url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/celebrating-50th-anniversary-historic-us-moon-landing,Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Historic U.S. Moon Landing,2019-07-17,2019,2019-07,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate - July 17, 2019)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleagues in commemorating the 50th anniversary of American astronauts becoming the first humans to walk on the Moon.

It was 50 years ago that the United States met one of the biggest challenges it had ever set for itself. Through determination, hard work, invention, and innovation, the United States fulfilled President Kennedy’s vision of reaching the Moon before the end of the 1960s.

I remember that time very well, for July 16, 1969, was my dad’s 37th birthday. We were vacationing in Florida, at the Spyglass Inn on the beach. We were so excited to be close to Merritt Island, FL, where Apollo 11 was being launched. We were in our hotel room, watching the television. That is one vacation I will never forget. As a young girl, I remember watching those first astronauts step foot on the Moon. It was with great awe that I watched Apollo 11 lift off from the Earth and watched the lunar module land safely on the surface of the Moon. With a lot of amazement, I watched Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as they announced “the Eagle has landed” and then as they took those first brave steps on the Moon. It was with great pride that I watched them plant the American flag on the Moon.

Those brave NASA astronauts of the Apollo program today continue to serve as an inspiration that we are capable of anything we set our minds to. Equally important is the reminder that those astronauts could not have reached the Moon without their having the support of the thousands of men and women who were both in NASA and in the aerospace industry. It is a reminder that we are at our best when we work together.

While NASA’s mission has changed and evolved over the last 60 years, the aerospace industry continues to play a vital role in our quest for knowledge and America’s national security mission.

In my home State of Mississippi, we are very proud of the conspicuous roles our citizens play in our Nation’s space exploration and endeavors. Since the earliest days of America’s space program, Mississippi has played an important role in the quest to explore the stars.

For more than 50 years, the John C. Stennis Space Center, in Hancock County, MS, has dutifully tested and approved NASA’s largest rocket engines, including the Saturn V rockets that took our astronauts to the Moon and, later, the engines for the space shuttle program. Stennis is today testing engines and rocket stages for NASA’s Space Launch System, which will again take humans beyond low-Earth orbit. I am pleased, much like in the Apollo days, that Mississippi has an important role in the SLS program. As we are fond of reminding everyone, “The road to space goes through Mississippi.”

However, Stennis isn’t only known for its rocket testing to support NASA missions; it also proudly bears the title of the “Federal City” and is one of the Federal Government’s best places to work. With a 13,800-acre area that is surrounded by a 125,000-acre buffer zone, it has allowed dozens of our Federal and private sector tenants to take advantage of its unique isolation and security to serve our Nation’s interest across many sectors, perhaps most notably in the field of oceanography and meteorology.

The meteorological and oceanographic modeling and forecasting capabilities at Stennis provide naval commanders with the information they need to make good decisions that affect the safety of ships and sailors around the world every single day. The Navy’s largest supercomputer is located at Stennis.

The unique Federal city of Stennis Space Center covers exploration from the bottom of the ocean to the far reaches of the universe. It is America’s largest rocket test complex--an impressive tsunami and weather buoy production site--and is a place where elite Naval Special Warfare personnel conduct highly advanced riverine and jungle training by using cutting-edge unmanned systems technology. Stennis also houses several private initiatives, such as Aerojet Rocketdyne’s engine assembly facility, Lockheed Martin’s Mississippi Space & Technology Center, a Rolls Royce test facility, and Relativity Space. The national and international scope of work that takes place at Stennis every day creates a local, direct economic impact of nearly $600 million and has nearly $1 billion in its global impact.

As we mark this 50th anniversary, I am pleased that Stennis Space Center is helping to inspire, encourage, and prepare students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math-related careers--the talents we will need to get to Mars and beyond.

Since its inception more than 60 years ago, NASA has pioneered scientific discovery and captivated the Nation. These capabilities are especially important in today’s world, where innovation and fostering an interest among our youth in the science, technology, mathematics, and engineering fields are vital to the United States’ continuing to be a success in this world.

I am proud that Mississippi plays a vital role in our Nation’s work to meet the technological challenges of today and tomorrow. This work occurs not only at Stennis Space Center but also at so many other related businesses across the State of Mississippi.

The people of Mississippi look with pride at our role in the United States’ having reached the Moon 50 years ago, and we look forward to the decades ahead when the testing, technology, and innovation taking place in our State helps the American space program reach new, monumental achievements. I believe the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing can and should inspire generations of people around the world to explore and push the boundaries of what they believe to be possible.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:32:25Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-thomas-oloughlin,Tribute to Thomas O’Loughlin,2019-05-23,2019,2019-05,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate - May 23, 2019)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, each Memorial Day we, as Americans, take time to honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country, from those who died in the creation of this great Nation to those who today risk their lives in the most dangerous corners of the world.

As we approach this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor the heroes still among us who served in the Second World War. There are fewer than half a million of these veterans still living, and we lose more than 300 every day.

These men and women of the World War II era are truly heroes here among us. In the great battle between good and evil, these heroes advanced over rough terrain against bombs and bullets and tanks.

Today, their battle is against the unrelenting march of time and the inescapable effects of aging. For these veterans, whose valor many of us only know from history books or movies, we still have the opportunity and sacred duty to express our gratitude, so we honor them as we aspire to be greater than we are. If we desire to serve more than ourselves, we must honor them.

On this Memorial Day, I take time to draw special attention to one of these heroes, who is now hospitalized in Mississippi.

Ninety-four years ago, Thomas O’Loughlin was born in an Irish-Catholic community in New Jersey. When his country called him to war, Tom responded and made his first trip to Mississippi, courtesy of the U.S. Army, for training at Camp Shelby. He deployed to the European Theater where, in January 1944, he was captured by the Axis forces and held as prisoner of war for more than a year before liberation.

Following the war, Tom served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals. One of the prisoners in his charge was Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess.

Following the Nuremberg Trials, Tom continued serving his country in the Armed Forces, once again serving in combat with the 811th Engineer Aviation Battalion assigned to the Fifth Air Force in Korea. He returned to civilian life in 1952, eventually making his way back to Mississippi. Keeping his Jersey accent and Irish sparkle, Tom made Mississippi his home and married Rachel Pitts, a Southern belle. They settled down in Laurel, MS, and like many members of the Greatest Generation, Tom dedicated himself to serving his community as a sponsor for those facing addiction. Even now, he calls from his hospital bed to encourage sobriety and offer support to those who still turn to him for help.

To honor Tom O’Loughlin, I had a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. I pray his health returns, and I ask we all offer prayers of gratitude for Tom and the other World War II veterans across our country, for they truly are heroes here among us.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:25:46Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/national-police-week,National Police Week,2019-05-14,2019,2019-05,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate - May 14, 2019)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, in commemoration of National Police Week, families from across the country are gathering in Washington to pay respect to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year.

Mississippi tragically lost four officers who are being recognized this week at ceremonies in Mississippi and here in the Nation’s Capital.

On May 17, 2018, Officer Emmett Paul Morris, 61, of Louin, was killed in a car crash. Having served the Raleigh and Reservoir Police Departments, Officer Morris was described as “a kind man who had the spirit of service.”

Patrolman LeAnn Simpson of Philadelphia, MS, died in an automobile crash while responding to a call on November 24, 2018. She was just 23 years old. Prior to joining the Philadelphia Police Department, Simpson was a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

The loss of two other officers from Mississippi last year has special significance to me because they had dedicated themselves to protecting my hometown of Brookhaven in Lincoln County, MS.

Officers James Kevin White, 35, of Sontag, and Corporal Walter Zachery Marshall Moak, 31, of Brookhaven, lost their lives in a terrible standoff on September 29, 2018.

Corporal Moak served with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office before serving with the Wesson and Brookhaven Police Departments.

Officer White, in addition to being a police officer, served in Iraq with the Mississippi National Guard.

I join the families and communities of these four Mississippi officers in remembering their lives and expressing sincere gratitude for their service.

Sadly, their sacrifice did not end our losses in Mississippi. Mississippians just yesterday, this past Monday, paused to mourn a veteran Biloxi police officer, Robert McKeithen, as he was laid to rest after being gunned down outside the police station on May 5, 2019--last Sunday.

These officers and Trooper Kenneth “Josh” Smith of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, along with the more than 160 officers from around the country who lost their lives, deserve national recognition.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to help keep us safe, and any loss of an officer deeply affects entire communities. I greatly admire members of the law enforcement community who remain steadfast in the dangers of their noble profession. We acknowledge their brave service and fortify our support of their work to protect our families and our communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:25:46Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/disaster-relief,Disaster Relief,2019-05-09,2019,2019-05,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"DISASTER RELIEF

Congressional Record (Senate - May 09, 2019)

Mr. President, I also rise to speak on behalf of thousands of Mississippians who have been affected by catastrophic flooding and other natural disasters this year. Their plight and the unmet

commitment made to them long ago provide us an opportunity to evaluate how we as public servants meet the expectations of the people.

On February 25, 2019, the Governor of Mississippi declared a state of emergency due to strong storms, torrential rainfall, and severe flooding. Homes, property, businesses, and public infrastructure had been damaged statewide. On April 23, President Trump granted a major disaster declaration for the State of Mississippi to help communities recover from these events. I am grateful for the President's actions.

A large portion of West Central Mississippi is experiencing the worst flood records since 1973. On April 1, more than 512,000 acres were flooded. Now, a little more than a month later, more than 488,000 acres in this highly productive agricultural region are still underwater, with conditions forecasted to get worse before they improve. To put that into perspective, these floodwaters span nearly 762 square miles as we speak. This flooding is affecting homes, roads, bridges, churches, schools, and the overall health and public safety of area residents. Septic tanks are overflowing. Snakes are in houses. The bloated bodies of drowned deer, bear, hogs, and other wildlife float in stagnant water. The residents of Mississippi's Eagle Lake are basically on an island. If someone needs emergency healthcare, it is virtually impossible for an ambulance to get to them.

Further, hundreds of thousands of acres of prime agriculture and timberland will suffer significant damage or simply go unplanted this season. The economic impact on agriculture alone will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

I observed the magnitude of the flooding and damages firsthand in a flyover with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a month ago. The situation on the ground is no different today. It is truly heartbreaking to see. While the full extent of damage can't be assessed until the floodwaters recede and residents can return to their homes, Mississippians, along with those in the Midwest experiencing similar challenges, need relief also.

I commend the Appropriations Committee chairman and vice chairman for their continued efforts to reach an agreement on an emergency funding measure to help individuals and communities recover from natural disasters. I am especially grateful for their willingness to consider expanding the scope of the legislation to address the 2019 natural disasters. Federal assistance alone will not solve all the problems, and a long road to recovery lies ahead. However, disaster supplemental legislation will provide a very important first step.

The outcome of the push and pull over disaster assistance highlights the need for us, as elected representatives, to consistently evaluate the Federal Government's performance on delivering promises to the American people. I cannot speak for others, but Mississippians would like to see more action and less acting from their leaders in Washington. Our Nation's environmental review and permitting process for infrastructure projects is the epitome of a flawed and broken bureaucracy in desperate need of repair.

President Trump's Executive orders to expedited environmental reviews and approvals for high-priority infrastructure projects speak to the American public's frustration toward Washington and the never-ending bureaucratic red tape carried over from the Obama administration. I am grateful this administration has taken a strong stance to bring common sense to government operations. It should not take years and numerous acts of Congress to expand and deepen ports or tackle important infrastructure projects that would generate jobs and add billions to our Nation's economy. It should not take decades and numerous acts of Congress to complete critical flood control projects that will protect the lives and property of Americans while preventing the need for multibillion-dollar disaster measures. Congress should make it abundantly clear that one Federal Agency should not be able to prevent or delay another Federal Agency from delivering critical flood protections specifically authorized by the legislative branch. There are numerous examples of this--what most Americans consider bad government--across the country. The catastrophic flooding taking place in Mississippi is a prime example of one Agency that has worked at odds with another to the detriment of the public. So many Mississippians are exasperated by the fact that they are losing their homes and way of making a living, all the while knowing it could have been prevented.

The Federal Government has yet to put in place the flood control improvement it has promised area residents since 1941. The fact is, they have made it worse. Make no mistake, today's flooding in Mississippi should not be happening. It is time for the Federal Government to step up and make good on its promises. It is time for the Federal Government to listen to the people in need of help and to help them.

Over the past seven decades, significant taxpayer dollars have been invested in the Lower Mississippi River Valley to construct a comprehensive, systematic flood control solution, which today consists of levees, drainage channels, and floodgates. The last remaining feature of this 77-year effort remains unconstructed due to the excessive, overburdensome regulations and red tape. Because of this, Mississippians are once again losing their homes and businesses, roads and bridges are being destroyed, and wildlife is dying--their habitat lost to contaminated floodwaters.

I bring this to the attention of my colleagues because passage of disaster legislation is vital to my constituents and millions of people across the country. I also call attention to this situation to encourage us to strive to do a much better job in delivering for the American people. That is what our constituents expect, and that is what they deserve.

I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:25:46Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/honoring-robert-mckeithen,Honoring Robert McKeithen,2019-05-09,2019,2019-05,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate - May 09, 2019)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I respect the time-honored practice of this body which encourages new Members to listen and observe before speaking on the floor. There is value in humility--knowing when to talk and when to listen.

First, let me say it is a great privilege to represent the people of Mississippi in the United States Senate. I am working hard to support the needs of all Mississippians and to justify the confidence placed in me by the people of my great State.

Today I rise to speak on several important topics. First and foremost, I rise to honor Officer Robert McKeithen, a 24-year-decorated veteran of the Biloxi Police Department who lost his life in the line of duty this past Sunday night, May 5.

Officer McKeithen was described by his chief as “an unbelievably fine policeman.” He was an Air Force veteran, a husband, and a father who dedicated his life to serving the people of Biloxi, my State, and our Nation. His loss is a tragedy and a stark reminder that law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep us safe. Officer McKeithen's family, colleagues, and friends certainly have my deepest sympathy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:25:46Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-lieutenant-commander-steven-davies,Tribute to Lieutenant Commander Steven Davies,2019-04-09,2019,2019-04,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate - April 09, 2019)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I am pleased to commend LCDR Steven Davies for his dedication to duty and service as a U.S. Coast Guard congressional fellow on my staff. Steve was recently selected to serve as executive officer of USCGC Thetis and will soon depart to fulfill that important responsibility.

A native of Lebanon, PA, Steve was commissioned after his graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in management, served as vice president of his class, and captained the men’s soccer team. He is in the process of earning a master’s degree.

Steve has served in a broad range of assignments during his Coast Guard career. He has served overseas in Kuwait and deployed with Patrol Forces Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, conducted national security missions on five ships in the Arabian Gulf. In addition to deployments overseas, he has served in vital roles in support of U.S. security interests. As commanding officer of USCGC Sailfish, he led search and rescue operations and various law enforcement missions in the Port of New York and New Jersey. As Commanding Officer of USCGC Kathleen Moore, Steve led a 26-person crew that interdicted $18 million of cocaine and nearly 700 undocumented migrants attempting to reach the United States.

Most recently, Steve served as the congressional fellow on my staff and, prior to that, for the Honorable Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Steve’s operational experience in the Gulf of Mexico, Southwest Asia, and the Arabian Gulf, in addition to his technical expertise in counterdrug and migrant interdictions, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement missions, have been pivotal in helping to shape Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard appropriations for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

As a congressional fellow, he has served the State of Mississippi, the Coast Guard, and our Nation admirably. My staff and I have enjoyed the benefit of Steve’s counsel and have truly enjoyed working with him. Steve’s leadership has brought great credit to the Coast Guard, and I appreciate and commend his commitment to continue to serve our nation.

It is a pleasure to recognize and thank LCDR Steve Davies for his service to this country. My staff and I extend our gratitude to Steve and wish him “Fair winds and following seas”‘ as he continues his journey in the U.S. Coast Guard.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:23:17Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-woods-eastland,Tribute to Woods Eastland,2019-03-23,2019,2019-03,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate – March 23, 2019)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Woods Eastland of Indianola, MS, for his service and contributions while serving as the 83rd president of Delta Council.

Founded in 1935, Delta Council is a widely respected economic development organization representing business, professional, and agricultural leaders in the Delta region of Mississippi. I commend the Delta Council for its continuing role in improving the quality of life in this unique part of our Country.

Woods Eastland's tenure as Delta Council president began in June 2018. Under Mr. Eastland's leadership, the Delta region has benefitted from his extensive experience in farm policy, water resource issues, and economic and community development, among other major issues that Delta Council addresses.

Mr. Eastland graduated from Vanderbilt University and earned a juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi. A Navy veteran, Eastland began farming following his military service. He was also CEO of StaplCotn for over 24 years, where he led the largest cotton marketing firm in the United States, headquartered in Greenwood, MS. Upon his retirement, he became Chairman of the Board for another 8 years. In addition to Delta Council, Eastland serves his church, community, and Delta region through numerous leadership roles.

I am pleased to offer congratulations to Woods Eastland and to share this appreciation with his wife Lynn, their two children, and grandchildren, at the time of the 84th annual meeting of the membership of Delta Council in June.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:20:25Z