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/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=CC7140F4-12EB-4D1B-B0FB-F86F31DDFED3,Wicker Hopeful About Reforms in FIRST STEP Act,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A few weeks ago, I joined President Trump in Gulfport for a roundtable discussion on prison reform. Then, on December 18, I voted for the federal legislation discussed at that meeting, the FIRST STEP Act. This important bill does as its name implies, taking a constructive step to fix our criminal justice system while strengthening law and order over the long term.
It was encouraging to see Democrats and Republicans rally around the legislation, which earned the support of the Trump Administration and a wide range of outside groups. One of the bill's primary objectives is to reverse the problem of recidivism  when offenders are rearrested after their release. Studies have shown that rearrests happen for nearly half of federal prisoners.
Preventing Future Crime
The FIRST STEP Act seeks to break this cycle of incarceration by encouraging prisoners to participate in programs that have been shown to reduce recidivism. These programs are potentially life-changing for participants. They also offer benefits to society as a whole, preventing future crime and prison overcrowding  not to mention the associated financial burdens that crime and incarceration put on taxpayers. The programs can also provide educational opportunities and vocational training, readying inmates to find a job when they leave prison.
The job environment that prisoners face after their release matters to their successful transition back into society. Today's thriving economy has created more jobs and an attractive market for job seekers. Job programs in prison could help lower the high unemployment that currently exists among working-age men with a criminal history. In the end, employers would have more skilled applicants to fill available positions and our economy's productivity would remain strong.
Sensible Adjustments to Sentencing Rules
Another important reform in the bill is the slight modifications it makes to current sentencing rules for nonviolent prisoners. Moreover, it empowers judges to decide appropriate sentences rather than forcing them to apply mandatory ones. As the son of a circuit judge, I appreciate the bill's attention to the critical role that judges play in determining a fair punishment. Another provision provides inmates the opportunity to participate in programs to demonstrate good behavior and potentially earn earlier release.
In addition, the FIRST STEP Act addresses the controversial three strike rule that was implemented during the Clinton Administration. Although intended to deter crime, it often left those with only minor drug-related offenses facing lifetime prison sentences. Minority communities, in particular, have been disproportionately affected. The FIRST STEP Act reduces these life sentences for nonviolent drug offenders to 25 years.
A federal law to reform the criminal justice system will not transform every prison in the United States, since many more prisoners are incarcerated in our state prisons than in our federal ones. However, the FIRST STEP Act is a starting point for constructive dialogue across party lines that recognizes the power of redemption and policies that can help encourage it. Above all else, these discussions should prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities and our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-another-death-child-our-government-s-care,Thompson Statement on Another Death of a Child in Our Governments Care,2018-12-26,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thompson Statement on Another Death of a Child in Our Government's Care
December 26, 2018 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the death of Felipe Alonzo-Gomez. This is the second death this month of a child in the federal government's care at the border:

While the Department of Homeland Security is scrambling to adhere to the Trump Administration's unilateral, radical changes to our immigration system, another young child has died while in our government's care. It's clear that the Trump Administration's fly-by-night mass detention policies and changes to the asylum process are not working. The welfare of children in our care must be a top priority. Next year, under a House Democratic Majority, Congress will look for real solutions to these problems, which have been made worse by the Administration's choices.

# # #
Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-statement-another-death-child-our-governments-care,Thompson Statement on Another Death of a Child in Our Government’s Care,2018-12-26,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 26, 2018 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the death of Felipe Alonzo-Gomez. This is the second death this month of a child in the federal government's care at the border:

""While the Department of Homeland Security is scrambling to adhere to the Trump Administration's unilateral, radical changes to our immigration system, another young child has died while in our government's care. It's clear that the Trump Administration's fly-by-night mass detention policies and changes to the asylum process are not working. The welfare of children in our care must be a top priority. Next year, under a House Democratic Majority, Congress will look for real solutions to these problems, which have been made worse by the Administration's choices.""

# # #

Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=135BFAEF-486F-4F72-87D5-8B3714E56E3F,Wicker Reflects on Milestone Moments of This Congress,2018-12-24,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A full year has passed since Congress enacted the most significant tax reform of the past 31 years, and its positive effects are still reverberating on the economy and on American lives.
The long-awaited overhaul of our outdated tax code was a milestone moment, leading to bigger paychecks, a simplified tax system, and new jobs. The bill created Opportunity Zones to help spur business investment in our country's most disadvantaged areas, and it incentivized employers to offer family and medical leave. American workers, families, and communities have all benefited from the law's provisions and the solid economic growth it has helped generate.
Comprehensive tax reform was hardly a one-hit wonder for this Congress. Many other significant legislative items have rounded out a notable and lengthy achievement list over the past two years. The most recent additions to that list are a prison reform bill to lower the recidivism rate among repeat offenders and a five-year farm bill to provide stability for our farmers. Here are a few other important highlights:
 
Rebuilding the military. After years of military cuts and the downsizing of our forces, Congress and the Trump Administration are restoring America's defense strength. For the first time in 10 years, Congress delivered a budget to the Pentagon on time, giving our military commanders certainty that they will have the resources to protect our national security interests. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I was successful in getting the SHIPS Act passed to help initiate a buildup of our naval fleet. Congress also passed the VA MISSION Act to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
 
 
Fighting the opioid epidemic. The rampant abuse of opioids is killing Americans and destroying families at an alarming rate. It has become a national crisis deserving of a national response, which Congress provided with a thorough legislative package passed earlier this year. The new law recognizes the complexity of the problem and targets both the international shipping of these drugs into the country and the local tools needed by communities to help victims get the rehabilitation they need.
 
 
Reining in overregulation. Congress acted quickly to curb the unnecessary costs and burdens associated with many Obama-era regulations, repealing 16 of them using the Congressional Review Act. Congress also acted on a bipartisan basis to exempt community banks from the regulations intended for Wall Street banks after the 2008 financial crisis.
 
 
Transforming the judiciary. In keeping with its constitutional duty, the Senate has worked diligently to approve President Trump's nominees for our nation's courts. In just this Congress, we have confirmed two Supreme Court justices and 30 judges for our circuit courts. With these lifetime appointments, President Trump and a Republican-led Senate have helped ensure conservative voices are heard in our court system for years to come.
 
By August of last year, the 115th Congress had been recognized as one of the most productive Congresses of the past several years. I hope the next Congress follows in these footsteps, working efficiently to craft legislative solutions that can further enrich American lives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/miss-lawmakers-announce-9308-million-contract-construct-two-national-security-cutters,MISS. LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE $930.8 MILLION CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT TWO NATIONAL SECURITY CUTTERS IN PASCAGOULA,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MISS. LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE $930.8 MILLION CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT TWO NATIONAL SECURITY CUTTERS IN PASCAGOULA  
  Single, Two-Ship Coast Guard Contract Boosts Miss. Shipbuilding, Savings for Taxpayers
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $930.8 million contract for construction of the 10th and 11th U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutters (NSC).
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security contract award to Huntington Ingalls in Pascagoula has a total potential value of $1.7 billion.
This marks the first time two NSCs have been awarded on the same contract, and ensures maximum cost savings for taxpayers by allowing Mississippi's shipbuilders to have a more efficient acquisition and construction schedule for these ships, said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. This contract is great news for continuing work to rebuild our national defenses by giving the Coast Guard the modern fleet it needs to carry out its mission, including stopping the flow of drugs and people entering our country illegally.
The awarding of these two National Security Cutters to Huntington Ingalls is a recognition of the hard work and expertise of Mississippi's shipbuilders, Wicker said. These Mississippi ships will join a growing fleet of Pascagoula-built National Security Cutters in the Coast Guard's efforts to protect our shores, disrupt international crime networks, and stop the flow of illegal drugs.
As we continue to debate the security of our borders in Congress, it is important to remember that we have a vast maritime border as well, Palazzo said. As Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I worked closely with the Coast Guard and my colleagues in Congress to ensure full funding of these two ships in the FY2018 Omnibus Bill, passed in April of this year. The NSC Program is vital to control our maritime border and protect our American homeland.
Built in Pascagoula, NSCs are the most advanced U.S. Coast Guard cutters with an ability to effectively address national security, law enforcement, and humanitarian missions.
The contract sets Jan. 20, 2023, as the expected delivery date for NSC 10, and Jan. 19, 2024, for delivery of NSC 11. This award obligates the remainder of the FY2018 appropriations provided for construction of NSC 10 and 11. In early October, Hyde-Smith announced a $97.1 million long lead-time materials contract for construction of NSC 11. A $95 million contract for long lead-time materials for NSC 10 was issued in March.  
  
Completion of the FY2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Bills with funding for Coast Guard operations and acquisitions, is embroiled in the ongoing fight over border security funding.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399836,"Wicker, Palazzo Bill on NASA Property Leasing Authority Heads to President’s Desk",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., celebrated the final passage of their legislation, S. 7, the NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act. The bill reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) authority for one year. The program allows the space agency to lease underutilized properties, and to use the rent payments for capital projects and facilities maintenance. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County has EUL partnerships with Rolls Royce and New Cingular Wireless.
The Enhanced Use Leasing program is a win-win for NASA facilities, including Stennis Space Center, and for the private companies, universities, and other organizations that make productive use of otherwise underutilized government property, Wicker said. It was great to work with Congressman Palazzo to get this important legislation to the President's desk before the end of the year, when the program was set to expire.
Enhanced Use Leasing is a vital tool that promotes public-private ventures in support of NASA's various missions while also facilitating investments in commercial space-related development, Palazzo said. The authority, set to expire December 31st, has been in place for over a decade and has enabled space centers across the country, such as Stennis Space Center, to reduce their operating costs, upgrade and repair their facilities, and ultimately improve mission effectiveness.
 Last week, S. 7 was passed by the U.S. Senate. The bill was cleared today by the U.S. House of Representatives. The one-year extension of EUL authority continues the program, while giving Congress time to consider a long-term reauthorization.###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-praises-signing-2018-farm-bill,HYDE-SMITH PRAISES SIGNING OF 2018 FARM BILL,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH PRAISES SIGNING OF 2018 FARM BILL  

Miss. Senator Attends Ceremony as Trump Signs Five-Year Bill Setting Policies to Support U.S. Agriculture, Rural Development & Forestry  

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) praised the enactment of the 2018 farm bill, which strengthens the safety net for Mississippi's agricultural producers as they navigate market fluctuations amid trade tensions.  

Hyde-Smith attended the White House ceremony at which President Trump signed into law the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, a five-year authorization of federal agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policies. Hyde-Smith, as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, influenced policies in the measure, including commodity programs and crop insurance, rural development, rural health care, forestland resources, and chronic wasting disease.  

Producers in Mississippi and across the nation need this new farm bill to support their hard work to provide food and fiber for the American people and markets around the world, Hyde-Smith said.  

Agriculture is the foundation of Mississippi's economy, so getting these policies right for our producers is critical. It was also important to bring a new focus to the needs of rural communities to help them grow economically. I think this bill accomplishes that, she said.  

I look forward to the implementation of the improvements in this bill to ensure a solid safety net is in place to help producers navigate the challenges posed by inclement weather, market changes and retaliatory tariffs, she said.
Highlights of the new farm bill include:  

 
Strengthening commodity programs and protecting crop insurance
Streamlining and funding to agricultural trade promotion initiatives
Meeting nextgeneration rural broadband needs
Dedicating funds for rural health projects aimed at fighting opioid and substance abuse
Increasing funding for research, extension service, and education
Focusing on animal disease prevention and management efforts
	
 
Additional information on items of importance to Mississippi, including four provisions authored by Hyde-Smith, can be found here: http://bit.ly/2SKwVbL

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=86656B32-8319-4F15-9431-5D94111FBEC4,"Wicker, Palazzo Bill on NASA Property Leasing Authority Heads to Presidents Desk",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., celebrated the final passage of their legislation, S. 7, the NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act. The bill reauthorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) authority for one year. The program allows the space agency to lease underutilized properties, and to use the rent payments for capital projects and facilities maintenance. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County has EUL partnerships with Rolls Royce and New Cingular Wireless.
The Enhanced Use Leasing program is a win-win for NASA facilities, including Stennis Space Center, and for the private companies, universities, and other organizations that make productive use of otherwise underutilized government property, Wicker said. It was great to work with Congressman Palazzo to get this important legislation to the President's desk before the end of the year, when the program was set to expire.
Enhanced Use Leasing is a vital tool that promotes public-private ventures in support of NASA's various missions while also facilitating investments in commercial space-related development, Palazzo said. The authority, set to expire December 31st, has been in place for over a decade and has enabled space centers across the country, such as Stennis Space Center, to reduce their operating costs, upgrade and repair their facilities, and ultimately improve mission effectiveness.
Last week, S. 7 was passed by the U.S. Senate. The bill was cleared today by the U.S. House of Representatives. The one-year extension of EUL authority continues the program, while giving Congress time to consider a long-term reauthorization.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AC335D5D-B22A-4E74-923C-1A89FF431346,Wicker Recognizes East Mississippi Community College for National Football Championship Wins,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., took to the Senate floor Wednesday to honor East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) and its football team, the East Mississippi Lions, for winning this year's National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) football championship. EMCC has won the national junior college football title five out of the past 10 years.
What makes the East Mississippi Community College football program so special is the grit and determination that fuels its success, Wicker said. They are the comeback kids, rising above adversity to get back into the game.
Wicker also congratulated East Mississippi's head coach Buddy Stephens, who was named the NJCAA Football National Coach of the Year on December 19. This year, six of his players were named All-Americans, which tied for the most of any other school. Over the past 11 seasons with Stephens, East Mississippi has produced 32 All-Americans.
East Mississippi was also named the NJCAA Football Academic Team of the Year, recognizing the players who are successful both on and off the field.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-votes-comprehensive-criminal-justice-reform-bill,HYDE-SMITH VOTES FOR COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BILL,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH VOTES FOR COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BILL  

Bipartisan Federal Initiative Follows Mississippi Efforts to Reduce Inmate Recidivism, Reform Sentencing Guidelines  

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday night voted in favor of bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation aimed at reducing inmate recidivism and reforming federal sentencing guidelines while protecting the public.  

The First Step Act of 2018 (S.3649) would authorize programs to reduce the risk of prisoners committing new crimes after leaving prison. The measure passed on a 87-12 vote after the legislation was strengthened to address the concerns of the law enforcement community. It has been endorsed by President Trump, Governor Bryant, and other Mississippi leaders representing a wide variety of law enforcement and faith-based organizations.  

Mississippi is making progress on criminal justice reform, and this bill is a solid step toward making much-needed reforms on the federal level, Hyde-Smith said. Prisoners, who have a low risk of recidivism, may use this bill to earn an earlier release, but only after meeting criteria that can help them lead productive lives after their incarceration. These changes should, in the end, be good for taxpayers and our society overall.  

The bill would provide workforce training opportunities for eligible inmates to prepare for life after prison, while also making commonsense reforms to certain federal sentencing guidelines. Faith-based anti-recidivism programs are embraced in the bill, as are steps to enhance officer safety.  

Importantly, the legislation includes a detailed list of offences that would disqualify an inmate from receiving time credits and other benefits in the bill. It would, for example, ensure criminal illegal immigrants or dangerous offenders, including those who have committed crimes against children or with violent firearm offenses, cannot benefit from these reforms.  

Hyde-Smith joined President Trump and Mississippi officials in Gulfport for a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform in late November. She has also met with multiple administration officials and advocates during the development of the bill.  

Summaries of the First Step Act are available here and here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1A0254C8-C8E2-41F4-AD27-8D648DBCBD90,Wicker Votes for First Step Act,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for S. 756, the First Step Act. The legislation will address a number of challenges in the criminal justice system, while maintaining the safety of the American people.
I believe in a strong criminal justice system that holds offenders accountable and keeps Americans safe, Wicker said. With unacceptably high rates of released prisoners returning to jail, it is clear we can do better to help these individuals change their lives before they reenter our communities. The First Step Act' will better prepare inmates to return to society, which will reduce crime and recidivism rates. This legislation is proof we can be tough on crime and more compassionate to those who deserve a second chance.
The First Step Act' is endorsed by President Donald J. Trump and a wide range of organizations representing law enforcement, the faith community, and business associations.
Last month, Wicker participated in a roundtable discussion in Gulfport on the need for criminal justice reform with President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Governor Phil Bryant, and other Mississippi leaders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1D4207C6-4A9B-414E-B377-07DBD49A6811,Wickers Unmanned Maritime Systems Legislation Heads to Presidents Desk,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today praised Senate passage of his legislation, S. 2511, the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology (CENOTE) Act. The bipartisan legislation will advance the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) use of unmanned maritime systems, encourage private sector research and development, and ensure that marine data is readily available for use by academic, national security, and commercial interests.
Unmanned maritime systems are revolutionizing the way we explore our nation's oceans, Wicker said. This legislation will provide a much-needed boost to NOAA's efforts to harness the capabilities of this technology by leveraging the Navy's expertise. I am hopeful President Trump will sign this bill soon so that we can begin to see the benefits for our defense, environment, commerce, fisheries, and disaster planning efforts.
Unmanned maritime systems are remotely piloted or purely autonomous vehicles that collect ocean data. The Navy has already committed significant resources towards advancing unmanned systems for our national security. NOAA will work with the Navy to bring unmanned systems data collection techniques to the civilian space.
NOAA is hopeful this improved data collection could help the National Weather Service improve real-time weather forecasting, which could help coastal states like Mississippi avoid billions of dollars in catastrophic losses from hurricanes and other violent storms.
Mississippi's Gulf Coast Blue Economy also stands to benefit from increased investment in ocean technology, as it is one of the few places in the United States where extensive testing of unmanned maritime systems occurs. Institutions such as The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University are excelling in unmanned systems research and operate on the Gulf Coast.This research and development activity will attract commercial investment to the area.
Specifically, Wicker's legislation will:
 
Require NOAA to establish procedures for the agency to assess and acquire unmanned systems technology;
Encourage NOAA to partner with the Secretary of the Navy on unmanned maritime systems technology;
Direct NOAA to engage in partnerships with the private and academic sectors to improve their observation capabilities, which would increase cost effectiveness and capitalize on emerging technological advances.
 
Wicker introduced the legislation in March with Senator Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives with Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif. The legislation passed the House last week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399832,Palazzo Introduces Bill to Allow Americans to Purchase Border Wall Bonds,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4),Vice Chairman of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today introduced the Border Bonds for America Act of 2018, which allows American citizens the opportunity to purchase revenue bonds to help finance the construction of a southern border wall. This bill is a safe investment into the infrastructure and security of our country. During World War II, 85 million Americans purchased $185 billion in war bonds and financially supported our troops while they were defending our country. This legislation would allow for the patriots of today's era to help support American security in the same way as previous generations,Palazzo said.The American people are fed up with the political games fueled by the Democrats' inaction to secure our borders and protect our citizens. In November of 2016, Americans voted for better border security and as Vice-Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I believe this legislation allows new alternatives for our citizens to support their values and defend our homeland.  

The Border Bonds for America Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue government savings bonds, known as ""Border Bonds,"" specifically for the construction of a physical barrier on the United States border with Mexico, as well as related technology, and improved infrastructure.
This legislation also establishes the Border Bonds Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/senator-hyde-smith-sworn-first-woman-elected-represent-mississippi-washington,SENATOR HYDE-SMITH SWORN IN AS THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO REPRESENT MISSISSIPPI IN WASHINGTON,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SENATOR HYDE-SMITH SWORN IN AS THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO REPRESENT MISSISSIPPI IN WASHINGTON


VIDEO: U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is sworn-in as Mississippi's first woman Senator by Senator Orrin Hatch, President pro tempore of the Senate, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) look on.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) was today sworn in to complete the Senate term of former U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.).

It is a great honor to serve Mississippi as a United States Senator. I am committed to doing everything I can to represent the priorities of all Mississippians, and will continue to work to advance the needs of our state and the nation, Hyde-Smith said.

Hyde-Smith, the first woman elected to represent Mississippi in Washington, D.C., took the oath of office administered by Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), President pro tempore of the Senate, shortly after the Senate gaveled into session on Monday. Hyde-Smith won a special election and runoff in November to fulfill the remaining two years of Cochran's term.

The former Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant to the fill the Senate seat left vacant with Cochran's retirement in April.

Since assuming office, Hyde-Smith has served on the Senate appropriations, agriculture, and rules committees.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3399EDD7-808E-4700-BFE4-9B0B8C2A7D23,Wickers Modern Fish Act Passes Senate,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act.
Passage of the Modern Fish Act' will boost our conservation efforts and benefit the local economies that depend on recreational fishing, Wicker said. I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill passed, but there is still more work to be done. I look forward to continuing our efforts to modernize federal fishing policies on the Gulf Coast and to support our fishermen.
The Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act would encourage regional fishery management councils to update their policies for recreational anglers that access mixed-use fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Current guidelines designed for commercial fishing operations prove difficult for recreational anglers to follow, sometimes resulting in severely restricted fishing seasons for these individuals.
The legislation would also encourage the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop partnerships that improve its recreational fishing data collection and to incorporate data from sportsmen, which would be more timely and accurate than traditional data streams.
The Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act would improve recreational fishery management by:
 
Directing the GAO to conduct a study on the process for allocation reviews of mixed-use fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic fishery management councils;
Encouraging councils to utilize alternative methods for managing recreational fisheries, such as fishing mortality targets or extraction rates as opposed to tonnage;
Requiring the National Academy of Sciences to review Limited Access Privilege Programs (LAPP) to ensure they are fair and effective; and
Improving data collection and analysis and utilizing new technologies for gathering recreational fisheries data, similar to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resource's Tails n' Scales program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=B91110AA-FB95-4FB9-A70F-FC88451BB2C3,Wicker Glad to See Farm Bill Pass Final Hurdle,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate has passed the Agriculture Improvement Act, sending to President Trump a bill that empowers our farmers to continue feeding and clothing our nation and the world. This comprehensive legislation, commonly known as the Farm Bill, reauthorizes $867 billion over the next five years to support critical programs for our farmers, low-income Americans, and rural communities.
Although the bill's negotiations were tough, the outcome was the right one for Mississippi farmers. It was imperative for lawmakers to pass this bill before the end of the year and the start of a new Congress. In the end, the bill earned overwhelming support in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
U.S. Farmers & Food Security
The value of the American farmer cannot be overstated. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, one farm can feed 165 people every year. Multiply this number by more than two million  the number of farms in America  and our farmers' impact on the well-being of humanity becomes clear. Our state alone has more than 36,000 farms contributing to the production of the healthy food and fiber that sustain our families and our communities.
With so many lives relying on our agricultural growers and producers, Congress has a responsibility to enact policies encouraging their success. This Farm Bill does that by recognizing the risks our farmers face, such as hazardous weather and the volatility of global markets, both of which we have seen this year. It mitigates those challenges by strengthening the programs that give our farmers peace of mind when times get tough. This certainty is as important to the daily operations of a farm as it is to the overall food security of our nation. The Farm Bill also champions the long-term safety and vitality of our agricultural resources through responsible conservation practices.
Wins for Rural Broadband, Timber Innovation
Tying together the goals of predictability and stewardship is a provision I authored to promote rural broadband development. Included in the Farm Bill was my Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, which aims to equip our farmers and ranchers with the connectivity they need. This technology can enable our farmers to be more competitive by producing more crops on less land for fewer dollars.
I was also pleased to see provisions from the Timber Innovation Act in the final version of the bill. These provisions are designed to advance cutting-edge research on timber and timber products. Our local universities are already finding new ways to use local timber  one of Mississippi's most abundant natural resources  and expand market opportunities for our state's foresters.
This multiyear reauthorization of the Farm Bill is a win for America's heartland, giving the Department of Agriculture and the President the resources necessary to safeguard our farmers' livelihoods amid often extreme and difficult circumstances.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-december-2018-edition,Thompson Report December 2018 Edition,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome...
To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter will be distributed by email to constituents.
Click here to read full newsletter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/blocking-iranian-illicit-finance-act-introduced-senate-house,THE 'BLOCKING IRANIAN ILLICIT FINANCE ACT' INTRODUCED IN SENATE & HOUSE,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"THE 'BLOCKING IRANIAN ILLICIT FINANCE ACT' INTRODUCED IN SENATE & HOUSE

Bill Seeks to Impose Maximum Pressure on Iranian Regime, Reinforce American Sanctions

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Thursday introduced the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act.

The bill (S.3758) seeks to counter the Iranian regime's money laundering and financing of terrorism, protect the global financial system from Iranian illicit finance, and impose maximum financial pressure on Iran.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-S.C.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Representatives Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jacki Walorski (R-Ind.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill.

The Obama Iran nuclear deal gifted the Ayatollahs with hundreds of billions of dollars and reconnected them to the global financial system, which they used launder even more money and fund even more terrorism Cruz said. Undoing that damage requires imposing maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. President Trump was absolutely right when he began that process by withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Effectively disconnecting Iran from the global financial system, which this bill does, is a necessary next step. I look forward to working more with the administration and my Congressional colleagues to ensure this bill becomes law during the next Congress.

""Withdrawing from the JCPOA was only the first step in ratcheting up pressure on the Iranian regime. We now have an important window to impose maximum economic pressure and degrade the Iranian regime's ability to export violence across the region. This legislation does exactly that by effectively cutting Iran off from the international financial community. Its message is clear: Iran must pay a steep price for its aggressive and destabilizing behavior, and the United States will never tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Gallagher said.

This important legislation would empower the United States and our like-minded allies to do more to end the Iranian government's ability to illicitly finance its dangerous efforts to sponsor terrorism and militancy, to advance its nuclear and missile programs, to egregiously abuse human rights in Iran and abroad, and to suppress the Iranian people's aspirations for self-determination, Rubio said. I look forward to working with fellow lawmakers and the Administration to enact this legislation and fully implement the maximum pressure against the regime in Tehran.

The ayatollahs will find it much more difficult to sponsor terrorism, launder money, and research and develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles without access to the global financial system, Cotton said. This bill supports the administration's maximum pressure campaign to curb Tehran's malign activities, and Congress needs to send it to the President's desk.

The current Iranian regime is one of the world's largest sponsors of global terrorism has shown no interest in discontinuing their support, said Tillis. This critical legislation will block Iran's dishonest financial dealings and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the bad actions of this regime.

The United States needs to take strong action against Iran for financing and arming terrorists around the globe, said Gardner. The Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act will cut off Iran's access to financial institutions around the world and have a direct impact on their ability to support terrorism and destabilize the region. The Senate needs to act on this legislation and show Iran the United States will not tolerate their behavior.

Leveraging the global finance system against Iran and other rogue nations that sponsor terrorism is a position I'm happy to take, Hyde-Smith said.

Iran is the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism and the biggest destabilizing force in the Middle East, said Young. This legislation would further cut off the Iranian regime from the global financial system, imposing increasingly severe consequences for their terrorist activities, pursuit of WMDs, and ongoing human rights abuses.

I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation which will further impede the Iranian regime's ability to spread death, chaos, and misery throughout the Middle East, Lamborn said. We were promised by the Obama Administration that opening up Iran to international markets would encourage them to cease exporting terror around the world. Instead of spending the new revenue on improving the lives of the Iranian people, the despots in Tehran squandered the wealth supporting murderous dictators, terror groups, and foreign wars. This important legislation cuts Tehran out of the financial markets, further limiting their ability to spread their fanatical terror abroad.

Congress should step up to the plate and condemn Iran for its support for terrorism throughout the world, Banks said. Limiting Iran's access to the SWIFT network will finally initiate the change we need to see in the Middle East.

Very simply, we need to increase pressure on the Iranian financial sector to effectively shut down those banks or financial institutions involved in terrorism, WMDs, money laundering or human rights violations. I commend Rep. Gallagher for his efforts, King said.

In August, Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging him to take all necessary steps to ensure the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) disconnects the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and all other designated Iranian financial institutions.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/senate-approves-wounded-warriors-leave-act-championed-hyde-smith-harper,SENATE APPROVES WOUNDED WARRIORS LEAVE ACT CHAMPIONED BY HYDE-SMITH & HARPER,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SENATE APPROVES WOUNDED WARRIORS LEAVE ACT CHAMPIONED BY HYDE-SMITH & HARPER

Passage Clears Bill to be Signed into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate has approved a measure sponsored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Congressman Gregg Harper to ensure wounded warriors can work in the legislative branch of government without restrictions on their ability to meet their medical needs.

The Senate late Thursday approved the bill (H.R.6160) to amend Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act by unanimous consent, clearing it to be signed into law. HR.6160 was authored by Harper and Hyde-Smith introduced as a companion bill (S.3098) in the Senate.

This bill would remove a barrier that could keep wounded warriors from serving in the legislative branch of our government. It would ensure they can work and still see their doctors and make medical appointments, Hyde-Smith said.

I'm pleased to join Congressman Harper in making this simple, but important, change to benefit disabled veterans, who can bring their unique experience to congressional and legislative branch offices, she said.

The legislation would modify the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act to ensure disabled veterans working in the legislative branch can attend medical appointments without penalty. It would allow House or Senate rules committees to set leave standards regarding self-certification requirements for legislative branch employees who use disabled veteran leave.

Currently, the Office of Personnel Management requires veterans who are federal employees to certify that their use of disabled veteran leave is related to medical treatment for a service-connected disability.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-issues-holiday-message-us-servicemembers-overseas-cites-mississippi%E2%80%99s-155th,"HYDE-SMITH ISSUES HOLIDAY MESSAGE FOR U.S. SERVICEMEMBERS OVERSEAS, CITES MISSISSIPPI’S 155TH BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH ISSUES HOLIDAY MESSAGE FOR U.S. SERVICEMEMBERS OVERSEAS, CITES MISSISSIPPI'S 155TH BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

WASHINGTON, D.C.  In conjunction with the U.S. National Guard's 382nd birthday celebration, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith today released a holiday message for all U.S. military servicemembers and their families, offering special thanks to the Mississippi Army National Guard's 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team deployed overseas.

Hyde-Smith recorded the message for use by the Armed Forces Network. The 155th ABCT was deployed to the Middle East in June and is expected to return home in 2019.

I just love the 155th, and I'm so grateful and proud of their service, Hyde-Smith said. My thoughts are with them and their families as we get closer to the Christmas holiday.



Season's Greetings from the great state of Mississippi. Thank you for your service. I am truly humbled by the sacrifices you and your families make for our great nation. I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday. I want to send a special thanks to the 155th BCT, Mississippi Army National Guard deployed in support of ongoing overseas operations. God bless you all.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-major-paul-v-bankston,Tribute to Major Paul. V. Bankston,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record (Senate - December 13, 2018)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend MAJ Paul V. Bankston for his dedication to duty and service as an Army legislative fellow on my staff. In January 2019, Paul will transfer to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, where he will serve as a congressional budget liaison.

A native of Okeechobee, FL, Paul received a bachelor of science degree in applied science and technology from Thomas Edison State College. He also earned a master of arts degree in legislative affairs from George Washington

University. Paul enlisted in the Army in 2000, rose through the enlisted ranks to sergeant first class, and received his commission in 2008.

Most recently, Paul served as the Army legislative fellow on my staff, and for the Honorable Senator Thad Cochran prior to that. His operational experience in Africa and the Middle East, in addition to his technical expertise in special operations, medical logistics, and combat medical care, have been pivotal in helping to shape Department of Defense appropriations for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

He has served the State of Mississippi and the Nation admirably. The staff and I have enjoyed the benefit of Paul's counsel and have truly enjoyed working with him. Paul's leadership has brought great credit to the army, and I appreciate and commend his commitment to continue to serve our Nation.

It is a pleasure to recognize and thank MAJ Paul V. Bankston for his exceptional service to our country. My staff and I extend our gratitude to Paul and his family for their sacrifices and service to the Nation, and we wish him well as he takes the next step in his admirable career.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399826,Palazzo Supports Passage of 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Palazzo Supports Passage of 2018 Farm Bill  
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Washington, DC-Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4),amember of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations,voted in support of the Conference Report for the final2018 Farm Bill, which passed the House of Representatives 369-47.""Agriculture is Mississippi's top industry, and some of our hardest working individuals are our farmers and ranchers. The 2018 Farm Bill fulfills our promise to Mississippi farmers and ranchers, by delivering certainty and stability to the industry for the next five years,""Palazzo said. ""It promotes sustainable land conservation efforts and works to protect crucial safety net programs such as such as affordable crop insurance and disaster recovery programs."" ""Specifically, South Mississippi is a leading producer of timber, peanuts and a variety of specialty crops such as watermelons and blueberriesPalazzo continued. ""I am glad to see that our south Mississippi timber producers, specialty crop farmers, cattlemen and ranchers are supported through this legislation."" ""Overall, this bill supports Mississippi's agriculture industry, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill."" ###
    
  
  
  
    
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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-encouraged-proposal-replace-obama-wotus-rule,HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGED BY PROPOSAL TO REPLACE OBAMA WOTUS RULE,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGED BY PROPOSAL TO REPLACE OBAMA WOTUS RULE

New EPA-Army Corps Plan Restricts Federal Oversight of Agricultural Ditches

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said a new Trump administration proposal to replace controversial Obama-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations would responsibly clarify what waters the federal government can and cannot regulate.

Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, encouraged Mississippians to review the proposal unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday, and participate in the public comment period on the plan.

President Trump and his administration have made an intensive effort to roll back President Obama's big-government regulations, the worst of which was the Waters of the United States rule. That rule was the poster child for overreaching bureaucrats giving the federal government far-reaching powers over individual landowners, Hyde-Smith said.

I think the EPA has proposed a responsible plan to carry out the Clean Water Act in a manner that respects states' rights and isn't a terrible burden to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, she said. As this proposal undergoes review, I hope the people of Mississippi will study it to see how it could affect them.

With the Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA proposal would clarify where the Clean Water Act is applicable, including traditional navigable waters, tributaries, certain lakes, and wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. Groundwater, agricultural and roadside ditches, prior converted cropland, storm water control projects, and waste treatment plants would not fall under federal WOTUS jurisdiction.

The new proposal is consistent with President Trump's February 2017 Executive Order, Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the Waters of the United States' Rule.


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B06D0775-07EF-4F23-B163-E78173CFF867,Wicker Warns Against Return to Military Sequestration,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, today chaired a hearing to review the readiness of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Wicker spoke on the need to promote military readiness and to avert a potential return to sequestration-level spending caps.
Wicker said, There is a provision in a statute that has not yet been repealed. And if it should be allowed to take effect it would put us back in sequestration  an unthinkable result, an utterly irresponsible act that I feel sure this Republican Senate and this upcoming Democrat House will avoid.
Wicker asked each of the hearing's witnesses to describe the impact a return to sequestration would have on military readiness.
This would just knock us flat down. If you look at what sequestration does, it is a $26 billion cut to the Department of the Navy, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer said. It is devastating.
Commandant of the United States Marine Corps General Robert Neller added, If we were forced back to a sequestration level, it would be more than just the Blue Angels not doing air shows and people not going to conferences. It would be units getting ready to deploy later. It would cause us to look at our force structure and have to make ourselves a smaller force. This means we lose capacity, we have less presence around the world. It would delay almost every single acquisition program we have underway, ground and air, to not just modernize but to create future capabilities for the force that we think we need to defend the interests of this nation.
Under current law, sequestration-level spending caps would be reinstated beginning in 2020. Wicker has called for bipartisan action to remove the threat of a return to sequestration.
Secretary Spencer also confirmed the Navy will meet deadlines to implement needed reforms required by the Surface Warfare Enhancement Act. Wicker and the late Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., sponsored this legislation to improve the combat readiness of Navy surface ships and their crews following a series of deadly collisions in 2017. Eleven provisions from this bill became law after being adopted into the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-trump-shutdown-threat-shows-he-doesn-t-understand-border-security,Thompson: Trump Shutdown Threat Shows He Doesnt Understand Border Security,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2018 (WASHINGTON)  Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the President's threat to shut down the government to blackmail Congress for wall funding:

The President is blatantly trying to blackmail Congress by threatening a shutdown to get funding for his wall. The President has a very limited and overly simplistic view of what border security is and clearly has no idea how to achieve meaningful security at our Nation's borders. Congress must not allow him to waste $5 billion in American taxpayer money on this completely unnecessary and wasteful border wall which will not secure the border.

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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thompson-trump-shutdown-threat-shows-he-doesnt-understand-border-security,Thompson: Trump Shutdown Threat Shows He Doesn’t Understand Border Security,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 11, 2018 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the President's threat to shut down the government to blackmail Congress for wall funding:

""The President is blatantly trying to blackmail Congress by threatening a shutdown to get funding for his wall. The President has a very limited and overly simplistic view of what border security is and clearly has no idea how to achieve meaningful security at our Nation's borders. Congress must not allow him to waste $5 billion in American taxpayer money on this completely unnecessary and wasteful border wall which will not secure the border.""

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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-farm-bill-agreement-will-benefit-mississippi,HYDE-SMITH:  FARM BILL AGREEMENT WILL BENEFIT MISSISSIPPI,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH: FARM BILL AGREEMENT WILL BENEFIT MISSISSIPPI

Final Agreement Retains Policies Secured by Hyde-Smith in Senate Bill, Offers Certainty for Rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today voted for a new Farm Bill that will benefit Mississippi by offering greater certainty to the state's agricultural sector, supporting agricultural research at universities, and promoting natural resources conservation.

The Senate on Tuesday voted 87-13 to approve the conference report to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR.2), a five-year farm bill that authorizes agricultural, rural development, and nutrition policies through 2023. With approval from the House, the measure will go to President Trump to be signed into law.

Mississippi farmers and ranchers continually deal with factors that can mean disaster, which is why they look for certainty and flexibility in farm programs. The 2018 Farm Bill has been written to set policies that can help producers remain productive despite threats posed by predatory trading practices or net farm income losses, Hyde-Smith said.

I'm proud that the final bill includes specific wins for Mississippi, which I worked to secure in the bill. Among these are provisions to support rural economic development, combat chronic wasting disease, and affordable crop insurance for flood-prone areas, she said. This bill is not perfect, but its overall benefits far outweigh its shortfalls.

The final bill includes four Hyde-Smith amendments, which were included in the Senate-passed bill. These provisions, which have no direct spending impact on the cost of the bill, will:
  Okhissa Lake  Direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer 150 acres around Okhissa Lake in Franklin County to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance for rural economic development in Southwest Mississippi;
  Crop Insurance in Flood-prone Regions  Direct the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to conduct research and development on more affordable crop insurance policies for cotton, soybeans and corn farmers within the Lower Mississippi Valley affected by frequent flooding;
  Chronic Wasting Disease  Prioritize chronic wasting disease research (CWD), which will assist land-grant universities like Mississippi State University and the MSU Extension Service better understand and combat the spread of CWD;
  Health Forest Reserves  Reauthorize the Healthy Forests Reserve Program to help landowners restore, enhance, and protect forest ecosystems in order to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, and improve biodiversity.

Important to Mississippi, the overall bill includes the following provisions:
  Farm Safety Net  Reauthorizes the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs through 2023;
  PLC Reference Prices  Maintains PLC program reference prices at current levels, with a provision allowing them to increase to better respond to market conditions;
  Marketing Loan Rates  Increases marketing loan rates by varying amounts per eligible commodity;
  Upland Cotton Program  Permanently extends and provides full baseline funding for the Economic Adjustment Assistance to Users of Upland Cotton Program (EAAP), which authorizes economic assistance to domestic users of upland cotton, such as textile mills in order to maintain a globally competitive textile industry;
  Environmental Quality Incentives Program  Reauthorizes and increases funding for the EQIP. Mississippi ranks second nationally in active and completed EQIP contracts;
  Conservation Stewardship Program  Reauthorizes and maintains CSP as a separate conservation program. In FY2017, the USDA obligated the most CSP funding nationally to Mississippi;
  Conservation Reserve Program  Expands CRP acreage enrollment from 24 million to 27 million acres;
  Delta Regional Authority  Reauthorizes the Delta Regional Authority, in addition to programs to assist rural communities with water and waste disposal systems;
  Rural Hospitals  Expands eligibility for certain loan programs that benefit Mississippi rural hospitals;
  Rural Broadband  Strengthens rural broadband and telemedicine services for rural America;
  Agriculture Research  Increases authorized funding for ongoing agriculture research programs involving Mississippi universities and land grant institutions; and,
  Nutrition  Makes improvements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to increase program integrity and otherwise incentivizing work to move more recipients toward self-sufficiency.

A summary of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=17F2C1D9-13E6-4DB5-A75D-A2EF7FA7CD84,Wicker Votes for Farm Bill Conference Report,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report, which will reauthorize federal agriculture and nutrition programs for five years. The final bill includes Wicker's Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, which tasks the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Communications Commission with making broadband accessible to 95 percent of cropland and ranchland by 2025.
Passage of this Farm Bill provides our farmers relief, certainty, and the tools to continue feeding the world, Wicker said. This legislation will help Mississippi farmers who have suffered this year because of unfair foreign trade practices abroad and difficult weather here at home. I am pleased this bill also prioritizes access to broadband by including my precision agriculture legislation. Farmers and ranchers need broadband access to manage their crops more efficiently through new internet-based technologies.
Among other provisions, the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report will:
 
Reauthorize and improve farm safety net programs, including crop insurance, price loss coverage, agriculture risk coverage, commodity loans, dairy margin coverage, and livestock disaster programs;
Provide an increase of over $600 million in funding for land grant universities, research, extension, and education projects;
Invests in cost-share and incentive-based programs to help farmers improve soil, water, and other natural resources;
Provide $300 million in funding for animal disease prevention and management efforts;
Fund rural health projects to help Americans struggling with opioid addiction and other substance abuse disorders; and
Expand broadband access in rural America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399825,Palazzo Commends House Passage of Unmanned Maritime Systems Legislation,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC-Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4)commended the passage of the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology Act (CENOTE - S.2511) through the House of Representatives today. ""This bill will benefit many of south Mississippi's industries related to marine research and development. By establishing a framework for NOAA and allowing public and private defense and non-defense industries to come together, we will expand the usage of unmanned maritime systems and provide more support for Mississippi's Blue Economy. I am glad to see this bicameral and bipartisan legislation move forward today,""Palazzo said.  

This bicameral, bipartisan, and bicoastal legislation advances the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) use of unmanned maritime systems by directing the agency to coordinate with the private and academic sectors and the Navy on evaluating unmanned maritime systems technology and their utility in science and management.
In March, Congressman Palazzo, along with Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), introduced the House version of the Senate bill which was introduced by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Palazzo spoke in support of the legislation on the House floor today. You can watch his remarkshere. A full summary of the bill can be found herehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=FAA2F18E-DBAE-4419-A99A-B45FB1AF950D,Wicker Remembers President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In his inaugural address almost exactly three decades ago, President George H.W. Bush reminded Americans that some ideas are timeless. Those ideas, he said, include duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.
President Bush knew these principles were timeless because he had lived his entire life by them. A member of the Greatest Generation, he understood that taking part and pitching in were small but necessary prices to pay for the good fortune of living in the land of the free.
The tributes for President Bush, who passed away on November 30 at the age of 94, have brought deserved attention to his extraordinary biography. But they have also captured the 41st president's abounding humility, kindness, and compassion. He was an empathetic man who valued character over pedigree, as President George W. Bush noted during his father's funeral.
I was on the receiving end of that kindness as student body president for the University of Mississippi in 1973, when I got the chance to make a presentation before the future president, then chairman of the Republican National Committee. His gracious words of praise following my brief remarks were overly generous but they meant the world to this college senior. I am thankful our paths crossed several times after that first encounter and that President Bush forged such close ties with our state through his longtime friendship with Mississippi Congressman Sonny Montgomery.
By the time he was elected to Congress in 1966, President Bush had already earned awards for his bravery in World War II, risking his life as a naval aviator in no less than 58 combat missions. He represented the 7th district of Texas for two terms before serving as ambassador to the United Nations, ambassador to China, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Any of these roles would suffice as the capstone of a career, but they were merely the prologue for his rise to our nation's highest offices, vice president and president of the United States.
The world was at a critical juncture during President Bush's time in the White House. Under his watch, Americans witnessed the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany, and the liberation of Kuwait from the grip of Saddam Hussein. The international order was changing, and so was America's place in it. President Bush rose to the occasion, just as he had as a young recruit during World War II, and shepherded the advancement of freedom with both strength and grace. All the while, he never abandoned his commitment to the good work and service done by ordinary citizens, the thousand points of light needed to sustain democracy here at home.  
President Bush's life was marked by distinction, but his legacy will be sustained by the larger-than-life devotion and love he showed to his family and friends. He and Barbara were married longer than any other presidential couple. He became the second U.S. president to watch his son take the oath of office, and he leaves behind for us the same purpose that he dedicated his life to fulfill: to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-thompson-virginia-college-students-should-file-closed-school-discharge,Rep. Thompson: Virginia College Students Should File for Closed School Discharge,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson released the following statement on the abrupt closure of Jackson's Virginia College campus:

""I strongly feel that students should not obtain debt from gaining any type of education."" Thompson said. ""Due to the abrupt closure of Virginia College's Jackson campus, the U.S. Department of Education is encouraging students to apply for closed school discharge, which will essentially forgive any federal loans acquired by any student still enrolled at the college. I urge any Mississippian enrolled at the college to take this opportunity to file.""

On Wednesday, December 5, 2018, the Education Corporation of America (ECA), announced the abrupt closure of its national chain of for-profit colleges, which includes Virginia College's Jackson campus located within the second congressional district of Mississippi.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/honoring-durell-wade-congressional-record,HONORING DURELL WADE (Congressional Record),2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HONORING DURELL WADE -- (Senate - December 06, 2018)

Congressional Record -- (Senate - December 06, 2018)

 Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, 77 years after being killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, AD2 Durell Wade of Calhoun County, MS, will be laid to rest in the North Mississippi Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

 On December 7, 1941, 429 men lost their lives aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma, including Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Wade.

 He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1936 and was in line to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate shortly before his death. His service in the U.S. Navy helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

 The U.S. Department of Defense and its Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency deserve commendation for its work to identify casualties, like Durell Wade, and offer some measure of closure to families of fallen servicemembers.

 In this instance, I am pleased that Wade's family, including his 99-year-old sister Nancy, have an opportunity to be part of a burial ceremony with full military honors in Kilmichael, MS.

 So many families in Mississippi lost loved ones during World War II, but Durell's long absence made this family's sacrifice all the more heartbreaking.

 I hope the families of those who perished on the U.S.S. Oklahoma will find comfort and peace in knowing their loved one's service in defense of our Nation helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

 I ask unanimous consent that an August 18, 2018, article from The Baton Rouge Advocate titled, Pearl Harbor casualty's remains getting a proper funeral ends lifetime of wondering for Baton Rouge family members, be printed in the Record.

 There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

[August 18, 2018]

 Pearl Harbor Casualty's Remains Getting a Proper Funeral Ends Lifetime of Wondering for Baton Rouge Family Members

(By George Morris)

 Seventy-seven years after he was killed, sailor Durell Wade will finally get a proper burial. For his Baton Rouge nephew, it ends a lifetime of wondering.

 I knew that I had his name, and I knew that he died at Pearl Harbor, said Dr. Larry Wade, 75, whose middle name is Durell. I'd think about him a lot but never explored and tried to know more about him. He was just Uncle Durell who had been killed at Pearl.

 This spring, Wade's family learned that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified their relative's remains, as well as others of his shipmates who died in the attack that launched the United States into World War II. Naturally, the family is grateful.

 Because his body wasn't recovered when his immediate family was still alive, they didn't have that resolution, said Lauren McAdams, Larry Wade's daughter. Obviously, we know now it was a time of a lot of distress because there was the confusion of had he survived or had he not.

 Durell Wade, who was born in rural Calhoun County, Mississippi, in 1917, was an aviation machinist mate aboard the USS Oklahoma. He had enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and re-enlisted four years later.

 Larry Wade's research on his uncle revealed him to be a cheerful person who loved to joke and laugh. Late in her life, Durell Wade's oldest sister, Orena, said he loved his life aboard the USS Oklahoma (and) bragged that it could not be sunk.

 Wade, who was not married, had written home on Sept. 27, 1941, pleased to report that he had passed tests to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate.

 In one of his letters, he mentioned his fianc had broken up with him, Larry Wade said. He last saw her when he was an aviation machinist's mate third class, and he wanted to propose to her but he knew he could not support her on the kind of income he had then. Right after that, she sent him a `Dear John' letter and she married another guy. He mentions that in one of his letters.

 On Dec. 7, 1941, five torpedoes from enemy aircraft struck the battleship, which capsized in less than 12 minutes, trapping hundreds of sailors in their battle stations below deck. The attack killed 429 men on the Oklahoma.

 Those who perished inside the overturned ship remained there for more than a year before the ship could be righted. Remains that were recovered were hastily buried, said Chuck Pritchard, public affairs director for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

 After the war ended in 1945, remains were disinterred to identify them using forensic methods available at the time. Thirty-five were identified, and the rest buried again.

 In 2015, remains from the Oklahoma were disinterred for DNA testing. Family members, including Larry Wade, were contacted to provide DNA samples.

 So far, 146 remains from the Oklahoma have been identified. It's a tiny fraction of the roughly 72,000 unaccounted-for military losses from World War II, but it's meaningful to each family, Pritchard said.

 Larry Wade, Lauren McAdams and her husband, Brendan McAdams, met with Navy representatives on Aug. 2 at the American Legion Nicholson Post 38 hall, where they received an inch-thick notebook that included details of how the DPAA identified his remains. The notebook also had copies of letters between the Navy and family members that revealed something living family members never knew--that the family erroneously had been told that Durell Wade had survived before authorities confirmed his death.

 That stirred the family up quite a lot, Larry Wade said.

 The Navy will pay to have Durell Wade's remains returned and buried, and the funeral is set for Dec. 7--the 77th anniversary of his death--at North Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Park in Kilmichael, Mississippi.

 I have his name and my grandson has his name, but still, Uncle Durell was just an idea from Pearl Harbor, Larry Wade said. I've learned a lot about him (by) reading and talking to family members. He's come much more alive as a person.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-issues-statement-honoring-mississippi-sailor-killed-pearl-harbor,HYDE-SMITH ISSUES STATEMENT HONORING MISSISSIPPI SAILOR KILLED AT PEARL HARBOR,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH ISSUES STATEMENT HONORING MISSISSIPPI SAILOR KILLED AT PEARL HARBOR

Commemoration Made in Conjunction with Committal Ceremonies in Miss. for Calhoun County Native Durell Wade

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss) today released a Congressional Record statement to honor Durell Wade, a 24-year-old Calhoun County native who lost his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor 77 years ago.

In addition to honoring Wade, Hyde-Smith's statement commends the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for its work to identify the servicemen who perished when the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized. Its work led to Wade's identification and a service to inter him today at the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael.

The U.S. Department of Defense and its Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency deserve commendation for its work to identify casualties, like Durell Wade, and offer some measure of closure to families of fallen servicemembers, Hyde-Smith said.

So many families in Mississippi lost loved ones during World War II, but Durell's long absence made this family's sacrifice all the more heartbreaking, she said. I hope the families of those who perished on the U.S.S. Oklahoma will find comfort and peace in knowing their loved ones' service in defense of our Nation helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

Hyde-Smith's full Congressional Record statement follows:


HONORING DURELL WADE -- (Senate - December 06, 2018)

Congressional Record -- (Senate - December 06, 2018)

 Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, 77 years after being killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, AD2 Durell Wade of Calhoun County, MS, will be laid to rest in the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

 On December 7, 1941, 429 men lost their lives aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma, including Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Wade.

 He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1936 and was in line to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate shortly before his death. His service in the U.S. Navy helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

 The U.S. Department of Defense and its Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency deserve commendation for its work to identify casualties, like Durell Wade, and offer some measure of closure to families of fallen servicemembers.

 In this instance, I am pleased that Wade's family, including his 99-year-old sister Nancy, have an opportunity to be part of a burial ceremony with full military honors in Kilmichael, MS.

 So many families in Mississippi lost loved ones during World War II, but Durell's long absence made this family's sacrifice all the more heartbreaking.

 I hope the families of those who perished on the U.S.S. Oklahoma will find comfort and peace in knowing their loved ones' service in defense of our Nation helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

 I ask unanimous consent that an August 18, 2018, article from The Baton Rouge Advocate titled, Pearl Harbor casualty's remains getting a proper funeral ends lifetime of wondering for Baton Rouge family members, be printed in the Record.

 There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

[August 18, 2018]

 Pearl Harbor Casualty's Remains Getting a Proper Funeral Ends Lifetime of Wondering for Baton Rouge Family Members

(By George Morris)

 Seventy-seven years after he was killed, sailor Durell Wade will finally get a proper burial. For his Baton Rouge nephew, it ends a lifetime of wondering.

 I knew that I had his name, and I knew that he died at Pearl Harbor, said Dr. Larry Wade, 75, whose middle name is Durell. I'd think about him a lot but never explored and tried to know more about him. He was just Uncle Durell who had been killed at Pearl.

 This spring, Wade's family learned that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified their relative's remains, as well as others of his shipmates who died in the attack that launched the United States into World War II. Naturally, the family is grateful.

 Because his body wasn't recovered when his immediate family was still alive, they didn't have that resolution, said Lauren McAdams, Larry Wade's daughter. Obviously, we know now it was a time of a lot of distress because there was the confusion of had he survived or had he not.

 Durell Wade, who was born in rural Calhoun County, Mississippi, in 1917, was an aviation machinist mate aboard the USS Oklahoma. He had enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and re-enlisted four years later.

 Larry Wade's research on his uncle revealed him to be a cheerful person who loved to joke and laugh. Late in her life, Durell Wade's oldest sister, Orena, said he loved his life aboard the USS Oklahoma (and) bragged that it could not be sunk.

 Wade, who was not married, had written home on Sept. 27, 1941, pleased to report that he had passed tests to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate.

 In one of his letters, he mentioned his fianc had broken up with him, Larry Wade said. He last saw her when he was an aviation machinist's mate third class, and he wanted to propose to her but he knew he could not support her on the kind of income he had then. Right after that, she sent him a `Dear John' letter and she married another guy. He mentions that in one of his letters.

 On Dec. 7, 1941, five torpedoes from enemy aircraft struck the battleship, which capsized in less than 12 minutes, trapping hundreds of sailors in their battle stations below deck. The attack killed 429 men on the Oklahoma.

 Those who perished inside the overturned ship remained there for more than a year before the ship could be righted. Remains that were recovered were hastily buried, said Chuck Pritchard, public affairs director for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

 After the war ended in 1945, remains were disinterred to identify them using forensic methods available at the time. Thirty-five were identified, and the rest buried again.

 In 2015, remains from the Oklahoma were disinterred for DNA testing. Family members, including Larry Wade, were contacted to provide DNA samples.

 So far, 146 remains from the Oklahoma have been identified. It's a tiny fraction of the roughly 72,000 unaccounted-for military losses from World War II, but it's meaningful to each family, Pritchard said.

 Larry Wade, Lauren McAdams and her husband, Brendan McAdams, met with Navy representatives on Aug. 2 at the American Legion Nicholson Post 38 hall, where they received an inch-thick notebook that included details of how the DPAA identified his remains. The notebook also had copies of letters between the Navy and family members that revealed something living family members never knew--that the family erroneously had been told that Durell Wade had survived before authorities confirmed his death.

 That stirred the family up quite a lot, Larry Wade said.

 The Navy will pay to have Durell Wade's remains returned and buried, and the funeral is set for Dec. 7--the 77th anniversary of his death--at North Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Park in Kilmichael, Mississippi.

 I have his name and my grandson has his name, but still, Uncle Durell was just an idea from Pearl Harbor, Larry Wade said. I've learned a lot about him (by) reading and talking to family members. He's come much more alive as a person.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=54BCFEC4-845A-4BCC-9354-95B9E7D361CC,Wicker Statement on Launch of FCC Mobility Fund Map Investigation,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today released the following statement in response to the announcement from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai that his agency would be launching an investigation into allegations that one or more major carriers had violated the Mobility Fund Phase II (MF-II) reverse auction's mapping rules and submitted incorrect coverage maps:
Today's announcement from the FCC confirms what we have known all along - the FCC's mapping procedure is fatally flawed. I thank Chairman Pai for his work to launch this investigation and will be tracking the results closely. It is important for us to get this coverage map right so we can accurately target federal support to the communities in need of broadband service.
The FCC MF-II eligibility maps will be used to determine how up to $4.53 billion in support for rural wireless broadband expansion will be allocated over the next 10 years. The FCC created a challenge process for stakeholders to challenge the presumptive eligibility maps, which purportedly show areas with existing 4G LTE service coverage that would be ineligible for further federal support.
Wicker has repeatedly raised concerns with the map and challenge process, most recently exploring an option to use the year-end government funding bill to force the FCC to delay the challenge process and take stock of the accuracy of its broadband data. The senator is concerned that a flawed map could crack open a digital divide in communities that are poorly served by wireless broadband coverage.
In May,Wicker introduced legislationthat would have required the FCC to extend the challenge process by 90 days. He also led a bipartisan group of 30 senatorsto call upon the FCCto extend the challenge process and make other changes to the Mobility Fund program. The FCC agreedto extend the challenge process, which officially concluded on November 26, 2018.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399824,Congressional Expatriate Caucus Launches Website,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional Expatriate Caucus Launches Website 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 6, 2018
      
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
      
    
  
  
    
      
      
      Washington, DC-Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04)whoserves as Chairman of the Congressional Expatriate Caucus, announced today that the caucus has launched their official website.""Our website is set up to serve as an accessible resource to expatriates, regardless of their location in the world. For the 9 million Americans that live and work overseas, our site and social media platforms will allow them to stay connected and informed. As a Certified Public Accountant, and a former U.S. expatriate, I look forward to continuing to advocate for Americans who are working abroad.""  

The Congressional Expatriate Caucus was established in 2018. Other members of the caucus include Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), Mike Kelly (PA-03), and Jim Banks (IN-03). You can visit the Congressional Expatriate Caucus website by visiting thelink here. ###
    
  
  
  
    
      f 
      t 
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      e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/wicker-hyde-smith-announce-38-million-road-bridge-improvements-mississippi,WICKER & HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCE $38 MILLION FOR ROAD & BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS IN MISSISSIPPI,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WICKER & HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCE $38 MILLION FOR ROAD & BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS IN MISSISSIPPI

U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD Grants to Support Safety, Growth

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced the award of $38 million in federal grant funding for road and bridge improvements in Mississippi.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will provide $25 million to assist with widening Mississippi 19 in Neshoba County and $13 million to support road and bridge improvements to Holly Springs Road in DeSoto County.

The grants announced today will support two high-priority infrastructure projects for Mississippi, Wicker said. I commend the Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing the importance of these projects, which will be essential to ensuring the safety of thousands of Mississippians and continued economic development along these well-traveled corridors.

The competition for BUILD grant funds is intense, which makes these awards to Neshoba and DeSoto counties special. These two projects are intended to improve public safety and increase the attractiveness of these areas for growth, said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. We'll continue to work to find additional resources to support Mississippi's infrastructure needs.

The awards announced today are being made available as part of the DOT Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program.

The $25 million in BUILD grant funding for Neshoba County will support the final phase of a plan to widen Mississippi 19 to four lanes between Meridian and Philadelphia. The project is expected to cost a total of $40 million and will help improve economic development along the corridor.

The $13 million in BUILD grant funding for DeSoto County will support much-needed improvements to Holly Springs Road, which has been damaged by overuse and repeated flooding. The project, which is expected to cost a total of $30 million, will elevate the roadway, replace five bridges, and realign numerous hairpin curves that have caused repeated accidents.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/honoring-durell-wade,Honoring Durell Wade,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Congressional Record -- (Senate - December 06, 2018)

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, 77 years after being killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, AD2 Durell Wade of Calhoun County, MS, will be laid to rest in the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

On December 7, 1941, 429 men lost their lives aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma, including Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Wade.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1936 and was in line to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate shortly before his death. His service in the U.S. Navy helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

The U.S. Department of Defense and its Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency deserve commendation for its work to identify casualties, like Durell Wade, and offer some measure of closure to families of fallen servicemembers.

In this instance, I am pleased that Wade's family, including his 84-year-old sister Nancy, have an opportunity to be part of a burial ceremony with full military honors in Kilmichael, MS.

So many families in Mississippi lost loved ones during World War II, but Durell's long absence made this family's sacrifice all the more heartbreaking.

I hope the families of those who perished on the U.S.S. Oklahoma will find comfort and peace in knowing their loved ones' service in defense of our Nation helped in the ultimate fight to protect our liberty.

I ask unanimous consent that an August 18, 2018, article from The Baton Rouge Advocate titled, “Pearl Harbor casualty's remains getting a proper funeral ends lifetime of wondering for Baton Rouge family members,” be printed in the Record.

There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

[August 18, 2018]

Pearl Harbor Casualty's Remains Getting a Proper Funeral Ends Lifetime of Wondering for Baton Rouge Family Members

(By George Morris)

Seventy-seven years after he was killed, sailor Durell Wade will finally get a proper burial. For his Baton Rouge nephew, it ends a lifetime of wondering.

“I knew that I had his name, and I knew that he died at Pearl Harbor,” said Dr. Larry Wade, 75, whose middle name is Durell. “I'd think about him a lot but never explored and tried to know more about him. He was just Uncle Durell who had been killed at Pearl.”

This spring, Wade's family learned that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified their relative's remains, as well as others of his shipmates who died in the attack that launched the United States into World War II. Naturally, the family is grateful.

“Because his body wasn't recovered when his immediate family was still alive, they didn't have that resolution,” said Lauren McAdams, Larry Wade's daughter. “Obviously, we know now it was a time of a lot of distress because there was the confusion of had he survived or had he not.”

Durell Wade, who was born in rural Calhoun County, Mississippi, in 1917, was an aviation machinist mate aboard the USS Oklahoma. He had enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and re-enlisted four years later.

Larry Wade's research on his uncle revealed him to be a cheerful person who loved to joke and laugh. Late in her life, Durell Wade's oldest sister, Orena, said he “loved his life aboard the USS Oklahoma (and) bragged that it could not be sunk.”

Wade, who was not married, had written home on Sept. 27, 1941, pleased to report that he had passed tests to be promoted to chief aviation machinist mate.

“In one of his letters, he mentioned his fiancé had broken up with him,” Larry Wade said. “He last saw her when he was an aviation machinist's mate third class, and he wanted to propose to her but he knew he could not support her on the kind of income he had then. Right after that, she sent him a `Dear John' letter and she married another guy. He mentions that in one of his letters.”

On Dec. 7, 1941, five torpedoes from enemy aircraft struck the battleship, which capsized in less than 12 minutes, trapping hundreds of sailors in their battle stations below deck. The attack killed 429 men on the Oklahoma.

Those who perished inside the overturned ship remained there for more than a year before the ship could be righted. Remains that were recovered were hastily buried, said Chuck Pritchard, public affairs director for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

After the war ended in 1945, remains were disinterred to identify them using forensic methods available at the time. Thirty-five were identified, and the rest buried again.

In 2015, remains from the Oklahoma were disinterred for DNA testing. Family members, including Larry Wade, were contacted to provide DNA samples.

###

So far, 146 remains from the Oklahoma have been identified. It's a tiny fraction of the roughly 72,000 unaccounted-for military losses from World War II, but it's meaningful to each family, Pritchard said.

Larry Wade, Lauren McAdams and her husband, Brendan McAdams, met with Navy representatives on Aug. 2 at the American Legion Nicholson Post 38 hall, where they received an inch-thick notebook that included details of how the DPAA identified his remains. The notebook also had copies of letters between the Navy and family members that revealed something living family members never knew--that the family erroneously had been told that Durell Wade had survived before authorities confirmed his death.

“That stirred the family up quite a lot,” Larry Wade said.

The Navy will pay to have Durell Wade's remains returned and buried, and the funeral is set for Dec. 7--the 77th anniversary of his death--at North Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Park in Kilmichael, Mississippi.

“I have his name and my grandson has his name, but still, Uncle Durell was just an idea from Pearl Harbor,” Larry Wade said. “I've learned a lot about him (by) reading and talking to family members. He's come much more alive as a person.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3425CF52-6B3A-448C-AAD0-A990D03CF1D9,"Wicker, Hyde-Smith Announce $38 Million for Road & Bridge Improvements in Mississippi",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today announced the award of $38 million in federal grant funding for road and bridge improvements in Mississippi. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will provide $25 million to assist with widening Mississippi 19 in Neshoba County and $13 million to support road and bridge improvements to Holly Springs Road in DeSoto County.
The grants announced today will support two high-priority infrastructure projects for Mississippi, Wicker said. I commend the Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing the importance of these projects, which will be essential to ensuring the safety of thousands of Mississippians and continued economic development along these well-traveled corridors.
The competition for BUILD grant funds is intense, which makes these awards to Neshoba and DeSoto counties special. These two projects are intended to improve public safety and increase the attractiveness of these areas for growth, said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. We'll continue to work to find additional resources to support Mississippi's infrastructure needs.
The awards announced today are being made available as part of the DOT Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program.
The $25 million in BUILD grant funding for Neshoba County will support the final phase of a plan to widen Mississippi 19 to four lanes between Meridian and Philadelphia. The project is expected to cost a total of $40 million and will help improve economic development along the corridor.
The $13 million in BUILD grant funding for DeSoto County will support much-needed improvements to Holly Springs Road, which has been damaged by overuse and repeated flooding. The project, which is expected to cost a total of $30 million, will elevate the roadway, replace five bridges, and realign numerous hairpin curves that have caused repeated accidents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F94525C2-369E-40E3-A2B9-DFD01100B352,Wicker Joins President Trump for Coast Guard Bill Signing Ceremony,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., participated in a bill signing ceremony at the White House with President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday.
The president signed the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which authorizes the Coast Guard for two years and increases funding for the acquisition of National Security Cutters and other needed vessels and equipment. The legislation also includes key provisions of Wicker's Commercial Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, which would establish a national safety standard for ballast water discharge and other vessel discharges.
I was honored to join President Trump at the White House to witness the signing of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, Wicker said. This legislation will ensure our Coast Guard members have the resources they need to protect our homeland, fight international drug trafficking, and save lives. I am also pleased the legislation includes a national safety standard for ballast water discharge, which will protect our environment and encourage economic growth.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/miss-lawmakers-announce-141-million-usda-rural-development-award-new-albany-wastewater-plant,MISS. LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE $14.1 MILLION USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR NEW ALBANY WASTEWATER PLANT,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MISS. LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE $14.1 MILLION USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR NEW ALBANY WASTEWATER PLANT

USDA Provides $29.4 Million in Loan & Grant Awards for Water & Wastewater Projects in State

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today praised the approval of a $14.1 million loan and grant package from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will allow the City of New Albany to replace its wastewater treatment system.

The New Albany award is among nine awards to Mississippi from the USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The combined grant and loan awards total $29.4 million for water and wastewater improvements throughout Mississippi ($20,516,000 loans and $8,920,000 grants).

The Mississippi lawmakers credited John Rounsaville, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Mississippi, and New Albany Mayor Tim Kent for reaching an agreement on the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant award.

This financing is imperative to give New Albany an economically-feasible option to improve a critical service for its residents. It is this type of infrastructure improvement that is key to a rural community's quality of life and ability to grow, said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. I commend State Director Rounsaville and Mayor Kent for their diligence on this proposal.

Every Mississippi community deserves strong public infrastructure that can support a thriving economy, Wicker said. With this award, New Albany can move forward with essential upgrades to its wastewater treatment facilities. I applaud Director Rounsaville and Mayor Kent for their efforts to bring the city into compliance with federal standards and to support safer, cleaner water for years to come.

This critical infrastructure project is much-needed for New Albany, Kelly said. State Director Rounsaville and Mayor Kent did a great job working together to help this community. I look forward to working with our communities to help fund important infrastructure projects like this one.

This grant/loan will allow the City of New Albany to do a much needed project that otherwise we couldn't do, Kent said. I want to offer a special thanks Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Senator Roger Wicker, and Congressman Trent Kelly for their assistance. Without them this project would not have been possible.

New Albany will use a $7,886,000 loan and $6,214,000 grant to construct a new mechanically-based wastewater treatment plant and renovate failing components of the city's existing wastewater treatment system.

The new treatment facility would be relocated to help mitigate environmental problems associated with the current plant. These improvements would allow for more growth, while also meeting the renewal permit requirements from regulatory agencies.

The following is a review of the other eight awards to Mississippi:

  Prairie Land Water Association, Columbus  $2,600,000 loan and $1,769,000 grant to improve public and environmental safety through a system to convey wastewater from three existing subdivisions in Lowndes County to the Golden Triangle Industrial Park wastewater collection system and treatment.

  Mount Comfort Water Association, Bruce  $2,937,000 loan and $937,000 grant to construct a new water supply well, a 100,000-gallon elevated water storage tank, and radio read meters. The $3.9 million project will also entail an expanded distribution area and efforts to address water pressure issues.

  Marshall County Water Association, Inc., Byhalia  $2,745,000 loan to support construction of a new well, a water treatment plant, and two water storage tanks to help meet growing demands in a service area that includes more than 1,300 residential customers, industrial and manufacturing sites.

  Hayes Creek Water Association, Inc., Winona  $1,189,000 loan to support construction of a new 300 gallon-per-minute water well with a 10,000 gallon Hydro-Pneumatic tank, treatment equipment, water distribution lines, and generator for the Lodi System.

  Bond Water Association, Inc., Louisville  $1,422,000 loan to support construction of a new 300 gallon-per-minute water well, install new water distribution lines to replace aged and undersized lines, install new radio read meters, and rehabilitation of two water treatment plants.

  Hiwannee Water Association, Inc., Waynesboro  $637,000.00 loan to replace and upgrade water distribution lines to correct low water pressure issues.

  City of Moorhead  $600,000 loan for use as a cost overrun to rehabilitate a wastewater treatment plant and construction of a sewer extension, pump stations, and force mains.

  Fannin Water Association, Inc., Brandon  $500,000 loan to purchase 2,000 radio read meters to improve efficiency in its growing service area.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BD83FAA6-6D24-4426-AD43-EAE386548C07,Wicker Names Keast as Commerce Committee Staff Director,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., announced today he has selected John P. Keast to serve as the staff director of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Wicker hired Keast to manage his successful first election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. Keast served as Wicker's chief of staff from 1995 until 2006.
John Keast is the right person to lead the Commerce Committee staff, and I am proud we successfully recruited him to return to Capitol Hill, Wicker said. I am confident he will assemble a great team to put the committee on a successful path. John knows our state well, and he will always pursue the best interests of Mississippi.
I am honored to return to public service and again be working with Senator Wicker, Keast said. Mississippi holds a special place in my heart, and I will always consider the needs of Mississippians as we pursue a positive, pro-growth agenda.
Keast is a native of Virginia and a graduate of Radford University. He worked at a non-profit think tank specializing in state and local policy, and as a staff member for the Virginia House of Delegates before joining Wicker's 1994 campaign in Mississippi. In 2006, after eleven years as Wicker's chief of staff, Keast joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Keast is married to the former Virginia Hill of Columbia, Mississippi, and the couple has three children. Their oldest son, Patrick, plans to attend the University of Mississippi in the Fall.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=80D41ED9-A888-48A7-BE50-C4AD6F4D5B3B,Wicker Participates in Roundtable With President Trump on Prison Reform,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On his recent visit to Gulfport, President Trump convened a roundtable discussion to highlight opportunities to reform our criminal justice system. I participated in this important discussion, along with Vice President Pence, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Gov. Phil Bryant, and other leaders in our state who are working to get these reforms right.
The need for prison reform stems from troubling recidivism rates, in which criminal behavior is repeated after a prisoner serves his or her sentence. In 2016, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that nearly half of federal prisoners put under community supervision are re-arrested within five years. The bureau's study found that state recidivism numbers were even worse, with 77 percent of state prisoners re-arrested in the same time period.
Like the President, I believe in a strong judicial system that keeps Americans safe and holds criminals accountable. Our nation is governed by laws, and those laws should be enforced. However, we cannot ignore the pervasive social and financial costs of crime, as well as our responsibility to address these challenges in our communities.
A Focus on Rehabilitation
High recidivism rates reflect the difficulties that many prisoners experience when reentering society. At the roundtable, the President heard from Mississippians who work in law enforcement, our courts, our prisons, and our faith communities about the need to help these individuals get back on their feet. In working with prisoners every day, these dedicated Mississippians have seen firsthand how alternative sentencing and second-chance employment can help. As Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Pelicia Hall noted in our discussion, lowering recidivism rates could save the state $264 million over a decade.
In addition to cost savings, these efforts are important to supporting safe, drug-free communities. For example, with support of private industries and job training in prison, individuals who pose no risk to others can find meaningful work in their communities after being released. With the proper drug rehabilitation, they can overcome problems with substance abuse.
I have been a longtime supporter of Mississippi's drug court programs and have participated in a number of drug court graduations over the years. These programs are designed to help nonviolent drug offenders turn their lives around, using strict judicial supervision and mandatory drug tests rather than jail time. As the opioid epidemic continues in our nation, programs like drug courts are more and more important.
Bipartisan Approach Gains Momentum
I am also eager to see the Senate work on a promising bipartisan bill for criminal justice reform. Known as the FIRST STEP Act, the legislation has the support of the Trump Administration and a strong majority in the House of Representatives, which overwhelmingly passed the bill earlier this year. It has also earned the endorsement of many major law enforcement groups and faith leaders. The bill would incentivize prisoners to demonstrate good behavior and work toward job skills.
More than 95 percent of the Americans currently incarcerated will eventually be released from prison. Our society is better off as a whole if these individuals return to normal lives when they go home. Educational and vocational pathways can help offenders leave their criminal records behind while building on new opportunities in today's thriving economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=479A3162-09FC-4A03-923E-F3DEEB5B6082,Wicker Participates in Roundtable With President Trump on Prison Reform,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On his recent visit to Gulfport, President Trump convened a roundtable discussion to highlight opportunities to reform our criminal justice system. I participated in this important discussion, along with Vice President Pence, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Gov. Phil Bryant, and other leaders in our state who are working to get these reforms right.
The need for prison reform stems from troubling recidivism rates, in which criminal behavior is repeated after a prisoner serves his or her sentence. In 2016, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that nearly half of federal prisoners put under community supervision are re-arrested within five years. The bureau's study found that state recidivism numbers were even worse, with 77 percent of state prisoners re-arrested in the same time period.
Like the President, I believe in a strong judicial system that keeps Americans safe and holds criminals accountable. Our nation is governed by laws, and those laws should be enforced. However, we cannot ignore the pervasive social and financial costs of crime, as well as our responsibility to address these challenges in our communities.
A Focus on Rehabilitation
High recidivism rates reflect the difficulties that many prisoners experience when reentering society. At the roundtable, the President heard from Mississippians who work in law enforcement, our courts, our prisons, and our faith communities about the need to help these individuals get back on their feet. In working with prisoners every day, these dedicated Mississippians have seen firsthand how alternative sentencing and second-chance employment can help. As Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Pelicia Hall noted in our discussion, lowering recidivism rates could save the state $264 million over a decade.
In addition to cost savings, these efforts are important to supporting safe, drug-free communities. For example, with support of private industries and job training in prison, individuals who pose no risk to others can find meaningful work in their communities after being released. With the proper drug rehabilitation, they can overcome problems with substance abuse.
I have been a longtime supporter of Mississippi's drug court programs and have participated in a number of drug court graduations over the years. These programs are designed to help nonviolent drug offenders turn their lives around, using strict judicial supervision and mandatory drug tests rather than jail time. As the opioid epidemic continues in our nation, programs like drug courts are more and more important.
Bipartisan Approach Gains Momentum
I am also eager to see the Senate work on a promising bipartisan bill for criminal justice reform. Known as the FIRST STEP Act, the legislation has the support of the Trump Administration and a strong majority in the House of Representatives, which overwhelmingly passed the bill earlier this year. It has also earned the endorsement of many major law enforcement groups and faith leaders. The bill would incentivize prisoners to demonstrate good behavior and work toward job skills.
More than 95 percent of the Americans currently incarcerated will eventually be released from prison. Our society is better off as a whole if these individuals return to normal lives when they go home. Educational and vocational pathways can help offenders leave their criminal records behind while building on new opportunities in today's thriving economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3E9D1F21-0AEE-452A-A8E8-484CFF260976,Wicker Statement on the Death of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., issued the following statement on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush:
Gayle and I were saddened to learn this morning of the death of one of the greatest statesmen and public servants our nation has ever known. As a naval pilot during World War II, a congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, director of Central Intelligence, Vice President, President, and elder statesman, George Bush devoted his life to our country. The American people are grateful for President Bush's steady and principled leadership as he oversaw the peaceful conclusion of the Cold War, and led an international coalition to liberate the people of Kuwait. He will also be remembered for his deep faith and wonderful family.
I first met President Bush when he was Chairman of the Republican National Committee and I was Associated Student Body President at the University of Mississippi. I have had many more opportunities to meet with President Bush over the years, but one notable connection he had to our state was through his deep friendship with the late Congressman G.V. Sonny Montgomery. It makes me smile when I recall the great bipartisan friendship between these two members of our greatest generation. On behalf of all Mississippians, I share my deepest sympathies and prayers for the entire Bush family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-announces-225-million-additional-funding-army-corps-work-miss,HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $22.5 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ARMY CORPS WORK IN MISS.,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $22.5 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ARMY CORPS WORK IN MISS.
FY2019 Work Plan Adds Money for 15 Projects, Including Water Improvements & Dredging
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss) today announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will invest an additional $22.5 million on 15 projects in Mississippi, including $3.0 million for a Vicksburg wastewater project and millions for dredging at ports in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Vicksburg, and Greenville.
Hyde-Smith, a Senate Appropriations Committee member, sought the additional funding for Mississippi after President Trump signed into law the FY2019 appropriations bill for the Army Corps. That bill included additional funding for the Army Corps to use at its discretion on projects that were underfunded or not included in the budget request.
Army Corps activities have a significant impact on the health, public safety, and overall quality of life for many Mississippians, Hyde-Smith said. I am very pleased that this new funding will be put to good use in our state for waterways, levees, and public works.
The funding for Mississippi is outlined in the Army Corps FY2019 Work Plan, which provides a line-by-line account of how additional funding in the FY2019 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act will be allocated in Mississippi and elsewhere around the nation. Details include:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY2019 Work Plan (Mississippi)
Total of additional $22.5 million for 15 Mississippi projects
Construction Account  Environmental Infrastructure: $3,200,000 total
 $3.0 million to fully fund an ongoing wastewater system rehabilitation project in Vicksburg
$200,000 for an ongoing project to reclaim treated wastewater effluent from points in southern Jackson County
	
 Operation & Maintenance Account: $5,759,000 total
 Additional $4 million for dredging at Port of Gulfport (FY2019 total: $7.21 million)
Additional $1.75 million for dredging at Port of Pascagoula (FY2019 total: $7.9 million)
	
 Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T): $13,565,000 total
 $8.0 million for Upper Yazoo Projects for channel improvement and bank stabilization
$4.1 million for Big Sunflower River Project for sediment retention structure
Additional $300,000 for dredging at Port of Greenville (FY2019 total: $1.23 million)
Additional $302,000 for dredging at Port of Vicksburg (FY2019 total: $1.24 million)
Additional $627,000 for operation and maintenance (O&M) work at Arkabutla Lake (FY2019 total: $6.13 million)
Additional $45,000 for O&M work at Enid Lake (FY2019 total: $5.34 million)
Additional $25,000 for O&M work at Grenada Lake (FY2019 total: $5.35 million)
Additional $50,000 for O&M work at Sardis Lake (FY2019 total: $6.28 million)
Additional $66,000 for Yazoo Basin Tributaries (FY2019 total: $967,000)
Additional $50,000 for Yazoo Backwater Area (FY2019 total: $588,000)
Full funding for O&M of the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum in Vicksburg
	
 The FY2019 Work Plan funding is on top of the more than $73.3 million already included in the FY2019 Energy and Water Development bill for projects in Mississippi. Signed into law in late September, Hyde-Smith supported appropriations for 28 authorized Corps of Engineers projects in Mississippi, including $29 million for Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) flood control and navigation projects, and $44.3 million for operation and maintenance of 13 authorized projects, such as the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway ($27.9 million) and harbors at Gulfport ($3.2 million), Pascagoula ($6.1 million), Biloxi ($1.74 million), and Rosedale ($935,000). None of the harbor maintenance funding was included in the budget request.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=62D76708-AA73-46E7-BA89-B180E034BA67,Wicker Displays Clinton High School Christmas Ornaments,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., celebrated the start of the Christmas season by decorating his Washington, D.C., office Christmas tree with handcrafted, Mississippi-themed ornaments created by students from Clinton High School in Clinton, Miss.
We've found that it's a great way to showcase Mississippi as well as our high school students, Wicker said.
The students created 30 ornaments crafted from wood and 3D-printed plastics depicting various aspects of Mississippi history and culture, including legendary blues artist B.B. King's guitar and civil rights icons.
We've decorated our tree once again with ornaments involving our state of Mississippi, telling a little about our story, about all the interesting things that we do and make and grow, and also all the interesting people that come out of this great little postage stamp of real estate called Mississippi, Wicker said.
This is the second year that Wicker has asked one Mississippi school to create unique ornaments for visitors to his Washington, D.C., office to enjoy.
Wicker credits his wife, Gayle, with the idea for the Christmas celebration. Last year's ornaments were provided by Gulfport High School and celebrated Mississippi's bicentennial.
Download high resolution photos below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D20DF4A3-D2CC-44D8-AFB3-C1F4A6279773,"Wicker Considers Gas Tax Alternatives, Reforms",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., participated in a Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing to consider America's surface transportation infrastructure needs. Wicker used his time to question the potential benefits and disadvantages of alternatives to the current federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon. The current federal gas tax has not changed since 1993, and is no longer sufficient to fund the nation's growing infrastructure needs.
If we want to build roads and bridges and infrastructure we have to come up with some revenue solutions to actually pay for this, Wicker said.
Wicker asked witnesses to weigh in on several proposed reforms or alternatives to the current gas tax to fund the highway trust fund.
Carlos M. Braceras, president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, noted that by not indexing the gas tax to inflation, We are fighting two battles. We are fighting the inflation battle, which is a pretty powerful one. And we are also fighting the fact that we haven't made a change in so long.
Braceras and the other witnesses agreed there are currently significant privacy concerns with a proposal to switch from a per-gallon gas tax to a per-mile-driven model, which would require GPS tracking to differentiate between rural, urban, interstate, and private roads.
Other witnesses at today's hearing included:
 
Robert Lanham, Vice President, Associated General Contractors of America; and
James Corless, Executive Director, Sacramento Area Council of Governments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=401429BF-ABA8-418B-B46B-A4A143762DCD,Meridian International Center: Innovating Regulation: How Do Governments Keep Pace With Technology Policy?,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the wake of California's data privacy legislation and the recently-enacted General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union, the question is no longer if governments will regulate giant tech platforms, but when and how. Around the world, there is concern that complex and conflicting policies from regional and national governments on similar issues ranging from data flows to IP threaten to undermine innovation and create unintended economic consequences for businesses. Recognizing that regulation is on the horizon, tech firms are proactively self-regulating as well. How can the private and public sectors work together to advance innovation, while protecting individual liberties and national security?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6600B861-F374-448A-968E-84B0D83768BD,Wicker Urges Momentum for 355-Ship Fleet Buildup,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, yesterday led a hearing to receive testimony regarding the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding plans. The hearing comes amidst growing concerns that the Navy has been lagging in shipbuilding and will not be able to defend U.S. interests without significant additional investments in new vessels.
Let's be honest with the American people about how far behind we've gotten, Wicker told the Honorable James F. Geurts, who is the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
Wicker asked the panel of witnesses about the Navy's progress towards meeting its goal of a 355-ship fleet, which became the national policy of the United States when President Donald Trump signed Wicker's SHIPS Act into law last year.
In his opening statement, Geurts confirmed the Navy is on track to hit the congressionally mandated 355-ship minimum by the 2030s, which is two decades earlier than initially projected.
However, Geurts also noted the need for a bigger fleet has increased and not declined.
The Senator also discussed the funding challenges for procuring a new fleet in time to meet emerging threats across the globe. Despite Congress's recent action to increase appropriations for the Department of Defense, Wicker noted the specter of a flat or declining budget returning in the future. The Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011, which capped defense spending levels for the better part of a decade, is due to snap back unless Congress takes action next year.
I view that as unthinkable and it would be irresponsible on the part of this Congress, Wicker said.
Obviously, at the BCA level, that significant of a cut would be difficult to imagine us executing the current plan under BCA caps, Geurts said.
Vice Admiral William R. Merz, who is the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, said that there would be immediate impact if BCA level funding returned.
Depending on how long [BCA-level funding] lasts, I think we could go from immediate to devastating impact on the program, Merz said.
The other witness at yesterday's hearing was Lieutenant General David H. Berger, who is the
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration; & Commanding General for the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=FBCA8D9A-455B-421A-AD19-A15B8BDB0FB0,Wicker Touts the Value of Apprenticeships,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"An apprenticeship offers professional experience that can have a lasting impact on an individual's career. It is no wonder that more than half a million Americans today are beginning their careers  or starting new ones  in these hands-on, earn-as-you-learn programs.
Consider these encouraging statistics reported by the Department of Labor: Nine out of 10 apprentices are hired after finishing their programs. The starting salaries for former apprentices average $60,000, and these workers will bring in an estimated $300,000 more in earnings throughout their careers than workers who did not complete an apprenticeship program.
Employers also stand to benefit from putting valuable time and resources toward programs that train workers in specialized skills. A 2016 report by the Department of Commerce and Case Western Reserve University revealed how apprenticeships were good for the company's bottom line. In some of the companies studied, the authors found 40 and 50 percent returns on funds invested in apprentice programs. In the end, companies not only had employees ready and capable of meeting the demands of the job but also better productivity and employee retention.
A Solution for the Skills Gap
President Trump continues to praise the value of on-the-job training, issuing a proclamation for National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month. Last year, he created the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, bringing together business executives, educators, public officials, and association leaders to identify ways to increase the training opportunities available to Americans.
I agree with the President that we need to do more to address the skills gap that continues to persist in America's labor market. Although the number of apprenticeship programs has grown significantly in recent years, there are still not enough workers properly trained for millions of unfilled U.S. jobs  many in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
I am hopeful that the Apprenticeship Enhancement Act I introduced in the Senate last year will help change this situation. If passed, it would expedite the process that companies go through when registering or updating their apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor. By easing current regulatory hurdles, the bill would also fulfill one of the policy directives in the President's executive order to add more apprenticeships across U.S. industries.
ARC Grant Will Help Put Mississippians in Technical Careers
Mississippians are already working to make sure our state's students and young adults have the education and training needed for a technical job. At Itawamba Community College in October, I helped announce an Appalachian Regional Commission grant that will be used for this purpose.
The grant will help support a public-private initiative led by the Skills Foundation known as Get on the Grid. Its goal is to raise awareness among prospective workers about the technical career paths that are right for them. Sometimes the training for these skilled jobs does not require a four-year degree. Sometimes this training is best attained through a two-year community college program or an apprenticeship. Get on the Grid offers a virtual guidance counselor that can help with these decisions and meet the workforce demands of our state's leading industries.
Our state's workforce has helped make Mississippi a desirable place for business investment. This reputation should continue as the labor market evolves with the needs of a 21st-century economy. Apprenticeships will ensure Mississippians have the skills to stay competitive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1908,"Kelly Spends Thanksgiving Day with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team

November 24, 2018 | Posted in Press Releases

Tags:
National Defense / Veterans


WASHINGTON - Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) led a bipartisan delegation to the Middle East where members served Thanksgiving Day lunch to service men and women who are stationed at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.  More than 4,000 members of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi National Guard, deployed seven months ago in support of Operation Spartan Shield.  

""It is difficult to… Read more »",2018-11-24,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Trent Kelly,K000388,trentkelly.house.gov,trentkelly,https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) led a bipartisan delegation to the Middle East where members served Thanksgiving Day lunch to service men and women who are stationed at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. More than 4,000 members of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi National Guard, deployed seven months ago in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

""It is difficult to be away from family and friends - especially during the holidays,"" Rep. Kelly said. ""It was an honor to spend time with our troops and to let them know that we are proud of their service and the sacrifices they and their families make to keep us safe.""

Members of the 155th are expected to return home in 2019.

Congressman Trent Kelly represents Mississippi's First Congressional District. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Committee on Agriculture, and he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations. This is his second term.

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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-wicker-demand-sba-rule-change-protect-miss-poultry-farmers,HYDE-SMITH & WICKER DEMAND SBA RULE CHANGE TO PROTECT MISS. POULTRY FARMERS,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH & WICKER DEMAND SBA RULE CHANGE TO PROTECT MISS. POULTRY FARMERS

Proposed SBA Rule Would Deny Financing Option for Family-Owned Poultry Operations

WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today challenged a proposed Small Business Administration (SBA) rule that would deny many family-owned poultry producers in Mississippi from accessing SBA-sponsored financing.

In a letter to SBA Administrator Linda McMahon, Hyde-Smith and Wicker asked that a proposed rule to the SBA 7(a) Loan Program be modified to reflect more accurately the relationship between small growers and large producers, commonly referred to as integrators. The SBA 7(a) Loan Program is a critical source of financing for many Mississippi poultry farmers.

These independent poultry farmers are solely responsible for obtaining financing, supervising, managing day-to-day business and paying taxes. In no way are they partners, agents, or employees of the integrator. The SBA 7(a) loan program provides essential access to financing for small family farmers, Hyde-Smith and Wicker wrote.

Access to capital is essential to the continued success of poultry production in Mississippi, and we respectfully request that you revise the SBA proposed rule so growers are not arbitrarily excluded from the SBA 7(a) loan program, they said.

The Mississippi Senators were sharply critical of a March 6, 2018, SBA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report titled, Evaluation of SBA 7(a) Loans Made to Poultry Farmers, which inaccurately found that large producers, or integrators, maintain control over independent operators, and should therefore be considered affiliates of the larger companies that buy their chickens. As affiliates, small farmers, who are actually independent registered businesses, would be deemed too big to participate in the SBA loan program. The proposed rule is based on the flawed OIG report.

The letter also stresses the importance of poultry, one of Mississippi's leading agricultural commodities. In 2017, Mississippi's 1,430 poultry farms produced 746 million broilers worth more than $2.5 billion value of production.

The Senators' letter is available here and below:

Dear Administrator McMahon:

We are writing with regard to the Small Business Administration (SBA) proposed rule on Express Loan Programs and Affiliation Standards. As proposed, provisions of the rule would prevent Mississippi poultry growers from participating in important SBA loan programs, and we respectfully request that you incorporate necessary changes prior to issuing final regulations.

A March 6, 2018, SBA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report titled, Evaluation of SBA 7(a) Loans Made to Poultry Farmers, inaccurately reflects the relationship between small growers and large producers, commonly referred to as integrators. OIG concluded loans to growers did not meet SBA requirements for eligibility because integrators purportedly exercised control over the growers through contracts, operating procedures and other requirements. The report claimed that growers should be considered affiliated with the integrator companies they do business with. Unfortunately, the subsequent SBA proposed rule embraces the OIG conclusions, which could jeopardize the livelihood of thousands of family farms and small businesses across Mississippi.

While large integrator companies provide certain production inputs, technical support, and establish quality criteria, poultry growers are independent registered businesses. These independent poultry farmers are solely responsible for obtaining financing, supervising, managing day-to-day business and paying taxes. In no way are they partners, agents, or employees of the integrator. The SBA 7(a) loan program provides essential access to financing for small family farmers.

Agriculture is the top economic driver for our state, with poultry representing the largest segment of Mississippi's agricultural industry and supporting thousands of jobs. In 2017, Mississippi's 1,430 poultry farms produced 746 million broilers worth more than $2.5 billion value of production. Access to capital is essential to the continued success of poultry production in Mississippi, and we respectfully request that you revise the SBA proposed rule so growers are not arbitrarily excluded from the SBA 7(a) loan program.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2707CFBE-33F1-4332-B1C5-02E8502FD305,"Wicker, Shaheen, Coons, & Rubio Warn Against Russian Leadership of Interpol Ahead of General Assembly Vote",2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., members of the Helsinki Commission, issued the following joint statement, urging the Trump Administration and members of Interpol's General Assembly to oppose the candidacy of Alexander Prokopchuk of Russia to serve as the President of Interpol. A vote to elect the next President of Interpol will be held at the Interpol General Assembly in Dubai on Wednesday.
Interpol electing Major General Alexander Prokopchuk as its new President is akin to putting a fox in charge of a henhouse, said the Senators. Russia routinely abuses Interpol for the purpose of settling scores and harassing political opponents, dissidents and journalists. Alexander Prokopchuk has been personally involved in this intimidation strategy which ultimately seeks to weaken democratic institutions and embolden Putin's authoritarian regime. If elected as President by the members of Interpol's General Assembly on Wednesday, we have no doubt that Mr. Prokopchuk will further institutionalize the abuse of Interpol red notices and block ongoing efforts at meaningful reform. Further, the potential access he would gain to sensitive law enforcement data will bolster the Kremlin's ability to harass critics living outside of Russia and aid other authoritarian regimes seeking to do the same. For these reasons, we urge all 192 members to stand for the integrity of Interpol as a legitimate international law enforcement mechanism and vote against Mr. Prokopchuk. We continue to call on our administration to use its voice, vote and influence to ensure that Interpol can no longer be co-opted by Putin and other dictators for their own nefarious purposes. 
The Russian Federation is one of the main countries to exploit Interpol's red notice system, whereby notices of arrest are sent to all member countries. Russia has used the red notice system to harass Russia dissidents, critical Americans, and other individuals opposed to the Kremlin's aggression around the globe. Russia's candidate for the President of Interpol, Major General Alexander Prokopchuk has been particularly involved in the Kremlin's continued harassment campaign since he served as the head of Russia's National Central Bureau since 2011. The vote for President of Interpol will take place in Dubai on Wednesday, November 21.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=5B341EE1-D9D5-4EF6-9204-3BED051683A1,Wicker Supports Critical Missions of the Coast Guard,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"After years of negotiations, the Senate has passed a two-year reauthorization of the Coast Guard. The bipartisan legislation is exhaustive, just as are the Coast Guard's wide-ranging missions. Not only does the bill support the tens of thousands of Americans in the service's active-duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary forces, but it anticipates the Coast Guard's long-term needs.
The Coast Guard is responsible for carrying out 11 core missions for the American people. One of those missions is search-and-rescue, which Mississippians saw firsthand after Hurricane Katrina. That mission has been repeatedly fulfilled over the past two years as active hurricane seasons brought devastating storms to U.S. coastlines and put American lives at risk.
Another mission is to stop illegal drugs from entering the United States, and the Coast Guard continues to tally major drug busts. Last year, the service set a record for its counterdrug operations, intercepting more than 455,000 pounds of cocaine valued at $6 billion. On an average day, the Coast Guard could seize upwards of 1,000 pounds of illegal narcotics.
New Ships, Needed Maintenance
To be effective in these missions, the men and women of the Coast Guard need technologically advanced equipment. Mississippi's shipbuilders have risen to this challenge, building all of the Legend-class national security cutters in the Coast Guard's fleet. The value of these ships is recognized in the Coast Guard bill, which approves the purchase of three more.
Another provision in the bill recognizes urgent maintenance needs, in particular for the Polar Star, our nation's only heavy polar icebreaker. At 42 years old, this vessel is 12 years past its intended service life. However, the strategic importance of the Arctic and its potential as a shipping corridor continue to rise. The United States faces serious geopolitical competition from countries like Russia that have aggressively built a large icebreaker fleet.
Uniform Standard for Commercial Vessels
The Coast Guard bill also addresses concerns from America's commercial vessel operators, who have faced a patchwork of regulations regarding a vessel's ballast water discharge. The discharge of ballast water is important to a ship's buoyancy, but it can also have an environmental impact. The fear is that the discharge of ballast water could inadvertently introduce an invasive and potentially harmful species into a new environment. To combat these concerns, regulations have been put into place over time by the Coast Guard, EPA, and 25 states.
The Coast Guard bill will simplify the situation with the adoption of a uniform, science-based national standard for ballast water discharge. I have been a longtime proponent of streamlining the current regulations, even authoring a standalone bill to do so. I am glad key provisions of my bill were included in the Coast Guard's reauthorization and have earned the Senate's support. The approach combines the enforcement capability of the Coast Guard and the environmental expertise of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The value the Coast Guard provides to the American people is evident in the scope of this reauthorization bill and the dedication by lawmakers to get it right. The service's diverse missions are critical to public safety and national security, as evidenced by the vote of 94 to 6 on the bill's final passage in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://harper.house.gov/icymi-congressman-harper-participated-in-a-special-order-on-the-opioid-crisis/,ICYMI: Congressman Harper Participated in a Special Order on the Opioid Crisis,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,harper.house.gov,,,legacy,"ICYMI: Congressman Harper Participated in a Special Order on the Opioid Crisis                  
            
            
                                
                    Last week, Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) led a group of bipartisan members of the Energy and Commerce Committee in a Special Order on the House floor. The members spoke about the opioid crisis that is ravaging the entire country, and the committee's ongoing legislative and investigative efforts to help stem the tide.
                
                
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                    November 16, 2018",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=76DF4FBF-52D5-46FF-A616-6B4AFEFA2F31,Wicker Fights Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., today wrote a letter signed by eight of their colleagues to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to request their departments work with the hunting and sporting community to respond to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This infectious neurodegenerative disease, similar to mad cow disease, affects deer, elk, and moose. CWD has been confirmed in 25 states and 4 Canadian provinces.
So far in 2018, three deer in Mississippi have tested positive for CWD, prompting concerns for hunters ahead of rifle season, which begins this weekend in Mississippi. The Senators suggested caution over the interstate transportation of deer species because the only test for confirming the presence of CWD is post-mortem.
The Senators wrote in part, the frequency of CWD detection has grown in infected areas, and new positive tests are being reported as deer hunting seasons begin around the county. The Senators went on to say, This level of loss is already threatening deer and elk hunting, which are extremely popular in the United States. More than 9 million Americans participate in these activities annually, which are estimated to contribute more than $20 billion in economic activity, tax revenues, and license sales.
We believe your agency experts, representatives from states and tribes, and the [Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council] can identify needs for national policy on this matter.
In addition to the letter, Senator Wicker is an original cosponsor of the Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission in Cervidae Study Act, introduced this week by U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo. The legislation would require the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study to expand understanding of CWD, how it is transmitted, and the potential for this disease to transmit to humans.
Click here for a PDF copy of Wicker's letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399805,Palazzo Honored for Military Service by VA Secretary,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Palazzo Honored for Military Service by VA Secretary 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Washington, DC - Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4)released the following statement after being honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Robert Wilkie, for his service in the United States military.""What an honor it is to be recognized for my service to this country. As a young man, entering the Marines was an easy decision and a family tradition with both my uncle and grandfather also being Marines. I believe it is my duty to give back to the country that has given so much to me and am forever grateful for my time in the Marine Corps. It is now a privilege to continue serving the country as a member of the Mississippi National Guard and a member of Congress."" In an effort to recognize all Congressional members that are veterans, Secretary Wilkie extended the 2018 Veterans Day lapel pin to all veterans serving in Congress as a token of appreciation and gratitude. Palazzo enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988, where he served with the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company in the Persian Gulf War during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. ###
    
  
  
  
    
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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bill-protect-mississippians-pre-existing-conditions,HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL TO PROTECT MISSISSIPPIANS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL TO PROTECT MISSISSIPPIANS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss) today cosponsored the Ensuring Coverage for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions Act (S.3388) to protect equal health care coverage for Americans, regardless of their health status or pre-existing conditions.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), would prohibit discrimination by health insurers against consumers based on health status, including protection against increased premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
Everyone understands that penalizing people for pre-existing condition is unfair. I don't know many people without pre-existing conditions. This legislation underscores the fact that regardless of the details on how a Republican-led Obamacare replacement package is written, coverage for Mississippians with pre-existing conditions will be protected, Hyde-Smith said.
Obamacare is not working for Mississippians, who have had fewer choices and higher costs since that bill was passed, she said. I'm committed to working toward a solution that ensures that any future legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare preserves important protections for Mississippians with pre-existing conditions, while also expanding options and lowering healthcare costs for Mississippi families.
S.3388 was offered in response to Texas v. United States, a case before the federal courts related to the repeal of Obamacare provisions, which could affect protections for patients with pre-existing conditions.
The legislation would amend the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to guarantee the availability of coverage in the individual or group market for all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, regardless of the outcome in Texas v. United States.

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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-votes-us-coast-guard-authorization-act,HYDE-SMITH VOTES FOR U.S. COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH VOTES FOR U.S. COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT
Senate Measure Takes Strong Steps to Eliminate Government Red Tape on Ballast Discharge Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today voted for legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Coast Guard and establish a framework for it to enforce national ballast water discharge rules for vessels.
The Senate passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 by a 94-6 vote. In addition to authorizing new authorities for multi-year contracting for National Security Cutters and stronger maritime drug and border enforcement, the legislation also clarifies Coast Guard jurisdiction over enforcement of an EPA-led standard setting initiative for national ballast water discharge rules.
The Coast Guard has a strong presence in Mississippi and on its waterways. This bill will benefit our state, particularly the option for multi-year procurement of ships. This will give the Appropriations Committee greater flexibility for funding Coast Guard ships in a more cost-effective manner and help provide stability for our Mississippi shipyards, Hyde-Smith said.
This bill makes important improvements for vessel owners and operators by moving to eliminate overlapping government regulations on the incidental discharges of ballast water. Cutting the confusing red tape will help our ports and shipping interests by cutting costs and improving efficiency, while protecting Mississippi's waterways, she said.
Highlights of the two-year Coast Guard authorization legislation include:
 
Maritime Drug and Border Enforcement  Combats illicit trafficking and smuggling and transnational criminal organizations by providing new authorities for interagency cooperation, combating bulk cash concealments, and increasing Coast Guard ability to use informants.
Ballast Water Discharges Regulation Reforms  Includes the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), replacing the current regulatory system with a cost-effective, national standard enforced by the Coast Guard. It also allows for robust state participation setting nationwide standards and enforcement.
Multiyear Contracting  Authorizes several new acquisition tools, including multi-year funding for procuring future National Security Cutters built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. These changes will allow the Coast Guard to reduce the price of follow-on vessels and give shipyards greater predictability and stabilized workforces.
Authorization Level  Authorizes the Coast Guard for FY2018 and FY2019 at $9.8 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively. The previous authorization, enacted in 2016, authorized $9.1 billion for the service for FY2016 and FY2017.
Recreational Boating  Increases safety and clarifies requirements for recreational boating safety by implementing the installation of engine cut-off switches and alternate signaling devices.
Arctic Operations  Directs the Coast Guard to conduct a review of the assets and personnel required to ensure the safety and security of the Arctic.
 
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https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=42BC7ACC-D4E3-4A66-9F2B-C8284A6E0FDA,Wicker Receives Recognition for Military Service,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today met with Jon Rychalski, the chief financial officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Rychalski presented Wicker with a lapel pin recognizing the Senator's military service.
Our nation's military men and women are especially important to me, Wicker said. I thank VA Secretary Robert Wilkie and Mr. Rychalski for their efforts to recognize veterans, and I look forward to working with them to continue improving services at the VA.
Wicker served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force between 1976 and 1980 before joining the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the Reserve in 2004 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Today's pinning ceremony is part of an effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize all congressional members and staff who have served in our nation's military.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=78E3C3DF-9CD5-4231-A23A-4647080A5923,Wicker Votes to Reauthorize the U.S. Coast Guard,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for S. 140, the Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act. The legislation authorizes the Coast Guard for two years and increases funding for the acquisition of National Security Cutters and other needed vessels and equipment. The legislation also includes key provisions of Wicker's Commercial Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, which would establish a national standard for ballast water discharge and other vessel discharges.
We have the world's best Coast Guard, and this bill will ensure our Coast Guard members have the resources and support to carry out their missions for the American people, said Wicker. Expanding and improving the Coast Guard fleet will support our national security, help fight international drug trafficking, and save lives. I am also pleased this bill includes a national standard for ballast water discharge  as called for by legislation I authored  to protect our environment and encourage economic growth.
Wicker spoke in support of this legislation on the Senate floor earlier today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=D695021D-1F3B-4B5A-8151-FCAFA0BF3856,Wicker Underscores Critical Role of  Family Caregivers During Alzheimers Awareness Month,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"We are all too familiar with the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. We know the disruption that its symptoms of progressive forgetfulness and confusion, leading eventually to helplessness, can cause in daily lives, and the major challenge we still face in finding a cure. Alzheimer's remains 100 percent fatal.
Not to be overlooked, however, is the profound impact that Alzheimer's disease has on entire families. Loved ones not only have to bear painful witness to their family member slipping away, but they also often carry the weight of arranging assisted living and special care. Alongside the serious emotional toll is a tough financial reality, in which families endure years of additional costs or are forced to leave the workforce to provide the extra care themselves.
Billions of Hours Devoted to Care
This month is an opportunity to shine light on the devotion displayed day in and day out by family caregivers, who often deal with their own health issues as they try to take care of their loved ones. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are more than 16 million caregivers in the United States who lend billions of hours to those suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementias. Fittingly, November is recognized as both National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. The two are closely intertwined.
In 2015, I authored the EUREKA Act to help accelerate federal efforts to treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. That law, which supports the development of prize competitions for research breakthroughs, is also aimed at helping caregivers. Earlier this year, a EUREKA competition was launched by the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health calling on innovators to come up with technology-driven improvements in patient care.
Efforts to Strengthen Caregiver Support and Training
Lawmakers have followed the EUREKA Act with other legislative initiatives that focus on critical outreach to caregivers. One of these bills would support a nationwide infrastructure for understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease. That infrastructure would include new centers of excellence and state public health departments to help identify caregivers' unique needs. Another bill would encourage more comprehensive strategies for managing a patient's care over time as well as innovative ways to deliver caregiver support and training. I am a cosponsor of both of these bills and hope to see their passage in the Senate soon. In the executive branch, training for caregivers has been a priority of both the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Administration for Community Living.
These efforts coincide with support for strong research funding. Congress was successful in increasing funding for Alzheimer's research this year, exceeding the $2 billion in funding put forward as a goal by the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
Taking an aggressive approach to Alzheimer's care is necessary. Alzheimer's affects an estimated 5.7 million Americans. With Thanksgiving around the corner and the time this season affords us with our loved ones, it seems especially appropriate to extend our gratitude to the many people who are helping us in the fight against Alzheimer's. This includes not only researchers and health professionals but also family members and caregivers, whose constant love and compassion offer strength and hope amid heartbreaking circumstances.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=80323A18-5D2E-4150-97B1-CA64789CD7A2,Wicker Supports Trump Administration Actions to Protect Religious Freedom,2018-11-10,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement on the Trump Administration's announcement of two new rules to provide religious and moral conscience protections for Americans. Wicker also supported the announcement of a proposed rule to ensure federal taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions:
The actions announced this week by the Trump Administration are great news for religious freedom and the fight for life.
American business owners with sincerely-held religious or moral objections will no longer face the unacceptable dilemma of having to choose between subverting their faith or incurring massive financial penalties for not complying with a federal mandate.
I am also pleased that HHS has proposed eliminating the Obama-era directives that ignore the law requiring insurance providers bill abortion services separately for federally supported health-care plans. The department's proposed rule would improve awareness of services included in American health insurance plans and make it clear no federal dollars can be used to support abortions.
Wicker's comments follow the release by HHS and the Departments of Treasury and Labor of two final rules to provide conscience protections for Americans who have a religious or moral objection to some federal requirements for employer-provided health insurance plans. Wicker has been a vocal supporter of efforts to overturn these regulations since they were enacted in 2012.
HHS also issued a proposed rule entitled, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Program Integrity, which would require the full enforcement of Section 1303 in the ACA. This section, which has not been enforced by HHS, requires insurance providers to collect abortion surcharges separately from other insurance premiums, ensuring that federal subsidies for plans purchased on the federal or state Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges do not fund abortion services. Wicker led a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar in September asking for the department to enforce the provisions of Section 1303 to improve consumer awareness of the abortion surcharge.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-encourages-mississippians-honor-veterans-past-present,"HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES MISSISSIPPIANS TO HONOR VETERANS, PAST & PRESENT",2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES MISSISSIPPIANS TO HONOR VETERANS, PAST & PRESENT

Miss. Senator Points to WWI Centennial to Acknowledge the Debt Owed to Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C.  In advance of observances in Mississippi and around the nation, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss) released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day 2018 and to thank service members for their dedication to the United States of America:

This Veterans Day 2018 is extra special. Exactly 100 years ago on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,' the United States and its allies signed an armistice with Germany, formally bringing an end to World War I. This momentous occasion, first known as Armistice Day, was later recognized and became Veterans Day.

World War I was the deadliest conflict the world had ever known. Veterans Day originated from the American people recognizing that a heavy debt of gratitude was due to the veterans of that brutal conflict. That sense of obligation has only increased over the past century as men and women from our own towns have bravely served to defend our great nation.

As we commemorate Veterans Day 2018, I encourage all Mississippians to offer heartfelt thanks to veterans in their community. There are almost 200,000 veterans in Mississippi, who have earned our gratitude not just for their past military service, but also for the contributions they continue to make to strengthen our communities.

As a nation, we must honor the service and sacrifice made by Service memberspast and presentto defend our nation and protect the American way of life. It is also our responsibility to fulfill our promises to our veterans, to help those in need, and to support their strength and resilience. Ensuring that we take care of them and their families is a responsibility entrusted to all of us.

To the veterans in Mississippi and across the nation, thank you for your bravery and commitment to preserving this great country. I am truly honored and humbled by your service. It is important that everyone reflects on words like freedom, sacrifice, resilience, and democracy as we pay tribute to our veterans and what they fight for.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=724D7D6B-0958-4A77-A424-9F6195192E48,Wicker Honors Student Veterans,2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The sacrifices made by Mississippians on behalf of freedom are known around the world. On this Veterans Day, one of those heroes  Columbia native Sam Bond Dale Jr.  will be remembered with a ceremony and plaque in Le Mesnil-Fuguet, France. The village was where the young pilot lost his life after his plane was shot down by Germans during World War II.
Dale made the ultimate sacrifice, never returning to the United States to start a family or build a career. For the World War II soldiers who did come home, a new national effort had been launched to help with the transition after the war, enabling veterans to go back to school or buy a home. That effort became known as the first G.I. Bill. Since then, the G.I. Bill has helped millions of veterans and their family members obtain a college degree or vocational training. Some 1.1 million student veterans across the nation are utilizing this benefit today.
Expansion of G.I. Bill Benefits
Although the G.I. Bill's origins go back to World War II, former Mississippi Congressman Sonny Montgomery is responsible for ensuring that these benefits would not be lost to later generations. His dedication even earned him the nickname Mr. Veteran. The resulting legislation, commonly known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, has played an immeasurable role in the continued recruitment of the best and brightest Americans into our military.
Over the past decade, I have supported several major expansions to the Montgomery G.I. Bill, voting in favor of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill in 2008 and the Forever G.I. Bill in 2017. Today, the benefits of the G.I. Bill extend to more veterans than ever before and no longer have an expiration date, letting veterans control their own educational timelines.
Welcoming University Communities
Such policies are needed at the federal level, but they do not stand alone. I am glad to see the university support for student veterans growing stronger in our state. For example, in recent years, our universities have opened new centers on campus where veterans can find support for academic success and a welcoming environment. Earlier this year, Mississippi State, which has been designated as a Purple Heart University, launched a free tuition program for service members in the Mississippi National Guard. More recently, on November 2 and 3, the University of Mississippi had an opportunity to host VA Secretary Robert Wilkie as part of its Warrior Week to honor the student veterans and faculty veterans within its campus community.
Lessons From the Past
The stories of our veterans will continue to teach future generations, thanks to a special collection of personal accounts and memorabilia at the Library of Congress. The Veterans History Project, which was created in 2000, encompasses more than a century of primary sources from our military veterans.
I hope this year's Veterans Day  which also marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I  will inspire others to contribute to the Veterans History Project or to spend some time discovering the many stories that have already been collected. These snapshots of history are truly a national treasure and a reminder of the American sacrifices around the world that have been made to preserve freedom. For more information, please visit www.loc.gov/vets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/newsletter-archive/thompson-report-november-edition,Thompson Report November Edition,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Welcome...
To The Thompson Report on the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. Inside you will find information about the district, grants, legislative actions and more. My monthly newsletter which will be distributed by email to constituents.
Spread the word and share this newsletter. Click here to read the full Thompson Report.
Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399796,Palazzo Recognized as Friend of Farm Bureau,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Jackson, MS- Congressman Steven Palazzo received theFriend of Farm Bureau Award, from the American Farm Bureau Federation, for his support of the agriculture industry during the 115th Congress. ""As a member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, I am honored to receive this award. In Mississippi, agriculture is our number one industry and provides hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the entire state. I will continue voting in favor of legislation that supports Mississippi's hardworking farmers, ranchers, and their families,""Palazzo said. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President, Mike McCormick stated,We are proud to honor Congressman Palazzo for his support of Mississippi farmers and ranchers. Palazzo attained a perfect score this session on votes important to agriculture. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Congressman Palazzo has been vital in securing federal funds in support of the state's agricultural economy. On behalf of our members, we thank you Congressman Palazzo.
TheFriend of Farm BureauAward is given to members of Congress who have supported federal legislation and policy that is important to America's farmers and ranchers. During the 115th Congress, Congressman Palazzo was key in advancing regulatory relief efforts, important tax reform measures, and sound farm policy in the House of Representatives. Specifically, members of the House of Representatives were scored based on the following bills:
 
    Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017l;
    Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017;
    Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 or the FY2018 Appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA);
    The Agriculture and Nutrition Act (Farm Bill);
    The Water Resources Development Act.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://harper.house.gov/mississippi-legislators-welcome-1-9m-in-grants-for-distance-education-and-telemedicine-programs/,Mississippi Legislators Welcome $1.9M in Grants for Distance Education and Telemedicine Programs,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,harper.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Representatives Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed the award of $1,941,653 to support distance learning and telemedicine programs in 15 Mississippi counties. The grants will be awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program.

Distance learning and telemedicine technologies are a promising way to transcend traditional boundaries and make efficient use of limited resources, Wicker said. These targeted investments from the USDA Rural Development program will help connect students to education, job seekers to employment opportunities, and rural patients to high-quality health care for years to come.

The common thread in these grants is a high level of cooperation among healthcare providers, educators, cities and counties. They know that expanding distance learning and telemedicine capabilities can provide better education opportunities and medical care to the people in rural areas of our state, Hyde-Smith said. These USDA Rural Development grants will help move these goals forward to improve the quality of life in rural Mississippi.

I am pleased to see that these Mississippi applications for the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program have been selected, Harper said. The projects supported by the USDA funding represent significant educational and healthcare opportunities for Mississippians. Mississippi is considered a national leader in telehealth, and this award expands on that good work.
I am pleased to see the USDA is dedicated to developing rural areas, and providing us the resources to meet our unique challenges head on, Palazzo said. These grants will provide new opportunities utilizing today's technology to expand health care access and educational opportunities to Mississippians in rural areas.
The USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants will support the following projects:

 North Pike School District  $498,687.00 to help the school district install distance learning centers in partnership with four K-12 school districts, including South Pike, Simpson County, Yazoo County, and Natchez-Adams. The program will connect students in 16 schools to additional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training, including coding and other career-focused activities.
 Holly Springs School District  $491,885.00 to help the school district develop 17 interactive distance learning environments at 12 locations, in partnership with Rust College, Marshal Urgent Care, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Workforce Program Office in Holly Springs, and the North Panola School District. The program will emphasize career and technical training in STEM areas. 
 Lauderdale County School District  $478,246.00 to help the school district purchase mobile videoconferencing units for 16 sites in five rural school districts to enable each school to share teachers and resources. Additionally, the program will connect rural residents in Collinsville, Meridian, Liberty, Heidelberg, Tylertown, and Columbia to job placement services, GED programs, skills training, and higher education.
 Forrest County General Hospital  $472,835.00 to help the hospital purchase telemedicine equipment to expand the hospital's service area in eight counties in South Mississippi. The project will expand psychiatric care, intensive care assessments, and emergency care consultations to rural locations using remote video conferencing and medical diagnostic technologies.

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                    Posted: 
                    November 01, 2018",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399790,Mississippi Legislators Welcome $1.9M in Grants for Distance Education and Telemedicine Programs,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Representatives Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed the award of $1,941,653 to support distance learning and telemedicine programs in 15 Mississippi counties. The grants will be awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program.
Distance learning and telemedicine technologies are a promising way to transcend traditional boundaries and make efficient use of limited resources, Wicker said. These targeted investments from the USDA Rural Development program will help connect students to education, job seekers to employment opportunities, and rural patients to high-quality health care for years to come.
 The common thread in these grants is a high level of cooperation among healthcare providers, educators, cities and counties. They know that expanding distance learning and telemedicine capabilities can provide better education opportunities and medical care to the people in rural areas of our state, Hyde-Smith said. These USDA Rural Development grants will help move these goals forward to improve the quality of life in rural Mississippi.
I am pleased to see that these Mississippi applications for the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program have been selected, Harper said. The projects supported by the USDA funding represent significant educational and healthcare opportunities for Mississippians. Mississippi is considered a national leader in telehealth, and this award expands on that good work. I am pleased to see the USDA is dedicated to developing rural areas, and providing us the resources to meet our unique challenges head on, Palazzo said. These grants will provide new opportunities utilizing today's technology to expand health care access and educational opportunities to Mississippians in rural areas.
The USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants will support the following projects:
 North Pike School District - $498,687.00 to help the school district install distance learning centers in partnership with four K-12 school districts, including South Pike, Simpson County, Yazoo County, and Natchez-Adams. The program will connect students in 16 schools to additional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training, including coding and other career-focused activities.
 Holly Springs School District - $491,885.00 to help the school district develop 17 interactive distance learning environments at 12 locations, in partnership with Rust College, Marshal Urgent Care, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Workforce Program Office in Holly Springs, and the North Panola School District. The program will emphasize career and technical training in STEM areas. 
 Lauderdale County School District - $478,246.00 to help the school district purchase mobile videoconferencing units for 16 sites in five rural school districts to enable each school to share teachers and resources. Additionally, the program will connect rural residents in Collinsville, Meridian, Liberty, Heidelberg, Tylertown, and Columbia to job placement services, GED programs, skills training, and higher education.
 Forrest County General Hospital - $472,835.00 to help the hospital purchase telemedicine equipment to expand the hospital's service area in eight counties in South Mississippi. The project will expand psychiatric care, intensive care assessments, and emergency care consultations to rural locations using remote video conferencing and medical diagnostic technologies.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4EFF5534-4BEF-41F4-92BA-C70A6A2C3562,Mississippi Legislators Welcome $1.9M in Grants for Distance Education and Telemedicine Programs,2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Representatives Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed the award of $1,941,653 to support distance learning and telemedicine programs in 15 Mississippi counties. The grants will be awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program.
Distance learning and telemedicine technologies are a promising way to transcend traditional boundaries and make efficient use of limited resources, Wicker said. These targeted investments from the USDA Rural Development program will help connect students to education, job seekers to employment opportunities, and rural patients to high-quality health care for years to come.
The common thread in these grants is a high level of cooperation among healthcare providers, educators, cities and counties. They know that expanding distance learning and telemedicine capabilities can provide better education opportunities and medical care to the people in rural areas of our state, Hyde-Smith said. These USDA Rural Development grants will help move these goals forward to improve the quality of life in rural Mississippi.
I am pleased to see that these Mississippi applications for the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program have been selected, Harper said. The projects supported by the USDA funding represent significant educational and healthcare opportunities for Mississippians. Mississippi is considered a national leader in telehealth, and this award expands on that good work. I am pleased to see the USDA is dedicated to developing rural areas, and providing us the resources to meet our unique challenges head on, Palazzo said. These grants will provide new opportunities utilizing today's technology to expand health care access and educational opportunities to Mississippians in rural areas.
The USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants will support the following projects:
 
North Pike School District - $498,687.00 to help the school district install distance learning centers in partnership with four K-12 school districts, including South Pike, Simpson County, Yazoo County, and Natchez-Adams. The program will connect students in 16 schools to additional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training, including coding and other career-focused activities.
Holly Springs School District - $491,885.00 to help the school district develop 17 interactive distance learning environments at 12 locations, in partnership with Rust College, Marshal Urgent Care, the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Workforce Program Office in Holly Springs, and the North Panola School District. The program will emphasize career and technical training in STEM areas.
Lauderdale County School District - $478,246.00 to help the school district purchase mobile videoconferencing units for 16 sites in five rural school districts to enable each school to share teachers and resources. Additionally, the program will connect rural residents in Collinsville, Meridian, Liberty, Heidelberg, Tylertown, and Columbia to job placement services, GED programs, skills training, and higher education.
Forrest County General Hospital - $472,835.00 to help the hospital purchase telemedicine equipment to expand the hospital's service area in eight counties in South Mississippi. The project will expand psychiatric care, intensive care assessments, and emergency care consultations to rural locations using remote video conferencing and medical diagnostic technologies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7348521A-A406-4DF0-ADCF-7175A76AB35F,"Wicker, Cardin Announce New Legislation to Assist People Struggling with Rising Water Bills",2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Ben Cardin, D-Md., Wednesday announced legislation that would establish new pilot programs to help low-income families afford their rising water bills and ensure local utilities can continue making critical infrastructure upgrades to provide safe drinking water and wastewater services.
Economic development requires basic infrastructure, including clean drinking water and wastewater services, Wicker said. Our bill would encourage utilities to improve the affordability of their services. I look forward to working with Senator Cardin to advance this bill, which has the potential to benefit underserved communities in Mississippi.
Clean water means good jobs and better health, throughout Maryland and nationwide. If consumers cannot pay their water bills, then utilities cannot make the needed repairs and upgrades to their drinking water and waste water treatment plants, nor to the pipes and pumps that deliver water throughout their service area, said Cardin, Ranking Member of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. The Federal Government requires these upgrades to our water infrastructure because these upgrades keep people safe, but we then have the responsibility to make sure that our citizens are financially capable of meeting these requirements.
The bipartisan bill, the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2018 (S. 3564), would establish 32 programs nationwide for low-income residents to receive aid in paying their drinking water bills and an equal number of programs designed to assist low-income residents with paying their wastewater utility bills. Both Senator Cardin and Senator Wicker are members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW).
The Cardin-Wicker legislation comes amid skyrocketing water bills, with prices expected to increase by 41 percent by 2020. If that rate holds, nearly one in three American households potentially would not be unable to afford running water. If consumers are unable to pay their water bills, utilities will not have the resources necessary to make critical upgrades to keep drinking and wastewater safe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://harper.house.gov/cha-statement-on-architect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t-ayers/,CHA Statement on Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,harper.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHA Statement on Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers                  
            
            
                                
                                
                    WASHINGTON  Committee on House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (MS-3) and Ranking Member Robert Brady (PA-1) issued the following statement after Stephen T. Ayers announced his intention to retire from his position as the 11th Architect of the Capitol (AOC)on November 24, 2018: 
Since 1997, Stephen Ayers has served this institution with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, including nearly 12 years as Acting Architect and Architect of the Capitol. Under his guidance, the AOC has achieved many important milestones, including the addition of the Capitol Visitors Center, much-needed extensive repairs to the U.S. Capitol building, integral security upgrades throughout the Capitol campus, as well as initiating the ongoing renovation of the Cannon House Office Building. 
We express our sincere gratitude for his outstanding service and dedication to the United States Congress, his careful stewardship of the United States Capitol buildings and grounds, as well as safeguarding our security. We wish him well in his future endeavors. 
CHA
                
                
                    Posted: 
                    October 31, 2018",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://harper.house.gov/walden-latta-and-harper-on-anti-doping-summit-at-white-house/,"Walden, Latta, and Harper on Anti-Doping Summit at White House",2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Gregg Harper,H001045,harper.house.gov,,,legacy,"Walden, Latta, and Harper on Anti-Doping Summit at White House                  
            
            
                                
                                
                    WASHINGTON, DC  Today Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS) released the following statement at the conclusion of the Washington Anti-Doping Summit at the White House.
For years we have heard from American and international athletes that sport must be clean and governance must be transparent.These systems exist to protect our athletes, and it is critical that we ensure their effectiveness. We support the Washington Anti-Doping Summit Declaration adopted at today's summit and urge the World Anti-Doping Agency to embrace these reforms, said Chairman Walden, #SubDCCP Chairman Latta, and #SubOversight Chairman Harper.
Last year the committee held an anti-doping hearing entitled Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System'. To learn more about the hearing, click HERE.
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PERMALINK
                
                
                    Posted: 
                    October 31, 2018",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/senators-wicker-hyde-smith-unveil-innovations-grow-skilled-workforce-north-mississippi,"SENATORS WICKER, HYDE-SMITH UNVEIL INNOVATIONS TO GROW SKILLED WORKFORCE IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI",2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(The following news release was issued by the Skills Foundation of Mississippi.)

SENATORS WICKER, HYDE-SMITH UNVEIL INNOVATIONS TO GROW SKILLED WORKFORCE IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI

BELDEN, MS  Joined by business and civic leaders from Northeast Mississippi, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith today announced the results of an innovative public-private partnership to grow the skilled workforce in North Mississippi. The partnership, made possible through a $175,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission matched with private funds, brought together Three Rivers Planning and Development District, the CREATE Foundation, the Toyota Wellspring Fund and The Skills Foundation of Mississippi.

At The Skills Foundation, we try to simplify a complex and challenging issue, workforce development, which is today's most important issue affecting economic growth, said Amy Tate, Chairperson for The Skills Foundation. We simply need to train more people with the specific skills that are in demand and convince more of our citizens that, today and in the future, these are the best opportunities.

As part of the partnership, the group announced that Get on the Grid, Mississippi's Virtual Guidance Counselor (www.getonthegridms.com), now exists in an expanded, region-specific version that caters to the priorities and economic needs of Northeast Mississippi.

As a native of Northeast Mississippi, I am proud to help announce this project to further develop our regional workforce, Wicker said. This partnership and grant will more effectively link education to jobs. In doing so, we will put more Mississippians on the path to a high-earning career.

When we can educate and train our workforce and simultaneously match their skills with jobs, we will generate opportunities to keep our homegrown talent in-state and provide sustainable economic growth for Mississippi, Hyde-Smith said. I'm pleased this is a public-private collaboration focused on getting more people into higher paying career pathways and meeting the workforce needs of our businesses and employers.

Along with showing the newly expanded Get on the Grid, the partnership also debuted a virtual classroom experience', created for a classroom setting to more fully expose students in Northeast Mississippi to the most in-demand career paths locally available.

About The Skills Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.: The Skills Foundation of Mississippi is a 501c3 organization that seeks to facilitate greater collaboration between the public and private sectors and develop strategies for the purpose of increasing Mississippi's supply of skilled workforce. For individuals, families and Mississippi, our competitiveness and quality of life depend on having the skills to meet the economic demands of the 21st century.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=1BBFD0C9-2D6F-43BD-B1F8-75A1818A2118,"Wicker Points to the Lasting Impact of Tax Reform, Defense Bills",2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Just a few days ago, President Trump signed the America's Water Infrastructure Act, adding it to the growing list of laws enacted by this Congress. The legislation continues Congress's practice of passing a major water infrastructure package every two years. It also demonstrates a commitment by lawmakers and the President to ensure Americans have water infrastructure to compete in trade, along with flood protection, safe drinking water, and wastewater systems.
Producing laws that strengthen our national security and benefit American workers has been the hallmark of the Republican-led 115th Congress. Month after month, good ideas have turned into good policies that have gone on to win bipartisan support. The outcome is an impressive record of legislative victories, with still more time left for Congress to take action.
Tax Reform's Ripple Effect
A particularly historic moment happened late last year, when Congress passed the first major overhaul of our tax code in more than 30 years. At the center of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the basic idea that by making our economy more competitive around the globe, we can allow Americans to keep more of what they earn.
Since the law's enactment, an overwhelming majority of American workers have seen higher take-home pay. What's more, the benefits of tax reform are multiplying. Energy costs have been reduced, manufacturing has increased, and businesses are giving back even more to their communities. The tax reform package also put a long-awaited end to Obamacare's unpopular individual mandate, which forced Americans to buy costly health insurance with fewer options.
Policy Wins for Our Troops
Equally significant is this Congress's determination to reverse past defense cuts, which have hurt military strength. As our troops' resources have waned  reducing training and leaving maintenance needs unmet  potential adversaries like China and Russia have increased their efforts to gain a military advantage in critical parts of the world.
Congress is now aggressively addressing these gaps with policies that prioritize the rebuilding of our military and a reigniting of the defense industrial base around the country. Those policies include a two-year budget agreement that significantly increased budget caps on defense funding. Lawmakers followed up on the two-year agreement by passing timely defense authorization and appropriations bills to fund the military and set policy for the Pentagon.
Our efforts have led to substantial gains in readiness  more training time, more exercises, and reduced maintenance backlogs  and modernization through new equipment. Congress has given the Pentagon the resources and stability it needs to begin executing the priority missions identified in the new National Security Strategy set forth by Defense Secretary James Mattis.
I am especially pleased that my bipartisan SHIPS Act, enacted in last year's defense authorization bill, has played an instrumental role in accelerating the buildup of our naval fleet. We are actively working toward the 355-ship fleet that our military commanders need.
A Commitment to Results
These two major policy highlights will benefit our economy and national security for many years to come. This Congress has also achieved many other policy victories that will help improve the lives of Americans. Congress has enacted laws to fight our country's opioid crisis, improve our veterans' health-care options, and remove the regulations that stifle growth. Lawmakers have taken action to support our communities suffering from hurricane devastation, and we are adding tough sanctions on bad actors like Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
The list goes on, and I am confident it will continue to grow as the 115th Congress finishes its term this year. There is no time to waste, and the momentum is strong for results.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399787,Palazzo Hosts Seventh Annual Youth Leadership Summit,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Palazzo Hosts Seventh Annual Youth Leadership Summit 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Gulfport, MS Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04)today hosted his Seventh Annual Youth Leadership Summit for high school juniors and seniors on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Jefferson Davis Campus. Nearly 400 students from 39 different schools within Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District participated in the event.
These students will soon enter unfamiliar territory. I believe it is our duty to ensure the upcoming generation of leaders is equipped with skills that will help them be successful and achieve their goals. Right now, they have the options to pursue whatever path they choose whether that is a college education, military career, or start their own business. I hope every student left this event today feeling more motivated and empowered than when they first walked into the Youth Leadership Summit this morning.""
Throughoutthe day students had the opportunity to hear fromthe Director of the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center,Dr. Kelly Lucas, Miss Mississippi 2018,Asya Branch, and Owner of Frigo Orthodontics,Dr. Chrstopher Frigo.
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https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FA25424A-B028-4DD1-846D-49A893F5FEEE,Wicker Visits Junior ROTC Cadets at Jim Hill High School,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today visited Jim Hill High School in Jackson. Wicker met with cadets and instructors of the school's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC).
Inspired by the success of the JROTC program in the Jackson Public School system, Wicker introduced the JROTC Opportunities for Transformational Change Act, or JROTC Act, in May of this year. The bill was passed and signed into law in August, authorizing funding for 100 additional JROTC units and making reforms to help schools in rural and underserved areas participate.
I enjoyed meeting with the JROTC cadets and instructors at Jim Hill High School and hearing firsthand how this program has benefited not only these students, but also the entire community, Wicker said. I am proud to be the author of the JROTC Act, which will expand this successful program to more schools, particularly in the areas where it will have the greatest impact.
Following Wicker's lead, Congress increased funding for JROTC by nearly $10 million in the FY19 Defense Appropriations bill signed by President Trump in late September. This funding will support about 150 new JROTC units across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/senators-press-commerce-dept-enforce-antidumping-laws-ensure-level-playing-field-us-catfish,SENATORS PRESS COMMERCE DEPT. TO ENFORCE ANTIDUMPING LAWS TO ENSURE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR U.S. CATFISH,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SENATORS PRESS COMMERCE DEPT. TO ENFORCE ANTIDUMPING LAWS TO ENSURE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR U.S. CATFISH
Lawmakers Protest International Trade Administration Deferential Treatment of Vietnamese Exporter
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Eight U.S. Senators, led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), today called on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to implement U.S. antidumping laws strongly and impartially to ensure U.S. catfish producers are competing on a level playing field.
Hyde-Smith, along with Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) are raising serious concerns over recent deferential actions by International Trade Administration (ITA) toward a Vietnamese catfish exporter, which could affect the critical process to determine whether Vietnam continues to violate U.S. antidumping laws.
We are troubled by this series of events, as in recent years Commerce has consistently found significant dumping by Vietnamese fish fillet exporters, and has determined repeatedly that many exporters have been uncooperative in responding to the Department's questionnaires. The decision by Commerce to consent to a Vietnamese Embassy official's request to allow uncooperative Vietnamese parties to impede your Department's proceeding with further delays will have a catastrophic effect on the domestic industry. Our catfish farmers rely on strong enforcement of U.S. antidumping laws to ensure they can compete on a level playing field, the Senators wrote.
Vietnamese respondents or any other parties that fail to comply with requests for timely and accurate information, do not deserve more favorable treatment than U.S. catfish producers. We hope your Department will remain committed to strong implementation of U.S. antidumping laws, and that procedural rules will be applied to all parties in an impartial manner, the letter concludes.
The ITA, a Commerce Department agency, in recent months has deviated from standard practices to grant the Hung Vuong Group (HVG), a leading Vietnamese exporter, extensions to provide evidence of its compliance with U.S. antidumping laws. The agency actions contradicted its own earlier actions to reject incomplete HVG data and to apply standard dumping margins to HGV products.
Since 2003, ITA has found that frozen fish fillets from Vietnam have been sold in the United States at less than fair market value, resulting in economic damage to U.S. catfish producers.
The Senators also met with USDA Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) Administrator Carmen Rottenberg recently to receive an update on her agency's catfish inspection program for both domestic and foreign products.
FSIS inspections in FY2017 and FY2018 resulted in more than six million pounds of catfish being rejected for not meeting U.S. food safety standards. As the FSIS has worked to fully implement the inspection program, the number of eligible exporters has dropped from more than 90 in 2017 to 27 in 2018.
The letter to Ross is available here and below.
Dear Secretary Ross:
We write to express serious concern over a recent action by the International Trade Administration to reverse an earlier decision in the antidumping proceeding involving frozen fish fillets from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This reversal will adversely impact catfish farmers and processors in our states, and is inconsistent with this Administration's commitment to strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws.
In the current administrative review, we understand that a large Vietnamese exporter (Hung Vuong Group or HVG) failed to respond appropriately to the Department's antidumping questionnaire after having been granted two deadline extensions. As a result, in keeping with its commitment to strong enforcement of U.S. policies against unfair trade, and consistent with long-standing practice, Commerce rejected the late and incomplete HVG submission. In April, the Embassy of Vietnam filed a letter requesting reconsideration of HVG's untimely data. Again, Commerce refused to reconsider its decision, explaining that it is HVG's responsibility under current regulations to ensure its responses are complete.
However, we have been informed that an official from the Embassy of Vietnam met with Commerce Department officials on May 15, 2018. The following week, Commerce reversed its decision and allowed HVG to refile its untimely response. Commerce then compounded the negative effect of its decision on American catfish farmers by extending the deadline for its preliminary finding, allowing HVG more time to justify the data in its late filing. As a result, HVG received a preliminary finding of no dumping.
We are troubled by this series of events, as in recent years Commerce has consistently found significant dumping by Vietnamese fish fillet exporters, and has determined repeatedly that many exporters have been uncooperative in responding to the Department's questionnaires. The decision by Commerce to consent to a Vietnamese Embassy official's request to allow uncooperative Vietnamese parties to impede your Department's proceeding with further delays will have a catastrophic effect on the domestic industry. Our catfish farmers rely on strong enforcement of U.S. antidumping laws to ensure they can compete on a level playing field.
As Commerce officials travel to Vietnam in the near future to verify HVG reported data, we respectfully request that you strongly urge them to conduct this verification rigorously, and not tolerate further delays or obstruction from HVG or other Vietnamese officials. Vietnamese respondents or any other parties that fail to comply with requests for timely and accurate information, do not deserve more favorable treatment than U.S. catfish producers. We hope your Department will remain committed to strong implementation of U.S. antidumping laws, and that procedural rules will be applied to all parties in an impartial manner.
Thank you for your attention on this important matter.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=0DD8604C-96E9-47C0-8324-248B139BF1AC,Wicker Praises the Return of Pastor Brunson to the United States,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prayers were answered on October 12 when American pastor Andrew Brunson was released by the Turkish government. For two years, the Christian missionary had either been jailed in a maximum security prison or placed under house arrest. Detained on false charges, he was denied due process or legal counsel. Like thousands of Americans, I was thrilled to see President Trump welcome him to the White House merely a day after he could return home.
Unfortunately, Pastor Brunson's story is just one example of the rampant persecution that followed a failed military attempt to overthrow Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan two years ago. In the aftermath, the government conducted a widespread purge of military leaders, civil servants, and others  both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals  thought to be supportive of the coup. NASA scientist Serkan Glge, a dual Turkish-U.S. citizen, is still imprisoned in Turkey on charges similar to those levied against Pastor Brunson, and two Turkish employees of our State Department remain jailed simply for doing their jobs to assist U.S. diplomats.
Wicker Resolution Condemns Turkey's Religious Freedom Violations
I have followed all of these cases closely, urging President Trump to use his meetings with President Erdogan to demand justice. My role as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission involves working at an international level to promote the rule of law and human rights. Turkey has rejected those principles with the unfounded detention of Pastor Brunson, other innocent Americans, and Turkish nationals who worked for our diplomatic mission.
Congress, the Trump Administration, and the international community should continue to put pressure on Turkey. It is unacceptable for Americans or other foreign nationals to be used as political hostages.
In June of this year, I introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution to support the efforts taken by the Trump Administration to protect religious liberty in Europe and Central Asia. The resolution names Turkey as a Special Watch List country because of its serious violations of religious freedom. The resolution also specifically mentions the treatment of Pastor Brunson, calling on those who are responsible for his imprisonment to be denied entry into the United States.
Global Magnitsky Act' Holds Human Rights Offenders Accountable
Banning the travel of human rights violators to the United States is one of the ways the Global Magnitsky Act has sought to curb the abuse of human rights around the world. The law began as an effort to hold Russian officials accountable for the imprisonment and ultimate death of Sergei Magnitsky. The lawyer had uncovered a major tax corruption scheme involving Russian government officials. In 2016, the Magnitsky Act was expanded, allowing travel bans and economic sanctions to be placed on officials in any country for human rights offenses.
I am proud to be one of the principal authors of this landmark law, and I believe in the enduring message it sends: The United States will always stand up to injustice and attacks on human dignity. Pastor Brunson's case illustrates the persecution that has been felt by religious minorities around the world. His release is an encouraging development, but our work is not done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-says-730559-grant-will-support-workforce-training-mississippi,"HYDE-SMITH SAYS $730,559 GRANT WILL SUPPORT WORKFORCE TRAINING IN MISSISSIPPI",2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH SAYS $730,559 GRANT WILL SUPPORT WORKFORCE TRAINING IN MISSISSIPPI
Appalachian Regional Commission Awards Partnership Grant to Promote Skilled Manufacturing Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said a $730,559 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant will help ensure Mississippi increases its access to skilled workers for the state's growing manufacturing sector.
ARC recently announced the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) grant to the Starkville-based Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (GTPDD) to support workforce training and education in manufacturing.
The Mississippi economy is growing and having a skilled workforce is necessary to keep that growth going, Hyde-Smith said. I hope this ARC grant will help create opportunities for workers to get the skills they need to find full-time, well-paid jobs.
GTPDD will work with three community colleges and private-sector businesses to implement a manufacturing training program based on the Mississippi Works Smart Start Career Pathway Model to increase the skilled workforce in Choctaw, Kemper, Webster, and Winston counties.
The POWER grant initiative was created to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. It is administered by ARC, a congressionally-authorized entity.
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee which provided $165 million for ARC in FY2019, including not less than $16 million for industrial site and workforce development in Southern and South Central Appalachia and up to $13.5 million for Southern Appalachia.
In Mississippi, ARC jurisdiction covers these 24 counties: Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Itawamba, Kemper, Lee, Lowndes, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster, Winston, and Yalobusha.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-says-730559-grant-will-support-workforce-training-mississippi-0,"HYDE-SMITH SAYS $730,559 GRANT WILL SUPPORT WORKFORCE TRAINING IN MISSISSIPPI",2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH SAYS $730,559 GRANT WILL SUPPORT WORKFORCE TRAINING IN MISSISSIPPI
Appalachian Regional Commission Awards Partnership Grant to Promote Skilled Manufacturing Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today said a $730,559 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant will help ensure Mississippi increases its access to skilled workers for the state's growing manufacturing sector.
ARC recently announced the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) grant to the Starkville-based Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (GTPDD) to support workforce training and education in manufacturing.
The Mississippi economy is growing and having a skilled workforce is necessary to keep that growth going, Hyde-Smith said. I hope this ARC grant will help create opportunities for workers to get the skills they need to find full-time, well-paid jobs.
GTPDD will work with three community colleges and private-sector businesses to implement a manufacturing training program based on the Mississippi Works Smart Start Career Pathway Model to increase the skilled workforce in Choctaw, Kemper, Webster, and Winston counties.
The POWER grant initiative was created to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. It is administered by ARC, a congressionally-authorized entity.
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee which provided $165 million for ARC in FY2019, including not less than $16 million for industrial site and workforce development in Southern and South Central Appalachia and up to $13.5 million for Southern Appalachia.
In Mississippi, ARC jurisdiction covers these 24 counties: Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Itawamba, Kemper, Lee, Lowndes, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster, Winston, and Yalobusha.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=5C1BC405-3320-4BEC-8DC4-67AFA1FD830D,"Wicker Highlights Wins for Americas Airports, Water Infrastructure",2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The confirmation of a Supreme Court justice deserves national attention. These lifetime appointments to the court are some of the most influential decisions a president can make.
The consideration of Judge Brett Kavanaugh was no exception, arguably drawing the most intense attention a Supreme Court nominee has ever received. On October 6, I voted with the majority of my Senate colleagues to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
Judicial nominations have been a priority for the Trump Administration, and the Senate has now confirmed two of the President's Supreme Court nominees, a record 29 circuit court judges, and 53 district court judges. However, these nominations have not stood in the way of other legislative victories. In recent weeks, the Senate's accomplishments have continued to grow, with bills impacting our infrastructure and public safety earning wide bipartisan support.
Long-Term Reauthorization for FAA
One of those accomplishments is the recent reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees all activities related to commercial air travel. For years, the agency has operated under stopgap reauthorizations. The new law's five-year reauthorization is welcome news for airports, industries, and passengers that depend on FAA programs. 
More specifically, the FAA law will support the grant program that many of our state's airports have utilized to improve and expand their facilities. It will continue the work being done at Mississippi State University's Center for Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, which is critical to the safe integration of drones into the national airspace. The reauthorization will also institute measures to benefit consumers, such as minimum seat size requirements on commercial flights and protections against exorbitant costs imposed by air ambulance providers.
Wicker Provision to Help Rural Communities
Another accomplishment I am particularly pleased to see reach the finish line is passage of the America's Water Infrastructure Act. Like the FAA bill, this legislation prioritizes the safety and well-being of Americans through needed upgrades and maintenance. Without reliable ports and inland waterways, the commerce that fuels our economy would be severely hampered, hurting the communities along our coasts and rivers. Without effective dams and levees, American lives and property are put at risk in the event of extreme flooding.
The water infrastructure bill also includes a provision I authored to help small communities with their wastewater treatment systems. Small communities often struggle with the costs and technical expertise required to operate these systems in compliance with federal rules. My provision would create opportunities for these communities to receive technical assistance for wastewater treatment. It follows the success of a similar provision I enacted into law in 2015 for drinking water systems. Not only is clean drinking water and wastewater important to public safety, it can encourage critical economic investment.
Passage of these bills was accompanied by other bipartisan wins, including legislation to address our nation's opioid epidemic and appropriations bills to keep the government funded. President Trump has set forth an ambitious agenda for his Administration, and Congress continues to work to make good on its end of the deal  cutting taxes, rebuilding America's infrastructure, and ensuring that our military remains the strongest fighting force in the world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399773,Gulf Islands Land Exchange Bill Heading to President's Desk,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss.,applauded the final passage of Palazzo's Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act (H.R. 2615), which will now go to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Wicker and former Senator Thad Cochran introduced the Senate version of Palazzo's bill last year.
""I've worked closely with leadership at the Mark Seymour VFW post and the Gulf Islands National Seashore leadership who have supported our efforts in getting this bill to the finish line. This is a huge victory for the Gulf Coast and our beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore that draws in millions of visitors every year. The National Seashore is a staple of the Mississippi Gulf Coast that holds historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural beaches. I am pleased to see my bill advance its way to President Trump's desk for the final sign off,""Palazzosaid. ""I am also grateful for Senator Wicker's leadership in moving my bill through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.""
I was proud to join Congressman Palazzo to introduce this proposal, which will preserve access to the Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars post,Wickersaid. I am pleased to see this constituent-driven idea come to fruition, especially one that has a positive impact for our veterans and communities along the scenic Gulf Islands National Seashore.
This legislation would make permanent a 30-year easement that has provided an access road and driveway for The Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699, which is located within the National Park Service's (NPS) Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs. In exchange for the easement, the VFW will transfer a portion of its acreage to the park, which includes valuable wetlands.
Palazzo, Wicker, and Cochran introduced the proposal in both the House and the Senate in May 2017. The House approved Palazzo's proposal in November 2017, sending it to the Senate for final approval. After Cochran's retirement in April 2018, Wicker shepherded the legislation through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee and onto the Senate floor where it was approved by unanimous consent.
The Gulf Islands National Seashore Park stretches from Mississippi to Florida and includes the Davis Bayou area and the Mississippi Barrier Islands of Petit Bois, Horn, Cat, East Ship, and West Ship.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-backs-pro-worker-legislation-including-national-right-work-act,"HYDE-SMITH BACKS PRO-WORKER LEGISLATION, INCLUDING NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-WORK ACT",2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH BACKS PRO-WORKER LEGISLATION, INCLUDING NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-WORK ACT

Miss. Senator Says Measures Will Protect Workers' Rights, Strengthen the Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced her support for two pro-business bills, including an effort to restore workers' rights by prohibiting employers from requiring employees to join a union as a condition of employment.

Hyde-Smith is cosponsoring the National Right-to-Work Act (S.545) and the Employee Rights Act (S.1774), both of which would strengthen the ability of employees to control their participation in organized labor activities.

These bills would protect workers' rights and strengthen our economy, Hyde-Smith said. Union membership should not be a condition for employment, and workers should have the freedom to exercise their right to determine how their hard-earned money is spent.

The National Right-to-Work Act would give workers a choice to refrain from paying dues, joining or assisting labor organizations by repealing National Labor Relations Act and Railway Labor Act provisions that currently force workers in many states to pay union dues as a requirement for being hired or terminated. Mississippi is one of 27 states with right-to-work laws that protect workers from paying mandatory union dues.

The Employee Rights Act would require unions to get opt in approval from an employee before union dues can be used for purposes other than collective bargaining, ensuring that workers are not compelled to fund causes they do not support. Additionally, it protects personal liberty by requiring secret ballots for votes on whether to unionize or to strike. It would also give employees the right to opt out of having their personal information shared with a union during an organizing campaign.

Both S.545 and S.1774 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=04395555-33BF-4B1E-84A8-4C71C7670CA1,Wicker Welcomes Release of Pastor Andrew Brunson,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONFollowing the court-ordered release of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson from house arrest in Turkey today, Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following statement:
I welcome the release of Pastor Brunson from house arrest and look forward to his return to the United States. The charges against him are baseless, and he should never have served a single day in jail. Thousands of Americans have been praying for this outcome. While this is a positive step by the Government of Turkey, I again urge the administration not to lift the Global Magnitsky sanctions currently in place on Turkish officials involved in the ongoing, unjust detention of American citizens and consulate employees. There is no room in NATO for hostage-taking.
Pastor Brunson was first detained by Turkish authorities on October 7, 2016, and subsequently charged with supporting a terrorist organization and committing espionage. He was transferred to house arrest this July after more than a year in prison.
Several other American citizens, including NASA scientist Serkan Glge, and two Turkish employees of U.S. consulates have also been detained and charged with terrorism offenses with no evidence to support the claims. A third consulate employee remains under house arrest on dubious charges.
In September 2018, Chairman Wicker called for U.S. sanctions on Turkey's justice and interior ministers to continue until all wrongfully detained Americans and locally employed staff of U.S. consulates in Turkey are free. Ending these unjust detentions would be the next step in reestablishing positive relations between the United States and Turkey.
In November 2017, the Helsinki Commission held a hearing on the detention of American citizens and U.S. consulate employees in Turkey. A month earlier, Helsinki Commission leaders called on President Erdogan to lift the state of emergency imposed in July 2016 after the failed military coup against his government. Turkey ended its two-year-long state of emergency in July 2018, but shortly thereafter the Grand National Assembly approved legislation enshrining many of President Erdogan's controversial emergency decrees.
Ahead of the May 2017 meeting between President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Helsinki Commission leaders also urged President Trump to seek guarantees that U.S. citizens and locally employed staff jailed in Turkey will have their cases promptly and fairly adjudicated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=302B5F9C-B4D5-48FA-A1F3-88B85864C551,Wicker & Shaheen to Celebrate U.S. Navys 243rd Birthday,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Navy Caucus, released the following statements to celebrate the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Navy, which was established on October 13, 1775.
From the two ships authorized by the Second Continental Congress to the 355-ship fleet now required because of my SHIPS Act,' naval power has been and will continue to be essential to keeping the American people safe, Wicker said. As the new co-chair of the Navy Caucus with Senator Shaheen, and as the Chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee, I congratulate the U.S. Navy and all Navy veterans on 243 years of service to the security of our homeland.
The brave men and women of the U.S. Navy put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe, and I am incredibly grateful for their service and dedication to our freedom and security, said Shaheen. In New Hampshire we are especially proud of the contributions the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard makes to our Navy and national defense, and I will continue to advocate to support service members and veterans in the Granite State and across the country. Thank you for answering the call of duty, and very happy 243rd Birthday!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7727890F-0F43-4166-BEAA-5BC3CFD4C637,Gulf Islands Land Exchange Bill Heading to President's Desk,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., applauded the final passage of Palazzo's Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act (H.R. 2615), which will now go to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Wicker and former Senator Thad Cochran introduced the Senate version of Palazzo's bill last year.
""I've worked closely with leadership at the Mark Seymour VFW post and the Gulf Islands National Seashore leadership who have supported our efforts in getting this bill to the finish line. This is a huge victory for the Gulf Coast and our beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore that draws in millions of visitors every year. The National Seashore is a staple of the Mississippi Gulf Coast that holds historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural beaches. I am pleased to see my bill advance its way to President Trump's desk for the final sign off,"" Palazzo said. ""I am also grateful for Senator Wicker's leadership in moving my bill through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.""
I was proud to join Congressman Palazzo to introduce this proposal, which will preserve access to the Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Wicker said. I am pleased to see this constituent-driven idea come to fruition, especially one that has a positive impact for our veterans and communities along the scenic Gulf Islands National Seashore.
This legislation would make permanent a 30-year easement that has provided an access road and driveway for The Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699, which is located within the National Park Service's (NPS) Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs. In exchange for the easement, the VFW will transfer a portion of its acreage to the park, which includes valuable wetlands.
Palazzo, Wicker, and Cochran introduced the proposal in both the House and the Senate in May 2017. The House approved Palazzo's proposal in November 2017, sending it to the Senate for final approval. After Cochran's retirement in April 2018, Wicker shepherded the legislation through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee and onto the Senate floor where it was approved by unanimous consent.
The Gulf Islands National Seashore Park stretches from Mississippi to Florida and includes the Davis Bayou area and the Mississippi Barrier Islands of Petit Bois, Horn, Cat, East Ship, and West Ship.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/president-signs-music-modernization-act-cosponsored-hyde-smith,PRESIDENT SIGNS MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT COSPONSORED BY HYDE-SMITH,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PRESIDENT SIGNS MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT COSPONSORED BY HYDE-SMITH
Miss. Senator Says Bill Will Help Musicians from the Birthplace of American Music
WASHINGTON, D.C.  President Trump today signed into law a measure cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) to ensure musicians are more fairly compensated for their work, a reform that would benefit Mississippi as the Birthplace of American Music.
The Music Modernization Act reforms music copyright and licensing laws to simplify how musicians, songwriters, and others in the music industry are compensated for the work they create. The measure has widespread support within the music industry, including digital streaming services.
Music is in Mississippi's DNA, whether it's the blues, country music, folk, or rock n' roll. It's not just a source of cultural pride, but also a strong contributor to our economy, Hyde-Smith said.
Music copyright and licensing laws haven't kept up with technology or the times. The Music Modernization Act fixes that with a comprehensive set of reforms that will help musicians receive royalties they are owed while ensuring the public has access to that music, she said.
The new law creates a new, simplified licensing system for digital music companies to obtain a license for songs, while also ensuring that songwriters are paid the royalties they are owed. Additionally, it revises outdated songwriter royalty standards to ensure songwriters are paid a fair market rate for their work.
Fair payment for intellectual property is essential to maintain America's longstanding position as the world leader in music and entertainment. And when they say world leader,' it's world leader, by far. It's not even close, President Trump said at the White House signing ceremony Thursday. This legislation accomplishes that goal by updating our licensing laws to reflect the significant growth in streaming and digital music.
The bill signed into law is officially titled the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act. In May, Hyde-Smith cosponsored the Senate version of this legislation, S.2823.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3D327735-F6ED-466C-8A43-A9950A71EB81,Wicker Stresses the Importance of Mississippi-Built Coast Guard Vessels,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today participated in a Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard hearing focused on recapitalizing fleets for the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Wicker questioned the Coast Guard's Assistant Commandant for Acquisition Rear Admiral Michael Haycock about National Security Cutter ships, which are built by Huntington Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Wicker noted that last week the USCGC Stratton, a National Security Cutter, offloaded more than 22,000 pounds of cocaine seized in less than one month in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Wicker asked Haycock, Can you discuss the impact these National Security Cutters have on the Coast Guard's efforts to carry out its core missions?
The National Security Cutter is a tremendous asset, Haycock said. They are having a profound impact in curbing transnational crime by way of our counter-drug mission.
Wicker also asked about the importance of funding for new Polar Security Cutters, which is currently being considered by Congress.
The need for the Polar Security Cutter is greater now than it has ever been, Haycock replied. If we want to have year-round access to the polar regions for national security, national sovereignty, search and rescue, and any other missions the Coast Guard does  we need to keep making progress on that.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=13B0F568-6CBD-422F-B5B9-19BECAB6836A,Wicker Shares Success of Mississippi Wildlife Conservation Efforts,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today participated in a Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on successful state conservation, recovery, and management of wildlife. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick was among the panelists at the hearing.
Wicker asked McCormick a series of questions to highlight Mississippi's successful conservation programs and the advantages of managing these efforts at the state and local levels rather than subjecting states to federal mandates.
McCormick shared with the committee the history of the Mississippi Honeybee Stewardship Program, which has become a national model as the population of honeybees has declined over the last 50 years. This program brought together various stakeholders, including farmers and beekeepers, to develop solutions without broad federal regulations.
The bottom line is that it is a voluntary program with consensus among the parties  and it has been successful, Wicker added.
It has been highly successful and adopted across the U.S. as the best voluntary program to get beekeepers and farmers working collaboratively together, McCormick agreed.
Wicker then turned to the issue of the Louisiana Black Bear, which was once threatened but is now thriving again in Mississippi. In 2016, the bear was removed from the endangered species list. We also have a right to be proud of the fact that we have been able to delist the Louisiana Black Bear, Wicker said.
McCormick agreed saying, A lot of the work we've done as farmers, creating and maintaining the habitat for the black bears, has been crucial in delisting them.
Finally, Wicker raised the issue of the double-crested cormorant, which is legally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but considered a pest by many Mississippi catfish farmers. Wicker asked McCormick if Mississippi was better prepared to address this issue than a federal bureaucrat.
Very clearly, Senator, McCormick responded. The state has the resources to have the biologists and wildlife officials out on the farm. They can get there quicker, and they can determine the problem and the solution a lot faster from a state-basis than from a federal-basis.
Other witnesses at today's hearing included:
 
John Kennedy, Deputy Director, Wyoming Game and Fish Department; and
Cindy Dohner, Former Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=49150D36-4241-461B-8E5B-AEB24D80A674,Wicker Underscores Need for Unified Approach to Privacy Framework,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today attended a hearing to consider the lessons learned from the implementation of the European Union's (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Wicker asked Dr. Andrea Jelinek, Chair of the European Data Protection Board, to discuss why the EU proceeded with a unified data protection plan, as opposed to individual member states creating their own privacy frameworks.
The EU considered that it would be much better to have one applicable law for the whole continent  the whole EU, Jelinek said.
Nuala O'Connor, President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, reaffirmed Dr. Jelinek's comment, indicating that the EU's strong protection framework has established European leadership in data protection and that other countries and regions have been following their model. O'Connor told Wicker that she would like to see more U.S. leadership on consumer data protection from Congress.
I'd like to see the United States offer an alternative [to the GDPR] that has strong baseline protections, O'Connor said.
O'Connor also repeated concerns offered by witnesses at last month's consumer data protection hearing that a patchwork of privacy laws in the United States could create what she said was uncertainty and a lack of clarity for consumers.
I think it's better for American consumers to know what the rules are no matter what company they are dealing with or whatever state that company is based in, O Connor said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2F266D3-D854-4CCF-82DD-6BF5BEEFB546,Wicker Votes for Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Act,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today voted for S. 3021, America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. The bipartisan legislation authorizes water infrastructure projects across the country to deepen ports, maintain inland waterways, upgrade dams and levees, improve irrigation systems, and help communities provide clean drinking water.
Mississippians understand the economic value of inland waterways and ports, which transport American food, fuel, and other products to markets around the world, Wicker said. The bill we are sending to the President's desk will not only support our economy, but also will keep our communities safe by enhancing flood control and providing clean drinking water.
The bill includes Wicker's Small and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Act, which establishes a program to support small public wastewater treatment systems in their efforts to comply with the Clean Water Act.
The House of Representatives passed S. 3021 on September 13, 2018. The bill will now be sent to the White House for the President's signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=52F7EFE1-49DD-42F8-A3C6-4DDD6C87D316,Wicker Welcomes Progress on Trade With Canada and Mexico,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Besides being our North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico are two of the largest international markets for products made in Mississippi. These export markets, as well as others around the world, are a significant generator of jobs and economic growth in our state. According to the most recent numbers available, Mississippi exports were directly responsible for more than 51,000 jobs. Last year, the value of these goods totaled $11 billion.
As the world grows more connected, it is important to get America's trade deals right. President Trump has made it a priority to ensure that U.S. businesses and American workers are not hurt by unfair trade practices. His campaign promise to redo the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a bold effort to fix the shortcomings of the 24-year-old deal. After more than a year of negotiations, the President has delivered results.
Gains for U.S. Agriculture, Manufacturing
The new pact, formally titled the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), still needs to be ratified by all three countries. In the United States, Congress will have an opportunity to approve the agreement. I will continue to take a close look at USMCA and work with Mississippians to ensure the agreement maximizes our state's potential.
So far, there seems to be plenty in the deal that lawmakers from both political parties should like. Overall, a strong trilateral agreement with our North American partners offers certainty to farmers and manufacturers, reaffirming the United States as a place for business investment and job creation. More specifically, USMCA would encourage the domestic production of automobiles and auto parts. It would give U.S. farmers greater access to Canadian markets, making sales of American-made dairy, eggs, and poultry more competitive there.
Additionally, U.S. innovators  who continue to seek solutions for the world's most pressing problems  would have more protections over their intellectual property, thanks to the deal's extension of copyrights and patents. USMCA addresses digital trade and online purchases, recognizing the sharp growth of the Internet economy since the terms of NAFTA were set in 1994.
Safeguards on U.S. Intellectual Property
When it comes to protecting America's trade interests, the Trump Administration's tough stance extends far beyond this continent. The President has not shied away from confronting China about the stealing of U.S. intellectual property. In late March of this year, the United States Trade Representative released the findings from its investigation on these dishonest trade practices. The report estimated that China's theft of U.S. intellectual property could cost as much as $600 billion annually. Such practices are unacceptable, and USMCA is a signal to China that the Administration is committed to safeguarding American ingenuity.
After a slow economic recovery, Americans are finally witnessing positive economic growth and low unemployment. Keeping Made in America goods and services competitive in world markets can help advance these encouraging trends even further. USMCA is a welcome step toward modern, equitable trade deals for our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and innovators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399764,Palazzo Applauds Kavanaugh Confirmation to Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Palazzo Applauds Kavanaugh Confirmation to Supreme Court 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Washington, DC  Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4)released a statement today after the Senate voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the United States Supreme Court:
I am extremely pleased with the Senate's decision to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh has an excellent record of defending our constitution and upholding our American laws. The Democrats put him through one of, if the not the most, grueling confirmation processes in our nation's history. Not confirming Judge Kavanaugh would have been a huge loss and would have paved the way for further obstruction and destruction of this institution and our country, by Senate Democrats. However, Judge Kavanaugh showed tremendous strength in the face of adversity and continued to prove his unyielding commitment to serving our country.""
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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-votes-confirm-kavanaugh,HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO CONFIRM KAVANAUGH,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO CONFIRM KAVANAUGH


U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss), on left, stands to vote aye to confirm Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today voted to confirm President Trump's nomination of Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, affirming her belief that the nominee will be a credit to the nation's highest court.

A vote to fill a Supreme Court vacancy is one of the most consequential that a Senator will ever make. Brett Kavanaugh earned my vote with his impeccable qualifications and his steadfastness throughout a confirmation process tainted by sordid accusations and crass partisan treachery.

Judge Kavanaugh never wavered from his vow not to buckle under political or public pressure, which is a characteristic we need in a Supreme Court justice. I believe Judge Kavanaugh will be a justice whose adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law will be a credit to the Court and all Americans.

The American people know they deserve better than what the nation has experienced over the past few weeks.

Kavanaugh was confirmed on a 50-48 vote.

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https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=23D974A5-A64B-4CEF-B327-16BF3EA9DED0,Wicker Votes to Confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Roger Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after voting to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States:
Judge Kavanaugh has been subjected to the most rigorous confirmation process in the history of the Supreme Court. This process revealed what we have known from the beginning: Judge Kavanaugh is highly-qualified, and Senate Democrats were willing to go to any lengths to prevent this nomination from moving forward. I am thankful their smear tactics were not successful and that the rule of law and due process have prevailed over obstruction and divisive political tactics. I proudly cast a vote for Judge Kavanaugh. I am confident he will be a fair-minded and honest addition to the Supreme Court.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/hyde-smith-statement-vote-advance-kavanaugh-nomination,HYDE-SMITH STATEMENT ON VOTE TO ADVANCE KAVANAUGH NOMINATION,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HYDE-SMITH STATEMENT ON VOTE TO ADVANCE KAVANAUGH NOMINATION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding her vote to end debate and move toward a final vote to confirm Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh to be an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court:
This procedural vote was easy for me. The excellent impression Judge Kavanaugh made when we met only grew stronger after I reviewed his record, and followed a confirmation process that can only be described as unnecessarily ugly. The FBI's supplemental background investigation only reaffirmed my earlier judgement that Brett Kavanaugh is imminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. I look forward to his confirmation.
The anger around the nation is understandable, but could have been avoided. Senate Democrats could have followed procedure rather than raw politics. Decisions made by the Democratic minority have instead resulted in a disservice to victims of sexual violence, to Judge Kavanaugh, and the American people.
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https://palazzo.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399765,"Wicker, Hyde-Smith, & Palazzo Announce $11.2 Million Grant for Gulf Coast Water Quality Project",2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Steven Palazzo,P000601,palazzo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today announced a $11,202,349 grant to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to fund the Mississippi Gulf Coast Water Quality Improvement Program, which will support construction of water quality improvement projects.
This RESTORE Act funding will directly support priorities to improve water quality on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Wicker said. It is clear these BP settlement funds are being used exactly how they should be  to restore our communities and protect our citizens.  

Upgrading and replacing deficient wastewater systems will help improve service to customers and protect the Gulf, both of which are important for future growth on the coast, Hyde-Smith said. It is good to see this portion of Mississippi's allocation from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement being used for such projects on the Gulf Coast. This grant uses RESTORE Act funds for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Water Quality Improvement Program and provides local municipalities the opportunity to address their water and wastewater infrastructure needs. It allows our coastal communities to manage and mitigate their drainage systems to improve the life of their infrastructure and minimize the risk of flooding.
MDEQ will select the construction projects for development.  

Wicker and Palazzosponsored the RESTORE Act, which provided Gulf Coast statesMississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Texaswith 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.
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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/opioid-bill-given-final-approval-hyde-smith%E2%80%99s-support,OPIOID BILL GIVEN FINAL APPROVAL WITH HYDE-SMITH’S SUPPORT,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"OPIOID BILL GIVEN FINAL APPROVAL WITH HYDE-SMITH'S SUPPORT
Bill Headed to President Would Help Rural States like Mississippi Combat Opioid Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Wednesday voted to send President Trump major legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, including ramping up the use of telehealth to reach treatment in rural areas.
The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (HR.6) received final congressional approval, with the Senate voting 98-1 to send the bill to the White House.
Opioid-related overdose deaths continue to rise in Mississippi, in addition to the crime and social problems associated with this crisis. Our response requires an all-hands-on-deck approach and this measure is intended to help get a grip on these challenges on the state and local levels, Hyde-Smith said. I'm pleased the bill includes provisions to help rural areas to treat and prevent opioid abuse.
The comprehensive legislation is comprised of several opioid-related bills offered in the House and Senate, including the Hyde-Smith cosponsored Expanding Telehealth Response to Ensure Addiction Treatment (e-TREAT) Act to permanently allow access to substance use disorder treatment through telehealth technology under Medicare. This final bill includes the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 and the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act.
The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and other agencies,issued an interagency reportin April which showed that a majority of overdose deaths in Mississippi in 2017 were opioid-related. It also assessed drug-related crime in the state, noting almost 20,000 drug-related arrests last year.
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https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/content/wicker-hyde-smith-palazzo-announce-112-million-grant-gulf-coast-water-quality-project,"WICKER, HYDE-SMITH & PALAZZO ANNOUNCE $11.2 MILLION GRANT FOR GULF COAST WATER QUALITY PROJECT",2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WICKER, HYDE-SMITH & PALAZZO ANNOUNCE $11.2 MILLION GRANT FOR GULF COAST WATER QUALITY PROJECT
RESTORE Act Funds Will Support Wastewater System Upgrades
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today announced a $11,202,349 grant to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to fund the Mississippi Gulf Coast Water Quality Improvement Program, which will support construction of water quality improvement projects.
This RESTORE Act funding will directly support priorities to improve water quality on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Wicker said. It is clear these BP settlement funds are being used exactly how they should be  to restore our communities and protect our citizens.
Upgrading and replacing deficient wastewater systems will help improve service to customers and protect the Gulf, both of which are important for future growth on the coast, Hyde-Smith said. It is good to see this portion of Mississippi's allocation from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement being used for such projects on the Gulf Coast.
This grant uses RESTORE Act funds for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Water Quality Improvement Program and provides local municipalities the opportunity to address their water and wastewater infrastructure needs. It allows our coastal communities to manage and mitigate their drainage systems to improve the life of their infrastructure and minimize the risk of flooding, Palazzo said.
MDEQ will select the construction projects for development.
Wicker and Palazzosponsored the RESTORE Act, which provided Gulf Coast statesMississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Texaswith 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.
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