Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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410 rows where state = "MS" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/30/mississippi-delegation-applauds-key-fields-selection-as-a-kc-46-finalist/ | Mississippi Delegation Applauds Key Field’s Selection as a KC-46 Finalist | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington – Today, the U.S. Air Force notified Congress that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. In response, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., along with U.S. Congressmen Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., welcomed this announcement and made the following statement. “We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft. “Key Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East—a vital mission for a consequential region of the world. “Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission. The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families. “As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.” Background on the Mississippi Delegation’s Key Field Engagement: The Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft. This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian. Over the past few years, Mississippi’s federal officials have supported additional efforts to m… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/mississippi-delegation-applauds-key-fields-selection-kc-46-finalist | Mississippi Delegation Applauds Key Field’s Selection as a KC-46 Finalist | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | MS | Michael Guest | G000591 | guest.house.gov | guest | https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington – Today, the U.S. Air Force notified Congress that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. In response, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., along with U.S. Congressmen Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., welcomed this announcement and made the following statement. “We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft. “Key Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East—a vital mission for a consequential region of the world. “Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission. The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families. “As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.” Background on the Mississippi Delegation’s Key Field Engagement: The Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft. This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian. Over the past few years, Mississippi’s federal officials have supported additional efforts to m… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/30/chairman-wicker-meets-with-taiwanese-ambassador/ | Chairman Wicker Meets with Taiwanese Ambassador | 2026-09-30 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Ambassador Yui Tah-ray, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States. During their meeting, the two discussed U.S. security commitments to Taiwan and the rise of Chinese aggression against Indo-Pacific allies. Chairman Wicker issued the following statement after their meeting: “I was pleased to meet with Ambassador Yui Tah-ray from Taiwan. We had a productive discussion regarding the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership amid the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party. “In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which remains the law of the land. This legislation committed the U.S. to make available defense articles and services in sufficient quantity to ensure Taiwan’s ability to defend itself from Chinese aggression. As members of Congress, we have a duty to make sure this law is adhered to and that decisions about the defense needs of Taiwan are based on our joint assessment of military necessity. “During the Reagan administration, the U.S. made a set of diplomatic pledges regarding security cooperation with Taiwan, known as the Six Assurances. President Reagan made clear that we would not consult with the Chinese Communist Party on arms sales to Taiwan. The fortieth president was right when he made that promise then, and we would be wise to uphold that precedent now. “In recent years, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has engaged in a massive military buildup and is increasingly using its growing power aggressively to coerce our allies in the Pacific, including Japan, the Philippines, and especially Taiwan. “In response—and in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act—Congress has authorized and appropriated a surge in resources to provide Taiwan with enhanced training, security assistance, and arms sales. These authorities must be used for the purposes that Congress intended. “The Taiwanese people have chosen democracy as their form of government and have … | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/28/wicker-announces-44-million-roadway-investment-for-desoto-county/ | Wicker Announces $44 Million Roadway Investment for DeSoto County | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated a $44 million federal award to improve roadways and traffic systems in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Senator Wicker worked with DeSoto County officials and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to secure this competitive grant. The award flows from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, which was funded in the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senator Wicker helped negotiate the legislation as the senior Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “DeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success,” said Senator Wicker. “By improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State.” “This $44 million INFRA grant will help MDOT move a critical capacity project forward, making travel safer and reducing congestion along an important freight corridor. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for our state’s roads and infrastructure,” said Brad White, Executive Director, MDOT. About the $44 million roadway improvement grant: The funding will help expand a corridor of I-55/I-69 in DeSoto County that runs from Church Road to one mile north of SR 302. Today, the corridor is four lanes. It will be expanded into a ten-lane thoroughfare by adding three travel lanes in each direction and modifying the interchanges at Church Road and SR 302, specifically by adding ramp lanes, turning lanes, and lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/24/wicker-schatz-telehealth-awareness-resolution-unanimously-adopted-by-the-senate/ | Wicker, Schatz Telehealth Awareness Resolution Unanimously Adopted by the Senate | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Resolution Highlights the Importance of Telehealth Services & Urges Further Action Washington – Today, the Senate unanimously approved the resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, designating September 20-26, 2026, “Telehealth Awareness Week.” This resolution recognizes the role that telehealth services play in delivering high-quality health care to millions of Americans. “Telehealth has reduced barriers to health care across Mississippi, yet too many patients around the country are not fully aware of its benefits,” said Senator Roger Wicker. “Our resolution shines a light on the value of telehealth services and encourages further action to expand the offerings and outcomes around this innovative type of care.” “Telehealth helps people access quality health care when and where they need it, and our resolution highlights the broad, bipartisan support for raising awareness of and expanding access to telehealth,” said Senator Schatz. The senators’ resolution described the importance of telehealth to various populations, including rural communities and areas strained by workplace shortages. It also noted that 23 percent of Medicare beneficiaries received at least one telehealth service in 2025 and warned that lapses in Medicare coverage in this space would create negative impacts on seniors’ access to care. Finally, the resolution recommended a series of additional steps to improve telehealth outcomes, such as promoting awareness, highlighting available resources, collecting data, and expanding access. In addition to Senators Wicker and Schatz, the resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso. The full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/22/chairman-wicker-delivers-senate-floor-speech-on-china-and-xi-jinping/ | Chairman Wicker Delivers Senate Floor Speech on China and Xi Jinping | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington — Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate, outlining the increasing tempo of Chinese aggression. In his speech, Chairman Wicker addressed the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) support for Iran, religious persecutions, and international coercion. The chairman encouraged President Trump to raise these points of contention during this week’s bilateral summit. Chairman Wicker: “The president might inquire about the purposes of China’s massive military build-up, or about China’s clear support for Iran. This summer, it was all over the press that China gave Iran satellite imagery intelligence, and that intelligence led to the death of American troops.” Chairman Wicker: “For nearly a decade, Xi Jinping has consigned more than a million Uyghurs to concentration camps in China’s Xinjiang region. I hope our president will take this visit as an opportunity to advocate for the Uyghur people. The fact that they remain in prison by the millions is a grave injustice and a reminder of Xi Jinping’s many human rights abuses.” Chairman Wicker: “I know the president intends to discuss trade and artificial intelligence with the Chinese leadership—and rightfully so. Perhaps some progress will be made. But, Mr. President, during every minute of dialogue, our commander-in-chief should keep in mind that his guest is a brutal, unelected, and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbors and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America.” Click here to watch Chairman Wicker’s full remarks. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/22/wicker-hyde-smith-applaud-senate-passage-of-vicksburg-national-military-park-bill/ | Wicker, Hyde-Smith Applaud Senate Passage of Vicksburg National Military Park Bill | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Legislation Marches on to the President’s Desk Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act. This legislation would permit the State of Mississippi to build a new informational visitor center and make necessary structural improvements around the park. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk. “Every generation has a solemn responsibility to preserve our nation’s history for the ones that follow,” said Senator Wicker. “The Senate is helping fulfill that duty, unanimously approving our legislation to enhance the experience of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. This legislation will support Mississippi’s efforts to keep the story of Vicksburg alive and accessible for students, families, and visitors.” “This is a monumental step for Vicksburg National Military Park and the State of Mississippi. The land transfer facilitated by this legislation gives the state the ability to tell the complete story of the Siege of Vicksburg for generations to come,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I look forward to seeing these improvements to enhance one of Mississippi’s most visited and treasured parks.” “This was a great example of Mississippi’s team approach,” said Barry White, Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Senator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Congressman Thompson all played vital roles in advancing this legislation. This transfer from the federal government to the state is just one more step toward the public/private partnership that will elevate the Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center.” “The Vicksburg National Military Park is a critical driver of our local economy but we know that impact could be so much more,” said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. “Our plans for a new Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center will tell the full story of this pivotal part of our nation’… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-applaud-senate-passage-vicksburg-national-military-park-bill | WICKER, HYDE-SMITH APPLAUD SENATE PASSAGE OF VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK BILL | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Bipartisan Legislation Authorizing Land Transfer for Visitor Center, Structural Improvements Headed to the President’s Desk WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today celebrated unanimous Senate approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act, clearing it to be sent to President Trump. This legislation (HR.4467) directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to convey property to the State of Mississippi for the construction of an interpretive visitor center and to make necessary structural improvements around the park. Wicker and Hyde-Smith sponsored the Senate companion bill (S.1016). “Every generation has a solemn responsibility to preserve our nation’s history for the ones that follow,” said Senator Wicker. “The Senate is helping fulfill that duty, unanimously approving our legislation to enhance the experience of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. This legislation will support Mississippi’s efforts to keep the story of Vicksburg alive and accessible for students, families, and visitors.” “This is a monumental step for Vicksburg National Military Park and the State of Mississippi. The land transfer facilitated by this legislation gives the state the ability to tell the complete story of the Siege of Vicksburg for generations to come,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I look forward to seeing these improvements to enhance one of Mississippi’s most visited and treasured parks.” The legislation slightly alters the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park, transferring approximately seven acres to the State of Mississippi. The state has committed $40 million to fund an interactive educational and visitor center in conjunction with Friends of Vicksburg Military Park. In addition, the state plans to build and maintain a connector road to make the new center accessible for park visitors. “This was a great example of Mississippi’s team approach,” said Barry White, Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Sen… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-promote-bill-codify-noaa-cooperative-research-program-involving-miss-schools | HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES PROMOTE BILL TO CODIFY NOAA COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM INVOLVING MISS. SCHOOLS | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Mississippi State University & USM Would Both Benefit from Cooperative Institute Act of 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined colleagues in promoting bipartisan legislation they introduced to ensure the future of a long-standing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program that involves Mississippi universities in academic research partnerships. Hyde-Smith is an original cosponsor of the Cooperative Institute Act of 2026 (S.5332), which would codify the NOAA Cooperative Institutes program that involves a nationwide network of universities that support the NOAA mission. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) as an additional cosponsor. “The Cooperative Institute Act will create greater certainty for NOAA and the wonderful universities, like Mississippi State and Southern Miss, in understanding, protecting, and harnessing our natural resources,” Hyde-Smith said. “We want to ensure that the Northern Gulf Institute and the Cooperative Institute for Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets, which benefit Coastal Mississippi, can continue to benefit our nation and grow to meet future challenges and opportunities. This bipartisan legislation is national in scope, which should help generate broad support in Congress.” Codifying the Cooperative Institutes program would provide long-term stability and consistency despite changing political administrations or agency staff. S.5332 would also preserve NOAA flexibility to manage partnerships, conduct merit-based competitions, and respond to emerging scientific priorities. Early this month, NOAA selected Mississippi State University to lead a new Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America (CINGA), which builds on the university’s extensive experience in leading the agency’s Northern Gulf Institute (NGI). The University of Southern Mississippi is among the NGI consortium members, in addition to similarly also w… | 1 | 2026-10-01T11:23:28Z | 2026-10-01T11:25:15Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/16/chairman-wicker-celebrates-house-passage-of-russia-sanctions-bill/ | Chairman Wicker Celebrates House Passage of Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would impose steep financial penalties on the Russian economy as Vladimir Putin continues his war of aggression against Ukraine. “I applaud the House of Representatives for coming together to approve this consequential sanctions package. For more than four years, the purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas have provided Vladimir Putin with the means to carry on his vicious assault against Ukraine,” said Chairman Wicker. “These sanctions target the financiers of the Russian war economy, forcing them to pay a heavy price if they continue to do business with the Kremlin. I urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law immediately and to use its authorities to the fullest extent.” About the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026: The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia’s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin’s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Further, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia’s weapons producers. Notably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2188 | PASSED COMMITTEE: Ezell, Frost, King-Hinds Bill to Give Disaster Survivors More Time to Appeal FEMA Denials | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Yesterday, the bipartisan Post-Disaster Protection Act, led by Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (MP-AL), passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s markup, bringing the legislation one step closer to a vote on the House floor. The legislation would extend the deadline for applicants to appeal denials of FEMA disaster assistance from 60 to 90 days, matching the amount of time FEMA has to review an appeal. The extension would apply to individual disaster survivors as well as government applicants, including states, cities, counties, and utilities. “Communities across South Mississippi know firsthand that recovering from a natural disaster is difficult enough without unnecessary hurdles from the federal government," Ezell said. "The Post-Disaster Protection Act is a commonsense fix that gives families and local communities more time to navigate FEMA’s appeals process and make their case. If FEMA gets 90 days to review an appeal, disaster survivors deserve the same amount of time to submit one. I’m glad to see this bipartisan bill advance out of committee, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line.” “When disaster strikes, people should not have to race against the clock to prove that they need help,”Frost said. “If FEMA has 90 days to review an appeal, survivors should have 90 days to make their case. This is a simple fix that gives families and communities the time they need to gather documents, correct mistakes, and access the assistance they are entitled to.” “Disaster survivors and communities are often navigating an overwhelming recovery process while trying to access the federal assistance they need,”King-Hinds said. “Having experienced firsthand the challenges of disaster recovery in the Northern Mariana Islands, I understand how difficult it can be to gather documentation, navigate federal requirements, and appeal a decision while rebuilding lives and critical infrastructure. The… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-ag-committee-advance-long-awaited-farm-bill | HYDE-SMITH, AG COMMITTEE ADVANCE LONG-AWAITED FARM BILL | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Miss. Senator Calls on Democrats to Help Move Measure Toward Senate Passage WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today voted with a majority of the Senate Agriculture Committee to approve the Farm Bill 2.0, clearing a pathway for the full Senate to debate the long-awaited and long-overdue legislation. Committee passage of the Agricultural Act of 2026, or Farm Bill 2.0, was a continuation of an August 6 markup that stalled because not enough members were present. The bill advanced on a 12-11 party-line vote Wednesday afternoon retains the priorities secured by Hyde-Smith during the August session. “The legislative calendar shrinks with every passing day, which will make it difficult, but not impossible, to get a new Farm Bill enacted this year, but that will require a good-faith commitment from Senate Democrats to help the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities that rely on it,” Hyde-Smith said. “I hope my colleagues truly realize the significant headwinds battering the American agricultural sector and that it is our duty, as their representatives, to finally get a Farm Bill over the finish line. I know the producers, small businesses, and people I’ve talked to throughout Mississippi are more than ready for us to do our job on this issue,” Hyde-Smith continued. The legislation adopted today would fully replace the 2018 Farm Bill that technically expired in 2023. It is a comprehensive measure that includes more than 100 bipartisan agricultural and nutritional measures, including many supported by Hyde-Smith. The Agricultural Act of 2026 builds on the “Skinny Farm Bill” provisions enacted with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that modernized the farm safety net by significantly increasing reference prices and crop insurance enhancements. It will further strengthen commodity, dairy, crop insurance, and standing disaster assistance programs while expanding opportunities tailored to the unique needs of specialty crop producers. It also included the reinstatement of mandatory country-of-or… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2187 | APPROVED BY COMMITTEE: Ezell’s Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act Passes House Natural Resources Committee | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that his Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act (H.R. 5745) passed the House Committee on Natural Resources, advancing the bipartisan legislation toward consideration by the full House. The Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act builds upon the existing Rigs to Reefs initiative by establishing a clearer process for converting certain decommissioned offshore oil and gas infrastructure into artificial reefs. The legislation creates procedures and timelines for the reefing process while maintaining safeguards for navigation, human safety, and the marine environment. "Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we know the tremendous value healthy fisheries provide to our economy, our communities, and our way of life,” Ezell said. “When offshore infrastructure reaches the end of its useful life, we should have a clear and responsible pathway to preserve the marine habitat that has developed around these structures when it makes sense to do so. This bill strengthens that process while maintaining important safeguards for safety, navigation, and our marine environment. I’m proud to see it advance out of committee and look forward to working with my colleagues to move it through the House.” “Retired offshore energy infrastructure can continue delivering value long after production ends," Chairman Westerman said. "H.R. 5745 formalizes the successful Rigs to Reefs initiative and creates clearer procedures for converting qualifying structures into artificial reefs. These structures provide valuable fish habitat, support marine ecosystems and create new opportunities for anglers and coastal communities. I commend Rep. Ezell for advancing a commonsense solution that strengthens an already successful program, supports American fisheries and puts existing inactive offshore infrastructure to productive use.” “I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation advance to improve our Gulf ecosystem,”Carter said. “By streamlining the processes that allow retired offshore platforms to be transf… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-104-million-transform-rural-healthcare-across | Trump Administration Announces $104 Million to Transform Rural Healthcare Across Mississippi Through Cutting-Edge Technology and Expanded Care Closer to Home | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | MS | Michael Guest | G000591 | guest.house.gov | guest | https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | This federal investment will support 167 awards to expand specialty and diagnostic care, improve healthcare facilities and equipment, and bring more services closer to home The Trump Administration announced today that more than $104 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding is being put to work to modernize rural healthcare, expand access to services, and strengthen care delivery for Mississippians. This investment will support 167 grants across rural provider technology, capital and care-gap closure, and telehealth programs. Funded projects include cybersecurity and electronic health record upgrades, remote patient monitoring, new diagnostic and surgical equipment, expanded maternal and behavioral healthcare, and telehealth programs connecting rural patients with specialty care. “President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.” “President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Mississippi,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.” Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats —… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-pro-life-colleagues-call-renewal-trump-rule-stop-obamcare-abortion-services | HYDE-SMITH, PRO-LIFE COLLEAGUES CALL ON RENEWAL OF TRUMP RULE TO STOP OBAMCARE ABORTION SERVICES | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Request Comes as GAO Watchdog Report Indicates Even More Taxpayer-Subsidized ACA Plans Now Cover Elective Abortions WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, and other pro-life lawmakers today called on the Trump administration to reissue a rule to ensure taxpayers know whether their Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans provide coverage for abortion services. The request was prompted by a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published Tuesday (Health Insurance Exchanges: Coverage on Non-Excepted Abortion Services by Qualified Health Plans, 2026 GAO-26-108995), which revealed federal taxpayers subsidized 1,719 ACA Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that covered elective abortions for an estimated 4.4 million individuals this year alone. The report was requested by Hyde-Smith as Senate Pro-Life Caucus chair along with the Senate and House majority leadership, co-chairs of the House and Senate Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and Values Action Teams, and the chairmen of the Senate and House committees of jurisdiction. “The GAO’s findings provide further evidence that Obamacare plans, as they have from the beginning, continue to violate the Hyde Amendment ban on the use of federal tax dollars to pay for abortion services,” Hyde-Smith said. “Pro-life taxpayers should know whether their hard-earned money is being funneled to abortion providers, and the White House should reinstate protections that help ensure that those of us who oppose abortion do not subsidize health exchange plans that provide abortion coverage.” In 2019, the first Trump administration issued the Exchange Program Integrity Final Rule that established separate billing requirements for abortion services as specifically mandated by Congress in Section 1303 of the ACA. The Biden administration in 2021 issued a final rule that further facilitated violations of the long-standing and bipartisan Hyde Amendment. QHPs covering elective abortions have grown since 2014, when the GAO is… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-375-million-help-20-miss-rural-hospitals-sustain-workforce | HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $3.75 MILLION TO HELP 20 MISS. RURAL HOSPITALS SUSTAIN WORKFORCE | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Hyde-Smith Avid Supporter of Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program, Encouraged Miss. Hospitals to Apply WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced that 20 rural hospitals and health providers in Mississippi will receive federal grant funding through a program created to help them sustain their workforces and continue to provide care. Hyde-Smith, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure the $24.7 million appropriated in FY2026 for the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program. This grant program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which recently approved grants to 132 hospitals nationally, including the 20 in Mississippi. “I encouraged providers in Mississippi to apply for these funds because I know that every little bit helps in the struggle to maintain services and keep the doors open. This effort is more difficult because of structural payment disadvantages linked to Mississippi’s low average wage index, which is a problem Congress must address,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased these eligible hospitals availed themselves of these federal resources.” The Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program award is formula-based and calculated by dividing the total available funding ($24,750,000 in FY2026) equally among eligible rural hospitals that apply. As such, Mississippi facilities will receive $3.75 million in total or just over $187,500 per facility: • Anderson Regional Medical Center-South Campus, Meridian • Baptist Memorial Hospital, Booneville • Clay County Medical Corporation, West Point • George County Hospital, Lucedale • Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Greenwood • Highland Community Hospital, Picayune • Highland Hills Medical Center, Senatobia • Jasper General Hospital, Bay Springs • Kings Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven • Magee General Hospital, Magee • Marion General Hospital, Columbia • Neshoba County General Hospital, Philadelphia • Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, Clarksd… | 1 | 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z | 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-marks-25th-anniversary-september-11-attacks | Thompson Marks 25th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 Attacks. “Twenty-five years later, the pain of September 11th has not faded. We remember the nearly 3,000 people who were taken from their families and the extraordinary courage shown by first responders and ordinary citizens alike. The best way to honor them is to make sure our country never suffers a tragedy like that again. “After 9/11, we worked across party lines to strengthen our homeland security. Today, those protections are being weakened as threats continue to evolve. Cutting national security staff, undermining cybersecurity, threatening TSA privatization, and withholding counterterrorism funding create dangerous security gaps. We should be working together to close gaps, not senselessly creating new ones. “We must be clear-eyed about the world we live in – and strive to uphold our American values as we seek to secure our people and our homeland. We owe it to the Americans who lost their lives on 9/11 to ensure our government is focused on the most pressing threats facing the Nation so that, together, we can help defend the homeland against them.” # # # | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-more-13-million-federal-grants-delta | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $1.3 Million in Federal Grants for Delta State University | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $1.3 Million in Federal Grants for Delta State University | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/08/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-over-4-million-for-mississippi-telehealth-efforts/ | Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Guest Welcome Over $4 Million For Mississippi Telehealth Efforts | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, R-Miss., celebrated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) $4.25 million for a five-year redesignation as a Center of Excellence in Telehealth. Congress appropriated this funding, which flows through the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,” said Senator Roger Wicker. “Telehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.” “As one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It’s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS. “UMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC’s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,”said Congressman Michael Guest. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC’s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-450000-federal-grant-support-maternal | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $450,000 Federal Grant to Support Maternal Health Care in Mississippi Delta | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, Miss. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced today that Delta Health Center, Inc. has been awarded $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program to support efforts to strengthen maternal health care coordination and improve access to critical health services for mothers and families throughout the Mississippi Delta. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-over-4-million-mississippi-telehealth-efforts | Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Guest Welcome Over $4 Million For Mississippi Telehealth Efforts | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | MS | Michael Guest | G000591 | guest.house.gov | guest | https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, R-Miss., celebrated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) $4.25 million for a five-year redesignation as a Center of Excellence in Telehealth. Congress appropriated this funding, which flows through the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,” said Senator Roger Wicker. “Telehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.” “As one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It’s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS. “UMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC’s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,” said Congressman Michael Guest. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC’s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-guest-welcome-more-4-million-mississippi-telehealth-efforts | WICKER, HYDE-SMITH & GUEST WELCOME MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR MISSISSIPPI TELEHEALTH EFFORTS | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today celebrated a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decision to award the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) a $4.25 million grant for a five-year redesignation as a Telehealth Center of Excellence. Wicker, Hyde-Smith, and Guest fought for the Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle. This program is designed for a five-year window, meaning UMMC will be eligible to receive subsequent awards over the next few years. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a pioneer in telehealth care, and they will put this funding to work for Mississippi and the nation,” said Senator Wicker. “Telehealth is a lifeline for rural states like ours. This option bridges healthcare divides, bringing providers to senior citizens, busy parents, or those living far from a clinic.” “As one of two telehealth centers for excellence nationally, UMMC continues to set the pace in expanding telehealth access and its effectiveness as a tool to promote wellness. It’s a pleasure to work with Senator Wicker and Congressman Guest to ensure that federal resources for this good work are maintained,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds HHS. “UMMC has long been a national leader in telehealth. I am proud to represent UMMC in the U.S. House and to advocate for this Telehealth Centers of Excellence program funding. UMMC’s telehealth program will continue to be of great service to Mississippians and serve as a national model, and I am looking forward to the continued research, innovation, and patient-centered care UMMC will provide,” said Congressman Guest. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing investment in UMMC’s telehealth initiatives that extends our ability to provide high-quality health care to rural and medically underserved areas of our state. Telehealth allows us to m… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-usda-plan-purchase-20-million-wild-caught-shrimp-schools-food-banks | HYDE-SMITH HIGHLIGHTS USDA PLAN TO PURCHASE $20 MILLION IN WILD-CAUGHT SHRIMP FOR SCHOOLS, FOOD BANKS | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Gulf Coast Shrimp Industry Should Benefit from USDA Section 32 Program Purchase WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture decision to purchase up to $20 million in surplus wild-caught shrimp products for distribution to schools and food banks. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is purchasing the domestic shrimp through the Section 32 Program, a permanently authorized program that allows the USDA to buy surplus U.S. commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs. “This $20 million purchase of domestic shrimp will offer some much-needed relief to our shrimp industry as it continues to fight through unfair and foreign competition. Our shrimpers work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious shrimp to American tables. I’m glad this purchase will support food banks and school nutrition programs across the country,” said Hyde-Smith, who consistently advocates for Section 32 purchases of Mississippi commodities. The latest AMS purchase of wild-caught shrimp was announced in late August as part of an overall $156 million Section 32 acquisition of domestic agricultural commodities. Hyde-Smith also recently led a letter promoting a Section 32 purchase of U.S. farm-raised catfish, which resulted in a USDA decision in July to purchase $20 million of the product. Early last month, the Senate Agriculture Committee adopted an amendment to a pending new Farm Bill that is based on Hyde-Smith’s Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act (S.3065), which would ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm-raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production. Hyde-Smith has also introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act (S.4805), which would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, for financing activities related to foreign shrimp farming, processing, or exporting. It follows her introduction of the Safer Sh… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/09/03/chairman-wicker-statement-on-adam-telles-appointment-as-acting-army-secretary/ | Chairman Wicker Statement on Adam Telle’s Appointment as Acting Army Secretary | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after President Trump appointed Adam Telle to be the Acting Secretary of the Army. “Congratulations to Adam Telle. The president made an excellent choice in appointing him to serve as Acting Secretary of the Army. Adam has been a fantastic partner as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. I am confident he will succeed in leading America’s Army. Our country faces unprecedented threats from the Axis of the Aggressors, and the Army is crucial to maintaining deterrence. I look forward to working with Adam to ensure our soldiers have everything they need to execute their mission.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-policy-statement-could-signal-movement-buying-american-cotton-act | Trump Policy Statement Could Signal Movement for Buying American Cotton Act | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Beck Barnes The Trump Administration announced its support for the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA) via a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) on September 3, 2026. According to industry sources, a SAP is typically issued by the Executive Branch on pending legislation. The Trump Administration’s statement could signal that consideration of the Bill is near. “This legislation advances core Administration priorities of putting American farmers and workers first, restoring domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign sources,” the Statement of Administration Policy reads. “It also complements the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Great American Cotton Plan to revitalize the cotton farm economy and expand demand for U.S.-grown cotton.” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) first introduced BACA to the Senate on May 22, 2025. It was later introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives by Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC), among others, on January 22, 2026. Sponsors of the bill have been gathering support elsewhere on Capitol Hill, as they’ve searched for the best opportunity to advance the legislation into law. Industry sources familiar with the matter say that opportunity could come as soon as next week. “For context, a SAP is a strong official position issued by the Executive Branch on pending legislation, generally issued when consideration is pending, often a day or two before a floor vote is scheduled,” wrote Buddy Allen, American Cotton Shippers Association President and CEO, in a memo to ACSA members. “In this case, the message being sent is support for inclusion in a broader package upon development. “This is another very positive step forward for BACA,” Allen wrote. The National Cotton Council (NCC) was among the first to commend the Trump Administration for its statement in support of BACA. | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-administration-announces-strong-support-hyde-smiths-buying-american-cotton-act | TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES STRONG SUPPORT FOR HYDE-SMITH’S ‘BUYING AMERICAN COTTON ACT’ | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Official ‘Statement of Administration Policy’ Issues Strong Support for Hyde-Smith Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed gratitude to the Trump administration issuing a statement of support for her Buying American Cotton Act (BACA), a positive development that she deems as a “call to action” to get the measure passed by year’s end. The White House on Thursday issued an official Statement of Administration Policy on BACA (S.1919) that says the administration “strongly supports” the measure and would recommend President Trump to sign it if passed by the Congress. The measure would authorize tax credits to incentivize the use of U.S.-grown cotton and U.S. cotton-manufactured products like yarns and fabric in cotton-based products sold in the United States. “Official support from the White House for the Buying American Cotton Act marks an important milestone in our effort to strengthen the farm economy and increase access to U.S.-grown cotton. With more than 115 cosponsors in Congress, the momentum behind this legislation is undeniable,” Hyde-Smith said. “While this official support underscores the need to strengthen the farm economy and increase domestic cotton consumption, the work is far from finished. This endorsement represents a call to action. With the full backing of the administration and broad support across Capitol Hill, the Senate must seize this moment and pass this legislation by the end of the year,” Hyde-Smith added. “We will continue making our case relentlessly to ensure we get this legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress.” The White House Office of Management and Budget issues Statements of Administration Policy to formally communicate the administration’s position in support of or opposition to pending legislation. The Statement of Administration Policy on S.1919 said, in part, that “The Administration strongly supports S. 1919, the Buying American Cotton Act of 2025. This legislation advances core Administration pri… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-757-million-grant-jackson-state | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $7.57 Million Grant to Jackson State University | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Bolton, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson announced today that the Department of War (DoW) has awarded $7,573,527 to Jackson State University (JSU) through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Pilot Program. The DoW HBCU/MI Program plays a significant role in enhancing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pipeline and increasing the research and educational capacity of HBCUs/MIs. The goals of the program are to: enhance research programs and capabilities in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to the national security functions of DoW; enhance the capacity of HBCUs/MIs to participate in DoW research programs and activities; and increase the number of graduates in STEM fields of importance to the defense mission. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-visits-mcc-forensic-training-program | Hyde-Smith visits MCC forensic training program | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Staff Reports U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith visited Meridian Community College to get a closer look at specialized forensic training taking place at the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center. During the visit, Sen. Hyde-Smith toured the classroom used by RSA Forensics and learned more about the company’s partnership with MCC. The Collinsville-based company provides forensic science training to law enforcement and other professionals from across the country and around the world. The partnership allows RSA Forensics to use MCC’s Workforce Development facilities for its International Forensic Training Academies. Students receive focused classroom training in multiple areas of forensic examination at MCC, while some hands-on evidence processing takes place at the company’s laboratory in Collinsville. Sen. Hyde-Smith’s visit allowed her to see the training environment firsthand and learn how the partnership brings specialized training to Meridian. For MCC, partnerships like the one with RSA Forensics are an important part of the College’s workforce mission. By working with businesses and industry partners, MCC can provide facilities and support for training that meets real workforce needs. The partnership also brings professionals from outside the area to Meridian for extended training while giving them access to MCC’s classrooms, computer labs and other Workforce Development resources. | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-pharmacists-discuss-pbm-reform-senator-hyde-smith-federal-bill-progresses | Mississippi pharmacists discuss PBM reform with Senator Hyde-Smith as federal bill progresses | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Elise Catrion Gregg For another year, Mississippi's legislature has failed to pass measures to reform pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulations. Local pharmacists say that without changes, independent pharmacies around the state could continue to shutter. Ahead of next session, many of those pharmacists are figuring out what to do differently at the state capitol, while looking for help at the federal level to address nationwide reform. At a roundtable in Yazoo City last Thursday, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith met with pharmacists and other local medical professionals in the state to discuss both state and federal-level issues. Hyde-Smith indicated that she'd support a bill in the Senate similar to one proposed by the U.S. House late last year. "Any legislation that addresses PBMs and the cost of prescription drugs in this country, I will be all over," Hyde-Smith told MPB News. "It is a travesty that PBMs, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, are getting away with what they're getting away with, when they are doing nothing but gouging." Several of Mississippi's congressional representatives have already signed onto a proposed U.S. House measure that would limit the costs associated with PBMs. Last week, Republican congressmen Mike Ezell and Trent Kelly became cosponsors of H.R.6610, the Pharmacists Fight Back [in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act]. Earlier in August, Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson also joined on. The bill would drive down some of the expenses and require greater transparency measures associated with pharmacy benefit managers, or third-party workers who play a role in administering prescription drug programs. It pertains specifically to health benefit plans for federal employees, including regulations like establishing stricter requirements with pharmacy reimbursements for prescription drugs, requiring greater transparency and prohibiting certain PBM practices that could limit the customers and medications that independent pharmacies have access to. Guy Phillips, an independent … | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/msu-extension-marks-mississippi-lift-resource-and-referral-network-center-opening-brookhaven | MSU Extension marks Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network Center opening in Brookhaven | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Contact: Leah Gibbs BROOKHAVEN, Miss.—Representatives from the Mississippi State University Extension Service were in Brookhaven last week for the opening of the new Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network Center. MSU is a partner with the Mississippi Department of Human Services in the initiative which is expanding access statewide to new early childhood educational materials, family activities, referral services and more. (Photo by Leah Gibbs) | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/garrards-vision-helping-shape-jacksons-future | Garrard’s vision helping shape Jackson’s future | 2026-08-29 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Bill Crawford, Contributing columnist A unique urban park in Jackson seeks to become of one of the state’s premier cultural destinations. Encompassing four distinct museums and featuring playgrounds, sports venues, walking and biking trails, family-friendly gathering spaces, and improved access to the Pearl River, the Lefleur Museum District is the mission of the Lefleur’s Bluff Conservancy chaired by Mississippi Children’s Museum founder and Jackson visionary Susan Garrard. “This master plan really was born of the desire from the Children's Museum to replace the Lefleur’s Bluff playground,” Garrard modestly told the Rotary Club of North Jackson. Already having created one of the nation’s top children’s museums, she had a much bigger dream. In 2021, the Children’s Museum was one of six recipients awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. “We were the youngest museum in the nation,” Garrard said. “We were really excited about our medal,” she continued. “And we decided that we really, really, really wanted our surroundings here in Jackson to reflect kind of our award-winning ways.” “How do other cities do that?” she remembered asking. “Other cities do that through conservancies,” she found out. So, she led the formation of the first conservancy in Mississippi, the LeFleur’s Bluff Conservancy, leased 104 acres from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and got $13 million from the state legislature to, uh, enhance the “surroundings” of the Children’s Museum. The enhancements include: $1.8 million from the Capitol Complex Improvement District to revamp Museum Boulevard which runs beside I-55; a 30,000 square foot state of the art playground funded by a $3.86 million grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Mississippi Foundation; new entrances to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Children’s Museum, and the new playground complex; an… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/new-primary-care-opens-sen-hyde-smith-secured-funding-attends-opening | New primary care opens: Sen. Hyde-Smith secured funding, attends opening | 2026-08-29 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By JACK RYAN - Editor The weather was sunny and blazing hot Wednesday afternoon during the opening ceremonies for the Southwest Primary Care building. But it also was clear that the mission to improve the area’s elementary medical treatment is warming up. U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Brookhaven was among the 100 guests at the event, held under a large tent in the parking lot of the building, located across Marion Avenue from Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center at the corner of Aston Avenue. “Mississippi needs every doctor we can get, and that’s why this ribbon-cutting today is so meaningful,” Hyde-Smith told the assembly. “There was a real gap that this facility is helping to close.” The senator obtained $5.7 million in federal funding for the building, which used to house multiple businesses. The hospital bought the 14,000 square-foot property, renovated it into a single-use facility and resurfaced the parking lot that surrounds the east and north sides of the building. The building’s two main functions are to serve as a headquarters for Southwest’s medical residency program, which is now in its third year; and to provide primary care medical treatment from doctors formerly known as family practitioners. Among other features, the renovated building has 25 patient examination rooms, and a classroom area where the medical residents gather weekly for meetings with specialists and other education. The medical residents will see patients in the building. During the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of local medical care, and the Primary Care building’s role in it. Southwest Health chief operating officer Robert Weathersby said the building will be where “future physicians learn what it means to practice medicine.” Dr. Keith Speed, the residency program director, said the building will increase access to primary care. He predicted that some of the doctors who complete their three-year medical residency in McComb will stay here or in Mississippi to practice. “Today we’re celebrat… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/drug-companies-prescribers-endanger-patients-routinely-flouting-fda-rules-senate-probe-finds | Drug Companies, Prescribers Endanger Patients by Routinely Flouting FDA Rules, Senate Probe Finds | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Kamden Mulder Drug companies producing chemical abortion pills and the online prescribers they provide those drugs to routinely fail to comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safeguards, an extensive investigation by Senate Republicans found. Major drug companies sell large quantities of chemical abortion pills to telemedicine companies, which then prescribe those drugs to women without first ensuring that the drugs will be used according to FDA guidelines, according to an investigative report released Thursday by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Danco Laboratories, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions LLC are approved Mifepristone sponsors under the FDA. Mifepristone is the first pill in a two-pill series inducing a chemical abortion. The drugmakers insist that it is not their responsibility to ensure that prescribers comply with FDA guidelines, yet the agency’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program requires that drugmakers ensure that the prescribers they’re selling their drugs to are complying with federal law. If the prescribers are not complying, the drugmakers are required to decertify them. “GenBioPro is deeply committed to complying with all regulatory frameworks that govern our business and disputes any suggestion to the contrary. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of mifepristone is backed by more than a quarter century of rigorous scientific research, regulatory review, and real-world use, and remains unchanged,” a GenBioPro spokesperson said in a statement provided to National Review. The report details a video in which Dr. Christina Francis of the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs posed as a 13-year-old girl and received GenBioPro’s generic Mifepristone from the platform Aid Access within two days of requesting the drug. Aid Access is not a certified prescriber and cannot therefore prescribe the drug directly. Instead, the platform collects a patient’s information and passes it on to a “licensed doctor” who then prescribes th… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-rural-family-resource-hub-legislation | Hyde-Smith highlights Rural Family Resource Hub Legislation | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Submitted U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) used a visit to an educational and family resource program in Brookhaven to highlight legislation she introduced to help rural and tribal communities establish resource hubs to strengthen families while improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities. Hyde-Smith on Wednesday attended an open house for the Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network site and highlighted her recent introduction of the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act (S.5364) – a bill to create a federal grant program to strengthen rural and tribal communities through place-based investments in education, workforce development, childcare, health care access, and family support services. “Expanding access to high-quality early learning environments is critical to improving educational outcomes, supporting healthy child development, and promoting long-term family stability,” Hyde-Smith said. “I introduced the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act to help rural communities expand access to childcare, literacy and tutoring programs, career and technical education partnerships, and other locally driven services,” the Senator added. “By giving communities greater flexibility to tailor these investments to their unique needs, my bill would strengthen families, improve educational outcomes, and expand economic opportunities across rural Mississippi.” S.5364 would allow eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, local governments, and community partnerships to compete for federal grants to address these challenges through locally designed solutions. Funding could support family resource hubs, literacy and tutoring programs, childcare expansion, telehealth services, workforce development initiatives, career and technical education partnerships, transportation assistance, and behavioral health services. The Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network at Mississippi State University Extension Service connects families, educators, and childcare providers with valuable early childhood reso… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/investigation-reveals-abortion-pill-sellers-putting-womens-lives-and-health-risk | Investigation Reveals Abortion Pill Sellers Putting Women’s Lives and Health at Risk | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | By Laura Echevarria | Washington, DC National Right to Life today praised Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and the late Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for their investigation into the manufacturers of mifepristone and the companies’ failure to provide meaningful oversight of the drug’s distribution and prescription. The committee’s report, Mifepristone Without Guardrails: An Investigation into How Chemical Abortion Drug Makers Are Putting Mothers and Babies at Risk, examines the operations of Danco Laboratories, GenBioPro, and Evita Solutions—the three companies approved by the Food and Drug Administration to market mifepristone for abortion. “This report exposes an abortion-pill system built on secrecy, self-policing, and astonishingly little accountability,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Chairman Cassidy and his colleagues have performed an invaluable public service by demanding answers from companies that profit from the deaths of unborn children while failing to adequately account for the women harmed by their products.” The committee found that the manufacturers could not identify meaningful steps they take to ensure that online prescribers comply with the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy requirements. Danco and GenBioPro acknowledged that they have never decertified a single prescriber, despite the rapid growth of mail-order abortion and evidence that abortion pills that they provide are being prescribed through websites with little medical evaluation or ongoing oversight. The report also reveals serious deficiencies in the reporting of abortion-pill complications. Before the FDA eliminated mandatory reporting of non-fatal adverse events in 2016, approximately 4,000 such events involving Danco’s Mifeprex had been reported. During the following decade, Danco reported only about 150 non-fatal adverse events—even as the use o… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-450000-federal-award-ga-carmichael | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $450,000 Federal Award to G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc. | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $450,000 to G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc. through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-highlights-rural-family-resource-hub-legislation-during-visit | HYDE-SMITH HIGHLIGHTS RURAL FAMILY RESOURCE HUB LEGISLATION DURING VISIT | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Miss. Senator Introduces ‘Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act’ BROOKHAVEN, Miss. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today used a visit to an educational and family resource program in Brookhaven to highlight legislation she introduced to help rural and tribal communities establish resource hubs to strengthen families while improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities. Hyde-Smith on Wednesday attended an open house for the Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network site and highlighted her recent introduction of the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act (S.5364) – a bill to create a federal grant program to strengthen rural and tribal communities through place-based investments in education, workforce development, childcare, health care access, and family support services. “Expanding access to high-quality early learning environments is critical to improving educational outcomes, supporting healthy child development, and promoting long-term family stability,” Hyde-Smith said. “I introduced the Rural Mothers and Fathers Choice Act to help rural communities expand access to childcare, literacy and tutoring programs, career and technical education partnerships, and other locally driven services,” the Senator added. “By giving communities greater flexibility to tailor these investments to their unique needs, my bill would strengthen families, improve educational outcomes, and expand economic opportunities across rural Mississippi.” S.5364 would allow eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations, local governments, and community partnerships to compete for federal grants to address these challenges through locally designed solutions. Funding could support family resource hubs, literacy and tutoring programs, childcare expansion, telehealth services, workforce development initiatives, career and technical education partnerships, transportation assistance, and behavioral health services. The Mississippi LIFT Resource & Referral Network at Mississippi State University Extension Service connects fa… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-827400-federal-education-grants | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $827,400 in Federal Education Grants for Mississippi Universities | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded three Mississippi institutions of higher education a combined $827,400 in federal funding through the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program. The grants will support programs designed to help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds access and successfully pursue post-secondary education and training opportunities. The awards include: | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-500000-nsf-research-award-jackson | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $500,000 NSF Research Award for Jackson State University | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced today that Jackson State University (JSU) has been awarded $500,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance research into next-generation materials with potential applications in solar energy, optoelectronics and medical imaging. The three-year award, titled “Excellence in Research: Backreaction of Electron Excitation/De-excitation on Perovskite Lattices, Light-Induced Defect Creation/Annihilation and Charge Trap States,” is supported through the NSF Division of Materials Research and the HBCU Excellence in Research program. The project is scheduled to begin September 1, 2026, and continue through August 31, 2029. The research will be led by Dr. Jian-Ge Zhou, a faculty member in JSU's Department of Chemistry, Physics and Atmospheric Sciences. Dr. Zhou's research focuses on computational materials science, renewable energy and the study of materials for energy and engineering applications. | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/17/wicker-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-honor-american-founders-and-founding-principles/ | Wicker, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Honor American Founders and Founding Principles | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Dave McCormick, R-Pa., introduced the National American History and Founders Month Act, which would permanently designate November as a time to celebrate, study, and remember the American founders and founding principles. “Our founders established a system of government that has held firm these 250 years. As the United States has grown from a fledgling nation into a world leader, the founders’ system has endured. And it will remain strong—but only if we pass down their ideals,” said Senator Wicker. “May this legislation inspire educators, parents, and community leaders to share the stories of our founding with the coming generations of Americans.” “Today’s students will be the engaged leaders of tomorrow only if they have a deep understanding of our nation’s founding and history,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. “Designating November as National American History and Founders Month will mean more opportunities for our students to learn about U.S. history in an engaging way, including lesser-told stories. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.” “America’s founding principles have guided our nation for 250 years, and we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation understands the rich history that has shaped our country into what it is today. Designating November as National American History and Founders Month will give schools, communities, and organizations across the country a dedicated time to honor our Founders and reflect on our nation’s enduring values. With our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, there is no better moment for this effort. I’m proud to join Senators Wicker and Kaine in introducing this legislation to keep America’s story, and its founding truths, alive for generations to come,” said Senator McCormick. “What sustains a nation is not the absence of flaws. It is shared principles and the honesty to confront our history while preserving the ideals that bind us,” said Dr. Jennife… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-guest-announce-24-million-grant-linked-ummc-cancer-center | HYDE-SMITH, GUEST ANNOUNCE $2.4 MILLION GRANT LINKED TO UMMC CANCER CENTER | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Miss. Lawmakers Secured NIST Funding in FY2026 Appropriations to Renovate & Equip Research Space WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $2.4 million federal grant to rehabilitate research space at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) as part of the research hospital’s long-term goal of being designated a National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hyde-Smith and Guest, who serve on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, respectively, secured the FY2026 funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The funding will be used to support the renovation and equipping of approximately 14,000 square feet of space in the UMMC Research Wing. “Upgrading this space at UMMC is just one more step toward creating a facility that will draw more cancer researchers to our state. The world-class work done there, along with the planned UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, is part of our goal to get that critical NCI designation, and I’m pleased to help reach these worthy goals,” Hyde-Smith said. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a national leader in medicine since it hosted the first heart transplant in 1964. Now, UMMC is taking a critical step in attaining its federal designation as a National Cancer Institute. I am proud to serve UMMC through my work in Congress and will continue to support the institution’s legacy of excellence and its efforts to supercharge cancer research, deliver better health outcomes, and ultimately find a cure,” Guest said. The project will update research space that has not been renovated in nearly 30 years. The planned improvements will help expand and modernize the UMMC cancer research program. Serving on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith has consistently sought support from successive administrations to gain an NCI designation… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/hyde-smith-guest-announce-24-million-grant-linked-ummc-cancer-center | HYDE-SMITH, GUEST ANNOUNCE $2.4 MILLION GRANT LINKED TO UMMC CANCER CENTER | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | MS | Michael Guest | G000591 | guest.house.gov | guest | https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Miss. Lawmakers Secured NIST Funding in FY2026 Appropriations to Renovate & Equip Research Space WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $2.4 million federal grant to rehabilitate research space at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) as part of the research hospital’s long-term goal of being designated a National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hyde-Smith and Guest, who serve on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, respectively, secured the FY2026 funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The funding will be used to support the renovation and equipping of approximately 14,000 square feet of space in the UMMC Research Wing. “Upgrading this space at UMMC is just one more step toward creating a facility that will draw more cancer researchers to our state. The world-class work done there, along with the planned UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, is part of our goal to get that critical NCI designation, and I’m pleased to help reach these worthy goals,” Hyde-Smith said. “The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a national leader in medicine since it hosted the first heart transplant in 1964. Now, UMMC is taking a critical step in attaining its federal designation as a National Cancer Institute. I am proud to serve UMMC through my work in Congress and will continue to support the institution’s legacy of excellence and its efforts to supercharge cancer research, deliver better health outcomes, and ultimately find a cure,” Guest said. The project will update research space that has not been renovated in nearly 30 years. The planned improvements will help expand and modernize the UMMC cancer research program. Serving on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith has consistently sought support from successive administrations to gain an NCI designation… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-139000-federal-research-grant-jackson | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $139,000 Federal Research Grant for Jackson State University | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson today announced that Jackson State University (JSU) has received a $139,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) to support biomedical research and research training. The grant will support JSU's project, "Mass Spectrometry-Based Study of DNA Demethylation from an Excretion Perspective," led by Principal Investigator Dr. Liu Yiming. The award will advance research examining DNA demethylation using mass spectrometry-based approaches and support continued biomedical research at the university. | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/13/wicker-kelly-celebrate-senate-passage-of-usmma-athletics-act-of-2026/ | Wicker, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., praised the U.S. Senate passage of the USMMA Athletics Act of 2026, which would support the athletic programs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Specifically, the legislation would allow the USMMA to establish a nonprofit organization to handle fundraising, licensing, ticketing, and other matters related to athletics. This would bring the USMMA into parity with athletics programs at the other four U.S. service academies. “By supporting service academy athletics, we boost recruitment and retention at America’s service academies,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to give the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy the same tools that other academies have to make the most of athletics programs.” “Nothing prepared me better for my career—in the Navy, at NASA, and even in the Senate—than the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy,” said Kelly. “This bill will strengthen and elevate USMMA’s ability to invest in midshipmen both in and beyond the classroom.” The USMMA trains midshipmen to serve as licensed officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine or as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. The academy fields 19 teams and conducts 55 percent of its overall recruiting through those athletic programs. Other service academies use a 501(c)(3) entity to generate revenue that supports athletics. The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 would empower the USMMA to create such an organization and to collect funds it accrues. By boosting athletic programs, the USMMA will be able to support enrollment at the academy and, ultimately, the future Merchant Marine force. The USMMA Athletics Act of 2026 passed the U.S. Senate on August 6, 2026. Its companion legislation awaits consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services. ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-bill-would-improve-federal-education-scholarship-tax-credit | HYDE-SMITH BILL WOULD IMPROVE FEDERAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Legislation Aims to Encourage Additional Private Investment in Education Freedom Tax Credit WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced she has introduced legislation to increase the impact of an existing federal education scholarship tax credit by indexing it to inflation and making it more attractive to private contributors to support K-12 educational needs. The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Improvement Act (S.5322) would adjust the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC or Education Freedom Tax Credit) that allows individual taxpayers to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 a year to contributions to qualified elementary and secondary scholarship granting organizations. Hyde-Smith’s bill would make it more attractive for couples filing joint tax returns to make contributions and index the tax credit for all such donations to the inflation rate. “Mississippi is among the states committed to the concept of education freedom, which the federal tax credits were created to support. What we created in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act is a terrific idea, but I think we can tweak it to make it even stronger to benefit even more children,” Hyde-Smith said. “My legislation will encourage additional private investment in scholarship-granting organizations, which will help expand educational opportunities without creating a new federal spending program.” S.5322, which has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, would: Allow married couples filing a joint return to claim up to twice the individual tax credit for qualified elementary and secondary education scholarship contributions ($3,400 under current law). As written, a couple filing jointly may only claim $1,700. Index the individual credit amount for inflation beginning in tax year 2027, with annual adjustments published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This would preserve the long-term value of FSTC by indexing it for inflation. Created in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the FSTC is intended … | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/12/wicker-armstrong-builds-senate-momentum-for-permitting-reform-as-12-new-cosponsors-join-his-american-energy-mineral-infrastructure-act/ | Wicker, Armstrong Builds Senate Momentum for Permitting Reform as 12 New Cosponsors Join His “American Energy & Mineral Infrastructure” Act | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WICKER AND ARMSTRONG’S AEMI ACT GAINS SENATE SUPPORT AS PUSH TO FIX AMERICA’S BROKEN PERMITTING PROCESS ENTERS CRITICAL FALL WINDOW WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK) is growing momentum behind comprehensive permitting reform, announcing 13 additional Senate cosponsors for S. 4944, the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure (AEMI) Act: Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), David McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jon Husted (R-OH). The newly-added cosponsors join original sponsors Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Katie Britt (R-AL), and James Lankford (R-OK) for a total of 17 cosponsors, expanding a base of Senate support that reaches into Republican leadership and both committees with jurisdiction over permitting reform. The growing support comes as the Senate left Washington for the August recess without producing a bipartisan permitting reform package. Negotiators say they are making progress and hope to unveil an agreement in September, but significant issues remain unresolved — including Clean Water Act and National Historic Preservation Act reviews — and the shrinking legislative calendar leaves little time to turn a deal into law. Against that backdrop, Armstrong is working to reinvigorate conversations on permitting reform in the Senate by advancing concrete provisions that find bicameral and bipartisan support. As power demands skyrocket across the nation — driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, domestic high-tech manufacturing, and industrial expansion — America’s outdated and duplicative permitting framework continues to stall critical projects. The AEMI Act cuts through bureaucratic red tape, provides long-overdue certainty for builders, and prevents project delays that threaten economic growth and national security. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) said, “If we … | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-push-allow-us-coast-guard-community-partnerships | HYDE-SMITH BACKS PUSH TO ALLOW U.S. COAST GUARD-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Implement Intergovernmental Support Agreements Between USCG & Host Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to enter into intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs) with host states and communities. The Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act (S.5341) would kickstart an authority – granted to the USCG in 2013 but never exercised – to secure better collaborative contracting agreements with local government bodies to deliver lower-cost, higher-quality services at its installations, and strengthen local ties within Coast Guard communities. “The Coast Guard has been an integral part of Mississippi communities. It should be allowed to use cooperative agreements to partner with host communities on any number of services, from waste removal to public transportation to childcare. All other branches of the Armed Forces are already demonstrating that millions of dollars can be saved through these cost-saving service agreements. It’s time for the Coast Guard to do the same,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. Coast Guard maintains several stations and vessels in Mississippi, including in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Natchez. Except for the Coast Guard, every branch of the Armed Forces has used IGSAs to implement IGSA service contracts that support military installations and surrounding communities. A 2018 Government Accountability Office study of just eight out of the hundreds of IGSAs found that these agreements generated at least $9 million in financial benefits. S.5341 would require the Homeland Security Secretary to delegate to the Commandant of the Coast Guard authority to enter into IGSAs relating to installation-support services, and for other purposes. Its introduction follows inaction following a December 2024 letter signed by Hyde-Smith and other Senator… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/10/wicker-colleagues-resolution-recognizing-national-community-health-center-week-passes-senate/ | Wicker, Colleagues’ Resolution Recognizing National Community Health Center Week Passes Senate | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – On Saturday, the Senate resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jim Justice (R-WV), Peter Welch (D-VT), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) designating Aug. 2-8, 2026, as National Community Health Center Week passed the Senate unanimously. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here. “Whereas, for over 60 years, community health centers have provided access to high-quality, affordable, comprehensive, preventive care for individuals in the United States, having a positive impact on the health system of the United States; Whereas, as the largest primary care network in the United States, over 1,500 community health centers provide high quality care for up to 52,000,000 individuals in 17,000 communities, such that 1 in 7 individuals across the United States and 1 in 3 in rural areas rely on community health centers; Whereas community health centers are an important element of the health system of the United States, serving rural, suburban, island, frontier, and urban communities, often as the only accessible and dependable source of primary care; Whereas community health centers are responding to the growing burden of chronic disease by expanding access to nutrition services and lifestyle counseling, reducing expensive emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and keeping the people of the United States healthy; Whereas community health centers integrate a wide range of services into primary care, such as mental health, dental, vision, hearing, and pharmacy services, creating a one-stop shop for all health-related needs; Whereas community health centers are uniquely governed by patient-majority boards, ensuring communities are fully engaged in the strategy of community health centers for… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/07/chairman-wicker-applauds-passage-of-russia-sanctions-bill-championed-by-sen-lindsey-graham/ | Chairman Wicker Applauds Passage of Russia Sanctions bill Championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated the Senate passage of the Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation would help drain the coffers of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin as he wages his unprovoked war against Ukraine. “This sanctions bill will help save lives. It will make peace in Europe more likely,” said Senator Wicker. “I knew Senator Graham for 32 years. He was an accomplished lawmaker, but I can say clearly that this was his most profound achievement. By passing this bill, we salute his memory and continue the work he left us.” About the Bill The Senator Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would impose primary sanctions on Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and foreign companies that work with Russia’s military industry. It would enact punishing secondary sanctions on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, holding them accountable for funding Vladimir Putin’s war machine. This landmark bill includes the bipartisan SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act, which would crack down on those operating sanctions-evading trade ships on behalf of Russia. Finally, the legislation targets Chinese support for Russia’s weapons producers. Notably, the bill includes a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, giving President Trump increased leverage over the Iranian regime. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 is named in honor of Senator Lindsey O. Graham, R-SC. Senator Graham devoted the last two years of his career to this legislation as part of his faithful support for the people of Ukraine. ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-joins-take-care-veterans-act-improve-va-services-benefits | HYDE-SMITH JOINS ‘TAKE CARE OF VETERANS ACT’ TO IMPROVE VA SERVICES & BENEFITS | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Comprehensive Bicameral Measure Bundles Long-Sought VA Program Reforms WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced her support for a comprehensive bicameral bill to improve and expand benefits for American veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Hyde-Smith has cosponsored the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (S.4744), which combines 62 bipartisan, bicameral bills into one sweeping bill to address long-sought program changes to improve health care, benefits, and services for veterans, servicemembers, survivors, caregivers, military families, and Veterans Affairs staff. “I’ve visited with so many veterans and their families who are frustrated that commonsense improvements to VA programs get bogged down in the legislative process. The Take Care of Veterans Act is a bold effort to enact many of these program improvements together,” Hyde-Smith said. “I hope growing support among veterans’ groups will help convince enough lawmakers in the House and Senate to finally deliver for our veterans.” The package includes several bills supported by Hyde-Smith, including the Major Richard Star Act to overturn a policy that denies some combat-disabled veterans from receiving full military retirement pay and veteran disability compensation, and the Love Lives on Act to allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain their survivor benefits if they remarry. The overall bill also addresses suicide and overdose prevention, access to care for rural and underserved veterans, women veterans, caretakers of disabled veterans, and benefits to combat-injured veterans. A coalition of more than 20 veterans, military, caregiver, and survivor organizations last week called on Congress to overcome policy differences to pass the Take Care of Veterans Act, noting that some of the compensation adjustments have been debated for decades without consensus or action. In addition to the 22 coalition members that included the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-renews-support-close-legal-loophole-requiring-release-aliens-immigration-detention | HYDE-SMITH RENEWS SUPPORT TO CLOSE LEGAL LOOPHOLE REQUIRING RELEASE OF ALIENS FROM IMMIGRATION DETENTION | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | ‘Keep Our Communities Safe Act’ Expands DHS Authority in Handling Criminal Illegal Aliens WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in reintroducing legislation to close a legal loophole that generally requires the release of illegal aliens, including those with criminal records, from immigration detention into American communities after six months if no country has accepted them for deportation. The Keep Our Communities Safe Act addresses the six-month legal loophole created by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2001 Zadvydas v. Davis ruling. The legislation would amend Section 236 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to expand the authority of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain criminal aliens. “I am again supporting this commonsense legislation because closing this ‘catch and release’ loophole will ultimately keep dangerous illegals detained instead of being freed to put law-abiding Americans, law enforcement, and our communities at risk. It’s time to finally fix the current law that permits illegal aliens with criminal records to be released back into the United States after six months simply because no other country will accept them for deportation,” Hyde-Smith said. “America is a nation of laws, and if you violate our laws and are subject to removal from the United States, you should remain in detention until the point of deportation,” said Britt. “Zadvydas v. Davis created a legal loophole that forces the release of aliens into our communities after six months simply because no country has agreed to take them back. This bill would help to close that loophole once and for all.” By amending Section 236, which governs the apprehension and detention of aliens, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act would give DHS greater authority to detain criminal aliens, deny bond to criminal aliens, and generally limit the availability of bond unless the detainee can establish by clear and convincing evidence that they’re not a flight … | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/06/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-russias-unprecedented-escalation-against-nato-allies/ | Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on Russia’s Unprecedented Escalation Against NATO Allies | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “Vladimir Putin’s military failures in Ukraine have led him to undertake unprecedented acts of aggression against our NATO allies. Last week, a Russian cruise missile impacted on Polish territory, and armed Russian drones were shot down over Romanian airspace. This was no accident. These tactics were a deliberate escalation aimed at coercing NATO to end its support of Ukraine. Putin’s schemes will not work. The United States stands with Poland, Romania, and its NATO allies and will continue to support Ukraine. Putin’s reckless probing of Polish and Romanian territory coincides with the decision to withdraw U.S. brigade combat teams from each country over the last nine months — a decision I strongly disagreed with. Make no mistake, I support burden sharing and increased defense spending within NATO. President Trump deserves enormous credit for securing agreement among NATO allies to spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defense by 2035. It will take time to translate this spending into military capability. The ongoing force posture review in Europe must account for this reality and for the risk that a wounded and failing Putin might seek to change his circumstances through opportunistic aggression in Europe. Putin only understands strength and cost imposition. This is why the Senate is working to pass the Sanctioning of Russia Act. The aim of this review should be to strengthen NATO’s conventional defenses and to ensure that any adjustment in U.S. presence be undertaken in a deliberate, coordinated manner — akin to the 10-year plan on defense spending — that results in the credible deterrence of Russia and assurance of our allies.” ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-vows-keep-working-toward-farm-bill-20-passage-committee-democrats-block-progress | HYDE-SMITH VOWS TO KEEP WORKING TOWARD FARM BILL 2.0 PASSAGE AS COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS BLOCK PROGRESS | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Miss. Senator Bemoans Minority Party Lip Service to Helping Farmers, Ranchers & Rural America WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today vowed to continue working with her Senate Agriculture Committee colleagues to advance the Farm Bill 2.0 that represents a full replacement of the 2018 Farm Bill that technically expired in 2023. The Senate Agriculture Committee today conducted a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026 or Farm Bill 2.0 – a comprehensive measure that includes more than 100 bipartisan agricultural and nutritional measures, including many supported by Hyde-Smith. However, the package stalled along party lines after Democrats balked at a compromise for holding states accountable for errors in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “We were given a choice to move forward with a strong bipartisan compromise that serves the best interests of American farmers, ranchers and rural communities or to continue clinging to insincere lip service that does nothing to help anyone. I’m disappointed that Farm Bill 2.0 was stopped today because this was our chance to deliver the certainty and support that farmers and ranchers in Mississippi and across the nation not only deserve but need to compete and prosper in today’s marketplace,” Hyde-Smith said. “Despite the committee being at loggerheads today, I will continue to work with Chairman John Boozman and my colleagues to get a new farm bill over the finish line this year,” the Senator said. As negotiated on a bipartisan basis, Farm Bill 2.0 builds on the “Skinny Farm Bill” provisions enacted with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that modernized the farm safety net by significantly increasing reference prices and crop insurance subsidies. The bill before the Agriculture Committee further strengthened commodity, dairy, crop insurance, and standing disaster assistance programs while expanding opportunities tailored to the unique needs of specialty crop producers. It also included permanent, year-round E15 authori… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2171 | ICYMI: Ezell Pens Op-Ed, 236 Years of Standing Watch: Honoring the Coast Guard's Past and Investing in Their Future | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, recently published an opinion piece recognizing the 236th Anniversary of the United States Coast Guard and highlighting the service's enduring role in protecting America's maritime borders, supporting national security, and safeguarding Mississippi's Gulf Coast. In the op-ed, Ezell reflects on the Coast Guard's deep roots in Mississippi—from Coast Guard Air Station Biloxi's anti-submarine operations during World War II to lifesaving search and rescue missions following Hurricane Katrina. He also outlines the Coast Guard's modern missions, including securing the nation's maritime borders, combating illegal drug trafficking, protecting America's fisheries, and defending critical infrastructure. Ezell also discusses recent investments to modernize the Coast Guard, including new cutters, aircraft, facilities, and infrastructure that will strengthen the service for generations to come while supporting Mississippi's shipbuilding industry and workforce. "The Coast Guard has faithfully protected our nation for 236 years, and Mississippi has proudly been part of that legacy. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I remain committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the resources they need to defend our nation, protect our waterways, and save lives. Their mission has never been more important, and neither has our commitment to supporting them." Ezell's full opinion piece, "236 Years of Standing Watch: Honoring the Coast Guard's Past and Investing in Their Future," is available here: Read the full op-ed. | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9353 | Kelly, Guest, and Ezell Back President Trump's Defense, Farm Aid, and Election-Security Priorities August 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Tags: National Defense / Veterans, Agriculture WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump expressing their strong support for his legislative efforts to address critical national defense, agricultural, and election-security priorities. “The threats facing our nation require the Department of War to have the resources… Read more » | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | MS | Trent Kelly | K000388 | trentkelly.house.gov | trentkelly | https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump expressing their strong support for his legislative efforts to address critical national defense, agricultural, and election-security priorities. “The threats facing our nation require the Department of War to have the resources necessary to defend the United States and protect American interests,” the lawmakers wrote. “Our brave men and women in uniform deserve the equipment, munitions, and support needed to carry out their missions and return home safely.” The Mississippi lawmakers also emphasized the urgent need to provide relief to struggling farmers. “Family farms across Mississippi are going out of business, while many others are struggling to survive from one crop year to the next,” they wrote. “This assistance would provide a critical lifeline, helping our farmers remain in operation, meet their obligations, and continue producing the food and fiber our nation depends upon.” Kelly, Guest, and Ezell also expressed support for expanding access to voter identification, encouraging strong state election practices, and accounting for the SAVE America Act in the Senate budget resolution. “You can count on our support as we urge the Senate to act and work to send the subsequent reconciliation package to your desk without delay,” the lawmakers concluded. Read the full letter below. Dear Mr. President, As members of the Mississippi congressional delegation, we write to express our strong support for your efforts to address critical national defense, agricultural, and election-security priorities through the budget reconciliation process. We urge the Senate to support your requests and move expeditiously to finalize and pass a budget resolution. The threats facing our nation require the Department of War to have the resources necessary to defend the United States and protect American interests. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve the equipment, m… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-applaud-trump-approving-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi | MISS. LAWMAKERS APPLAUD TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Eight Counties Included in Disaster Declaration Linked to Tropical Storm Arthur WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. The disaster declaration approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. Eight counties were approved for Public Assistance, including Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. In addition, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties were approved for Individual Assistance. “We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the June storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” Click here to read the full disaster declaration. ### | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-more-224-million-federal-head-start | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $22.4 Million in Federal Head Start Funding for Mississippi's Second Congressional District | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $22,493,185 in federal funding to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children and families throughout Mississippi's Second Congressional District. The grants will strengthen early childhood education, expand access to comprehensive child development services, and provide critical support for working families across the Mississippi Delta. The grants include: Bolivar Community Action Agency, Inc. – $9,554,815 for Head Start Projects. Washington County Opportunities, Inc. – $2,051,418 for Head Start Projects. Washington County Opportunities, Inc. – $9,054,648 for Head Start Projects. Washington County Opportunities, Inc. – $1,832,304 for Early Head Start–Child Care Partnerships. Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide high-quality early learning experiences while promoting children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. These programs also connect families with health care, nutrition, and community resources that foster long-term well-being. | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-more-260000-department-justice-grants | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $260,000 in Department of Justice Grants to Strengthen Public Safety Across Mississippi's Second Congressional District | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded $261,017 through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to support law enforcement agencies in Jackson, Vicksburg, Warren County, and Panola County. The awards include: City of Jackson – $223,638 to establish and expand the Jackson Police Department's unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program. The funding will support the purchase of two unmanned aircraft equipped with thermal imaging and advanced camera technology, along with software, licensing, maintenance, and officer training to improve real-time response, officer safety, and law enforcement operations. City of Vicksburg – $20,156 to support collaborative law enforcement initiatives between the City of Vicksburg and Warren County. The project will fund specialized equipment and technology upgrades designed to improve field operations, enhance investigative documentation, increase officer protection, and strengthen proactive crime reduction efforts throughout the jurisdiction. Panola County Board of Supervisors – $17,223 to purchase essential law enforcement equipment needed to support the daily operations of the Panola County Sheriff's Department and enhance public safety services throughout the county. | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-more-266-million-department-justice | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $2.66 Million in Department of Justice Grants to Support Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Mississippi | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson today announced that the Mississippi State Department of Health has been awarded more than $2.66 million from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to strengthen services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking throughout Mississippi. The federal funding includes two formula grants totaling $2,666,465 that will support victim services, improve coordination among criminal justice agencies, and enhance statewide efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women. The awards include: | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/08/04/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-for-approving-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi/ | Miss. Congressional Delegation Applauds Trump for Approving Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. The eight counties granted Public Assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state was granted Individual Assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. “We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi’s major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” Click here to read the full disaster declaration. ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-approving-major-disaster | MISS. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION APPLAUDS TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Republican | House | MS | Michael Guest | G000591 | guest.house.gov | guest | https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026, as part of Tropical Storm Arthur. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts. The eight counties granted Public Assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state was granted Individual Assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. “We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These federal resources will support families and municipalities as we recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” Click here to read the full disaster declaration. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-new-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-rural-hospitals | HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN RURAL HOSPITALS | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act Makes Changes to Bolster & Improve Original Lifeline Program for Rural Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week joined U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in introducing new legislation to broaden access to a federal Medicare reimbursement program that can help more rural hospitals remain open to serve patients. The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act or REH 2.0 (S.5164) would ease statutory limitations on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) program, which offers Critical Access Hospitals and rural hospitals with under 50 beds an opportunity to convert to a different Medicare designation with higher reimbursement rates in exchange for reducing certain service offerings. “We’re trying every option we can to give rural hospitals a better chance to stay open. This REH 2.0 legislation is another attempt to build broader eligibility and greater flexibility options within the Rural Emergency Hospital program so that more rural hospitals can continue or resume serving patients,” said Hyde-Smith, who also introduced an REH measure in May 2025. “I am pleased to join Senator Moran in offering this bill for consideration and remain committed to passing legislation to improve the outlook for rural hospitals and clinics.” REH 2.0 would maintain the original intent of REH designations but offer additional flexibility to accept more eligible rural hospitals that are at risk of closure. The bill also includes the text of the REH Adjustment Act, which expands eligibility to previously closed hospitals and offers them the opportunity to reopen and apply for REH. In addition, it provides statutory flexibility for hospitals to maintain or create a distinct unit for inpatient psychiatric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services as well as authorize REH facilities to enter into swing bed agreements as defined in the Social Security Act. Endorsed by the Na… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-leads-bicameral-recommendations-improve-h-2a-guest-worker-program | HYDE-SMITH LEADS BICAMERAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE H-2A GUEST WORKER PROGRAM | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Lawmakers Seek Multi-Agency Administrative Changes to Ease Strain on Agricultural, Livestock & Dairy Industries WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today led a bicameral group of lawmakers in recommending administrative changes the Trump administration should take to significantly improve the effectiveness of the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. In a letter addressed to the secretaries of the departments of Labor, State, and Homeland Security, six Senators and 12 Members of the House outline specific administrative steps the agencies should take to correct continued processing delays, regulatory gaps, and structural barriers that place added strains on American agricultural, dairy, and livestock producers already struggling under a difficult economic environment. “The H-2A program is indispensable to agriculture across the United States, from specialty crop operations to livestock and dairy producers. However, H-2A regulations have failed to adapt to the continually growing demand for these visas. Processing delays, regulatory imbalances, and broader immigration challenges threaten this program’s effectiveness throughout the country – all at a time when our nation’s agricultural producers are facing significant economic hardship,” the lawmakers wrote. “We cannot stress enough how important it is for the relevant federal agencies to consider changes to the H-2A program to better support our nation’s agricultural industry – the men and women who feed and clothe us,” they added. In addition to Hyde-Smith, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.), and U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/30/wicker-kelly-and-colleagues-honor-gold-star-childrens-day/ | Wicker, Kelly, and Colleagues Honor Gold Star Children’s Day | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., along with numerous colleagues, celebrated the passage of a Senate resolution designating August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children’s Day, which recognizes the children of fallen service members. “The sons and daughters of our fallen service members carry on the legacies of their parents. We set aside this day to honor them and to remember the sacrifices of their mothers and fathers,” said Senator Wicker. “Gold Star children grow up carrying the weight of losing of a parent who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said Senator Kelly. “These kids deserve to know that their parents’ service will never be forgotten and that this country will always stand behind them.” America’s Gold Star tradition began in World War I. When a service member deployed, his or her family would often hang a banner bearing a blue star outside the home. If the loved one died in the line of duty, the family replaced the blue star with a gold one. These families came to be known as Gold Star Families. In the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, nearly 625,000 Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been survived by nearly 250,000 children. Senators recognize August 1 specifically to honor these Gold Star Children. Senator Wicker introduced this resolution alongside Senator Kelly. They are joined by 21 of their colleagues: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Sen Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Sen. Mike Rounds R-S.D., Sen Rick Scott, R-Fla., Sen Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. “Gold Star familie… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/29/chairman-wicker-speaks-in-support-of-sen-grahams-russia-iran-sanctions-bill/ | Chairman Wicker Speaks in Support of Sen. Graham’s Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. During his remarks, Senator Wicker honored Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who worked tirelessly to advance freedom and weaken dictators. Senator Wicker urged his colleagues to continue that work by voting to pass this legislation. “The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin’s war machine,” said Senator Wicker “It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions.” Read the full speech below, as delivered: A number of us gathered today, as we’ve already heard, at the National Cathedral for Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, and in a few moments we will vote to advance a bill that Lindsey Graham made possible. During the past few days, we have heard a number of stories about Lindsey Graham’s many idiosyncrasies. His endless energy, he’s been called the “energizer bunny,” his quotable jokes, his non-quotable quips, his one-of-a-kind personality. We also remember his steadfast love for freedom and his intolerance for tyrants. The bill that we will vote on in a few moments reflects those aspects of his personality. I have suggested that it is his greatest political achievement. It took a senator like Lindsey Graham to bring this bill so far—in this environment, with these stakes. He brought together so many parties. It seems he did this almost through the sheer force of will. I have seen that drive for 32 years since we came to Washington together as freshmen in 1994. Again I say, this could turn out to be Lindsey Graham’s greatest policy achievement. The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill will advance the cause of freedom, and it will combat Vladimir Putin’s war machine. It will go after Vladimir Putin, his inner circle, and the shadow fleet they use to evade sanctions. It will hold accountable those who purchase the most Russian oil and gas. It also wil… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/07/29/wicker-warnock-introduce-tire-safety-legislation/ | Wicker, Warnock Introduce Tire Safety Legislation | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Bill Would Modernize Federal Tire Safety Standards Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., introduced the Tire Safety Modernization Act of 2026, which would update federal tire testing standards to protect passenger safety and reflect modern best practices in tire production. “Tire manufacturing technology has evolved, but federal regulations have not kept pace,” said Senator Wicker. “This legislation would update performance standards—protecting passenger safety and promoting innovation at the same time.” “Georgia’s nation-leading tire manufacturing industry helps keep Georgians safe and connected to boundless opportunities,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “By modernizing this critical manufacturing sector, we can help foster innovation and keep Americans connected.” “Modernizing federal tire safety standards is essential to ensuring American drivers have access to the safest, most advanced tire technology available,” said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA). “The ‘Tire Safety Modernization Act’ is an important step toward aligning U.S. regulations with today’s innovations, strengthening road safety and supporting a more competitive tire manufacturing sector. USTMA and its member companies are grateful to Senators Wicker (R-MS) and Warnock (D-GA) for their leadership in championing this critical legislation.” “The introduction of this legislation by Senators Wicker and Warnock represents meaningful progress toward modernizing tire safety regulations. Aligning federal testing requirements with today’s technological advancements will help ensure effective safety oversight while promoting innovation and manufacturing growth in the United States,” said Tansu Işık, CEO Continental Tire Americas. “We appreciate Senators Wicker and Warnock for introducing legislation to modernize outdated tire testing requirements. Tire technology continues to advance rapidly, and federal standards should keep pace with innovati… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/miss-delegation-urges-trump-approve-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi-1 | Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | MS | Michael Guest | G000591 | guest.house.gov | guest | https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. If approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported. | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2168 | Ezell Hosts Water Resources Roundtable on the Future of the Mississippi Sound | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) hosted a Water Resources listening session in Biloxi, bringing together federal, state, local, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the Mississippi Sound, the impacts of the Bonnet Carré Spillway, permitting reform, and opportunities to strengthen Mississippi's coastal economy. The roundtable featured Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Adam Telle, Col. Shaw of Mobile, and Col. Scotty Autin of New Orleans from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, members of the Mississippi Sound Coalition, local business leaders, and community stakeholders. "As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I know firsthand that Mississippi's coast is one of our nation's greatest economic and environmental assets," Ezell said. "Today's discussion brought together the people who are directly impacted by decisions made in Washington and those responsible for implementing them. We had a productive conversation about protecting the Mississippi Sound, modernizing outdated policies, and ensuring the Army Corps of Engineers remains focused on delivering projects—not unnecessary bureaucracy." During the discussion, Ezell and Assistant Secretary Telle discussed the Army's ongoing efforts to streamline project delivery through its "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and accelerate infrastructure projects. They also discussed the Administration's work to finalize a new definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS), providing greater certainty for landowners, businesses, and local communities. Ezell emphasized that Mississippi must remain at the forefront of national discussions involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and federal water resource policy. "The challenges facing the Mississippi Sound affect our seafood industry, tourism economy, ports, businesses, and the families who call the Gulf Coast home," Ezell said. "It is critical that Mississippi has a seat at the table as these de… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bill-end-costly-distorted-vehicle-fuel-economy-standards | HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL TO END COSTLY, DISTORTED VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Senators Move to Eliminate CAFE Standards, Regulations that Exceed Congressional Intent, Impose Costly & Unnecessary Mandates WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently helped introduce legislation to help make motor vehicles more affordable for American families by eliminating a 70s-era regulatory regime that has driven up sticker prices. Hyde-Smith joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) in introducing the Restoring Affordability in Automobile Manufacturing (RAAM) Act (S.5092). The bill would eliminate the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which have gradually increased sticker prices for new motor vehicles and laid the statutory groundwork for mandating the types of cars available to consumers, as witnessed by the Biden administration’s effort to impose unrealistic fuel economy targets to achieve a backdoor electric vehicle mandate. “Over the past 50 years, the CAFE standards have morphed into a big government weapon for regulators to push radical climate agendas and drive vehicle prices up. The Biden administration tried to use it as a club to force EVs on everyone. The RAAM Act would put an end to this government overreach and allow consumers and auto manufacturers to set the market,” Hyde-Smith said. “The Biden-era CAFE standards turned an energy-security program into a de facto electric vehicle mandate, beyond Congress’s original intent to improve fuel economy and strengthen our nation’s energy security,” said Crapo. “Today’s CAFE standards distort the automobile market, saddle manufacturers with costly compliance requirements that drive up vehicle costs for hardworking families and do little to shield Americans from the volatility of global oil markets. The RAAM Act would repeal the costly, outdated CAFE program and put consumers – not federal regulators – back in the driver’s seat when it comes to vehicle choice.” Enacted in 1975 following the OPEC oil embargo to reduce petroleum consumption, improve fuel economy, and strengthen the nation’s energy security, … | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-lawmakers-urge-caution-in-implementing-new-organ-donation-standards | Mississippi Lawmakers Urge Caution in Implementing New Organ Donation Standards | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), today issued a letter that encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider feedback from the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) and similar organizations as it implements changes to the nation’s organ donation system. The letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz cites concerns raised by MORA, the state’s primary Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), about the performance metrics included in a final rule that could have the unintended consequence of putting organ donation services at risk in states like Mississippi with high chronic disease rates. “MORA has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, donor family care, hospital development, and community education. These efforts have helped increase donation opportunities while maintaining the dignity and respect every donor and family deserves. Policies that could weaken local infrastructure or create uncertainty in long-standing healthcare partnerships risk undermining this important work,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully encourage CMS to carefully consider stakeholder feedback before implementing the Final Rule and to consider metrics which the OPO community is developing that use CMS’ own measurement framework. These metrics are grounded in science and independently evaluated,” the lawmakers continued. The final rule redefines how organ procurement organizations’ performance is measured, now evaluating OPOs using objective donation and transplantation rate metrics, which places a significant number of organizations nationwide at risk of decertification because the metrics do not consider the process measures or the health realities of the communities that OPOs serve. “This standard would disadvantage states like Mississippi, where heart disease is the leading cause of death, cancer is second, and chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are wides… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-usda-purchase-20-million-surplus-us-farm-raised-catfish | HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES USDA PURCHASE OF $20 MILLION IN SURPLUS U.S. FARM-RAISED CATFISH | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Agreement Follows Senators’ Request, Supports Producers and Expands Food Assistance Program WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said she expects Mississippi catfish producers to benefit from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreement to purchase up to $20 million in farm-raised catfish for distribution through food banks, charities, and other nutrition assistance programs. The $20 million purchase of farm-raised catfish is part of an overall USDA announcement to purchase up to $76.5 million in surplus U.S. commodities through the permanently authorized Section 32 program. This program authorizes the USDA to buy surplus U.S. commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs. “The farm-raised catfish industry has been under tremendous financial pressure as producers have struggled with years of rising costs and inflation. Like many agricultural sectors, our catfish farmers have faced significant economic challenges,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “These Section 32 purchases will provide meaningful support for producers in Mississippi and other catfish-producing states while delivering a healthy, high-quality source of protein to families served by nutrition programs across the country,” she added. In June, Hyde-Smith led a letter encouraging Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to grant a request from the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for relief through the Section 32 program. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the letter. The Senators’ June letter to Rollins stressed the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by “a crisis of economic sustainability.” Section 32 is funded through 30 percent of the previous year’s customs receipts, providing USDA with a permanent… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-ferc-commissioners-examine-affordability-data-centers-proliferate | HYDE-SMITH, FERC COMMISSIONERS EXAMINE AFFORDABILITY AS DATA CENTERS PROLIFERATE | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Senate FERC Oversight Hearing Heavily Focused on Rising Power Demands & Affordability VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Discusses Electricity Affordability with FERC Commissioners. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Wednesday sought additional details on the mechanisms being put in place to protect families, small businesses, and communities from high electricity bills as data centers and large load manufacturing projects come online in states like Mississippi. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee conducted an oversight hearing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the agency tasked with addressing rising power demand from data centers and overseeing the implementation of President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation. “We talk a lot about affordability, and in your testimonies and your written statements, it was one of the top priorities. This administration and this commission continue to take action to be so conscious of that that ratepayers aren’t burdened by the higher cost. Mississippi, my home state, continues to be at the forefront of safeguarding ratepayers by ensuring companies, like data centers, pay their fair share for large loads,” Hyde-Smith told the five FERC commissioners testifying at the hearing. “What mechanisms is FERC implementing specifically for large load customers to pay upfront payments and commitments to maintain minimum financial contributions to keep the rates from rising?” FERC Chairman Laura Swett said the agency is actively working to deploy the President’s proclamation through a series of steps to “ensure that the upgrades that are required by large load is not shouldered by consumers. So, we look at it on a case-by-case basis and across the markets.” In June, FERC issued show cause orders under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act to six regional grid operators under its jurisdiction to encourage modernized rules for interconnecting large loads. Commissioner David Rosner told Hyde-Smith that FERC is working with st… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-urge-caution-implementing-new-organ-donation-standards | MISS. LAWMAKERS URGE CAUTION IN IMPLEMENTING NEW ORGAN DONATION STANDARDS | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Hyde-Smith, Wicker & Guest Ask CMS to Work with Mississippi as it Changes Performance Metrics WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), today issued a letter that encourages the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider feedback from the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) and similar organizations as it implements changes to the nation’s organ donation system. The letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz cites concerns raised by MORA, the state’s primary Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), about the performance metrics included in a final rule that could have the unintended consequence of putting organ donation services at risk in states like Mississippi with high chronic disease rates. “MORA has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, donor family care, hospital development, and community education. These efforts have helped increase donation opportunities while maintaining the dignity and respect every donor and family deserves. Policies that could weaken local infrastructure or create uncertainty in long-standing healthcare partnerships risk undermining this important work,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully encourage CMS to carefully consider stakeholder feedback before implementing the Final Rule and to consider metrics which the OPO community is developing that use CMS’ own measurement framework. These metrics are grounded in science and independently evaluated,” the lawmakers continued. The final rule redefines how organ procurement organizations’ performance is measured, now evaluating OPOs using objective donation and transplantation rate metrics, which places a significant number of organizations nationwide at risk of decertification because the metrics do not consider the process measures or the health realities of the communities that OPOs serve. “This standard would disadvantage states like Mississippi, where heart disease is the leading cause of deat… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2164 | PASSED BY THE HOUSE: Ezell Votes to Strengthen America's Military | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that strengthens America's military, supports service members and their families, revitalizes the defense industrial base, and enhances national security priorities. The bill advances investments in military readiness, defense innovation, and quality of life for those who serve. "The world is more dangerous than it has been in decades, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure our military remains the strongest and most capable fighting force on the planet," Ezell said. "The FY2027 NDAA invests in our servicemembers, strengthens our national defense, rebuilds America's defense industrial base, and delivers the resources needed to deter our adversaries. I'm proud to support legislation that puts our troops first, strengthens military readiness, and helps ensure the United States remains prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow." The FY2027 NDAA authorizes critical investments to strengthen America's defense by expanding domestic production capacity, supporting private sector innovation, and creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs. The legislation also advances more than 65 presidential defense priorities, restores critical military capabilities, strengthens nuclear deterrence and missile defense, and provides resources to counter threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The legislation also prioritizes the well-being of America's military families by supporting a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for servicemembers while improving access to housing, education, and childcare. Additionally, the bill continues efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department of Defense by building on reforms enacted last year and establishing new authorities to improve accountability and achieve a clean audit. As Chairman of th… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-named-defense-appropriations-subcommittee | HYDE-SMITH NAMED TO DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Senate Appropriations Committee Reorganizes Subcommittee Memberships Following the Death of Senator Lindsey Graham WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today accepted an appointment to serve on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, giving Mississippi added prominence in Congress when developing funding for the nation’s national security interests. The appointment was made as the Senate Appropriations Committee reorganized its subcommittee makeup following the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on July 11. The new assignments were announced Wednesday by Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine). “I undertake this new assignment on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee with a measure of sadness for my dear colleague Lindsey Graham, but I am also resolved to serve as he did in support of our men and women in uniform,” Hyde-Smith said. “I am proud to follow in the footsteps of our own Senator Thad Cochran, who chaired and served on this subcommittee so well, ensuring that states like Mississippi can contribute ably to our nation’s defense.” Hyde-Smith retains her chairmanship of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as her memberships on the subcommittees on: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; Homeland Security; and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. As part of the reorganization, Hyde-Smith relinquished her membership on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. Links to Hyde-Smith’s overall committee assignments in the 119th Congress are available here. ### | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-committee-review-trump-supplemental-funding-request-agriculture-defense | HYDE-SMITH, COMMITTEE REVIEW TRUMP SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST FOR AGRICULTURE, DEFENSE | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Senate Appropriations Committee Assesses $11.1B Request for Ag Assistance, $70B for Defense Readiness VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Agriculture Secretary Rollins About Continued Assistance Payments for Farmers. VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Defense Secretary Hegseth on Supplemental Funding Request and FY2027 Shipbuilding Budget. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday questioned Trump administration officials on the utility of Congress providing supplemental appropriations this year to bolster national security and continue agricultural assistance for row and specialty crop producers. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hyde-Smith participated in a hearing to review President Trump’s request for supplemental funding, including $11.1 billion for temporary economic assistance for farmers and approximately $70 billion to sustain military readiness and critical capabilities upgrades. Regarding assistance to farmers, Hyde-Smith signaled her support for continuing to provide bridge payments to help producers overcome low commodity prices and escalated input costs. “Our row crop producers, as you’ve mentioned in your opening remarks, are truly in a serious situation. I’ve talked to multi-generation farmers back home who are the best of the best that did not even plant this year because they could not make the numbers work. And producers in Mississippi and nationwide continue to face these economic conditions,” Hyde-Smith told Rollins. “If we want the next generation to stay on the land, we’re going to have to take this opportunity to provide this critical market assistance for our farmers and enact policies that build structural demands for commodities, like the Buying American Cotton Act and year-round E15. All of which would make the paths better, more favorable for these producers going forward.” Rollins discussed the need for bridge payments and administration actions to bring down input costs. “As of today, ensuring that we can keep these farmers far… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-merkley-bill-will-improve-forest-health-expand-market-forestry-biomass-byproducts | HYDE-SMITH, MERKLEY BILL WILL IMPROVE FOREST HEALTH, EXPAND MARKET FOR FORESTRY BIOMASS BYPRODUCTS | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | ‘Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act’ Would Broaden Renewable Fuel Standard Definition of Eligible Renewable Biomass WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve forest health and management by creating new market demand for timber and forestry biomass byproducts. The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act (S.5087) would expand the definition of renewable biomass materials that qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program within the Clean Air Act. Importantly, the legislation covers both non-federal private land and federal lands, which broadens its appeal beyond regional interests. “This bipartisan bill creates avenues to help reduce the wildfire threats in the West but also clears the way for biomass produced from non-federal lands in heavily forested states like Mississippi to contribute to the nation’s renewable fuels resources,” Hyde-Smith said. “With this bill, we will make it easier to develop a new revenue stream for the thinnings, logging residuals, and mill byproducts that Mississippi landowners and forest products manufacturers already generate, without requiring them to change how they manage their timberland.” “Reducing wildfire risk demands innovative solutions and using all the tools at our disposal to invest in wildfire prevention efforts,” said Merkley. “Woody biomass that comes from responsible forest management activities—like hazardous fuels reduction—presents a huge opportunity for communities in Oregon and across the nation. By updating the definition for these materials to qualify as renewable fuels, we can harness their power to create new markets for these materials, reducing wildfire risk and supporting healthier public, private, and Tribal lands.” A key barrier to proactive forest management is the lack of viable markets for the woody material removed during fuel reduction treatments, thinning operations, and defensible space clearing. Without an economic outle… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/miss-delegation-urges-trump-to-approve-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi | Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. If approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-votes-to-advance-water-resources-legislation/8a27cd34-5f0a-422b-8e24-e64d0c05f838 | Senator Wicker Votes to Advance Water Resources Legislation | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Senator Wicker’s unique position on the committee allows him to advocate for Mississippi’s communities and priorities. The committee’s legislation would expand water infrastructure projects and streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' planning and project delivery process. The bill will now move to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. “These investments will help advance critical water projects, strengthen Mississippi's economy, and support the communities and industries that rely on our waterways. I will continue using my position on the Environment and Public Works Committee to deliver meaningful results for Mississippi communities,” said Senator Wicker. Among other policies that are going to benefit Mississippi, WRDA would: Increase transparency of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ annual funding capabilities, informing congressional funding allocations for water resource projects. Authorize a feasibility study for flood risk management and restoration along the Hatchie River in Tippah, Alcorn, and Union counties. Authorize a feasibility study to improve and reconstruct the Walkiah Bluff weir in Pearl River County. Expedite completion of the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study. Ultimately, this study would modernize the operations of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the condition of locks and dam facilities along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system. Require a study on the use of hydrokinetic turbines in the Mississippi River. Authorize $5 million in Section 1301 environmental infrastructure funding for 10 Mississippi communities, including Brandon, Choctaw County, Columbus, Flowood, Forest, Hattiesburg, Lucedale, Natchez, Vicksburg, and West Jackson County Utility District. Increases Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure authorizations for four Mississippi c… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-delegation-urges-trump-approve-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi-1 | MISS. DELEGATION URGES TRUMP TO APPROVE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared its strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding struck on June 18-19, 2026. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration after remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur brought 30 inches of rain onto the state within a five-day period, damaging homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure. The eight counties included in the request for public assistance are Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne. Of the eight, the state is requesting individual assistance for the following four counties: Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone. “This extraordinary volume of rainfall triggered life-threatening flash flooding, threatened the integrity of earthen dams, and pushed multiple river basins into major flood stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “We have seen firsthand the critical role federal disaster assistance plays in helping our communities recover from devastating events.” If approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. This request could be amended if any additional damage is discovered or reported. Click here to read the delegation's letter to President Trump. | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-chief-of-space-operations-nominee | Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Chief of Space Operations Nominee | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the nomination of the next Chief of Space Operations. Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess, USSF, nominated to be General and Chief of Space Operations, appeared before the committee. In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain and the need to strengthen the U.S. Space Force to meet evolving threats from strategic competitors. The chairman also highlighted the importance of accelerating space acquisition, building a more agile workforce, and ensuring the Space Force has the resources and leadership necessary to maintain America's strategic advantage. Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered. The committee meets today to consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess, who is nominated to be the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. This hearing comes at a pivotal moment for both our nation's security and the future of the Space Force. If confirmed, General Schiess will become the third Chief of Space Operations. That distinction reflects the relative youth of this service. While the Space Force has already proven its value to the Joint Force, it is still building the institutions, culture, talent pipeline, and operational concepts that will define the service for generations. The Space Force was established because our nation recognized that superiority in space is essential to maintaining deterrence on Earth. Today, that mission is more important than ever. The next Chief of Space Operations will assume responsibility as two trends converge: First, the strategic environment is becoming more dangerous even as the demands on the service continue to grow. The United States no longer has the luxury of viewing space as a permissive environment. China and Russia have made clear that they see space as a critical warfighting domain. They continue to invest in capabilities de… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-darline-graham-introduce-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable | Wicker, Darline Graham, Blumenthal, and Shaheen Introduce Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration. “We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin’s war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end,” said Wicker. “Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother’s steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Darline Graham. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet. The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas. A one-pager on … | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2160 | Ezell Celebrates Christening of Future USS George M. Neal at Ingalls Shipbuilding | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Last weekend, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) joined U.S. Navy leaders, HII executives, the Neal family, and shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding on Saturday to celebrate the christening of the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer to be built at Ingalls. The future USS George M. Neal is named in honor of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Navy Cross. Neal displayed extraordinary courage during a 1951 rescue mission after surviving a helicopter crash behind enemy lines, evading capture for nine days before becoming a prisoner of war. He was released in 1952 after enduring more than a year in captivity. “The christening of the future USS George M. Neal is a proud moment for Mississippi and our nation,” Ezell said. “George M. Neal’s courage, sacrifice, and service represent the very best of America, and it is fitting that this warship will carry his legacy for generations to come. I’m grateful to the hardworking men and women of Ingalls Shipbuilding whose craftsmanship strengthens our Navy, supports our Gulf Coast economy, and helps keep our nation safe.” “The future USS George M. Neal honors a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” Under-Secretary of the Navy William Toti said. “As we christen this ship, we mark another step toward building the Navy our nation needs. Flight III destroyers are critical to our nation’s security, and we are proud to accept each one built by the skilled workforce at Ingalls." “As a company, HII does a lot of amazing things, but only people — human beings — build ships. They build ships with their hands, their minds and toughness. The people of Ingalls Shipbuilding are among the finest craftsmen and craftswomen on the face of the Earth,” Kastner said. “When she is delivered, DDG 131 will be the most powerful surface combatant in the world. She will be ready. She’ll be ready because the United States of America makes a conscious choice, generation af… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-the-ndaa | Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the NDAA | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “Senator Schumer has chosen to block a bipartisan NDAA from advancing on the Senate floor. He has delayed a bill that prioritizes our military service members and ensures they are better prepared for the challenges ahead. The NDAA would have included another 86 amendments, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. These amendments included bipartisan packages on crime and drugs, bipartisan provisions to ensure America stays ahead of China on chips and artificial intelligence, and bipartisan oversight measures for the State Department and intelligence community. It is difficult to understand this action given that the objections to beginning debate on the bill center on what is not in the bill. We have voted dozens of times on military action in Iran, both on the Senate floor and in our committee. Rather than requesting specific votes on Iran on the NDAA, Democrats simply voted against starting the process altogether. Similarly, the committee has already voted on the defense budget topline. This bill is not the proper vehicle to settle disagreements over the adequate balance between defense and domestic spending. I hope Senator Schumer will reconsider and allow the NDAA to come to the floor so that we can debate these topics and advance legislation containing over 1,100 individual ideas from every senator in this chamber.” | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-four-senior-civilian-pentagon-nominees | Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Four Senior Civilian Pentagon Nominees | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider nominations for senior defense financial, acquisition, intelligence, and space leadership positions. Jules W. Hurst III, nominated to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Mr. Richard M. O’Malley, nominated to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. Erich D. Hernandez-Baquero, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, and Dr. L. Roger Mason, Jr., nominated to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, all appeared before the committee. In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker highlighted the importance of modernizing defense budgeting, streamlining acquisition and sustainment, expanding resilient space capabilities, and improving intelligence collection and analysis, noting that each nominee would play a key role in strengthening the Department of Defense and supporting U.S. national security. The Chairman also took time in his remarks to honor the life of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered. This hearing will come to order.?To begin with, the Senate has lost a giant. A champion. A former member of this committee who, though he went on to other jurisdictions, was one of the strongest advocates for American strength and American partnerships around the world and peace through strength. That is the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. And so, I would ask all of us to bow our heads for a moment of silence in memory of Senator Graham. Thank you very much. | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-celebrates-new-affordable-housing-law | HYDE-SMITH CELEBRATES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAW | 2026-07-13 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law, Includes Hyde-Smith Priorities WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, today heralded the enactment of the first comprehensive housing affordability measure approved by Congress in decades. The 21st Century ROAD (Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream) to Housing Act (HR.6644) includes priority reforms Hyde-Smith has supported to address housing needs in rural America. Hyde-Smith voted with the Senate on June 18 to give the bill its final approval. The bill became law at midnight Friday without President Trump’s signature. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents a bipartisan recognition that government should be a helping hand, not a hindrance, as it too often has been in addressing affordable housing needs in Mississippi and across this great nation. This new law takes meaningful steps to increase housing supply by cutting unnecessary regulations, attacking waste, fraud, and abuse in federal housing programs, and providing incentives to invest in affordable housing,” Hyde-Smith said. “I commend President Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner for making the affordable housing issues a priority, and I thank Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott for getting this important bill across the finish line. I am also grateful that policies I have advocated for years are part of this package, all of which should help rural states like Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith added. Hyde-Smith has supported legislation, policies, and funding related to key rural and low-income housing programs that are addressed in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. These include: Reforming Disaster Recovery – Provides a three-year reauthorization of the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and establishes the HUD Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency to administer the program. Promoting New Bank Formation – Creates a two-year pha… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/senator-wicker-remembers-senator-lindsey-graham | Senator Wicker Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham | 2026-07-12 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | "There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office but he cannot be replaced." | 1 | 2026-07-12T07:28:31Z | 2026-07-12T07:30:18Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-statement-death-nolan-wells | Congressman Thompson Statement on the Death of Nolan Wells | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, United States Representative Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement: “I join civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton in their efforts to get all the information surrounding the circumstances of Nolan Wells' death. “Rumors continue to abound, and comments from local authorities have caused concern for many of us. “I encourage local authorities to cooperate fully with the family of Nolan Wells so that no stone is left unturned in determining the facts and circumstances surrounding his death. Social media is full of videos that require local authorities to thoroughly investigate this situation. That is why a full and transparent investigation is so important. “The family of Nolan Wells deserves nothing less than the truth.” | 1 | 2026-07-11T07:10:48Z | 2026-07-11T07:14:29Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-and-colleagues-announce-agreement-on-legislation-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable | Wicker and Colleagues Announce Agreement on Legislation to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil Accountable | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement today: “We are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon. As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine.” | 1 | 2026-07-11T07:10:48Z | 2026-07-11T07:14:29Z |
| https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2156 | Ezell Announces More Than $27 Million in Federal BUILD Grants for Mississippi's Fourth District | 2026-07-08 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | House | MS | Mike Ezell | E000235 | ezell.house.gov | ezell | https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that more than $27 million in Federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants have been awarded to two critical infrastructure projects in Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District. The grants include $22.1 million for the Mississippi Department of Transportation to expand truck parking and improve freight technology along the Interstate 10 corridor in Hancock County, as well as $5 million for the City of D'Iberville to improve the Mallett Road Multimodal Corridor in Harrison County. "These investments are a major win for South Mississippi and will strengthen our transportation infrastructure, improve public safety, and support continued economic growth across the Fourth District," Ezell said. "As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I understand the importance of keeping goods moving efficiently through our ports, highways, and freight corridors. These projects will help reduce congestion, improve safety for commercial drivers and the traveling public, and ensure our communities are well-positioned for future growth." The $22.1 million BUILD grant awarded to the Mississippi Department of Transportation will fund the Mississippi I-10 Freight Corridor TPAS and Truck Parking Expansion project at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase truck parking capacity from 20 spaces to approximately 74 while deploying advanced Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) technology, dynamic parking availability signs, and fiber-optic infrastructure to improve freight movement and driver safety along one of the Gulf Coast's busiest transportation corridors. The $5 million BUILD grant awarded to the City of D'Iberville will support the Mallett Road Multimodal Corridor Improvements project. The project includes widening Mallett Road, improving intersections, enhancing traffic flow, upgrading utilities and traffic signals, constructing new turn lanes, and adding a six-foot sidewalk to improve mobility and saf… | 1 | 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z | 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-more-16-million-federal-mental-health | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces More Than $1.6 Million in Federal Mental Health Funding for Mississippi | 2026-07-08 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded more than $1.6 million to Mississippi organizations to strengthen children's mental health services and expand behavioral health initiatives across the state. The grant awards include: Hinds County Mental Health Commission $710,256 for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) program. Mississippi State Department of Mental Health $641,713 for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) program. Mississippi State Department of Mental Health $315,783 for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support evidence-based behavioral health services, improve access to care, and strengthen community-based mental health programs for children and families. | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-1-million-usda-rural-development-grant | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $1 Million USDA Rural Development Grant for Alcorn State University | 2026-07-02 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved a $1,000,000 Community Facilities Grant for Alcorn State University. The funding, made available through Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending, will be used to renovate and equip computer labs, computational chemistry laboratories, business innovation labs, classrooms, faculty and staff offices, conference and meeting rooms, and study and collaboration spaces. | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-releases-independence-day-statement-nation-celebrates-its-250th-anniversary | HYDE-SMITH RELEASES INDEPENDENCE DAY STATEMENT AS NATION CELEBRATES ITS 250th ANNIVERSARY | 2026-07-02 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | “We are Always Strongest When We Come Together in Gratitude, Pride & Patriotism” VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues Statement Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued an Independence Day statement as Mississippians and citizens across the United States ramp up to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “This Fourth of July, I hope we will set aside our differences and reflect on the values that unite us as Americans,” Hyde-Smith said. “There is so much to celebrate in this remarkable nation, and we are always strongest when we come together in gratitude, pride, and patriotism.” Hyde-Smith’s complete Independence Day message: Hello, I’m U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. 250 years ago, a group of determined patriots put their names to a document that changed the course of history. Their bold declaration established our great nation, the United States of America. And because of them, the freedoms we enjoy today remain truly remarkable. We have the freedom to speak our minds, to worship as we please, to build a life for ourselves and our families, and to accomplish whatever we set our minds to. These are not small things. They are extraordinary gifts, and they did not come free. For 250 years, generations of brave Americans have answered the call to serve, defend, and preserve our nation. Many gave their lives so that future generations could continue to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that define America. As a grateful nation, we must always remember their sacrifice and honor their legacy. This Fourth of July, I hope we will set aside our differences and reflect on the values that unite us as Americans. There is so much to celebrate in this remarkable nation, and we are always strongest when we come together in gratitude, pride, and patriotism. May God bless you, may God bless Mississippi, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. Happy Fourth of July! ### | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-congressional-delegation-applauds-trump-approving-major-disaster-declaration-mississippi | MISS. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION APPLAUDS TRUMP FOR APPROVING MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSISSIPPI | 2026-07-02 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration after devastating tornadoes and severe weather struck the state on May 6 and 7, 2026. The approval will unlock federal resources to support recovery efforts. The declaration approves Individual Assistance for Lamar, Lincoln, Franklin, Lawrence, and Wilkinson counties and Public Assistance for Lamar, Lincoln, Franklin, and Lawrence counties. “We are grateful to President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help families, communities, and municipalities rebuild and recover from recent natural disasters,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement. Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. “The magnitude of the destruction has placed extraordinary strain on state and local resources, and the capabilities of volunteer and charitable organizations alone will not be sufficient to meet the long-term recovery needs of affected communities. Federal assistance will be critical to support the recovery of these communities,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. ### | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/7/wicker-welcomes-new-roadway-funding | Wicker Welcomes New Roadway Funding | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Roger F. Wicker | W000437 | www.wicker.senate.gov | wicker | https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Department of Transportation awarded Mississippi a total of $51,160,000 in three grants. These funds will support infrastructure investments such as roadway improvements, safety improvement measures, lane widening, and increased truck parking. “Roadways are the building blocks of a strong economy. These grants will help Mississippians do business, welcome tourists, and visit loved ones. I stand ready to help local leaders put these funds to work right away,” said Senator Wicker. “On behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I am pleased to be amongst several recipients for the USDOT Build grants. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for transportation in Mississippi. These BUILD grants will allow us to advance critical projects on both the state and local systems, continuing the progress Senator Wicker has championed for our state’s infrastructure over many years,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We’re grateful he shares MDOT’s vision of building and maintaining better roads for the people of Mississippi.” The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program provides competitive discretionary grants to support investments in nationally and regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, rail, transit, and multimodal freight infrastructure. Unlike formula programs, BUILD grants are awarded competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for the program, and, as the lead Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during consideration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, he helped secure significant additional authorized funding for BUILD grants. Mississippi was awarded the following grants: Mississippi Department of Transportation - $22,100,000 This project will construct truck parking and technology improvements alon… | 1 | 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z | 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-announces-173-million-make-improvements-nine-miss-airports | HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $17.3 MILLION TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT NINE MISS. AIRPORTS | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that nine municipal airfields in Mississippi have been awarded more than $17.3 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding. The 10 grants for Mississippi are among the Round 4 announcement of FY2026 AIP grants approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The awards meet the Airport Safety and Resilient Infrastructure Development (ASRID) eligibility and prioritization criteria. “Airport Improvement Program grants will allow more Mississippi airfields to maintain and improve their facilities, and to bring them into compliance with current safety standards. All this work is increasingly important as our state acts to attract more jobs and economic development,” Hyde-Smith said. ASRID supplemental funds were provided in the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4). Some AIP-funded construction projects will also be supported through separate airport infrastructure and terminal grant programs. The 10 AIP grants approved for Mississippi include: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport – $4,442,376 to acquire airfield pavement sweeper equipment, rehabilitate terminal apron and runway pavement, install a new airport rotating beacon, continue terminal apron pavement reconstruction, and replace the airfield lighting control and monitoring system Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport – $3,998,989 to extend Runway 36 and reconfigure Taxiway J connectors. Bruce Campbell Field, Madison – $3,972,510 ($3.7 million discretionary/$272,510 AIP) to continue runway rehabilitation. C.A. Moore Airport, Lexington – $1,550,000 ($950,000 discretionary/$600,000 AIP) to rehabilitate an existing runway. Key Field, Meridian – $1,289,688 to rehabilitate runway and taxiway pavement markings, reconstruct existing storm sewer infrastructure in runway safety area, and rehabilitate runway lighting. R… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-511-million-will-fund-three-major-transportation-projects-rankin-hancock-harrison | HYDE-SMITH: $51.1 MILLION WILL FUND THREE MAJOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN RANKIN, HANCOCK & HARRISON COUNTIES | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | U.S. Transportation Department Approves FY2026 BUILD Grant Funding for Mississippi WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced the award of $51.1 million in federal transportation grant funding for projects in Rankin, Hancock, and Harrison counties. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding three FY2026 Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants to Mississippi, including: $24 million to the City of Brandon for its U.S. Highway 80 Capacity and Safety Improvements Project; $22.1 million to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for an I-10 Freight Corridor Parking Availability System (TPAS) and Truck Parking Expansion Project; and $5.0 million grant to the City of D’Iberville for its Mallett Road Intermodal Corridor Improvements Project. “There’s no doubt that growth in the capital region and on the beautiful Gulf Coast requires significant infrastructure investments to keep pace and prepare for even greater growth. These BUILD grants for work in Rankin, Hancock, and Harrison counties are terrific news in terms of making Mississippi safer and accommodating to economic growth,” Hyde-Smith said. “I appreciate Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s consideration of these projects, which will make a big difference in my state.” Hyde-Smith wrote letters of support for Mississippi applications for these BUILD grants, which will support surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The City of Brandon project will involve roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements on U.S. Highway 80, including the addition of one west-bound lane, installation of a raised median with designated left-hand turn lanes, and sidewalk construction. The MDOT project in Hancock County will involve construction of truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. I… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-ask-usda-purchase-surplus-catfish-products | HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES ASK USDA TO PURCHASE SURPLUS CATFISH PRODUCTS | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Hyde-Smith Leads Letter Asking Ag. Sec. to Approve Section 32 Purchase of Surplus Farm-Raised Catfish Products WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and several of her colleagues today endorsed a request made by the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the industry by purchasing surplus catfish products. Hyde-Smith led a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins asking her to approve a request to purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish products through the Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Program. U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the correspondence. “The industry’s USDA Section 32 purchase request would provide needed relief by providing essential cash flow to farmers to help alleviate the severe financial strain imposed by inflationary pressures. USDA purchases of catfish would provide immediate relief and enable 2026 fish crops to be harvested and processed, while also supporting rural communities and providing nutritious, American-grown product to families, children, and those in need,” the Senators wrote. The Senators’ letter stresses the importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish producers to their states, with nearly $2.0 billion in economic output and more than 9,100 direct and indirect jobs affected by “a crisis of economic sustainability.” “The industry has been caught in a severe inflationary squeeze, particularly from 2023 to the present, fundamentally altering its production economics. This pressure has consistently driven the cost of producing U.S. farm-raised catfish above the prices farmers receive for their fish, leading to three continuous years of negative financial returns,” the Senators wrote. “The industry’s rising costs are dominated by the increasing expenses of key inputs, especially feed and energy, which represent the backbone of catfish farming operations.” Section 32 is a permanently authorized program that allows the U… | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-encourages-community-lenders-not-delay-applying-funding-following-omb-delays | HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY LENDERS NOT TO DELAY IN APPLYING FOR FUNDING FOLLOWING OMB DELAYS | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Hyde-Smith Led Senate Push for OMB Release of CDFI Application Details WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed hope that Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) banks in Mississippi will be able to successfully apply for federal grant and loan funding following months-long delays by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in releasing key application details. The OMB on Tuesday released Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) Program and the Small Dollar Loan (SDL) Program application materials following the receipt of an early June letter led by Hyde-Smith demanding progress. The NOFAs indicate a month-long application process. CDFI lending institutions use BEA and SDL resources to support primarily rural and underserved regions. “I appreciate OMB getting this data out and I encourage CDFI community lenders to act as quickly as possible to apply. I remain concerned that delays since April might put these lenders behind the eight ball in terms of securing the backing that they rely on to support small businesses and rural communities in Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith said. Established in 1994, the CDFI Fund enables certified lenders to leverage federal dollars with private-sector investment to bring much-needed financial resources to low-income and rural regions. These lenders use public and private partnerships to finance small businesses, affordable housing, and essential community services. Hyde-Smith led the June effort urging OMB Director Russell Voight to release BEA and SDL NOFAs. Ten Senators signed a letter to Vought noting that 80 percent of BEA funds are distributed to rural banks and are used to back billions in loans and investments to support small businesses, housing, and economic development in underserved areas. “We cannot express how strongly we believe the failure to immediately release the FY 2025 BEA and SDL NOFAs and application materials will result in the CDFI Fund having insufficient time to process applicati… | 1 | 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z | 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z |
| https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-fiscal-year-2026-nonprofit-security-grant | Congressman Thompson Announces Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | MS | Bennie G. Thompson | T000193 | benniethompson.house.gov | benniethompson | https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson announced Mississippi’s open application period for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The NSGP offers funding for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities for eligible nonprofit organizations anywhere in the country that are at heightened risk of a terrorist attack. Congressman Thompson has been a champion of the NSGP. Under his leadership as chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congress passed the Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism Act (P.L. No: 116-108), which Congressman Thompson sponsored. This legislation formally authorized the NSGP, increased NSGP funding, and made funds available to nonprofit organizations located in rural and urban areas. In 2022, Congress enacted the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022 (P.L. No: 117-263), which was also sponsored by Congressman Thompson. This legislation increased NSGP’s funding, strengthened its impact and effectiveness, and ensured greater resources to protect nonprofit organizations across the nation. “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides vital support to nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, enabling them to serve their communities free from fear and disruption. As violent threats against these institutions continue to rise at an alarming rate, it is essential that Federal resources remain available to strengthen security and ensure the safety of the communities they serve.” | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
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