of law. Our nation is great because of our ability to work through differences without resorting to violence. I hope we will rededicate ourselves to that ideal.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7CF90D62-3947-4FAF-BE69-10A10E69FC3A | COCHRAN URGES DOE TO BROADEN RENEWABLE TIMBER STANDARD | 2016-07-08 | 2016 | 2016-07 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported his support for changes to a federal policy that restricts federal agencies from purchasing lumber products produced on millions acres of forests in Mississippi.Cochran has signed a bipartisan letter to Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to request that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) revise its forest certification standards. The DOE standard, currently restricted to only lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is used to promote federal purchases of sustainable timber products.“The reliance on a single standard unfairly disregards other sustainable forestry standards that would make more Mississippi timber products eligible for federal projects,” Cochran said. “Revising this restrictive policy would promote sustainable forestry and new jobs in states like Mississippi with significant forested land.”DOE reliance on the FSC standard overlooks similar certifications by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or American Tree Farm System (ATFS). There are a combined 3,425,619 certified acres of SFI or ATFS land in Mississippi, compared to only 480,000 FSC certified acres.“Across the United States, there are more than 82 million acres of forestland certified to either SFI or ATFS standards. We are proud that our states have nearly 23 million acres combined that are certified to one of these two standards. There is no basis – scientific or otherwise – for excluding products from these forests for federal use,” the letter said.“At a time when it is broadly appreciated that wood is one of the most environmentally friendly materials for building construction, it is important for your agency to take action to encourage, not limit, the use of responsibly sourced wood in government construction,” the letter to Moniz said.The letter, led by Senators Angus King (I-Maine.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), was also signed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Sh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=056365A8-ED2E-42A1-832C-952B6C39348A | COCHRAN, WICKER, PALAZZO PRAISE $3.1 BILLION CONTRACT FOR NAVY SHIPBUILDING ON MISSISSIPPI COAST | 2016-06-30 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) on Thursday praised a Navy contract awarded to Huntington Ingalls that could have a cumulative value of $3.1 billion for LHA 8, an America-class amphibious assault ship.The initial contract of $272.4 million awarded Thursday will support the planning, advanced engineering and procurement of long lead time material for the LHA 8. Options for the contract include contract design support for the LX(R) class warship, which would be based on the San Antonio-class LPD amphibious warship built at Ingalls.“This is a significant contract, which will allow shipbuilders in Mississippi to continue providing the Navy and Marines the modern ships they require. It also opens the door for Mississippi shipbuilders to be at the forefront of designing a new class of warships to meet our national security needs,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense.“Huntington Ingalls continues to produce world-class vessels that are essential for naval operations,” said Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower. “Amphibious warships like the LHA 8 send a powerful signal to our adversaries and allies that America’s military remains strong. This is great news for our nation’s armed forces and our state, especially the thousands of families across south Mississippi who benefit from the construction and design of these state-of-the-art ships,”“Today’s announcement is coming at an opportune time for our Navy and Marine Corps who have continued to express a need for more amphibious ships. The LHA-8 will serve as an asset in allowing them to respond to threats quickly and effectively. And of course it will be one of the best in the world because it’s being built right here in South Mississippi at Ingalls Shipbuilding,” said Palazzo, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee.The Mississippi lawmakers continue to use their committee positions to support t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D902B157-B6A0-467E-905F-F77F9DE53317 | MISS. SENATORS CELEBRATE NATCHEZ TRICENTENNIAL | 2016-06-30 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution authored by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., recognizing the 300th anniversary and historical significance of Natchez, Mississippi.The measure, S.Res.519, designates the year 2016 as the “Natchez Tricentennial” and honors the history and founding of Mississippi.“Natchez’s history runs deep,” Wicker said. “Given its strategic location along the Mississippi River, the city has played a significant role in our state’s economy for hundreds of years. It is an honor to memorialize this rare celebration of Natchez’s remarkable heritage.”“Natchez is a historic treasure. This resolution honors the city’s long history and celebrates its past and future,” Cochran said. “I’m pleased that the Senate is commemorating the Natchez tricentennial and its continued influence on the culture of Mississippi and our nation.”Natchez is signified nationally as the oldest European-built city on the lower Mississippi River. It was founded as Fort Rosalie in 1716 by French settlers under Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne De Bienville. In 1798, the Treaty of San Lorenzo established Natchez as a United States territory.The designated end of the historic Old Natchez Trace, Natchez served as the original capital of the Mississippi Territory from 1798 to 1802, as well as the original capital of the state of Mississippi. Jackson State University, formerly known as Natchez Seminary, was initially located in Natchez.The city of Natchez is currently holding a year-long tricentennial celebration that will end with a 300th birthday party on August 3, 2016 – exactly 300 years after the construction of Fort Rosalie was completed. In addition to its annual events – such as the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration and the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race – the city has led revitalization projects and sponsored educational events.The resolution, S.Res.519, can be viewed here: http://1.usa.gov/294PEYE ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5926E577-5D80-4B50-AEB2-2375A8629D9C | COCHRAN ANNOUNCES $10.5 MILLION IN FEMA PREPAREDNESS GRANTS FOR MISS. | 2016-06-29 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that Mississippi will receive more than $10.5 million in state and local preparedness grants, including more than $2.0 million for security measures at four ports.The grants to Mississippi derive from FY2016 appropriations approved for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs to support state and local first responders and emergency management personnel.“The Senate Appropriations Committee understands the importance of state and local first responders to homeland security. I am pleased that Mississippi organizations successfully competed for available funding to improve local and state emergency preparedness and public safety,” Cochran said.Cochran is a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which has funding jurisdiction over FEMA.The following FEMA grants, totaling $10,524,466, were awarded to Mississippi: • $4,556,932 in Emergency Management Performance Grant funding for the State of Mississippi to support state, local, and tribal emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property. • $3,734,500 in State Homeland Security Program Grant formula funding to the State of Mississippi to implement state homeland security strategies, including mitigation, response and recovery from terrorism and other catastrophic events. • $2,053,034 in competitive Port Security Grant Program funding to implement Area Maritime Transportation and Facility Security Plans to provide port security at four Mississippi ports: Pascagoula, $1.0 million; Tishomingo County/Yellow Creek Port/Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, $477,172; Vicksburg, $446,580; and, Gulfport, $129,282. • $180,000 in competitive Operation Stonegarden Grant funding to support law enforcement agencies to strengthen border security and enforcement in states with land or international water borders. Three coastal counties will utilize this grant funding: Jackson County, $100,000; Hancock County, $40,000; and Harrison Count… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7CCF3538-583C-448F-A5E2-A343963830B8 | COCHRAN URGES CONTINUED COOPERATION AS COMMITTEE AGAIN COMPLETES ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS BILLS | 2016-06-29 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today addressed the outlook for the FY2017 appropriations process following the committee’s successful approval of all 12 annual appropriations bills for the second straight year. The twelfth and last FY2017 bill, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, was approved by the committee on Wednesday by a 30 to 0 vote. This is the earliest the committee has completed markups for the regular appropriations bills since 1988. “I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee has completed its work on the 2017 bills, but our work is not done. All Senators should have an opportunity to consider these bills. That will require continued bipartisan cooperation as we move forward,” Cochran said. “I thank the members of this committee and Majority Leader McConnell, who has made it a priority to designate floor time for all Senators to debate and amend these bills,” he said. “I also appreciate the cooperation of Vice Chairwoman Mikulski for the progress we’ve made this year.” The committee has worked under an accelerated schedule, setting records for the earliest bill markups in years. Senate passage in May of the FY2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill was the earliest that a stand-alone appropriations bill has been approved by the Senate in more than 40 years. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills have also been approved by the full Senate. The Senate FY2017 appropriations bills were overwhelmingly bipartisan and were approved by a cumulative 345 to 15 vote in committee. Last year, the committee approved all 12 of the regular appropriations measures for the first time since 2009. The measures were reported to the Senate by a combined vote of 277 to 83. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=275CB540-87CA-41F5-B8E0-6C73D7642276 | COCHRAN STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT IMMIGRATION DECISION | 2016-06-23 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Texas, which blocks implementation of President Obama’s executive action to defer the deportation of people in the United States illegally: “The Supreme Court decision recognizes that President Obama does not have the legal authority to make laws and set immigration policies on his own. This ruling will help ensure that our nation’s immigration laws remain the responsibility of the Congress and are not subject to unilateral change by executive action.” The Supreme Court’s 4-4 decision upholds the ruling of a lower court order that prohibits the president from implementing new policies to grant “lawful presence” and thereby work authorization and status to illegal immigrants.Cochran in April joined an amicus brief with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and other Republican U.S. Senators in support of the state-led lawsuit challenging executive actions taken by President Obama to defer deportation of more than four million illegal immigrants.Officials from 25 states, including Governor Phil Bryant, were plaintiffs in U.S. v. Texas. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FC57EEF6-ECF2-43B5-BE4A-8FC7FB34C296 | COCHRAN FIELD STAFF CONFERS WITH VETERANS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 2016-06-23 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran’s (R-Miss.) staff today met with veterans studying at Mississippi State University as part of the Cochran office’s ongoing constituent outreach effort.Army veteran Andy Greenhaw of Columbus (left) and Sam Howell, a Navy veteran from Starkville, were among the veterans who conferred with Chris Richardson, a Cochran State Field Representative, on Thursday at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America's Veterans at Mississippi State.Greenhaw and Howell participate in a work study program at the Montgomery Center designed to assist veterans and dependents in applying for GI Bill benefits and survivor educational benefits. Richardson visited the center to offer the services of the Cochran office, which can help veterans and other Mississippians cut through bureaucratic red tape and expedite claims.Greenhaw and Howell are among 2,300 veterans and dependents enrolled at Mississippi State, more than 900 of whom are using military educational benefits.Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped craft a House-Senate agreement to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the services and care earned by veterans through their service to the nation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398882 | Palazzo Honored as Legislator of the Year by Public Housing Association | 2016-06-22 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Steven Palazzo | P000601 | palazzo.house.gov | legacy | Biloxi, MS – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) received the 2016 “Legislator of the Year Award” from the Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (SERC-NAHRO) during their annual conference that took place this weekend at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Congressman Palazzo stated, “I’m extremely honored to be chosen as the SERC-NAHRO legislator of the year. Many people probably don’t know that I actually worked at a public housing authority many lifetimes ago. I understand the struggles that face our PHA’s and that’s why I introduced legislation to help them. This bill provides local flexibility, deregulation and administrative reductions, all of which are crucial to the survival and sustainability of local housing authorities. We need less regulation on small housing authorities, not more. We should put more faith in PHA's to do what is best for the safety and sustainability of the agency and the program, and most importantly, what’s best for the residents.” Steve Merritt, President of NAHRO said, "It was a tremendous opportunity to see Representative Palazzo at the Southeastern Regional Council of NAHRO (SERC NAHRO) Annual Conference in Biloxi this week. His leadership in introducing the Small Housing Authority Opportunity Act; H.R. 4816, in the House is a strong and clear indication of his interest in helping his constituents in Mississippi, and his commitment to making government work. H.R. 4816 will help smaller public housing agencies across the nation deliver the housing that is so desperately needed in a much more efficient and cost-effective way. NAHRO thanks Congressman Palazzo and looks forward to working with him and his staff on additional housing reforms and common-sense legislation that creates and sustains decent, safe and affordable housing in the future." MAHRO President Judy Mellard commented, “Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials are encouraged by the bipartisan support of H.R. 4816 that will give small housin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398883 | Palazzo Opposes Amendment to Limit Gun Sales In Homeland Security Appropriations Committee | 2016-06-22 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Steven Palazzo | P000601 | palazzo.house.gov | legacy | Palazzo Opposes Amendment to Limit Gun Sales In Homeland Security Appropriations Committee f t # e Washington, June 22, 2016 Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today following the Appropriations Committee’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2017 Homeland Security Appropriations bill: “The 2017 Homeland Security funding bill makes an incredibly strong investment in the defense of our country here at home. Not only does our legislation increase funds for border patrol and the Coast Guard, but it contains no funds for the President’s unconstitutional executive action on immigration and blocks its implementation pending judicial action. “More importantly, Republicans on the Committee and I were successful in blocking a Democrat amendment to impose reckless gun control on the American people. This liberal agenda item was yet another attempt to take guns away from law-abiding Americans without due process. The Appropriations Committee has become the last line of defense against these types of liberal moves to take away our freedoms. I will always stand up for the Second Amendment on this committee, the House floor, or anywhere else liberal activists seek to take it away from us.” The Homeland bill provides legislation directs $41.1 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill also includes $7.3 billion toward disaster relief and emergency response activities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) by a 16-31 vote that would have allowed the Attorney General to deny a firearm purchase without due process of law. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=041DD1C8-51FF-4175-B191-A67E3056BD2E | COCHRAN: MISS. COUNTIES RECIEVE $1.98 MILLION FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES | 2016-06-22 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that counties in Mississippi will share $1.98 million in 2016 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding.The U.S. Department of the Interior on Wednesday announced the distribution of 2016 PILT payments to local governments with tax-exempt federal property within their boundaries. This year’s $1,988,191 award to Mississippi is $154,248 more than the 2015 payment.“The Payment in Lieu of Taxes payment is intended to help offset tax revenue losses in counties with federal properties, including wildlife refuges or national parks. The counties are free to use the funding to supplement their general budgets,” Cochran said.For Mississippi, 73 counties will receive 2016 PILT funding, with the five largest payments going to Lafayette County ($220,960), Yalobusha County ($171,684), Sharkey County ($140,873), Grenada County ($118,777), and Wayne County ($86,305).Annual PILT payments are made for tax-exempt federal lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service. Federal water projects and some military installations are also considered in PILT payment evaluations.Cochran is a senior member of the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds the Interior Department and PILT program. The Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last week fully funds PILT for FY2017. ### LINKS • 2016 PILT Payments to Mississippi Counties: http://1.usa.gov/28MVCxi • Payment in Lieu of Taxes: https://www.doi.gov/pilt/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A353130E-A466-4200-848F-980C1F13FE11 | COCHRAN VOTES TO STOP TERRORISTS FROM PURCHASING FIREARMS | 2016-06-20 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today released the following statement regarding his support for amendments to keep suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms:“Congress can take responsible action to strengthen the enforcement and prosecution of our nation’s laws without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. The amendments I supported would improve coordination among law enforcement, the Justice Department and the courts to stop terrorists from killing innocent American citizens.”Cochran supported an amendment to improve the National Criminal Instant Background Check System (or NICS), by allowing the inclusion of information about terrorist links and mental competence. The Senator also voted in favor of an amendment authorizing certain actions national, state and local law enforcement agencies when a person suspected of terrorist activities attempts to purchase a firearm.In addition, Cochran today opposed two Democrat-sponsored gun-control proposals. All four amendments failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary for adoption. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398875 | Palazzo Statement on Passage of Defense Bill | 2016-06-17 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Steven Palazzo | P000601 | palazzo.house.gov | legacy | Palazzo Statement on Passage of Defense Bill f t # e Washington,DC, June 17, 2016 Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement regarding House passage of the 2017 Defense Appropriations bill: “Once again, the House has done its work and passed a bill that fully funds our military. And once again, House Democrats turned their backs on our men and women in uniform by voting against this legislation. This marks the third time in a little over a month that they have put their liberal agenda in front of our troops and veterans, and I’m tired of these political games. The common defense of our nation is our number one constitutional responsibility in Congress and should not be held up by partisan gridlock. I was proud to support this year’s defense funding bill, and I hope the Senate will quickly follow suit and send this legislation to the President in short order.” The FY2017 Defense Appropriations Bill provides a total of $517 billion in base defense spending and an additional $59 billion in overseas contingency operations (OCO) funding. It includes an additional $3 billion to prevent end strength cuts as well as a 2.1% pay increase for the military. It also contains essential funding for gulf coast shipyards, continued investment in unmanned aerial systems, and investments in aerospace critical to our men and women in uniform.This bill also continues to provide sound federal investment to support our military assets in South Mississippi. Overall Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District employs more than 20,000 military and DOD civilian personnel with an annual economic impact of over $1.6 billion. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=82A95AFD-5675-4A0D-904F-24FD4B6009E8 | MISSISSIPPI WATER QUALITY NEEDS ADDRESSED IN SENATE APPROPRIATIONS BILL | 2016-06-17 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today reported that Mississippi should benefit from legislation that would focus Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions on assisting state and local agencies with environmental projects rather than writing costly new regulations.Cochran on Thursday led Senate Appropriations Committee approval of the FY2017 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill, which funds the EPA, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service and numerous federal lands management agencies.“This bill makes responsible recommendations on where to invest taxpayer funds for stewardship of federal lands and private landowners. It improves environmental policy by emphasizing infrastructure improvements over new EPA regulations,” Cochran said. “For Mississippi, the bill protects important water quality and infrastructure programs that the administration sought to cut or eliminate.”The Senate bill reduces certain EPA regulatory accounts and increases capitalization grant funding for state revolving funds that help states and municipalities meet water and wastewater infrastructure needs. The President’s budget request sought to cut this funding. The bill also increases funding for the EPA Nonpoint Source Section 319 Grants program, which enables agricultural states to provide much-needed water quality projects. Cochran also worked to secure $2.0 million for continued U.S. Geological Survey groundwater resource studies to assess declining aquifers in regions within the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain that are experiencing variability in groundwater systems. These resources will help address significant aquifer declines in the Mississippi DeltaImportant to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the committee rejected the administration’s proposal to divert outer continental shelf oil and gas revenues from Gulf of Mexico coastal communities. The proposal is in direct contradiction to current law, Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F4B7FB68-06F9-43B9-8EE4-EED82B84C1CD | MISS. SENATORS RECOGNIZE JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY | 2016-06-17 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today honored the end of slavery by cosponsoring a resolution to designate June 19, 2016, as “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The Senate unanimously approved the measure, S.Res.500, authored by Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas. The resolution designates this year’s “Juneteenth Independence Day” in recognition of June 19, 1865. This date commemorates three significant developments: when slavery came to an end in the United States; when the end of the Civil War was finally announced in Galveston, Texas; and when the full force of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued Jan. 1, 1863, was felt throughout the nation. “Juneteenth recognizes the past and the continued need to work toward a more just nation,” Cochran said. “It is good that the Senate is marking the importance of this historic event.”“Juneteenth is a significant day in American history – one that should be commemorated every year,” Wicker said. “This day represents our continued work to provide equality and justice for all. It is fitting to honor this milestone of freedom, recognizing our nation’s progress.”The resolution states that the U.S. Senate “recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States,” and “supports the continued nationwide celebration of ‘Juneteenth Independence Day’ to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the United States.”Today, Mississippi, 44 other states and the District of Columbia formally recognize Juneteenth. Celebrations commemorating this historic moment will take place across the country on June 19 “to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures,” as the measure states. ### LINK: • S.Res.500 is available below or here http://1.usa.gov/1PydOJC | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=827B63C1-59C5-4E3B-B87F-B5D41BA94090 | 50th ANNIVERSARY OF JAMES MEREDITHS HISTORIC MARCH AGAINST FEAR HONORED | 2016-06-13 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution authored by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) commemorating the 50th anniversary of James H. Meredith’s “March Against Fear” during the civil rights movement. The measure, cosponsored by Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), recognizes the historical significance of Meredith’s 220-mile walk down Highway 51 from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi.“In June 1966, James Meredith did something truly courageous, playing a powerful role in Mississippi’s progress during the civil rights era,” Wicker said. “Transformative events like the ‘March Against Fear’ merit the highest recognition. Our nation is better because of fearless individuals like him, who were willing to pioneer change 50 years ago.”“James Meredith’s bravery and determination remain an inspiration to this day,” Shaheen said. “His historic ‘March Against Fear’ was a clarion call for justice and equality. It is a fitting tribute for the U.S. Senate to honor his tremendous contributions to advancing civil rights.” “I am pleased the Senate is commemorating the 50th anniversary of James Meredith’s March Against Fear and his role as a historic leader in the civil rights movement,” Cochran said. “I commend Senator Wicker on his leadership to call attention to this historic event.”Four years after becoming the first African-American to enroll at Ole Miss, Meredith planned a march in June 1966 to challenge the fear that dominated the daily lives of African-Americans in southern states. One mile south of Hernando, he was shot three times by attempted-assassin Aubrey James Norvell. While Meredith recovered, the march he launched continued to Jackson, resulting in thousands of African-Americans registering to vote.Meredith later returned and finished the march at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson. Approximately 15,000 people joined him at its conclusion, making it the largest civil rights demonstration in the history of the state.The resolution, S.Res.488, reads as follow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=778B89E8-E885-42FA-B3C6-CE55FF995975 | SENATE PASSES COCHRAN SPONSORED RACIAL AMITY RESOLUTION | 2016-06-10 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today approved a bipartisan resolution sponsored by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) to designate Sunday, June 12, as a National Day of Racial Amity and Reconciliation.The resolution (S.Res.491) focuses on the motto on the national seal, “E Pluribus Unum” or “Out of Many, One.”“Good will among the American people strengthens our communities and country. This resolution encourages us to remember that we should work together to meet the challenges facing our nation,” Cochran said.The resolution encourages Americans to join in activities that support the goals and ideals of racial amity and consensus.The measure notes that “organizations and communities across the United States, motivated by the ideals behind the motto of E Pluribus Unum, have joined together in introspection and reflection on how the diversity of the people of the United States has been indispensable in creating the United States.”The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).Congress adopted E Pluribus Unum as the motto for the Seal of the United States in 1782. ### LINK: • S.RES.491 available below or here http://1.usa.gov/21cOu26 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=41977EFE-A449-4F36-90E0-ECD6702FF228 | SENATE BILL WOULD INCREASE PELL GRANT AWARDS FOR MISSISSIPPI STUDENTS | 2016-06-09 | 2016 | 2016-06 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today praised approval of legislation to fund year-round Pell Grants and make investments in health and education programs that benefit Mississippi. The committee on Thursday approved the FY2017 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Bill. The measure includes provisions that could benefit the approximately 90,000 students in Mississippi who rely on federal Pell Grants to finance their undergraduate education. An estimated one million students nationwide are expected to benefit from the committee’s action to restore year-round Pell Grant eligibility.“Access to year-round Pell Grant funds can help thousands of students in Mississippi complete undergraduate studies,” said Cochran, who is a senior member of the Labor-HHS subcommittee. “I’m pleased that the committee has embraced the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility, which can help create a more skilled workforce.”Under current law, full-time students and some part-time students exhaust their Pell Grant awards after two semesters, often making summer studies unaffordable. This can slow progress toward graduation and increase student debt. The Senate bill provides funding sufficient to support an additional Pell Grant award of, on average, $1,650 during the 2017-18 school year.In Mississippi, about 50 percent of students enrolled in two- and four-year post-secondary schools receive Pell Grants. In recent years, undergraduate students in Mississippi received almost $300 million annually in Pell Grant awards.In addition to the Pell Grant provisions, the Senate legislation also addresses programs like Job Corps, which operates centers in Mississippi. Cochran included language in the bill to encourage the U.S. Department of Labor to move forward expeditiously with reconstruction of the Gulfport Job Corps Center, which was badly damaged during Hurricane Katrina.Overall, the FY2017 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill is $270 million be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A7F9A208-5700-4410-ACC7-F99C69202274 | BILOXI GAINS NEARLY $9.0 MILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, COCHRAN & WICKER REPORT | 2016-05-31 | 2016 | 2016-05 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced that the City of Biloxi will receive a nearly $9.0 million grant to purchase infrastructure easements.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will award a Public Assistance grant worth $8,955,627 to Biloxi for ongoing work to improve infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Katrina and subsequent storms.“Biloxi will be able to use these funds to improve its water and wastewater systems to withstand future storms,” Cochran said.“This FEMA grant offers critical funding to Biloxi to make infrastructure upgrades in preparation for future storms,” Wicker said. “Local residents will benefit from these improvements and the community will be stronger and better equipped in the long run.”The funding will be used to purchase permanent easements required to replace damaged water and sewer infrastructure. No state or local matching funds are required with this award.FEMA Public Assistance grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments and some nonprofit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures. These grants can also fund the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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