url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/merry-christmas,Merry Christmas,2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,harper.house.gov,,,legacy,"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Dear Friend, As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, let us remember that the holiday season is also about family and the love we share for each other. It’s about gathering together to share in the traditions that we hold dear, not only as a family or a community, but as a nation. As we do that, let us not forget to express our gratitude to the men and women who serve or have served our country in the protection of our freedoms. And as we celebrate the most important reason—the Christ child who was born in a stable and brought forgiveness and peace, take a moment to help the people around you who may be having a difficult time and please extend your generosity. Scripture reminds us in 1 John 4:9, “In this way the love of God was revealed to us; God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.” I, along with Sidney, Livingston, Maggie, and my Congressional staff, wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress Posted: December 25, 2015",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398482,Palazzo Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after passage of the 2015 omnibus appropriations bill: “The omnibus passed by the House today is a huge victory for South Mississippi. It provides $1 billion for the LPD-28 amphibious assault ship, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding right here in Pascagoula. Not only is this ship required by the Marine Corps, its construction will directly protect more than 3,000 shipbuilding jobs along the Mississippi coast. ""This was a team effort, and without the hard work of Senator Cochran and Senator Wicker, as well as our House delegation, this outcome would not have been possible.” The 2015 Consolidated Appropriations Act funds the federal government through the fiscal year, with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded through February.  Congressman Palazzo successfully secured authorization for the LPD-28 in the 2015 Defense Authorization bill, which was appropriated through today’s legislation.  The LPD was not originally included in the President’s budget.  The ship will maintain more than 3,000 jobs at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss.  It’s economic impact to the region could be as much as 2 billion dollars. The omnibus contains several provisions favorable to Mississippi, including a prohibition on the Army transfer of Apache helicopters from MS National Guard units, funding for the payments-in-lieu-of-taxes program utilized by counties and school districts, and language proposed by Rep. Palazzo and Rep. Cassidy that prevents the administration from implementing new Flood Risk Management Standards. ### Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States awarded Palazzo with the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.  He is also a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Space Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=65ddc4d3-d341-481f-8755-4a750a492cd1,"ROSE COCHRAN, WIFE SENATOR THAD COCHRAN, PASSES AWAY",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rose Cochran, the wife of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), passed away peacefully Friday morning in Ridgeland, Miss.  Services for Mrs. Cochran are pending. Senator Cochran and his family extend their gratitude to those who cared for Mrs. Cochran during her extended illness. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ab33c98c-0ff6-437a-bc60-423c43dbc1f9,YELLOW CREEK PORT TRANSFER BILL TO BECOME LAW,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today gave final congressional approval to legislation sponsored by the Mississippi congressional delegation to make property in Tishomingo County available to Mississippi for economic development. The Senate approved HR.3044 by unanimous consent on Thursday, clearing an important hurdle for this legislation authorizing the transfer of Yellow Creek Port properties in Iuka from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), on behalf of the United States, to the State of Mississippi. HR.3044 is a companion bill to Yellow Creek legislation (S.212) authored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).  HR.3044, introduced by Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), was passed by the House of Representatives in September.  HR.3044 will now be sent to the White House to be signed into law. “We want to allow the state to maximize the economic potential of the Yellow Creek Port.  This legislation would create more opportunities for cooperation between the State of Mississippi and the TVA to attract more jobs and industry to north Mississippi,” Cochran said.  “I appreciate the coordinated efforts of our entire delegation, especially Representative Nunnelee, to get this jobs bill enacted before the end of the 113th Congress.” “The transfer of this land to state control should open up new opportunities for economic development and job creation in north Mississippi,” Wicker said. “I am pleased that we were able to get this bill across the finish line.” “I appreciate the work of my Senate colleagues to get H.R. 3044 to the President’s desk,” Nunnelee said.  “The Mississippi manufacturing sector has a bright future, and the approval of this 173 acre land transfer allows our state to remain competitive and attract new business.  Giving the state the ability to more efficiently manage the port will further job creation and economic development in the area.” The legislation authorizes the TVA to transfer an estimated 173 acres of the Yellow Creek Port to the State of Mississippi for commercial and manufacturing development.  The Mississippi legislature in 2011 approved a bill authorizing the state to receive the property pending a successful environmental assessment.  Economic development is among the missions given to the TVA when it was created in 1933 as a public power provider to the Tennessee Valley region that includes North Mississippi. The TVA, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Yellow Creek Port, and the Tombigbee River Water Management District all supported the property transfer as S.212 was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in June and as HR.3044 was advanced by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in July. HR.3044 was also cosponsored by Congressmen Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e14f865b-08f9-42bb-8d75-953775ab5040,"FEMA OKAYS $3.90 MILLION FOR LOUISVILLE, WINSTON CO. DEBRIS REMOVAL",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, and Representative Alan Nunnelee, all R-Miss., today reported that more than $3.90 million in federal funding is being made available to recoup the cost of tornado damage debris removal in Louisville and Winston County. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed the Mississippi lawmakers that two FEMA Disaster Recovery Fund grants have been approved to continue to offset recovery costs associated with the fatal tornado that hit Louisville and Winston County in late April.  The federal disaster agency is providing $2.16 million in federal funding for debris removal costs in Louisville and $1.73 million for the same work in Winston County. “Debris removal is a necessary part of any disaster recovery process, particularly when the damage is as severe as that experienced by the citizens of Louisville and Winston County,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA.  “I’m pleased that these grants have been approved, and I will continue working to ensure that FEMA and other federal agencies are responsive to our ongoing recovery needs.” “These grants will help facilitate an important part of the recovery effort in Louisville and Winston County,” said Wicker.  “Clearing debris moves Mississippi families one step closer to getting their lives back to normal.  FEMA has done a commendable job in equipping communities with the resources they need to make a difference in people’s lives.” “Following the devastating tornado that hit Winston County last April, I saw firsthand the massive amount of debris that was left in its path,” said Nunnelee.  “Debris removal is costly and often one of the most visible steps in returning back to normal life. I am glad this grant will help Mississippi residents as they continue to rebuild.” Both public assistance grants will cover 81 percent of the costs associated with the total project cost for both Louisville ($2.17 million) and Winston County ($2.70 million).  The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will cover the remaining 19 percent of the cost, pursuant to a law approved during a special session of the legislature following the storm.  FEMA Public Assistant Grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398481,Chairman Palazzo Celebrates Successful Orion Launch,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Chairman Palazzo Celebrates Successful Orion Launch f t # e Washington, December 5, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space, released a statement today following the successful launch of the Orion Spacecraft: Today's launch of the Orion Spacecraft was another victory for NASA and another momentous step for the future of space exploration. I applaud NASA as well as their partners who aided in the process of today's successful mission including Stennis Space Center, who tested the rocket engines, and Huntington Ingalls, whose LPD retrieved the capsule. Continued exploration is the key to returning to the moon and achieving a manned mission to Mars. That is why I remain committed to a roadmap for NASA that provides a detailed plan and focused budget to ensure the ongoing success of our space program. ### Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. He is a recipient of the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee. Palazzo is also a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Space Subcommittee. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=26098adf-2e31-47c7-ad9f-092b6245abf0,VICKSBURG MILITARY PARK & CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS MEASURES ADVANCE,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two legislative measures sponsored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) to improve the protection of military battlefields are advancing toward enactment as the Congress works to complete the 113th Congress. Cochran’s Champion Hill, Port Gibson and Raymond Battlefield Addition Act (S.305) and the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act (HR.1033/S.916) have been incorporated into the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday.  The Senate is expected to take up the defense policy bill next week.  Both battlefield measures were cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). “The preservation of hallowed ground in the United States honors those who sacrificed their lives and creates opportunities for all of us to learn more about the historic battles that helped shape our nation,” Cochran said.  “I am pleased that the Congress is acting to help us preserve additional sites in Mississippi associated with the Civil War.” “Our nation’s historic battlefields serve as important reminders of the sacrifices made by our forefathers,” Wicker said.  “I am proud to stand with Senator Cochran to help safeguard these important Civil War sites in Mississippi.”  The Champion Hill, Port Gibson and Raymond Battlefield Addition Act, introduced by Cochran in February 2013, would expand the Vicksburg National Military Park by authorizing the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire approximately 10,000 acres of property deemed significant to the long-term preservation of historic Civil War battlefield sites in Claiborne and Hinds counties. The Vicksburg battlefield measure specifies that any purchases must be acquired through voluntary sales, donations or exchanges.  It addresses three different parcels:  the Port Gibson Unit in Claiborne County, and the Raymond Unit and Champion Hill Unit, both in Hinds County.  Designated “modified core battlefield” sites by the NPS, these properties also encompass several historic homes, such as the Shaifer House at Port Gibson and the Coker House at Champion Hill.  The NPS would assume maintenance and security responsibilities for these structures if they are ultimately included in the Military Park. The American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act is a bipartisan measure introduced in the Senate last year by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Cochran.  It would reauthorize the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program (CWBPP) at current funding levels through 2021 and continue to provide competitive federal grants to match private and non-profit donations.  This legislation would for the first time extend the program to significant battle sites associated with the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Since its initiation in December 2002, the CWBPP has helped preserve at least 17,500 acres of high-priority Civil War battle sites, including more than 3,300 acres in Mississippi. In addition to preserving historic battlefield sites, the CWBPP has helped to enhance tourism, support local and state economies and increase land conservation. LINKS: •   Vicksburg National Military Park:  http://www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm •   American Battlefield Protection Program:  http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/ •   Civil War Trust: http://www.civilwar.org/ •   Civil War Trust “Land Saved”: http://www.civilwar.org/land-preservation/land-saved/ •   Civil War Trust “Save Vicksburg 2013” Campaign: http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/vicksburg/vicksburg-2013/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398479,Palazzo Votes to Stop Executive Amnesty Action,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after voting in support of H.R. 5759, The Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014: Today's vote was a strong rebuke of the president's unconstitutional executive actions on illegal immigration. Granting amnesty to nearly 5 million illegal immigrants is not within his authority, and it is not what the American people want. The President of the United States of America cannot simply bypass Congress or the law-abiding citizens who elected this Congress. As one of the original five co-sponsors of today's bill, I was glad to see the House of Representatives fight back against this president's blatant overreach. It is the first step of what will be many in holding the president accountable for his unconstitutional actions on immigration. H.R. 5759 reaffirms that only Congress has the power to write immigration laws, and prevents the president, now and in the future, from using executive actions to defer the removal of individuals residing in our country illegally. ###Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398480,Defense Authorization Passes House,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after the House passed the 2015 Defense Authorization bill: The 2015 defense bill not only provides for the security of our nation at home and abroad, but it secures the military assets of South Mississippi. The world is not becoming a safer place; it's becoming much more dangerous, and we face threats across the globe. Congress took a bold step today to provide the equipment, training, and manpower needed to protect the United States of America. This bill also includes a number of priorities for South Mississippi including $800 million for an additional Ingall's-built amphibious ship, another freeze on the movement of C-130J's from Keesler, and a prohibition on the removal of Mississippi's National Guard Apache helicopters in FY15. It also specifically prohibits the president's request for additional rounds of Base Realignment and Closure, better known as BRAC, securing the future of our military installations. These are key victories for our military community, and I was glad to see them included in the final bill. The security of this nation is my number one priority, and going forward, we must invest in defense as if our lives depend on itbecause they certainly do. ### The 2015 National Defense Authorization Bill was passed by a bipartisan vote of 300-119. Final passage is expected in the Senate next week. Overall, it provides $585 billion for the Department of Defense, including a 1% pay raise for servicemembers. It contains several provisions inserted by Representative Palazzo, including: $800 Million for the construction of a 12th San Antonio Class Amphibious Assault ship. This ship was not previously contained in the President's budget, but the Marine Corps indicated a need for the ship and worked with Congressman Palazzo to secure the funding. The LPD is built at Pascagoula-based Ingalls Shipbuilding, and construction of the 12th LPD is expected to maintain 3,000 shipbuilding jobs. A new restriction against the Air Force's planned transfer of C-130J aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base with a requirement for a full report prepared by the Department of Defense analyzing the cost and benefits of additional moves. This is the third year Congressman Palazzo has prevented the Air Force from moving Keesler's planes. A freeze of the movement of Apache helicopters in FY15 with a reporting requirement on the structure of Army Aviation. The Army is currently attempting to remove all AH-64 Apache Helicopters from the Guard, destroying entire units of highly trained, experienced citizen soldiers. Additional autonomy for base commanders to initiate minor military construction projects up to $1 million without requiring additional red tape associated with the Military Construction Approval process. This language was requested by South Mississippi base commanders and will provide them flexibility in minor construction projects. Authority to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to consult on the appointment of his Army and Air Guard deputies. Under current law, the selections are made by the chiefs of the Active Army and Air Force, without Guard input. A reporting requirement for the Secretary of Defense to clarify the policies for the management of DOD Airspace and access by non-DOD users for testing and increased cooperation. This will help improve the management of unmanned aerial systems, a high priority for the State of Mississippi. Language that supports the domestic maritime industry for their ongoing work for the Department of Defense. The domestic maritime industry is a vital part of the ongoing success of South Mississippi and many other Gulf Coast communities. ###Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=77fa74fc-f0f1-4eb9-9a40-23d58278a275,SENATE APPROVES DUCK STAMP LEGISLATION,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has approved legislation supported by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) that will direct more resources toward the conservation of waterfowl habitat through the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. The Senate on Tuesday gave final congressional approval to the Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014 (HR.5069/S.2621), which amends the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act to update the price of duck stamps for the first time since 1991.  HR.5069, which will now be sent to the White House, requires additional revenue from the sale of duck stamps to be used for conservation easements.  The legislation is supported by Ducks Unlimited and other organizations.  “This is sound bipartisan legislation with support from hunting groups that will help ensure better protection of waterfowl and migratory bird habitat,” said Cochran, a long-time member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission who cosponsored S.2621. “The benefit of this program is that nearly 100 percent of the proceeds from the Duck Stamps go toward the protection of wetland habitat,” he said. The Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014 will adjust the price of the duck stamps, which are required to hunt migratory waterfowl.  The legislation prohibits new land acquisitions and requires the revenues generated from the fee increase to be used solely for migratory bird easements.  The bill also gives the Department of the Interior the authority to lower the price of the stamps if the price changes result in less revenue generated for the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. S.2621 was introduced by Senator David Vitter (R-La.) and cosponsored by Cochran and Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).  HR.5069, introduced by Rep. John Fleming (R-La.), was passed by the House of Representatives on November 17, 2014. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206003700/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/abuse-power,An Abuse of Power,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, A significant majority of Americans oppose President Obama's stubborn, ""my way or the highway"" approach, and yesterday the president simply did not listen to the American people. He did exactly what the American people said on Election Day they didn't want. Our country has a broken immigration system that needs a real solution, not a quick fix. The president's unilateral action on immigration is not an effective, long term solution to our broken system, and it will set back the American peoples' goal to move forward with effective an accountable solutions. Hardworking taxpayers deserve a president that respects the Constitution and consults with the American people to get things done -- not one who acts alone when he deems fit. This begs the question. The President says he has to act because the Congress will not. So why did the President have to act unilaterally if the Democrats had control of both the House and Senate for the first two years of his administration? And why did President Obama wait to grant amnesty after this midterm election? The common denominator to both questions is that President Obama knew the American people opposed it, and he did not want his fellow Democrats to be held accountable at the polls. And does anybody really believe the president's claim that border is more secure and more illegal immigrants are being deported? Me either! Make no mistake: Republicans will utilize the many tools afforded to us in the Constitution to bring an end to the President's unilateral executive action on immigration. The voices of Mississippians are clear: ""Work together to deliver commonsense solutions."" That's what my Republican colleagues and I are committed to do. It is time for the President to stop acting alone, listen to the people, and join us in solving this problem. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398470,Palazzo Statement on the Presidents Executive Action,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Palazzo Statement on the President's Executive Action f t # e Washington, DC, November 20, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement tonight after the President announced his plan to enact new immigration policies using executive action: I am firmly opposed to the president's plan to take unilateral action on immigration. President Obama is not a dictator, not a king, but an elected President bound by the Constitution of the United States. Yet, he continues to push his own personal agenda of overreaching, unwanted policies with a reckless disregard for the will of the American people. Law-abiding citizens in our country are fed up with this administration, and rightly so. While the president grants amnesty to countless illegal immigrants, millions of American citizens are still struggling to find work. It's time for the president to stop playing politics and instead put the American people first. I will do everything within my power to prevent this unconstitutional and unwelcomed action."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=756a9338-cdfb-449b-8243-f062a70c9aa6,COCHRAN STATEMENT ON OBAMAS UNILATERAL IMMIGRATION ACTION,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s decision to issue an executive order granting temporary amnesty to millions of people who are in the United States illegally: “There is no justifiable reason for President Obama to act alone now to allow millions of illegal immigrants to stay in the United States.  “The same pressures to secure our borders and reform our legal immigration system will exist in January when the new Congress convenes.  By circumventing the legislative process now, I believe the President is making it much harder to address those problems.  “The Congress should review its best options and then act responsibly to address the President’s actions and ensure the primacy of the rule of law.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=dedd9095-9653-4001-ad63-e5bc90c32c01,COCHRAN ASKS OBAMA TO CEASE FLOOD RISK STANDARD EXECUTIVE ORDER,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today asked President Obama to cease work on his administration’s efforts to administratively issue and implement a new federal flood risk standard that would have significant economic impacts and should rightfully include input from the public and Congress. Cochran on Thursday sent President Obama a letter arguing that his intention to administratively issue a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) would have far-reaching economic, policy and budgetary consequences that the Congress and public should be allowed to address. “Your Administration has for several years been developing this standard, which would have significant economic consequences well beyond the scope of the federal government.  I am concerned that you may soon finalize this policy without any opportunity for input or scrutiny from the public or Congress.  Promulgating such an important policy unilaterally would undermine long-term viability of the standard and exacerbate distrust between the Congress and your Administration,” Cochran said. At issue is the new FFRMS being developed by a multi-agency workgroup known as the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG) to reduce flood-risk to all federally-funded projects or investments (http://1.usa.gov/1uxFHZI).  Operating without significant public or congressional input, MitFLG is chaired by the FEMA administrator and includes senior-level representation from at least 15 federal departments and agencies.* Cochran expressed concern that Obama may soon issue a new executive order related to FFRMS that requires the adoption of “the most recent science on expected sea-level rise and take into account the impacts of climate change” to create higher base flood level elevations for federally funded investments, such as new construction, flood mitigations projects or Hazard Mitigation Grants.  “While seeking to ensure federal investments are resilient to floods and other hazards is a commendable goal, compelling government agencies to spend taxpayer dollars to further mitigate against undefined threats is a step that merits careful scrutiny.  The cascading economic effects this action could have on coastal and riverine economies nationwide is significant.  The public deserves to understand the costs, benefits, and scientific rationale behind any such standard before it is issued.  Its issuance alone could stifle housing markets and slow economic recovery,” Cochran wrote to the President. Cochran also pointed out that Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner during the 112th and 113th Congresses to debate and pass legislation reforming flood risk policies, including the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act that implemented comprehensive flood insurance reforms.  Those actions indicate clear congressional interest in the establishment and implementation of new base flood elevations for federal investments. “Congress has clearly demonstrated that it is willing to act in a bipartisan manner on issues related to flood risk.  This makes your apparent decision to act alone and without adequate transparency even more disconcerting,” Cochran said. LINK •    Cochran FFRMS Letter to Obama is available below ### *  MitFLG involves the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, General Service Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, Small Business Administration, Department of Transportation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206003728/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/executive-mistake-immigration,An Executive Mistake on Immigration,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,                                              Recently, President Obama has made headlines by threatening to take action on immigration reform – without input from Congress. Though details of any plan the president might be considering are murky, one thing is clear: any changes made to U.S. immigration policy should NOT circumvent the U.S. Congress. On November 4, 2014, the voters spoke loudly, put the president and his policies on notice and stripped democrats of their control of the U.S. Senate. Yet the president continues his threat to legislate by executive order. If President Obama were truly concerned about fixing our broken immigration system, he wouldn’t be threatening to go around the U.S. Congress. If he truly wanted to make common sense changes to address this threat to national security, he would work with Congress. And if the president were interested in listening to the American people, he would first secure our borders and enforce our existing immigration laws. The president has failed to earn the trust of the American people on this issue. Threatening an executive order with misguided policies is a mistake. I will continue to monitor this situation closely, and I will continue to advocate for secure borders and common-sense immigration policy. I’m listening, so why isn’t the president?   God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206020612/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-serve-vice-chairman-environment-and-economy-subcommittee,Rep. Harper to Serve as Vice-Chairman of Environment and the Economy Subcommittee,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.), today named Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Vice Chair of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee. The subcommittee is led by Chairman John Shimkus (R-Ill.). “Congressman Harper will play a key role as Vice Chairman of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee,” Upton said. “During his tenure on the Energy and Commerce Committee, he’s been a leader in promoting job growth, reducing burdensome regulations, and investigating wasteful government programs that hinder America’s small businesses and industry. I am confident Congressman Harper will continue to further our record of success in the 114th Congress and I welcome him into his new leadership role.” The subcommittee, with its oversight of key environmental laws and programs, focuses on the intersection of regulations and jobs. As a longtime advocate for American-made energy, Harper believes that Congress must advance ideas that safely promote and build a steady supply of American energy. “I am honored to be named Vice Chairman of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee and I look forward to working closely with Chairman Shimkus,” Harper said. “At a time when our economy is still struggling to recover and accelerated job creation is needed, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to promote common sense policies that will spur economic growth and innovations, achieve meaningful regulatory reform, and protect consumers and the environment.”                                                                                         ### A third-term Republican lawmaker from Mississippi, Gregg Harper was recently re-elected to a fourth term.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a786c23f-7d4b-4456-a71c-ff6598151af7,COCHRANS FARM BILL CHANGES LEAD MISS. SAWMILL TO FIRST USDA BIOBASED CERTIFICATION,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today applauded a northeast Mississippi company for securing the first U.S. Department of Agriculture biobased certification for forest products since the 2014 farm bill made wood and forest products eligible for the procurement and labeling program. Hankins, Inc. in Ripley has received approval from the USDA to use the certified biobased product label for its kiln-dried southern yellow pine products.  The certification makes it the first company to successfully complete the process since the 2014 farm bill clarified that forest products must be included in the USDA BioPreferred Markets Program for biobased products. “I am extremely pleased that a Mississippi sawmill has become the first to earn biobased product label certification for forest products.  This should open up new markets for the southern yellow pine products from Mississippi, and that can mean more jobs and economic growth in the long run,” said Cochran, who as ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee worked to expand the BioPreferred program. In informing Hankins, Inc. of its certification approval, the USDA asserted, “The test results for your product indicate the percentage of biobased content to be 100%,” and added, “The BioPreferred program looks forward to a long and successful partnership with you in the promotion of biobased products.” The USDA BioPreferred product labeling program offers certified labels to manufacturers for products made of renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials. The label also grants these products federal procurement preference, which means the federal agencies are encouraged to purchase them to the maximum extent practicable. Created in the 2002 farm bill, the labeling program excluded products like forest-based goods that were in existence before 1972.  The 2014 farm bill, which became law in February, removed the exclusion of mature products from the BioPreferred program regulations.  This farm bill change was finalized by the USDA in September, allowing Hankins, Inc. to apply for certification and immediately allow greater inclusion of U.S.-sourced wood and forest products in the program. Cochran encouraged the USDA to continue its work to finalize the BioPreferred rule and incorporate the changes made by the 2014 farm bill. “I look forward to continuing to work with the USDA to complete the rulemaking process for the BioPreferred program so that we can ensure forest products have opportunities to participate in the program moving forward,” Cochran said. In testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee in June, Hankins, Inc. co-owner J.D. Hankins said the family-owned sawmill produces more than 95 million board feet annually, sustaining more than 90 jobs in Tippah County. “Innovation in the industry over the past two decades has been phenomenal and has allowed the industry to more fully utilize our country’s natural resources.  For this reason, the forest products industries, including lumber, paper, and others, urged Congress to clarify the standards of the program in the 2014 Farm Bill,” Hankins testified in June.  “With the strong support of this Committee, that goal was achieved.” LINKS: •   USDA BioPreferred Program:  http://1.usa.gov/1AduKkI •   2014 Farm Bill Biobased Provisions Build Opportunities for Miss. Forest Products: http://1.usa.gov/1q9YVCi •   Cochran Asks If USDA Biobased Bias Shuts Out Traditional Forest Products: http://1.usa.gov/11YEdry ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9756929-abe3-45a9-bc3d-853e5351c782,BILL NAMING POST OFFICE FOR HAZLEHURST HERO HEADED TO PRESIDENT,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation authored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) to designate the “First Lieutenant Alvin Chester Cockrell, Jr. Post Office Building” in Hazlehurst has cleared its final congressional hurdle and will now be sent to the White House to become law. Legislation to name the post office for the military hero from Mississippi (S.1093) was approved by the House of Representatives on Monday.  The measure, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, cleared the Senate in August 2013. The post office is located at 130 Caldwell Drive in Hazlehurst. “Lieutenant Cockrell’s selfless service, sound character, and example of citizenship is remembered today,” Cochran said.  “The naming of the post office in Hazlehurst for First Lieutenant Alvin Cockrell will honor his heroic service, his family, Hazlehurst and Copiah County.” “I am pleased that Congress has approved this fitting tribute to First Lieutenant Cockrell,” Wicker said. “His story serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifice paid by so many of the ‘Greatest Generation.’ This Act will ensure that his memory and heroism will continue to live on – especially for those in his hometown of Hazlehurst.”  A native of Hazlehurst, Cockrell enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve) as an 18-year-old in 1937.  Appointed a 1st Lieutenant on Dec. 2, 1941, Cockrell was cited for “extraordinary heroism” as a platoon leader in fighting Japanese forces near Mambulo, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.  He lost is life in combat there on Sept. 24, 1942, and was posthumously awarded both the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart for his distinguished service. LINK: •    Missing Marines/Alvin Chester Cockrell, Jr. http://bit.ly/1xyufAR ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c95032a8-1925-40c6-a471-e0c2c2875177,COCHRAN READY TO WORK FOR KEYSTONE XL CONSTRUCTION IN 114th CONGRESS,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said he looks forward to rejoining the effort to authorize the construction of the Keystone XL energy pipeline after the Senate narrowly defeated legislation to move the jobs project forward. Cochran on Tuesday voted to approve Keystone XL legislation (S.2280) but the final 59-41 tally fell one vote short of a 60-vote threshold required for passage.  The Senate vote stymied efforts to launch a much anticipated project that would create tens of thousands of jobs and pump significant investment into the U.S. economy. “Jobs creation and energy security are priorities for our American economy to grow, and the Keystone XL project would promote both of those goals,” Cochran said.  “Bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate have affirmed that it’s time for action and an end to the unnecessary delays of the past six years.  This disappointing Senate vote is just one more delay.  I look forward to revisiting this issue in the 114th Congress.”  Cochran is an original cosponsor of S.2280, bipartisan legislation that would have expedited permitting for the Keystone pipeline using congressional authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.  With passage of this legislation, a presidential permit would no longer have been needed to approve the project.  The Obama administration has repeatedly delayed approval of the permit, which was submitted by TransCanada Corp more than six years ago.  The project has undergone five successful environmental reviews since 2008, in addition to multiple legal and regulatory appraisals.  The last was a Department of State released an Environmental Impact Statement in January 2014 that concluded construction of the pipeline would have no significant impact on the environment. The House of Representatives on Nov. 14 approved Keystone XL legislation (HR.5682) on a 252-161-1 vote. LINKS: •    Cochran: Six-Year Delay on Keystone Decision Inexcusable: http://1.usa.gov/1wxtlki •    Miss. Senators Cosponsor Bill to Authorize Keystone XL Pipeline: http://1.usa.gov/PV8Pdd ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1a4de372-c78d-46f1-ac29-705bfdf28aef,"COCHRAN HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS SACRIFICES, PROGRESS AT EMMETT TILL CEREMONY",2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PHOTO available below (from left) - Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post, Janet Langhart Cohen, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Attorney General Eric Holder, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss). WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today participated in a tree planting ceremony to honor the life of Emmett Till, whose death in 1955 propelled the nation toward landmark civil rights laws. The sycamore tree honoring Till was planted on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and was sponsored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).  Among the participants were U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.), Attorney General Eric Holder and Janet Langhart Cohen, author of the play ""Anne and Emmett.""  In his remarks, Cochran honored Till and praised the progress made by Mississippi and the nation in advancing racial justice.  Here is the text of Cochran’s remarks for the ceremony: “We are pleased to join Senator Susan Collins today to commemorate the important life of Emmett Till through the planting of a tree in his honor on the grounds of the United States Capitol. “It has been nearly 60 years since Emmett Till was murdered near Money, Mississippi, but we remember the role his life and tragic death played in heightening America’s awareness of the injustice of racial discrimination in our country. “Many historians point to Emmett Till’s death as having ignited the civil rights movement, and ultimately led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “Emmett Till’s legacy carries with it memories of the risks so many took in my state, and elsewhere, in efforts to advance the cause of racial justice.  This tree is a symbol of their sacrifices, too. “I am proud of the progress my state and our nation have made since those times, and I appreciate the contributions of so many leaders who made it possible.  We do still face challenges, but I am hopeful that Emmett Till’s life, and this tree planted in his honor, will serve as reminders to all of where we’ve been and to be dedicated to justice for all through our examples now and in the future of the United States.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114015538/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/honor-duty-country,"Honor, Duty, Country",2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,   Since the Armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918, Veterans Day has stood as an opportunity for the United States, as both a nation and its citizens, to pause and honor American veterans of all wars. Our troops have always served our country with dedication. They fought in major conflicts, including World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Iraq and Afghan Wars. They fought in smaller actions around the world, such as Somalia, Bosnia, and Grenada. General Douglas MacArthur said it eloquently, “…the soldier above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”   Our obligation to these brave men and women and their families does not end once a war ends. It continues long past the final shot, and I am committed to fight for the rights and benefits of our current and future veterans. In August, H.R. 3230 - The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 was signed into law. This law increases veterans’ access to private health care providers, increases recruitment of new physicians into the VA system, and grants the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs more flexibility to terminate employees. Congress has given Secretary McDonald the funds and the tools to take better care of our veterans. I believe that more should be done to assist those who have sacrificed so much to protect our individual freedoms and we will continue to work toward that goal in the 114th Congress. If you are a veteran and need assistance navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs, please contact us at my Pearl Office - (601) 932-2410 or visit our website for further information. On this Veterans Day, I am extremely thankful for all our veterans and their families. It is their continued commitment to Duty, Honor, and Country, which make this the greatest nation in the world.   God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=de3d3649-fe02-4595-bdc0-514848b6a4fd,COCHRAN STATEMENT ON WICKER LEADING REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding the selection of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker to be chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee:  “As a member of the Republican leadership, Senator Wicker has a great opportunity to extend thoughtful Republican governance of the United State Senate.  I was happy to support his nomination and proud to have a fellow Mississippian in this important role.  Roger’s personal characteristics and political experiences will serve us well, and I look forward to seeing him excel.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ff4dcf92-4da3-43d0-bb76-ea5fc35f0f43,COCHRAN & HARPER: MEDICARE POLICY CHANGE WILL HELP THOSE WITH DEGENERATIVE DISABILITIES,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) today welcomed a decision to reverse recent Medicare policy changes that restricted coverage to speech generating devices used by people with ALS, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other neurological and degenerative disabilities. In response to concerns raised in September by Cochran, Harper and a significant number of Senate and House members, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently agreed to reconsider the benefit category national coverage determination for speech generating devices (SGDs) and SGD-related accessories.  “Bureaucratic policy decisions have real consequences on people, as witnessed by those who rely on these communication devices being left with higher costs or, worse, without access to these technologies,” Cochran said.  “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made the right decision to reconsider these policy changes.  I am pleased that CMS will now update these policies to reflect the new technologies available to help those with degenerative disabilities.”  “We have heard from our constituents in Mississippi on the need to reverse the Medicare policy changes that restricted coverage to SGDs,” Harper said. “I am committed to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries that are afflicted with a neurological or degenerative disability have access to needed technologies to improve their quality of life.”   The CMS decision will allow patients to retain Medicare coverage for SGDs that are modified to improve functionality or who require SGDs after being admitted to a hospital, hospice, nursing home or other facility.  The CMS order would also affect recent coverage denials for eye tracking and eye gazing technologies used by those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. Cochran was among 27 Senators and Harper was among 173 Representatives who signed a letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner in September that was critical of the SGDs policy changes and sought a detailed explanation for the CMS policy revisions and subsequent actions taken by Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs). “The patients who are in need of SGDs are some of Medicare’s most vulnerable beneficiaries.  As we mentioned, SDGs provide often the only means of communication for patients living with cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain stem stroke, locked-in syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.  It is imperative that Medicare policy and DME MACs take in account the ability of these patients to communicate with their family, caregivers, and health care providers,” the lawmakers wrote Tavenner. In rescinding the SGD policy changes, CMS indicated that it will now implement a process to set a new national coverage determination for SGDs.  The current coverage policy took effect in 2001 and does not reflect advances in SGD technologies. LINKS: •    CMS Coverage of Speech Generating Devices Announcement:  http://go.cms.gov/1wLK3OZ •    Letter to CMS Administrator Tavenner available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=47b6397f-786c-4e87-bffe-7db2ec54a704,COCHRAN ISSUES 2014 VETERANS DAY STATEMENT,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), a U.S. Navy veteran, today issued the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day 2014: “It is heartening each November to see Mississippians across the state demonstrate their support for those who have served our nation in the United States Armed Forces.  This year, ongoing missions overseas and veterans needs at home underscore why Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to express and demonstrate our gratitude for our veterans. “A little more than a month ago, a new memorial was dedicated in the nation’s capital.  Situated at the base of Capitol Hill, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is a tribute to all disabled veterans, whose lives have been altered irrevocably by their service to our nation.  It will also serve as constant reminder of the appreciation due to these veterans and our duty to meet our commitments to them. “As a U.S. Senator, I am committed to working to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and other government agencies are more effective in meeting the needs of our military, veterans and their families.  We can be proud that the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center and Mississippi State University have recently established an innovative partnership to provide health services to veterans on campus.  It is part a new push by the VA to ensure that disabled veterans have better access to the care they need wherever they are. “Mississippians recognize that as Americans, we are all beneficiaries of the liberties and freedoms secured and protected by our veterans.  Today, we have an opportunity to show our appreciation.  Whether participating in a parade, attending a pancake breakfast for veterans or filling Shoeboxes for Soldiers, I truly appreciate that the people of our state will appropriately commemorate Veterans Day and renew their commitment to honor the men and women who have served and fought for our republic.” LINK •   American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial: http://www.avdlm.org/ •   Monument Photo available below. •   Jackson VA, MSU partnering to provide veterans' healthcare: http://bit.ly/1xhQOYO ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141103235857/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-statement-release-us-marine-sgt-andrew-tahmooressi-mexican-prison,Rep. Harper Statement on the Release of U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi from a Mexican Prison,2014-11-03,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. - Today, Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) issued the following statement upon being notified that U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi had arrived back in the United States after his release from a Mexican prison.                                                                                      “After 214 days, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is finally back on American soil. I am glad that he is back with his family and can now put this horrific experience behind him. I had originally expected that the Administration would use all means necessary to get Sgt. Tahmooressi released from imprisonment in Mexico. As this terrible period in his and his family’s lives finally comes to a close, I believe the Administration could have done much more to secure his release. This clearly was not a top priority for them. Welcome home Sgt. Tahmooressi.”                                                                                  ###                                                                    Gregg Harper is a third-term Republican lawmaker from Mississippi.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a29b6d60-0ced-4c27-a02a-964480e2acdb,"COCHRAN: MISSISSIPPI 4-H GETS $82,000 BOOST FOR MENTOR PROGRAMS",2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that the Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service has been awarded $82,000 to support 4-H mentoring programs throughout the state. The National 4-H Council approved the award to promote 4-H National Mentoring Program mentoring activities in Mississippi, which are geared toward helping at-risk youth avoid juvenile delinquency through community-based educational programs.  The funding derives from congressional appropriations for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). “I am pleased that these resources will be put to work in Mississippi.  I appreciate the good work being done by the 4-H and the Mississippi Extension Service to create opportunities for youth in our state,” Cochran said. “The mentor programs are dedicated to improving the education and wellness of children.  The Congress has recognized that organizations like 4-H can effectively reach youth in need of positive role models and constructive activities,” he said. The grant will be used to strengthen, expand and implement 4-H youth mentoring programs developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Children, Youth and Families at Risk Program.  The OJJDP funding is intended to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problems and high-risk behaviors. According to The Mentoring Effect: Young People’s Perspective on the Outcomes and Availability of Mentoring, 76 percent of at-risk young adults who had a mentor aspire to enroll in and graduate from college versus half of at-risk young adults who had not had a mentor. Cochran, a former 4-H member, has been supportive of mentoring programs and those who volunteer their time and efforts to reach at-risk youth.  He serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds the OJJDP. LINKS: •    Mississippi 4-H:  http://bit.ly/1uHnNGj •    4-H National Mentoring Program:  http://bit.ly/1E8zmIc ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398429,Palazzo Commends Ingalls on John P. Murtha Launch,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) today congratulated Huntington Ingalls Industries on the launch of their 10th amphibious warship, the John P. Murtha (LPD 26). Last week, the 684-foot-long, 105-foot-wide LPD 26 was moved from land to Ingalls' floating drydock, in preparation of today's launch. With U.S. Navy and Coast Guard missions ranging from disaster relief to sea control expeditions, Ingalls' ships continue to provide integral support to our nation's armed forces and remain a point of pride in South Mississippi. I have always been proud of our Gulf Coast shipbuilders and every chance I get I tell everyone in Washington that the world's best shipbuilders are right here in South Mississippi. I applaud the work that they are doing on LPD-26 on budget and ahead of schedule. It goes to show what a dedicated shipbuilder with a hot production line can do for our Navy and Marine Corps. Ingalls, which is based out of Pascagoula, celebrated in 2013 its 75th year of building ships. The company has built more ships than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder, and with efforts to improve both cost and schedule LPD 26 is on track to be one of the company's best products to date. ### Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a60d052a-163f-4567-8d8b-8ce7949310b6,COCHRAN CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEW OF YAZOO BACKWATER PROJECT,2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today asked for an independent peer review of the decision that halted completion of the Yazoo Backwater Project, an important flood control project for the lower Mississippi Delta. Cochran requested approval for an independent peer review from Gina McCarthy, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), following a lack of response from EPA Region IV to a recent and similar recommendation from the Army Corps of Engineers.  Completion of the backwater pump project, authorized by Congress in 1941, was idled since the project was administratively vetoed by the EPA in 2008 based on recommendations by Region IV. “I am writing to request that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water conduct an independent peer review of EPA Region IV’s recommended determination in 2008 to veto the final components of the Yazoo Backwater Area Project,” Cochran said. “It is deeply concerning that the Southeastern Regional Office is unwilling to allow independent experts who were not associated with the determination to provide a fair and objective reevaluation of the 2008 determination.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – one of the world’s largest and most advanced construction agencies specializing in the design and construction of flood protection systems – continues to affirm the vetoed proposal is the option most capable of protecting Mississippians from devastating flood damages while creating opportunities for environmental protection and enhancement,” he said. Cochran said the scope of the project and ongoing flood risk in the Yazoo River Basin further justifies an additional, independent review process.  Finishing the project, which has been constructed over the past seven decades, would provide additional flood protection on more than 630,000 acres in the backwater area of the basin.  The Senator raised the Yazoo Backwater Project’s potential at a July 2011 Senate hearing that addressed the disaster conditions created in Mississippi during the floods of 2011. “Those at risk deserve clarity from the EPA regarding its concerns about the project’s potential impact on certain waters of the United States.  Also, the public deserves certainty that EPA was correct in its estimates,” Cochran asserted. “Despite the various challenges and differences of opinions regarding this issue, citizens of the lower Mississippi Delta still need the flood protection the federal government has promised since 1941.  It is imperative that your Agency look further into Region IV’s veto determination, and begin proposing viable alternatives of its own until the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers can agree on an effective solution,” he concluded. A copy of Cochran’s Yazoo Backwater Area Project letter is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5a1f3eaf-c6c0-424a-9aac-7b259fd74ec5,"USDA INVESTS $7.49 MILLION IN MISS. CHOCTAW & RURAL SCOTT CO. WATER, WASTEWATER SYSTEMS",2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Water and wastewater infrastructure systems serving the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and rural areas of Scott County are in line to receive almost $7.5 million in improvements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported. Cochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, on Thursday said that USDA Rural Development has approved a $4.13 million grant-loan package for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to improve wastewater treatment.  Another $3.36 million grant-loan award is being issued to H&H Water Systems to upgrade water service to residents in the Harperville and Hillsboro areas of Scott County. “Communities rely on good water and wastewater services to improve public health and quality of life for their residents.  These USDA awards will not only improve services, but also help the Mississippi Band of Choctaws and rural areas of Scott County meet increasingly strict health and environmental regulations,” Cochran said. The Mississippi Band of Choctaws is receiving a $3.98 million Native American grant and $154,000 loan to repair and replace components throughout its wastewater system, including improvements to the headwork and influent pump station. The water system serving Harperville and Hillsboro area residents will be improved through a $2.46 million grant and $896,000 low-interest loan to install a 750 GPM well, construct an elevated 250,000-gallon water tank and perform other work to improve the distribution system. The awards to Mississippi are directly linked to the USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program included in the rural development title of the 2014 farm bill, the five--year agriculture and nutrition policy measure that became law in February.  In addition to being a primary negotiator in finalizing the new farm bill, Cochran serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. The 2014 farm bill authorized the USDA Water, Waste Disposal and Wastewater Facility Grants and Loans program to provide grants, loans and loan guarantees to public agencies for projects that support the development, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d312091e-4bb6-4b6c-9f4e-c59260a13de8,AG COMMITTEE SENATORS REQUEST IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF NEW CLEAN WATER ACT REGS FOR AGRICULTURE,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The new agriculture rule released in conjunction with the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal could fundamentally alter interaction between farmers and the federal government and should be immediately withdrawn, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Republican members of the Senate Agriculture Committee asserted today. Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Cochran, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and John Thune (R-S.D.) have asked the Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide an update on implementation of the agriculture Interpretive Rule and requested its immediate withdrawal. “We have heard from farmers, ranchers, and other rural constituents about the Interpretive Rule and are deeply concerned it has created great confusion about what agriculture activities are exempt from regulation under the Clean Water Act,” the Senators wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Army Secretary John McHugh and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.  The WOTUS regulations, issued jointly by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers, would bring more waters--including streams, creeks, wetlands, ponds and ditches--under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act making them subject to EPA permitting requirements.  The agriculture Interpretive Rule outlines just 56 activities out of more than 160 conservation practices that previously qualified for the normal farming and ranching exemption. In their letter, the Senators say the Interpretive Rule should be withdrawn because farming, ranching and rural constituencies had little opportunity to have input on the new rule. “Beyond adding confusion and uncertainty, the Interpretive Rule would fundamentally change the relationship between the Department of Agriculture and farm families.  Over decades of farm policy, USDA has established an unprecedented relationship of trust with farmers, ranchers, and rural stakeholders.  This unique relationship is built on voluntary conservation programs and a mutual commitment to protecting natural resources and keeping land in agriculture.  Bringing USDA into the Clean Water Act permitting process would profoundly shift the nature of this successful approach by dismantling a longstanding partnership between the Federal government and agriculture community,” the Senators wrote. The correspondence is the latest step taken by Republican members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee to raise concerns with the Obama administration about the WOTUS initiative.  The proposed regulatory scheme was a central topic when the Senators met with Administrator McCarthy in July to discuss the effect of aggressive EPA regulatory expansion on agriculture and rural states. Now, the Senators continue to call for more transparency and stakeholder involvement. “As the Administration continues to extend the timeframe for finalization of the flawed WOTUS proposal, any further discussion of how agricultural activities may fit into this framework must allow for a transparent and public process in which the voice of American agriculture can be heard,” the Senators’ letter concluded. A signed copy of the letter is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398427,Palazzo Welcomes National Guard Chief to South Mississippi,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04) today welcomed Gen. Frank Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to South Mississippi. General Grass was the guest speaker at Tuesday's 36th Annual Salute to the Military and will spend Wednesday touring South Mississippi military facilities with Congressman Palazzo. I'm honored to welcome my good friend General Grass to South Mississippi and show off our military assets to him and his team. The men and women who make up our military communities are our greatest resource, and today was a tremendous opportunity to bring a member of the Joint Chiefs here to see just what we have to offer. General Grass visited the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) and the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Gulfport, as well as Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg. The visit included tours of Camp Shelby, including its Unmanned Aerial Systems site and Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES), and a tour of the Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group at CRTC. The group also hosted a town hall with National Guard members at Camp Shelby. In addition to Congressman Palazzo, Gen. Grass was accompanied by his wife, Patricia Grass, and Mississippi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Augustus Collins and his wife Debra Collins. Pictured Above: Congressman Palazzo, center, tours Camp Shelby with National Guard Chief General Frank Grass, left, and Miss. Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Augustus Collins, right, on Oct. 22, 2014. ### Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4754963f-6f64-4a20-8640-fe91a3ed6b7f,"ADDITIONAL FEMA AID APPROVED TO REBUILD LOUISVILLE, WINSTON COUNTY",2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today announced approval for more than $43.5 million in federal grant awards linked to work to rebuild tornado-damaged Louisville and Winston County, including $34.5 million to support restoration of a plywood manufacturing plant. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the lawmakers that four FEMA Public Assistance grants have been approved to offset the costs of recovery efforts related to the April 28 tornado that hit Louisville and Winston County.  The largest award, worth $34.5 million, to the City of Louisville will reimburse 75 percent of the costs to reestablish a plywood manufacturing plant.  Three other grants, totaling $10.8 million, for Winston County and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are linked to continued work to restore medical care services in the region. “These grants represent a significant obligation by the federal government to see that Louisville and Winston County move forward as whole communities, which includes jobs and economic growth.  Reviving the promise of hundreds of new manufacturing jobs is an important part of the recovery plan for this area,” Cochran said.  “Regarding medical services, our goal is to get the Winston Medical Center repaired and operational as soon as possible.  FEMA is coordinating with state and local officials to see that this process moves forward expeditiously.” “When destructive tornadoes hit Mississippi in April, FEMA made a promise to support Mississippi’s recovery,” Wicker said.  “They are honoring that commitment by assisting local and state efforts.  These latest rounds of grants will help reestablish facilities that are vital for many communities to return to normal life.” “These grants represent an opportunity for Winston County to continue to rebuild the economy and also fully restore health care services. Restoring the plywood manufacturing plant is essential to economic development and job growth in the area,” Nunnelee said.  “The Winston County Medical Center took a direct hit during the April tornado, but because of the emergency plan in place they were able to protect patients and save lives. This grant continues the progress toward permanent restoration of medical facilities and services.” Restoration of the Natron Plywood Plant in Louisville has been identified by city and county leaders as a major priority in the aftermath of the storm.  The plant, which before the storm was scheduled to open in July, is expected to initially employ more than 200 local residents with an estimated potential workforce of 400 workers.  The total project cost associated with the $34.5 million grant is $46.0 million. Two grants awarded to Winston County, $4.9 million and $4.8 million, will support replacing two county-owned warehouses, including one removed to accommodate a mobile disaster hospital.  These grants will offset costs associated with repairing buildings and equipment that were damaged by the tornadoes. MEMA will receive $1.0 million to offset costs for emergency protective maneuvers it has undertaken to restore medical care delivery after the Winston Medical Center sustained severe damage from the April storm.  This work involves ongoing coordination with the Mississippi State Department of Health and other medical services organizations to ensure continuity of medical care delivery in the area.  In September, FEMA approved a $1.09 million grant for the Winston County Medical Foundation. The funding for each of the three grants represents 75 percent of the costs associated with these projects.  Funding will be awarded to MEMA for distribution to the awardees. FEMA Public Assistant Grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1041faaf-6460-49d7-a324-23c27c92bf48,MISS. SENATORS CALL ON IRS TO ADDRESS TAX REFUND FRAUD,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today joined a bipartisan group of 15 Senators in calling on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner John Koskinen to update Congress regarding the agency’s efforts to prevent tax refund fraud using stolen identities. The effort was led by Wicker and Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla. In their letter to Koskinen, the Senators expressed concern that the IRS has yet to devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem, which cost taxpayers $5.2 billion in 2013, according to the Government Accountability Office. The Senators further urged the agency to improve existing safeguards and to make stopping tax refund fraud a top priority. “Tax fraud directly harms millions of tax-paying Americans who play by the rules,” Wicker said. “On top of that, identify theft and stolen refunds undermine confidence in our tax system. The IRS has an obligation to make fraud reduction a top priority, in particular by identifying and holding those accountable who cheat the system by cheating honest taxpayers.” “The IRS needs to assure the American people that it is fighting identity theft and taxpayer refund fraud.  If forceful actions are not taken to correct these problems, public trust in this agency will be further eroded,” Cochran said. Wicker, Cochran, and Nelson were joined in their letter by Senators Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. A signed copy of the letter is available below. The text of the letter follows here: Dear Commissioner Koskinen: We are writing to request information regarding the IRS’s efforts to prevent identity theft-related refund fraud.  There has been a substantial increase in this kind of fraud in recent years with $5.2 billion being lost to fraudulent tax returns in 2013 according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO characterized this growing problem as a “persistent, evolving threat to honest taxpayers and tax administration” in its latest report on the subject. We understand that the IRS may not be able to stop all refund fraud, but a lot more can be done within the IRS’s current authority to reduce the risk of fraud and improve taxpayer services.  We would like an update from you on what you have done to date with respect to the following: •   Accelerating the verification of tax return information.  By law, the IRS has 45 days after a return is due to issue a refund without interest, yet refunds are typically issued just 9.6 days after a return is filed, according to the GAO. •   Providing victims of tax-related identity theft with a single point of contact, as recommended by the National Taxpayer Advocate for several years.  According to the Taxpayer Advocate, “without a single person responsible for transferring cases from one function to another,” cases can become “stuck” or lost in the process.  •   Allowing taxpayers to “turn off” electronic filing, as the Taxpayer Advocate recommended to the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth as long ago as 2011.  More than 80 percent of tax-related identity theft occurs through electronically filed tax returns.  Shouldn’t taxpayers have the option to disable any electronic filing of their tax return?  •   Allowing any taxpayer to request an identity theft PIN, regardless of whether or not they have been a confirmed victim of identity theft.   We understand that the IRS has launched a pilot program to allow anyone in states with high fraud rates to request an identity theft PIN.  We would appreciate an update on your efforts, if any, to convert this pilot program into a nationwide program. In addition to the need for improving IRS’s existing safeguards and services, we are concerned that the IRS has yet to devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem, if given additional resources. With billions of dollars at stake, we believe that finding a solution to the problem of identity theft-related refund fraud should be a top priority for the IRS. Therefore, we respectfully request responses to the following questions: 1. With respect to detecting, deterring, and criminalizing taxpayer identity theft, please explain how you currently prioritize resources and describe how you intend to allocate resources to this problem in the future.  Please also explain what additional statutory authority, if any, the IRS needs to seriously address the problem.  2. For each of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 calendar years, how many taxpayers filed an affidavit alleging identity theft or refund fraud?  If possible, please also identify, in dollar terms, how much of the fraud identified through the affidavits still resulted in money being sent to fraudsters. 3. What are the total costs associated with undertaking each investigation into tax-related identity theft?  To date, what percentage of the cases resulted in funds being recovered? 4. Does the IRS plan to fully assess the costs and benefits of accelerating information matching, whether it be moving up Form W-2 deadlines or delaying the filing season, as recommended by GAO?  If so, when?  If not, why not? 5. Do you disagree with any of the GAO’s recommendations, as cited in their September report titled “Additional Actions Could Help IRS Combat the Large, Evolving Threat of Refund Fraud?”  If so, please explain. 6. What further action, if any, does the IRS intend to take to combat this problem prior to the next tax filing season? Please provide a timely response to these questions. It is essential to stem the tide of this crime before another tax season passes by and billions more taxpayer dollars are stolen. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1122b007-e869-4a33-9848-37179fdaf410,"COCHRAN, USDA ORGANIZE FARM BILL & CROP INSURANCE LISTENING SESSIONS",2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Department of Agriculture officials and staff with the Senate Agriculture Committee and the office of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) have scheduled two listening sessions at which agriculture producers in Mississippi can provide input and ask questions about new programs authorized in the Agricultural Act of 2014. Cochran staff, U.S. Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis and Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini will be available during the listening sessions on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Stoneville and Verona. “I want to ensure that our producers remain well-positioned to meet the needs of our nation and a growing world population.  Agriculture is critically important to our state's economy, and throughout my time in Congress I have worked to improve programs for farmers.  One way to facilitate program participation and improvement is to provide producers the opportunity to have meaningful dialogue with officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture who administer farm and risk management programs,” Cochran said. A morning listening session is scheduled for 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Oct. 29, at the Delta Research & Extension Center (Capps Center) in Stoneville.  The second session is slated for 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center (conference room) in Verona. Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, structured the meetings to receive additional input—and offer information to producers—as the USDA continues its implementation of a new suite of commodity and risk management programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Risk Management Agency (RMA). Farmers, ranchers, county representatives and interested citizens are encouraged to participate and ask USDA officials about new and existing risk management tools, and to offer guidance on where USDA efforts should be focused going forward. “I am pleased that USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis and Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini will be in Mississippi to discuss the new farm bill programs and potential improvements to the federal crop insurance program.” Cochran said.  “These new commodity programs along with the new and existing federal crop insurance programs are important risk management tools for farmers and ranchers nationwide.  Input from producers in Mississippi will be valuable as we strive to ensure that these risk management programs are effective.” As ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Cochran was a principal negotiator this year on the bipartisan and bicameral conference committee that was tasked with bringing together two very different versions of the farm bill passed by the House and Senate.  The enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 culminated years of hearings, debate and negotiations to develop a new five-year law to improve on the 2008 farm bill. For more information regarding the listening sessions, contact Chris Gallegos, 202-224-5054 or chris_gallegos@cochran.senate.gov ___ WHO:  U.S. Senator Thad Cochran’s Office, Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis and Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini WHAT:  Farm Bill & Crop Insurance Listening Session WHEN:  Wednesday, October 29 WHERE:  Stoneville and Verona, Mississippi 9:00-11:00 a.m. – Delta Research & Extension Center (Capps Center), 82 Stoneville Road, Stoneville 3:00-5:00 p.m. – North Mississippi Research & Extension Center (conference room), 5421 Highway 145 S, Verona CONTACT:  Chris Gallegos, 202-224-5054 or chris_gallegos@cochran.senate.gov ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6c69f85c-4594-468e-9503-e2faa772dec2,MISS. SENATORS PRAISE ITC DECISION TO PROTECT U.S. STEEL PRODUCERS,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today praised a decision that will benefit U.S. steel producers in Mississippi and other states by allowing the United States to act against the unfair surge in imported steel reinforcing bar or “rebar.” The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday reached a unanimous determination that rebar imports from Mexico and Turkey are unlawfully threatening or damaging the U.S. rebar industry.  The decision, supported by Cochran and Wicker, clears the way for the U.S. Department of Commerce to impose antidumping duties against Mexican and Turkish rebar. “American steel workers and manufacturers can compete with workers anywhere in the world, but a level playing field is required.  I am pleased with this decision that will create more opportunity for U.S. rebar producers to succeed,” Cochran said. “I commend the Commission for reaching this unanimous decision on behalf of fairness for American steel workers,” Wicker said. “This judgment marks an important milestone in the fight to keep the U.S. steel industry competitive globally. Moving forward, I will continue to urge the federal government to support trade policies that promote and protect our companies and workers.” In September, Cochran and Wicker were among a bipartisan group of 36 Senators who strongly encouraged the ITC to favorably complete its review of the Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey Inv. Nos. 701 TA-502 and 731-TA-1227-1228 (Final Phase) petition (http://1.usa.gov/1ycMMDv and http://1.usa.gov/XdcQxe).  Filed in 2013, the primary petitioner is the Rebar Trade Action Coalition.  Nucor Corp., which has operations in Starkville and Flowood, is a member of the coalition.  The ITC petition indicates that the case affects nine producers with facilities in 23 states that employed 4,167 workers in 2012. In a letter to ITC Chairman Meredith Broadbent that criticized unfair imports from Mexico and Turkey, the Senators wrote, “Since 2010, these imports have flooded the U.S. market at the direct expense of U.S. producers, who have seen their share of the market drop dramatically.  Capacity utilization rates are at historically low levels -- near 60 percent -- and production levels have yet to recover from the recession.” (http://bit.ly/1smaV6E) The Mississippi Senators in April 2014 also signed correspondence to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker that highlighted unfair trade practices associated with Turkish and Mexican steel imports. Last year, Cochran and Wicker were part of a similar case involving the extension of existing antidumping duties now imposed on rebar produced in China, Indonesia, Ukraine, Latvia, Belarus, Moldova and Poland. LINK: •    “Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC” http://1.usa.gov/1z8daiD ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017011139/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/rep-harper-honored-award-manufacturing-legislative-excellence,Rep. Harper Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence,2014-10-10,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Harper Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Nation’s Largest Industrial Trade Association Says Rep. Harper Champion of Manufacturing Washington, D.C., October 9, 2014 – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Gregg Harper (R- Miss.) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States.   “Manufacturers in Mississippi and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Harper who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.”  Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here.   -NAM-   The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.08 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f7d66185-0176-447d-a1d6-0490defa64bf,"MISS SENATORS SAY FEDERAL REGS DONT ACCOUNT FOR RURAL HEALTH CARE DYNAMICS, NEEDS",2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are pushing the Obama administration to more effectively consider the effects its federal rules and regulations have on the delivery of health care in rural areas. The Mississippi Senators are among 34 who have signed a letter to Marilyn B. Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that asks her to provide comprehensive details about the CMS rulemaking process and how rural health care concerns are addressed.  The Senators assert that recent policy decisions have not adequately reflected the reality of health delivery in rural areas.  “A one size fits all approach to health care regulations too often puts rural residents at a disadvantage and makes access to care more difficult.  This letter is a warning to the administration that our constituents deserve better,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that inserted provisions in a FY2014 law directing CMS to coordinate with the Office of Rural Health Policy when developing rules. “The Obama Administration should not overlook the consequences of burdensome regulations on rural health-care providers,” said Wicker.  “Many Americans living in these areas face unique obstacles to accessing quality health care.  These new rules should be thoroughly reviewed to prevent harmful effects on providers and patients.” Spearheaded by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), the letter cited several recent policies that make it more difficult for rural health care providers and facilities to serve rural populations. “We remain concerned these policy decisions do not reflect the reality of providing care in rural communities, and we request additional details on these consultation efforts in advance of future rulemaking,” the Senators wrote. “The proportion of elderly rural Americans continues to grow, and even small policy changes or incremental payment adjustments have a significant impact on access to care in rural areas. Medicare beneficiaries should be able to obtain care within their own communities when possible, and we are committed to ensuring federal policies recognize and incorporate the unique challenges rural providers face,” the letter said. In addition to Cochran and Wicker, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), John Tester (D-Mont.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), and David Vitter (R-La.), The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA) both support the Senators’ letter. A copy of the signed letter is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010004902/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/harper-signs-letter-president-obama-about-us-response-protect-americans-ebola,Harper signs letter to President Obama about the U.S. response to protect Americans from Ebola,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R–Miss.) has co-signed a letter to President Obama about the U.S. response to protect Americans from Ebola. This bipartisan letter authored by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), urges President Obama to take immediate and decisive action to protect and prevent American citizens from further exposure to the deadly Ebola virus disease.   “With West Africa currently facing an Ebola epidemic, my belief is that this administration must take aggressive action to combat and prevent the spread of this disease in the United States,” said Harper. The letter urges the President to direct the CDC, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to order our customs and border agents to begin more active screening of travelers to and from affected countries in West Africa; consider a possible quarantine for any individual who has traveled to or from affected countries within the dormancy period, aside from responsible health and military personnel sent there to fight the disease; and to seek that the State Department impose a travel ban and restrict travel visas issued to citizens of the West African countries experiencing this epidemic, until such countries have defeated the epidemic. “It is of the utmost importance that this Administration takes these commonsense steps to protect U.S. citizens from this Ebola epidemic.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=81bd8df5-eff5-4548-8a11-7dff202d8c13,COCHRAN ASKS USDA TO PROTECT RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATIONS FROM IMPACT OF EPA EMISSIONS RULE,2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the U.S. Department of Agriculture should ensure that rural electric services and investments will not be harmed by proposed federal climate change regulations on power plants. Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, has signed a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting that he work with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and rural electric associations are not impaired by a proposed EPA carbon emissions rule for power plants.  The letter to Vilsack was also signed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Representatives Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), the House Agriculture Committee chairman and ranking member. “The EPA carbon emissions rule has a real potential to disrupt a successful 79-year-old program to provide and maintain electricity to rural homes and businesses.  While I want the rule completely withdrawn, the USDA has a responsibility now to ensure that it protects the interests of rural Americans and all taxpayers,” Cochran said. The letter asks Vilsack to ensure that the rule does not have an adverse impact on the RUS electric loan portfolio, which consists of $47 billion in loans to rural electric cooperatives to construct, maintain, upgrade and expand the electricity generating and transmission systems in 44 states.  In Mississippi, 25 electric power associations and one generation and transmission cooperative serve residents and businesses. “In its modeling of the impacts of the proposed rule, EPA estimated 17 co-op owned power plants would close by 2025 in order for states to comply with the rule,” the letter points out. “The safety and soundness of the RUS electric portfolio is well documented.  Decades of experience have demonstrated an excellent record of loan repayment and reliable return for the taxpayer.  As work on this rule proceeds, we ask that you continue to engage with EPA, and with the affected borrowers, to ensure the RUS electric loan program and RUS electric borrowers are not adversely impacted,” the Senators wrote. Cochran has been consistently critical of the expansive and complex carbon emissions regulations unveiled by the EPA in June.  He recently joined the call for a public comment period extension and has cosponsored a resolution calling for EPA to withdraw the proposed rules and associated guidelines. LINKS: •    Letter to Vilsack is available below. •    USDA Rural Utilities Service:  http://1.usa.gov/1vyxBiF •    Electric Power Associations of Mississippi:  http://bit.ly/1r3PPEk ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c8fcbaa3-936d-46f1-876c-b49d87aa9101,TUPELO UTILITY REPAIRS BACKED WITH $2.64 MILLION FEMA GRANT,2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today reported new federal support for tornado recovery work in Tupelo, with a $2.64 million grant award to restore public utilities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday informed the Mississippi lawmakers that it has approved a $2.64 million Public Assistance Program grant to Tupelo Water and Light Department for permanent restoration of its utility services damaged during an April 28 tornado. “This grant award is welcome federal support to ensure that utilities are fully restored and operational.  This award should offset the need for Tupelo ratepayers to see their utility bills go up as a result of what was a nationally-significant disaster,” Cochran said.  “I appreciate all the hard work being done by the people of Tupelo to repair the damaged caused by that deadly storm.” “Mississippians have done a great job of rebuilding and restoring the communities affected by the storms that ravaged our state in April,” Wicker said. “With continued support from federal and state agencies, I am confident that we will achieve a full recovery.” “Following a natural disaster, restoration of utility services is an important first step in returning to normalcy,” Nunnelee said.  “I am pleased this grant will aid in continued tornado recovery efforts and provide for permanent restoration of damaged utility services.” The overall cost associated with this project is $3.52 million, with the FEMA award covering 75 percent of its cost.  The funding for this project will be obligated to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for distribution on a reimbursable basis. FEMA Public Assistant Program grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities. FEMA Public Assistance Grants also support debris removal and emergency protective measures.  Using Disaster Relief Fund resources provided by Congress, FEMA awarded two grants in August and September worth a combined total of $3.34 million for debris removal in Tupelo. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=03e921e4-43bc-46f7-937f-3dc6438d270a,SENATORS ENCOURAGE MISSISSIPPI YOUTH VOLUNTEERS TO APPLY FOR SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY HONORS,2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today encouraged Mississippi middle school and high school students involved in volunteer and community service projects to apply for the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. A Nov. 4 application deadline has been set for this program that recognizes the contributions of youth in grades 5-12 in their communities.  The program is sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. “Mississippi is repeatedly recognized as one of the most charitable states in the nation.  This spirit of giving includes the many hours of volunteer service performed by students throughout our state.  These young people set worthwhile examples, and it is these acts that the Spirit of Community awards recognize on a national stage,” said Cochran, co-chairman of the Senate National Service Caucus. “Service and volunteerism have helped transform so many communities and individual lives across Mississippi,” Wicker said. “The Spirit of Community awards seek to honor young Mississippians who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to care for those in need.  I urge every student who is active in his or her community to apply for this upstanding program.” Created in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program honors middle and high school students from each state who demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.  State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and a trip to Washington, D.C., May 2-5, 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program. Information and applications are available online at http://spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit, or by calling toll free 877-525-8491.  Applications must be completed by Nov. 4, and printed, signed and submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or affiliate of HandsOn Network.  An informational flyer on eligibility, deadlines and award details is available below. In 2014, the state was represented by Reagan Norwood, 18, of Biloxi and Jonah Holland, 15, of Belmont.  Reagan, Mississippi's top high school volunteer, collected more than 1,000 pairs of shoes and socks for homeless people over the past four years through her project, “S.O.S. (Shoes or Socks) for the Homeless.” Holland, the state’s leading middle school level volunteer, led his 4-H club promoting greater use of reusable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills. (Photo of their visit with Cochran is available below.) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2c0f14ea-6044-4777-8c95-572a55a86050,"MISS. ENTERPRISE FOR TECHNOLOGY TO ANCHOR ""INNOVATION CLUSTER"" FOR SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) at the Stennis Space Center has been selected to administer a new project to support small business growth in four Gulf of Mexico states. Cochran wrote a letter of support for the MSET application for a Marine Industries Science and Technology (MIST) Cluster, which was named one of four new Regional Innovative Clusters by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Tuesday.  The MIST Cluster will be centered along the I-10 Corridor, incorporating Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. “The MIST Cluster proposal is intended to help small businesses access the tools they need to succeed by leveraging resources available at the Stennis Space Center and in other Gulf Coast states,” Cochran said.  “I am pleased that the Small Business Administration has chosen to throw its support behind this proposal.” MSET, a nonprofit organization that serves as a small business technology incubator at Stennis, will receive $500,000 to $550,000 from SBA to support the MIST Cluster.  The focus of the cluster will be to implement strategies for developing businesses in the marine sciences and technology industries. According to the SBA, the MIST Cluster will “focus on the Stennis Space Center’s ecosystem of world class marine technology research, the highest concentration of oceanographers in the world, and a broad consortium of federal and state partners to provide targeted support for the creation and growth of small businesses involved in ‘blue technology.’” The MIST Cluster, along with three other new Regional Innovation Clusters, expands the SBA initiative to 11 clusters nationwide.  Other new initiatives named include a Wisconsin-based Water Technology Cluster, an Autonomous and Unmanned Systems Cluster in southeast New Mexico, and a Retail, Ozarks Region Supply Chain and Food Processing Cluster involving Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The mission of each cluster is to link small businesses to regional networks of leading research, commercialization tools and financing.  The four new clusters will receive roughly equal SBA financial support. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3bfeac44-680a-4197-a260-941123d7d6e8,COCHRAN SALUTES MISSISSIPPIS 2014 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today commended two Mississippi schools that have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014. Caledonia Elementary School in Caledonia and St. James Catholic School in Gulfport were designated by the U.S. Department of Education as Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps. “President Reagan launched the Blue Ribbon School initiative to honor schools whose students and teachers demonstrate notable educational achievement,” Cochran said.  “I commend Caledonia Elementary School and St. James Catholic School for being recognized nationally for their accomplishments, which reflect favorably on their students, teachers and the parents who support them.” The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was founded in 1982 to recognize the work of exemplary schools throughout the nation.  Since then, more than 7,500 schools nationwide have been favorably recognized. Two representatives from each Mississippi schools will be invited to Washington in November to attend a National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition ceremony, where each school will receive a plaque and flag to signify its Blue Ribbon status. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1195cdfb-d870-466a-9e90-67abf54b685f,COCHRAN: MISSISSIPPI TO FULFILL HOMELAND SECURITY DEPT. AMMO ORDER,2014-09-25,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that Winchester Ammunition, with manufacturing facilities in Oxford, Miss., has won a five-year contract to produce ammunition for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Cochran, who serves on the Senate subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Homeland Security Department, said the Olin Corp. and its Winchester division have been awarded a contract worth up to $50.0 million to produce ammunition at its Winchester Centerfire Operations in Oxford for two DHS agencies. “The Department of Homeland Security’s wide-ranging border security and law enforcement missions require a significant amount of firepower, particularly for training.  I’m pleased that Mississippi will be able to fill that need,” Cochran said.  “I credit our capable workforce and the state’s aggressive drive to bring more manufacturing to Mississippi for making this significant contract possible.” The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract calls for the procurement of 40 caliber Smith & Wesson training ammunition, with a maximum dollar value of $50.0 million.  The ammunition is intended for use by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) for field-level training. In 2010, the state’s congressional delegation, State of Mississippi and the Mississippi Development Authority successfully encouraged the Olin Corp. to relocate its Winchester Centerfire Operations to Oxford.  The facility produces small caliber ammunition and components for military, law enforcement, industrial and sporting customers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e35656d6-5a35-4fb7-ad94-ef4591223338,MISS. DELEGATION WELCOMES NEW FEMA FUNDING FOR TUPELO DEBRIS REMOVAL,2014-09-25,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today signaled their support for the distribution of $1.95 million in new funding to the City of Tupelo for tornado damage debris removal. The lawmakers announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, which will support Tupelo’s ongoing recovery from a deadly April 28 tornado.  The award, funded through the FEMA Disaster Recovery Fund, is being made in accordance with the FEMA Public Assistance guidelines for eligible debris removal. “We are all committed to seeing that Tupelo recovers from the direct hit it took in April.  This grant is indicative of FEMA and the state of Mississippi, acting as partners with city leaders, continuing to assess that recovery process and offer assistance,” said Cochran, who as a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee has worked to ensure that sufficient funding is available in the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund to support estimated costs associated with an average disaster year. “This important funding represents another big step forward in our effort to restore and rebuild Tupelo,” Wicker said. “I am pleased that federal, state, and local agencies continue to work together to provide residents and businesses the support they need.” “I am proud of the people of Tupelo and the determination I have seen to continue to move forward after the April tornadoes.  During the storms, local, state and federal officials were quick to work together in early detection and advanced warning and it saved lives,” said Nunnelee.  “This grant announcement is a reflection of an important collaborative relationship that I am pleased continues today.” The new $1.95 million grant represents an 80 percent federal share of the total $2.43 million associated with this application for assistance.  The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will cover the remaining 20 percent of the cost, pursuant to a law approved during a special session of the legislature following the storm.  FEMA awarded a similar $1.39 million grant to Tupelo in early August for eligible debris removal. FEMA Public Assistant Grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=90eb179e-b188-4f1d-9115-2f0279234106,COCHRAN STATEMENT ON AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA,2014-09-23,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D. C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriation Subcommittee, today issued the following statement regarding U.S. airstrikes in Syria against the Islamist terrorist group that controls northern parts of that country: “The airstrikes in Syria are an important measure needed to defeat the Islamic terrorists whose efforts to create a safe haven in Syria and northern Iraq represent a threat to U.S. security interests and the region.  Work must also continue to build a strong coalition to carry out this complex and difficult campaign.  As we move forward, our men and women in uniform deserve our complete support.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b0c63166-e22a-4c75-be66-2cfab5fc27d0,"USDA RURAL ENERGY PROGRAM SUPPORTS MISS. POULTRY, CATFISH OPERATIONS",2014-09-23,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D. C. – Nine poultry and catfish producers in Mississippi have been selected to receive a total of $288,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make energy efficiency improvements to their operations, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran today reported. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants were approved for operations in Bay Springs, Brooksville, Carthage, Indianola, Magnolia, Mt. Olive, Osyka, Stringer and Waynesboro.  The REAP grants range in value from $79,303 to $5,121. “Energy costs are a major factor for agriculture producers.  The Rural Energy for America Program was reauthorized in the 2014 farm bill to continue helping farming operations lower their production costs through energy savings,” said Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Administered by USDA Rural Development, REAP was created to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in making energy efficiency improvements or installing renewable energy systems.  In reauthorizing REAP, the 2014 farm bill streamlined the application process for farmers and rural businesses applying for small and medium sized projects. The awards to Mississippi are among the 540 REAP grant and loan guarantees approved for rural energy projects nationwide.  A list of these awards is available below. The 2014 REAP Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant Program awards to Mississippi include two awards to support the installation of oxygen monitoring systems with computers to control electric aerators on more than 125 catfish ponds.  Five grants were awarded to poultry producers in Mississippi to install energy efficiency lighting, fans, doors, insulation and other equipment on poultry broiler grower and production houses.  Other grants will support the installation of a bio-energy, renewable biomass system and an 84kw large solar photovoltaic system to improve energy efficiency at two poultry operations. LINK: •    USDA Rural Energy for America Program:  http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Reap.html ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c68e78c3-e2d0-4a60-87d8-632967790d43,SENATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO HONOR FREEDOM SUMMER ACTIVISTS,2014-09-22,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., have introduced legislation to award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner – men who lost their lives in 1964 while campaigning for civil rights during Mississippi’s Freedom Summer.  The bill is a Senate companion to H.R. 4409, introduced by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. “These men paid the ultimate sacrifice to bring justice and equality to every American,” said Wicker.  “Their courageous actions in the face of danger helped turn the course of history in the United States.” “Voting is one of the most sacred rights we have as Americans and it is important for us to reflect on our past and honor those who have fought to ensure every citizen has access to that basic freedom,” Gillibrand said. “James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner are unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom, justice and equality for all.  This recognition is long overdue and I will push to make sure that these brave souls are awarded this honor and that the Gold Medal can stand as a memorial to commemorate their lives and fearlessness.” “Bestowing the nation’s highest civilian award upon these slain civil rights workers would signify the gratitude of a nation that today is more free and just because of their brave work and sacrifice,” Cochran said. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer.  The term refers to the campaign for registering African Americans to vote in the South during the summer of 1964.  Thousands of activists travelled to Mississippi and surrounding states to bring an end to the disenfranchisement that many faced when trying to exercise their right to vote.  Participants also hoped to shed light on the violence and harassment faced by Mississippi’s African American population.  Churches, homes, and businesses were firebombed, in addition to arrests and beatings from mobs. One of the most infamous acts of violence during the Freedom Summer occurred near Philadelphia, Miss., on June 21, 1964.  James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were arrested and questioned after a so-called traffic violation.  Once released from questioning, they were not seen alive again.  Six weeks later, the men’s bodies were found under a dam.  The bodies were badly decomposed, but it was reported that James Chaney suffered a violent beating.  Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner died of gunshot wounds to the chest. Their deaths provoked national outrage and support for the Civil Rights movement. The three award nominees are: •   James Chaney, born May 30, 1943, in Meridian, Miss.; •   Andrew Goodman, born November 23, 1943, in New York City; and •   Michael Schwerner, born November 6, 1939, in New York City. Following the presentation of the award, the gold medals would be given to Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, near Jackson.  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by Congress.  It is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=68d0fa58-62eb-465f-88d5-009712026b11,COCHRAN: SIX-YEAR DELAY ON KEYSTONE DECISION INEXCUSABLE,2014-09-19,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today again encouraged the Obama administration to approve the application for the Keystone XL energy pipeline, saying there is no legitimate excuse for not allowing its construction. On the sixth anniversary of Keystone XL application being filed, Cochran joined other lawmakers in sending a letter to President Obama that argues it is “long past time to make a decision” on a permit allowing the creation of the energy pipeline whose construction would create tens of thousands of jobs. “The U.S. economy is not creating jobs fast enough to produce a strong recovery.  Knowing we need more jobs, it is inexcusable that the administration would keep the Keystone project on the back burner,” Cochran said.   “I encourage the administration to do what is right and approve the permit for this job-creating project, the sooner the better.” Since TransCanada applied for a Presidential Permit on Sept. 19, 2008, the Keystone XL project has undergone multiple legal, regulatory and environmental reviews.  One of the last, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released by the State Department in January 2014, concluded that the construction of the pipeline from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast would have no significant impact on the environment. The letter sent to the President to mark the sixth anniversary of the Keystone  permit was signed by 45 Senators, who wrote that the American people and Canada, as a friend and ally, deserve better than a “defeat-by-delay” approach. The letter states, “The uncertainty created by failing to make a decision has a chilling effect on other investment and infrastructure development in our country and holds back the economy.  The defeat-by-delay approach not only hurts this project, but also discourages other investment throughout the country, costing our country jobs.” ""Mr. President, six years is too long.  We urge you to approve the Keystone LX pipeline immediately,” it concludes. On May 1, Cochran joined 56 Senators in introducing bipartisan legislation (S.2280) to expedite permitting for the Keystone Pipeline using congressional authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.  With passage of this legislation, a presidential permit would no longer be needed to approve the project.  The bill has been added to the Senate calendar of business but the Democratic Majority Leader has not agreed to call it up for debate or a vote. A copy of the letter is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ffbd5c93-a271-4389-9cfa-dfe67ac96f04,COCHRAN VOTES TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today voted for legislation to keep the government open, while also taking actions to support United States activities to fight Islamic terrorism and the outbreak of Ebola on the African continent. The continuing resolution (CR) approved by the Senate on a 73-22 vote Thursday maintains federal spending at the current FY2014 spending capped-level through Dec. 11, 2014.  The 2015 fiscal year begins Oct. 1. “I’m disappointed that not a single FY2015 appropriations bill will have been enacted by the start of the new fiscal year.   This situation necessitates a continuing resolution,” Cochran said.  “It is my hope that when the Senate reconvene this fall that the Majority Leader will give us a chance to call up, debate and pass these bills.” At the request of the President, the CR includes provisions to support the administration’s plan to address the global security threats posed by Islamic terrorists (ISIS/ISIL).  This authorization will last until Dec. 11, the duration of the CR. “I have reservations about the President’s plan, but there are no easy answers to the problems posed by the Islamic terrorist threat to our national interests and the overall stability of the Middle East.  This initial authorization, which is limited in duration and includes multiple opportunities for congressional oversight, is a good step to take at this point.  The debate will be rejoined later this year,” said Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Other notable provisions in the almost two and half month CR include: •    Additional funding to support Department of Veterans Affairs treatment of veterans, disabilities claims processing and oversight; •    Funding for State Department programs to regional aggression toward the Ukraine and other nations that were once part of the Soviet Union; and, •    Funding to support the Centers for Disease Control response to the Ebola virus crisis in Africa, as well as resources to accelerate U.S. Department of Health and Human Services research on Ebola therapies. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393901,Palazzo Opposes Authorization to Arm Syrian Rebels,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Palazzo Opposes Authorization to Arm Syrian Rebels WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after opposing authorization to train and equip Syrian rebels to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL): As a Marine who has served in this very region of the world, I believe our men and women in uniform deserve a strong, comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIL. Today's vote to provide equipment and training to Syrian rebels is an arbitrary half-measure, and one that won't work. I cannot support handing weapons to a force unless I am 100% confident that our American soldiers won't have to face fire from those same weapons in the future. ISIL is a threat to Americans here at home and to our allies abroad. They are well-organized, well-trained, and well-financed. I support a U.S. led coalition of international partners to defeat this terrorist group.We need to give our men and women in uniform and military commanders every tool they need to get the job done. But arming an unknown, un-vetted, and unreliable group of rebels is simply not the right strategy. ### Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=717f8bd8-685f-4097-bd54-c7e12899cb5a,"COCHRAN: LOUISVILLE, WINSTON CO. MEDICAL NEEDS BACKED BY FEMA GRANT",2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said a $1.0 million federal grant has been awarded to support medical service delivery in tornado-damaged Louisville and Winston County. Cochran was informed Wednesday that the Winston County Medical Foundation has been awarded a $1,093,074 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for costs associated with the temporary relocation of the Winston Medical Center and the temporary facility to house its healthcare functions.  The medical center sustained heavy damage during the tornado that hit Louisville on April 28. “FEMA is making this funding available as part of the rebuilding process for Winston County.  The displacement of the medical center into temporary facilities is just one of the challenges created by the deadly storms that damaged a good part of Mississippi almost six months ago,” Cochran said. The FEMA Public Assistance grant will be drawn from the Disaster Relief Fund, which Cochran has championed in his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.  It will cover 75 percent of the costs associated with this $1.4 million grant application. The FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program provides assistance to states, communities, tribes and certain nonprofit organizations for response and recovery projects following major disasters or emergencies.  These grants support work that involves the repair, replacement or restoration of damaged, publicly-owned facilities. “I will continue to support local, state and federal rebuilding efforts in our state,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. Following the April 28 storm, a national mobile disaster hospital was opened in Louisville for use until the Winston Medical Center is rebuilt. PHOTO (available below):  Senator Cochran and members of the Mississippi  congressional delegation visited the damaged Winston Medical Center on April 30. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=81d8cfa9-7b02-41b7-8d8b-a7efc4fbbca6,MISS. SENATORS CONTINUE PUSH TO PROTECT U.S. STEEL PRODUCT FROM UNFAIR IMPORTS,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today persisted in their efforts to ensure that U.S. steel producers in Mississippi and other states are protected from imported steel reinforcing bar or “rebar.” Cochran and Wicker are encouraging Meredith Broadbent, chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), to protect the U.S. rebar industry by supporting antidumping duties on imports unfairly supported with foreign government subsidies.  The ITC is in the final phase of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on reinforcing rebar imported from Mexico and Turkey. “The imposition of antidumping duties is a matter of competitive fairness, particularly when imbalanced trade practices impact the livelihoods of workers in Mississippi and other steel producing states,” Cochran said.  “We are simply asking the ITC to support an American industry beset by government-subsidized foreign steel products.” “American steel manufacturers should be safeguarded from imports that unfairly manipulate the market,” Wicker said. “I urge the ITC to continue to support global trade policies that level the playing field for Mississippi’s steel industry.” The Senators are among 36 Senators who have signed a letter to Broadbent that highlights the hardships experienced by the U.S. steel industry during the recession and the threat posed to its recovery by cut-rate foreign-made rebar dumped on the market. “Since 2010, these imports have flooded the U.S. market at the direct expense of U.S. producers, who have seen their share of the market drop dramatically.  Capacity utilization rates are at historically low levels -- near 60 percent -- and production levels have yet to recover from the recession,” the Senators wrote. “On behalf of the U.S. rebar industry and the workers and their families who depend on full and fair enforcement of our trade laws for their survival, we urge you to give careful consideration to their arguments regarding investigations involving Turkey and Mexico.  It is essential that foreign subsidies and dumping be addressed in order to prevent further harm to the U.S. rebar industry and the unwarranted loss of American jobs,” they wrote. The ITC began its review of the Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey Inv. Nos. 701 TA-502 and 731-TA-1227-1228 (Final Phase) case in September 2013 (http://1.usa.gov/1ycMMDv and http://1.usa.gov/XdcQxe).  The primary petitioner is the Rebar Trade Action Coalition.  Nucor Corp., which has operations in Starkville and Flowood, is a member of the coalition.  The ITC petition indicates that the case affects nine producers with facilities in 23 states that employed 4,167 workers in 2012. This past April, the Mississippi Senators signed correspondence to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to highlight unfair trade practices associated with Turkish and Mexican steel imports.  Rebar imports from those two countries have doubled since 2010 and continue to surge. Last year, Cochran and Wicker were part of a similar case involving the extension of existing antidumping duties now imposed on rebar produced in China, Indonesia, Ukraine, Latvia, Belarus, Moldova and Poland.  They were among a dozen Senators who argued that extending the duties would be critical to protecting American-made rebar imports that are illegally undercutting the U.S. market.  As part of that effort, they pointed out that a November 2012 review by the U.S. Department of Commerce found that if the antidumping orders were not maintained, producers in these seven countries would resume dumping rebar into the United States at margins ranging from 16.99 percent to 232.86 percent. Letter sent to ITC Chairman Broadbent is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d770becf-386f-4f8e-a626-3de9d55b2a88,COCHRAN EXTOLS BOONEVILLE COUPLE FOR WORK TO PROMOTE ADOPTION,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PHOTO (available below):  Jason and Nicole Russell of Booneville meet Senator Thad Cochran, who nominated the couple as Mississippi’s 2014 Angels in Adoption.  They met the Senator with their adopted children Kason and Breanna, infant daughter Madelyn, and parents Bobby and Estelle Russell. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today praised the work of Jason and Nicole Russell of Booneville for their work to improve the lives of Mississippi children through foster care and adoption programs. The Russells were nominated by Cochran as Mississippi’s 2014 “Angels in Adoption,” a program sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) to advocate eliminating barriers to adoption and to increase awareness about children in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes. “Jason and Nicole Russell are outstanding representatives for the benefits of adoption, foster care and families.  They inspire us by demonstrating a deep commitment to children in need,” Cochran said.  “I’m pleased that their efforts over the past 10 years are being recognized by the Angels in Adoption program,” Cochran said. While in Washington this week, the Russells will be honored for their work and attend a gala sponsored by CCAI.  They met Cochran with their adopted son and daughter, Kason and Breanna, and infant daughter Madelyn. Nicole and Jason, a computer programmer at BancorpSouth in Tupelo, became licensed as foster parents in 2004 when they were newlyweds.  Since then, they have broadened their involvement from fostering a child to promoting foster care, adoption and restoring families. Over the years, the Russells have fostered several children, worked closely with birth relatives, and provided shared parenting with the birth families when possible.  As foster parents, they have encouraged the goal of reunification and worked with officials to reunify children with their birth family when possible.  In addition, they work to inform the public of the need for foster/adoptive homes for children in care of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The nonprofit, nonpartisan CCAI advocates for increased awareness about children in need of a stable home environment, and supports eliminating barriers to adoption.  CCAI, which does not receive government funding, was established in 2001 as an outgrowth of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.  Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker, along with Congressman Alan Nunnelee, are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption for the 113th Congress. Cochran is an original cosponsor of The Adoption Information Act (S.1539), which would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare, distribute, and update annually pamphlets that list all the adoption centers in each state along with associated contact information.  Family planning organizations that receive federal funding would be required to provide HHS with their plans to issue adoption promotion literature to all their clients. Introduced in September 2013, the measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. LINKS: •    Mississippi Department of Health/Adoption Information:  http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/fcs_adoptall.html   •    Angels in Adoption:  http://www.angelsinadoption.org/ •    Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute:  http://www.ccainstitute.org ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=207f0b53-7a87-4a75-9388-4b24e973e68c,MISS. SENATORS SEEK MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON EPA POWER PLANT EMISSIONS RULES,2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) have endorsed an effort to give the public and stakeholders more time to comment on the expansive and complex carbon emissions regulations being promoted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Cochran and Wicker are among 53 Senators who signed a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy that seeks a 60-day extension to the public comment period on proposed EPA rules and guidelines for carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.  The Senators argue that the extra time is warranted because of the scope and complexity of the rules that will have significant effects on costs and use of electric generation. “The carbon emission limits set by the EPA for our state will affect energy costs for all Mississippians.  The EPA hasn’t provided our stakeholders, including utility companies and MDEQ, with enough information to determine whether the rules are fair, justified or even workable,” Cochran said. “The Administration’s carbon dioxide rule could be disastrous for our economy, particularly in Mississippi,” Wicker said. “A rule of this complexity requires an opportunity for those affected by the rule to voice their concerns. The EPA must be held accountable for this breathtaking regulatory overreach.” The letter argues that the additional 60 days would give including utilities, state regulators, regional generation and transmission organizations and others time to not only study the rule, but also the more than 600 supporting documents released by EPA. Both Cochran and Wicker are original cosponsors of S.Res.512 (http://1.usa.gov/1jXFgGj), a resolution calling for the EPA to withdraw its proposed rules and guidelines related to carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.  S.Res.512 faults the EPA and Obama administration for an overly broad interpretation of the Clean Air Act, for disregarding the legislative process and for failing to complete a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed rules. The resolution states that “the proposed rules would result in a Federal takeover of the electricity system of the United States leading to significant increases in electricity rates and additional energy costs for consumers and elimination of access to abundant, affordable power, putting the manufacturing of the United States at a competitive disadvantage, threatening the diversity and reliability of the electricity supply, and undermining energy security.” A copy of the letter signed by 53 Senator is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6a851907-fe10-4c70-9411-eef1f8e48049,"MISSISSIPPI CONSERVATION PROJECTS GAIN FARM BILL FUNDS, COCHRAN REPORTS",2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that two Mississippi-based conservation projects have been singled out for more than $1.0 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grant funding, including a project to help socially disadvantaged farmers adopt soil and water conservation technologies. As authorized in the 2014 Farm bill, the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are provided on a competitive basis to encourage the development and application of new technologies that encourage improved conservation practices to address natural resource concerns.  The 2014 CIG recipients were announced Monday by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “The Conservation Innovation Grant program allows farmers to work voluntarily with others to improve agriculture production while making changes that improve soil health and water quality,” said Cochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee who played a pivotal role in crafting the 2014 farm bill. “I am pleased that projects with a focus on adopting innovative practices that best fit Mississippi’s needs are receiving this support from the USDA,” he said. For Mississippi, the Holmes County Food Hub in Durant was awarded a $640,775 grant to support a project titled “Introducing Innovative Conservation Technologies to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in West and Central Mississippi.”  The goal of this project is to demonstrate to historically underserved farm operations the agricultural sustainability and profitability benefits of adopting conservation technologies, such as plasticulture and subsurface irrigation. A $438,750 grant has been approved for the Stoneville-based Delta F.A.R.M. (BF Smith Foundation) for a project titled “Mississippi’s Soil Health Initiative: Fostering Awareness, Belief and Understanding through Local Experience and Evaluation.”  In an effort to promote wider use and acceptance of innovative practices, the Delta F.A.R.M. project will demonstrate and field test soil health systems on 12 farms and 2,400 acres.  It will compare the use of traditional and innovative demonstrated soil health systems to evaluate soil and water quality. A separate $232,232 grant to Louisiana State University for soil health and pasture ecosystem improvement would also have an impact on Mississippi. This project seeks to demonstrate the benefits that multiple forage species forage have on grazing pastures. In all, the Mississippi CIG grants are among 47 awards worth $15.7 million that were awarded nationwide by the USDA. The NRCS determines CIG awards on a competitive basis to applicants that propose new or improved conservation practices.  It is one of several conservation projects involving working agriculture lands that were reformed in the 2014 farm bill to improve cost-effectiveness and transparency.  In all, the farm bill consolidated 23 conservation programs into 13 programs, saving $6.0 billion in mandatory spending by streamlining programs and reducing program duplication in taxpayer funding. LINKS: •    NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant program:  http://1.usa.gov/1BGS74z •    Summary of 2014 CIG awards:  http://1.usa.gov/1s3UM78 •    Holmes County Food Hub:  http://bit.ly/1r0acax •    Delta F.A.R.M:  http://deltafarm.org/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b1c33e02-9f84-4fdc-a55c-90350ad16cb2,"ALCORN STATE TO RESEARCH PLANT DISEASE CONTROL, SMALL RURAL MISSISSIPPI FARMS LINK",2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Alcorn State University will receive federal agriculture research  resources to study how small farming operations in rural Mississippi can fight crop diseases, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said. Cochran, who is ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee and who serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $246,318 available to investigate small farm ecosystem crop diseases and the integration of plant pathology resources for limited-resource farmers in rural Mississippi. “Controlling the diseases that can ruin crops is an ongoing fight for farmers, and for small farming operations the battle can be even more difficult,” Cochran said.  “Alcorn State University has the research capacity to help find the tools to help enable these agriculture producers to be successful.” The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing the funding through the 1890 Capacity Building Grants program.  The research investigation, which is expected to be performed through August 2017, will be carried out through the Alcorn’s Center for Biotechnology and Genomics. The 1890 Institution Teaching, Research, and Extension Capacity Building Grants (CBG) Competitive Grants Program was created in 1977 to foster partnerships between the USDA and land grants schools to promote the application of food and agriculture sciences and professional careers in the agricultural field. Cochran, who has supported the CBG program and advancement of agriculture research Alcorn State, visited the university and President Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr., in early August to discuss how 2014 farm bill programs might benefit the school. LINKS: •    Center for Biotechnology and Genomics: http://bit.ly/1BqcqTu •    1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program: http://1.usa.gov/Yulysl ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=056d5cf8-c0ad-453b-8885-01b51300045d,COCHRAN CONGRATULATES OUTSTANDING MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL PRINCIPALS,2014-09-12,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Photo available below.) WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) this week met with and congratulated Jackie Cuevas of Purvis (left) and Cory Uselton of Hernando, who were in Washington to be honored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Uselton, principal of DeSoto Central High School, is Mississippi’s High School Principal of the Year, while Cuevas was named Middle School Principal of the Year for her work leading Purvis Lower Elementary School.  The NASSP principal of the year awards are based on school principals who demonstrate effective school leadership. The Mississippi educators attended the Association’s annual State Principals of the Year Institute in Washington.  This week-long program brings all middle level and high school principals of the year from the 50 states together for professional development activities, meetings on Capitol Hill and other activities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c46f3fc2-ff41-4789-959e-7ea0e30157fc,"COCHRAN MARKS 9/11 ANNIVERSARY, CALLS FOR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING A FREE & SAFE U.S.A.",2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video link: http://cs.pn/1whnZtt WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today encouraged his Senate colleagues to strengthen their commitment to ensuring that that United States remains “free and safe for all Americans to continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.” Cochran on Thursday morning participated in a moment of silence on the Senate floor to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.  Afterward, he made brief remarks to the Senate. “I wanted to make some comments about the remarks of our distinguished leader and to join him in calling on Senators to remember this day and the historical experience of 9/11 and to commit this body to our best efforts to help ensure that our political institutions and our country remain free and safe for all Americans to continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty, the opportunities of an economic system that is the envy of the world, and to commit ourselves to a new sense of responsibility as representatives of our states to help ensure that this is a reality and not just a hope,” Cochran said. Cochran, a Navy veteran, is vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and has served on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee since its creation following the 9/11 attacks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=619cc1de-fe07-4abd-a6cf-3b177da8a6e3,"MIKULSKI, COCHRAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING 20th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICORPS NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM",2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), co-chairs of the Senate National Service Caucus, today announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since 1994, the community service organization has provided more than one billion service hours in communities across America. The anniversary is Friday, Sept. 12, 2014.   “I believe that AmeriCorps is the embodiment of the spirit of volunteerism and service to our country. These members are unflagging, unflinching and determined to make a difference,” said Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “When creating this program, I did not just want to create another government program.  I did not want this to be another bureaucratic agency. What I wanted to do was capture the fervor, passion and dynamic qualities of a social movement that would bring people to arms wielding change. The work that AmeriCorps volunteers do gives me profound hope, because while one person can make a difference, together we can make change.”   “Since AmeriCorps’ creation 20 years ago, its members have provided vital services to communities and important assistance to first responders during times of disaster.  I hope this anniversary will draw attention to this good work and bring a renewed focus to supporting programs that can make our communities better places to live and work,” Cochran said. Mikulski was one of the original founders of AmeriCorps. More recently, she led Senate efforts to expand and strengthen AmeriCorps and other national service programs through the Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, signed into law in 2009. The bipartisan Senate resolution – available below – recognizes the powerful and positive impact on families and communities that AmeriCorps members make each and every day across our nation.  It “encourages all people of the United States to join in a national salute to AmeriCorps members and alumni for 20 years of service to the United States on September 12, 2014.”  It also “acknowledges the significant impact and value of AmeriCorps members, alumni and community partners over the past 20 years and encourages individuals of all ages to find ways to give back to their communities and the United States through AmeriCorps and other programs.”   AmeriCorps, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service programs engage approximately 80,000 individuals each year in intensive, results-driven service at more than 15,000 locations across the country. In exchange for 1,700 hours of service, members earn a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to help pay for college or pay back student loans. Since 1994, more than 775,000 AmeriCorps members have given one billion service hours in their communities. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunity and apply online by visiting http://www.americorps.gov/.   Original cosponsors of the bipartisan Mikulski-Cochran resolution include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=665f86e4-d437-48f0-9070-fa936338144f,"COCHRAN, WICKER REPORT $17.8 MILLION FOR THREE-COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE",2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced the award of $17.8 million in federal transportation funding for a collaborative initiative to support job growth by improving roadways in three Southwest Mississippi counties. The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved a $17.8 million TIGER VI grant application submitted by Claiborne County, along with Franklin and Jefferson counties and Alcorn State University.  The funding will support the collaborative Three-County Roadway Improvements Program (TRI-Mississippi) to undertake critical roadway repairs to improve transportation reliability and safety in this rural area.  Earlier this year, Cochran and Wicker issued letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the TRI-Mississippi grant application. “This grant is an investment in these rural counties and the county collector road system on which its economic vitality is based,” Cochran said.  “The demand for transportation infrastructure funding is intense and credit goes to this Mississippi collaboration for demonstrating to the U.S. Department of Transportation that it has a workable plan to benefit public safety and economic growth.” “This grant will have a tremendous impact on residents and travelers in Claiborne, Franklin, and Jefferson counties,” Wicker said.  “Improving these transportation routes is important to public safety and helps support economic growth in the region.” The TIGER VI funding will improve substandard roads and aging, deteriorating bridges within the region.  The work will improve access to regional employment centers, including Alcorn State University.  It will also involve the rehabilitation of nuclear evacuation routes from the Grand Gulf Nuclear Generating Station. The TIGER VI Discretionary Grants Program is highly competitive, with funding provided to transportation projects that will make significant transportation improvements to a region or community.  The program is designed to give the Transportation Department more flexibility in supporting projects sought by state and local officials, who best understand local needs.  Applications must use economic analysis to prove that their projects justify their costs.  The program is funded through annual congressional appropriations. LINK: •    U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER Program:  http://www.dot.gov/tiger ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b43e848e-b76b-4b47-90bb-ce7c944095a6,COCHRAN STATEMENT ON COMBATING ISLAMIC STATE,2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s address to explain the U.S. response to the threats posed by the Islamic State, which is also referred to as ISIS or ISIL: “The President’s speech on the eve of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is a stark reminder that we live in a volatile and dangerous world.  The barbaric actions of Islamic State are abhorrent to us, and our nation must act with resolve to protect both the innocent and our security interests.  The President has now outlined a strategy that will require his administration to work closely with Congress and the international community.  I will do my part with the firm belief that our focus must remain on keeping Americans safe.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392863,Palazzo Returns from Middle East,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement after returning from the Middle East with members of the House Armed Services Committee: With the horrible brutality we have seen taking place across the Middle East over these past few months, I felt strongly that I needed to see firsthand the realities of the threat we are facing in the region. In addition to meeting with the great men and women serving in our armed forces, I met with the heads of state of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, both Muslim countries and non-Muslim countries, and all agreed that the greatest threat to the Middle East are radical Islamist groups like ISIS. We need a strategy from the United States that responds to these threats with force and justice, partnering with our allies in the Middle East to defeat ISIS and establish stability and security in the region. I believe one lesson learned here is that it's just as dangerous to rush away from war as it is to rush into it. Palazzo traveled to Israel, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon and several other senior Members of the committee. The group met with several heads of state, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, King of Jordan Abdullah II, and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. They also met with several defense ministers of these countries. During the trip the delegation visited troops that are deployed in support of operations across the globe on several U.S. and allied military installations. The purpose of the trip was to see firsthand the ongoing operations of CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM, and included a number of briefings from both U.S. personnel and host nation officials. Pictured: Congressman Palazzo meeting with Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe Yaalon, accompanied by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912005840/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/isis,ISIS,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, recently called ISIS, “an organization that has an apocalyptic end-of-days strategic vision.” Earlier this summer, ISIS made territorial gains militarily in Iraq and Syria and announced the establishment of a caliphate in areas under its control. They have pursued, attacked, and killed members of Christian minority groups in northern Iraq and have attempted to invade Kurdish controlled regions in Iraq. And last but certainly not least, ISIS has beheaded two American journalists, and is said to be planning more beheadings. In August, the United States military began bombing ISIS held sites to stem their advancements. Without these surgical strikes, I have no doubt that Iraqi minority groups, including Christians, would have been slaughtered on the Sinjar Mountains and in the surrounding territories. The U.S. bombing campaign has assisted Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga in retaking territory. Working with these groups on the ground has made the U.S. bombing campaign very effective, while also reduced the need for a large presence of U.S. combat troops on the ground. The United States has an obligation to lead and respond whenever the innocent are being massacred. We must quickly formulate a plan to wipe this radical terror group off the face of the earth before they have the capabilities to hit us here at home. There must also be a coalition of the willing that includes Arab nations. The United States cannot and should not have to go it alone in this fight. I know the American public is war weary after fighting in the Middle East for over a decade, but we must respond to injustice with military might. I look forward to continued debate on the U.S. response in the coming weeks and hope that we will soon see a comprehensive plan from the Commander-in-Chief that cuts ISIS to the core. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912010702/http://harper.house.gov/press-release/harper-remembers-jack-cristil,Harper Remembers Jack Cristil,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Harper Remembers Jack Cristil CONTACT: Jordan See Sep 9, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss) today released the following statement on news of the passing of the beloved former sports broadcaster of six decades of Mississippi State University athletics and who was known throughout the South as ""the Voice of the Bulldogs,"" Jacob Sanford “Jack” Cristil: “For 58 years, Cristil had been at the microphone broadcasting across the radio airwaves for Mississippi State football and basketball games. As an Honorary Bulldog I know that I speak on behalf of all the Bulldog Family at Mississippi State University in expressing our sincere gratitude for Cristil’s leadership, his dedication, and steadfast confidence at MSU.” Cristil was known for his commitment to journalistic professionalism in his broadcasts as well as his unique trademark expressions such as, ""You can wrap this game in maroon and white!'' “Jack Cristil will remain an icon for all who love the Maroon and White. To say thank you to Jack Cristil seems woefully inadequate, but I do take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through those of us he influenced. May Jack Cristil always be remembered for the excellence he inspired in all of us.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=de65d47b-6bfe-45e5-930f-bb389d874297,COCHRAN PROMOTES COTTON TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT TO MISS. FARMERS,2014-09-05,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, today encouraged producers with cotton base acres in Mississippi and throughout the Sunbelt to consider enrolling in an interim safety net program created for them in the 2014 farm bill. An October 7 deadline has been set for upland cotton producers to enroll in the Cotton Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), a program to ensure they are protected as the U.S. Department of Agriculture fully implements the new Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX).  CTAP enrollment began Aug. 11. “Cotton is major crop in Mississippi and many other states, and it is appropriate that farmers have access to tools to manage the risks that come from producing this crop.  In the near term, the Cotton Transition Assistance Program can help insulate growers from poor market conditions,” Cochran said.  “It will help producers by providing financial assistance as the Department of Agriculture fully implements the STAX program that will replace the old direct payment system.” Cochran was the chief Senate advocate for inclusion of CTAP during negotiations to finalize the Agricultural Act of 2014, insisting that some level of assistance should be provided for those counties where STAX would not be available for the 2014 and 2015 crop years.  “The USDA has prioritized implementation of CTAP as the STAX risk management insurance plan is put in place for the 2015 cotton crop.  As such, I think it would be worthwhile for our cotton producers to consider enrolling in CTAP over the next month,” Cochran said. For producers who enroll in CTAP, the program is designed to provide interim payments based on 2013 cotton base acres.  Until the STAX insurance program is finalized, the existing crop insurance products and the marketing assistance loan program are the only other risk management tools available for the 2014 cotton crop.  Producers should visit their local Farm Service Agency office to enroll.  For more information on CTAP, visit these websites:  www.usda.gov/farmbill or www.fsa.usda.gov. Mississippi farms produced 730,000 bales of cotton in 2013, with a production value of $331 million.  Last year, average yields were a record-setting 1,188 pounds per acre. Signed into law in February, the Agricultural Act of 2014 enacted major reforms to agriculture, conservation and nutrition policies, saving taxpayers nearly $17 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.  The farm bill baseline was also trimmed by $6 billion from sequestration, resulting in an overall savings of $23 billion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ebc19747-14cc-4db9-9721-7901750743bd,WEST POINT NAVISTAR PLANT GETS $38.4 MILLION ARMY CONTRACT TO UPGRADE MRAP VEHICLES,2014-09-04,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Navistar Defense plant at West Point will undertake upgrading MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles as part of a $38.4 million contract awarded by the U.S. Army, according to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). This phase of the “vehicle reset” contract would entail the replacement of mandatory parts and repairs to MRAP Maxx Pro Dash vehicles, bringing them to a Condition Code-A, or “like new,” standard.  The contract is estimated to be completed in June 2016. “The production of the MRAPs in Mississippi has helped contribute to the effectiveness of our fighting forces, and this contract would allow our highly capable workforce to continue those efforts,” said Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. According to the Army, the contract work would entail meeting new configuration of the M1235 Maxx Pro Dash, M1235 A1 Maxx Pro Dash with independent suspension systems, while the M1235 A2 Maxx Pro dash ambulance would also be reconfigured. The contract derives from FY2014 appropriations approved by Congress for the Department of Defense, including $25.8 million in Army operations and maintenance funding and $12.5 million in procurement funds. The Senate Appropriations Committee in July approved the FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill (http://1.usa.gov/1qMrIMl), which includes $165.8 billion in overall base funding for Defense Department operation and maintenance accounts and $91.4 billion for procurement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ac680b3f-920d-4b97-a9e1-1405046e8a3b,"EDA AWARDS $100,000 GRANT TO BUILD LOUISVILLE, WINSTON CO. ECONOMIC PLAN",2014-08-26,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $100,000 grant to support the development of a comprehensive land use plan to help tornado-damaged Louisville and Winston County build its economic base, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported. The EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance grant was awarded to the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (GTPDD) for a $125,000 project whose goal is to determine how the county’s assets can be used to foster economic development following a tornado that tore through the area on April 28. “The EDA grant is part of a broader disaster recovery effort for Louisville and Winston County, where tornado damage knocked out jobs and infrastructure.  I hope this investment will be useful to local leaders who are working to regain and strengthen the economic footing for this rural region,” Cochran said. According to the EDA, which is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, the recovery project will aim to help the community “determine how to leverage existing regional assets and to support resiliency, sustainability, and economic development in the region.”  The grant was awarded on a competitive basis based on the applicant’s merit and eligibility, and the availability of funds. The GTPDD is a nonprofit organization based in Starkville that works to provide local, county and economic development organizations with information, planning and assistance to foster economic development within a seven-county region (Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster and Winston counties). LINKS: •     Economic Development Administration:  www.eda.gov •     Golden Triangle Planning and Development District:  http://www.gtpdd.com/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5f58796b-ed56-4063-86b3-609c89db2554,MISS. DELEGATION MEMBERS CALL FOR SEC TO APPEAL PONZI SCHEME RULING,2014-08-11,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), and Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), today called on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White to appeal a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals regarding the Ponzi scheme perpetrated by R. Allen Stanford. The court found that thousands of investors who were cheated in this Ponzi scheme, including many Mississippians, are not eligible for financial compensation. The full text of the letter: Dear Chair White: We are writing at the request of our Mississippi constituents who were profoundly and adversely affected by the Ponzi scheme perpetrated by R. Allen Stanford.  These Mississippians are among thousands of investors across the country who lost billions of dollars in this Ponzi scheme.  On their behalf, we respectfully request that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, in the matter of SEC v. SIPC.  As you know, the U.S. Court of Appeals last month ruled that the approximately 7,000 investors in certificates of deposit sold by Mr. Stanford were not eligible for the insurance coverage that the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) ordinarily extends to defrauded investors.  The judge’s ruling was a huge disappointment to these investors, especially when you consider that Mr. Stanford was convicted of multiple accounts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and other charges.  He currently is serving a 110-year prison sentence for his misdeeds, and his Ponzi scheme is one of the largest in history.  Congress passed the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 (SIPA) in order to enhance investor confidence by protecting customers of SIPC-member broker dealers.  It is difficult to draw a meaningful distinction between our constituents and the victims of other Ponzi schemes in which the victims were deemed eligible for SIPC coverage.  However, investor confidence may suffer if investors perceive that they cannot consistently rely on SIPC to protect them when they are swindled by the owner of a SIPC-member firm. We applaud your efforts to date to seek justice for our constituents, and we encourage you to continue to back the SEC’s original position that many of the Stanford victims are entitled to SIPC coverage.  We note, too, that the final outcome in the case will set an important legal precedent. For all of these reasons, we respectfully urge you and the rest of the Commission to act promptly to appeal last month’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.  Sincerely, Thad Cochran Roger Wicker Gregg Harper Alan Nunnelee Steven Palazzo ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c6f6924e-cb76-4aa0-8771-540e1b6b1d53,COCHRAN FOCUSED ON MISS. NATIONAL GUARD FUTURE AMID BUDGET CONSTRAINTS,2014-08-08,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"JACKSON, Miss. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today toured Mississippi National Guard facilities with an eye on the Guard’s future as the Department of Defense adjusts to budget constraints. Cochran joined Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, Adjutant General of Mississippi, and other officials, to be briefed on 172nd Airlift Wing and to tour operations at the 97-acre Allen C. Thompson Field at the Jackson-Evers International Airport.  Collins is the commanding general of both the Army and Air National Guard in Mississippi. “The 172nd Airlift Wing, as part of the National Guard in Mississippi, performs proudly and effectively to support our national security interests.  I would like to ensure that it will be able to continue this good work,” Cochran said. “The Senate and House have both produced defense funding bills for Fiscal Year 2015 that make the best of resources available for our national security, including making more funding available for readiness and other defense priorities by eliminating some programs and consolidating others.  The budget situation in the next few years, however, will likely be very challenging,” said Cochran. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (the Murray-Ryan budget agreement), which Cochran opposed, requires significant defense spending cuts starting in FY2016. “I will continue to work with the military leadership, state officials, community leaders and others to ensure that our military installations in Mississippi are positioned for the difficult decisions coming down the line,” Cochran said. In February 2012 after the Air Force proposed force reductions that would have affected personnel and equipment at several Mississippi military installations, members of the Mississippi congressional delegation worked with National Guard Chief Gen. Frank J. Grass and the board of Governors, to lessen those impacts.  In the end, billets for the 172nd Airlift Wing actually increased by 48. In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill that Cochran helped craft.  The nearly $549 billion bill included $11 billion in reductions from program requests throughout the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, and redirected some of those savings to other national defense priorities like readiness, shipbuilding and aircraft procurement. The 172nd Airlift Wing supports the State of Mississippi during national emergencies, including maintaining peace and order, civil defense and pre-attack planning.  In addition, eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to the Mississippi Air National Guard are assigned to support the Strategic Brigade Airdrop mission of the XVIIIth Airborne Corps.  The Airlift Wing routinely trains with the Airborne Corps and supports the 24-hour wheels-up requirement of the nation’s contingency mobilization plan. Cochran worked with members of the Mississippi congressional delegation and local leadership to bring and stand-up the C-17 transport aircraft unit to Thompson Field.  Cochran’s past support also included securing funding for the C-17 Flight Simulator Facility and Maintenance Training System.  LINK: •     172nd Airlift Wing:  http://1.usa.gov/1zXTOtj •     C-17 Globemaster III:  http://1.usa.gov/1yafS0Z •     Cochran on FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill:  http://1.usa.gov/1qMrIMl ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0e18f9e4-6d30-4be6-9cbe-3bd6bd099905,COCHRAN & WICKER CALL FOR EXPEDITED LNG EXPORT PROJECTS,2014-08-07,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., are calling on the Obama Administration to expedite approval of project applications to export liquefied natural gas (LNG).  The Senators today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz regarding the issue. The letter sent by the Senators states, “LNG exports are…important to America’s national security interests at home and abroad.  If the United States can provide an abundant and reliable natural gas alternative to our allies, we can help reduce the leverage of nations like Russia that use the energy market to impose their will and create unrest.  In light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, we must consider how increased U.S. natural gas capacity can help mitigate the effects of such aggression and violations of international law. “The Administration, however, has been slow to approve applications to export LNG to countries that do not yet have free trade agreements with the United States.  One of the facilities awaiting a decision is the Gulf LNG Liquefaction Company in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  The company estimates that Department of Energy approval of its request could lead to approximately $8 billion in investment and the creation of numerous jobs for the region.  And yet, the Gulf LNG application has been pending with DOE since 2012. “There is significant bipartisan support in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to expedite and streamline LNG export applications.  The economic and national security advantages of supporting LNG exports are too great for bureaucratic roadblocks to stall America’s potential.  We strongly encourage you to improve the LNG export application process for our domestic energy industry.” Cochran and Wicker are cosponsors of the “Expedited LNG for American Allies Act of 2013” S.192, which was authored by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. The bill would allow the Secretary of Energy to approve exports of natural gas, including LNG, to NATO allies and Japan.  Under current law, the Secretary is only required to approve natural gas exports to countries that have free trade agreements with the United States. A copy of the letter is available below. RELATED LINK: •    Mississippi Leaders Advocate Growth of LNG Export Market:  http://bit.ly/1ouOpBy ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f59a5d1c-e357-45c9-b90a-1f04d93c2a73,COCHRAN: NATCHEZ BENEFITS FROM CULMINATION OF NATCHEZ TRACE LAND TRANSFER,2014-08-07,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NATCHEZ, Miss. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the citizens of Natchez will benefit from the culmination of a legislative effort he started to convey surplus federal property from the Natchez Trace Parkway to the State of Mississippi. Cochran on Thursday joined Natchez Mayor Butch Brown and other officials for a signing ceremony at which Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Mary Risser, on behalf of the National Park Service, formally returned approximately 67 acres of surplus federal property to the State of Mississippi. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann accepted the quitclaim deed for the state. “The conveyance of this property is an example of federal, state and local governments coming together to benefit Mississippi,” Cochran said.  “With this land transfer, the City of Natchez will now have an opportunity to utilize the ‘bean field’ property to meet the community’s needs. The state will also have a property that it can use for purposes that benefit the state and this community.” The signing ceremony culminates a legislative effort launched by Cochran during the 112th Congress to authorize the transfer of the surplus property to the State of Mississippi and City of Natchez.  Cochran reintroduced the Natchez Trace Parkway Conveyance Act (S.304) in the 113th Congress and that bill was signed into law on Sept. 18, 2013.  Approximately 37 acres adjacent to Natchez High School, known as the “bean field,” would be allotted to Natchez for community use.  Under the law, the state would hold title to 30 acres, known as the Feltus property.  Cochran undertook the land conveyance effort at the request of local leaders.  The Senator thanked U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) for cosponsoring S.304, and credited Congressman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) for shepherding the bill through the House of Representatives.  The National Park Service supported the transfer, which involved property supplied by the state that was not ultimately required to complete the Natchez Trace Parkway. The law (PL.113-35) also adjusts parkway boundaries to include approximately ten acres of NPS-owned land along Liberty Drive to State Highway 61/84.  This adjustment was requested by the National Park Service. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=223aea5c-b61c-4e79-9a00-6804f251a8e1,"COCHRAN: FEMA APPROVES GRANTS FOR TUPELO DEBRIS REMOVAL, RURAL ELECTRIC COOP REPAIRS",2014-08-06,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $2.43 million in Disaster Relief Fund grants to support debris removal and utility repairs in Northeast Mississippi. The grants for debris removal within the city of Tupelo and rural electrical line repairs were approved to support regional progress in recovering from the deadly tornadoes and severe weather that hit Northeast Mississippi on April 28.  The funding will be made available to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for distribution to the City of Tupelo and the East Mississippi Electric Power Association. “These federal grants represent another step in the process to recover from those severe April storms.  The devastation was significant, but not enough to challenge the resilience of the good people in the path of the storm,” said Cochran, a member of the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA. “I am pleased that the federal government has resources in the Disaster Relief Fund to dedicate toward our needs in Mississippi,” he said. The City of Tupelo will receive $1.39 million for debris removal within its city limits.  The FEMA Public Assistance Grant money represents 85 percent of the projects cost of $1.63 million.  The East Mississippi Electric Power Association has been granted a $1.04 million Public Assistance award to support permanent repairs to its tornado-damaged electrical distribution system.  This grant will cover 85 percent of the $1.39 million project cost. As a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, Cochran has supported appropriations bills that, pursuant to the Budget Control Act, ensure that sufficient funding is in the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund to support estimated costs associated with an average disaster year.  FEMA Public Assistant Grants represent supplemental disaster assistance offered to state, local, tribal and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c90ea8ef-9afb-48b3-bdf7-66fecf70245d,MISS. SENATORS URGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR U.S. SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM,2014-08-06,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the start of the 2014-1015 school year in Mississippi, U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today encouraged eligible Mississippi high school students to apply for the 2015 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP). A Sept. 30, 2014, application deadline has been set for students who want to be one of the two Mississippi high school students who will represent the state at the 53rd annual USSYP Washington Week, March 7-14, 2015, in Washington D.C.  High school seniors or juniors involved in student government at public or private schools are eligible for the week-long program.  The selection process is based, in part, on academic achievement, leadership capabilities and public service. “The U.S. Senate Youth Program offers students an excellent opportunity to learn more about our government, public service and leadership,” Cochran said.  “I look forward to a broad selection of Mississippi youth applying to represent our state in this prestigious program.” “Visiting our nation’s capital is one of the best ways to learn firsthand about our government,” Wicker said.  “This exceptional program gives Mississippi students an opportunity to meet with influential leaders and build valuable skills for potential careers in public service.  I encourage all eligible students to apply for this unique educational experience.” The Hearst Foundation, which fully funds and administers the USSYP, will provide each of the 104 delegates with a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and a trip to Washington.  The program was established by the U.S. Senate in 1962 to expose student leaders to the federal government and the U.S. Senate. While in the nation’s capital, the selected Mississippi students will join delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.  The USSYP Washington Week program includes meetings with a Supreme Court Justice, U.S. Senators, cabinet secretaries and other policy makers. Mississippi’s 2014 Senate Youth Program delegates were Luke Kelly of Moss Point and John Kyle of Nesbit. Interested students may visit www.ussenateyouth.org to access a 2015 USSYP brochure outlining the rules and selection process information.  Students may also contact their high school principal or Mississippi’s state-level selection administrator: Cecily McNair Director, Mississippi Teacher Center P.O. Box 771 Jackson, Miss. 39205 (601) 359-3631 cmcnair@mde.k12.ms.us A pdf copy of the USSYP brochure is also available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140808003257/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/2145-days-and-counting,"2,145 days and counting",2014-08-05,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, 2,145 days. That’s more than 5 ½ years. Over half a decade - that’s how long President Obama has been reviewing the Keystone XL pipeline application. The Founding Fathers of the United States of America drafted and ratified the Constitution in less than a year. The U.S. is currently experiencing an energy renaissance. The economies of towns and states across the nation are benefitting from increased production of our natural resources. Private companies, small and large, are investing in big ways around the country. They are capitalizing on fine-tuned technologies that are turning previously unreachable energy reserves into fuel for our cars, homes and manufacturing facilities. We’re on a path to energy independence from Middle Eastern countries, but we need the president’s support. The Keystone XL pipeline could play an important role in reducing our need for overseas energy sources if the president would just approve the application. Keystone XL would bring nearly one million barrels of oil per day from Canada to U.S. refineries. In addition to being a new source of energy from our largest trading partner, the pipeline would create thousands of jobs during construction. Keystone XL makes sense for so many reasons. Remember January of 2009 when the price for a gallon of gas was $1.84? Approval will help the price at the pump! The U.S. House of Representatives has acted numerous times over the last 3 ½ years to push this project forward - unfortunately, those efforts have been halted by the Administration and Senate. I’ll continue to support the approval of this project even though others are standing idly by. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9139a618-ebee-47d3-8084-8145c49203bb,COCHRAN HONORS MONTFORD POINT MARINE GEORGE LONG,2014-08-05,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NOTE: A photo from the presentation is available below. JACKSON, Miss. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today presented 90-year-old World War II veteran George Long of Vicksburg with the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Montford Point veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps. Cochran presented the medal to Long at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Veterans Medical Center in Jackson.  Long’s health prevented him from attending the 2012 ceremony in Washington where medals were presented to the first African Americans allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps to defend the United States during WWII. “It’s an honor to present the Congressional Gold Medal to George Long as one of our nation’s distinguished heroes.  At a very young age, Mr. Long volunteered to serve his nation during a turbulent time at home and abroad,” said Cochran, a Navy veteran and vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. “The Congressional Gold Medal recognizes and commemorates the bravery of George Long and other Montford Point veterans.  They volunteered for the Marine Corps, following a ban on discrimination in government service and the Armed Forces,” the Senator said.  “Today we know that their service stands as a crucial component of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight to end to segregation in the United States.” Cochran worked with Long’s daughter Felicia Hawkins and his friend Steve Houston to ensure the veteran received the medal, which is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Congress of the United States. Long volunteered for the Marine Corps in 1942 after President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, which required the military to accept recruits regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin.  Just 16 years old at the time, he joined other African American recruits at the segregated basic training facility at Montford Point, adjacent to Camp Lejune, N.C.  As part of his WWII service, Long notably served as a guard for Japanese prisoners of war following the infamous Battle of Iwo Jima. “With the Congressional Gold Medal, our nation salutes the volunteers like Mr. Long, who despite segregation and hardship enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during a time of war and served bravely and honorably,” Cochran said. Approximately 20,000 African-American Marines received basic training at Montford Point, before the Marine Corps became fully integrated in 1949.  Of those, about 13,000 would serve overseas.  Many were the first African-American Marines to see action in World War II, notably at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Mariana Islands. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e598b322-5ca7-4c9d-a885-5eeb8f66d76e,COCHRAN BRIEFED ON PATIENT CARE AT JACKSON VA MEDICAL CENTER,2014-08-05,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"JACKSON, Miss. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said he hopes the naming of a new Veterans Affairs Secretary and the enactment of a law to improve patient care of veterans will help the Department of Veterans Affairs soon regain the confidence of the nation’s military veterans. Cochran on Tuesday met with officials at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Veterans Medical Center in Jackson to be updated on the center’s ongoing efforts to overcome some of the same patient care problems that have plagued VA facilities around the country. “The veterans and families who have been caught up in the problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs must be treated appropriately and in a timely manner.  I think reforms, additional resources and new leadership give the VA a chance to regain the trust and confidence of our veterans and the public overall,” Cochran said. “Because so many veterans rely on the Veterans Medical Center in Jackson, I am interested in seeing that it makes continued progress in fixing the problems at this facility,” he said.  “I appreciate the efforts of Medical Director Joe Battle and others here to fix those problems.  More needs to be done, but improvements are underway.  I will continue to monitor that work.” A Navy veteran and vice chairman of the Senate Defense Subcommittee, Cochran has engaged the VA and used his committee positions to monitor and push for corrective actions at the Jackson VA Medical Center after being informed of a Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Special Counsel investigation into patient care problems.  Those issues involved extremely long wait times to see appropriate medical professionals, in addition to unsanitary and unsafe conditions within the hospital.  Cochran has teamed with Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to gain regular reports on progress at the Jackson facility. Cochran supported the confirmation of new Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald, as well as passage of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (HR.3230).  The President is scheduled to sign that bill into law on Thursday (Aug. 14).  Among other things, HR.3230 authorizes administrative reforms within the VA, as well as providing new funding to support hiring of additional physicians and other medical staff.  The bill also authorizes veterans, who are enrolled in the VA health-care system, to seek non-VA care if they cannot secure an appointment at a VA medical facility within 30 days or reside more than 40 miles away from the closest VA medical facility. In May, the Senate Appropriations Committee accepted a Cochran amendment to the FY2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill to ensure that findings by the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are appropriately resolved in concert with the VA Office of the Undersecretary of Health.  The amendment directs the VA Secretary to develop a process subsequent to any OIG investigations for reviewing progress on findings through collaboration with the Office of the Undersecretary for Health.  The legislation is awaiting action by the full Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140808003913/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/border-calamity,A Border Calamity,2014-08-04,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, It’s no secret: I rarely agree with the president on anything. And I have been at odds with the White House on immigration policy since the start of my time in Congress. Not only do the president and I not see eye-to-eye on immigration, I think it’s fair to say we’re on different planets when it comes to the issue. For nearly six years I’ve opposed President Obama’s immigration policies. I’ve taken a stand against legislation he’s proposed, statements he’s made and policies he’s implemented. Probably my biggest frustration has been his spiritless approach to ensuring that our borders are secure from weapons, drugs and undocumented individuals. For the last several months we’ve been witnessing a major consequence of the president’s failed immigration policies. His approach has led nearly 60,000 unaccompanied children since October 2013 to believe that entering the U.S. by simply crossing the border is acceptable. For those who are children and are not with an adult, it is not only unacceptable but extremely dangerous. Our country is now facing a humanitarian crisis because the President has sent a message that this is acceptable. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to help address the immediate issue of unaccompanied children currently in the U.S. It also discourages unaccompanied children who might come at a future date by implementing a last-in-first-out protocol. There are resources included to hire more immigration judges and to increase manpower on the border, including a National Guard presence, to deter illegal crossings. There is no amnesty in this bill. In fact, it does the opposite – it amends a 2008 law, making it easier to return the children to their home countries. The bill has offsets, meaning it is paid for and does not create new spending. Additionally, the House passed a measure that will stop the president’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) scheme. Texas Governor Rick Perry, who has been a leader on border security and has recently mobilized the Texas National Guard to help deal with this problem, when asked about the federal government’s involvement said, “…Congress and the President have a duty to address our border security issues without further delay…” Governor Perry is on the ground and understands how important it was for the House to take action. The President helped create this crisis through his failed policies. The U.S. House has voted to address those failures and will continue to work on the issue. Now it’s time for the Senate to follow suit. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140808003939/http://harper.house.gov/enewsletters/minimal-action-president,Minimal Action by the President,2014-08-04,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, Detached, flat-footed and incompetent - those are words that folks are using to describe how the Obama Administration has handled the crisis along our southern border. It is becoming more and more clear that the problems we are facing along the border could have been stopped years ago had the administration listened to governors in border states. The President has used this crisis to push for a $3.7 billion funding request but has said on several occasions that these funds had to be passed by Congress before there would be any emergency response to the flood of unaccompanied children crossing the border. That does not resemble a “response” to an acute crisis. Governor Rick Perry, on the other hand, is not sitting on his hands while the president fails to act; he is mobilizing the Texas National Guard. Instead of demanding billions of dollars from Congress, the President should be engaging with members of the House and Senate regardless of party affiliation. He should be seeking different ideas on how we should address this issue. The President should be working to reunite these unaccompanied children with their families in their home countries while sending a message that crossing the border in this manner is not acceptable and is too dangerous for these children. Instead, in usual fashion, he’s making demands and blaming Congress when he can’t accomplish his goal. The security of our country and the safety of tens of thousands of young children are at stake, and we need a leader in the White House. God Bless, Gregg Harper Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1cc325a4-6c1b-4776-9ba9-858e554f0653,COCHRAN HEARS MISS. DELTA VIEWS ON FARM BILL IMPLEMENTATION,2014-08-04,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BELZONI, Miss. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today met with agriculture and community leaders here to listen to their views and concerns regarding implementation of the 2014 farm bill, including catfish inspections and the new agricultural production safety net programs. Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he was interested in hearing first-hand how well the U.S. Department of Agriculture is rolling out the many reforms and improvements built in the 2014 farm bill, a law enacted in February that sets federal farm policies for the next five years. “In areas like the Mississippi Delta whose economies are agriculture-based, it is the local farmers and businesses who can best say whether a program is working.  They’ll deal with the reforms in the 2014 farm bill on a day-to-day basis, which makes their input important,” Cochran said.  “The Department of Agriculture has an important job to carry out the reforms and improvements built into the farm bill.  It’s also important for our farmers, ranchers and agriculture businesses to monitor that process to ensure that federal policies help, not hinder, their work to produce food and fiber for Americans and people around the world,” he said. With major reforms to agriculture, conservation and nutrition policies, the Agriculture Act of 2014 will save taxpayers nearly $17 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.  The farm bill baseline was also trimmed by $6 billion from sequestration, resulting in an overall savings of $23 billion. Cochran continues to work with the administration to ensure full implementation of a USDA catfish inspection program to replace an insufficient Food and Drug Administration inspection process.  The new farm bill clarified aspects of the inspection program first authorized in 2008 but never implemented.  The 2014 law more clearly spells out that foreign imported catfish must undergo the same food safety requirements as domestically-produced catfish. “The U.S. catfish industry has taken hits from unfair foreign competition that, up to now, has not had to meet the stricter standards that catfish farmers in Mississippi and other states are held to.  For the sake of food safety and fairness, I think they should do so,” Cochran said. The Senator also sought feedback today from Delta farmers on the risk management and safety net programs in the 2014 farm bill.  “The risk management and safety net programs in the farm bill represent some of the most significant recent changes in agriculture policy.  These programs should support producers who incur losses from natural disasters or other acts, such as severe market fluctuations, which are out of their control,” said Cochran, who insisted that the new risk management policies recognize the regional differences and priorities of U.S. agriculture production. The USDA is attempting to have the bill’s Producer Choice provisions available for enrollment this fall.  This initiative offers producers options for managing their risks through counter-cyclical risk management tools based on price or revenue protection (Price Loss Coverage or Agriculture Risk Coverage). Meanwhile, the USDA is trying to implement Crop Insurance reforms by 2015.  These reforms would create a stacked income protection program (STAX) for producers of upland cotton and a Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) to protect farmers from revenue losses. LINKS: •    USDA 2014 Farm Bill Implementation:  http://1.usa.gov/1mgoVrN •    Cochran on Catfish Inspection:  http://1.usa.gov/1fRRIW4 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b2aeb500-a68c-46af-87a0-32057ede27d6,MISS. SENATORS WELCOME FORMAL OSHA EXEMPTION FOR SMALL FARM OPERATIONS,2014-08-01,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today welcomed the issuance of formal documentation affirming that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will honor congressional prohibitions against encumbering small family-owned farms with federal grain storage regulations. Cochran and Wicker are among the lawmakers who have actively fought a guidance memorandum issued by OSHA in 2011 that would have made small farms subject to onerous grain storage regulations--a violation of a prohibition set in law since 1976.  This week, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a formal memorandum that confirms small farms will not be subjected to the OSHA grain storage rules. “This is a win in the fight for small farming operations and for those of us who want to rein in overzealous federal regulators,” said Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee.  “The new Labor Department directive affirms what we knew to be the case -- that small farm grain storage operations are exempt from the burden of these rules.” “This burdensome regulation would have significantly jeopardized the livelihoods of many hard-working farm families in Mississippi,” Wicker said.  “Although I am pleased that the Labor Department will not force small farm operations to go along with these severe rules, our fight against Washington’s regulatory assault continues. To protect Mississippi’s vibrant agricultural tradition, we must continue to stand up to such government overreach.” Under pressure from Senate and House lawmakers, OSHA in February agreed to withdraw a 2011 guidance memorandum on regulating small farms with grain storage.  Cochran, Wicker and others fought that instructional memorandum, which they asserted violated a long-standing congressional prohibition on OSHA regulation of small farms and placed a potentially costly burden on more than 300,000 farms in the United States with on-farm grain storage. The new memo is the byproduct of a commitment made by OSHA when it withdrew the 2011 guidance memo to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and organizations representing farmers to clarify rules regarding grain storage.  The document says OSHA will adhere to the congressional prohibition against regulating on farming operations with 10 or fewer employees and spells out the activities not related to farming operations that would not be exempt. A copy of the memorandum issued by the U.S. Department of Labor is available below. LINKS: *   Cochran & Wicker, February 2014:  http://1.usa.gov/1bsgL01 *   Cochran & Wicker, December 2013: http://1.usa.gov/19hOzfc ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=cfb2b7e1-6a15-4ea5-b1cc-29f1a4c2ee3b,BIPARTISAN GROUP OF 35 SENATORS DENOUNCE ONE-SIDED UNITED NATIONS INQUIRY INTO GAZA CONFLICT,2014-07-31,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan group of 35 Senators, including U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), today condemned the decision by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to launch a one-sided investigation into Israel’s actions during the current conflict while ignoring actions by Hamas that threaten the lives of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including indiscriminate rocket attacks and the widespread use of human shields in Gaza. In a special session last week, the UNHRC voted to approve a resolution introduced by Pakistan establishing a Commission of Inquiry into alleged Israeli war crimes, while neglecting to hold Hamas accountable for human rights violations committed during the conflict. In a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemning the unbalanced approach to the human rights investigation, the Senators wrote, “The fact that there was no call for an investigation into actions by Hamas—including indiscriminate and deliberate rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and intentionally putting Palestinians in harm’s way—is clearly irresponsible. The Human Rights Council’s decision was wholly unacceptable as it turned a blind eye to Hamas’ brazen and depraved use of civilians as human shields, the tunnels it has built to cause mayhem in Israel, and its deliberate targeting of civilians... Tragically, such a one-sided approach has inflamed tensions and fueled distrust. This clearly political and biased agenda is not just unproductive—it is destructive.” The UN has discovered rockets hidden in at least two of its schools in the Gaza Strip, and Hamas has also been known to store rockets in or near hospitals, mosques, and civilian homes. Israel’s military has made every effort to warn Gaza residents of impending strikes on these targets. In response, Hamas has used official media channels to urge residents of Gaza to ignore Israeli instructions to evacuate, while indiscriminately launching hundreds of rockets at Israeli civilians with no warning. Such actions are violations of the Geneva Conventions and reinforce the United States’ and European Union’s designations of Hamas as a terrorist organization. “Over the past two weeks, Hamas has put Palestinians in danger, refused to adhere to multiple cease-fire agreements, and launched more than 2,000 rockets into Israel. What country could sit idly by without responding? Israel has a right to defend itself against these vicious attacks and has worked assiduously to minimize civilian casualties by warning Gaza residents of impending air strikes,” the Senators wrote.   The Senators reminded the UN Secretary General that the success of Israel’s Iron Dome system in defending Israeli civilians from Hamas rocket attacks does not absolve Hamas of responsibility for human rights violations, noting, “The fact that Israel has effective defenses against the rockets aimed at its citizens is no excuse to overlook Hamas’ hostile behavior. The United Nations has an obligation to unequivocally condemn any and all actions that endanger the lives of civilians. Anything less damages any meaningful efforts to achieve a resolution to this conflict.” The letter was signed by: Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Barbara Mikulski (D-M.D.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The full text of the letter follows: July 31, 2014 His Excellency Ban Ki-moon Secretary General of the United Nations United Nations First Avenue at 46th Street New York, NY 10017 Dear Mr. Secretary General: We write to express our profound concern about the response of the United Nations Human Rights Council to the recent tragic events in Israel and Gaza. As Members of the United States Senate, we are chagrined that the Human Rights Council has taken a biased approach—criticizing Israel’s actions while failing to condemn Hamas’ brutal tactics including the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields.  On Wednesday, the Human Rights Council convened a special session on Gaza and voted to establish a Commission of Inquiry into Israel’s actions during the current conflict. The fact that there was no call for an investigation into actions by Hamas—including indiscriminate and deliberate rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and intentionally putting Palestinians in harm’s way—is clearly irresponsible. The Human Rights Council’s decision was wholly unacceptable as it turned a blind eye to Hamas’ brazen and depraved use of civilians as human shields, the tunnels it has built to cause mayhem in Israel, and its deliberate targeting of civilians. In addition, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay accused Israel of “disregard for international humanitarian law and for the right to life” and argued that there was a “strong possibility” Israeli actions “could amount to war crimes.” At the same time, she failed to specifically acknowledge violations of international humanitarian law by Hamas for recklessly endangering the safety of Palestinian men, women, and children as a means to deter Israeli attacks. Such actions are a blatant violation of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions and reinforce why the United States and the European Union have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. We are deeply troubled by these events. Tragically, such a one-sided approach has inflamed tensions and fueled distrust. This clearly political and biased agenda is not just unproductive—it is destructive. Over the past two weeks, Hamas has put Palestinians in danger, refused to adhere to multiple cease-fire agreements, and launched more than 2,000 rockets into Israel. What country could sit idly by without responding? Israel has a right to defend itself against these vicious attacks and has worked assiduously to minimize civilian casualties by warning Gaza residents of impending air strikes. The fact that Israel has effective defenses against the rockets aimed at its citizens is no excuse to overlook Hamas’ hostile behavior. The United Nations has an obligation to unequivocally condemn any and all actions that endanger the lives of civilians. Anything less damages any meaningful efforts to achieve a resolution to this conflict. We look forward to you speaking out clearly on this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1d96451c-bcb6-4a03-ad2c-2a6c11226c50,"COCHRAN VOTES TO CONFIRM NEW V.A. SECRETARY, SIGNALS SUPPORT FOR REFORM MEASURE",2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today voted to confirm Robert McDonald to be the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs and signaled his support for compromise legislation to begin reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate on Tuesday voted 97-0 to put a new Veterans Affairs Secretary in place to undertake necessary reforms to improve the delivery of health care and benefits to veterans. “I am hopeful Robert McDonald will be successful in implementing the reforms that are needed within the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Cochran said.  “As Secretary, he will face many challenges to improve the entire VA system, but he will also have the support of many of us in Congress as he assumes this important position.” In a statement, Cochran signaled his hope that McDonald’s ascension to lead the VA, combined with a passage of an emergency reform package, will prove to be a turning point for the troubled department. “I support measures to correct the VA’s problems and improve the quality of, and access to, care for veterans.  I am hopeful that the pending VA reform legislation and the confirmation of a new Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be reassuring steps toward enhancing the delivery of health care services to our veterans,” Cochran said. “We can and should do better for those who have devoted themselves to serving our country.” The House and Senate are expected to approve a compromise VA reform bill this week that would make an estimated $17 billion available to reform veterans care practices.  The package has funding to alleviate long wait times for treatment by allowing veterans to seek care outside the VA system if they live at least 40 miles from a VA hospital and clinic. Other funding would allow the VA to hire additional staff and upgrade facilities to improve health care delivery to veterans. Cochran serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee that approved an amendment he authored in May to improve coordination between the VA Office of the Inspector General and VA Office of the Undersecretary of Health in investigating and resolving problems within the Department.  The amendment, developed as a result of problems at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, was added to the FY2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which also includes additional funding and policy directives meant to address the delivery of benefits to veterans. “I have recommended on several occasions continued, vigorous oversight by the Department of Veterans Affairs during the implementation of a corrective action plan at the G.V. ‘Sonny’ Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson.  Reports from VA patients, their families and VA hospital officials in Mississippi have served to guide corrections and improvements at the facility,” Cochran said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=39074883-d7c4-4943-99f8-d8a8e88dd68d,COCHRAN SUPPORTS HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXTENSION,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding his vote for Senate passage of a bill to extend the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund through Dec. 19, 2014: “Passage of this bill in the Senate is a step toward offering Mississippi and other states some measure of certainty of the resources available for highways and transportation infrastructure projects.  The House and Senate must now reach an agreement on a final bill.  I do not think short-term extensions are the best policy, but this extension is preferable to bringing highway construction projects to an abrupt halt.” The Senate amended a House-passed measure (HR.5021) that would extend the Highway Trust Fund through May 31, 2015.  As a result of the Senate modifications, the two houses of Congress must now reach consensus on a final bill.  The U.S. Department of Transportation has indicated that Highway Trust Fund is set to become insolvent in early August, requiring it to begin cutting road payments to states. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=27a19ff4-bd23-4123-abf3-782195a9e84a,MISS. LAWMAKERS WELCOME USAF DECISION EASING RESTRICTIONS ON KEESLER AIRLIFT SQUADRON,2014-07-28,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), today welcomed a U.S. Air Force decision to rescind personnel restrictions on the 815th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, and indicated their continuing commitment to demand that the Air Force justify its targeting of the squadron for deactivation this year. The Mississippi lawmakers were informed Monday that the Air Force has withdrawn a provision in its November 2013 deactivation notice that prohibited replacing personnel for the 815th Airlift Squadron.  Dropping that provision should allow the unit to at least maintain its current strength at Keesler as attempts are made to retain the squadron and its C-130J “Flying Jennies” in South Mississippi.  The Air Force has most recently proposed moving the aircraft to a unit in Arkansas. “I’m pleased the Air Force is creating an opportunity for the 815th to maintain personnel capacity.  Nevertheless, the Air Force has yet to provide a satisfactory cost analysis or justification for again targeting this squadron for deactivation,” said Cochran, the vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  “We will continue to press the Defense Department until we are convinced that this plan makes sense from a budgetary and force structure perspective.  So far, that has not been demonstrated.” “The Air Force has made the prudent decision to allow Keesler AFB the ability to hire and replace personnel,” Wicker said.  “Filling vacant maintenance positions is critical to ensuring that the 403rd Wing is able to meet mission requirements.  As ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland, I will continue to fight the Air Force’s ill-conceived proposal to transfer the C-130Js from Keesler, which have served our military and the Gulf Coast well.” “I am pleased to hear that the Air Force has thought better of their decision to further dismantle the 815th by not replacing the personnel.  Since the first announcement of these planes leaving was made in February of 2012, we have been fighting it at every turn.  It remains my sincere hope that the Air Force will see the error of their ways and commit to keeping the 815th and all their personnel at Keesler,” Palazzo said. As members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation, the three lawmakers have used their respective committee assignments to challenge the Air Force’s renewed plans to scuttle the 815th squadron.  Air Force officials have maintained that the move is necessary under the Total Force Plan to restructure Air Force assets and reduce the number of C-130 aircraft in its inventory. In May, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes a Wicker provision that would prohibit any movement of aircraft until 60 days after the Air Force provides detailed written reports to Congress.  Additionally, the Air Force Comptroller General would be required to send a separate report to the Air Force on cost assessment 45 days after the original reports are received.  Although the proposed transfer of C-130Js is scheduled for this year, the committee expects the Air Force to comply with the provision until the FY2015 NDAA is enacted. The Air Force previously proposed and then abandoned plans to move the “Flying Jennies” aircraft, first to Georgia and then to North Carolina, before proposing last fall to transfer the Keesler aircraft to the reactivated 913th Airlift Group in Arkansas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f27d3b6e-c1e7-4ab3-9813-82d5ca73ff65,COCHRAN & WICKER INTRODUCE TELEHEALTH LEGISLATION,2014-07-28,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) have introduced legislation to expand the use of telehealth technology to improve health care for seniors and other patients in underserved areas. The Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2014 (S.2662) would provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater access to telehealth technologies to help lower health care costs.  The Senate measure is a companion bill to bipartisan legislation (HR.3306) authored by Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) last year.  Cochran and Wicker intend to seek bipartisan support for their bill. “Advances in technology create opportunities to improve health care for seniors, veterans, rural patients and people who live in medically underserved areas,” Cochran said.  “This legislation is an effort to build on the progress already being made in states like Mississippi by expanding the use of telehealth technologies to better serve patients and save taxpayer dollars.” “This bill would give Mississippi’s innovative health-care providers, like UMMC, the necessary tools for telehealth technology, improving the ways they serve their patients,” Wicker said.  “Telehealth cuts down travel time and increases access to specialists for residents in many rural areas who do not live near these essential health-care resources.” “This legislation would be a game-changer in our state, allowing us to accelerate our efforts to improve access to health services in rural areas and other underserved locations,” said Dr. James E. Keeton, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson.  “As health care economics change and our nation’s demographic profile shifts, telehealth will be crucial to our ability to take care of people.” “Telehealth is one of the most promising aspects of the health care field. The bill introduced by Senators Cochran and Wicker would help telehealth become a reality for even more of those who need it,” said Harper.  “I thank them for their leadership on this issue.” S.2662 would waive statutory Medicare restrictions on telehealth services in order to encourage greater use of telehealth technologies.  By adjusting Medicare home health payments, patients would be given access to nearby services through remote monitoring technologies.  The measure would extend telehealth coverage to all critical access and sole-community hospitals regardless of metropolitan status.  In some circumstances, the legislation would cover more home-based video services for hospice care, home dialysis and homebound seniors if their residence is conducive to such technology. The bill would also give states the opportunity to modify Medicaid coverage to include telehealth services for women with high-risk pregnancies by creating birthing networks that would allow medical providers to treat conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertension. S.2662 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  HR.3306 is pending in the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  The Harper measure has 20 cosponsors, including Representatives Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) and Benny Thompson (D-Miss.). A copy of S.2662 is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9ec046cb-73b6-4761-94f8-6274db5b06d8,COCHRAN: FEMA COMMUNICATION WITH PUBLIC VITAL FOR SUCCESS OF NFIP REFORMS,2014-07-25,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) this week encouraged the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continuing improving its communication with the public as it works to implement reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Cochran serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Committee that conducted a hearing Wednesday on implementation of Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA), a law he helped write to ensure the affordability of NFIP insurance rates for homeowners and communities. It was enacted in March.    “The long-term success of the National Flood Insurance Program is not only contingent on FEMA’s thoughtful and responsible implementation of reforms, but also whether homeowners, businesses and whole communities understand and trust in these changes,” Cochran said. “Today’s hearing showed us that there are more questions than answers at this point.  I look forward to working with FEMA to ensure that Mississippians who rely on or are subject to flood insurance are engaged in this process as it moves forward,” he said. HFIAA directs FEMA to produce more accurate flood maps as a part of a comprehensive effort to fine-tune Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act provisions that unintentionally causing flood insurance rates to skyrocket to unaffordable levels along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and other areas around the nation. As part of the hearing, Cochran submitted questions to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate regarding the estimated timeline for FEMA to implement modern calculation methodologies to determine flood risk and create new flood map through the Levee Analysis and Mapping Procedures.  The Senator also asked Fugate to explain the agency’s outreach to stakeholders, including academia, the private sector, states and local communities. Fugate updated the subcommittee on the processes his agency is undertaking to implement HFIAA, including stopping the unaffordable flood insurance rates assessed under the Biggert-Waters Act and developing a process to refund premium overpayments to homeowners. In addition to requiring the use of modern methodologies, HFIAA also requires FEMA to ensure that local levees and other flood control structures are treated fairly in the mapping and risk calculation processes.  It also authorized reimbursement to qualifying homeowners for successful map appeals and established a Flood Insurance Advocate within FEMA to aid and assist policyholders. Over the years, Cochran has become a Senate leader on flood disaster policy, helping to restore the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, promoting the flood control infrastructure throughout Mississippi that minimized damage from the Mississippi River flood of 2011, and reforming the way FEMA considers that flood control infrastructure when setting insurance premiums. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=41c84cd1-e146-4091-af6c-e41652b7b4ab,COCHRAN CONGRATULATES MISSISSIPPIS 2014 BOYS & GIRLS NATION DELEGATES,2014-07-24,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) on Thursday congratulated Mississippi’s delegates to the 2014 American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation on representing the Magnolia State well at the annual event. The delegates, (left to right) Jacob Roberts of Hattiesburg, Zachary Walley of Madison, Parker Flowers of Sumrall and Johanna Masterson of Petal, visited with Cochran as part of their week-long Boys Nation and Girls Nation experience. Roberts and Walley were selected through the Boys State program at Mississippi State University to represent the state at Boys Nation in Washington D.C.  Flowers and Masterson were chosen to attend Girls Nation by delegates to this year’s Mississippi Girls State program. The Boys and Girls Nation programs focus on government and citizenship education for students who are selected from their respective Girls and Boys State programs. The students selected to represent their states are referred to as “senators.”  The representatives from both Boys and Girls Nation converged on Capitol Hill for visits with lawmakers on July 24. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5b851904-e00c-4673-99c4-027026981d9c,COCHRAN ADVOCATES WITHDRAWAL OF NEW EPA CARBON EMISSION RULES,2014-07-24,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today announced that he is cosponsoring a Senate resolution that cites a litany of faults with the Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing effort to finalize federal regulations on carbon emissions that offer “essentially zero” chance of altering global climate trends. Cochran is an original cosponsor of S.Res.512, which was introduced Wednesday by Senator David Vitter (R-La.).  The resolution calls for the EPA to withdraw its proposed rules and guidelines related to carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. “The Environmental Protection Agency is on a relentless quest to impose strict carbon emissions rules no matter what the costs to families or the nation’s economic wellbeing.  This resolution sends another strong message to the administration that there is little appetite in Congress or with our constituents for disruptive and overreaching regulations,” Cochran said. The resolution, which has 31 cosponsors, seeks the withdrawal of the EPA’s proposed rules titled “Carbon Pollution Emissions Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources:  Electric Generating Units” and “Carbon Pollution Standards for Modified and Reconstructed Stationary Sources:  Electric Generating Units.” In nearly 20 findings, the resolution faults the EPA and Obama administration for a broad interpretation of the Clean Air Act, for disregarding the legislative process and for failing to complete a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed rules. The resolution states that “benefits from the proposed rules (as measured by reductions in global average temperature, reductions in the rate of sea level rise, increases in sea ice, or any other measurement related to climate change) will be essentially zero.” The measure is also heavily critical of the costs that would be passed on to consumers as the energy industry attempts to conform to the wide-ranging regulations. It asserts that “the proposed rules would result in a Federal takeover of the electricity system of the United States leading to significant increases in electricity rates and additional energy costs for consumers and elimination of access to abundant, affordable power, putting the manufacturing of the United States at a competitive disadvantage, threatening the diversity and reliability of the electricity supply, and undermining energy security.” Cochran’s support for the resolution follows his signing a letter to President Obama last month that called on his administration to withdraw the proposed EPA rules to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. (http://1.usa.gov/1ug0V0N) A copy of S.Res.512 is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f1b86d54-308d-4b98-a9bd-8e05ee1f263a,COCHRAN OFFERS AMENDMENT TO PROTECT U.S. SHRIMP JOBS,2014-07-24,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today offered an amendment to help protect American shrimping jobs that are increasingly imperiled by imports supported by unfair government subsidies. Cochran offered his amendment to the Bring Jobs Home Act (S.2569), which is pending before the Senate.  The Cochran proposal would provide 50 cents per pound tax credits for domestic wild-caught shrimp harvesters and processors in the United States through December 2019. “Shrimping jobs in Mississippi and around the country are under continual threat from foreign competitors whose governments prop them up with unfair subsidies.  As a result, jobs are being lost and an American industry is imperiled,” Cochran said.  “The tax credits I propose would serve as a counterbalance to the harmful impact of those illegal subsidies.” The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that seven nations (China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam) currently support their shrimpers with illegal subsidies valued at more than $250 million annually.  The Cochran amendment is intended to level the playing field for U.S. harvesters and producers, consistent with World Trade Organization requirements. Based on current warm shrimp harvests and production, the five-year tax credit would cost an estimated $240 million a year, which Cochran would offset by eliminating a loophole in the U.S. Tax Code that permits illegal immigrants to claim the Additional Child Tax Credit.  In 2010, the U.S. Treasury Department estimated that $4.2 billion in Child Tax Credits has been paid to illegal immigrants. Even with the $1.2 billion cost of the Cochran credit, closing the Additional Child Care Tax Credit would save taxpayers billions of dollars. Cochran, who last week criticized U.S. enforcement of trade duties imposed on countries found to be dumping shrimp, fish and other products on U.S. markets, said the adoption of his amendment would begin to improve the Bring Jobs Home Act.  The Mississippi Senator is critical of the underlying Democrat-sponsored bill, which is a partisan measure that, if adopted, would increase the deficit and do little to create jobs in the United States. “If the majority actually allows a debate to improve this bill, my amendment should be considered,” Cochran said. A copy of Cochran Amendment #3645 is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=c466ee99-94d0-4c2e-a32b-b5aef2c0c8f0,COCHRAN WELCOMES KEENUM REPRESENTATION ON USDA FOUNDATION,2014-07-23,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking member of the  Senate Agriculture Committee, today welcomed the appointment of Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum to an organization created in the 2014 farm bill to advance American agriculture research in an era of federal budget constraints. The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that Keenum will serve on the 15-member Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) board of directors.  Congress authorized the FFAR in the 2014 farm bill, recognizing the need to identify and develop new sources of revenue to support investments in U.S. agriculture research. “Dr. Mark Keenum will bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to this organization, which is challenged with forging stronger research partnerships to advance agriculture for Americans and the world,” Cochran said.  “I am pleased that with Mark’s service, Mississippi’s agriculture know-how will be well represented on the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research.” Cochran noted that Keenum’s knowledge of the federal legislative and executive branches of government, along with his background in university-based research and agriculture issues in Mississippi, would benefit the FFAR in promoting new partnerships among the agriculture research community, including USDA, nonprofit organizations, academia, corporations, industry and other entities. The USDA announcement on the naming of the FFAR board of directors is available here:  http://1.usa.gov/1jVyO2m ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7e7a5a41-ae4e-49e1-b2cf-4fd79f07f9aa,"COCHRAN: ""WOTUS"" RULE A SOURCE OF UNCERTAINTY, ANXIETY & DISTRUST FOR RURAL AREAS, FARMERS",2014-07-22,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today continued to raise red flags about the impact on agriculture and rural economies of the new Clean Water Act regulations proposed this spring by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Accepting an invitation issued in May by Cochran and Republican members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on Tuesday met with the Senators to discuss their concerns about an assortment of environmental regulations planned by the Obama administration and their effects on agriculture production and rural economies. Chief among the concerns raised by Senators representing rural communities and agriculture is the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule, which could bring more waters under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act making them subject to EPA permitting requirements, and the agriculture interpretive rule that outlines specific practices which qualify producers for exemptions from regulation if approved by U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The public comment period ends October 20, 2014, on the proposed WOTUS regulations that were unveiled by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers in March, and the comment period closed on July 7 for the agriculture interpretive rule. ""The waters of the United States proposal and the agriculture interpretive rule are a source of uncertainty, anxiety and distrust for people in rural areas.  This is particularly true for states like Mississippi whose economies are built on agriculture production and where landowners want the peace of mind that what they are doing is not subject to ever more regulations,” said Cochran, who has sponsored legislative measures to stop or withdraw the WOTUS proposal. “I appreciate Administrator McCarthy agreeing to hear our concerns, and I hope the concerns we shared on behalf of our constituents will prompt the EPA to engage with agriculture organizations and to abandon or at least rethink some of the regulations it wants to impose,” he said. The joint EPA-Army Corps regulatory proposal was intended to clarify a so-called guidance document issued by the two agencies to expand the scope of the Clean Water Act.  Since its rollout, however, concerns have grown that the WOTUS proposal would effectively expand provisions of the Clean Water Act. The new rule would greatly broaden government regulatory and permitting control to additional streams, creeks, wetlands, ponds and ditches. In June, Cochran became an original cosponsor of the Protecting Water and Property Rights Act of 2014 (S.2496), which seeks to stop the WOTUS initiative and prohibit the EPA and Army Corps from using the proposed rule or any substantially similar rule or guidance document in any other rulemaking or regulatory decision.  Earlier this month, the veteran Mississippi lawmaker also cosponsored a similar amendment offered to the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act. LINKS: •    Senators’ Invitation to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy:  http://1.usa.gov/1oxPs5V •    Protecting Water and Property Rights Act of 2014: http://1.usa.gov/UiKTmS ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f583148a-0cda-45e5-a024-694f769897f1,COCHRAN ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR SOUTHAVEN COMMUNITY SAFE ROOM,2014-07-21,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran today reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $2.58 million grant to fund Phase II construction of a 12,000-square-foot safe room shelter in Southaven. Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds FEMA, said the Department of Homeland Security agency is making funding available to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to build a stand-alone community safe room at 7360 Highway 51 in Southaven.   The emergency facility will be designed to protect about 1,800 DeSoto County residents within 9,069-square-feet of useable space. “Community safe rooms are part of the overall emergency preparedness emphasis adopted by Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina.  This latest safe room will give DeSoto County residents an option during emergency situations, including tornadoes and other severe weather,” Cochran said.  “I’m pleased DeSoto County was given fair consideration.” The overall cost of the shelter is $2.71 million with FEMA providing 95 percent, or $2.58 million, in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding toward construction.  The handicapped-accessible Southaven facility will also be built to FEMA 361 Guidelines to include backup water/wastewater, power generation and other emergency necessities. The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to states and local governments for long-term hazard mitigation activities designed to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.  Data shows that investments in hazard mitigation before a disaster to prevent damages and save lives creates a net savings of taxpayer dollars during post-disaster response and recovery periods. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=182bb73c-677d-4495-b61e-22472484116a,COCHRAN: U.S. INVESTMENT IN MISSILE DEFENSE HELPS PROTECT ISRAEL,2014-07-17,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today highlighted approval for continued United States investment in the missile defense systems now protecting Israel from attack. Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, on Thursday lauded committee approval of the FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill he helped write that includes increased support for Israeli missile defense programs.  These programs, including the Iron Dome rocket defense system, are protecting Israelis from ongoing missile attacks from the Gaza Strip.  “The Iron Dome system is effectively protecting Israel from short-range rocket attacks.  Our investment in the Iron Dome is needed now more than ever as a tool for peace for an ally under increased attack from terrorist organizations like Hamas,” Cochran said. “Our ongoing challenge is to make sure our military forces are equipped with the defense capabilities that they need to protect the security interests of our country.  At the same time, we recognize that U.S. security interests include Israel as a primary ally in the Middle East,” he said. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved $621 million for Israeli missile defense programs, $348 million more than the President’s request.  This funding includes $351 million for Iron Dome and will also support the Arrow and David’s Sling programs. Mississippi played a vital role in co-production of the mid-tier Arrow system that Israel uses today against short and medium range ballistic missiles. Cochran was the primary author of the historic National Missile Defense Act of 1999, which set the stage for the development of complex suites of protocols, sensors and interceptors to defend against rocket and missile attacks against the United States and Israel.  He has since been one of the Senate’s chief advocates for cooperation between the U.S. and Israel on missile defense technologies, and views missile defense as a tool both for saving lives and for opening the door for diplomacy by preventing combat escalation. Separately, Cochran is an original cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution (S.Res.498) approved by the Senate on Thursday that expresses United States support for Israel, as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.  The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself, condemns unprovoked rocket fire at Israel, and calls on Palestinian Authority President Abbas to dissolve the unity government arrangement with Hamas. A copy of S.Res.498 is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e043a4c3-967b-411d-a9b7-3c159ae457bc,COCHRAN: FY2015 DEFENSE BILL MAKES PROGRESS TOWARD MEETING U.S. SECURITY NEEDS,2014-07-17,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today supported committee passage of a defense funding bill that makes progress on meeting challenges associated with maintaining the nation’s naval power and improving readiness of the nation’s Armed Forces. Cochran on Thursday supported approval of the FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill by the Senate Appropriations Committee.  The nearly $549 billion measure, which is now available for consideration by the entire Senate, makes $11 billion in reductions from program requests throughout the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, and redirects some of those savings to other national defense priorities like readiness, ships and aircraft. “The FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill represents an honest effort to consider the needs of the Armed Forces within the limits set by the budget process.  We’ve worked to ensure that our military forces have the resources they need to carry out their missions and protect our national security interests,” Cochran said.  “I hope the bill will soon be brought to the floor for debate so that all Senators will have a chance to offer amendments and improvements to it.” “On a number of fronts, this bill will allow Mississippians to continue their important role in supporting the nation’s security interests,” he added.  “Our state is proud of its contributions to ensuring that our men and women in uniform are the best equipped and trained in the world.” In crafting the bill, Cochran worked to secure $800 million for procurement of a 12th LPD class amphibious warship, a project that has been identified as a priority for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Navy.  The LPD class amphibious warships are built in Pascagoula. Despite the Marine Corps’ need for the 12th LPD vessel, the President did not request funding for it and the House-passed version of the FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill did not provide funding for it. “I am confident that the Senate and House will resolve this difference in a manner that best suits our security interests,” Cochran said.  “The Senate bill recognizes the Marine Corps’ need for another LPD vessel, as well as the budgetary benefits of continuing the active production line as the Navy and Defense Department develop a plan for a new generation of naval vessels to meet the changing threats facing our security interests.” In addition to $800 million for the LPD 17 program, Cochran cited other funding to help the Armed Forces that the President failed to request that directly impact Mississippi, including: • $220 million, $40 million above the President’s request, to support High Performance Computing at Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg; • $130 million, funding not in the President’s request, to enhance National Guard counterdrug activities and the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy at the Meridian Naval Air Station; • $10 million, $8 million above the President’s request, to improve the Digital Radar Warning Receiver built in Forest for the Air National Guard; and • $110 million, $70 million above the President’s request, for the procurement of MQ-8C Fire Scouts, which are assembled in Moss Point. The bill also provides $2.67 billion for the procurement of two DDG-51 destroyers, one of which would be built in Pascagoula. In addition, the measure also funds 55 Lakota Light Utility Helicopters, which are produced in Columbus.  This represents a major increase from the procurement of 20 Lakota aircraft funded in FY2014.   Separately, Cochran is also supporting a pending FY2014 reprogramming request from the U.S. Army which calls for the procurement of 21 additional Lakota Light Utility Helicopters in FY2014. Overall, the bill supports the administration’s request for a 1.0 percent pay raise for military and civilian personnel.  It also adds $200 million to maintain operations at commissaries. The Senate bill adds $507.5 million to fully fund military retirement benefits, meeting the congressional commitment to reverse cuts made to those benefits in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Murray-Ryan agreement).  Cochran opposed that Act.  In compliance with the earmark moratorium, the Senate bill contains no congressionally-directed spending items.   The bill, however, directs funding not requested in the President’s FY2015 budget request toward national programs of inherent value for national defense, including shortfalls identified by the Services and activities authorized by the Senate Armed Services Committee or Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=b8a8e3b8-f999-4054-8286-88793dd6ae3c,COCHRAN QUESTIONS ANTIDUMPING PENALTY ENFORCEMENT,2014-07-16,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today questioned the effectiveness of antidumping levies as evidence mounts that some nations are finding ways to evade punishment while still flooding U.S. markets with imported shrimp, crawfish, furniture and other products. Cochran raised the issue Wednesday at a Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the enforcement of trade duties imposed on countries found to be dumping various products on U.S. markets.  In addition to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, witnesses included representatives from several industries harmed by the nonpayment of antidumping penalties. “The ability of some nations to circumvent duties and restrictions on unfair trade has serious effects on jobs and industry in Mississippi,” Cochran said.  “We have to better understand how to keep our competitors from misusing U.S. laws to make it more difficult for American businesses to compete and sell their products.” Edward T. Hayes, counsel for the American Shrimp Producers Association, provided testimony regarding the hardships caused by some nations skirting the antidumping duties imposed on shrimp, crawfish and other seafood. “America’s seafood industry has not seen the full measure of relief intended under the law, due to duty evasion, transshipment, and circumvention,” Hayes testified.  “In fact, America’s seafood industry has been perhaps the hardest hit by duty collection and enforcement shortfalls.  As the Committee is aware, Customs has reported more than $1.7 billion in unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties since 2001.  Unpaid duties on seafood alone account for about 40 percent, or $689 million, of that total.  Most of that amount is due to duties that have not been paid by importers of crawfish and shrimp.” Cochran, who has over the years actively supported the imposition of countervailing duties against unfairly subsidized shrimp imports, submitted questions to the CBP and ICE officials asking them to explain how their agencies are tackling duty evasion, transshipment and other practices used by countries like China and Vietnam. Cochran also expressed interest in determining legislative changes that could make duty enforcement more efficient. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ed8f8900-229f-466c-a7aa-761ddd036183,"BACKED BY COCHRAN & HARPER, VETERINARY MEDICINE MOBILITY ACT TO BECOME LAW",2014-07-16,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) today announced final congressional passage of legislation they cosponsored to lift a restrictive federal permitting process required of veterinarians in order to transport and dispense controlled substances for animal care. The Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act (HR.1528/S.1171), clearing the way for the measure to be signed into law.  The legislation would eliminate the requirement that veterinarians obtain separate registration from the federal government in order to transport or dispense controlled substances.  Without this additional government permit, veterinarians may only use these substances within the confines of their registered veterinary practice. “This legislation eliminates an unnecessary bureaucratic rule that clearly didn’t recognize that veterinary care, by its very nature, is not limited to clinics,” Cochran said.  “Removing this requirement for licensed, registered veterinarians will give them the freedom to do the work we count on to ensure public safety, our food supply and animal welfare.” “We have heard much from our veterinarians in Mississippi on the need to enact this legislation so they can provide the best care possible to livestock, horses, and other wildlife away from veterinary hospitals. This policy change is particularly important to a rural farming state like Mississippi,” Harper said. “I strongly supported the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act when it passed the House and I applaud Senator Cochran’s efforts to pass this much needed legislation on the Senate side.” The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association support enactment of this legislation to end the separate registration requirement, which has restricted the ability of practitioners to provide care in rural areas, mobile clinics, emergencies, or wildlife removal situations.  The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act would amend the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970.  It would lift the CSA stipulation that controlled substances must be stored and dispensed at the specific address veterinarians have on file with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  HR.1528 and S.1171, companion bills introduced last year and cosponsored by Harper and Cochran, would clarify that licensed and registered veterinarians have the authority to transport and dispense such controlled substances at sites other than their principle place of business. LINK: •    Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association: http://bit.ly/1jyFD9U ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388534,Palazzo Praises Senate Defense Appropriations Bill,2014-07-15,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCCongressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4) praised today's announcement of $800 million in funding for the LPD-17 program, intended to fund the 12th ship in the line. The funding level was included in the Senate Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2015 Appropriations bill during a subcommittee markup today. For years I have told anyone who would listen about the finest warships in the world built right here in Pascagoula. Today's announcement marks another milestone in ensuring our men and women in uniform are given the absolute best equipment to complete the missions that we ask of them. I applaud the work of Senator Cochran and his fellow senators, and I know they will continue to ensure the funding is supported in the final version of the bill. Congressman Palazzo was a leading advocate for the successful authorization of LPD funding in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the House on May 22, 2014. During posture hearings prior to House passage of the NDAA, Congressman Palazzo spoke directly with Commandant of the Marine Corps James Amos who expressed his support for the ship and verified the need of the Marine Corps. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=88fab91f-8871-40f8-9860-af394056e4f0,COCHRAN: LPD AMPHIBIOUS WARSHIP FUNDING APPROVED BY SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE,2014-07-15,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill fits within budget constraints while fortifying the nation’s long-term security interests, including approval of $800 million for procurement of a 12th LPD class amphibious warship. Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, on Tuesday supported subcommittee approval of the defense spending bill. The measure is scheduled to be considered on Thursday by the full Senate Appropriations Committee. “Our ongoing challenge is to make sure our military forces are equipped with the defense capabilities that they need to protect the security interests of our country.  It think this is a solid bill that reflects a very careful review of requests from the Department of Defense for funding of programs, activities and training that are important to our security,” Cochran said. Cochran worked with subcommittee chairman Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to provide $800 million for incremental funding of an LPD class amphibious warship.  Similar funding was not included in the House-passed FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill, but was authorized in defense authorization legislation drafted by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. “As we reviewed the near and long-term needs of our Armed Forces in light of budget constraints, we had to make difficult choices.  The $800 million for the LPD 17 amphibious warship is an example of the emphasis we’ve tried to place on restoring readiness and supporting high priority programs,” Cochran said.  “The LPD funding would put the Navy on course for accepting a modern vessel and potentially saving taxpayer dollars through efficient use of existing production lines.” The LPD funding, as well as $200 million for an additional joint high speed vessel, is among the defense programs funded in the Senate bill to address readiness concerns raised as a result of sequestration pressures on the Defense Department.  The bill proposes more than 500 specific funding reductions to program requests and directs the savings to higher priorities. In FY2013, Cochran led an effort to secure $263 million for the LPD 17 program and encouraged the Navy to present a plan to address the amphibious lift shortfall through report language.  The FY2015 funding would not only provide for the 12th LPD needed now, but building it would also provide a bridge vessel toward the effort to replace the fleet of 30+ year old LSD amphibious ships. Overall, the bill supports the administration’s request for a 1.0 percent pay raise for military personnel and adds $200 million to maintain operations at commissaries.  The subcommittee also adds $507.5 million to fully fund military retirement benefits, meeting the congressional commitment to reverse cuts made to those benefits in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Murray-Ryan agreement).  Cochran opposed that Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=037979d2-8ec6-40d6-a1b0-01aa9081b160,COCHRAN: INVESTOR PROTECTION AGENCY COMPOUNDS STANFORD VICTIMS' LOSSES,2014-07-11,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,MS,Thad Cochran,C000567,www.cochran.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Expressing frustration that Mississippians have been unable to recover any of the nearly $65 million they lost in the Stanford Ponzi scheme, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) has asked President Obama to help remake the federal agency created to protect investors from fraud. Cochran joined Senator David Vitter (R-La.) and others in a letter asking the President to fill vacancies on the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) with nominees who have “a demonstrated track record for protecting investors.”  There are four open seats on the board, including its chairman.  Congress established the SIPC in 1970 to recoup losses, within certain limits, from bankrupt or financially-troubled brokerages. The letter expresses sharp dissatisfaction with the SIPC board of directors for its “inherent conflict of interest between protecting its member firms’ financial interests versus protecting investors.” “The Securities Investor Protection Corporation, by fighting appeals to support some measure of compensation for Stanford fraud victims, is compounding the losses to investors in Mississippi and around the country,” Cochran said. “The refusal to offer such assistance continues to undercut any confidence that investors and the public might have in SIPC.  The President has an opportunity to fix that situation by choosing a chairman and new board members who will make it a priority to protect investors,” he said. Cochran has worked consistently to support compensation to victims of the $7.2 billion fraud perpetrated by the Stanford Financial Group.  Mississippians lost more than $64.8 million in the scheme.  While the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) determined that Stanford victims should be eligible for compensation, SIPC continues to fight that determination.  An appeal is currently pending in federal court. The eight signers of the letter pledged to support prompt consideration and confirmation of nominees who have a “willingness to shake up the status quo inside of SIPC.” “Congress has given SIPC incredible responsibility for protecting investors, and for that reason, it’s vitally important and appropriate that you nominate a pro-investor Chairman who can help change the subversive culture that has choked the investor protection mandate out of SIPC,” the letter states. It goes on to state, “If there is one common theme linking Stanford and the investors in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, it’s the way SIPC fought investors every step of the way and has absolutely refused to protect the victims of fraud. For more than five years, the Stanford victims have been fighting just to have their day in court, and SIPC has stood in the way.  Unfortunately, SIPC - the very entity that was created to protect these investors - has engaged in years of protracted litigation against the SEC in order to avoid a review of individual investor's claims in the District Court for the Northern District of Texas that has already invalidated SIPC’s arguments against protecting Stanford victims.” In addition to Vitter and Cochran, the letter was also signed by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.). Cochran is a cosponsor of the Restoring Main Street Investor Protection and Confidence Act of 2013 (S.1725), which would reform how SIPC handles investment fraud victims’ compensation cases by amending the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) of 1970. A copy of the Senators' letter to President Obama is available below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z