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/remembering-mike-leach-executive-session,REMEMBERING MIKE LEACH (Executive Session),2022-12-20,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 198

(Senate - December 20, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to pay

tribute to a very special man who was held dear by many Mississippians,

Mississippi State University head coach Mike Leach, who passed away on

December 12, 2022.

Today, thousands of Mississippians and people from across the country

will gather in Starkville to celebrate the life of Mike Leach, who

began his coaching at Mississippi State in 2020.

Coach Leach's quirkiness, youthful spirit, and dynamic coaching style

immediately endeared him to football fans across my State. His likeable

and unique personality broke barriers among schools. Whether you were

cheering for Mississippi State, Jackson State, Ole Miss, Southern, or

any other school, you couldn't help but chuckle at the entertaining sideline

interviews or admire how his ""Air Raid"" offense was changing the

game.

Coach Leach was an attorney. He started his coaching career shortly

after graduating from law school. Mike Leach made a lasting impact on

the game of football, to be sure, but, more importantly, his

extraordinary leadership and passion for the game made a lasting impact

on his players, his colleagues, and his loved ones.

These remarks can't fully encompass Mike Leach's life as a husband,

father, grandfather, scholar, mentor, and charitable man. Still,

Mississippi is blessed to have been able to call Mike Leach one of our

own these past years.

While our State mourns, we remain grateful for the memories and the

stories his legacy leaves.

My heart goes out to his family and the entire Bulldog family.

Hail State, and rest in peace, Coach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-bill-cotter,TRIBUTE TO BILL COTTER,2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 190

(Senate - December 7, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Mr.

Bill Cotter for his service and contributions to the State of

Mississippi in his 23 years of service with the Hancock County Port and

Harbor Commission.

Bill is retiring as CEO, but his record of leadership with the

commission extends well beyond his latest role. In addition to CEO,

Bill has served as the director of Stennis International Airport, as

well as the chief operations officer for the facility as a whole, which

includes the airport, its surrounding commercial property, and the Port

Bienville Industrial Park, located on the Pearl River in southwest

Mississippi.

While advancing into greater positions of responsibility, Bill's

guidance helped the Hancock Port and Harbor Commission meet challenges

head-on and achieve enormous success. As airport director, Bill led

Stennis Airport's recovery from Hurricane Katrina, and he coordinated

the tasks necessary for transitioning the airfield into a disaster

response staging area during the BP Deepwater Horizon crisis.

Bill's contributions to the agency are also felt through his project

management undertakings. Since 2005, Bill has overseen nearly $40

million in capital improvements at Stennis International Airport, which

have proved invaluable in enabling the facility to serve as a resource

in meeting the aviation needs of both the military, businesses, and

industry.

The Port and Harbor Commission's maritime business has also thrived

under Bill's leadership. During his tenure as chief operating officer,

existing docks at Port Bienville were refurbished and improved, and

construction is underway on a new 600-foot dock.

The Hancock Port and Harbor Commission has consistently fulfilled its

economic development mission, and Bill is a big reason why. Through his

efforts, numerous companies have located on commission properties,

including the U.S. Department of Defense contractor Tyonek Service

Group, which performs a wide range of aircraft service operations and

has been a vital catalyst in the success of the Stennis International

Airport in attracting and serving military customers.

In conclusion, the value provided by Hancock Port and Harbor

Commission has been made more appealing through Bill's leadership and

hard work. The resulting economic growth and development is felt on

multiple layers throughout Hancock County and has brought about a

quality of life revered by residents and visitors alike.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/inflation-0,INFLATION,2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"INFLATION

Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 152

(Senate - September 21, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, over the past week, Americans were

hit once again with a grave inflation report. Worse, the American

people got more evidence of just how out of touch the White House and

congressional Democrats are with the damage inflation is doing to

families across the country.

We were all hoping President Biden's crushing inflation might show

signs of easing and give folks a chance to catch their breath after

months and months of watching their paychecks shrink. That is not what

happened at all. Inflation is up 8.3 percent from a year ago--a

disastrous number.

We are feeling the inflation in every aspect of our lives, from

paying utility bills to gassing up cars, to rent and insurance, and,

especially, to the basics like food. Grocery prices are up 13.5 percent

from this time last year, which is a crushing blow to most Americans

who visit their local store once a week, like I do. Milk is up 17

percent. Bread and chicken are up 16 percent. Eggs are up an outrageous

40 percent. And the list goes on and on.

I do my own shopping for my family, and I see this weekly, and it is

incredible. This is a reality, but President Biden appears to be living

in a very, very different reality. When the latest bad inflation

numbers were released last week, the President and Washington Democrats

threw a party on the White House lawn. That is right, a party--a lawn

party. The President and Democrats celebrated as the rest of us watched

the Dow plummet and received an inflation report confirming that this

is the worst year for food and electricity inflation since the fallout

from President Jimmy Carter.

What exactly did they celebrate? Their latest reckless, Big

Government spending bill.

I don't have to remind you that, just over a year ago, the Democrats

rammed through their $2 trillion spending spree despite economists

warning that it would be a catalyst for rampant inflation. Economists

warned us then, and they are warning us now, about the misnamed

Inflation Reduction Act; namely, that it won't do anything to ease

inflation, but it will certainly add to the deficit.

Apparently, hosting a big party is preferable than heeding these

nonpartisan warnings and getting to work to get our Nation back on the

right track.

When the ""Inflation Act"" was on the floor, Republicans tried

countless times to adopt solutions to tackle inflation, crime, and

secure our border. But our efforts were consistently shut down because

not one Senate Democrat could spare a penny from the Green New Deal.

No, they have their own priorities, and they are awfully out of touch

with the priorities of American families.

On Sunday, we were given more evidence that the President is living

in a completely different world than the rest of us. The President

appeared on ""60 Minutes,"" where he discussed several challenges

currently facing our Nation, only, according to him, our Nation is

doing swell. And indeed, the President seemed to paint a rosy picture

of little to no inflation and suggested we should be relieved by the

new inflation numbers.

When asked what he could do better and faster to help Americans get

some relief at the grocery store checkout line, he claimed inflation

was up ""hardly at all.""

""Hardly at all?"" Say that to parents paying 40 percent more for a

dozen of eggs just to feed their children breakfast. Say that to

workers who are watching their savings dwindle month after month

because their paychecks can't keep up with these prices. Say that to

the Americans who are just barely getting by in this economy.

President Biden, you may not have to visit the grocery store or pay

an electricity bill, but my constituents do.

Time and time again, the President and his allies in Congress have

proven he is out of touch with American priorities and in denial about

the real suffering and fears of the American people. They are right to

question whether they can still afford the leadership they are getting

out of the White House and the Democrat-led Congress.

It is high time for the President and Democrats to align their

priorities with those of the people, allow real solutions to be

considered on the Senate floor, and get out our economy back on its

feet.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-dr-thomas-e-dobbs-iii,"TRIBUTE TO DR. THOMAS E. DOBBS, III",2022-07-27,2022,2022-07,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125

(Senate - July 27, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I rise to express deep appreciation

for Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs, a friend and

leader to all of the frontline healthcare workers in my State.

Dr. Dobbs joined the Mississippi State Department of Health as the

State health officer in December 2018. After 3\1/2\ years and a global

pandemic that none of us saw coming, he will soon step down from his

role and return to the clinical side of medicine.

Mississippi's State health officer is responsible for directing

public health activities related to the State's many health challenges,

which included my State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Dobbs' experience and his expertise made him the perfect

professional to lead Mississippi through this pandemic. With a belief

that each person in Mississippi was his patient, Dr. Dobbs worked

tirelessly throughout his tenure to care for our nearly 3 million

residents. From the start, Dr. Dobbs was steadfast in informing and

advising citizens, policymakers, and healthcare providers on the best

practices to combat the deadly coronavirus. He never wavered despite

evolving challenges and so many tragic COVID-related deaths.

He is one of the country's most respected public health officers,

having earned a stellar reputation for his clinical work in the field

of infectious diseases. Dr. Thomas Dobbs proved himself to be the

leader Mississippi needed during a very difficult time. I am saddened

to see Dr. Dobbs leave the Mississippi State Department of Health, but

I am confident he will continue to do great things.

There are not enough thanks in the world that could cover all that

Dr. Dobbs has done for Mississippi, but I say from the bottom of my

heart, thank you, Dr. Dobbs. Your service and sacrifice on behalf of

Mississippi reflects well on you and your profession.

I am also grateful for his wife, Dr. Kim Dobbs, and their two sons,

Wyn and Max, for sharing so much of their husband and father during

this time.

As Dr. Dobbs departs the State department of health, I look forward

to continuing to work with him and the new State health officer, Dr.

Dan Edney, in making Mississippi healthier and happier.

Thank you again so much, Dr. Dobbs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/recognizing-ole-miss-rebels-and-pearl-river-community-wildcats-executive-calendar,RECOGNIZING OLE MISS REBELS AND THE PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY WILDCATS (Executive Calendar),2022-07-12,2022,2022-07,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 114

(Senate - July 12, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I also am very pleased to

congratulate the University of Mississippi baseball team on its recent

2022 NCAA World Series championship.

If there is anything an Ole Miss fan is sure of it is that the Rebels

love to keep you on the edge of your seat. Some fans were nervous when

the Rebels hit a midseason slump, but, boy, this talented team hit its

stride right at the perfect time.

The players knew all along they had it in them to take it all the

way. They even issued a warning in early May: Don't let the Rebels get

hot. Well, the Rebels did get hot, and they were able to be there to be

the team that no one saw coming and the team that no one could stop.

Their impressive and exciting run through this year's College World

Series speaks volumes to the Ole Miss baseball program, its leadership,

its players, and, of course, its fan base.

Mississippi's energy has been electric following the win, especially

at Ole Miss's first-ever national baseball championship this year

occurred after Pearl River Community College clinched the NJCAA

Division II baseball championship in June and after Mississippi State

University's win just last year.

Mississippi's sports culture is strong and it is not to be

underestimated. We take great pride in the legacy and inspiring example

of these young athletes and their coaches.

To the entire Rebel baseball family, thank you for your hard work and

dedication to the sport. To Ole Miss and to our great State,

congratulations and Hotty Toddy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:20:25Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-karen-goode,TRIBUTE TO KAREN GOODE,2022-06-14,2022,2022-06,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 101

(Senate - June 14, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is an honor to pay tribute

today to Ms. Karen Goode, who has retired after 47 years of dedicated

public service with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional

Office in Jackson, MS. Since becoming a U.S. Senator in 2018, I have

come to appreciate Ms. Goode who has earned consistent high praise from

my State office staff responsible for assisting veterans with their VA

claims. Karen's knowledge, responsiveness, reliability, and

trustworthiness have enabled me to serve Mississippi's veterans

better and more effectively, and I am very thankful to her for that.

Karen began her career with the VA in 1975 in a clerical position

with the finance department. A GS-3 at the time she was hired, Karen is

retiring as a GS-13 supervisory veterans service representative, which

is evidence of her meritorious work leading to continual promotions

throughout her Federal civil service career. In the process, she

acquired the knowledge and skill sets for processing all claims for

compensation, pension, education, vocational, and rehabilitation. Ms.

Goode's thorough understanding of the claims review process, along with

her excellent management skills, propelled her into key senior

leadership roles that led her to supervising seven different employee

teams over her VA career.

Ms. Goode's high degree of professionalism earned her multiple

special recognitions. At the recommendation of the veterans service

center manager, Karen in 2006 served as the representative for the

southern area on a quality assurance detail HELP team in Washington,

DC. In 2012, at the completion of a designated special project as

quality team coach, Karen obtained Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

designation.

Even though Congress writes the laws regarding veterans' benefits, it

is up to teams set up within the VA to review veterans' claims and

determine if they are eligible for benefits. It can be a complex and

lengthy process, which I highly respect. Covering a broad range of

benefit categories, I understand the effectiveness in which VA team

member groups review and process claims can differ greatly. Despite

exercising most of her leadership away from the public eye,

Mississippi's veterans are fortunate to have been served by Ms. Karen

Goode for so many years working in this capacity. She has been

unwavering in her commitment to ensuring that Mississippi's veterans

receive the benefits to which they are entitled under the law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-patrick-johnson-jr,"TRIBUTE TO PATRICK JOHNSON, JR.",2022-06-09,2022,2022-06,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 99

(Senate - June 9, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I am pleased to commend Mr.

Patrick Johnson, Jr., of Tunica, MS, for his service and contributions

to the State of Mississippi while serving as the 86th president of

Delta Council.

Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting

agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve

problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta

region, which encompasses 19 counties in northwest Mississippi.

Mr. Johnson has worked tirelessly this year to advance the priorities

of Delta Council, including farm policy, economic development, flood

control, and education. As a partner in Cypress Brake Planting Company,

Tunica Air, Inc., and Buck Island Seed Company, he knows all too well

the challenges producers currently face with increased costs and

volatility in the agricultural industry. As a member of the Mississippi

Commission on Environmental Quality, he is dedicated to helping find

solutions to the Delta's groundwater and alluvial aquifer issues so

that future generations can continue to produce crops and enjoy the

recreation that is such a large part of the rich history of the

Mississippi Delta. Mr. Johnson also understands the importance of

economic development to the viability of the Delta and that, through

efforts like Delta Strong, the region will continue to successfully

attract new opportunities.

Mr. Johnson assumed the role of Delta Council president during a time

characterized by difficulties, such as the ongoing and disruptive

pandemic, rising inflation, and many other challenges. Patrick Johnson

has been a steady and calm leader over the past year and has

contributed his vast knowledge and service to many critical issues

during his tenure as president.

Outside of his time spent working on his farm and serving Delta

Council, Mr. Johnson contributes his time as a leader to many valuable

organizations. He serves as a Mississippi Department of Environmental

Quality commissioner, National Cotton Council Environmental Task Force

member, American Cotton Producers Farm Bill Task Force chairman, and

Tunica County Chamber of Commerce member. In addition to serving as a

member of Delta F.A.R.M., Mr. Johnson has also served on the Tunica

County Farm Service Agency Committee and is a past director of the

Tunica County Farm Bureau. Mr. Johnson and his wife, Emily, are members

of Tunica Presbyterian Church where he sings in the choir.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:13:54Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/national-police-week-3,NATIONAL POLICE WEEK,2022-05-01,2022,2022-05,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 81

(Senate - May 12, 2022) PDF

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, every single day, law enforcement

officers across the Nation put on a badge and leave for work to protect

and serve our families and communities, not knowing if they will return

to their own. Whether it be by ensuring safety on our roadways or

responding to life-or-death crises, these brave men and women

consistently honor their solemn oath in safeguarding the people of this

blessed Nation.

As we commemorate 2022 National Law Enforcement Week, we offer

special honors for the 619 officers our Nation lost last year in the

line of duty, sadly including officers from Mississippi. This week is

dedicated to remembering their ultimate sacrifice, which is dearly felt

by loved ones, friends, and entire communities.

Law enforcement officers have remained steadfast in their commitment

to serve, even when faced with harsh, unfair criticism, scrutiny, and

limited resources. Their ability to carry out their already stressful

duties in such a challenging and sometimes hostile environment is

remarkable.

I want to make it known to all the law enforcement officers across

the State of Mississippi and around the country that I greatly admire

you for your rock solid tenacity and loyalty throughout such

challenges. I will continue to work to ensure you have what you need to

do your job.

These officers, who are truly hometown heroes, are strongholds in our

communities, and the loss of any officer is deeply felt by all. This

Police Week, we honor and mourn five heroes from Mississippi, officers

who died in the line of duty in 2021.

Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Trooper John Martin Harris, 44,

died on May 28, 2021, after a vehicle struck him during a traffic stop.

Harris' childhood dream was to be a policeman and serve his community.

Having earned two Purple Hearts throughout his 24-year law enforcement

career is a testament to his dedication, bravery, and selflessness. He

leaves behind his wife and his two children.

Jefferson Davis County Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick ""Pat"" Barnes,

50, lost his life on April 10, 2021, after he sustained injuries in a

single vehicle car crash while responding to a call for assistance from

another agency. Barnes' passion for law enforcement began while working

in security. He joined and graduated from the police academy in 2017

and began his career with Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's department

shortly thereafter. He leaves behind his wife, four children, and his

grandchildren.

Hancock County Lieutenant Michael Anthony Boutte, Sr., was tragically

shot and killed after responding to an emergency situation involving a

suicidal man who turned his weapon onto arriving deputies. He died on

February 1, 2021, at the age of 57. Before his law enforcement career,

Boutte served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was deployed during

Operation Desert Storm. Boutte is survived by his wife, his child, his

step-children, and his grandchildren.

Deputy Sheriff Bobby Daffin of George County Sheriff's Office passed

away August 12, 2021, following a battle with COVID-19. He was 37 years

old. Daffin served his community for 14 years and had recently served

as a narcotics agent for the Southeast Mississippi Narcotics Task

Force. He leaves behind a young daughter.

Hinds County Sheriff Lee D. Vance, 63, lost his life from

cardiorespiratory failure as a result of COVID-19 on August 3, 2021.

Vance, who has always had a love for the city of Jackson, served as

Jackson police chief from 2014-2017 and was later elected Hinds County

Sheriff in 2019. He leaves behind four daughters, a son, and numerous

grandchildren.

We also honor the lives of many officers, whose stories of sacrifice

had been lost to history until now.

In addition to these recent losses, the National Law Enforcement

Officers Memorial will include the name of Deputy Town Marshal Walker

Cobb of Saucier, MS. At the age of 41, Cobb was fatally shot on

December 25, 1903, while attempting to arrest an impaired suspect for

disorderly conduct. More than a century later, his loss and sacrifice

will be remembered.

Throughout our Nation's history, our men and women in blue have often

risked personal peril to safeguard their fellow citizens, and we owe

them our staunch support. As we mark National Police Week, let us

acknowledge our debt to these fallen officers and recommit ourselves to

support them and their families, especially when tragedy strikes.

I will continue to be an advocate for law enforcement professionals

and do all I can to honor the legacy of those lost in the line of duty.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z