url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-s-statement-on-the-44-million-awarded-to-mississippi-s-safe-streets-for-all,Wicker's Statement on the $44 Million Awarded to Mississippi's Safe Streets for All,2025-12-24,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement after five cities is Mississippi were awarded $44 million in roadway funding under the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. These projects are possible because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Senator Wicker helped negotiate as a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee. “Improved roadways lead to improved safety and increased commerce. I have continually advocated for these investments in Mississippi’s infrastructure. I am eager for these grants to be implemented across the state. These upgrades will provide safer, more convenient travel options for drivers and pedestrians alike.” The grants for Mississippi will support:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1984,Ezell Applauds Return of Coast Guard Station Pascagoula to Full Operations,2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, today welcomed the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to return Coast Guard Station Pascagoula to full response operations, marking a major step forward for maritime security and economic activity along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Coast Guard announced that, in conjunction with Assignment Year 2026, Station Pascagoula will transition from scheduled mission operations back to full response operations after capabilities were temporarily reduced in 2023 due to workforce shortages. “This is outstanding news for South Mississippi,"" Chairman Ezell said. “Coast Guard Station Pascagoula plays a critical role in protecting our maritime border, supporting search and rescue missions, and safeguarding the Port of Pascagoula. I’m grateful to see the Coast Guard fully restoring these operations and ensuring our Coast Guard men and women have the staffing they need to do their jobs. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’ve been clear that readiness matters. Restoring full operations at Station Pascagoula improves safety for our mariners, strengthens national security, and protects one of Mississippi’s most important economic engines.” ""After temporarily reducing capabilities at Station Pascagoula in 2023 due to severe workforce shortages, I am pleased to announce the Coast Guard will fully restore the unit’s operational capabilities and readiness in 2026,"" Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, Acting Commandant said. “Our strong recruiting performance has made this possible. Station Pascagoula is vital to securing our southern maritime border and supporting the Port of Pascagoula's $18 billion economic impact. This action directly supports our nation's security and economic prosperity."" Strategically located on the Gulf Coast, Coast Guard Station Pascagoula conducts missions that deter and interdict illegal migration and illicit trafficking, while also protecting vital port infrastructure from physical and cyber threats. The station’s return to full response operations strengthens the Coast Guard’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies, natural disasters, and maritime security threats in accordance with its long-standing motto, Semper Paratus — “Always Ready.” The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for defending more than 95,000 miles of U.S. shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers, and 4.5 million square miles of exclusive economic zone. With more than 76,000 members operating cutters, aircraft, boats, and cyber capabilities, the Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting America’s maritime domain and economic security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-wishes-mississippians-hope-love-peace-2025-christmas-message,"HYDE-SMITH WISHES MISSISSIPPIANS ‘HOPE, LOVE & PEACE’ IN 2025 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2025 Christmas Message WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued her 2025 Christmas message, in which she encourages Mississippians to “slow down, take stock of our blessings, and remember the light that guides us to seek peace even when we face uncertainty.” Read Senator Hyde-Smith’s Christmas message below: Merry Christmas, Mississippi! This season reminds us of the simple, yet profound, gifts that we are given – love, peace, and hope. Christmas invites us to slow down, take stock of our blessings, and remember the light that guides us to seek peace even when we face uncertainty. Across Mississippi, I see that light every day: in neighbors lending a hand, in communities standing strong together in good times and bad, and in the unwavering spirit that makes the Magnolia State such a remarkable place to call home. As Christians, we also pause to reflect on the incredible gift God gave us through the birth of His Son. In Him, we find perfect love, enduring hope, and the promise of peace that the world cannot offer. His life teaches us to love others, as He first loved us. Christ’s example calls us to comfort the hurting, support the weary, and serve those in need. As we dwell on the wonders of this season, let’s remember to express gratitude for the men and women in uniform who are spending this season far from home and their families to protect the freedoms we hold dear. We are also thankful for our first responders and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy. My prayer for every Mississippian is that your Christmas is filled with hope, love, and peace. And may God bless you in the year ahead. From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a new year full of promise. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-applauds-james-mazol-s-confirmation-as-deputy-undersecretary-of-defense-for-research-and-engineering,Chairman Wicker Applauds James Mazol’s Confirmation as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, (R-Miss.) Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on James Mazol’s confirmation to be the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “I can think of no one better than James Mazol to assume these responsibilities. He has the knowledge, experience, and vision to advance the horizons of America’s defense technology. I was privileged to benefit from Mr. Mazol’s service on both my Commerce and Armed Services committee staffs, as well as in my personal office. His work ethic, brilliance, and integrity always stood out. The United States is safer with James Mazol in the role of Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. James has a sharp understanding of the threat environment the United States faces, particularly as it pertains to China’s advancements in critical technology areas. I look forward to partnering with him and his office to meet America’s defense needs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-hyde-smith-congratulate-kruger-and-leary-confirmed-to-be-u-s-attorneys-for-mississippi,"Wicker, Hyde-Smith Congratulate Kruger and Leary, confirmed to be U.S. attorneys for Mississippi",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today released the following statement on the confirmation of James “Baxter” Kruger of Jackson and Scott Leary of Water Valley to serve as the United States Attorneys for Mississippi’s southern and northern districts, respectively. “We are pleased to congratulate Baxter Kruger and Scott Leary for their confirmation to be United States Attorneys for Mississippi. With their legal and law enforcement experience, these men have developed deep knowledge of Mississippi precedent and have exhibited sound and fair judgment in their careers. As they take on these new roles, we are confident in their leadership. We trust they will oversee federal investigations and criminal prosecutions in Mississippi with professionalism and respect for the rule of law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-gillibrand-applaud-passage-bill-support-victims-human-trafficking,"HYDE-SMITH, GILLIBRAND APPLAUD PASSAGE OF BILL TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Lead Bill Sponsors Encourage President Trump to Sign ‘Trafficking Survivors Relief Act’ into Law WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) lauded unanimous Senate approval of their bipartisan legislation that would enable survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent offenses that they were forced to commit vacated and expunged. The Senate passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (S.2255/HR.4323) by unanimous consent late Thursday after being passed unanimously by the House earlier this month. It now goes to President Trump for his signature. “Human trafficking touches every corner of our country, often leaving survivors facing ongoing hardships even after escaping exploitation. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act gives survivors a chance to clear their records of the non-violent federal offenses they were forced to commit as a direct result of being trafficked. Survivors should not spend the rest of their lives being punished for crimes that were tied to their exploitation,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Providing true relief and a fresh start is essential to long-term healing, and I’m thrilled this legislation is on course to be signed into law.” “The passage of my Trafficking Survivors Relief Act through Congress is an enormous milestone in the effort to support victims of human trafficking and help them reestablish their lives,” said Senator Gillibrand, who has fought for this bill for nearly a decade. “This legislation will help shield trafficking survivors from further undue harm, protecting them from the threat of criminalization, prison sentences, and subsequent problems finding jobs and housing because of nonviolent offenses they committed under duress. I have been working to get this bill through Congress for almost ten years, and I am thrilled that it has now passed the House and Senate. I urge President Trump to sign it into law as soon as possible.” Gillibrand first introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues in 2016, and reintroduced it in every subsequent Congress, most recently with Hyde-Smith in July 2025. In addition to allowing survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent criminal convictions or arrest records they incurred while being trafficked vacated and expunged, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would also: Allow for an individual’s status as a victim of trafficking to be a mitigating factor for courts to consider when imposing a prison sentence for violent crimes. Require U.S. attorneys to submit a report one year after enactment detailing the number of motions filed under the law. Ensure U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime and Office on Violence Against Women grant funding can be used for legal representation for post-conviction relief activities. While many states have laws that provide a way for trafficking survivors to clear their records for criminal conduct that resulted from being trafficked, no statute exists at the federal level. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would change that. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is among several state Attorneys General who signed a letter of support for this legislation. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Faith & Freedom Coalition, Right on Crime, National Center on Sexual Exploitation, American Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and Moms for America are among the stakeholder groups supporting the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-signs-order-loosen-federal-restrictions-marijuana-its-still-illegal,"Trump signs order to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, but it’s still illegal",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Jacob Fischler President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, which Trump said reflected the drug’s potential medical benefits while discouraging recreational use. The order moves cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on the Federal Drug Administration’s list of controlled substances. Schedule I, the most restrictive category under federal law, indicates a high likelihood of abuse and no accepted medical value. Trump said the move reflected that cannabis could have medicinal value, even if abuse was still possible. The order “doesn't legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug,” Trump said. “Just as the prescription painkillers may have legitimate uses, but can also do irreversible damage … it's never safe to use powerful controlled substances in recreational matters.” Still, the order marks a major step in the decades-long liberalization of cannabis policy. Since 2012, when Washington and Colorado voters legalized personal marijuana use, 22 other states have legalized at least some form of recreational use. Only 10 states still restrict both medicinal and recreational use. In a statement, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, praised Trump while calling for further reforms to bring federal law into harmony with states where the drug is legal. “I thank the President and am pleased that they are finally taking this step to begin the process to reschedule,” Polis wrote. “Colorado’s cannabis industry is the gold standard ensuring that products are safe and regulated. It’s good to see the federal government finally following suit, but it’s frustrating it’s taken this long and there is much more to do for a full descheduling,” President Joe Biden started the process for rescheduling the drug last year. Medical angle A group of administration officials and medical doctors flanked Trump during the Oval Office signing, with some speaking to the potential medical benefits of marijuana, including as an alternative to highly addictive opioid painkillers. “The facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered,” Trump said. Researching the potential benefits of marijuana is nearly impossible because of the tight restrictions on Schedule I substances, advocates have argued. Removing cannabis from Schedule I would help ease those restrictions, Trump said. “This reclassification order will make it far easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers and future treatments,” he said. “It's going to have a tremendously positive impact.” In addition to researchers, the split between federal law and the legal landscape in many states has created challenges for the industry, users and law enforcement, among others. For example, the unusual position of state-legal businesses in a federally banned industry means they cannot use certain tax provisions, access some banking instruments or transport their product across state lines. In a lengthy statement, Paul Armentano, the deputy director of leading marijuana legalization organization National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, offered qualified praise for the move, saying it “validates the experience” of patients who have used marijuana to treat chronic pain and other conditions. “This directive certainly marks a long overdue change in direction,” Armentano said. “But while such a move potentially provides some benefits to patients, and veterans especially, it still falls well short of the changes necessary to bring federal marijuana policy into the 21st century. Specifically, rescheduling fails to harmonize federal marijuana policy with the cannabis laws of most states.” The reclassification could provide tax relief to many marijuana businesses, he added. GOP senators opposed move Many Republicans in Congress remain opposed to legalizing marijuana. In a letter dated Wednesday, 24 Senate Republicans urged Trump not to reclassify marijuana, which they said had a high likelihood of abuse and no medical value. Allowing marijuana businesses to take advantage of federal tax deductions would give them a tax break of as much as $2.3 billion, allowing them to increase marketing efforts and expand into additional states, the lawmakers wrote. The benefits of economic growth would be outweighed by the costs of accidents, “not to mention the moral costs of marijuana advertising that could reach kids,” they wrote. “In light of the documented dangers of marijuana, facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry is at odds with growing our economy and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans,” the GOP senators wrote. “We urge you to continue your strong leadership of our country and our economy, and to turn away from marijuana rescheduling.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/wicker-hyde-smith-congratulate-kruger-leary-confirmed-be-us-attorneys-mississippi,"WICKER, HYDE-SMITH CONGRATULATE KRUGER & LEARY, CONFIRMED TO BE U.S. ATTORNEYS FOR MISSISSIPPI",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today released the following statement on the confirmation of James “Baxter” Kruger of Jackson and Scott Leary of Water Valley to serve as the United States Attorneys for Mississippi’s southern and northern districts, respectively. “We are pleased to congratulate Baxter Kruger and Scott Leary for their confirmation to be United States Attorneys for Mississippi. With their legal and law enforcement experience, these men have developed deep knowledge of Mississippi precedent and have exhibited sound and fair judgment in their careers. As they take on these new roles, we are confident in their leadership. We trust they will oversee federal investigations and criminal prosecutions in Mississippi with professionalism and respect for the rule of law.” Kruger and Leary were confirmed late Thursday as part of a large tranche of nominees held up in the confirmation process. President Trump nominated the two Mississippians in July and both nominees were supported by Wicker and Hyde-Smith throughout the confirmation process. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:19:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-applauds-payment-for-troops-to-assist-with-housing-costs,Chairman Wicker Applauds Payment for Troops to Assist with Housing Costs,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commended President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for using reconciliation funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill to address housing costs for service members. The Chairman released the following statement: “I commend President Trump’s swift action to implement the additional funding Congress provided to help offset housing costs for service members. This one-time payment, combined with an average 4.2 percent increase to the Basic Allowance for Housing and 3.8 percent military pay raise in 2026, will put real money in the pockets of our service members and their families, helping provide greater stability and improved housing options as they manage the unique demands of military life. This reflects a shared commitment across Congress and the Department to strengthen quality of life for our troops. Our military families deserve nothing less.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-following-briefing-on-lethal-kinetic-strikes-in-southcom-aor,Chairman Wicker Issues Statement Following Briefing on Lethal Kinetic Strikes in SOUTHCOM AOR,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “After participating in the various briefings provided by the administration, I am confident that the strikes that have taken place thus far against narco-terrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of operations were conducted based on sound legal advice. Our military takes the use of force against combatants very seriously. Each strike has been preceded by a rigorous analysis of extensive intelligence, as well as a thorough legal review. There is no more competent or effective force than the U.S. military. These operations have been conducted in the same proficient and professional standard we have come to expect from these exceptional men and women. “Clearly previous methods to deter and disrupt narcotrafficking have not worked. We cannot sit idly by and simply hope things change. We must have a coherent economic, diplomatic, and military strategy to reduce influence of the cartels in our hemisphere. To that end, I agree with President Trump’s strategy outlined by Secretary Rubio, and I hope we can work with the administration to discuss that strategy much more aggressively with the American people. “When reports first surfaced about a secondary strike, my office immediately directed inquiries to the department to ascertain the veracity of these reports. I promised that SASC would take this matter seriously and conduct thorough oversight. We have done so. Both military and civilian Pentagon leaders have worked in good faith to provide answers to us without any delays. Today, I am satisfied with all the information I have received on this matter. “I have seen no evidence of war crimes. The fact is that our military is asked to make incredibly difficult decisions. Service members must do so based on the best available information and often under very tight timelines. In order to safeguard our country and protect our way of life, they undertake this responsibility with proficiency and integrity. It is in the best interest of our national security to support our men and women in uniform when they act based on advice from senior legal advisors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-capito-introduce-the-success-for-bead-act,"Wicker, Capito Introduce the SUCCESS for BEAD Act",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss. and Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V. introduced the Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act (SUCCESS for BEAD Act). This legislation would authorize states to use remaining funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program for projects that support state’s deployment plan by enhancing public safety, improving network resiliency, strengthening national security, and developing a qualified workforce for emerging technologies. The overarching goal is to advance digital infrastructure readiness and sustain U.S. leadership in innovation by providing clear guardrails for the eligible uses of the remaining funds. “This bill is the next phase of target broadband projects in America’s heartland. Reliable connectivity is necessary to improve public safety, national security, telehealth care, education, and economic development. The United States has seen success in developing AI and emerging technologies. These projects would help our rural Mississippi communities participate in these successes. Local leaders know best how to utilize these funds. We should give them the flexibility to ensure these federal investments provide adequate connection for every Mississippian as soon as possible,” said Senator Wicker. “West Virginians understand that strong, resilient broadband is essential to so many things. As states finalize their BEAD deployment plans, many will have remaining resources that can and should be put to work supporting long-term success of these networks. I’m glad to team up with Senator Wicker to introduce this legislation, which provides clear guidance so states can invest these leftover dollars responsibly in areas like network resiliency, national security, public safety, and more,” said Senator Capito. For full legislative text, click here. For a section by section of the SUCCESS for BEAD Act, click here. Background: As the National Information and Telecommunications Administration continues approving states’ final deployment proposals, it is anticipated that many states will be left with a significant remaining balance from their original BEAD allocations. Current estimates show roughly $20 to $22 billion in total across all 56 eligible entities. This legislation would serve as a “Part II” to the BEAD program following the approval of state deployment plans and would establish clear parameters and guidance for the permissible use of remaining, already obligated funds to ensure the success of the BEAD program. Stakeholder Quotes: “The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is a timely, pragmatic proposal that helps ensure every non-deployment federal BEAD dollar delivers the greatest possible benefit for the American people. Once a state completes its deployment plan, any remaining funds should be put to work advancing the security, resilience, and long-term performance of our communications networks—especially as connectivity becomes more central to public safety, economic growth, and U.S. technology leadership. We look forward to working with Senators Wicker and Capito and all of Congress to advance this important legislation and ensure non-deployment BEAD dollars result in more secure, resilient, and reliable networks for decades to come,” said Jonathan Spalter, President & CEO, USTelecom - The Broadband Association. “The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is important and timely legislation because it would use BEAD funding to further propel American connectivity. With its infrastructure focus – to close mobile broadband gaps and augment workforce training programs – it takes advantage of the Benefit of the Bargain round’s significant savings to improve rural access. WIA appreciates Senators Wicker and Capito for putting this bill forward,"" said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association. “CCA applauds Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for leading the introduction of the ‘Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act’ or the ‘SUCCESS for BEAD Act.’ Prioritizing investment of “non-deployment” funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program on initiatives such as mobile and fixed wireless connectivity will complement and enhance current investments from the BEAD program and ensure maximum impact toward closing the digital divide. Directing the remaining funds toward advanced wireless networks is the fastest and most effective way to progress ubiquitous connectivity – especially in rural America, where these networks are an important part of the path to meaningful broadband access. Strengthening and improving these networks expands opportunities to access education, telehealth, commerce, and public safety as well as cutting-edge technologies including AI and precision agriculture in the communities that need them most. Congress appropriated these funds specifically to expand connectivity and putting them to work expanding and enhancing wireless networks, as well as by providing support for critical workforce personnel and ensuring accountability with resources for data mapping policies, stays true to BEAD’s original goals,"" said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of Competitive Carriers Association. ""All consumers and businesses need trusted broadband connectivity. And as the economy becomes more reliant on new technologies such as AI, we should remember that there is no AI without broadband. To lead in AI, we need universal, secure connectivity, and that starts with robust broadband networks. Underlying our strategic competitiveness is building a skilled workforce in each state and locale. By investing in trusted, high quality broadband and building a skilled workforce, we drive innovation across every sector - from defense to education to healthcare to manufacturing- we boost U.S. competitiveness, improve cybersecurity and close the connectivity gap,"" said Dave Stehlin, Telecommunications Industry Association CEO.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/cotton-industry-deploys-actions-ensure-survival,Cotton industry deploys actions to ensure survival,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"A sustainability campaign and expanding to new markets are just a couple ways cotton growers and organizations are trying to boost the industry. By Ron Smith, Contributing Writer, Farm Progress David Dunlow has grown cotton for 40 years, and he wants to continue. Dunlow farms with his son, William, in Northampton County, N.C. The current economic outlook for cotton, he said, is the worst he has experienced. First thing the industry needs is legislation to stop its fiscal bleeding. The cotton industry is responding and working to improve that grim outlook through several projects, initiatives and with legislation. Chad Brewer, vice president of Technical Services at the National Cotton Council, said the council is backing a bill that would incentivize companies to use U.S. cotton. “Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the ‘Buying American Cotton Act,’” Brewer said. “The council and the cotton industry are putting a lot of effort behind that on Capitol Hill and in meetings with legislators.” He said the bill seeks to: Encourage the consumption of cotton that originated in the United States and products made from such cotton. Document the processing of such cotton through a trustworthy supply-chain tracing system, such as the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. If enacted into law, the bill would offer tax breaks and other incentives to companies that use U.S.-grown cotton. Plant, not plastic Brewer said the recently launched campaign called “Plant, not Plastic” encourages consumers to consider the effects microfibers have on the environment and on human health. “Cotton is a natural fiber, is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the food chain,” he said. “Microfibers, even if not ingested, get into water systems and into the food supply. ‘Plant, Not Plastic’ is creating public awareness around the tie between textiles and their role in creating microplastics.” Building markets The U.S. consumes roughly the equivalent of 19 million bales of cotton annually. “As producers, we want to grow that 19 million bales and have a sustainable industry. We're trying to capture that U.S. market,” David Dunlow said. Brewer said Cotton Council International plays a role in building markets. “In early summer I went with a CCI industry delegation to Pakistan, where we met with mill owners to promote U.S. cotton, looking for better ways to do business together.” The Dunlows said another NCC initiative could help federal regulatory agencies understand farm practices and challenges. Talking with regulators Last summer, the Cotton Foundation hosted 13 federal regulators on a tour in North Carolina and Virginia, where they visited producers like the Dunlows, Cotton Incorporated and a spinning mill. The tour featured open dialogue between farmers and agency representatives. “The people I met on that tour had a micro view of agriculture,” William said. “They're extremely detail oriented but had not considered agriculture from a 30,000-foot view. Many had no idea of the price of cotton, no idea what a cotton picker cost and no idea of the financial challenges we face.” Farmers are not just numbers, he said, but are real people trying to provide for their families. “We shared ideas, and I hope it opened their eyes to what we do on the farm,” Williams said. “Most of the folks who come on these tours are chemists, biologists, or in other branches of science. Most have had little or no interaction with agriculture,” Brewer said. “They are experts in their fields, but the only way for them to understand how their decisions affect agriculture is to meet folks like David and William. Getting them on a farm makes a difference.” “I think the most impactful exercises ag organizations can perform is to bring people to our fields to meet real farmers. I think it will have a lasting impact on many of them. They're trying to do good work, and I hope they left feeling the same about us,” Williams said. “We are in the cotton business,” David added. “Even though we planted a lot less acreage than we used to in 2025, we still consider ourselves cotton farmers.” Brewer said the National Cotton Council’s Technical Service group is exploring other ways to keep cotton a viable option for U.S. agriculture. Addressing challenges Brewer said NCC wants producers to have access to all the tools they need. “Over the last few years, cotton has faced significant challenges, including pesticide registrations. The key mission of the Cotton Foundation is to provide education and outreach to producers, the public, legislators and regulatory agencies,” he said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-votes-send-fy2026-defense-policy-bill-president-trump,HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO SEND FY2026 DEFENSE POLICY BILL TO PRESIDENT TRUMP,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today voted for final passage of a major defense policy bill that sets the stage for President Trump to accelerate his Peace Through Strength national security agenda. The Senate made the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) available for President Trump’s signature with a 77-20 vote for final passage of a bill that implements policy reforms and authorizes appropriations for defense and national security activities. “Our nation has always contended with new threats to our national security, but the scope of those threats escalates with every technological advance and the prospect of our adversaries getting their hands on those technologies. This NDAA bill, aligned with President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda, begins to pivot our military to meet these evolving threats,” Hyde-Smith said. The FY2026 NDAA (S.1071) authorizes Pentagon budgeting and acquisition reforms, additional shipbuilding funding, and a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members. It also authorizes funding for the nation’s nuclear weapons programs and military construction and family housing projects. Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA). The FY2026 MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill, which includes $60 million for Mississippi projects, became law in November as part of the continuing resolution to end the Schumer government shutdown. Efforts continue to reach an agreement to allow the Senate to pass the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, which has been available for Senate consideration since December. This measure would provide actual funding to national defense projects in Mississippi. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-fy26-ndaa-recognizes-full-range-of-mississippi-defense-contributions,Chairman Wicker: FY26 NDAA Recognizes Full Range of Mississippi Defense Contributions,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Click here to read the executive summary WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today praised the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA). The annual bill sets policy for the U.S. military. This is first NDAA passed under Chairman Wicker’s leadership of the committee. “Not since the era of World War II has our nation faced an axis of aggressors across multiple theaters seeking to dismantle American influence. The bill we now send to the president’s desk is a reflection of that reality and an appropriate response. “In this NDAA, my colleagues and I have prioritized the structural rebuilding of the arsenal of democracy and returning the department to its warfighting mission. Crucially, it also contains the most sweeping upgrades to the Pentagon's business practices in 60 years—a watershed moment for our military. “The bill sets us on a path to modernize our defense capabilities and augment our drone manufacturing, shipbuilding efforts, and the development of innovative low-cost weapons. “Thanks to the partnership and bipartisan support from Ranking Member Reed, and that of all members who worked to improve this bill, our military will be better prepared to meet the challenges ahead.” The FY26 NDAA contains a number of Chairman Wicker’s national defense priorities. The legislation enables the United States to deter aggression from increasingly hostile nations like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Service members will benefit from new weapons systems, state-of-the-art technology tools, and investments in ships, aircraft, and other vehicles. Notably, Chairman Wicker used this legislation to usher in the most significant acquisition reforms to Pentagon business practices in decades. These changes will allow the Department of Defense (DOD) to acquire military hardware and software more quickly, including by tapping into the defense startups driving national security technology innovation today. Every year, this legislation authorizes programs that are executed in states across the nation. Mississippi’s outstanding contributions to national defense are once again recognized in the act. In particular, the FY26 NDAA clearly reflects Mississippi’s status as a multi-domain state—a term which indicates leadership across an array of American military capabilities, including air, sea, land, space, and cyberspace. The FY26 NDAA authorizes a total of $528.7 million to support military installations, defense industry sites, and academic research facilities in every corner of Mississippi. NDAA Upgrades Mississippi’s Military Infrastructure The FY26 NDAA: Authorizes funding for 5 military construction projects in Mississippi, including: $14.2 million for a Water Tank Storage System at Columbus Air Force Base $11.6 million for an Army Aviation Support Facility and Readiness Center at Camp Shelby $2.2 million for an Army Aviation Support Facility at Meridian Readiness Center $19 million for a Base Supply Warehouse at Key Field Air National Guard Base $6.7 million for a Corrosion Control Hangar at Key Field Air National Guard Base Enables the Department of Defense to use progressive design build contracts for construction projects. This format can align the DOD with commercial construction program management and will reduce risks and costs in complicated projects. Creates a pilot program for wastewater surveillance to detect infectious diseases at military installations. Wastewater surveillance for drugs can help installations respond more effectively to issues such as fentanyl use. Testing would be performed at Mississippi State University labs, with university staff conducting work throughout the pilot program. Increases funding authorizations by $50 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program. NDAA Supports Mississippi’s Cybersecurity Initiatives The FY26 NDAA: Authorizes $10 million to support development of Artificial Intelligence enabled systems for Army multi-domain operations. This allows for the Army to use AI to automate the identification of drone swarms and help soldiers quickly automate a “kill chain” to shoot the drone swarms down. Authorizes $6 million to safeguard against the emerging threats posed by cognitive hacking, foreign malign influence, and propaganda. Additionally, there will be a new workforce created that better aligns the fragmented nature of organizations that deal with malign foreign influence campaigns. NDAA Backs Mississippi’s Development of Cutting-Edge Land-Based Systems The FY26 NDAA: Authorizes $6 million to support research on autonomous testing of military vehicles. The system will create vehicle designs that better withstand extreme conditions, reduce equipment failures in combat situations, and enable accelerated testing without risking personnel. Jackson State University will conduct some of this research. Authorizes $3 million to continued development of next generation roadway repair materials for the Army, which will support effective maneuvering of military assets. NDAA Recognizes Mississippi’s Naval Prowess The FY26 NDAA: Ensures the long-term continuation of the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School at the John C. Stennis Space Center. Authorizes $5 million for critical sensing capabilities for shallow water, littoral, and riverine environments, particularly near ports, over extended mission durations. Authorizes funds for numerous shipbuilding programs, including support for efforts in Pascagoula and Gulfport to construct small boats, submarines, ship-to-shore connectors and berthing barges. $320 million to support the procurement two additional Ship to Shore Connectors. The program delivers the capability to move assault forces rapidly within the littoral operational environment to accomplish Unified Command Plan (UCP) missions. This ensures the Joint Force Commander's ability to conduct amphibious operations and operate over the high-water mark, including movement over ice, mud, rivers, swamps, and marshes. $7 million to support the procurement of combatant craft assault boats for Naval Special Warfare. $10 million to support manufacturing of composite shaft fabrication in support of the Navy’s Next-Generation Attack Submarine SSN(X) program. $78 million to procure additional auxiliary personnel lighter (APL) vessels for the Navy. The program replaces outdated and dilapidated transport ships and will greatly improve sailors' quality of life. Authorizes $5 million to support the development of advanced manufacturing systems for the Navy. This will support major defense and space manufacturing at the John C. Stennis Space Center. Establishes formal programs for uncrewed maritime systems. Additionally, it supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s uncrewed maritime systems operating in Gulfport by establishing formal programs for those systems. NDAA Taps Into Mississippi’s Modern Aircraft Manufacturing The FY26 NDAA: Authorizes $3 million for the procurement of ultra-lightweight aerial drones for special operations. Authorizes $7 million for the procurement of long-range projectiles, which are produced in Tupelo. Enabling offensive strike capabilities over hundreds of kilometers from artillery weapons provides the ability to strike before the enemy can attack friendly forces. Prevents changes to the Initial Enry Rotary Wing Pilot Training program before the Army conducts a validated analysis of its current program. The Army currently uses Mississippi-made helicopters for this training. Requires the Coast Guard to conduct a fleet analysis and identify the number of rescue helicopters it needs. NDAA Prioritizes Military Personnel The FY26 NDAA: Authorizes funding to support a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members Authorizes $168.8 million to fully restore the JROTC funding authorizations, which supports over 80 programs in Mississippi. Adds $15 million to continue the critical flagship language program at the University of Mississippi. Strengthens requirements the DOD must meet before modifying scope to military treatment facilities. This will ensure that the Keesler Medical Center can continue to serve more than 27,000 people including military retirees, families, and over 7,000 active-duty members.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/barrasso-bill-aims-improve-rescue-response-national-parks,Barrasso bill aims to improve rescue response in national parks,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Katie Klingsporn Wyoming’s U.S. Sen. John Barrasso is pushing legislation to upgrade emergency communications in national parks — a step he says would improve responses in far-flung areas of parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. “This bill improves the speed and accuracy of emergency responders in locating and assisting callers in need of emergency assistance,” Barrasso told members of the National Parks Subcommittee last week during a hearing on the bill. “These moments make a difference between visitors being able to receive quick care and continue their trip or facing more serious medical complications.” The legislation directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to develop a plan to upgrade National Park Service 911 call centers with next-generation 911 technology. Among other things, these upgrades would enable them to receive text messages, images and videos in addition to phone calls, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies or rescues in the parks. Each year, rangers and emergency services respond to a wide range of calls — from lost hikers to car accidents and grizzly maulings — in the Wyoming parks’ combined 2.5 million acres. Outside park boundaries, the state’s emergency service providers also face steep challenges, namely achieving financial viability. Many patients, meantime, encounter a lack of uniformity and longer 911 response times in the state’s so-called frontier areas. Improving the availability of ground ambulance services to respond to 911 calls is a major priority in Wyoming’s recent application for federal Rural Health Transformation Project funds. Barrasso’s office did not respond to a WyoFile request for comment on the state’s broader EMS challenges by publication time. The bill from the prominent Wyoming Republican, who serves as Senate Majority Whip, joined a slate of federal proposals the subcommittee considered last week. With other bills related to the official name of North America’s highest mountain, an extra park fee charged to international visitors, the health of a wild horse herd and the use of off-highway vehicles in Capitol Reef National Park, Barrasso’s “Making Parks Safer Act” was among the least controversial. What’s in it Barrasso brought the bipartisan act along with Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). The bill would equip national park 911 call centers with technological upgrades that would improve and streamline responses, Barrasso said. He noted that hundreds of millions of visitors stream into America’s national parks annually. That includes more than 8 million recreation visits to Wyoming’s national parks in 2024. “Folks travel from across the world to enjoy the great American outdoors, and for many families, these memories last a lifetime,” he testified. “This is a bipartisan bill that ensures visitors who may need assistance can be reached in an accurate and timely manner.” The Park Service supports Barrasso’s bill, Mike Caldwell, the agency’s associate director of park planning, facilities and lands, said during the hearing. It’s among several proposals that are “consistent with executive order 14314, ‘Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks,’” Caldwell said. “These improvements are largely invisible to visitors, so they strengthen the emergency response without deterring the park’s natural beauty or history,” he said. Other park issues National parks have been a topic of contention since President Donald Trump included them in his DOGE efforts in early 2025. Since then, efforts to sell off federal land and strip park materials of historical information that casts a negative light on the country, along with a 43-day government shutdown, have continued to fuel debate over the proper management of America’s parks. Several of these changes and issues came up during the recent National Parks Subcommittee hearing. Among them was the recent announcement that resident fee-free dates will change in 2026. Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth will no longer be included in those days, but visitors won’t have to pay fees on new dates: Flag Day on June 14, which is Trump’s birthday and Oct. 27, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. Conservation organizations and others decried those changes as regressive. At the hearing, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), assured the room that “when this president is in the past, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth will not only have fee-free national park admission, they will occupy, again, incredible places of pride in our nation’s history.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-call-health-agencies-protect-medical-residents-conscience-rights,"HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES CALL ON HEALTH AGENCIES TO PROTECT MEDICAL RESIDENTS’ CONSCIENCE RIGHTS",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Pro-Life Senators, House Members Challenge ‘Opt-Out’ Criteria for Medical Residents Who Oppose Abortions WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, joined fellow pro-life lawmakers in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take immediate regulatory action to protect the conscience rights of medical residents enrolled in graduate medical education programs. In a letter sent to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, the group of Senate and House members strongly encourage HHS and CMS to address accreditation rules that pressure OB/GYN residents to participate in abortion training against their conscience. The lawmakers call for an opt-in approach that protects conscience rights while allowing training for those who choose it. “Returning training in induced abortion to an opt-in option for medical trainees would still allow for anyone who desired this training to easily access it but would prevent any physician who does not from being coerced into participating. Not only is this what our conscience laws are meant to prevent, but it would also increase the number of medical students willing to go into the specialty of OB/GYN – a critical need at a time when maternity healthcare deserts exist across the country. This would improve access to care for millions of American women,” the lawmakers wrote. “Because the current opt-out induced abortion training requirement is a clear violation of existing federal law, HHS and CMS should issue a rule to require any graduate medical education program to provide induced abortion as an opt-in only option in order to receive their federal GME funding and in order to receive CMS reimbursements,” the lawmakers added. U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) and U.S. Representative Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.) led the letter, which was also signed by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and U.S. Representatives Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), John Joyce, M.D. (R-Pa.), Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.), Robert F. Onder, Jr. (R-Mo.), Mary E. Miller (R-Ill.), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.). Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/thompson-least-10b-additional-farm-aid-needed,Thompson: At least $10B in additional farm aid needed,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Lydia Johnson Congress needs to provide at least $10 billion in additional aid to farmers to supplement the $12 billion being provided by the Trump administration through its Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, says House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson. In an interview with Agri-Pulse on Tuesday, Thompson, R-Pa., said lawmakers need to provide payments to sectors such as dairy, timber and specialty crops. The administration’s program is largely targeted to row crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice, although $1 billion has been set aside for other commodities. “I think it [Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments] will open up opportunities for a lot of farmers and ranchers to get credit for next year, but it's not enough,” Thompson said. Thompson didn’t provide a timeline for moving a supplemental assistance package in Congress. Lawmakers have been looking at changes to USDA’s Section 32 authority which is funded through customs receipts. Under existing law, Congress couldn’t use Section 32 to spend more than $350 million on payments to farmers. “It's got to be really just enough to make the bridge sustainable to 2026, but not an overreach. We don't want to replace the market,” Thompson said of a supplemental package. Separately, Richard Fordyce, under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Production and Conservation Mission Area, told Agri-Pulse that the agency has no plan to look at providing additional payments. ""USDA is where we are at, and probably will be as far as the level of support,"" he said, adding that he didn't have insight on what Congress might do. Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden was also pressed about the need for an additional farm aid package during an early December interview on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. ""Obviously if Congress passes a program, we will be happy to work with them on it to provide whatever technical assistance is needed and administer it in Trump time,"" Vaden said. ""But right now we only have these authorities and the monies provided by the Commodity Credit Corporation [for the FBA payments], so that's what we're focusing on because we know that come October of 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ... kicks in."" Numerous Senate Ag Committee members and farm state lawmakers, including Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., told Agri-Pulse last week conversations were already in progress about moving an additional farm aid package in early 2026. Thompson said he wants to move a new farm bill in January that would reauthorize programs not included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last July.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-commends-president-trump-and-secretary-hegseth-for-prioritizing-reinstatement-and-discharge-upgrades-of-service-members-separated-for-refusing-covid-vaccine,Chairman Wicker Commends President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for Prioritizing Reinstatement and Discharge Upgrades of Service Members Separated for Refusing COVID Vaccine,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commended President Trump and Secretary Hegseth on their continued efforts to prioritize reinstatement and military discharge upgrades of service members who were separated as a result of the misguided COVID-19 vaccine mandate. “As part of this year’s budget reconciliation legislation, we explicitly provided $50 million in funding for timely reinstatements and backpay for service members who were forced out and wish to serve again. Pursuant to President Trump’s executive order, Secretary Hegseth has directed a review of personnel records for these affected individuals, and we expect that backpay will be made soon.” “Americans who stood ready to defend this nation should never have faced career-ending consequences because of this unnecessary and divisive policy. I appreciate the department's commitment to correcting these injustices, restoring honor, and helping affected individuals return to duty if they so choose. Regardless of their decision to return to service, their records should be reviewed swiftly to ensure those eligible receive appropriate discharge upgrades and full access to the benefits they rightfully earned. “Under the Biden administration, the military departments hastily separated more than 8,000 troops for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine—during a recruiting crisis, no less. We owe these men and women the same speed and transparency in returning those to service who wish to return and reversing any harm done to their careers. The department’s effort to expedite reinstatements and restore lost compensation is a necessary and welcome step.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-applauds-hhs-dmd-announcement,Wicker Applauds HHS DMD Announcement,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement applauding the Health and Human Services Department’s (HHS) announcement that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy have been added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for newborns. Click here to watch Senator Wicker’s remarks at the announcement. “Nearly 25 years ago, a Mississippian visited my office and told me his son had been diagnosed with DMD. That conversation kicked off decades of work. It has been among my greatest joys in Congress to help combat DMD and other muscular dystrophies. We have seen a direct relationship between increased research funding and longer lifespans for children diagnosed with these terrible diseases. We have also learned that earlier testing transforms lives. Including DMD in universal screening for newborns will be transformational. I will continue to bring awareness to DMD. I encourage every state to implement this life-changing screening.” In 2001, Senator Wicker introduced the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE Act), which directed federal research funding toward muscular dystrophies and focused research activities on finding cures. The disease causes a progressive loss of muscle strength, leading to mobility loss and serious heart and lungs problems. In the years since, Senator Wicker has worked across the aisle to update and expand the provisions in this law. To read more about how the MD-CARE Act has benefitted those with DMD, click here. Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/chairman-wicker-announces-new-senate-armed-services-committee-staff-director,Chairman Wicker Announces Senate Armed Services Committee Staff Director John Keast to Retire After Successful Career,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that his long-time staff director, John Keast, will leave government service to retire from the Senate and re-join the private sector. Additionally, Chairman Wicker announced Rick Berger has been tapped to lead the Senate Armed Services Committee staff. Keast originally joined Wicker’s team starting with his 1994 campaign in Mississippi. In 2006, after eleven years as Wicker’s chief of staff in the House, Keast joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in Washington, D.C, where he worked until he re-joined public service for Senator Wicker. Keast left Cornerstone to lead Wicker’s Commerce Committee staff in 2018. “Properly describing John Keast’s contribution to American security and prosperity would require reams of paper. His depth of knowledge and experience in national security and government affairs is unmatched. Suffice it to say that John has been my closest advisor and a key leader of my team for 18 of my 31 years in Congress,” said Senator Wicker. “I cannot thank John enough for leaving the private sector in 2018 to lead my committee staff at the Commerce Committee for four years and three more here at the Armed Services Committee. I look forward to seeing him in Mississippi more often.” Chairman Wicker announced Rick Berger, currently Policy and Budget Director, will serve as the Committee’s new Staff Director, effective immediately. Berger joined the committee as Budget Director in 2019 under then-Chairman Jim Inhofe. He is a native of New Jersey and a graduate of Boston University and George Washington University.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1975,Chairman Ezell Marks Keel Laying of First Austal-Built Offshore Patrol Cutter in Mobile,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"This week, Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Chairman of the House Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, joined U.S. Coast Guard and Austal USA leadership for the keel laying of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pickering (OPC 919) — the first Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter to be constructed at Austal USA’s Mobile shipyard. The ceremony marks the official authentication of the vessel’s keel and a major milestone in the multibillion-dollar construction program awarded to Austal USA in 2022. The contract, valued at up to $3.3 billion, authorizes the design and construction of up to 11 Offshore Patrol Cutters, strengthening the Coast Guard’s future fleet and supporting hundreds of Gulf Coast shipbuilding jobs. Rep. Ezell joined Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Dr. Meghan Seymour, the ship’s sponsor; Austal USA President Michelle Kruger; and industry partners for the event. “This program is vital to our national security and to the Coast Guard’s ability to meet its mission for decades to come,” Ezell said. “The men and women of the Coast Guard deserve modern, capable ships, and that’s exactly what we’re building here on the Gulf Coast. Today’s keel laying of the USCGC Pickering represents American workmanship, American jobs, and a stronger future for our maritime security. These vessels will serve on the front lines, often far from public view, but their impact on our national security cannot be overstated. I’m proud to support a program that strengthens our Coast Guard while investing directly in the Gulf Coast workforce.” “Austal USA is deeply committed to the United States Coast Guard and the Offshore Patrol Cutter program as a core priority of our shipbuilding efforts,” commented Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “We are extremely grateful for the steadfast leadership of Chairman Ezell and Admiral Lunday in supporting the OPC program.” The keel laying signifies the official recognition of the ship’s start of construction. The USCGC Pickering is the fifth OPC in the class and the first to be produced at Austal USA’s steel manufacturing facility in Mobile. Ezell, who represents Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District, has made Coast Guard readiness and shipbuilding modernization top priorities in Congress. As Chairman of the Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, he continues to advocate for stable and predictable funding to support construction of new cutters across the service.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-bill-prohibit-senators-being-paid-during-future-government-shutdowns,Hyde-Smith backs bill to prohibit senators from being paid during future government shutdowns,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Caleb Salers U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is backing a bill that would prohibit her and her colleagues from receiving a paycheck during future government shutdowns. The Mississippi-based Republican serves on the Senate Rules Committee, which voted on Thursday to advance S.Res.526. The resolution, authored by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), would withhold all senators’ pay during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. The resolution was introduced following a 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, that spanned the entire month of October and nearly one-half of November, as Congress failed to pass a bill to fund the government. During the shutdown, millions of federal workers, congressional staff, and government contractors went without compensation, and SNAP recipients went without receiving full benefits. However, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate alike were still compensated, as the Constitution’s 27th Amendment prohibits increases or decreases in member salaries until after the next general election. Hyde-Smith, blaming the shutdown on her colleague, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), argued that the congressional impasse lasted so long because its legislators didn’t feel the financial brunt of it like many of their constituents. “More than a few of my colleagues seemed a little too comfortable during the recent Schumer Shutdown. That’s understandable because they didn’t have any personal skin in the game,” Hyde-Smith, who is running for reelection in the 2026 midterms, said. “Senator Kennedy’s resolution would change that. This rules change would certainly make going without pay, like so many federal workers and our congressional staff did, less appealing for Senators.” To avoid conflicts with the 27th Amendment, Kennedy’s resolution would not take effect until the November 2026 general elections. Additionally, senators would receive missed pay when a partial or full government shutdown ends.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/republican-senators-express-support-trumps-meatpacking-inquiry,Republican senators express support for Trump’s meatpacking inquiry,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Ryan McCarthy WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers have expressed various views on President Donald Trump's call to investigate meat companies over the rising price of beef. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) recently met with officials from the Trump administration to discuss the future of American beef along with Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). “It’s clear that the President and his team are listening to producers from across the country and are committed to taking action to strengthen the cattle market and bring down the price of fertilizer,” Hyde-Smith wrote on the social media platform X on Nov. 10. “The path forward we discussed will bring tremendous benefits to rural America, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand up for and represent the hardworking men and women who feed our nation.” Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), who sits on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, shared his support on X as well following the announcement by Trump on Nov. 9. “For years, I’ve been calling for DOJ to investigate the four large meat packing companies,” Rounds said on social media. “President Trump has started that ball rolling! As we know, consumers are paying high prices for beef at the grocery store while cow-calf operators are barely making ends meet. Most of the profit that’s made in between is going directly into the pockets of four companies who control over 80% of the meat packing market. Two of these big packers are foreign owned. Bringing in boxed beef from overseas was never going to solve this issue. To fix it, you have to get to the heart of the issue: investigate the packers and prevent noncompetitive practices in the market. This is a big step in the right direction. The next step is Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling.” In the House of Representatives, Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has become more vocal in criticizing President Trump in recent months, shared a differing viewpoint from some of his fellow Republicans. “Brazilian owned meatpacker JBS, through its US subsidiary Pilgrim’s Pride, donated $5 million to the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, which was the largest single contribution to the fund,” Massie said on X. “As long as we don’t have country of origin labels on our beef, this is all just BS!” In late October, Trump made comments about the US importing more beef from Argentina. Following that comment, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained a new USDA cattle plan aimed at addressing high costs for both consumers and farmers. In late October, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) said in a statement that efforts to manipulate markets only risk damaging the livelihoods of American cattlemen and women, while doing little to impact the price consumers are paying at the grocery store. “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and its members cannot stand behind the president while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices,” said Colin Woodall, chief executive officer of NCBA in October. “It is imperative that President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins let the cattle markets work.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/west-virginia-senator-backs-bill-roll-back-biden-era-housing-efficiency-mandates,West Virginia Senator backs bill to roll back Biden-era housing efficiency mandates,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Amber Baker WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia is backing new legislation that would roll back Biden administration energy-efficiency mandates for federally financed housing, arguing the requirements are driving up construction costs and limiting access to affordable homes. Capito joined Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming and other Republican lawmakers in introducing the HOUSE Act, which would repeal a final determination by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that requires new HUD- and USDA-financed housing to meet updated energy-efficiency standards. “Families in West Virginia deserve to have affordable housing,” Capito said in a statement. “The Green New Deal-style requirements created by the Biden administration have made home costs rise, making it extremely hard for many to buy their first home. I’m proud to join my colleagues in putting a stop to this overreach.” The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and Todd Young of Indiana. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona has introduced companion legislation in the House. At issue are the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code standards for new residential and commercial construction. Supporters of the HOUSE Act say the updated rules can add up to $31,000 to the price of a new home, with projected energy savings not realized for decades. A regulatory analysis from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture in 2023 estimated the changes would reduce new construction for Federal Housing Administration borrowers. The Biden administration adopted the standards in 2024, requiring federally financed single-family homes to meet the updated codes. Earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development extended compliance deadlines for FHA-insured multifamily and single-family construction into late 2025 and mid-2026. Under the HOUSE Act, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture would revert to the 2009 efficiency standards. The bill would also bar the Department of Veterans Affairs from instituting similar requirements for VA-backed mortgages and specify that the Federal Housing Finance Agency does not have authority to impose them. Additionally, the legislation would prevent the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture from adopting any new efficiency mandates unless at least 26 states had already enacted comparable standards.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-appeals-legitimate-cooperation-fix-unaffordable-fraud-plagued-obamacare,"HYDE-SMITH APPEALS FOR LEGITIMATE COOPERATION TO FIX UNAFFORDABLE, FRAUD-PLAGUED OBAMACARE",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Senate Fails to Advance Dueling Plans to Address Expiring Biden-era Affordable Care Act COVID Bonuses WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today appealed for legitimate and serious negotiations to help Americans afford healthcare insurance without continuing expensive COVID-era subsidies that prop up the fraud-plagued Affordable Care Act, otherwise known the ACA or Obamacare. Hyde-Smith made the appeal after the Senate failed to garner the sixty votes necessary to advance a Republican-led plan (Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025, S.3386) or a Democratic plan (Schumer Three-Year Biden COVID-Era Subsidy Extension, S.3385) to again extend ACA subsidies that are costing taxpayers approximately $35 billion a year and fueling fraud in the program. Hyde-Smith supported the Republican plan and opposed the Schumer plan. “Democrats quietly admit that the system is failing and that the Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable. The responsible Republican plan I supported today would have begun to lower healthcare costs for American families and provide a window for us to work together to find better ways to provide healthcare insurance. I see that as a better option than just throwing more money – $83 billion, in fact – to continue a flawed program for another three years. Senator Schumer’s cynically partisan plan does nothing to help fix what ails the system, period,” Hyde-Smith said. “I know many Mississippians rely on Obamacare and the subsidies that Democrats alone passed to prop up the system, but we must do better. Escalating costs and growing evidence of fraud make the ACA unsupportable over the long term,” Hyde-Smith added. “We must find a workable alternative that provides good coverage without breaking the bank or profiting swindlers.” S.3386, sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), focused on redirecting power and tax dollars away from giant insurance companies and back to patients. It would: Send money to patients instead of insurance companies. Lower insurance premiums and health care costs. Save taxpayer dollars and be fully funded. Ensure no taxpayer-funded abortion or transgender surgeries. The Biden COVID bonuses, which the Schumer plan would extend for another three years, were never meant to be permanent. The Biden COVID bonuses, enacted and extended without a single Republican vote, are being paid for wealthy individuals who do not need taxpayer-funded subsidies, include no fraud protections, and do nothing to lower healthcare costs. Background: $1.5 trillion: Total cost to taxpayers of Obamacare’s base coverage portions, not accounting for the COVID-era subsidies. (Paragon Health Institute: Obamacare: Overbudget and Underdelivering – 10/28/24) $83 billion: According to the Congressional Budget Office, Democrats’ three-year extension of the Biden COVID bonuses will cost taxpayers $83 billion, and more than $335 billion over the next 10 years if extended permanently. (Kaiser Family Foundation: Inflation Reduction Act Health Insurance Subsidies: What is Their Impact and What Would Happen if They Expire? – 07/26/24) 96 percent: 23 of 24 fictitious applications submitted by the Government Accountability Office to Obamacare exchanges were approved. (Reason: Auditors Submitted 24 Fake Applications for Subsidized Health Insurance. Only 1 Was Denied. – 12/03/25; Paragon Health Institute: GAO Probe Finds ACA at High Risk for Fraud: 96% of Fake Applications Approved – 12/03/25) $20 billion: Potentially fraudulent federal funds allocated in Obamacare subsidies in 2024. (Reason: Auditors Submitted 24 Fake Applications for Subsidized Health Insurance. Only 1 Was Denied. – 12/03/25; The Wall Street Journal: The $20 Billion ObamaCare Subsidy Fraud – 06/19/25) $35 billion+: Taxpayer dollars sent to insurance companies in 2024 “for people who paid no premiums and never used their plan.” (Paragon Health Institute: Biden’s COVID Credits Are an ObamaCare Expansion That Congress Should Allow To Expire – 09/04/25) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-supports-resolution-withhold-senators-pay-during-govt-shutdowns,HYDE-SMITH SUPPORTS RESOLUTION TO WITHHOLD SENATORS’ PAY DURING GOVT. SHUTDOWNS,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Senate Rules Committee Advances Measure to Make Future Government Shutdowns Less Appealing WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today supported a resolution that would keep Senators from receiving a paycheck during any full or partial government shutdown. Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Rules Committee that voted Thursday to advance S.Res.526, a resolution authored by U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) that would withhold all Senators’ pay during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. “More than a few of my colleagues seemed a little too comfortable during the recent Schumer Shutdown. That’s understandable because they didn’t have any personal skin in the game. Senator Kennedy’s resolution would change that. This rules change would certainly make going without pay, like so many federal workers and our congressional staff did, less appealing for Senators,” Hyde-Smith said. During the historic 43-day Schumer Shutdown, members of Congress received pay pursuant to the 27th Amendment that prohibits increases or decreases in member salaries until after the next general election. In contrast, federal workers, congressional staff, and government contractors went unpaid. To avoid conflicts with the 27th Amendment, S.Res.526 would not take effect until the November 2026 general elections. Additionally, Senators would receive missed pay when a partial or full government shutdown ends. The resolution, which was approved on a voice vote, is now available for consideration by the full Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-urges-bipartisan-effort-affordable-care-act-reforms,Hyde-Smith urges bipartisan effort on Affordable Care Act reforms,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Magnolia State News U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has called for renewed bipartisan negotiations to address the rising costs and persistent fraud in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Her remarks came after the Senate failed to pass either a Republican or Democratic plan to extend ACA subsidies, which currently cost taxpayers about $35 billion annually. Both the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025 (S.3386), led by Republicans, and the Schumer Three-Year Biden COVID-Era Subsidy Extension (S.3385), supported by Democrats, did not reach the required sixty votes to move forward. Hyde-Smith backed the Republican proposal and opposed the Democratic plan. “Democrats quietly admit that the system is failing and that the Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable. The responsible Republican plan I supported today would have begun to lower healthcare costs for American families and provide a window for us to work together to find better ways to provide healthcare insurance. I see that as a better option than just throwing more money – $83 billion, in fact – to continue a flawed program for another three years. Senator Schumer’s cynically partisan plan does nothing to help fix what ails the system, period,” Hyde-Smith said. “I know many Mississippians rely on Obamacare and the subsidies that Democrats alone passed to prop up the system, but we must do better. Escalating costs and growing evidence of fraud make the ACA unsupportable over the long term,” Hyde-Smith added. “We must find a workable alternative that provides good coverage without breaking the bank or profiting swindlers.” The Republican-backed S.3386, introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), aims to shift authority and funding away from large insurance companies toward patients.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1974,House Approves Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 as Part of Defense Bill,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The U.S. House of Representatives today approved S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), which includes Transportation and Infrastructure Committee legislation to strengthen, support, and authorize funding through fiscal year 2027 for the United States Coast Guard and its critical missions to safeguard the nation’s borders, facilitate maritime commerce, ensure maritime safety, protect the maritime domain, increase transparency within the Service, and confront Chinese expansion in the Pacific. The provisions included in the NDAA are based on the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 4275), which was introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), andCoast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and previously approved by the House of Representatives on July 23, 2025. The legislative text included in Division G (the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025) of the NDAA reflects changes made to the House passed, H.R. 4275 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 during bicameral negotiations. “I’m grateful that the Coast Guard Authorization Act was included in this year’s NDAA. This legislation provides the men and women of the Coast Guard – one of our nation’s six armed services – with the resources they need to carry out their many missions vital to national security, the safety of Americans and mariners, and our economy,”said T&I Committee Chairman Graves. “The legislation also builds on the historic investments in modernizing the Coast Guard’s air and sea assets provided through the budget reconciliation process, and it supports the Administration’s vision to strengthen America’s maritime and shipbuilding capabilities.” “Today's passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 through the NDAA ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound and beyond, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve its shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe,” said T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen. “I hope we can continue this bipartisan momentum into next year.” “As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud to see this year’s NDAA include the Coast Guard Authorization Act,” said Subcommittee Chairman Ezell. “This legislation gives our Coasties the tools, assets, and support they need to protect our shores, strengthen maritime safety, and keep our economy moving. From the Gulf Coast to the Pacific, the Coast Guard is on the front lines every day, and this bill ensures they have what they need to meet rising threats and continue their vital missions.” “The Coast Guard is on the front lines every day protecting lives at sea, keeping our shores safe, and contributing to our national defense,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal. “This bipartisan legislation will deliver critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it reinforces our shared responsibility to ensure the Coast Guard follows through on reforms to eliminate sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.” The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2027. These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in the Service’s recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies. The bill also requires the Coast Guard to develop a spend plan for the $24.6 billion investment provided under H.R. 1. In addition, the bill creates greater parity with the other armed services, including stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, based on legislation the T&I Committee approved last Congress following the Service’s Operation Fouled Anchor. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws, amending requirements for merchant mariner credentials to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increasing vessel safety, and improving regulatory processes. The legislation also provides resources for increased oil spill response and prevention capacity in Alaska.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/push-more-farm-aid-even-12b-goes-out,"Push is on for more farm aid, even before $12B goes out",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Oliver Ward and Lydia Johnson Republican farm-state senators say row crop growers are likely to need additional aid beyond the Trump administration's newly announced $12 billion ""bridge"" payment program, and specialty crop producers say the package shortchanges them. While ""$12 billion is a lot of money for anybody,"" Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., told Agri-Pulse that ""in the absence of the ability to export what we produce, particularly when we, in many instances, have bumper crops,” Congress “very well may need to” issue more. “The need is evident,” Moran said. Other GOP senators indicated that they would be in favor of Congress taking steps to augment the administration’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. Growers of U.S. row crops, which stand to receive some $11 billion of the $12 billion in assistance unveiled Monday, are facing “serious” economic hardship, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., said. “We're hoping that we can come up with something. Not sure what it will be yet, but I will certainly support it,” she told Agri-Pulse. Montana Sen. Steve Daines said the $12 billion assistance package is “a good start.” The $12 billion assistance package brings the total amount of ad hoc support set aside for farmers since January 2025 to $42 billion, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis. Only the Supplemental Disaster Relief program was larger, at $16.1 billion. Specialty crop producers are already worried that the $1 billion allocated to them won’t go far enough and that Congress will need to provide supplementary assistance. Kam Quarles, CEO at the National Potato Council, told Agri-Pulse he expects producers of around 300 different crops will soon be jockeying for a piece of the $1 billion. The $1 billion set aside falls short of recent efforts to help specialty crop producers, he said. A program created by the Biden administration last year – called the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program – had more than $2 billion to distribute. Interested in more news on farm programs, trade and rural issues? Sign up for a four-week free trial to Agri-Pulse. You’ll receive our content - absolutely free - during the trial period. “In the interim, this crisis has gotten much worse,” Quarles said. “The $1 billion doesn't even get you to what happened in the summertime. It doesn't even get you halfway there,” he added. “That's why we believe Congress is going to have to get involved to provide additional resources.” Like the Trump administration's new program, MASC was funded through USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall told Agri-Pulse during a visit to California on Monday that $1 billion for specialty crop producers seems ""a little short."" Specialty crop producers were also disappointed that they weren't included in the initial FBA rollout on Monday and would have to wait longer for their share of the $1 billion, according to a statement from the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, which counts the International Fresh Produce Association and Western Growers among its members. ""The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program provides some initial relief, but is insufficient on its own. It effectively excludes most specialty crop growers and does little to prevent the loss of farms or farmland due to acute financial hardship,"" Mike Lavender, policy director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, said in a statement. ""Congress must act quickly to keep farmers on the land."" NSAC represents smaller scale operations, many of which produce fruits and vegetables. Capitol Hill conversations Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, said in October that standing up further additional assistance to farmers would involve multiple legislative vehicles and steps. And discussions are continuing on Capitol Hill around what to do next. While Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman, R-Ark., and Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., were at the White House on Monday waiting to participate in the administration’s event to unveil the new assistance, the pair discussed the potential for further aid, according to Fischer. In his comments during that event, Boozman left the door open for Congress doing more, but suggested that the administration would have the ultimate say. “We look forward to helping you, if we need some additional help,” Boozman told President Donald Trump. “Congress will be there,” he assured the president, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other senior officials. Hoeven told Agri-Pulse after the event that he had already spoken to Trump and Rollins about the possibility of additional aid. “That's an ongoing evaluation,” he said, but stressed that “they’re both very committed to figuring out what we need to do and working through it methodically.” Hoeven didn’t rule out using a January spending bill as a vehicle for moving additional assistance, if needed. “We have to kind of evaluate each step as we go,” he said. Hoeven added that he still sees loosening the restrictions on how tariff revenue can be spent through an account known as Section 32 as the best vehicle for releasing any additional funding for farm aid. During the Monday announcement at the White House, Trump again indicated that the administration is using tariff revenues to fund the latest aid package. In fact, the FBA program funding is coming from the CCC, the same spending authority the president tapped to fund the Market Facilitation Program during his first term. The CCC is akin to a line of credit that is regularly replenished through the annual appropriations process. ECAP 2.0? In a weekly call with reporters on Tuesday, Iowa GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley said he was doubtful that Congress would have a clear idea of whether additional assistance would be needed before the FBA payments go out in February. But analysts are already crunching the numbers and estimating payment levels for U.S. commodities. Paul Neiffer, an accountant and agribusiness adviser who publishes the Farm CPA Report newsletter, says in an analysis of the FBA program that USDA’s calculations seem to be similar to those used for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, which authorized $10 billion in payments earlier this year. With the extra $1 billion in funding earmarked for FBA, Neiffer reasons that FBA payments could be around 10% higher than ECAP payments, before taking into account price changes. “The only difference between ECAP and FBA is the estimated [market year average] price,” Neiffer writes. The final payments will depend on what benchmark USDA uses to assess prices, Neiffer says. But based on November’s prices, Neiffer estimates corn and soybeans could see payments of around $48 and $32 per acre, respectively. That would constitute a more than $5 increase per acre from the ECAP payments for corn and a $2 increase for soybeans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/senate-approves-mississippi-nominations-federal-bench,Senate approves Mississippi nominations to federal bench,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By William Moore WASHINGTON, D.C. - After a delay of nearly two months, two Mississippi Supreme Court justices have been approved to become federal judges. The U.S. Senate approved Robert P. Chamberlin, of Hernando, and James Maxwell, of Oxford, Tuesday afternoon by identical 51-46 partisan votes. ""It was completely along party lines,"" said Carl Tobias, the Williams Chair in Law at the University of Richmond. ""It was all Republicans (voting in favor). I don't think they got any Democrat votes."" The Chamberlin vote happened before lunch Tuesday, while Maxwell did not get his official nod until after 5 p.m. central time. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) said she was pleased that both men confirmed to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. ""(Chamberlin's) record on the bench in Mississippi as well as his community service make him very qualified to serve on the federal judiciary, which is why President Trump nominated him,"" Hyde-Smith said. ""I congratulate him and wish him every success in continuing to serve the people of Mississippi."" The junior Senator also praised Maxwell career in law. ""As he has done on the Mississippi Supreme Court and throughout his career as a jurist, James will continue to exemplify a dedication to careful, principled jurisprudence and to upholding the rule of law,"" Hyde-Smith said. ""I believe he will serve the Northern District of Mississippi and our nation with distinction."" Trump nominated Chamberlain and Maxwell on Sept. 2 to fill the vacancies left in the Oxford and Aberdeen divisions when Judge Michael Mills took senior status in November 2021 and when Judge Sharion Aycock took senior status in April 2025. That left the district that covers the 37 counties on the north half of the state with a single active federal judge, Debra Brown of Greenville, and three senior status judges. But the two judicial nominations, as well as nominations for U.S. Attorney in both north and south Mississippi, were held up for weeks as political leverage between Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker (R) and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis (R).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/us-congress-includes-update-south-pacific-tuna-treaty-ban-military-purchases-foreign-seafood-annual,"US Congress includes update to South Pacific Tuna Treaty, ban on military purchases of foreign seafood in annual defense funding bill",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Nathan Strout U.S. lawmakers are set to vote on a compromise version of the annual military funding bill – which includes major seafood provisions – as soon as 10 December. Congress has been late in passing the annual appropriations bills that funds the federal government, missing the 1 October deadline to have fiscal year 2026 spending in place and sending the government into a partial shutdown for over a month. Lawmakers have since passed a temporary spending bill to reopen the government in November and keep it open into January, allowing work to resume on the appropriations bills – including the annual defense spending bill (NDAA). With substantial differences remaining between the House- and Senate-passed versions of the bill, select lawmakers entered conference to draft a compromise version that can pass both bodies. On 8 December, the heads of the House and Senate Armed Services committees released the final texts. “We’re pleased to announce that the House and Senate Armed Services committees have reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the FY26 NDAA that supports our servicemembers and strengthens our national defense. We’ve worked together to deliver the most significant acquisition reforms in a generation – cutting red tape, accelerating decision-making, and improving our ability to get modern capabilities into the hands of our troops on time and on budget,” the legislators said in a joint statement. Though some of the seafood provisions survived, others were left on the cutting room floor. Most notably, the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act did not survive the final cut. The FISH Act would create a blacklist of vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, banning them from U.S. waters. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) has been pushing the legislation for years and, in 2025, was able to attach it as an amendment to the fiscal year 2025 defense appropriations bill. However, the provision was ultimately dropped during conference negotiations and was not passed into law. Though Sullivan attempted the same maneuver this year, again attaching the FISH Act to the annual military spending bill, the provision was again dropped from the final version of the legislation. One seafood provision that survived the chopping block, however, was restrictions on the military purchasing foreign seafood. The Berry Act requires the federal government to purchase American-made products in general, but it does provide for exceptions for select products and those the government deems do not have a reasonable U.S.-produced alternative. In September, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) introduced an amendment to the House military spending bill eliminating any exceptions to the government’s Buy American directive for seafood, fish, or shellfish purchases. “For too long, foreign competitors have undercut American workers, threatened our economy, and exploited loopholes in federal law. Our amendment ends it,” Mace said at the time. “If the Pentagon is buying seafood, it will come from American waters, caught by American hands, not from our adversaries.” It’s not clear how big an impact Mace’s language would have on the government’s seafood purchases; the Berry Amendment already requires all seafood products to be sourced from U.S.-flagged vessels or harvested from U.S. waters, and all processing must take place in the U.S. or on a U.S.-flagged vessel. However, a recent audit of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) found that the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps were not including required “Buy American” language in their seafood procurement contracts. Still, the audit also found that the vast majority of military contracts “effectively implemented federal laws prohibiting the procurement of seafood from foreign sources” and only found one example of a purchase of foreign seafood. In that case, a prime vendor sourced its seafood from Chile. Once the vendor was notified, they removed the Chilean product and replaced it with a U.S. product. The Senate passed a similar provision banning the military from buying seafood originated or processed in China for commissaries or dining halls. According to Roll Call, the provision was first added by U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida), U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), and U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi). An identical provision was included in the fiscal year 2025 Senate NDAA but, like the FISH Act, was dropped from the final version. The final version of the 2026 NDAA ultimately scrapped the language of Mace’s Berry Amendment tweak in favor of the Senate ban on the military procuring China-origin seafood but expands the prohibition to include seafood products from Iran, Russia, and North Korea, as well. The final draft of the military spending bill also included language from the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, legislation introduced earlier this year to update U.S. law to reflect changes made to the treaty in 2016. The treaty – which was first signed in 1987 – allows American purse-seine vessels to harvest tuna from the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of 16 Pacific Island states. The treaty has been updated multiple times – most recently in 2016. However, Congress has not updated federal law to reflect those most recent changes. While American fishers have been allowed to continue fishing in those EEZs under a memorandum of understanding, lawmakers claim that those fishers need the law to be updated in order to fully take advantage of the 2016 negotiations. “The amendments enacted in 2016 provided much-needed updates, including clearer access terms and more flexible mechanisms for engagement with Pacific Island countries. But nearly a decade later, these improvements are still not reflected in U.S. law,” U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawaii) said in May. “This legal disconnect has left the American fleet, including vessels operating out of Hawaii, in a state of regulatory limbo. Operators are forced to navigate conflicting rules between what the treaty allows and what our domestic regulations enforce. It's a situation that adds unnecessary risk, uncertainty, and cost to an industry that is already facing tight margins and fierce international competition.” The House passed a version of the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act in 2024, but the bill was not approved by the Senate before the end of the legislative session. The House again passed the bill in May 2025, but it has not been taken up by the Senate to date. The Senate did include the language in the Coast Guard authorization bill it passed in March, but that legislation has still not been passed into law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-wicker-statement-on-justices-chamberlin-and-maxwell-s-confirmation-to-the-u-s-district-court-for-the-northern-district-of-mississippi,Sen. Wicker Statement on Justices Chamberlin and Maxwell’s Confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Justices Robert “Bobby” Chamberlin and James “Jimmy” Maxwell to be Judges on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. “Bobby Chamberlin and Jimmy Maxwell are dedicated public servants who have served Mississippi well for decades. As Mississippi Supreme Court Justices, they have upheld the Constitution, exercised sound judgment, and lived with integrity. They are highly respected by Mississippians who deal regularly with the court system. I am confident in Justices Chamberlin and Maxwell’s ability to administer the rule of law and serve Mississippians with honor as Federal Judges.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-praises-confirmation-oxfords-james-maxwell-serve-us-district-court,HYDE-SMITH PRAISES CONFIRMATION OF OXFORD'S JAMES MAXWELL TO SERVE ON U.S. DISTRICT COURT,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Maxwell’s Confirmation Represents Second Mississippi Trump Judicial Pick Confirmed on Tuesday WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement marking the Senate confirmation of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James D. Maxwell II of Oxford to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi: “I’m extremely pleased with the confirmation of Justice James Maxwell to serve as a U.S. District Court judge. As he has done on the Mississippi Supreme Court and throughout his career as a jurist, James will continue to exemplify a dedication to careful, principled jurisprudence and to upholding the rule of law. I believe he will serve the Northern District of Mississippi and our nation with distinction.” Maxwell was confirmed on a 51-46 vote. His elevation followed the confirmation Tuesday morning of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Chamberlin of Hernando to also serve on the court. President Trump nominated Maxwell and Chamberlin to be federal judges in August and the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nominees for Senate consideration in November following a September confirmation hearing for both Mississippi judges.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-votes-senate-confirm-chamberlin-us-district-court-judge,HYDE-SMITH VOTES WITH SENATE TO CONFIRM CHAMBERLIN AS U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Chamberlin Confirmation the First of Two Mississippi Judgeships the Senate Will Consider this Week WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding the 51-46 vote in the U.S. Senate to confirm Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Chamberlin of Hernando to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi: “I’m pleased the Senate has confirmed Justice Chamberlin to serve on the U.S. District Court. His record on the bench in Mississippi as well as his community service make him very qualified to serve on the federal judiciary, which is why President Trump nominated him. I congratulate him and wish him every success in continuing to serve the people of Mississippi.” On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate also approved a procedural motion to move forward with the nomination of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James D. Maxwell II of Oxford, who was also nominated in August for a seat the U.S. District Court on the Northern District of Mississippi. Maxwell’s Senate confirmation could occur this week.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/revitalize-rural-health-care-lifeline-communities,"Revitalize rural health care, a lifeline for communities",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"The Washington Times Special Section: Revitalizing Rural America Revitalize rural health care, a lifeline for communities Commentary By U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss. OPINION: More than 70% of America’s land is rural, a vast stretch of forests, plains, farms, small towns, and open country that approximately 50 million people call home. In Mississippi, “rural” isn’t just geography — it’s identity. More than half of Mississippians live outside urban areas, in communities built on resilience, tradition, and an unshakable sense of belonging. But these same communities face challenges that threaten their very future, especially when it comes to healthcare. Across rural America, hospitals are closing, doctors are leaving, and a simple medical emergency can become a tragedy. In my hometown of Monticello, Miss., I’ve watched the local pharmacist step in as the de facto family doctor and seen neighbors face such long waits at overcrowded emergency rooms that many decide to seek care elsewhere or leave without care. As access to care disappears, the gap between rural and urban health outcomes keeps growing. Rural Americans tend to be older and face higher rates of chronic disease, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Cancer rates are rising too, with rural patients more likely to be diagnosed with later stages of colon and lung cancers. Access to oncologists and other specialists is often limited or nonexistent, which also contributes to higher mortality. This crisis has been decades in the making, but COVID-19 made it impossible to ignore. Rural communities like mine were hit hardest, exposing deep cracks in America’s public health system and raising urgent questions about how the federal government, particularly the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can do better for rural America. Recognizing that need, I took action. In 2021, I began working to establish a CDC Office of Rural Health to help rural communities respond to the pandemic and build lasting public-health capacity. I proposed an office empowered to coordinate across all CDC programs and work with other subagencies within the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the agencies are effectively serving rural Americans. Partnering with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., we successfully secured language in the FY2023 appropriations funding bill that created the office, which was signed into law that December. This was an important first step, but real progress requires permanence. This year, I introduced the Rural Health Focus Act, which would officially authorize the CDC Office of Rural Health. Statutory authorization of the CDC Office of Rural Health would improve opportunities for Congress to provide regular funding to strengthen the agency’s ability to coordinate programs that serve rural communities. Under this legislation, the Director of the Office of Rural Health would lead efforts across the agency to advance rural health policies, expand telehealth, reduce health disparities, and guide investments that improve care for rural Americans. The Rural Health Focus Act is just one piece of the larger effort to revitalize health care in rural America. As a member of the Senate Telehealth Working Group, I will continue advocating for permanent telehealth access — a lifeline for communities. Keeping rural hospitals and clinics open, supporting doctors and nurses who serve in these communities, and rebuilding the rural health workforce are among my top priorities. For decades, rural Americans have quietly shouldered the burden of declining healthcare systems. The pandemic finally opened the nation’s eyes to what these communities have endured. But, for those of us where rural America is our backyard, the mission has always been clear: To lift our neighbors and make sure their voices are heard. As a senator, I will continue to be the champion for my neighbors across all corners of healthcare. Rural America is the backbone of our nation, and it deserves nothing less than our full commitment to its strength and vitality.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/us-senate-confirms-chamberlin-maxwell-federal-judgeship-mississippis-northern-district,"U.S. Senate confirms Chamberlin, Maxwell to federal judgeship in Mississippi’s Northern District",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Caleb Salers A Trump-appointed judge has received a green light from the U.S. Senate to operate on the bench at the federal level in north Mississippi. The Senate voted 51-46 on Tuesday to approve Robert Chamberlin to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. Chamberlin, a current member of the Mississippi Supreme Court, won an open seat for the post in 2016 and ran unopposed during the 2024 election cycle. He previously served as a circuit court judge for the 17th Circuit District and as a state senator representing DeSoto County, and was appointed by the commander-in-chief to hold a federal judgeship position back in August. “I’m pleased the Senate has confirmed Justice Chamberlin to serve on the U.S. District Court,” U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) said. “His record on the bench in Mississippi, as well as his community service, make him very qualified to serve on the federal judiciary, which is why President Trump nominated him. I congratulate him and wish him every success in continuing to serve the people of Mississippi.” On Tuesday, the Senate also approved the nomination of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James Maxwell II. Like Chamberlin, Maxwell was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve in the same courthouse. Maxwell was appointed to the state’s high court in 2016 and won re-election later that year before running unopposed in 2024. Before reaching the state’s high court, he served as a judge on the Mississippi Court of Appeals and worked as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:19:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-renews-support-back-blue-act,HYDE-SMITH RENEWS SUPPORT FOR ‘BACK THE BLUE ACT’,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Legislation Would Increase Penalties for Attacking Law Enforcement Officers WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) renewed her support for legislation to increase penalties for criminals who attack law enforcement officers, federal judges, or other federal public safety officers. Hyde-Smith is among 35 original cosponsors of the Back the Blue Act (S.3366), which was reintroduced by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas). Hyde-Smith has supported this and other pro-law enforcement legislation since becoming a U.S. Senator. “The time is right for the Back the Blue Act, particularly as we witness more people expressing support for actively opposing and obstructing law enforcement actions,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “On the whole, our communities are improved and made safer because of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us. They deserve better than being made subjects to be attacked.” “Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty,” said Senator Cornyn. “America was built on the principles of law and order, and this legislation sends a clear message that targeted attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, dangerous criminals will be held accountable, and our men and women in blue have our full and unwavering support.” Among other things, S.3366 would increase penalties for murdering or attempting to murder law enforcement, and create a new federal crime for killing or attempting to kill a federal judge, a federal law enforcement officer, or other federally funded public safety officer. The legislation also stipulates mandatory sentences, which some crimes are subject to the death penalty. The Back the Blue Act would also provide law enforcement officers with expanded self-defense and Second Amendment rights. Additional original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn, (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark..), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD all endorse S.3366. A summary of provisions in the Back the Blue Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-welcomes-farm-aid-plan-offering-bridge-payments-hard-hit-producers,HYDE-SMITH WELCOMES FARM AID PLAN OFFERING BRIDGE PAYMENTS TO HARD-HIT PRODUCERS,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Senator Calls on Congress to Act on Long-Term Solutions to Improve Ag Sector WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today welcomed a farm aid package she championed to help farmers in Mississippi and across the country overcome economic headwinds that threaten their futures. Hyde-Smith, as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, has been a strong advocate for providing “bridge payments” to farmers to help them survive until farm safety net improvements made in the Working Families Tax Cut Act (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) go into effect next year. President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday announced a $12 billion Farm Bridge Assistance Program, $11 billion of which is for row crop commodities like soybeans, rice, and cotton. “Too many of our farmers are operating on the brink of bankruptcy. Many will not be able to satisfy their current debt and be able to secure financing for next year’s crop without a strong form of federal bridge support to get them to next year. So, this aid package could not come soon enough,” Hyde-Smith said. “The Trump administration deserves credit for moving swiftly and decisively to use the resources Congress provided in the deal to end the government shutdown to make these resources available to combat what amounts to an economic disaster for our ag sector,” the Senator added. “I encourage producers in Mississippi and their lenders to look at the details of these bridge payments to determine what’s best for their continued operation.” Hyde-Smith said Congress should still be working on more long-term solutions to help the American agricultural sector complete globally while managing other economic headwinds like inflation and high input costs. “We still have important work ahead of us, and there are a lot of promising ideas for strengthening the ag sector over the long haul. I believe Congress can work on a package that includes innovative measures, like my Buying American Cotton Act, that can put our farmers on more solid footing for the future,” Hyde-Smith said. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/immigration-raids-start-louisiana-mississippi-prepares-possible-operations,Immigration raids start in Louisiana as Mississippi prepares for possible operations,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Elise Catrion Gregg Immigration raids have begun in Louisiana, with the Associated Press reporting that enforcement operations could extend to southeastern Mississippi. Right now, L. Patricia Ice, legal project director for the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance, says things seem quiet in Mississippi, but it's been stressful for the immigrant community since the start of this year. ""All the immigrants that I speak to and that I know of, they're all worried about being detained,"" she told MPB. ""Many of them are staying home; I've even told some to stay home as much as possible and to not go out, if you don't have to."" Sabrina Boswell, coalition coordinator for the Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity of Mississippi, said the current raids have amplified those fears. ""And when this news broke, we read the Associated Press article for it, and immediately it was like all the phones started going off, just all the organizations and the connections that we have in South Mississippi and New Orleans were reaching out,"" she said. While the Department of Homeland Security's operations are reportedly focused on the coast in Mississippi, both L. Patricia Ice and IAJE's operations manager, Lauren Lewis, told MPB they've heard of agents spotted in Ridgeland recently. Before the Sweeps The first week of December, IAJE held a solidarity fast to unite the community. Boswell said the headlines, along with that fast, have really galvanized people. She hopes that'll help people in Mississippi be ready and informed as operations continue. ""We definitely had a chance to not only do the fast but get people plugged in that have always been asking — 'How can I help?'"" A major focus of the fast was to educate people on their rights — for example, giving attendees cards to hand to officers if they're detained. ""It has your rights and says basically if you can't communicate in English or would prefer to stay silent, what you would say to the officer,"" Lewis explained. ""So, 'These are my rights, I would like a lawyer... and I would rather not respond to this.'"" But, IAJE had organized that fast well before they'd even heard about the planned sweeps. For Ice, with MIRA, the sweeps are bad news, but they're hardly the only challenge her clients have faced recently. She described how one client went to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office for a regular appointment — one of dozens of other folks with appointments that day. ""She went on time...I think 8 or 9 in the morning,"" Ice said, adding that her client lives about two hours from that office. ""Then the office closed at 2 p.m., and she was left standing outside with a whole bunch of other people."" The office told people they could make new appointments online and gave them a QR code. When Ice and her client tried to use it, it didn't work. When they called to make that appointment, the person on the other line told them they had to use the QR code. ""My client was supposed to check in in August and she could not — to this day,"" Ice said. ""People like her are really terrified because she missed her appointment even though she was there at the appointed time."" While there are still no major operations reported in Mississippi, the waiting in the meantime is difficult and confusing. ""Some of them are afraid to send their children to school, and it is a sad situation,"" Ice said. ""If the news reports are accurate, they will be in Mississippi en masse, but we just don't know when or where. I think that part of the point is to terrorize."" For Boswell, it's a balancing act in how to prepare for DHS making their way to Mississippi. ""We never want to create nervousness and make people feel like they can't leave their homes,"" she told MPB. ""At the same time, we want to make sure everyone's just as mindful as they can be and as prepared as they can be too."" What's happening in Mississippi Mississippi is also ramping up state policies aimed at immigrants. Just before Thanksgiving, Commissioner Sean Tindell of Mississippi's Department of Safety posted on social media that Mississippi had ""removed"" of more than 300 commercial truck drivers from the roads recently over ""English-communication standards"". Tindell said the initiative was to ensure roadway safety. When asked how many of the license revocations in Mississippi were crash-related, he said he wasn't sure. ""Probably most of them are due to standard inspections that the Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division is allowed to do,"" Tindell told MPB. Tindell also didn't immediately have numbers as to how big an issue language-related crashes are in the state. ""As it comes to crashes in Mississippi, we've actually seen improvement and gotten some recognition from the federal agencies that are heavily involved with commercial trucking across the country,"" he said. Tindell said they ""referred"" around 145 drivers in Mississippi to ICE and Border Patrol. He added that they do so when they believe they have evidence that a driver is undocumented. Lorena Quiroz, executive director of IAJE, says there are levels to speaking a second language. Not speaking English perfectly, she said, doesn't mean a driver is unsafe. ""A person can be a limited English speaker, and yet be able to understand the signs, be able to comprehend maneuvering, be able to understand the dangers, and yet not communicate clearly if an officer stops them,"" she said. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is also co-sponsoring a bill that would require English proficiency tests nationally in order for drivers to receive a commercial motor vehicle license, claiming that there's been an increase in large commercial truck accidents driven by ""foreign nationals in the country illegally"". The most recent data published in April on large truck crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a decrease in fatal crashes overall — down about 8% in 2023 from 2022. Numbers from 2023 are also lower than 2021. In November, state auditor Shad White announced that his legislative priorities for 2026 would also include bills targeting immigrants. Those priorities include a bill to make it a state crime for an immigrant to be without legal status, allowing Mississippi law enforcement to arrest immigrants without federal involvement. He's also proposing a fee on remittances — money sent to other countries, often by immigrants in the U.S. supporting family back home — with fees used to fund the Immigration Enforcement Grant Fund. Ice, MIRA's legal project director, said she's not sure if those are viable proposals. ""We've already had bills like that before that have been introduced, and they did not really pass,"" she said. Several states have recently attempted to pass laws that criminalize immigrants for being undocumented, but many of those have been blocked by the courts, with decisions based on a 2012 case that held immigration enforcement to be under the federal government's purview. But that doesn't necessarily provide immigrants with foolproof security. ""As a child of immigrants, it's strange living through these times, wondering if the things you're hearing in the news or seeing online, just wondering if these things can actually happen,"" said Lewis. State actions are one more thing for immigrants in Mississippi to contend with.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/sen-cindy-hyde-smith-backs-bill-support-law-enforcement,Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith backs bill in support of law enforcement,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO By Desmone Mathews WASHINGTON — Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has renewed support for legislation to increase penalties for those who attack law enforcement officers, federal judges, or other federal public safety officers. Hyde-Smith is one of the original cosponsors of the Back the Blue Act. The bill would also increase penalties for murdering or attempting to murder law enforcement, and create a new federal crime for killing or attempting to kill a federal judge.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-administration-announced-12-billion-aid-package-us-farmers,Trump Administration Announced $12 Billion Aid Package For U.S. Farmers,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Jesse Allen (Washington, DC) — On Monday, President Donald Trump announced a long rumored aid package for U.S. farmers totaling $12 billion. “This relief will provide much needed certainty to farmers as they get this year’s harvest to market and look ahead to next year’s crops, and it’ll help them continue their efforts to lower food prices for American families,” according to President Trump. “Farmers are an indispensable national asset, part of the backbone of America. I’ve always felt it so strongly. They’re so important.” During a round table at the White House on Monday afternoon, President Trump insisted the money was not in response to farmers being hit hard by his tariff policies, but rather due to the Biden administration’s bad policies. “Unfortunately, under sleepy Joe Biden, he’s a sleepy guy. Our farmers were crushed by the worst inflation in modern history and crippling restrictions on energy, water, and countless other necessities for farmers,” according to President Trump. President Trump also acknowledged that U.S. farmers don’t want aid, but rather, a level playing field to sell their crops. “You know, the interesting thing about the farmer, they don’t want aid, they want to just have a level playing field,” according to President Trump. “I’ve seen that more with farmers than anybody else, any other industry, right? We’ve seen it more with farmers where I’ve had meetings like this, primarily in the first term. And we did a great job, we turned it around. This is going to be the golden age. But the farmers don’t want aid, they want to have a level playing field. Because if they have a level playing field, they’ll do better than anybody else. They’re better than anybody else. Our product is incredible.” Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program according to USDA, which provides broad relief to United States row crop farmers who produce Barley, Chickpeas, Corn, Cotton, Lentils, Oats, Peanuts, Peas, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Canola, Crambe, Flax, Mustard, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, and Sunflower. FBA will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. USDA says the FBA Program will apply simple, proportional support to producers using a uniform formula to cover a portion of modeled losses during the 2025 crop year. This national loss average is based on FSA reported planted acres, Economic Research Service cost of production estimates, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates yields and prices and economic modeling. Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5pm ET on December 19, 2025. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of the month. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the FBA Program; however, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future. “Four years under the failed Biden Administration continues to leave the American farm economy reeling from record inflation, a depleted farm safety net, and delayed disaster assistance,” according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The lack of new trade deals under the last Administration turned a trade surplus under Trump into a $50 billion trade deficit, causing our farmers to lose markets and feel acute pain from lower commodity prices. President Trump will not let our farmers be left behind, so he directed our team to build a bridge program to see quick relief while the President’s dozens of new trade deals and new market access take effect.” The remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA Program such as specialty crops and sugar, for example, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs. The $12 billion in farmer bridge payments, including those provided through the FBA Program, are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and will be administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Reaction to the farm aid has been rolling in as of Monday afternoon. U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) applauded White House farm assistance to American producers. “America’s farm families share President Trump’s vision for increased market access,” according to Senator Boozman. “Delivering this farm assistance will bridge the gap until farmers realize the benefits of the recent trade deals and the One Big Beautiful Bill that will provide the certainty they need.” Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) issued a statement saying that “between China targeting our producers, rising input costs and other challenges, our producers are really going through a tough stretch. That’s why we’ve been working with the Trump administration to advance agriculture assistance to serve as a bridge to the improvements we made to crop insurance, ARC and PLC in the One Big Beautiful Bill. This assistance will not only help our producers in the short-term but will ensure they aren’t used as leverage as the administration continues to negotiate for more markets and better long-term trade agreements. We appreciate President Trump, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Bessent for their work on this and will continue working to help our producers through this tough stretch.” Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued a statement saying that “Today’s farm assistance package is welcome news as we work to get the farm economy back on track. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for stepping up to ensure that America’s ag producers have the support they need to feed and fuel our world. I look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to expand trade opportunities that will create strong markets for Nebraska’s ag products.” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) welcomed the farm aid package but also said Congress should still be working on more long-term solutions to help the American agricultural sector complete globally while managing other economic headwinds like inflation and high input costs. “Too many of our farmers are operating on the brink of bankruptcy. Many will not be able to satisfy their current debt and be able to secure financing for next year’s crop without a strong form of federal bridge support to get them to next year. So, this aid package could not come soon enough,” Hyde-Smith said. “The Trump administration deserves credit for moving swiftly and decisively to use the resources Congress provided in the deal to end the government shutdown to make these resources available to combat what amounts to an economic disaster for our ag sector,” the Senator added. “I encourage producers in Mississippi and their lenders to look at the details of these bridge payments to determine what’s best for their continued operation.” Senator Hyde-Smith added “We still have important work ahead of us, and there are a lot of promising ideas for strengthening the ag sector over the long haul. I believe Congress can work on a package that includes innovative measures, like my Buying American Cotton Act, that can put our farmers on more solid footing for the future,” Hyde-Smith said. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) applauded the news as well. “I commend President Trump for standing by our hardworking producers who continue to struggle with distorted global markets and record-high production costs—legacies of the Biden Administration,” according to Chairman Thompson. “The critical assistance announced today will help farmers obtain financing for 2026 and serve as a bridge to the long-term improvements to the farm safety net, which were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. I look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Rollins on assessing any additional needs in farm country and continuing to support America’s farmers and ranchers as the Administration works to bring down costs, secure new trade deals, and ensure China lives up to its commitments.” To submit questions, justification for USDA farmer bridge aid, or to request a meeting on farmer bridge aid, producers can reach out to farmerbridge@usda.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/sasc-chairman-roger-wicker-lauds-secretary-hegseth-s-drone-dominance-demand-signal-to-american-industry,SASC Chairman Roger Wicker Lauds Secretary Hegseth’s Drone Dominance Demand Signal to American Industry,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “Secretary Hegseth’s approach to buying hundreds of thousands of small drones for our military is exactly right. This summer, Chairman Rogers and I worked to ensure this was possible when we placed $2.5 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to build a strong American drone industry. This initiative taps into America’s innovative defense industry, following President Trump’s industry-first approach in his Drone Dominance executive order.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-sending-illegal-truckers-ice,Mississippi sending illegal truckers to ICE,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"85 referred to the agency over last three months, Hyde-Smith tells colleagues John Gallagher WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., told colleagues that law enforcement is making it difficult for illegal truck drivers to operate in her state. “While some states look the other way, my home state of Mississippi has tried to rein in this abuse in the trucking industry,” Hyde-Smith said in Senate floor speech on Thursday. “Mississippi has taken decisive action and, in just the last three months alone, has identified 85 illegal drivers and referred them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The state of Mississippi does not issue nondomiciled licenses and strictly enforces English language proficiency testing to keep our roads safe. My state is doing its part, but states cannot do this alone. The Federal Government must close these loopholes and enforce the law.” Hyde-Smith, who chairs the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, used the speech to urge taking up the FY2026 T-HUD Appropriations bill, in which Hyde-Smith included language codifying English proficiency requirements for truck drivers. “Across the country, we are seeing a disturbing rise in deadly accidents involving large commercial trucks driven by individuals who should have never been behind the wheel to begin with, often foreign nationals in the country illegally who exploited weaknesses in our commercial driver’s license or CDL system,” she said. “Sadly, incidents like this are becoming far too common, and we must ask why. The answer lies in failed policies.” Hyde-Smith blamed the Obama administration for weakening CDL polices and opening enforcement loopholes. “Inspectors were directed to issue citations rather than take unsafe commercial vehicle drivers completely off the road – a policy decision that has resulted in loss of life. Meanwhile, open border policies of prior administrations would have allowed illegal immigrants to enter the United States freely which, combined with lax Federal oversight, has let some states issue CDLs without proper language or competency testing.” Hyde-Smith also urged action on legislation she has cosponsored to address English language proficiency for CDLs license applications, including the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act and the Safer Trucking Act.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:19:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/open-house-magee-general-hospital-showcases-4-million-renovation,Open house at Magee General Hospital showcases $4 million renovation,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Video: New-look Magee hospital on display during Friday's open house. By Charles Herrington MAGEE, Miss. (WDAM) - Hospital administrators, medical staff and local leaders were celebrating a multi-million dollar renovation of Magee General Hospital. A ribbon-cutting and open house was held Friday to showcase all that was done with that $4 million project, which was funded by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. “Sen. (Cindy) Hyde-Smith helped shepherd us through the process of receiving a HRSA grant,” said Gregg Gibbes, Magee General Hospital chief executive officer. “This hospital has certainly benefited from that. We do surgery every day here and for us to be able to have a newly-remodeled suite here is going to help create a lot of sustainability for us going forward.” The work included renovation of three surgical suites, new pre-operative and post-operative areas, a new patient registration area, and new conference room. Wayfinding throughout the hospital was also updated. “As we’re looking into the future, as we look at the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ we’ve got the Rural Transformation Fund out there and we hope and believe there will be plenty of opportunity for other hospitals as well for us to other things here,” Gibbes said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-seeks-action-improve-road-safety-commercial-drivers-license-crackdown,HYDE-SMITH SEEKS ACTION TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE CRACKDOWN,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith Says Recent Tragedies Underscore Need for Federal, State Attention to Illegal Immigrants Driving Commercial Vehicles VIDEO CLIP: Senator Hyde-Smith Addresses CDL Public Safety Issues. VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Delivers Speech on Abuse, Fraud in Issuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses Poses Critical Safety Issue for All Drivers. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, today encouraged congressional action to improve highway safety by ensuring commercial drivers are in the country legally and are proficient in English. Hyde-Smith made the call in a Senate floor speech that cited tragic accidents in multiple states involving drivers issued Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) aided by systemic federal and state inattention to laws, regulations, and public safety. “Across the country, we are seeing a disturbing rise in deadly accidents involving large commercial trucks driven by individuals who should have never been behind the wheel to begin with – often foreign nationals in the country illegally who exploited weaknesses in our Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, system,” Hyde-Smith said. “Sadly, incidents like these are becoming far too common, and we must ask why. The answer lies in failed policies. Under previous Democratic administrations, safety enforcement was weakened, loopholes were opened, and fraudulent CDL issuance went unchecked,” the Senator said. Hyde-Smith also commended President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for acting to stop undocumented immigrants from obtaining CDLs, including launching a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit of state CDL licensing practices and detaining illegal immigrants with CDLs. “Needless to say, seeing ICE and State law enforcement come together to make America’s roads safer is a step in the right direction,” Hyde-Smith said. “Republicans in the Senate and this Administration remain committed to protecting American lives and keeping our roads safe. One key to doing that is to ensure CDL holders are here legally and are proficient in the English language and can actually read the road signs.” As the T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee chair, Hyde-Smith is advocating for the Senate to take up the committee-passed FY2026 T-HUD Appropriations Bill that includes bill and report language to direct the Secretary of Transportation to update regulations to ensure enforcement of federal code requiring Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers “can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.” Hyde-Smith also supports action on legislation she cosponsored to address English language proficiency enforcement for CDLs license applications, including the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act (S.2114) and the Safer Trucking Act (S.2690), which restricts the issuance of CDLs to only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals who are authorized for employment by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Finally, Hyde-Smith also praised the State of Mississippi for acting to ensure only qualified people receive or use a CDL in the state. “Mississippi has taken decisive action and, in just the last three months alone, has identified 85 illegal drivers and referred them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” Hyde-Smith said. “The State of Mississippi does not issue non-domiciled licenses and strictly enforces English-language proficiency testing to keep our roads safe. My state is doing its part, but states cannot do this alone. The federal government must close these loopholes and enforce the law.” Read Senator Hyde-Smith’s full floor speech here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-delegation-asks-us-trade-rep-protect-miss-forest-ag-products-trade-talks-eu,"MISS. DELEGATION ASKS U.S. TRADE REP. TO PROTECT MISS. FOREST, AG PRODUCTS IN TRADE TALKS WITH E.U.",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"United Congressional Delegation Outlines Harm in E.U. Deforestation Regime WASHINGTON, D.C. – A united Mississippi congressional delegation today encouraged the Trump administration to use ongoing trade talks to prioritize the protection of Mississippi forest and agricultural exports that could be harmed if the European Union (E.U.) implements deforestation regulations. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today issued a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that outlines how the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) will make it harder for Mississippi products to be exported to the E.U. market. “In Mississippi, forestry has a nearly $20 billion impact on the state’s economy, supporting 130,000 landowners and 84,000 jobs. As currently designed, the EUDR is a non-tariff trade barrier that introduces substantial uncertainty for landowners, manufacturers, and exporters in our state, and risks further depressing already strained log and wood-product markets, harming rural communities that depend on healthy, functioning timber economies,” the delegation wrote in a letter led by Hyde-Smith. The Mississippi lawmakers wrote that designating the United States as a “low-risk country” for deforestation does not negate the fact that EUDR data and verification requirements are unworkable in U.S. domestic timber production systems. “Regardless of risk level, exporters must still provide geolocation data and verifiable information showing that the product is deforestation-free. The system required to comply with this regulation does not fit the complex supply chain used by our domestic timber industry, and it will create significant administrative and cost burdens for businesses and landowners,” the delegation explained. The delegation also expressed concern that making imports contingent on declared future management of forested lands is an infringement on private property rights – EUDR requirements that were “never tailored to the U.S. regulatory system or to the realities of private ownership.” The Mississippi delegation encouraged Greer to work with the EU to: Recognize the responsible forest management practices in the United States and Mississippi forestry sectors; Support simplified EUDR compliance requirements for the United States as a low-risk country for deforestation; and, Address how the current EUDR regulation infringes on American private property rights. The E.U. approved EUDR in 2023 to address global deforestation and its link to agriculture commodities. The rule’s scope includes wood and wood products, as well as agriculture commodities and cattle. After several delays in implementation, the E.U. is set to begin enforcement on Dec. 30, 2026, including a six-month extension for small operators, while also conducting a targeted simplification review by April 30, 2026. The congressional delegation’s efforts are supported by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Mississippi Forestry Association, and Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, which have joined a multistate push for the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture to challenge the EUDR for its threat to U.S. forestry and cattle and row crops raised on land previously in timber production. Forest products, including wood pellets, and crops like soybeans and sweet potatoes are among the leading Mississippi agricultural products exported to the E.U. Read the Mississippi congressional delegation’s letter here.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:19:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-federal-delegation-unites-effort-protect-states-agriculture-forestry-exports-eu,"Mississippi federal delegation unites in effort to protect state’s agriculture, forestry exports from EU regulations",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"The new regulations are expected to negatively impact producers by installing barriers to the state’s exports. By Jeremy Pittari Mississippi’s federal delegation united Thursday in hopes of protecting the state’s forestry and agricultural industry, which could be impacted by deforestation regulations soon to be enforced by the European Union. Enforcement of these regulations is expected to go into effect next year and Mississippi officials say it could negatively impact the state’s multibillion dollar industry if concessions are not made. In a letter led by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) that was sent to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, all members of the state’s delegation outline that in Mississippi, forestry has a nearly $20 billion impact on the state’s economy, supporting 130,000 landowners and 84,000 jobs. “As currently designed, the EUDR is a non-tariff trade barrier that introduces substantial uncertainty for landowners, manufacturers, and exporters in our state, and risks further depressing already strained log and wood-product markets, harming rural communities that depend on healthy, functioning timber economies,” the officials write. The EU regulations were approved in 2023 in an effort to curb deforestation that can occur when harvesting agricultural goods and are expected to be enforced by December 30, 2026. In addition to focusing on wood products, the rule also focuses on products derived from cattle. Mississippi exports a number of products to the E.U. including wood, wood pellets, soybeans and sweet potatoes, the delegation reminded Greer. Joining Hyde-Smith in the letter were U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R) and Congressmen Bennie Thompson (D), Mike Ezell (R), Trent Kelly (R) and Michael Guest (R). The letter describes to Greer how enforcement of the EU Regulation of Deforestation-free products will install barriers in the exportation of Mississippi’s forestry products. In spite of this nation’s deforestation risk being designated a “low-risk,” the E.U.’s regulations concerning verification and data do not work with forestry production systems within the United States. Additionally, the delegation states in the letter that the rights of private landowners will be infringed due to contingencies in the regulation that imports be from lands with “declared future management.” “Regardless of risk level, exporters must still provide geolocation data and verifiable information showing that the product is deforestation-free. The system required to comply with this regulation does not fit the complex supply chain used by our domestic timber industry, and it will create significant administrative and cost burdens for businesses and landowners,” the delegation stated.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/senator-wicker-issues-statement-on-final-pentagon-office-of-inspector-general-report,Senator Wicker Issues Statement on Final Pentagon Office of Inspector General Report,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “It is clear from the reports that the Secretary acted within his authority to communicate the information in question to other cabinet level officials. It is also clear to me that our senior leaders need more tools available to them to communicate classified information in real time and a variety of environments. I think we have some work to do in providing those tools to our national security leaders.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/commercial-drivers-license-system,COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE SYSTEM,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record Vol. 171, No. 203 (Senate - December 4, 2025) PDF Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I rise to call attention to a critical safety issue that affects every American who travels our roads and highways. Across the country, we are seeing a disturbing rise in deadly accidents involving large commercial trucks driven by individuals who should have never been behind the wheel to begin with, often foreign nationals in the country illegally who exploited weaknesses in our commercial driver's license or CDL system. We have seen the video of the horrific crash in Florida where an undocumented immigrant driving an 18-wheeler made an illegal U-turn on the interstate, killing three Americans who should be with us here today. In mid-October, a semi-truck driver in California, in the United States illegally, with an immigration detainer notice, was accused of being intoxicated when he slammed into multiple vehicles, killing three people and injuring several more. Sadly, incidents like this are becoming far too common, and we must ask why. The answer lies in failed policies. Under previous Democratic administrations, safety enforcement was weakened, loopholes were opened, and fraudulent CDL issuance went unchecked. Under the Obama administration, inspectors were directed to issue citations rather than take unsafe commercial vehicle drivers completely off the road--a policy decision that has resulted in loss of life. Meanwhile, open border policies of prior administrations would have allowed illegal immigrants to enter the United States freely which, combined with lax Federal oversight, has let some States issue CDLs without proper language or competency testing. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit prompted by President Trump found that multiple States issued nondomiciled CDLs improperly to unqualified, often foreign drivers, even in some instances allowing them to keep licenses after their legal status expired. In the Florida case, the FMCSA investigation revealed that the driver had failed the English language proficiency test, answering only 2 out of the 12 verbal questions correctly. Yet multiple States still allowed him to hold a valid CDL and operate a commercial vehicle on our roads. The ongoing FMCSA audit revealed systemic violations by many States-- including California, Washington, and New Mexico--that simply fail to follow Federal laws and regulations as they issue CDLs, which has resulted in greater threats to public safety. After Secretary Duffy's criticism about California's lack of policy enforcement and threat to revoke Federal funding, California announced the revocation of 17,000 CDLs that were given to immigrants without valid visas. This means California has been allowing thousands of unqualified drivers to operate throughout the country. I thank this administration and Secretary Duffy for taking action to hold States accountable for their mistakes. While some States look the other way, my home State of Mississippi has tried to rein in this abuse in the trucking industry. Mississippi has taken decisive action and, in just the last 3 months alone, has identified 85 illegal drivers and referred them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The State of Mississippi does not issue nondomiciled licenses and strictly enforces English language proficiency testing to keep our roads safe. My State is doing its part, but States cannot do this alone. The Federal Government must close these loopholes and enforce the law. As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, I successfully included language in the fiscal year 2026 bill and report that builds upon the President's Executive order to strengthen English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. I am also a proud cosponsor of Senator Marshall's Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act to ensure all applicants for CDLs must pass the English proficiency test in English and not in any other language. This commonsense measure would help guarantee that all truckdrivers can read traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand directions clearly and safely. In addition, I cosponsored Senator Moody's Safer Truckers Act, which restricts the issuance of CDLs to only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals who are authorized for employment by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services. These are commonsense reforms to restore integrity, accountability, and safety to our highways. At the same time, I commend the Trump administration for taking action on this front, particularly Secretary Noem and law enforcement officials who recently carried out Operation Midway Blitz. This enforcement action led to the arrest of 223 illegal aliens, 146 of whom were truckdrivers. And just a few weeks ago, ICE announced the arrest of a man from Uzbekistan with a Pennsylvania CDL who was allowed in our country by the Biden administration even though he was wanted by the Government of Uzbekistan because of his links to a terrorist organization. Needless to say, seeing ICE and State law enforcement come together to make America's roads safer is a step in the right direction. Republicans in the Senate and this administration remain committed to protecting American lives and keeping our roads safe. One key to do that is to ensure CDL holders are here legally and are proficient in the English language and can actually read road signs.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/prudential-regulation-republican-senators-stress-need-tailoring-basel-iii-gsib-surcharge-proposals,"PRUDENTIAL REGULATION—Republican senators stress need for tailoring of Basel III, GSIB Surcharge proposals",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Colleen M. Svelnis, J.D. The senators asked the regulatory agencies to reevaluate its proposals with an approach that takes into consideration the farmers, ranchers, and energy producers that utilize derivatives markets to hedge risk. A group of Republican senators have sent a letter to the heads of the federal banking agency regarding the agencies’ approach to the Basel III Endgame Proposal and the GSIB Surcharge Proposal. The lawmakers wrote that they are “encouraged” by the agencies’ approach to “emphasize safety and soundness without burdensome restrictions that hamper economic growth.” The letter—which was sent to Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michele Bowman, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, and Acting Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Travis Hill—discusses the need for a tailored approach that takes into consideration the farmers, ranchers, and energy producers that utilize derivatives markets to hedge risk. The letter was signed by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Haggerty (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.). The Senators state that in the original proposal curtailing critical risk management tools for end-users in the original proposals was a “misguided approach, as these markets play a crucial role in stabilizing prices, giving businesses greater certainty, and insulating consumers from price swings.” They stress that parts of the original proposals, such as the credit valuation adjustment charge (CVA) for client clearing and the public listing requirement, “would make it more expensive for entities like farmer cooperatives to use derivatives markets.” The Senators close the letter by stressing that the bank capital proposals as originally drafted “would have had broad impacts on the ability of agriculture and energy producers to manage volatile commodity markets.” Moving forward, the legislators are asking the regulators to reevaluate the proposals and consider “the adverse effects of disincentivizing banks from offering hedging products to industries sensitive to price volatility in commodity markets such as grain, livestock, oil, fertilizer, and minerals.” The lawmakers contend that the rules would also increase regulatory capital charges for banks that provide end-users with access to hedging markets.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/12/wicker-colleagues-introduce-medical-foods-and-formulas-access-act,"Wicker, Colleagues Introduce Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., introduced the Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act. This legislation would require Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program to cover specialized formulas, vitamins, individual amino acids, and other medically necessary foods prescribed by a physician for patients with specific gastrointestinal and inherited metabolic disorders. The legislation ensures state and federal protection for existing coverage. Joining Senator Wicker in introducing this legislation are Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa., and Representatives John Rutherford, R-Florida., Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and Jim McGovern, D-Mass. “It is crucial that Americans with digestive or inherited metabolic disorders have the nourishment they need. When medical food and formula is necessary, time is of the essence. Metabolic disorders are treatable with the right resources. This legislation would ensure medically necessary nutrition is covered by government health programs,” said Senator Wicker. “Babies and others who rely on specialized foods to keep them out of the hospital should be able to get the food they need to stay healthy,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our common-sense bipartisan legislation cuts through the red tape and ensures those with medical conditions that limit the food they can eat can access the nutrition they need.” “Patients with cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease or other inherited disorders can get very sick without specialized foods. They may suffer problems like stunted growth or even death if their special nutritional needs aren’t met. Our bipartisan legislation would ensure government insurance plans provide coverage for the nutrition they need to thrive. It makes clear that medical nutrition is just as critical for certain patients as prescription drugs or other medical treatment are for others,” said Senator Grassley. “Rhode Islanders shouldn't have to worry about affording what they need to eat in order to keep medical conditions in check,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our legislation will allow Medicaid and CHIP to start covering the costs of foods and formulas that people need to stay healthy.” “Our health systems must be structured to support innovative, patient-centered treatments,” said Congressman Rutherford. “As co-chair of the Crohn’s and Colitis Caucus, where I advocate for those living with digestive diseases, I am excited to join Rep. McGovern to introduce this important legislation that would make medically necessary nutrition more easily accessible to patients across our nation.” “Everyone deserves access to quality, comprehensive health care, including the many patients who require specialized food and formulas to address digestive disease and disorders. Medical foods and formulas are critical to a patient’s health, and should be covered by insurance, just as essential prescription drugs are. Metabolic disorders can be especially dangerous for children, leading to brain damage, stunted growth, and even death. I’m proud to introduce this bill to make sure everyone can get the medically necessary foods and formulas they need,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Access to health care is a human right—no one should have to worry about whether they'll be able to access the medically necessary food they need to live,” said Congressman McGovern. “I’m disgusted by the stories I hear from many of my constituents who are struggling to get medically necessary food for their child or family member because predatory insurance companies are refusing to cover prescribed foods and formulas just to pad their bottom line. Our bill breaks down barriers to care and ensures that Americans with inherited metabolic diseases or gastrointestinal conditions get the nutrition they need.” For full text of the legislation, click here. Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-supports-bill-offer-veterans-non-opioid-alternatives,HYDE-SMITH SUPPORTS BILL TO OFFER VETERANS NON-OPIOID ALTERNATIVES,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Cosponsors ‘NOPAIN for Veterans Act’ to Provide Pain Management Treatments Already Offered to Medicare Enrollees WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Monday cosponsored legislation to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to give veterans greater access to non-opioid alternatives. The Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) for Veterans Act (S.3209) would expand access for veterans by directing the VA to include FDA-approved non-opioid treatments in the VA National Formulary (VANF). The NOPAIN for Veterans Act would help put veterans on par with the care offered today to Medicare beneficiaries. “It’s important that veterans have access to more pain treatment options beyond being prescribed opioids, which too often lead to misuse, addiction, and loss of life. The NOPAIN for Veterans Act would allow veterans to use proven non-opioid alternatives, which is why I support it wholeheartedly,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. S.3209 was introduced by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who has worked to expand access to non-opioid alternatives in response to the recent opioid overdose epidemic. “Our veterans deserve the very best care we can provide, including safe and effective options to manage pain without exposing them to unnecessary risk,” Senator Capito said. “By ensuring FDA-approved non-opioid treatments are included on the VA National Formulary, our legislation will make these alternatives easier to prescribe and easier for veterans to access.” S.3209 would build on the NOPAIN Act passed by Congress in 2022, which expanded Medicare enrollee access to non-opioid alternatives for postoperative pain. While TRICARE traditionally follows the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services policies on these matters, the VA has not taken similar action to expand access to non-opioid treatments through the VANF. The VANF lists clinically reviewed products available for prescribing at all VA facilities, but any products or treatments not included on that formulary cannot be used without going through a “non-formulary request process.” Additional NOPAIN for Veterans Act cosponsors include U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). The bipartisan measure, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is endorsed by the Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Voices for Non-Opioid Choices.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/gillibrand-hyde-smith-statement-house-passage-their-legislation-support-victims-human-trafficking,"GILLIBRAND, HYDE-SMITH STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF THEIR LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today released the following statement on the House’s unanimous passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would enable survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent offenses that they were forced to commit vacated and expunged: “We applaud the House’s passage of our Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which represents a monumental step forward in supporting victims of human trafficking. This bill would help stop a vicious cycle that leaves trafficking survivors vulnerable to further exploitation, protecting those who escape their horrible circumstances from subsequently having to face criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and related problems finding employment and housing. We urge our Senate colleagues to pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk without delay.” Senator Gillibrand first introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues in 2016. She has reintroduced the bill in every subsequent Congress, most recently with Senator Hyde-Smith in July 2025. In addition to allowing survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent criminal convictions or arrest records they incurred while being trafficked vacated and expunged, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (S.2255/HR.4323) would also: Allow for an individual’s status as a victim of trafficking to be a mitigating factor for courts to consider when imposing a prison sentence for violent crimes. Require U.S. attorneys to submit a report one year after enactment detailing the number of motions filed under the law. Ensure that grant funding provided by the Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime and the Office on Violence Against Women can be used for legal representation for post-conviction relief activities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/op-ed-state-cattle-industry-common-ground-coalition,"Op-Ed: State of the Cattle Industry, Common Ground Coalition",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Op-Ed by Joe Goggins, Billings, MT There is nothing worse than hearing your name drug through the mud when you and others have poured countless hours into meaningful efforts to uplift our industry and try to create a better situation for our children and grandchildren. But sometimes silence—at the cost of ego in the name of letting those with influence do important work on behalf of us all—is worthwhile. While I have been silent and let the disgusting and false criticisms of myself, my friends, organizations I love, and an initiative I’m immensely proud of, slide from the lips of the uninformed and off my shoulders, things have indeed played out. Our President has finally demonstrated a better understanding of the rancher’s role in protein production, and I think brighter days are ahead for our great American cattle industry. Even so, those who scream for relevance and attention do so at the sacrifice of the fellowship and community that our great way of life is built on. They’re still clinging to the last dregs of controversy that have been stirred up over the last few weeks and it is finally time for me to share my perspectives on what has occurred and put some nonsense to bed. But first, a bit of background might be helpful. A few years ago, when cattle prices were crumbling under the weight of the COVID pandemic and the outlook for young people getting into or staying in farming and ranching was at its bleakest, important conversations were being held. At that point, I was already part of volunteer leadership of the Livestock Marketing Association, and we commissioned several listening sessions of producers all over the country to hear their troubles as well as their ideas. At the end of the day, if we don’t have producers raising cattle, we have no cattle to sell at auctions and so the producer’s plight is very much the marketer’s concern. We talked to people who proudly wore their membership affiliations to producer groups, breed associations, and others who had no affiliation at all. In the end, a chorus of 2,000 cattlewomen and cattlemen had spoken and said they wanted to work together to find some real solutions to real problems and the Common Ground Summit was born. In April 2025, LMA invited 40 industry thinkers from all walks of life to gather in Denver, Colorado, to meet at the Common Ground Summit. Again, some attendees came with strong affiliations to various other organizations, some came with no affiliations at all. Young, old, established, and just getting started, it was a diverse gathering of respectful and forward-looking livestock industry participants who wanted to come together to find “common ground.” If I’m being honest, I had low hopes for such a diverse group of people to land on anything they could agree on. Some of us joked that just getting them all to agree peacefully on what time to take a lunch break would be a win. I was shocked and emboldened with optimism like never before when that group of people aligned on FIVE points of mutual agreement to help the longevity of livestock producers in the country: ag-friendly tax reform, improvements to risk management tools, flexibilities for livestock haulers, improvements to access to labor, and strengthening young and emerging farmer and rancher programs. At the end of our time at the Common Ground Summit, the feedback was strong: this could not be the end of the conversation, but rather just the beginning. Since that iconic meeting, we’ve had over 10,000 individuals from all 50 states sign onto the Common Ground Coalition in support of those five points of agreement. Some of the points of agreement have already crossed the finish line of success through the hard work and years of advocacy of individuals and organizations across the industry, which has been so encouraging. The Common Ground Coalition got attention across multiple platforms and found its way to the desks of those who care about our industry in Washington, D.C. In July, the idea was proposed by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) to invite the founding Common Ground Coalition members to a meeting in D.C. in October. Senator Sheehy was joined by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in their desire to help the good word of the Common Ground Coalition reach the ears of other Senators and members of the House of Representatives. On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, despite the government shutdown, we had that incredible meeting. In my opinion it was one of the most productive and historic meetings the beef industry has ever had. We were honored to be joined by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, and over a dozen sitting members of Congress. Obviously, comments made by the President a few days before about his intention to import Argentine beef to lower the price of beef in the U.S. came up in discussion. Everyone in the room seemed to be uniformly concerned by such an approach but focused on the purpose of the Coalition, which is to find solutions to strengthen the beef industry from within. It was a wonderful conversation, and we were so amazed at the time these important folks took to listen to our ideas and concerns in the name of unified betterment of our industry. The Monday night before the Common Ground meeting, we received word that it might be possible for a small number of Common Ground attendees to meet with the President at some point that week, but details were still being shaped. At the point that a possible meeting was being discussed, we were told we were being tasked with helping to explain how detrimental an import in the name of lowering beef prices could be and how the fundamentals of the cattle industry work. A lot of us would count meeting a sitting president as a bucket list item, and for a while, I thought that personal dream might come true. But, as events unfolded, it became clear that we had a responsibility to politely decline. While finishing a late dinner after the Common Ground meeting Tuesday night, those of us identified as possible candidates to meet the President received emailed invitations to a presidential “announcement,” rather than a meeting. At this point it had also become clear through further discussion that it was very likely the President had already made up his mind and was moving forward with the Argentinian beef import deal. When we asked for more information about the substance of the announcement, we were not provided sufficient details to make us comfortable that we fully understood what would be presented. We believed that our presence during the announcement would have been seen as an endorsement of whatever was being rolled out, likely an announcement of a trade deal. We thought long and hard and even a few consulted higher powers before it became clear that we could not go to the President’s announcement without more information, which simply could not be provided at the late hour. Ultimately, we were in D.C. to advocate on behalf of the Common Ground Coalition, a group of unaffiliated and affiliated farmers and ranchers from all across the country who have signed on in support of five very specific concepts. We felt and continue to feel it was our ethical responsibility to advocate on behalf of that group only on the topics those 10,000 people have put their names behind—nothing more and nothing less. Selfishly, many of us wanted to set those concerns aside and meet with President Trump and, given different circumstances, I would go back to D.C. tomorrow to have the chance. I’ve been asked since that day more times than I care to count if I, LMA, or Common Ground, were the reason the president took to Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon lashing out at the cattle industry. The facts are that we received invitations to the announcement Tuesday evening and communicated that we couldn’t attend very shortly thereafter. It is impossible for me to know what occurred Wednesday morning or early afternoon that led to the President’s angry post that volatized the live cattle prices and cost families all across the country significant money on their one and only payday. I, like many of you, was shocked and frankly disappointed by the post and its illustration that the President had been given some bad information or simply just didn’t understand how the cattle industry works. Two things I wasn’t disappointed in happened pretty quickly afterwards. First, President Trump’s USDA put out a multi-page plan to revitalize the American cattle industry. Although mostly conceptual in nature with details still to be fleshed out, it demonstrated that there are those within the President’s cabinet and administration that care deeply about our industry and have worthwhile goals. Second, life-long cattlewoman, sale barn owner, and industry advocate, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and her brethren of livestock-minded members of Congress got to work educating the President. At every turn that group of legislators was working diligently to help the President understand that his words have immense power on the movement of our markets and that cattle producers are price takers not price setters. We, as an industry, are indebted to those members of Congress for their work on our behalf. I’ve long been an advocate for a free market with a level playing field. I own sale barns and they’re about as heavily regulated by USDA as you could find a business. I’ve been on record for years asking that the packers simply play by the same rules as the rest of us and that the entities charged with enforcing the P&S Act actually do their job and make sure competition has a place to thrive. I still feel that competition and live auction markets are the best places to find true prices for livestock. And I am now confident our President is listening to people who understand the role we play in the taking of prices, not the setting of them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/senators-praise-house-passing-bill-aiding-human-trafficking-survivors,Senators praise House for passing bill aiding human trafficking survivors,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Magnolia State News U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Cindy Hyde-Smith issued a joint statement following the House of Representatives’ unanimous approval of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. The legislation aims to allow survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent offenses, which they were compelled to commit while being trafficked, vacated and expunged from their records. In their statement, the senators said: “We applaud the House’s passage of our Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which represents a monumental step forward in supporting victims of human trafficking. This bill would help stop a vicious cycle that leaves trafficking survivors vulnerable to further exploitation, protecting those who escape their horrible circumstances from subsequently having to face criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and related problems finding employment and housing. We urge our Senate colleagues to pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk without delay.” Senator Gillibrand originally introduced the bill with bipartisan support in 2016 and has reintroduced it in every Congress since then. The most recent version was introduced with Senator Hyde-Smith in July 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/why-it-so-expensive-give-birth-america,Why is it so expensive to give birth in America?,2025-11-29,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"The United States is the most expensive country to give birth in the world, but new legislative efforts could change that By Natalia Galicza As a first-time mother, Charlene Covarrubias understood she had plenty to worry about over the course of her pregnancy: the brain fog, the emotional roller coaster from her body producing 100 to 1,000 times her usual concentration of hormones, the constant nausea that — contrary to its epithet — strikes not just in the morning, but any time of day. She had anticipated the mental and physical exhaustion of carrying a baby to term. What she didn’t realize was that the actual birth would cost her thousands of dollars. Covarrubias is 32 and lives with her husband in Salt Lake City, Utah. She’d started saving to have her first child through her employer’s insurance and Health Savings Account long before she hit 26 weeks of pregnancy in October. She knew that having a baby would be expensive, that it would be stressful figuring out where the delivery would take place — maybe the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City or the Redwood Health Center, a clinic also in Salt Lake City. But once the bills for standard prenatal care screenings and checkups started stacking up in her third trimester, some individual visits nearing $1,000, she started to worry about the cost of that fateful hospital delivery bill more than any unknown that still lingered in the months ahead. “I don’t know what ‘covered’ looks like, to be completely honest,” she says. “It’s going to be covered to a point, but I know it’s still going to be a big bill.” For the vast majority of people in the United States, it doesn’t just cost money to raise a child. It costs money to give birth. A lot of it. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that 19% of women are insured through Medicaid, which in most states covers prenatal care, ultrasounds, postpartum care and some delivery services. But the 72% of women who are insured through their employers, private coverage or Medicare are often still responsible for copays and deductibles that can add astronomical financial burdens onto families before they even begin paying the lifetime of expenses inherent to having a child. The average out-of-pocket cost for childbirth is nearly $3,000 for insured Americans. When complications arise, such as preeclampsia or the need for a cesarean section, that price can grow steeper by the thousands. No other nation in the world charges more. “It’s kind of similar to somebody who gets their degree and pays for it in loans, then they’re still paying off their loans in their job field,” Covarrubias says. “You’re still paying for the birth or delivery of your child while you’re preparing for the future.” I don’t know what ‘covered’ looks like, to be completely honest. It’s going to be covered to a point, but I know it’s still going to be a big bill. Last year, the fertility rate in the United States reached a record low of fewer than 1.6 children for every woman, as reported by the World Bank. The rate needed to sustain the current population without any decline is 2.1 kids per woman. Fears that a smaller population could fuel unemployment rates, labor shortages and poverty, diminish infrastructure and innovation, and strip welfare programs with fewer tax dollars to go toward Social Security have sent citizens and policymakers into a tailspin. Pew Research Center surveys show more than half of Americans believe this decline in births is going to negatively affect the state of the country, which has led to a slew of policy proposals like offering new moms $5,000 “baby bonuses” or reducing the cost of in vitro fertilization. Perhaps the most surprising, though, is the effort to make childbirth free for the first time in American history. In May, Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley from Missouri, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine from Virginia and Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand from New York introduced the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act. The bill requires that private insurers cover all costs related to childbirth from prenatal to postpartum care. It would make birth free for all Americans, not just those under Medicaid. “For a lot of people in the middle, where they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but they don’t have great insurance, they’re facing some pretty substantial fees,” says Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina. “We need to make sure we’ve built a society where everyone has a chance of reaching stable circumstances that are widely considered to be appropriate for having children.” We need to make sure we’ve built a society where everyone has a chance of reaching stable circumstances that are widely considered to be appropriate for having children. The bipartisan bill has drawn support from groups that are otherwise diametrically opposed on matters of reproductive health, like the American Medical Association and Americans United for Life. Giving prospective parents the access and tools to start a family should they choose to do so is rare common ground that could act as a bridge between political aisles and get the nation on track with the rest of the developed world by advancing health care. It’s hailed as a step toward reversing a waning population, but in the context of what it means to afford life and family in the United States, it’s also a single cog in a much larger machine. Despite the fact that billions of births have taken place over the course of human history, Emily Oster felt like it was easier to find questions than answers when she was pregnant with her daughter Penelope in 2010. Could she eat sushi? What about deli meat? Why wasn’t it easier to know what options she had, what advice to follow? She started to write down her queries and conducted research to answer them. That process is the basis for her 2013 book “Expecting Better,” and the reason she launched ParentData in 2020, a website and newsletter where expecting parents can find clear guidance. Oster, who is also an economics professor at Brown University, knew firsthand that new parents are swamped with countless considerations. In the five years she’s run ParentData as its chief executive officer, she’s noticed many users are preoccupied with the economics of parenthood. “People think a lot about how kids are expensive,” she says. Yet the financial matters that take up most of their mental real estate revolve around long-term investments like schooling and pediatric care, not the upfront cost of delivery. Hundreds of videos on social media where new mothers break down their hospital bills after giving birth showcase that same truth — somehow, the cost of birth is universally mysterious for Americans, regardless of how childbirth remains the foremost reason for hospitalization nationwide. “Our health care is expensive because of the way that prices are negotiated,” Oster says, “and other things about our health care system that have nothing to do with birth specifically.” A lack of transparency is a primary reason behind the elusive price tag. Like most services offered at hospitals, the cost of childbirth is extremely variable. What a parent pays out-of-pocket depends on factors like what insurance coverage they have. It also depends on what hospital they’re at, what that hospital charges for each billable expense — from room and board to the price per ibuprofen — and what specialists like anesthesiologists charge as their personal rates. Most insurance companies now offer portals where patients can find an estimate of what the procedure will cost them, but those estimates are based on averages and can’t account for specific circumstances. That leaves a majority of parents unsure what delivery will cost them until they receive an itemized bill. Hospitals have made headlines for charging parents who want to hold their child after a cesarean section $40 “skin to skin” fees. A 2021 study in the JAMA Health Forum found about 1 in 5 parents cite their unusual charges average more than $700 on their final hospital bill, while a third are hit with thousands of dollars in surprise charges. Another in the Milbank Quarterly found that 40% of people who spend more than $1,000 on out of pocket expenses for a commercially insured birth then worry about affording health care bills. One in 5 respondents who make less than $60,000 a year even had medical debt in collections as a result. “The price can be twice as high for two different patients in the same hospital, depending on the negotiated rates between that provider and that patient’s insurance,” says John Hargraves, director of data strategy at the Health Care Cost Institute in Washington, D.C. “It’s unlike almost anything else we purchase. You can’t cost compare. There’s no Costco alternative.” Americans spend nearly double the amount on health care per person than citizens of any peer nation. The insurance landscape is notoriously complex and operates largely outside of government control, which means there are effectively no checks and balances on what profit-driven hospitals can charge patients. Nearly 70% of the world’s population has some form of universal health care — especially in developed nations — and several countries cover childbirth as an inpatient admission. Should the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act become law, it would classify prenatal care, postpartum care and birth as essential services under the Affordable Care Act. Insurance companies would eat the cost, and although premiums would increase, it would only cost policyholders an estimated $30 more each year. For first-time parents like Covarrubias, the thought of scrounging up $30 more each year instead of thousands of dollars upfront feels encouraging. For those on the fence about starting a family, maybe even more so. It’s no wonder then that it’s attracted both the ideologically left and right; whether framing the bill as expanding health care access and social service or framing it as a pronatalist push to procreate, families could stand to grow and benefit because of it. If it materializes. After the Supreme Court made the bombshell decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022, a vacuum suddenly appeared within a reproductive rights debate that had been so singularly focused for half a century. The Atlantic staff writer Elizabeth Bruenig wrote a piece in an attempt to chart a path forward with a new legislative priority: free childbirth in the United States. It directly inspired a proposal that acted as a predecessor to the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act in 2023 and built the political momentum necessary for the present push. The things that matter most are child care infrastructure that is affordable, accessible, high quality and paid leave. This new reproductive reality arrived in tandem with a steadily declining fertility rate, projected cuts to Social Security within the next decade, historically low participation in the armed forces, more than half of the nation’s farmers aging out of work without replacements, and a destabilizing economy. The mishmash prompted a belief that America’s social structure is built for a population that grows, or at least stays steady, not one that shrinks. Guzzo points to evidence that the declining fertility rate doesn’t pose immediate or catastrophic consequences, but the alarm can’t be unrung. “The evidence suggests that people generally still want to have kids,” she says. “People just don’t feel good about their lives. And I think what’s important about that is, having a child is making a long-term commitment to the future. … I don’t think people’s futures feel very predictable right now.” As well rounded as support for free childbirth is, it’s not universally held as the most effective solution to build and support families. A majority of adults find more tax credits for parents, required paid family leave and free child care more urgent. Gen Z and millennials are facing one of the worst labor markets in years. Americans owe nearly $1.8 trillion in student loans, and some nine million defaulted on their loans in 2025 alone. Most can’t afford to buy homes. Head Start, a federal child care program that serves more than 730,000 low-income families, is targeted for budget cuts. Guzzo suggests social services that ease the financial burden of long-term investments, more than one-time costs like hospital delivery, are better incentives for younger generations to feel safe starting families. “The things that matter most are child care infrastructure that is affordable, accessible, high quality and paid leave,” Guzzo adds. “They boost the total fertility rate by about 0.1 to 0.2%, which doesn’t sound big, given that we’re at 1.6 and that would get us to maybe 1.8, but that’s still hundreds of thousands of births.” Though paid leave and free child care are far more ideologically contentious among lawmakers than free childbirth. Regardless of what the future holds for reproductive policy, Covarrubias has to confront her own due date in the winter. It will cost her. She’s hopeful that cost won’t set her back too much, that whichever hospital she chooses to give birth at doesn’t embellish her final bill with surprise charges. She’s even more hopeful that her daughter will grow up to have more options than she did. That’s all any parent can do. Besides, Covarrubias has access to emotional support from the strong women in her family, and material support through her insurance. “I think I’m one of the more fortunate ones,” she says. This story appears in the December 2025 issue of Deseret Magazine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/common-ground-group-focuses-financing-young-ranchers-risk-protection-and-more,"Common Ground group focuses on financing young ranchers, risk protection and more",2025-11-27,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Carrie Stadheim A dozen cattle and beef industry spokesman got together in Washington, D.C., in October, to discuss with a group of Senators and Congressional representatives their ideas for restoring confidence in the cattle industry. Jake Parnell, a California cattleman, owner of Cattlemen’s Livestock Market and President and Chairman of the Board of Western Video Market told TSLN that Montana Senator Tim Sheehy, a Republican, invited the group to gather in D.C., and he believes Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith was also instrumental in lining up the meeting. Other government officials present included: U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA-13), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY-At large), Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL-01), Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), and Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH-02). The meeting happened to coincide with the President’s social media comments that he intended to increase the under-tariff quota of Argentinian beef, and also USDA’s beef plan rollout. Although some of the Common Ground leaders were invited to join the president for an announcement, chose not to participate due to a lack of information about what would be announced. Parnell said he doesn’t think they “missed” an opportunity to take their message to the President. “The tweet, beef is too high, zapped the energy out of rural America, so much of the base has supported this president,” he said. “We all know foreign meat comes into our food chain, how you want to handle labeling and all that is a whole different discussion. And that’s not what really was on the top of our minds. It was more understand the fundamentals, understand what it takes today to produce an 800-pound calf,” he said. “And realize that a pound of choice meat cost about 12 minutes of labor 20 years ago. Same market conditions today. Twelve minutes of labor buys you about a pound of choice meat,” he said. “We wanted to talk about the true fundamentals of the cow-calf production.” Parnell said initially five of the Common Ground participants were invited to a meeting, which morphed into an invite “on an announcement and a press conference.” Because they could not obtain, after multiple requests, details about “the announcement,” Parnell said they were concerned they would be the “token cowboy hats” in an announcement that beef is too high. “So we chose not to be there,” he said. Parnell said he wishes the President would “take more time to understand the fundamentals of livestock production and how the markets dictate themselves.” The participants of this conversation emphasize that their Common Ground Coalition is not a new organization, but it is a loose group of representatives who share common goals. Parnell said some of their issues are seeing the light of day. One of the issues he believes is most important is subsidizing livestock risk protection at the same level as crop risk protection. “We’re way behind when it comes to the opportunity to protect ourselves,” he said, referencing the Livestock Risk Protection program. The renewal of the 179A deduction of bonus depreciation from 60 percent to 100 percent in the Big Beautiful Bill was a win, he said. “You work so hard, you want to not have to give it all back to the government,” he said. Sen. Hyde-Smith’s (R-MS) introduction of the Heritage Act was a good start, and Parnell would like to see the bill gain traction. The legislation increases the 2032A special use exemption from $4.95 million to $15 million for qualified real property used for farming purposes. This would allow special-use valuation of farmland to reduce the estate tax value of farming operations. Parnell said “fruitful” discussion was had with the congressional delegates on “redefining ‘ag labor.'” The group talked about “how to take the seasonality clauses out of the H2A programs, how to find a path for foreign labor to get to this country to work in some of these production outfits where they’ve been involved for so long, and we need them involved,” he said, adding that a couple of bills have been introduced to this effect. “Industry wide in agriculture, not just in livestock – this is a priority,” he said. As far as transportation, Parnell said there is a bill, the HELP Act to basically ratify the law to make livestock hauling a little more conducive with hours of service. When it comes to market issues and packer concentration, Parnell said, “I think that our market is fundamentally in a good spot. Our cow herd is decimated. “I think that we’ve got to continue with the free market approach,” he said. “We need wins. We need to spend less time fighting over the two or three percent of the issues we don’t agree on and more time going out, working for our producers, our base,” he said. Miles City, Montana, cattle feeder and cow-calf operator Fred Wacker was one of the D.C. meeting-goers. Government loans for young producers is a big priority, he said. “We really worked hard to talk about the different issues such as financing young people,” he said. “We need to make it possible for young people to buy the parents’ ranch, so financing would be easily obtained through the federal government with extremely low interest rates,” he said. To support the Common Ground effort, Wacker encouraged producers to sign the petition which has about 10,000 signatures already. As far as addressing market-related issues, Wacker said, “our feeling is that if the market is really low, we can establish policy for them to carry their payment over two years to give the market a chance to come back so they can make their payments,” he said. The Livestock Marketing Association financed and helped organize the coalition’s first gathering which brought together about 40 individuals including ranchers, feeders, economists and packers in Denver last April.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/senators-wicker-britt-introduce-voting-bill-requiring-citizenship-proof,"Senators Wicker, Britt introduce voting bill requiring citizenship proof",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WXXV Staff Mississippi U.S. Senator Roger Wicker has signed on to a Senate Bill that would encourage states to require proof of American citizenship when registering to vote via mail. The ‘Citizen Ballot Protection Act’ was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker and Alabama Senator Katie Britt. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith also signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill. If passed, states could verify that those registering to vote by mail-in applications are indeed American citizens.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/chairman-wicker-commends-president-of-taiwan-for-defense-spending-increase-amid-chinese-threats,Chairman Wicker Commends President of Taiwan for Defense Spending Increase Amid Chinese Threats,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commended Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te for his call to pass a special budget to boost defense spending. The Chairman released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/wicker-britt-introduce-the-citizen-ballot-protection-act,"Wicker, Britt Introduce the Citizen Ballot Protection Act",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., in introducing the Citizen Ballot Protection Act. The bill would ensure States are able to better verify that only American citizens are voting in federal elections by codifying the ability of States to require that an applicant provide proof of American citizenship when registering to vote via mail-in application. “The right to vote is a sacred American value. For too long, cities across the U.S. have allowed noncitizens to vote in elections. Ensuring that United States citizens are the only people voting is a commonsense provision that will promote election integrity,” said Senator Wicker. “Voting in our country is a sacred right that must solely be limited to American citizens. To allow States to uphold this principle should be simple commonsense,” said Senator Britt. “It should not be controversial that States have the legal right to prevent noncitizens – including illegal aliens and o?cial representatives of foreign adversaries – from voting in State and Federal elections. Cities that allow noncitizens to vote in local elections disenfranchise hardworking American citizens, insult those American citizens who came to our country legally and took the time and e?ort to go through the citizenship process, and undermine faith in our entire electoral system – which is a cornerstone of our nation that we cannot allow to crumble. I’m proud to work with Representative Palmer and my Senate colleagues to ensure that we pass this legislation and stand up for the right of Americans – and only Americans – to vote in American elections.” Joining Senators Wicker and Britt in introducing this legislation are Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss, Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Ted Cruz R-Texas, Deb Fischer, R-Nebr., and John Boozman, R-Ark.,. Full text of the legislation can be found here. Background: In 2024, Washington, D.C., began to allow noncitizens who have been residents for more than 30 days to vote in local elections, opening the door to the possibility that foreign nationals, including embassy sta? from countries such as China and Russia, could be casting ballots at the polls in our nation’s capital. In recent years, cities in Maryland, Vermont, and New York have also passed measures allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. While States have the primary responsibility of overseeing federal elections, the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 – also commonly referred to as the “motor voter law” – lays out certain registration requirements for federal elections. The Citizen Ballot Protection Act relates speci?cally to Section 6 of the NVRA, which requires that each State accept and use the federal mail voter registration application form developed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Section 6 also allows a State to develop and use its own mail voter registration form as long as it meets all of the same criteria the NVRA requires for the federal mail voter registration form. The Citizen Ballot Protection Act simply amends the NVRA to explicitly allow States to put in place a proof of citizenship requirement for both the federal mail voter registration form and any State mail voter registration forms that they might develop. State modi?cations to the federal form are reviewed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Unfortunately, both the Election Assistance Commission and the courts have interpreted the prohibition on “any requirement for notarization or other formal authentication” as precluding e?orts by some States to include a requirement of documentary proof of American citizenship with the federal form.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/gulf-shrimpers-see-long-awaited-moment-federal-seafood-labeling-laws,Gulf shrimpers see long-awaited moment on federal seafood labeling laws,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO By Justin Glowacki, McKenna Klamm, Michelle Pinto and RHCJC News GULFPORT — Mississippi commercial fishermen say years of pushing lawmakers for tougher import and labeling rules are finally translating into national policy proposals — including a federal bill from U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith that would require clearer labeling on seafood. The measure follows state-level reforms along the Gulf Coast and comes as shrimpers warn domestic producers are struggling to compete with cheaper, foreign imports. “We’ve certainly seen some attention the last couple of years,” said Ryan Bradley, executive director of Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United. “They’re hearing the alarm bells from not only our organization but many organizations all around the country about the dire straits that our seafood industry is in.” Bradley, a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, said fishermen have spent years urging officials to address uneven competition with foreign imports, market regulations and the loss of local access to natural resources. “Our seafood industry, all around the country, (is impacted) due to a number of issues — the globalization with the imports, the lack of young fishermen coming into these fisheries,” Bradley said. Blake Price, deputy director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, said renewed attention comes only after the industry reached a breaking point. “It's very unfortunate that it’s taken the industry being on the brink of collapse for this awareness to be made,” Price said. “(But awareness) is greatly welcomed and long overdue.” State-level reforms lay groundwork for national policy push A major change this year came with Mississippi House Bill 602, which took effect on July 1 and requires restaurants, seafood markets and wholesalers to label seafood as either domestic or imported. Enforcement is split between the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Department of Agriculture. “We’ve seen an increase in demand for our local wild-caught products,” Bradley said. Price said customers in states that adopt strong labeling laws see better transparency. “Where labeling laws exist, most restaurants are compliant, and customers are getting local domestic seafood,” he said. “Where labeling laws don’t exist, that’s when we’re at 70% (of restaurants mislabeling foreign seafood as domestic).” At the federal level, the most recent proposal can in October, when Hyde-Smith filled the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act. The bill would require seafood sold in stores to list country of origin and production method in the same font size as the product name, expanding visibility beyond existing requirements. The measure is part of a growing slate of federal proposals aimed at import enforcement, safety standards and trade policy — momentum Price said reflects national acknowledgement of pressure from coastal states like Mississippi. “I don't recall another administration really taking a look, and that’s from the top down,” he said. “We’ve got an administration that understands the importance of American products and jobs.” Other federal efforts introduced this year include: Safer Shrimp Imports Act: Blocks imports from countries without U.S. inspection standards. Save Our Shrimpers Act: Prohibits federal funding from supporting foreign shrimp farms. India Shrimp Tariff Act: Imposes escalating tariffs on shrimp from India. Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act: Gives the FDA authority to destroy unsafe seafood shipments. Imported Seafood Quality Enforcement Act: Requires inspections and penalties for repeated food safety violations. Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act: Creates a fund to increase inspection and consumption of U.S. shrimp products. The proposals align with Executive Order 14276 to reform “overregulated fisheries,” expand domestic processing and strengthen seafood trade enforcement. Market rebounds as enforcement gains traction Bradley and Price credit the legislative momentum with helping to lift shrimp prices in 2025 — a much-needed shift after years of historic lows. “Shrimp prices are up thanks to some of that action,” Bradley said. “The guys are catching some nice shrimp right now, actually, and getting a good price for them.” Price said tariffs have narrowed pricing gaps between imported and domestic seafood. “They have great potential to provide much-needed relief and create an even and fair market for our U.S. commercial shrimp industry ... across the board of commercial seafood industries,” Price said. “It's not just the fishermen, the captains, the crew, the folks working at the fish house and at distribution centers. Our local and regional coastal economies were built upon this.” With multiple bills pending and enforcement still ramping up, fisherman say progress depends on sustained action. “To introduce things is nice and all, but it’s better to get it passed,” Bradley said. Price agreed and said swift legislative action could stabilize the domestic seafood industry. “Enacting a few key pieces of legislation in the near term could provide short- and long-term relief for our industries and really crank up the market, which it deserves,” he said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-issues-2025-thanksgiving-message,HYDE-SMITH ISSUES 2025 THANKSGIVING MESSAGE,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"‘This American Holiday Gives Us a Chance to Pause and Notice the Good that Surrounds Us in Our Families, Our Communities, and in the Freedoms that Shape Our Lives.’ VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2025 Thanksgiving Message. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issues a message of gratitude to Mississippians with a hope that the Thanksgiving season “inspires us to live fully, to look for the good even when it’s hard to see, and to be grateful for the hope that carries us forward.” The following is Senator Hyde-Smith’s Thanksgiving message for Mississippi and the nation: In a way of saying thank you, I extend my warm wishes to everyone across Mississippi and our great nation as we gather with friends and loved ones this Thanksgiving. This American holiday gives us a chance to pause and notice the good that surrounds us in our families, our communities, and in the freedoms that shape our lives. These blessings remind us of who we are, what we stand for, and what we continue to work toward. Psalm 118 tells us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It encourages us to look for the good in each day, not just in the moments that come easily. Today and every day, we hold deep gratitude for the brave men and women who serve our country, and for the first responders who stand ready in every community. Their dedication protects our way of life, and we honor the families who support them, especially when service keeps them apart during the holidays. Let us also keep close in our hearts those who are facing hard times -- walking through loss, illness, or loneliness. In the spirit of the season, may we choose generosity, offer kindness, and provide encouragement wherever it’s needed. These simple acts of care reflect the very best of the American spirit. My hope is that this season inspires us to live fully, to look for the good even when it’s hard to see, and to be grateful for the hope that carries us forward. Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and peace. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving! ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mayor-percy-bland-recaps-trip-washington-dc,Mayor Percy Bland recaps trip to Washington DC,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Bland said routine meetings like this are essential to the continued economic growth and infrastructural development of Meridian. VIDEO By Zack Rogers MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Mayor Bland made an annual trip to the nation’s capital this past week, alongside a few of Meridian’s city councilmen. He says the focus was to engage with legislative officials and federal agencies to secure resources and funding for the Queen City and its infrastructure. “We met with the entire delegation. We met with Senator Wicker, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and our local congressman, Michael Guest. We also met with a congressman from the Gulf Coast, in regard to some of the major projects that we have on the table right now that’s in legislation. And it deals, again, with our water and sewer projects, our consent decree,” said Bland. “We also have a big cops grant, which is a two-million-dollar public safety grant, and we have some other major improvements that we’re doing inside and around the city to our medical district that we specifically met with them about. Bland says routine meetings like this are essential to utilize federal funding and ensure continued economic and infrastructural growth in and around Meridian.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/senator-hyde-smith-delivers-thanksgiving-message-focusing-gratitude,Senator Hyde-Smith delivers Thanksgiving message focusing on gratitude,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Magnolia State News U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) released a Thanksgiving message addressed to the people of Mississippi and the nation, emphasizing gratitude and community during the holiday season. In her statement, Hyde-Smith expressed appreciation for the opportunity to pause and reflect on positive aspects of life, including family, community, and freedoms. She said, “In a way of saying thank you, I extend my warm wishes to everyone across Mississippi and our great nation as we gather with friends and loved ones this Thanksgiving.” She highlighted the importance of recognizing blessings that shape American identity and values: “This American holiday gives us a chance to pause and notice the good that surrounds us in our families, our communities, and in the freedoms that shape our lives. These blessings remind us of who we are, what we stand for, and what we continue to work toward.” Referencing Psalm 118, Hyde-Smith added encouragement for seeking positivity each day: “Psalm 118 tells us, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ It encourages us to look for the good in each day, not just in the moments that come easily.” Hyde-Smith also acknowledged service members and first responders: “Today and every day, we hold deep gratitude for the brave men and women who serve our country, and for the first responders who stand ready in every community. Their dedication protects our way of life, and we honor the families who support them, especially when service keeps them apart during the holidays.” She encouraged compassion toward those experiencing hardship: “Let us also keep close in our hearts those who are facing hard times — walking through loss, illness, or loneliness.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1968,"Ezell, Mullin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Dredging Coordination in Ports Across Country",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Consumers across America rely on the nation’s maritime shipping industry. To maintain this essential logistics system and keep consumer prices low, Reps. Mike Ezell (MS-04) and Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the bipartisan Dredging Coordination Improvement Act. As cargo and passenger ships increase in size, it’s become even more important for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge shipping channels – the underwater excavation process that enables large cargo and passenger ships to safely traverse waterways that are too shallow. More than 400 ports and 25,000 miles of navigation channels need to be dredged on a regular basis to ensure shipping vessels can reach their destinations and deliver goods to consumers. The Army Corps ultimately decides which channels to prioritize for dredging, and while non-federal stakeholders, such as ports rely heavily on these projects, they are not always adequately consulted and can be left in the dark when there are foreseeable delays. Uncertainty around dredging timelines and project delays disrupt supply chains, costing ports, shipping companies – and ultimately consumers – hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The Dredging Coordination Improvement Act would streamline coordination among stakeholders, particularly between the Army Corps and local partners, prioritize dredging to facilitate commerce and navigation, and increase transparency between the federal government and ports. “I’m proud to co-lead the Dredging Coordination Improvement Act because communities along the Gulf Coast deserve a system that works with them—not around them. By strengthening communication, prioritizing commercial navigation, and giving our local partners the information they need to plan ahead, this bill will help keep our waterways open, our economy moving, and our coastal communities strong,” Ezell said. “America’s maritime infrastructure and commercial shipping industry is essential to the economy here in the San Francisco Bay Area and across our entire country. Ports and consumers rely on the federal government to dredge waterways to ensure ships and the goods they carry arrive efficiently. Dredging delays can cause cost increases and longer wait times for building materials, household appliances, food, and so many other goods that we all rely on,” Mullin said. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that ports and supply chains can operate smoothly. By improving coordination and communication, we are cutting unnecessary delays that cost businesses and consumers alike.” Key provisions of the bill include: Requiring the Army Corps to consult with stakeholders on the scope and timeline of maintenance dredging projects; Prioritizing maintenance dredging in commercially and navigationally critical waters over areas used primarily for recreational purposes; Ensuring timely communication with non-federal sponsors regarding any changes to project timelines; and Increase transparency of federal funding availability to help non-federal sponsors plan in advance.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/chairman-wicker-statement-on-ukraine,Chairman Wicker Statement on Ukraine,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement. “This so-called ‘peace plan’ has real problems, and I am highly skeptical it will achieve peace. Ukraine should not be forced to give up its lands to one of the world’s most flagrant war criminals in Vladimir Putin. The size and disposition of Ukraine’s armed forces is a sovereign choice for its government and people. And any assurances provided to Putin should not reward his malign behavior or undermine the security of the United States or allies. In particular, any suggestion that we can pursue arms control with a serial liar and killer like Putin should be treated with great skepticism.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-wicker-statement-on-mississippi-nominees-favorably-reported-out-of-the-senate-judiciary-committee/991829bf-8e6a-456c-8226-1fae249a9586,Sen. Wicker Questions Nominee for Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Click Here to Watch WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today participated in a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the nomination hearing for Admiral Kevin Lunday to be the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. The transcript is lightly edited for clarity. “Admiral Lunday, the experience of serving in Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) Corps programs has real benefits. A RAND Corporation study found that students who participate in JROTC have higher grades, better attendance rates, and are more likely to graduate from high school than other students. Mississippi was pleased to welcome the Coast Guard’s first JROTC program in the state at Clinton High School in 2023. This is in the heartland district of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is congressionally required to have a JROTC program in every district by December 1st of this year. In 2025, the Senate-passed Coast Guard Authorization Act included a provision directing the Coast Guard to expand JROTC to no fewer than 20 programs by the end of 2026. There are currently 14 programs. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you to get to 14 programs to 20 programs by the end of next year. Would you comment on that?” asked Senator Wicker. “The Junior ROTC programs are great programs, and I know the one at Clinton High School is one of our largest with the greatest participation of many others. I'm proud to tell you that we are ahead of schedule and establishing a Coast Guard Junior ROTC program in every one of the Coast Guard districts. And if confirmed by the Senate, I will work to complete the requirement by the end of 2026, as you describe it,” replied Admiral Lunday. “That's good to hear. It is a citizenship builder, for sure. Let’s move on to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. It’s a real problem. Admiral Paparo commended the Coast Guard for its service in his area of the world in that regard. Do you believe the Coast Guard is serving U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific by combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing?” asked Senator Wicker. “Thank you, Senator. I do. This is a topic I've actually talked personally with Admiral Paparo about. Combating IUU fishing is not just one of our statutory missions. It's actually a national security issue—particularly, pushing back against the malign influence of China and their distant water fleets. Throughout the Indo-Pacific, we see those fleets encroaching on Pacific Island Nations—even on the high seas, violating international rules about illegal fishing—and we don't always have the capability to push back. And we are responsible for protecting our sovereignty. We also help Pacific Island nations. who don't have the capability through our ship writer agreements. So yes Sir, it’s of critical importance,” replied Admiral Lunday. “It's a bit of good news that Amtrak has opened the Mardi Gras service between New Orleans, going across the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, and on to Mobile. Passenger participation has been through the roof, outstripping every optimistic projection we've had. So it's very good news. One lingering issue concerns CSX's effort to remotely operate several drawbridges in Alabama and Mississippi. This company has invested nearly $60 million in safety and automation upgrades to run a remote pilot during the pandemic. Yet they've been working for the last 5 years for full automation approval from the Coast Guard. If confirmed, would you be willing to work with me to resolve this issue and ensure the process better supports minor rail infrastructure while maintaining navigational safety?” asked Senator Wicker. “Senator, I'm aware of the issue. If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working with you to resolve that issue,” replied Admiral Lunday.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bill-repeal-green-new-deal-mandates-add-home-prices,HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL TO REPEAL GREEN NEW DEAL MANDATES THAT ADD TO HOME PRICES,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith, Colleagues Move to Strike Biden-era Standards that Can Tag Another $31K to Building Homes WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate appropriations subcommittee covering federal housing programs, this week cosponsored legislation to eliminate expensive Biden-era Green New Deal housing mandates that make new homes less affordable for buyers. The HOUSE Act (S.3178) would repeal the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Determination on energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. The bill targets 2024 mandates imposed by the Biden administration to force builders to use energy efficiency standards that can add as much as $31,000 to the price of new home. “There are many factors that make home prices out of reach for too many people in Mississippi and all over the country. Government regulations, no matter how well- or ill-advised, should not be compounding the problem, which is exactly what the Biden mandate is doing,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “The HOUSE Act is one step Congress can take to tackle out-of-reach home prices.” “Our nation is facing a housing affordability crisis,” said U.S. Senator John Barrasso M.D. (R-Wyo.), who introduced the bill. “Every day, American families are being priced out of the housing market. The Biden administration’s Green New Deal housing mandates make it even harder for young families to buy their first home. The HOUSE Act repeals these expensive mandates and gives Americans the tools they need to make their dream of owning a home a reality.” “Home affordability is one of the biggest concerns facing young and middle-class families in this country. First time buyers, young families, rural and lower income buyers are especially hard hit. Their biggest obstacle is saving for a downpayment – yet HUD’s Minimum Efficiency standards will unquestionably increase downpayment requirements. The HOUSE Act will help young families achieve the American dream by protecting the mortgage programs they rely on,” Leading Builders of America CEO Ken Gear said. In 2024, the Biden administration mandated that all new single-family housing construction financed through federal housing agencies must meet the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards, even after HUD and USDA indicated in 2023 that these standards would lower new construction for Federal Housing Authority (FHA) borrowers. The revised IECC standards can add as much as $31,000 to the price of a new home, with the energy savings not being realized for 90 years. As such, the net benefit of this rule does not outweigh the significant costs placed on American households. In March 2025, HUD extended the compliance date for FHA-insured Multifamily and Single-Family homes to Nov. 28, 2025, and May 28, 2026, respectively. S.3178 would: Repeal the HUD and USDA Final Determination on energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. Require HUD and USDA to revert to the 2009 standards that are already in effect, which will alleviate the added undue pressure on an already constrained housing supply. Prohibit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from implementing a similar mandate for VA mortgages. Clarify that the Federal Housing Finance Agency has no statutory authority to impose similar mandates. Reform underlying law by prohibiting HUD and USDA from adopting new efficiency mandates unless at least 26 states have already adopted similar standards. Additional original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-wicker-statement-on-mississippi-nominees-favorably-reported-out-of-the-senate-judiciary-committee,Sen. Wicker Statement on Mississippi Nominees Favorably Reported Out of the Senate Judiciary Committee,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after four Mississippi nominees were favorably reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The panel approved Mississippi Supreme Court Justices Robert Chamberlin and James Maxwell for positions on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. The committee also approved James ‘Baxter’ Kruger and Scott Leary, nominees for United States Attorney for Mississippi’s southern and northern districts, respectively. “I am pleased that President Trump’s nominations to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi and for the state’s U.S. Attorneys have passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. Justices Chamberlin and Maxwell and Messrs Kruger and Leary are highly-qualified individuals. They will uphold the law, defend the Constitution, and serve Mississippi well. I look forward to voting for their confirmations on the Senate floor.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-michael-guest-passage-hr-4071-combatting-international-drug,"Congressman Michael Guest on the Passage of H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,MS,Michael Guest,G000591,guest.house.gov,guest,https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations agents play a critical role in the homeland security mission. Every day, AMO agents conduct border operations to detect and disrupt the illegal flow of people, narcotics, and other dangerous or illicit contraband before it reaches our shores. This legislation authorizes AMO, and other designated CBP personnel, to continue and expand these successful bilateral agreements by providing training, building partner-nation capacity, and conducting joint operations that will increase interdictions and enhance regional security to save lives, strengthen our defenses, and make our nation safer. Joined by Representative Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Congressman Guest gained bipartisan supporters on this legislation which passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino expressed his support for the bill, stating, “As Air and Marine Operations carries out its border security mission, Congressman Guest’s legislation would help ensure these brave men and women have the necessary international partnerships to combat drug and human smuggling before this criminal activity ever makes its way to our borders. I was proud to help advance this legislation through the House Homeland Security Committee and through the House of Representatives, and I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same to help CBP in its important mission.” Congressman Guest stated, “I am honored to have introduced H.R. 4071 and to see it be approved in the House. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk. We will continue to work to secure our border and Make America Great Again.” Co-Sponsor Congresswoman Pou stated, “Drug trafficking and human smuggling remain grave problems facing our nation. Our bipartisan bill will provide vital clarity to Customs and Border Protection and our foreign partners to crack down on these scourges. I thank Congressman Guest for leading this effort that will help keep Americans safe and protected.” With the passage of H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025, Congressman Guest is thankful to see bipartisan bills pass through the House Chamber that will strengthen our border security. Read a copy of the bill here. Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District. Currently serving his fourth term, Congressman Guest is the Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:31:22Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1963,Ezell: Democrat-Led Shutdown Finally Ends After Hurting Mississippi Families and Businesses,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after voting to end the Democrat-led government shutdown: “After more than 40 days of unnecessary pain and uncertainty, Senate Democrats have finally agreed to reopen the government — something Republicans, President Trump, and millions of hardworking Americans have been demanding for weeks. I was happy to vote to reopen the government after the Democrats’ deranged shutdown that hurt Mississippi families, businesses, and federal workers lasted nearly 43 days. This shutdown came at a steep cost for Mississippi. Our state’s economy lost an estimated $82 million each week, nearly 26,000 federal workers went without pay, and more than 357,000 Mississippians — including 139,000 children — faced disruptions to SNAP benefits. Republicans passed a clean funding bill back in September to keep the government open and give time for responsible, bipartisan budget negotiations. Yet, Democrats chose politics over people — and nothing has changed because of their obstruction except the damage they caused. Now that this Democrat-led shutdown is finally over, it’s time to return to regular order, finish our appropriations bills, and restore stability for American families. That’s what House Republicans have been fighting for from the start.”",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cruz-act-pressure-postal-service-do-more-fight-mail-theft,"HYDE-SMITH, CRUZ ACT TO PRESSURE POSTAL SERVICE TO DO MORE TO FIGHT MAIL THEFT",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the upcoming holiday shopping season just over the horizon, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced she has cosponsored legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to pressure the U.S. Postal Service to do more to address mail thefts. The Upholding a Secure Postal System (USPS) Act (S.3107) would require the Comptroller General of the United States, who leads the Government Accountability Office, the investigative office for Congress, to submit a report to Congress on nationwide trends in mail theft and postal property. “We must get a better handle on protecting our postal system from shameless porch pirates and the brazen thieves who target USPS drop boxes. This legislation will force the Postal Service to truly assess losses and threats to the sanctity of our postal system, while also giving Congress a clearer path forward to combat this growing problem,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Mail theft has become a growing concern for Texans who depend on a reliable postal service. I am committed to restoring trust in the USPS by addressing the widespread theft of mail, and this bill will bring us one step closer to achieving that goal,” Senator Cruz said. The USPS Act would require annual reports for five years that include measures the USPS has taken to combat theft and recommendations to the USPS and Congress on how to combat these issues. S.3107, which is also cosponsored by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), has been referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over postal service matters. The USPS estimates that at least 58 million packages worth up to $16 billion were stolen in 2024, affecting as many as 58 million victims nationwide. A 2023 report issued by the USPS Office of the Inspector General on the organization’s response to mail theft that, among other things, indicated a need for greater accountability among managers and supervisors and requiring postal inspectors to complete In-Service Basic Mail Theft training. Click here to learn more about reporting mail-related crimes to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-honors-american-servicemembers-veterans-day-2025,HYDE-SMITH HONORS AMERICAN SERVICEMEMBERS ON VETERANS DAY 2025,2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Pays Tribute to Veterans and Their Families. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued a statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families while urging Mississippians to continue showing their support year-round: “We commemorate Veterans Day to honor the profound sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served to defend our nation. Their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment, along with the sacrifices made by their families, are the foundation of the freedoms we cherish as Americans. “Here in Mississippi, our veterans and their families have made extraordinary contributions to protect our national interests both at home and abroad. According to the most recent census, more than 140,000 veterans call Mississippi home – a powerful reminder of the deep well of patriotism and service that runs through our state. “And we, as Americans, bear the duty to ensure our veterans receive the care, respect, and support they deserve. As a grateful nation, we must continue to remember, honor, and actively support our veterans. Not just today, every day.” Hyde-Smith also called on Mississippians to take part in National Warrior Call Day on Sunday, November 16, 2025, a national effort to reach out to veterans and servicemembers to strengthen connections and help reduce the mental health challenges many face after serving our nation. Hyde-Smith is an original cosponsor of the National Warrior Call Day Resolution (S.Res.392), which the Senate passed in September. “It’s a powerful opportunity to reach out to a veteran or servicemember, to check in, to listen, and to remind them they are not alone and will never be forgotten, because freedom is never free,” Hyde-Smith said. Finally, Hyde-Smith is an original cosponsor of the Senate resolution (S.Res.482) that designated the week of Nov. 3-7, 2025, as “National Veterans Small Business Week.” The measure highlights the important role veteran-owned businesses play in contributing to the economy and strengthening communities throughout the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/gop-senators-want-allow-direct-sales-state-inspected-meat-and-poultry-web,GOP senators want to allow direct sales of state-inspected meat and poultry on the web,2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Dan Flynn State-inspected meat and poultry sold on the internet could soon be crossing state lines, as the federal government embraces “direct to consumer” sales. Direct-to-consumer sales are favored by the nascent “Food Freedom” movement for reducing food safety concerns. Many state and local statutes use the technique in scaling back food safety regulations for raw milk and various homemade products. Such a tactic hasn’t come up on the federal level until now. U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-MS, Roger Marshall, R-KS, and Tommy Tuberville R-AL, are sponsoring legislation to allow online direct-to-consumer meat and poultry sales for producers, processors and small meat markets. The bill would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) to allow for the interstate sale of certain state-inspected meat and poultry products, while claiming to “preserve food safety standards.” “As we look at markets now and into the future, we should explore every opportunity to help family farms and ranches succeed.” Sen. Hyde-Smith said. “The DIRECT Act does just that. It would give meat and poultry producers a safe, straightforward way to sell to consumers directly by making federal regulations work for them, not against them.” “The last thing our livestock producers need is more red tape,” said Sen. Marshall. “Like many states, Kansas has strong meat inspection standards that already meet federal requirements. By creating a simple exemption, the DIRECT Act uplifts our ranchers by empowering them to sell their high-quality beef in innovative ways and across state lines.” By amending the retail exemption under federal meat and poultry inspection statutes, S.3099 would allow processors and butchers or other retailers to sell normal retail quantities — 300 pounds of beef, 100 pounds of pork, 27.5 pounds of lamb — of state-inspected meat online to consumers across state lines. The senators further claim that because DIRECT Act sales are conducted through e-commerce, they would be traceable and products could be easily recalled. The new internet sales would impact the 27 states with state meat and poultry inspection (MPI) programs approved at “at least equal to” standards set under the FMIA and PPIA, and subject to the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service to ensure safety protocols are met. Current law restricts the sale of meat and poultry processed at state-inspected facilities across state lines, even if state standards are “at least equal” to FMIA and PPIA standards. To avoid jeopardizing international trade market access, the DIRECT Act would allow retail sales to consumers, minimize the risk of further processing in export, and maintain equivalency agreements with trading partners, according to the senators. Even though the internet is a worldwide sales platform, the sponsors claim their bill would explicitly prohibit the export of MPI products and not allow custom-exempt processors to ship meat in interstate commerce. There is no explanation for how those provisions might be enforced. Major agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, endorse this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/trump-accuses-foreign-owned-meat-packers-inflating-us-beef-prices-and-calls-investigation,Trump accuses foreign-owned meat-packers of inflating U.S. beef prices and calls for investigation,2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Darlene Superville and Steve Karnowski WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump accused foreign-owned meat-packers of driving up the price of beef in the United States and asked the Department of Justice to open an investigation. The Republican president announced the move on social media days after his party suffered losses in key elections in which the winning Democratic candidates focused relentlessly on the public’s concerns about the cost of living. But experts said it’s unlikely that an investigation would result in lower prices at grocery stores, and a trade group representing meat-packers said they’re not to blame. Trump did not present evidence for his claims, writing on social media that “I have asked the DOJ to immediately begin an investigation into the Meat Packing Companies who are driving up the price of Beef through Illicit Collusion, Price Fixing, and Price Manipulation.” He said he was taking the action to help ranchers, who were recently angered by his suggestion that the United States would buy Argentine beef to bring down stubbornly high prices for American consumers. “We will always protect our American Ranchers, and they are being blamed for what is being done by Majority Foreign Owned Meat Packers, who artificially inflate prices, and jeopardize the security of our Nation’s food supply,” Trump said. Why Beef Prices Have Climbed Beef prices have soared to record levels in part after drought and years of low prices led to the smallest U.S. herd size in decades. Trump’s tariffs on Brazil, a major beef exporter, have also curbed imports. Meanwhile, demand for beef remains strong. Prices are high because consumers want to eat it, and they’re willing and able to pay for it, said Glynn Tonsor, who leads the Meat Demand Monitor at Kansas State University. Tonsor said the ownership mix in the meatpacking industry has not changed significantly in the past four years. Concentration in the meatpacking business has been a longtime concern for farmers and politicians on both sides of the aisle. Four major meatpacking companies dominate the beef market in the United States. There’s no evidence to back up claims that the big packers have undue market power and use it to drive up beef prices, said Derrell Peel, an agricultural economist at Oklahoma State University. “The packing industry in this country has been investigated and researched for 50 years, and it’s been an issue for over a hundred years, at least, for some producers,” Peel said, expressing skepticism that consumers or producers will benefit from the investigation Trump announced. “If the outcome is to break up the big packers, the outcome will be higher beef prices for consumers and lower cattle prices for producers,” Peel said. Meat-Packers Say They’re Getting Pinched By High Prices Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin said on Nov. 7 that he and fellow Republican senators Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and Tim Sheehy of Montana visited the White House earlier in the day to speak with Trump about recent volatility in the beef market. Mullin said Trump agreed to have the Justice Department look at the issue. Mullin blamed meat processors, saying that “we’re seeing the same exact game play again out” as a 2019 lawsuit against large meat-packers for violating antitrust laws. JBS, which is based in Brazil, is the largest U.S. beef producer and its second-largest producer of poultry and pork. Half of its annual revenue comes from the United States, where it has more than 72,000 employees. The company has faced price-fixing charges before. In 2022, JBS agreed to a $52.5 million settlement with grocery stores and wholesalers who accused JBS, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods and other companies of working together to suppress the number of cattle being slaughtered in order to drive up beef prices. JBS did not admit wrongdoing as part of that settlement. Messages seeking comment were left with JBS USA. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., recently called on the administration to renew an investigation into meat-packers that was opened in Trump’s first term. Cramer’s office said he has pushed for such a probe since March 2020. The Meat Institute, a trade group that represents JBS and other meat producers, said its industry is being pinched by the price of cattle, despite record prices for U.S. beef. “For more than a year, beef packers have been operating at a loss due to a tight cattle supply and strong demand,” Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said in a statement. “The beef industry is heavily regulated, and market transactions are transparent. The government’s own data from USDA confirms that the beef-packing sector is experiencing catastrophic losses and experts predict this will continue into 2026.” Trump’s accusations have renewed a bipartisan presidential fight against rising food prices. Then-President Joe Biden talked with independent farmers and ranchers about initiatives to reduce food prices by increasing competition within the meat industry.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/chairman-wicker-issues-statement-on-secretary-hegseth-s-acquisition-reform-speech,Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on Secretary Hegseth’s Acquisition Reform Speech,2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commended Secretary Hegseth for his forward-looking speech on acquisition reform, which highlights key steps to modernize the procurement process and strengthen America’s defense industrial base. Secretary Hegseth’s remarks recognized Senator Wicker’s leading role in advancing reform through the FORGED Act, a bipartisan measure streamlining defense contracting and fostering innovation. The secretary also endorsed Wicker’s priorities: a “commercial first” procurement approach to leverage private-sector solutions; expanding the industrial base with new defense technology companies; and empowering acquisition personnel through portfolio management for more efficient capability delivery.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/firearm-access-during-shutdowns-act-introduced-house-and-senate-safeguard-key-firearm-services-amid,“Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act” Introduced in House and Senate to Safeguard Key Firearm Services Amid Government Closures,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Luke McCoy WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coordinated legislative push is underway in both chambers of Congress to ensure federal operations related to firearm background checks and export licensing continue without interruption during future government shutdowns. On October 30 and 31, 2025, lawmakers introduced companion bills in the Senate and House titled the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act (S.3085 and H.R.5874, respectively). The bills, spearheaded by Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6), aim to classify certain federal firearm-related functions as essential services during a lapse in government funding. If enacted, the legislation would prevent the shutdown of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Directorate of Enforcement Programs and Services, and key export licensing operations under the Department of Commerce and the Department of State. According to the bill language, these services would be deemed necessary for “the safety of human life or the protection of property,” a legal designation that allows continued operation under the Antideficiency Act during funding lapses. Employees responsible for carrying out these tasks would be designated as “excepted employees,” permitting them to work through a shutdown. Key Agencies Protected by the Bill: FBI’s NICS: Enables firearm dealers to run background checks on prospective buyers. ATF Enforcement Directorate: Processes firearms licensing and regulatory functions. Department of Commerce (BIS): Handles export licenses for firearm-related goods. Department of State (DDTC): Oversees defense trade controls, including firearms exports. The House bill (H.R.5874) boasts 26 Republican co-sponsors, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Wesley Hunt (R-TX). The Senate version (S.3085) is co-sponsored by 9 Republican senators, including Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). The House version has been referred to the Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs. The Senate version has been sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation responds to concerns voiced during previous shutdowns, where background check processing and export licensing faced slowdowns, potentially delaying lawful firearm transfers and business operations. This bill does not expand or alter any current gun laws but focuses on maintaining the operational status of existing regulatory processes, regardless of budgetary gridlock.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-praises-administration-adding-phosphate-us-critical-minerals-list,HYDE-SMITH PRAISES ADMINISTRATION FOR ADDING PHOSPHATE TO U.S. CRITICAL MINERALS LIST,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Senator Sought Inclusion of Key Fertilizer Ingredient to Stabilize Markets, Bring Production Home WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today praised the Trump administration and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for adding phosphate, a critical fertilizer ingredient for Mississippi’s agricultural sector, to the 2025 Critical Minerals List. Hyde-Smith and other lawmakers in September asked Burgum to include phosphate on the important list after discovering it was not included on a draft critical minerals list issued by the U.S. Geological Survey this summer. The final 2025 Critical Minerals List, which will be formally published in the Federal Register on Friday, includes phosphate and retains potash. “Expensive fertilizer costs are a significant factor in the economic headwinds hitting Mississippi’s agricultural sector. Having both phosphate and potash on the Critical Minerals List should help stabilize supply chains and begin to reduce our dependence on foreign sources,” Hyde-Smith said. “This is smart and commonsense policy, and I praise the President and Secretary Burgum for ensuring these key fertilizer components made the list.” Hyde-Smith was among 19 Senators and 49 House members who, in September, asked Burgum to include both potash and phosphate on the final Critical Minerals List. They argued that doing so would help facilitate domestic phosphate production, strengthen supply chains, reduce reliance on countries like China, lower input prices for farmers, and safeguard American food security. “Phosphate, like potash, is indispensable to global food production and U.S. agriculture. It has no substitutes in farming, and disruptions in supply have immediate and far-reaching consequences for American producers, food prices, and national security,” the lawmakers wrote in September. “Farmers across the country are already experiencing the impacts of market volatility and supply pressures tied to phosphate availability.” Hyde-Smith has used her position on the Senate Agriculture Committee to fight actions and policies that adversely affect the availability and affordability of fertilizers for Mississippi farmers and ranchers, particularly positions taken by the Biden administration. The Critical Minerals List is used to identify minerals with vulnerable supply chains that are essential to the U.S. economy and national security. It helps guide strategic federal investments in domestic production to reduce dependence on foreign sources The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, and The Fertilizer Institute are among organizations that supported the inclusion of phosphate on the final list.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-wicker-honor-delta-state-centennial-us-senate-resolution,"HYDE-SMITH, WICKER HONOR DELTA STATE CENTENNIAL WITH U.S. SENATE RESOLUTION",2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Senators Introduce Commemorative Resolution in Conjunction with University’s Celebration WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today introduced a Senate resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the founding of Delta State University in conjunction with the launch of the school’s year-long centennial celebration next week. The resolution (S.Res.489) remarks on the Mississippi Delta school’s launch in September 1925 as the Delta State Teachers College, its transformation into Delta State University in 1974, and its subsequent growth as a modern institution with a “commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs.” “It’s an honor to recognize Delta State University as it commemorates its history and looks ahead to an even brighter future,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Delta State continues to be a cornerstone of opportunity for students, a source of pride for Cleveland, and a vital asset for the entire Mississippi Delta and our state.” “For the last century, Delta State has been an asset to the Magnolia State. Its alumni have been a boon to our workforce and a gift to the arts. In the next hundred years, I am confident Delta State will remain an engine of opportunity and excellence. I look forward to seeing its continued contributions and achievements,” Senator Wicker said. In addition to lauding traditional Delta State University degree programs, the resolution cites the school’s expansion into other fields through the Delta Music Institute, Commercial Aviation Department, and Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information. It also touches on the university’s role in the community and region, including its role in the designation of the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area and attracting the Grammy Museum Mississippi to Cleveland. The resolution would put the U.S. Senate on record as commending Delta State University “for 100 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States” and recognizing it “for its academic, cultural, and athletic excellence.” Read the Senators’ Delta State University resolution here. The year-long centennial kick-off is slated for Monday, Nov. 10, in the Delta State University Bologna Performing Arts Center Auditorium in Cleveland. Read more here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/phosphate-added-critical-minerals-list-following-lawmaker-advocacy,Phosphate added to critical minerals list following lawmaker advocacy,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Hinds Today U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has expressed support for the Trump administration and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum following the decision to add phosphate to the 2025 Critical Minerals List. Phosphate is an important fertilizer ingredient for Mississippi’s agricultural sector. Earlier this year, Hyde-Smith and other lawmakers urged Secretary Burgum to include phosphate on the list after it was left off a draft version released by the U.S. Geological Survey in the summer. The final list, which will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, now includes both phosphate and potash. “Expensive fertilizer costs are a significant factor in the economic headwinds hitting Mississippi’s agricultural sector. Having both phosphate and potash on the Critical Minerals List should help stabilize supply chains and begin to reduce our dependence on foreign sources,” Hyde-Smith said. “This is smart and commonsense policy, and I praise the President and Secretary Burgum for ensuring these key fertilizer components made the list.” In September, Hyde-Smith joined 18 other Senators and 49 House members in calling for both minerals’ inclusion. They argued that listing these minerals would encourage domestic production, strengthen supply chains, decrease reliance on countries such as China, lower input prices for farmers, and help protect American food security. “Phosphate, like potash, is indispensable to global food production and U.S. agriculture. It has no substitutes in farming, and disruptions in supply have immediate and far-reaching consequences for American producers, food prices, and national security,” wrote lawmakers in their September letter. “Farmers across the country are already experiencing the impacts of market volatility and supply pressures tied to phosphate availability.” Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee where she has opposed policies she believes negatively affect fertilizer availability or affordability for Mississippi farmers. The Critical Minerals List identifies minerals with vulnerable supply chains that are essential to national security and economic interests of the United States. It guides federal efforts aimed at increasing domestic production to lessen reliance on imports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-four-senior-pentagon-nominations,Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Four Senior Pentagon Nominations,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Watch Video Here WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the qualifications of four senior Department of Defense nominees. Mr. Alexander J. Velez-Green, nominated to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Mr. Michael D. Payne, nominated to be Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Mr. Timothy D. Dill, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and Mr. Maurice L. Todd, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, all appeared before the committee. During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker underscored the significance of each role and emphasized the statutory requirement mandating the department consult with the committee on policy matters, rather than simply informing its members after action is taken. Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered. I welcome our witnesses and their families, and I thank them for being here this morning.? We face a threat environment more dangerous than any since World War II and we face it together and the members of this panel will be very much involved in answering that call and I do appreciate them for standing forward and doing that. Mr. Timothy Dill has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. If confirmed, he will oversee nearly all of the department’s policies affecting careers and quality of life for our military and civilian workforce. He would play a key role in ensuring the department fosters a culture rooted in merit, a culture that recognizes excellence, supports families, and remains competitive with the civilian sector. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have refocused the Pentagon on readiness and warfighting, eliminating policies such as DEI above merit and performance. I look forward to hearing Mr. Dill’s vision for strengthening the ways the department manages military and civilian personnel, rewards top performers, and sustains the positive momentum our administration has generated in recruitment. Mr. Maurice Todd has been nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness. The department faces significant hurdles including maintenance backlogs on our aircraft and naval fleet, supply chain disruptions, and a lack of flying hours. If confirmed, Mr. Todd must accelerate reforms in his office. These reforms should help build better tools for senior leaders, equipping them to fix readiness challenges. Then, they must ensure that readiness is measured and reported to Congress in a way that is transparent and fosters accountability. Today, we hope to hear Mr. Todd’s perspectives on how we can improve joint force readiness, leverage emerging technologies and predict readiness gaps, and ensure that our industrial base can sustain operations in a protracted conflict. Mr. Michael Payne has been nominated to serve as the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, or CAPE. If confirmed, he would be responsible for the critical work of providing independent cost analysis for the department’s acquisition programs. However, he would also be inheriting a fractured relationship with Congress, and we need to talk about that today. Congress previously considered actually fully disestablishing CAPE. Instead, Section 902 of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act was passed into law to reform the office. Unfortunately, there has been limited reform to date. Now, the House defense appropriators have contributed their voice to the mix, adding a provision to shrink CAPE, a provision which I support. The congressional defense committees routinely ask the department to justify massive decisions about DOD weapons programs. In response, we often hear that CAPE analyses and advocacy played a determinative role in these decisions and resulting setbacks. We need a strong centralized civilian analytic group to support the secretary and the deputy secretary. But that group needs to be honest about its biases, willing to revisit assumptions, and mindful of that fact that simple modeling analysis cannot possibly capture the complexity of the decisions the Pentagon must face. And that is not what we have right now. And finally, Mr. Velez-Green has been nominated for the position of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for the Policy. If confirmed, he would serve as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. He would have the full power and authority to execute the duties of Under Secretary Colby and would be heavily involved the managing the Policy enterprise, including its relationship with other executive branch actors. Sound judgment is the principal attribute required of the individual serving in this position. He must also bring deep experience in defense policy and in managing large organizations. Mr. Velez-Green no doubt watched this committee’s hearing on Tuesday. He saw that many of this committee have serious concerns about the Pentagon’s policy office and how it is serving the President of the United States and the Congress. On Tuesday, several members reviewed a number of actions taken by the Pentagon’s policy office. We discussed Ukraine security assistance, force posture moves, AUKUS, Japan policy, the National Defense Strategy and where it stands and more. I want to be clear from the outset of this hearing. We ask these questions based on extensive discussion with other administration personnel and with U.S. allies. We do not simply rely on articles from the press. No one at this dais takes everything in the press as gospel truth. Certainly, the president has been treated terribly by the media since he walked down that escalator. To put it simply: We are not asking about any of this simply because we read it in the papers or hear it on the airwaves. Members of this committee are in regular contact with people inside the executive branch, both career civilians and political appointees. We talk to the Japanese, the Taiwanese, the Koreans, and the Baltic nations. In many of these conversations, we hear that the Pentagon’s policy office seems to be doing what it pleases, without coordinating even inside the U.S. executive branch. Some might hope to chalk up such accusations to faulty news reporting. But as I’ve said it is not that simple. Either all these other administration officials and senior foreign officials are deliberately misleading us, or we have a problem coming from this office at the Pentagon, and that problem needs to be cleared up. One way to clean this up is for the Policy shop to meet its statutory requirement to consult with this committee. It is a statutory requirement to consult with this committee, rather than simply informing us of a decision after the fact. I say this at the outset because I think we are going to have more questions today. And as I said on Tuesday, I am under no illusion that everyone involved in U.S. foreign policy agrees on everything. But we need a process that works for the president and the Article One Branch of the government. Unfortunately, we do not have such a process at the moment. That makes it more difficult for the president and the Congress to align our national security against Xi Jinping and all the other junior partner dictators. During today’s hearing, I hope to hear how Mr. Velez-Green would improve the Policy office’s performance, so it aligns more closely with the president on these consequential matters and so that the office works in consult with Congress in a productive way.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-marshall-drop-bill-allow-online-beef-poultry-sales-across-state-lines,"HYDE-SMITH, MARSHALL DROP BILL TO ALLOW ONLINE BEEF, POULTRY SALES ACROSS STATE LINES",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"DIRECT Act Would Help Livestock Producers by Opening New Direct-to-Consumer Sales WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has joined U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) in introducing legislation to create new opportunities for online direct-to-consumer meat and poultry sales for producers, processors, and small meat markets. The Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transaction (DIRECT) Act (S.3099) would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) to allow for the interstate internet sales of certain state-inspected meat and poultry, while also preserving food safety standards. “As we look at markets now and into the future, we should explore every opportunity to help family farms and ranches succeed. The DIRECT Act does just that. It would give meat and poultry producers a safe, straightforward way to sell to consumers directly by making federal regulations work for them, not against them,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “The last thing our livestock producers need is more red tape,” said Senator Marshall. “Like many states, Kansas has strong meat inspection standards that already meet federal requirements. By creating a simple exemption, the DIRECT Act uplifts our ranchers by empowering them to sell their high-quality beef in innovative ways and across state lines.” By amending the retail exemption under federal meat and poultry inspection statutes, S.3099 would allow processors and butchers or other retailers to sell normal retail quantities (300 lbs. of beef, 100 lbs. of pork, 27.5 lbs. of lamb) of state-inspected meat online to consumers across state lines. Because DIRECT Act sales are in e-commerce, sales would be traceable and could easily be recalled. Mississippi is among 27 states with state meat and poultry inspection (MPI) programs approved of “at least equal to” standards set under the FMIA and PPIA, and subject to USDA Food Safety Inspection Service to ensure safety protocols are met. However, current law restricts the sale of meat and poultry processed at state-inspected facilities across state lines, even if state standards are “at least equal” to FMIA and PPIA standards. To avoid jeopardizing international trade market access, the DIRECT Act would allow retail sales to consumers, minimize the risk for further processing in export, and keep intact equivalency agreements with trading partners. It would explicitly prohibit the export of MPI products and not allow custom-exempt processors to ship meat in interstate commerce. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) is also an original cosponsor of the DIRECT Act. The American Farm Bureau Federation, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association endorse this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/wicker-combats-persecution-of-christians-in-china,Wicker Combats Persecution of Christians in China,2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined multiple efforts in Congress to combat the rise of persecution against Christians in China. Wicker, along with Senators Ted Budd, R-N.C., and James Lankford, R-Okla., led a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the State Department to address the mistreatment of Christians by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Specifically, the letter urged the administration to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act on PRC officials responsible for religious freedom violations in China. Senator Wicker joined former Senator Ben Cardin, D-Md., in authoring the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act. Enacted into law in 2016, it grants the U.S. government the ability to sanction individuals for human rights abuse. Additionally, Wicker joined Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas., in a resolution condemning the PRC’s persecution of religious minority groups, including Christians. “The United States has led the world in religious freedom, standing against tyrannical regimes like the People’s Republic of China. We must speak the truth about the regime’s evil crackdown on Christians and other religious groups. We will not stop advocating for those living under the thumb of Xi Jinping’s oppression,” said Senator Wicker. Click here to read the letter to Secretary Rubio.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/11/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-three-senior-pentagon-nominations,Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Three Senior Pentagon Nominations,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Watch Video Here WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the qualifications of three senior Pentagon nominees. Mr. Austin J. Dahmer, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces; Mr. Robert P. Kadlec, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs; and Mr. Michael J. Borders, Jr., nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, all appeared before the committee. Read Chairman Wicker’s opening statement as delivered. I welcome our witnesses and their families, some of whom I just had an opportunity to greet, and I thank them for being here this morning.? We face a threat environment more dangerous than any since World War II.?I say this at almost every hearing because it bears repeating.? In such challenging times, I’m grateful that these individuals have answered the call to serve. Let me just pause for a moment and say this morning we remember a long-time public servant who passed away during the night, former Vice President Richard Cheney, a man who repeatedly answered the call to serve. He was a White House Chief of Staff. He served as Secretary of Defense. He was elected to the House of Representatives some five times and ultimately to the vice presidency, serving in that role for eight consequential years. So, we are thinking today of his family and loved ones today as the committee meets. As to our business, I welcome our witnesses. And, first of all, Dr. Robert Kadlec has been nominated as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs. Last year, Congress created this position because we hoped to align the department’s fractured nuclear management structure. This is an incredibly important position, especially today. China and Russia are rapidly expanding their nuclear arsenals while our own modernization programs are behind schedule. I look forward to working with the department to establish a position in a manner consistent with congressional direction in this NDAA that we are working on right now. Just last week, the president made it clear that he is aware of our nuclear modernization challenges as compared to our adversaries. That was encouraging news that the president is putting emphasis on this. This committee has recognized the issue and proposed we have one position in the Pentagon responsible for nuclear matters, instead of a big bureaucracy. I will note that we have not yet received written intentions from the department about how they will implement the law considering this position. I look forward to hearing Dr. Kadlec’s views on how, if confirmed, he will work to ensure the department follows statutory direction and empowers this position to enact the nuclear reforms we so desperately need. Mr. Michael Borders has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. As I have stated to other assistant secretaries with these responsibilities in the Army and Navy, the military branches have for far too long ignored their facilities. The Air Force is no exception. It is now required by statute to right the ship and continue to work toward a 4 percent annual plant replacement value by 2030, as was made law in last year through our NDAA – which was signed by the president. With his experience as the Commander of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Mr. Borders is especially qualified to address this problem and get the Air Force back on track. Mr. Austin Dahmer has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces. If confirmed, he would have broad, important responsibilities. He would oversee the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and the prioritization and execution of the department’s security cooperation initiatives. Mr. Dahmer would be responsible for DOD’s global force posture and its contingency and theater campaign plans. These responsibilities would effectively make Mr. Dahmer the department’s chief strategist. He would help build the plans to implement the commander-in-chief’s vision. I make this point, in particular, because I have noticed an unsettling trend this year. At times, Pentagon officials have pursued policies that are not in accord with President Trump’s orders or seem uncoordinated within the administration. We saw one example of this last week, in the decision to withdraw an infantry brigade combat team from Romania. I spoke about this in a statement with Chairman Rogers of the House Armed Services Committee. We noted that this decision did not appear to reflect the policy mandate of President Trump. Just two weeks ago, the president had said that troops would not be withdrawn from Europe. It is unclear to me how the move fits with the commander-in-chief’s direction. We’re going to ask that several things be discussed in this hearing, and I hope there are questions and answers in this regard. The department is allegedly conducting a broad review of U.S. forces stationed abroad. I say “allegedly” because the department has not formally conveyed to this committee that it is actually undertaking such a review. We read about it in the newspapers, and last week we saw its earliest manifestation with the abrupt announcement of the withdrawal of an infantry brigade combat team from Romania and Southern Europe. The timing of this is curious at best. For a generation, we have insisted that the Europeans do more, and, thanks to President Trump, they are doing more – as their defense spending reveals. But creating new military force structures and producing the equipment by these allies to accompany it will take years to field. So, the questions arise: Last week, when the Pentagon abruptly withdrew a brigade from Romania, did our department, did our witness, consult with the Romanians prior to the decision to withdraw the brigade from Europe? Romania shares the largest border with Ukraine of any NATO ally. Russia invaded and occupied parts of Ukraine – with whom Romania shares that border. Is there a backfill plan for those forces we are withdrawing? Is the U.S. planning further drawdowns of our ground forces in Europe? If so, this committee and this Congress would appreciate being advised as members of the same American team. Is the department planning to drawdown either of the two brigade combat teams assigned to the Combined Forces Command in the Republic of Korea? The dictator Putin is rattling his nuclear saber at the United States and NATO, while he’s doubling down on his war in Ukraine. The U.S. must always weigh the costs and benefits of troop deployments around the world. I think we would like to know today, “Could we hear thinking of the strategy aspect, strategy portion, of the Pentagon about the signal sent by the decision to reduce troop presence in Europe at this particular time?” In addition, I have been disappointed to see the president’s decisions apparently slow-walked or reversed at other points this year. Earlier, Ukraine stopped receiving our security assistance—even though President Trump wanted to deliver it. When the president was asked about this, he said he did not know who had ordered this. In addition, the AUKUS deal was cast into doubt despite the president’s strong support of the agreement—much to the surprise and dismay of Australia, one of our most steadfast allies. There are strong foreign policy debates in my political party. We do not have consensus on every issue, and I welcome a healthy discussion on America’s role in the world – and I think the president does too. I have supported President Trump’s efforts to blend three approaches to foreign policy, and I have supported the president steadfastly in this regard. He combines a muscular use of the U.S. military, with win-win deals with our allies, and, thirdly, tough negotiations with real red lines for our adversaries. Amid these debates, I think everyone would expect the president’s national security strategy staff to follow his lead and to implement his vision.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/rollins-border-cattle-remain-hold-us-battles-screwworm-threat,Rollins: Border Cattle Remain on Hold as U.S. Battles Screwworm Threat,2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility. Marion Kirkpatrick, Tony St. James, RFD-TV News Staff NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — When egg prices skyrocketed earlier this year, consumers had no substitutes — and the government had no easy fixes. But as beef prices stay near record highs and imported lean trimmings grow scarce, some are asking if the same market squeeze could happen again. With roughly 250,000 Mexican cattle stalled at the southern border due to the ongoing New World Screwworm outbreak, Rollins says the USDA is taking a “not yet” approach to reopening crossings until the risk is fully contained. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says that while cattle are waiting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, now is not the right time— that is, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues working to keep the New World Screwworm from crossing the southern border with those cattle from Mexico. “Just a few weeks ago, we had one that was identified 70 miles from the Texas border, so we, obviously, take this incredibly seriously,” Secretary Rollins said to the media last week at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. “We released a five-point plan. I’ve been down to the border now, announcing a new sterile fly facility. So, we will continue the conversations. We are not there yet. Obviously, in Mexico, there are about 250,000 head of cattle waiting to move over, but I am not convinced yet that we have this under control.” However, without an agreement between ag leaders from the U.S. and Mexico to reopen cattle crossings at the border, and a significant drop in imports from Brazil due to President Donald Trump’s tariff-based trade strategy, which will be under review by the Supreme Court this week, a widening import gap has emerged. According to Steve Dittmer, Executive Vice President of the Agribusiness Freedom Foundation, ground beef has become the nation’s most versatile and affordable cut. Still, that popularity now depends heavily on imported lean beef to meet demand, and he says producers cannot currently keep up with domestic demand and rely on imported trimmings. “So, I think it’s no surprise to everyone in the audience that we are facing a potential crisis with our animal livestock industry, with the screwworm,” Dittmer said. “However, the screwworm, after devastating the American livestock industry in the 1950s and 1960s, took more than a decade to get back out in front of it. We thought it had been eradicated. It had moved all the way back down into South America and has slowly been creeping up.” Imports now make up around 10 percent of the U.S. beef supply, and economists say they are crucial to meeting consumer demand. In previous years, the majority of those imports came from Mexico and Brazil. While American cattle producers hoped to have the space and support to rebuild the cattle herd and meet that need — including an overall reduction in beef imports — persistently low herd numbers and consumer beef prices hovering near record highs are pushing trade leaders to look for new sources. The White House has considered importing more beef to supplement the U.S. supply, and economists say it is likely needed to meet growing demand for ground beef. However, the idea sparked fury among most American cattle producers — following news of a big bailout for the country and a shocking coup of soybean sales to China — as well as confusion among economists who argue that even quadrupling Argentine beef imports would do little to ease consumer prices. Demand Steady for Angus Despite Price Pressure, Market Pessimism In response, we have seen the cattle market flipped on its head in a matter of days, dominating our market discussions in the last couple of weeks. According to market analyst Cassie Fish, the speed of the decline has been unlike anything seen before. She said that many in the beef market are not focusing on facts but rather on emotions, making it difficult for the futures market. “It certainly is very disconcerting — these kinds of dramatic declines,” explained Cassie Fish. “We’ve seen an almost 10 percent decline in December live cattle and 11.6 percent in November feeders. It started on the Seventeenth of October, so that is an incredible speed that we have never really seen before, of this magnitude. And unfortunately, people have lost confidence — certainly in the futures market — and there continues to be some nervousness about additional headlines. You know, if they ease the tariffs on Brazil, for example.” Fish says despite all the noise, the fundamentals have not changed, and U.S. cattle supply will remain extremely tight heading into next year. “We have the tightest supply of the entire bull market cycle right in front of us — November into next summer — and the first quarter will be excruciatingly tight,” she said. “But people do remember, you know, the market topped in the fourth quarter of 2014 and went down during 2015, and that was when we also had our tightest numbers. Now, we do not have the same demand we had then; demand was poor in 2015. Demand has been excellent despite the fact that we do have record-high prices. We’ve had incredible beef demand for all categories of beef.” In reality, consumers are continuing to pay high beef prices, especially for quality cuts of American beef — and the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand delivered another powerhouse year. CAB sold 1.235 billion pounds globally as retail beef averaged $8/lb, with U.S. beef demand hitting a 40-year high. Supply stayed tight — certified carcasses fell 2.9% — yet ranchers still delivered 5.77 million qualifying carcasses at a 37.6% acceptance rate. CAB Prime set a new benchmark at 783,000 carcasses (+3.6%). Foodservice moved 417 million pounds — second-best ever — including a 40.3 million-pound record March. Retailers sold 525 million pounds of ground beef, up 6% from the prior year, and CAB Prime, up 5.6%. Value-added items — deli meats, shaved steak, hot-pot rolls — climbed 9.7%, meeting time-pressed shoppers where they are. International sales reached 179 million pounds across 55+ countries, led by Canada, South Korea, and Mexico. Niche lines — CAB Grass-Fed, Natural, and Ranch to Table — added momentum. CAB President John Stika, speaking at its annual convention over the weekend, said brand partners are sending “a loud, economic signal” back to cattle country — reinforcing the payoff for genetics and management focused on premium quality. Why Ground Beef Won’t Become the Next Egg Shortage Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) said her office has fielded countless calls since President Donald Trump floated the idea of more beef imports from Argentina. She believes the market needs to address itself...and notes that the argument is not the same as when egg prices went through the roof earlier this year. “You can’t replace an egg with anything else. You eat the egg. It goes in cakes. It goes in pies. It goes in bread. You know, you can’t replace that with anything else,” Sen. Hyde-Smith said. “And I understand, you know, and of course, the High-Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) played a factor in that, and I understand we’ve got some concern about that again in a few countries right now. But just getting him to the point of saying, ‘We know what you’re trying to do, but this market needs to be a true market, without any intervention from the government.’ And there are other choices, unlike eggs.” Dr. Jada Thompson, a cattle economist with the University of Arkansas, has been watching the action with beef prices, availability, and the New World Screwworm threat. She says prevention is always the best course of action and usually costs less. “Prevention is always less costly than reaction,” Dr. Thompson explained. “So if we’re being reactionary, it is going to cost us more and be less effective than if we can prevent that disease. So, if we can [stop] the disease from entering the U.S., if we can prevent it from spreading in Mexico, if we can prevent it from getting into Mexico more, and we can move — prevention is going to be less costly in general than reaction to it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-recommend-charlie-kirk-american-heroes-garden,"HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES RECOMMEND CHARLIE KIRK FOR AMERICAN HEROES GARDEN",2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is among 15 Senators who this week recommended the inclusion of Charlie Kirk, the fallen founder of Turning Point USA, in the National Garden of American Heroes. The lawmakers, led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), issued their recommendation in a letter to President Trump, citing Kirk’s historic contributions to the nation and American democracy. “Charlie Kirk has made significant contributions as a leader in civic education, grassroots organization, and public dialogue. Through his work, he has inspired countless young Americans to engage in civic life and to appreciate the responsibilities of citizenship,” the Senators wrote. “His efforts highlight the enduring importance of free expression, active participation, and leadership in strengthening our democracy.” “The inclusion of Mr. Kirk in the National Garden would not only honor his personal achievements but would also underscore the vital role that civic engagement plays in our national heritage,” the Senators continued. Erika Kirk, CEO & Board Chair, Turning Point USA, issued a statement endorsing the Senators’ effort. “My husband’s life was so incredible. Charlie forever changed the direction of this country, and he made it a better place for our children, young people, and families. Charlie’s legacy will be felt for generations to come,” Erika Kirk said. “My husband was a modern American Founding Father, and he deserves every honor and accolade this nation can bestow on him. I am grateful to Senator Cassidy and the 14 other senators who have nominated Charlie for this tremendous honor.” President Trump proposed the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes during his first term to honor “great figures of America’s history.” The garden is also designed to be part of the July 2026 celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In addition to Cassidy and Hyde-Smith, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). Read the Senators’ letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-fellow-republican-senators-urge-trump-include-charlie-kirk-national-garden-american,"Hyde-Smith, fellow Republican Senators urge Trump to include Charlie Kirk in National Garden of American Heroes",2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"The National Garden is to feature statues of historical American figures who have contributed to the nation’s cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage. By Frank Corder Mississippi U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) has joined with 14 of her Senate colleagues in recommending the inclusion of Charlie Kirk, the assassinated founder of Turning Point USA, in the National Garden of American Heroes. The Senators said the inclusion of Kirk in the National Garden “would not only honor his personal achievements but would also underscore the vital role that civic engagement plays in our national heritage.” The National Garden of American Heroes supports the design and creation of statues of historical figures from America’s past who have contributed to the nation’s cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage. The National Garden of American Heroes, proposed by President Donald Trump (R) during his first term, is set to open in July 2026 in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In a letter to President Trump asking him to include the slain Turning Point USA founder, the Senators cited Kirk’s historic contributions to the nation. “Charlie Kirk has made significant contributions as a leader in civic education, grassroots organization, and public dialogue. Through his work, he has inspired countless young Americans to engage in civic life and to appreciate the responsibilities of citizenship,” the Senators wrote. “His efforts highlight the enduring importance of free expression, active participation, and leadership in strengthening our democracy.” In addition to Hyde-Smith, the letter was led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and also signed by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). Erika Kirk, now CEO & Board Chair of Turning Point USA, said her husband forever changed the direction of the country, “and he made it a better place for our children, young people, and families.” “Charlie’s legacy will be felt for generations to come,” Erika Kirk said. “My husband was a modern American Founding Father, and he deserves every honor and accolade this nation can bestow on him.” In Executive Order 13978 on January 18, 2021, President Trump said the National Garden will be a place where citizens, young and old, can renew their vision of greatness and “take up the challenge that I gave every American in my first address to Congress, to ‘[b]elieve in yourselves, believe in your future, and believe, once more, in America.'”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/new-bill-requires-clearer-seafood-labeling-us,New bill requires clearer seafood labeling in the U.S.,2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"U.S. Senator Hyde-Smith introduces the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling Act to ensure that labels understandably include the country of origin and production method. By Marta Negrete U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican from Mississippi, introduced the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act this week, whose purpose, according to the senator's public statement, is ""to ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production."" According to Hyde-Smith's proposal, some imported seafood labels are currently printed in such small print that they go unnoticed, putting U.S. producers at a disadvantage compared to imported alternatives. The Senator's statement also highlighted that the LABEL Act aims to increase transparency for consumers and support the U.S. fishing industry, bringing consumers across the country the standard that is already being applied in Mississippi and Alabama, which have already passed similar legislation requiring clear labeling of all seafood sold in their states. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville supported Hyde-Smith's bill ""Mississippi's seafood industry is already battling a flood of cheap imports, much of which don't meet the same safety standards our domestic producers uphold,"" Senator Hyde-Smith said. ""This bill would ensure American consumers know exactly where their seafood comes from, while giving our domestic fishermen and producers a fair chance to compete,"" she added. Hyde-Smith's Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling Act was supported by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, who joined her in introducing the measure. ""American producers have been undercut by foreign producers dumping their low-quality seafood into our markets,"" said Senator Tuberville. ""There's no better source for fish and seafood than Alabama ponds and the Gulf of America, and we want people to know where their food is coming from,"" he continued. ""I'm proud to join Senator Hyde-Smith in this legislation that bolsters American seafood production, promotes safe seafood consumption, and protects our domestic producers,"" Senator Tuberville concluded. Introduced during National Seafood Month, the LABEL Act also has the support of the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA), Louisiana Shrimp Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, and Organized Seafood Association of Alabama. Understandable label, informed purchase decisions Specifically, the LABEL Act would require that information about the country of origin and production method appear prominently on packaging or display materials, and that it do so in a font size at least as large as that of the product name, so that consumers can easily see and understand it when making their purchase decisions. The proposal also states that, if approved, it would take effect 180 days after its adoption, giving processors, distributors, and retailers time to update their packaging. The LABEL Act, now introduced, builds on the Safer Shrimp Imports Act that Hyde-Smith introduced in February, which would require foreign shrimp to undergo inspections and comply with U.S. food safety standards before being exported to the United States.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/florida-south-carolina-republicans-introduce-bill-ensure-capitol-police-pay-during-shutdown,"Florida, South Carolina Republicans Introduce Bill To Ensure Capitol Police Pay During Shutdown",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Jack Kaminsky In the midst of an ongoing government shutdown, a group of Republican Senators, led by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rick Scott (R-FL), introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act on Wednesday. The legislation is designed to guarantee paychecks for the brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police—including their essential civilian staff and contractors—who continue to work without pay due to the funding lapse. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) rebuked Senate Democrats, whom he blames for the government closure, which he and other Republicans have dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown.” “It is despicable that Democrats continue to drag the Schumer Shutdown on, gladly accepting their own paychecks while refusing to open the government or pay our hardworking federal law enforcement, including our Capitol Police,” Senator Rick Scott said in a statement. “I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure these law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day… aren’t harmed by Democrats’ political games.” The introduction of the bill comes as Congress remains deadlocked over a funding resolution to reopen the government. Focus on Essential Law Enforcement Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), a primary sponsor of the bill, emphasized the vital role of the Capitol Police. “The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it,” he stated. “The Pay Our Capitol Police Act guarantees they receive the pay and support they have earned. These officers protect the American people and an institution of our democracy, and they should not have to miss paychecks because of political games in Washington.” The proposed legislation would ensure continued appropriations to pay Capitol Police personnel for active service and is designed to be automatic and retroactive to the start of the shutdown, remaining in effect until the next appropriations bill is passed. Cosponsors of the bill include a number of Republican Senators: Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Kevin Cramer (R-ND) Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) James Lankford (R-OK) Jerry Moran (R-KS) Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Dan Sullivan (R-AK)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/ole-miss-jd-vance-and-erika-kirk-draw-crowd-10000-turning-point-usa-rally,"At Ole Miss, J.D. Vance and Erika Kirk draw crowd of 10,000 for Turning Point USA rally",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Will Stribling OXFORD — Nearly 10,000 people packed the Sandy & John Black Pavilion at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday for a rally hosted by the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. Vice President J.D. Vance headlined the event, stepping in as the main speaker following the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk last month. Students were prioritized, leaving adults in the general admission line unsure if they’d even make it inside. For Veronica, who traveled from Texas and attended Kirk’s memorial service in Phoenix, just being part of the moment mattered. “I’m happy to sit out here in the cold and not get in because that means that every single student wanted to get in,” Veronica said. For students in line like Southern Miss freshman Clark Piercy, the size and energy of the crowd indicated a growing movement and provided a sense of belonging. “It honestly kind of does speak out that people are getting more involved politically,” Piercy said. “To see this many people out here is very exciting for me.” Piercy added that Kirk’s assassination had hardened his political views and dedication to the Republican Party. He described seeing footage of the shooting on social media as traumatic and said it made him believe “there are people in our country that want to stop free speech.” The event also attracted many of Mississippi’s Republican statewide officials, including Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Attorney General Lynn Fitch. U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith flew with Vice President Vance to attend. The Ole Miss event is the only stop on TPUSA’s “This Is the Turning Point Tour” where Vance is scheduled to appear, and U.S. Rep. Michael Guest said that distinction shows “how important Mississippi is to the conservative movement.” After the rally began, speakers looked out onto a sea of red “Make America Great Again” caps and blended praise for conservative policies with calls for religious revival. Charlie Kirk’s widow and Turning Point USA’s new CEO, Erika Kirk, called on students to carry Turning Point’s campus organizing work forward. “Being on campus right now for me is a spiritual reclaiming of territory,” Kirk said. She said Charlie believed that endeavor would shape America’s future, and his assassination had laid the groundwork for greater success on that front. Kirk also called on students to honor her late husband by courageously defending their beliefs. “I just want this to be the generation that says, we will not apologize for loving our country first,” Kirk said. “We will not be silent about our faith. We will not back down when the world tells us to kneel because we bow only to the King of Kings.” Kirk also pointed to partnerships that aim to expand Turning Point-affiliated “Club America” chapters in high schools as opportunities to reach young people, citing recent support from the governors of Florida and Virginia. Those themes of faith and family were also present in Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech, which he said was intentionally off-script. After leading the audience in a “Hotty Toddy” chant, Vance reflected on his regret of not having children earlier in life and urged students to put their youthful energy toward building nuclear families. “So while you’re young, have those babies if you’re able to. That’s something Charlie said all the time,” Vance said. He connected those personal reflections to policy, arguing that a secure border and stable family structure were intertwined with American prosperity. “Why do I care so much about having a secure border in the United States of America? It’s because I believe that when you let in a flood of illegal immigration, it drives down the wages of young people and makes housing unaffordable,” Vance said. In the Q&A that followed, which Vance said was meant to carry on Kirk’s tradition of direct student engagement, he said legal immigration should be reduced and defended President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to major cities led by Democrats. While the rally drew its large crowd, a smaller counter-event dubbed the Mississippi “Rise Up Town Hall” was held nearby by University of Mississippi College Democrats and other liberal student groups. The event’s featured speakers included Democratic elected officials from other states, such as California Congressman Ro Khanna and Tennessee state Rep. Gloria Johnson.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1955,Ezell Introduces Bill to Restore Flood Insurance Coverage for Homeowners Impacted by Shutdown,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) today introduced the NFIP Retroactive Renewal and Reauthorization Act, legislation to immediately restore the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and ensure that those who plan to renew are not punished due to the Democrat-led government shutdown. Because of the ongoing shutdown, NFIP has lapsed — meaning no new flood insurance policies can be issued or renewed. Now that the short grace period has expired, thousands of homeowners could face partial-risk assessments and higher rates unless Congress passes a retroactive extension. This lapse threatens tens of thousands of Mississippi families, delays home closings, and leaves homeowners uninsured in the middle of hurricane season. It also punishes families already struggling with rising premiums, potentially wiping out years of progress toward affordable coverage. Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, many policyholders aren’t yet paying full-risk rates. Without a retroactive renewal, those partial-risk protections could be lost — forcing families to start over at drastically higher prices. “This shutdown is hurting real people — and coastal families are feeling it first,” Ezell said. “Because Washington Democrats refuse to do their job, Mississippi homeowners can’t renew their flood insurance policies, and families trying to buy or refinance a home are being left in limbo. My bill will fix that by restoring coverage retroactively and protecting families from the fallout of this political dysfunction. Mississippians shouldn’t lose their insurance or face higher costs because of a political stalemate in Washington. It’s time to reopen the government, restore flood coverage, and deliver the certainty our coastal communities deserve.” ""As evidenced by the ongoing lapse of NFIP, a long-term reauthorization is necessary for sustainabilty of the program and affordability for its policyholders. This lapse now threatens the premium increase glidepath guaranteed to legacy NFIP policyholders who have played by the rules. Our analysis of FEMA data shows that NFIP premiums under Risk Rating 2.0 are rising by over 100% on average and by at least 50% in 41 states. Reauthorizing NFIP retroactively ensures that these glidepaths are retained, thus encouraging cost-burdened Americans to maintain coverage and mitigate our nation's risk,"" Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., on behalf of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI) said. “As CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, I cannot overstate the urgency of extending the National Flood Insurance Program. Right now, thousands of families in Southeast Louisiana are on the brink of losing affordable flood coverage due to the government shutdown and the harsh realities of Risk Rating 2.0. If Congress does not act immediately, homeowners and small businesses will be forced into unaffordable premiums, putting their homes, livelihoods, and our entire region at risk. This bill is not just necessary—it is critical to prevent a wave of financial devastation and to preserve the resilience of our communities. We urge swift passage to protect Louisiana families before it’s too late,"" Dan Mills, CEO of Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, said. ""The National Flood Insurance Program is a critical lifeline for American households to avoid economic ruin from flooding disasters. The private flood insurance industry may hold promise, but it is nowhere near ready to come close to providing the level of security the NFIP provides. It is imperative that the program be re-authorized and retroactively available to those whose policies lapsed during the shutdown so they don't end up re-rated and priced out of this important protection,"" Amy Bach, Executive Director, United Policyholders. ""The federal government shutdown has stopped purchases and renewals of all flood insurance policies through the NFIP. This has a far-reaching impact on many facets of the American economy, not just compromising the safety net of flood insurance, but also impacting real estate closings & risk management strategies. Now more than ever, American families are reliant on the protection offered by a strong, resilient National Flood Insurance Program. The American Policyholder Association strongly encourages the passage of the NFIP Renewal and re-authorization Act,"" Doug Quinn Executive Director, American Policyholder Association said. Background: Across the country, FEMA is barred from processing renewals or issuing new NFIP policies until the government reopens. In Mississippi alone, there are more than 55,000 active NFIP policies covering over $13 billion in property value — coverage that families and small businesses depend on to recover from storms and flooding. Ezell’s legislation would reauthorize the NFIP through December 31, 2026, and include a retroactive renewal period to ensure families whose coverage expired during the shutdown can renew without penalty once the government reopens. The legislation also renews the program through 2026 to provide long-term stability and ensure continued congressional oversight of FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 system — a controversial pricing model that has driven up premiums and reduced affordability for thousands of Gulf Coast homeowners. Ezell serves as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Flood Resilience Caucus and continues to advocate for common-sense, bipartisan reforms to strengthen and sustain the NFIP for Mississippi and other flood-prone communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/farm-assistance-national-security-issue,Farm Assistance is a “National Security Issue”,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Chad Smith It’s a tough time for production agriculture in the U.S., especially in grain farming. Mississippi Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said things are heading in the wrong direction. ""Well, you don’t have to talk to many farmers to quickly understand that we’re headed in a dark direction there, particularly on the row crop side of things. We all know it’s the input costs, the interest rates are through the roof, the crop prices aren’t what they need to be, and farm bankruptcies are soaring. There are many reasons for that, but this is a serious, serious thing. You are going to see producers literally go out of business if we don’t give them a bridge, a landline, right now.” The reason farmers need a bridge is that the One Big Beautiful Bill’s programs don’t start until next year. “Farmers can’t wait that long. They will not be able to meet their financial obligations, their current debt, and also while they’re trying to secure financing for next year’s crop without a bridge, and we’re going to have to get there. Last year, I would say a part of working on that, and we were successful, but I mean, it is like it was work. It was Major. It was a challenge. And that’s one of the times that you hit the Senate floor, and you’re going to the leaders, and then you have to run over to the House side and say, ‘This is not the way this is going to end. We have got to get this supplemental out the door.’ And we were able to do that, but it was touch-and-go. I mean, it’s one of those times when, you know, I’m so guilty of diving in neck deep, but there was so much anxiety with that because so much was at stake.” She calls the farm crisis a national security issue.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-bill-boost-aviation-security,HYDE-SMITH BACKS BILL TO BOOST AVIATION SECURITY,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Senator Cosponsors SAFEGUARDS Act to End Diversion of Airport Security Funds WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced her support for legislation to ensure revenue already being collected from the flying public is used, as intended, to improve aviation and airport security. Hyde-Smith has cosponsored the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act (S.2378), which would end the diversion of 9/11 Passenger Security Fee (PSF) revenues for non-security uses and instead invest those funds in airport security. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) authored the bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act. “Diverting of 9/11 passenger fees from their intended use ultimately weakens airport security and diminishes the flying experience for passengers and airport workers alike. It’s time to make sure these fees are spent to enhance security at large and small airports,” said Hyde-Smith, who also serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. The $5.60 fee paid by each airline passenger for each one-way ticket is intended to be used to fund aviation security. However, more than $13 billion of the collected PSF charges have been diverted to non-security uses since 2014. To put that into context, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens millions of passengers and their luggage daily at 2,400 security lanes at 420 airports nationally. S.2378 would advance through technology upgrades for passenger and baggage screening, security technology upgrades, and aviation security personnel support. It would allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems (EDS); and set aside $250 million annually for security checkpoint technology improvements. “Increased air travel, coupled with lack of investment in security checkpoints and aging systems, has resulted in outdated screening technology and longer security lines,” Senator Moran said. “This legislation would return the passenger security fees to their original intent of making U.S. air travel as safe and efficient as possible by investing the collected fees in deploying new technology to maintain a safe flying experience.” Several airlines and air transportation groups support the SAFEGUARDS Act, including the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, American Association of Airport Executives, Airports Council International – North America, Southwest Airlines, and others. “Despite travelers paying the 9/11 Security Fee on every U.S. flight to improve aviation security, that funding continues to be diverted to pay for unrelated government spending, resulting in a tax on American travelers that has severely delayed critical security modernization,” said Tori Barnes with the U.S. Travel Association. “Without action, travelers won’t be able to carry larger liquids through TSA checkpoints for another 20 years. That’s why U.S. Travel strongly supports the bill to modernize aviation security and finally give Americans the travel system they deserve.” “The SAFEGUARDS Act is common-sense legislation that returns the fees that travelers pay for security to their original, intended purpose: improving security and facilitation for travelers. Making smart investments in advanced technology security checkpoints and checked baggage systems in airports across America will streamline efficiencies, keep travelers safe and make our aviation system even more secure. All of this will help ensure that the U.S. is ready to welcome the world for a historic decade of major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, as well as the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio said. S.2378 has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-introduces-label-act-require-clear-seafood-labeling,HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES ‘LABEL ACT’ TO REQUIRE CLEAR SEAFOOD LABELING,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Offered During National Seafood Month, Hyde-Smith Bill Aims to Strengthen Transparency for Consumers, Support U.S. Seafood Industry WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday introduced the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act, legislation to ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production. The LABEL Act (S.3065) would require country of origin and production information to appear prominently on packaging or display materials, in a font size at least as large as the product name, so consumers can easily see and understand it when shopping. Currently, some imported seafood labels are printed so small they are easily overlooked, putting U.S. producers at a disadvantage when competing with imported alternatives. “Mississippi’s seafood industry is already battling a flood of cheap imports, much of which don’t meet the same safety standards our domestic producers uphold,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “This bill would ensure American consumers know exactly where their seafood comes from, while giving our domestic fishermen and producers a fair chance to compete.” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) joined Hyde-Smith in introducing the measure. “American producers have been undercut by foreign producers dumping their low-quality seafood into our markets. There’s no better source for fish and seafood than Alabama ponds and the Gulf of America, and we want people to know where their food is coming from,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m proud to join Senator Hyde-Smith in this legislation that bolsters American seafood production, promotes safe seafood consumption, and protects our domestic producers.” Mississippi and Alabama have already passed similar legislation requiring clear labeling of all seafood sold in their states. The LABEL Act would bring that same standard to consumers nationwide. Specifically, the LABEL Act would: Require the country-of-origin label for fish and shellfish to be printed in a font size at least as large as the product name on packaging, displays, or bins. Take effect 180 days after adoption, giving processors, distributors, and retailers time to update their packaging. The LABEL Act is supported by the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA), Louisiana Shrimp Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, and Organized Seafood Association of Alabama. This legislation complements Hyde-Smith’s earlier efforts to strengthen food safety and transparency. In February, the Senator introduced the Safer Shrimp Imports Act (S.667), which would require overseas shrimp to undergo inspections and meet U.S. food safety standards before exporting to the United States.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-senator-pushes-national-seafood-labeling-bill,Mississippi senator pushes national seafood labeling bill,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Video: The LABEL Act would require that all seafood be clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production. By WLOX Staff BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is pushing for a national seafood labeling bill. The Republican senator from Mississippi, along with U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, introduced the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act. Hyde-Smith said the legislation would make sure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm-raised, is labeled with its country of origin and method of production. “Mississippi’s seafood industry is already battling a flood of cheap imports, much of which don’t meet the same safety standards our domestic producers uphold,” Hyde-Smith said. “This bill would ensure American consumers know exactly where their seafood comes from, while giving our domestic fishermen and producers a fair chance to compete.” The LABEL Act would also require the label to be printed in a font size at least as large as the product name on packaging, displays, or bins. Supporters argue that this would stop producers from printing the label so small that consumers could easily miss it. “We want people to know where their food is coming from,” Tuberville said. If enacted, the LABEL Act would go into effect 180 days later.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/10/chairmen-of-senate-and-house-armed-services-committees-we-strongly-oppose-the-pentagon-s-decision-to-scale-back-the-u-s-troop-presence-in-romania,Chairmen of Senate and House Armed Services Committees: We Strongly Oppose the Pentagon’s Decision to Scale Back the U.S. Troop Presence in Romania,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement expressing concern with the Pentagon’s announcement that it will discontinue the rotational U.S. brigade in Romania, which appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the President’s strategy: “We strongly oppose the decision not to maintain the rotational U.S. brigade in Romania and the Pentagon’s process for its ongoing force posture review that may result in further drawdowns of U.S. forces from Eastern Europe. On March 19, we stated that we will not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure that are made without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Staff, and collaboration with Congress. Unfortunately, this appears to be exactly what is being attempted. Two weeks ago, President Trump stated that the United States would not be withdrawing U.S. forces in Europe, but instead “may move some around a little bit.” The President is right that U.S. force posture in Europe needs to be updated as NATO shoulders additional burdens and the character of warfare changes. But that update must be coordinated widely both within the U.S. government and with NATO. Romania has been a strong ally, making major investments to host U.S. forces and modernize the infrastructure that supports them. Romania has spent over 2% of GDP on its military for many years and has pledged to achieve 5% of GDP. These investments, alongside their contributions to NATO’s eastern defenses and Black Sea security, underscore Romania’s central role in the Alliance’s security. Notably, since 2016, Romania has hosted a U.S. Aegis Ashore missile defense detachment, accepting substantial political, military, and economic risk to field systems designed primarily for the defense of NATO allies rather than its own territory. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, our European allies have agreed to shoulder historic levels of the burden of collective defense. However, European rearmament will take time. Pulling back U.S. forces from NATO’s Eastern flank prematurely, and just weeks after Russian drones violated Romanian airspace, undermines deterrence and risks inviting further Russian aggression. This decision also sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment President Trump is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine. The President has it exactly right: now is the time for America to demonstrate our resolve against Russian aggression. Unfortunately, the Pentagon’s decision appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the President’s strategy. It is concerning that Congress was not consulted in advance of this decision, particularly given the clear, bipartisan, and bicameral support for a robust U.S. posture in Europe expressed in both the House and Senate versions of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation also makes clear the Congressional intent that no modifications be made to the U.S. posture in Europe absent a thorough review process.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hospital-fighting-status-change,Hospital Fighting Status Change,2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Paul Keane MEADVILLE – Major changes could be coming to the Franklin County hospital if congressional or state changes aren’t made before Jan. 15, 2026. Franklin County Memorial Hospital leaders have been working with state and federal officials to try and get a decision from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to overturn a ruling from Jan. 15 of this year moving the facility from a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH). The designation would make a huge difference in the amount and kind of services the local hospital could offer to residents. The letter from CMS was part of the normal recertification for the hospital. The change in status seems to result from requirements that a CAH facility be located a certain number of miles away from similar services. In the Jan. 15, 2025 letter, Melissa Foreman, RN, CCM, CPHQ — the Acute and Continuing Care Branch Manager for the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality — stated the following: “During the recertification review, Franklin County Memorial Hospital is located less than 35 miles from King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, of which there is not 15 miles of secondary roads available between the hospitals and therefore found to be noncompliant with the distance requirement to remain a CAH.” The letter also asks for documentation that would change the mileage requirements be submitted by Feb. 14. “If no documentation exists, your facility will need to convert to another provider type in the Medicare program by Jan. 15, 2026 to avoid termination of the Medicare provider agreement between Franklin County Memorial Hospital and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.” In order to obtain or maintain a CAH designation, the facility must be located more than a 35-mile drive on primary roads (or, in the case of mountainous terrain or in areas with only secondary roads available a 15-mile drive) from a hospital or another CAH. To determine the driving distance, federal highways — including interstates, intrastate, expressways of any other numbered federal highway with two or more lanes each way or a number state highway with two more lanes each way. It was believed for many years that one reason FCMH had the CAH designation was due to the fact that it was more than 15 miles along rural roadways to Jefferson County Hospital. Roughly three years ago, that facility changed its status to an REH. The local facility is roughly 32 miles away from King’s Daughters, meaning the 35-mile rule could not be used for CAH designation. The local facility has enjoyed the CAH designation since 2009, but now it is in jeopardy if something isn’t worked out before Jan. 15, 2026. Since receiving that letter, FCMH Administrator Michael Boleware, Hospital Board Attorney Lane Reed and countless other local people have been working to hold onto the CAH status, which has been in place since 2009. A change from a CAH to an REH will mean the hospital won’t provide acute care and there will be no in-patient services available. Boleware said that if an elderly patient with something as simple as pneumonia could stay in the facility for 24 hours but then would have to be moved to another facility for extended care. The change in status could also affect employment in a negative way. “Prior to becoming a Critical Access Hospital in 2009, there were 64 employees at the hospital,” Boleware said. “Now, we have 229 employees. We’ve been able to grow because of the CAH status. “It gives you the ability to grow and grow slowly as you increase services and also increase your patient volume. That’s what we’ve been doing for the last 15 years — enjoying slow growth.” Being designated as an REH would cut into patient volume, meaning the local facility would have to find ways to be more efficient. “An REH facility is volume driven,” Boleware said. “In an area like Franklin County, where is that volume going to come from? “We’re trying to be innovative. We have been meeting with department heads for months trying to find out what more we can do in regards to labs being done in-house, more radiology services and more respiratory services. We’re trying to think outside the box and find ways that we can be innovative while being as efficient as possible.” Local officials have also been speaking with congressional leaders — including U.S. Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker — and have even met with White House officials in an attempt to either have the decision overturned or at least an extension given until the issue can be resolved. So far, according to those officials, every attempt has “run into a brick wall.” The office of Hyde-Smith provided the following response: “I am very concerned about the Franklin County hospital losing its Critical Access Hospital designation, which has allowed the hospital to remain financially stable as it provides a multitude of health care services to Meadville and the surrounding communities,” Hyde-Smith, said. “I do not want to see the community to suffer from a lack of access to that care. I continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate, the Trump Administration, CMS and the Governor’s Office to find a path forward that would allow the hospital to retain its CAH designation. We’re not there yet, but this remains a top priority for me.” Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations Subcommittees and has worked to use the appropriations process to address the CAH designation issues, the statement point out. It also says the Senator has aggressively reached out to CMS, including CMS Administrator Dr. Oz, regarding the local facility and other rural facilities in Mississippi. The statement further says the senator is continuing to encourage the Senate Finance Committee to consider a legislative fix for the CAH issue, which also affects other rural health care providers across the country. Wicker said he is willing to continuing working on behalf of the local hospital. “Senator Hyde-Smith and I are working with elected officials and the hospital to retain Franklin County Memorials’ current designation,” Wicker said. “It is imperative rural communities in Mississippi have access to quality health care. Hospitals in Mississippi must have the resources they need to serve our constituents well."" “We’ve been working on this issue for nine months now,” Boleware said. “We’ve met with CMS, White House and congressional leaders and staff. There are many avenues for a waiver and we’ve explored nearly all of them. ""One thing that we constantly hear is that a waiver for us would open the floodgates for other hospitals. We say that it would be only a leak in the faucet.” Boleware said the process of fighting for the designation has been challenge at best. “We’ve beat our heads for nine months with this issue,” he said. “We’ve had multiple meetings with our senators, our congressmen and everyone we could meet with. It seems like everywhere we go, there is a roadblock.” The REH designation, established by CMS in 2023, is intended to help rural hospitals remain open and financially sustainable by focusing on emergency and outpatient care. Under the REH designation, though, the local hospital would not be able to provide general inpatient services. Under this model, FCMH would continue to provide: 24-Hour Emergency Services Outpatient diagnostic, imaging, laboratory and rehabilitation services A comprehensive Ventilator/Tracheostomy Weaning Program Inpatient Swing Bed services for patients requiring short-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing care following hospitalization While the hospital would no longer provide general inpatient admissions if it receives the REH designation, the programs that will be continued will allow the facility to care for patients locally during recovery, rehabilitation and long-term respiratory hospitalization. This includes Inpatient Swing Bed Services, which provides short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care for patients recovering after hospitalization — for example, following surgery, stroke, or injury. These services are focused on helping patients regain strength and independence so they can safely return home, and are not intended for active treatment of conditions such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection. Boleware said plans are to continue the Ventilator/Tracheostomy Weaning Program but that things might have to be scaled back somewhat. “One thing that would change is there may not be one respiratory therapist for each patient,” he said. “That is not a definite, but it is something we would have to look at doing. “Let me say, though, that our staff can handle more than one patient at a time. I have the utmost confidence in our staff and our therapists to work with multiple patients and still provide the same quality care.” There is hope that money from the “Big Beautiful Bill” could assist in the issue. A total of $50 billion was allocated to the state for rural healthcare transformation, with $25 billing being awarded to facilities through a competitive grant program and other other $25 billion being administered by Gov. Tate Reeves. Boleware and Reed both said the competitive grant program is not an option at this time due to the fact that guidelines for applying for a grant have yet to be established. With the current shutdown of the federal government, there is no timetable for when those guidelines and applications will be available, but it is not expected to happen before Jan. 15, 2026. The administrator said while he has helped move facilities into CAH status, this is the first time he’s dealt with a facility being given an REH designation. “I’ve been working with hospitals for 30 years now, and I have more questions than answers,” he said. “If not every day then every two or three days things are changing. “We are going to keep working to find a solution to this issue because we want to continue providing quality care in as many areas as we can for local everyone in this area.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2025/10/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-to-consider-four-senior-pentagon-nominations,Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Four Senior Pentagon Nominations,2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Watch Video Here WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the qualifications of four nominees to serve in senior roles at the Pentagon. Mr. Marc J. Berkowitz, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, Dr. Joseph S. Jewell, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, Mr. James R. Caggy, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities, and Mr. Brendan P. Rogers, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, all appeared before the committee. In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker underscored the critical nature of these positions and their vital roles in advancing the Department of Defense’s mission. Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered. I welcome our witnesses today and thank them for being here. The American people need public servants to step up and help us deter our enemies. We face a threat environment more dangerous than any since World War II.? I say this at almost every hearing because it bears repeating. In such challenging times, I am grateful that these individuals have answered the call to serve. Space is an increasingly contested domain. Peer adversaries China and Russia have been rapidly advancing their capabilities to challenge U.S. dominance and disrupt our space-based assets. As these nations invest heavily in anti-satellite weapons and electronic warfare, the United States must move with urgency to stay ahead. Mr. Marc Berkowitz has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. If confirmed, he will play a critical role in developing policy. That policy must ensure our space systems are not only modern and resilient but also fielded on timelines that match or outpace our adversaries. We simply cannot deter war with China if we do not have dominance in space.? Our national security depends on maintaining strategic advantage in that domain, and that requires forward-leaning leadership. Dr. Jewell is nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology. The department currently faces bureaucratic bottlenecks when it works to transition technology into fielded weapon systems. If confirmed, Dr. Jewell would help remove those inefficiencies. Additionally, he must ensure that our tech research is properly secured from theft by our adversaries. Research security is paramount, whether it has been conducted at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center or at affiliated universities that work on behalf of the department. Mr. Caggy is nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities. If confirmed, he will lead a broad portfolio. His office would coordinate experimentation campaigns that help integrate innovative weapons into the joint force. Those efforts will help us field new systems more quickly. I would like to understand his views on how the department can more effectively bridge any interoperability challenges across our diverse weapon systems.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/usda-cattle-plan-agricultural-agency-unveils-plan-reinvigorate-cattle-industry,USDA cattle plan: The agricultural agency unveils plan to reinvigorate cattle industry,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Carrie Stadheim, Editor and Rachel Gabel, The Fence Post Assistant Editor The US Department of Agriculture revealed a plan on Oct. 22, 2025, to “fortify” the American beef industry, strengthen ranches, rebuild capacity and lower costs for consumers. The plan announcement comes on the heels of several attention-grabbing comments from President Trump including a statement to reporters on Oct. 16 that he had worked his “magic” to lower beef prices, and then a comment on Oct. 19 that he planned to “buy some beef from Argentina.” Agricultural members of social media platforms discussed little else for days on end – speculating on what kind of deal the president was actually inking, and how it would affect cattle prices. Meanwhile as heated discussions ensued, cattle futures took some hits with live cattle prices remaining strong as a whole, but smaller packages and “misfits” were reported to be slightly devalued when compared to recent months. According to USDA, Foot and Mouth disease is not active in Argentina, but it, along with many other countries are considered “free but subject to restrictions,” with the explanation from USDA below: “The regions listed under paragraph (a)(2) of this section have been declared free of foot-and-mouth disease by APHIS as provided in § 94.1(a) but supplement their national meat supply by the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) meat of ruminants or swine from regions that APHIS considers to be affected with foot-and-mouth disease as provided in § 94.1(a); or have a common land border with regions considered to be affected with foot-and-mouth disease; or import ruminants or swine from regions considered to be affected with foot-and-mouth disease under conditions less restrictive than would be acceptable for importation into the United States. Thus, the meat may be commingled with the fresh (chilled or frozen) meat of animals from an affected region, resulting in an undue risk of introducing foot-and-mouth disease into the United States,” said the USDA import rule. Cattle and beef groups say importing beef is not a guarantee of lower prices at the meat counter. Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association told The Fence Post that quadrupling of the quota for Argentinian beef will have a “negligible impact” on “the cattle supply chain and the consumer price paid at the grocery store…the fact is we are not talking about a tremendous amount of beef, but we’re talking about additional beef coming from a trading partner that we’ve had long-standing concerns with,” he said they are “not good stewards of cattle health” and referenced trade imbalance with the country. R-CALF pointed out that the importation of beef has been ongoing for many, many years. “For decades, the government has been inviting imports from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Namibia, claiming these increased imports would provide consumers more choices and lower consumer beef prices. This did not work and cannot work in a market where these imports are not differentiated with a country of origin labeling and where competitive market forces have been replaced with corporate control by concentrated global beef packers and concentrated beef retailers,” said Bill Bullard, the group’s CEO in a prepared statement. The USDA cattle and beef plan includes: 1. USDA-DOI Grazing Action plan Action items: USDA and the Department of Interior signed a Memorandum of Understanding to streamline and expand grazing on federal lands. USDA will set up regional meetings to identify producer priorities, create a joint (USDA-DOI) customer interface for grazing permit holders, develop new standards of evidence for predation of livestock. The Risk Management Agency has expanded the beginning farmer definition from five years to 10 years. 2. Consumer transparency Action items: Beginning January 1, 2026, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service will enforce compliance on “product of the USA claims” to ensure origin claims are accurate. This is not mandatory Country of Origin Labeling. It is a strengthening of voluntary labeling rules. Reduce overtime and holiday inspection fees for small processors. Create a grant application for as many as 50 small beef processors to receive up to $2 million per processor. 3. Build Demand alongside domestic supply Action items: encouraging schools to source locally grown foods. New Dietary Guidelines to be released Dec. 31, 2025. Jack Payne, a rancher and owner of Nevada Livestock Exchange and Hayden Ballard, a rancher and federal lands attorney from Utah, were invited to a private meeting with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert. Kennedy, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Kelly Loeffler, the U.S. Secretary of the Small Business Administration. Payne and Ballard then spoke briefly with President Trump. Payne said he and the president talked momentarily about the effect tariffs and the closure of the Mexican border have had on cattle prices. Payne said with only about an hour to speak with the Secretaries, he and Ballard were obviously unable to adequately describe all of the challenges facing the U.S. cattle industry. Because both men had met with Secretary Rollins about six weeks ago, their meeting this past week was a review of those issues they had prioritized earlier, including: restoring suspended and vacant federal grazing allotments, addressing feral horses on federal lands, updating the Endangered Species Act, meat labeling reform, the 30-month rule and checkoff reform. Ballard said, “The general message from us was we need to restore confidence in our domestic producers and we need to restore confidence in the markets, but we also need to restore confidence for our federal land grazers that they do have a future raising cattle on these allotments,” he added. “To do that we need…well, there’s several things we need, but…to do that, importing beef is not the answer. We already import far more than we should, in my humble opinion.” He said for the SBA, the priority seems to be to deregulate wherever possible to support small businesses; the USDA’s priority seems to be increasing opportunities for young ranchers to enter the business and provide regulatory relief; from Sec. Kennedy, the focus seems to be improving the dietary guidelines in a way that promotes protein consumption. As a group, he said the conversation this week reiterated economics, national monument designation, grazing challenges with personnel either unduly influenced by NGOs or who are antigrazing, and ensuring the success of ranchers outside of issuing relief checks. “My read of the entire USDA at this point is they realize that ranchers don’t want a check – and when I say we don’t want more money, we don’t want more government money, we don’t want a handout, we don’t want more subsidies – just give us a level playing field,” he said. In previous conversations, Payne and Ballard highlighted the need to re-work the Endangered Species Act. The regulation is used as a tool to force ranchers off federal and private land, and many examples exist of revitalized species that are never delisted, which means land use restrictions are ongoing. They specifically pointed out the need to delist the wolf in light of extreme wolf depredation in areas around the country including California, Colorado and more, and re-introduction of known killing packs in the heart of Colorado. The ranchers urged support for common sense policies dealing with feral horses on federal lands. Negligence in managing the horses and land has led to unfit conditions on federal lands and in feedlots for the wild equines. Beef labeling was discussed. Payne said consumers need to understand that they are being misinformed with deceptive labeling and USDA labels that consumers assume are an indication of a USA product. Payne, who was sorting cattle for a feeder calf sale the following day (Oct. 24, 2025) acknowledged that his consignors are nervous for the sale, and justifiably so. “This is a rancher’s income. The get a check a couple of times a year. A blip or a dip in the market makes a big difference. People who aren’t in the cattle industry don’t understand that,” he said. Payne said he expects the cash price for cattle to remain strong, but he understands why producers and feeders are gun-shy after “black swan” events have crashed rising markets in recent years. Payne does admit the USDA plan looks subsidy heavy, and he hopes the concentration on policy is the priority. “I would rather see tax breaks for young producers,” he said. “Instead of giving us money, let us keep our own.” A.J. Richards, CEO of From the Farm traveled to Washington along with Payne and Ballard. He had also taken part in the earlier meeting with Rollins. He is encouraged to see the rapid response from USDA following their previous discussions. “The plan that was rolled out is a great starting point. The fact that we are only six weeks out from meeting with the Secretary for the first time, and USDA has quickly compiled some solutions is exciting. Really, the big news is the fact that USDA wants to hear from ranchers. As far as I can tell, this is the first time we’ve been heard by USDA in decades. The independents are being heard and actions are being taken, but it won’t get fixed overnight. We’ve got decades of corruption that will take time to uwind and do it in a way that doesn’t collapse our food system,” he said. Richards knows some producers are watching and thinking USDA isn’t doing enough and isn’t moving at the speed they would like to see. But he said in reality, this week’s actions are a great step and indication that USDA is hearing from the independent producer. “On the producer side, there is so much going on, and because of decades of mistreatment, everyone is on edge. Producers would like to see everything done ‘right now’ but considerations need to be taken so we don’t collapse the food system. We need to focus on the fact that we’re being heard. Secretary Rollins has been in this position less than a year, and she has wrapped her mind around this very complicated industry. In less than a year, she is actually making meaningful change,” he said. A dozen members of the Common Ground Coalition, a group of beef and cattle spokesman who have obtained producers signatures in support of ag friendly tax policy, more effective risk management tools, improved access to labor, flexibility for livestock haulers and support for young and emerging livestock producers met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb), Rep. Adam Gray (D-Calif.), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio). According to the group’s news release, their trip happened to coincide with Trump’s comments on Argentinian imports. “The most effective way to make beef more affordable isn’t by artificially manipulating the market with imported product,” said Montana’s Joe Goggins in a news release. “It’s by helping America’s cattle producers enter and stay in the business of raising cattle. When producers can operate efficiently here at home, everyone benefits – ranchers stay in business, rural communities stay strong and consumers get access to high-quality, affordable U.S. beef,” said Goggins in the news release. The NCBA sharply criticized the President for his Argentina import suggestion. On Newsmax, Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO said his organization wants the President to know that bringing in extra beef from Argentina won’t reduce prices for consumers. He said producers “don’t get to set the price of beef at the grocery store or restaurants.” He said the U.S. cattle industry has worked “for decades” to improve its product, and that the quality of beef in the grocery store is better today than in President Trump’s first term. In order to lower the price of beef for consumers, Woodall said his group urges the administration to address regulatory burden: delist the wolf, address the black vulture “scourge,” and allow more federal lands grazing. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association said on Facebook: “We welcome USDA’s new plan…however, reports of a potential deal to import 80,000 metric tons of beef from Argentina – four times the current quota – have overshadowed yesterday’s announcement. “A deal of this magnitude would undercut family ranchers and threaten the foundation of American cattle production,” said USCA President Justin Tupper. “Flooding the market with imports harms U.S. producers and rural communities. Our policies must strengthen – not risk- American agriculture.” The Livestock Marketing Association said on Facebook that it is ready to work with the Trump administration on actionable solutions such as improved access to labor, more flexibility for livestock haulers, support for young and emerging livestock producers and protecting the competitive cash market. R-CALF USA Vice President Eric Gropper told TSLN, the real story of the day is this: “The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, for the first time in my lifetime, is listening to actual ranchers who own the cattle, who do the day-to-day work. She knows there is a difference between the ranching family who lives off a once-a-year calf check and a paid lobbyist. She wants to hear our ideas and solutions. We couldn’t be more appreciative of that fact,” he said. Gropper added that the discussion about imported beef has opened the eyes of consumers who previously didn’t realize imported beef existed in this country, and should help gain support for one of their main issues – mandatory country of origin labeling.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/ted-cruz-eli-crane-lead-effort-require-only-citizens-vote,"Ted Cruz, Eli Crane Lead Effort to Require Only Citizens Vote",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"By Fred Lucas A group of Republican lawmakers, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona, is joining the effort to promote a rule to require proof of citizenship on federal voter registration forms. The lawmakers signed a public comment letter to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in favor of a petition by America First Legal, a government watchdog group, seeking the proof of citizenship requirement for the voter registration forms, most commonly found at Department of Motor Vehicles locations. “Requiring documentary proof of citizenship is a simple, commonsense reform. Just as Americans are asked to show identification for far less consequential activities—boarding an airplane, opening a bank account, or even attending certain events—it is entirely reasonable to require proof of citizenship to participate in our elections,” the comment letter says. “This step would not burden eligible voters but would provide an essential check to ensure that only citizens are added to the voter rolls.” “Requiring documentary proof of citizenship will strengthen the integrity of our elections, safeguard the voices of American citizens, and ensure that every lawful vote is protected from being diluted by unlawful ballots,” the comment letter continues. The America First Legal petition to the Election Assistance Commission for proof of citizenship has drawn considerable reaction from politicians and has gained about 353,000 public comments. The petition follows President Donald Trump’s March Executive Order 14248, titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” that, among other things, directs federal agencies to take action to prevent noncitizens from voting. Previously, Democrat lawmakers Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Rep. Joseph Morelle of New York signed a letter urging the commission to reject the proposal. “States already have multiple systems in place to ensure that only eligible Americans vote in elections; states already determine voters’ citizenship statuses without the burdensome requirement requested in the petition,” the Democrat lawmakers wrote in their comment letter. More recently, 14 Republican attorneys general—led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton—signed on to a public comment letter to the commission supporting the measure. In contrast to that, 19 Democrat attorneys general—led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta—signed a letter opposing the rule. The fact that Texas lawmakers Cruz, John Cornyn, and Ronny Jackson signed the congressional letter while Paxton led the national effort among attorneys general comes at a time when Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reported as many as 2,724 noncitizens were registered to vote in Texas. Nelson announced this week that her office completed a full comparison of the state’s voter registration list against citizenship data on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, database. Voters identified in the review as potential noncitizens will receive a notice from the county voter registrar and will have 30 days to present proof of citizenship in order to remain a registered voter. Otherwise, the registration will be canceled, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. Joining Cruz and Crane in the official comment to the commission were Republican Sens. Ted Budd of North Carolina, Jim Banks of Indiana, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, John Cornyn of Texas, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and Bernie Moreno of Ohio. House members signing on included Republican Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Byron Donalds of Florida, Pat Fallon of Texas, Andy Harris of Maryland, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, Ronny Jackson of Texas, Mary Miller of Illinois, Barry Moore of Alabama, Riley Moore of West Virginia, Derek Schmidt of Kansas, and Greg Steube of Florida. Fred Lucas is chief news correspondent and manager of the Investigative Reporting Project for The Daily Signal. He is the author of “The Myth of Voter Suppression: The Left’s Assault on Clean Elections.” Send an email to Fred.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z