url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-hassan-welcome-enactment-their-bill-benefit-guard-reserve-students,"HYDE-SMITH, HASSAN WELCOME ENACTMENT OF THEIR BILL TO BENEFIT GUARD, RESERVE STUDENTS",2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"FY2025 Defense Policy Bill Includes Bipartisan ‘SERVE Act’ to Guarantee College Readmission for Guard, Reservists WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today welcomed the enactment of major defense policy legislation that includes their bipartisan bill to ensure that students who serve in the National Guard and Reserve will be guaranteed readmission to their schools following a mobilization. The bipartisan Servicemember Enrollment and Readmission for Valuable Education (SERVE) Act (S.2076) was included in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (HR.5009), which was signed into law on Monday. The SERVE Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure that students called to serve in domestic, short-term National Guard and Reserve mobilizations can return to their studies. “Many Guard and Reserve mobilizations last fewer than 30 days, putting numerous students who have volunteered to serve our nation at risk of having their educational pursuits derailed,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased the FY2025 NDAA includes an overdue fix to this problem.” “Students in the Reserves and the National Guard sacrifice to serve their communities and our country, and they shouldn’t have to jeopardize their spot in school because they were called to duty,” said Senator Hassan. “I am pleased that the latest national defense bill provides a measure that will ensure that student National Guard and Reserve members who are mobilized for short missions will have the security of knowing that their spot in school will be waiting for them.” The SERVE Act removes a “more than 30 days” stipulation in current law that only requires readmission for student servicemembers who are mobilized for more than 30 days. Under existing law, National Guard and Reserve members mobilized for fewer than 30 days are not universally entitled to be promptly readmitted. Hyde-Smith introduced the SERVE Act with Hassan in June 2023. U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) and Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) were the lead sponsors of a House companion bill. The overall FY2025 NDAA establishes policies and sets funding guidelines for the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill that will actually allocate funds for Department of Defense activities. The overall bill also authorizes a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted troops, a 4.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for all other service members, and broadens access to child care for service members. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-issues-2024-christmas-message,HYDE-SMITH ISSUES 2024 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Issues 2024 Christmas Message. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued a 2024 Christmas message that encourages Mississippians to “celebrate love, joy, and peace, and reflect on the many blessings in our lives,” including the sacrifices of our servicemembers, first responders, and healthcare workers. “While the world deals with turmoil and conflict, this season calls us to love our neighbors, care for those in need, and approach life with a spirit of generosity. Our mission should be to serve those who need our help the most – through acts of kindness or simply offering a listening ear. We all have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us,” Hyde-Smith said. Hyde-Smith’s full Christmas message is available below: Merry Christmas, Mississippi! May we hold fast to the true spirit of this holiday season, taking time to celebrate love, joy, and peace, and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. As Christians, we honor the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life and teachings inspire us to live gracefully, move with compassion, and love one another. As we celebrate, let us remember that this season is truly about peace – peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our hearts. While the world deals with turmoil and conflict, this season calls us to love our neighbors, care for those in need, and approach life with a spirit of generosity. Our mission should be to serve those who need our help the most – through acts of kindness or simply offering a listening ear. We all have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. This season, I also thank our servicemembers, many of whom are far from home and separated from loved ones as they defend our freedoms. I share the same gratitude for our first responders and healthcare workers who continue to serve tirelessly. Their commitment to keeping us safe every single day is a gift to us all. My wish for all Mississippians is that your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, and the love of those around you. May we all carry the message of peace and love with us throughout the new year. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays. May God continue to bless you with peace, happiness, and abundant blessings this holiday season and in the year ahead. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-chairman-michael-guest-regarding-ethics-committees-release-report,Statement of Chairman Michael Guest Regarding the Ethics Committee’s Release of the Report Regarding Former Representative Gaetz,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,MS,Michael Guest,G000591,guest.house.gov,guest,https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Chairman Michael Guest released the following statement: “I believe, have publicly stated, and remain steadfast in the position that the House Committee on Ethics lost jurisdiction to release to the public any substantive work product regarding Mr. Gaetz after his resignation from the House on November 14, 2024. While I do not challenge the Committee’s findings, I did not vote to support the release of the report and I take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards and voted to release a report on an individual no longer under the Committee’s jurisdiction, an action the Committee has not taken since 2006. Representative Gaetz resigned from Congress, withdrew from consideration to serve in the next administration, and declared that he would not seek to be seated in the 119th Congress. The decision to publish a report after his resignation breaks from the Committee’s long-standing practice, opens the Committee to undue criticism, will be viewed by some as an attempt to weaponize the Committee’s process, and is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences.” Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District. Currently serving his third term, Congressman Guest serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Ethics. He is also a member of the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security. ###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:32:39Z https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7562,"Kelly's Farmer Economic Assistance Framework Legislation Becomes Law in American Relief Act December 21, 2024 | Posted in Press Releases Tags: Agriculture Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Kelly announces that direct farm economic assistance as modeled after the Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act (FARM Act) has been signed into law, marking a significant win for Rural America and the backbone of our nation – its farmers. This critical funding provides emergency relief to farmers facing unprecedented challenges, including… Read more »",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,MS,Trent Kelly,K000388,trentkelly.house.gov,trentkelly,https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Kelly announces that direct farm economic assistance as modeled after the Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act (FARM Act) has been signed into law, marking a significant win for Rural America and the backbone of our nation – its farmers. This critical funding provides emergency relief to farmers facing unprecedented challenges, including inflationary pressures. “For too long, our farmers have been asked to do more with less, feeding America and the world under increasingly difficult circumstances,” said Congressman Kelly. “This assistance ensures they have the support they need to keep growing, producing, and feeding our nation.” Congressman Kelly extended his deep gratitude to Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Chairman GT Thompson, and the entire Republican leadership team for their tireless efforts to champion this vital legislation. “This was made possible by the steadfast support of my colleagues to prioritize the needs of our farming community,” Kelly said. This economic assistance addresses the immediate needs of farmers while laying a strong foundation for future discussions in the 2025 Farm Bill. Congressman Kelly introduced the FARM Act in response to the dire economic situation faced by farmers nationwide. Contact: For more information about the FARM Act or Congressman Kelly’s continued efforts on behalf of America’s farmers, please contact Semaj Redd at semaj.redd@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-04-07T14:16:54Z,2026-04-07T14:20:46Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-efforts-secure-disaster-market-aid-forestall-farm-crisis,"HYDE-SMITH EFFORTS SECURE DISASTER, MARKET AID TO FORESTALL FARM CRISIS",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith Votes to Provide Aid to Farmers Stressed by Low Prices, High Input Costs, Dire Financing Outlook WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) early Saturday morning voted for a final agreement that will provide $10 billion in market loss assistance for farmers in Mississippi and around the country who are threatened by economic stresses that threaten the strength of U.S. agriculture. Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, welcomed final approval of the aid following difficult negotiations to finalize a funding agreement to avoid a government shutdown and address natural and economic disasters. “The bottom line is that Congress is finally doing the right thing for America’s farmers and rural Americans. I expect this ad hoc market loss assistance will make a difference for farmers in Mississippi and elsewhere who would otherwise not be able to plant again next year,” Hyde-Smith said. “This assistance should serve as a lifeline while, with some determination and focus, we can finally enact a new Farm Bill that includes updated safety net programs for our farmers,” Hyde-Smith added. “I look forward to working with incoming Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to ensure swift implementation of the disaster aid, because time is of the essence.” Hyde-Smith has for months been working with incoming Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), incoming Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), and others to demand Congress act to approve ad hoc assistance to avoid an imminent economic disaster in rural America. As of early December, crop economic losses nationally exceeded $31 billion from all major commodities for 2024, including cotton, soybeans, corn, rice, and peanuts. Such losses in Mississippi have averaged $145.04 on more than 3.62 million acres, amounting to at least $525.8 million in losses this year. Hyde-Smith indicated Mississippi agricultural interests could also benefit from natural disaster relief in the legislation for farmers harmed by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Federal Emergency Management Agency have certified that Mississippi experienced multiple types of natural disasters in this time period, including freezes, tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, high winds, and drought. Natural disaster funding in the bill includes $357 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, $828 million for the Emergency Conservation Program, and $920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. In the months leading up to passage of the agriculture disaster funding agreement, Hyde-Smith met with Mississippi stakeholders, advocated for aid at Senate hearing, and delivered a floor speech explaining to her colleagues why Congress should provide both natural disaster and market loss assistance for farmers across the country or risk worsening a crisis that will cost taxpayers billions of dollars more in the future. Finally, Hyde-Smith sided with Boozman and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) in signaling their intent to oppose any supplemental spending package that failed to provide meaningful economic assistance to farmers. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-statement-on-continuing-resolution-s-damage-to-national-defense/bcd92899-cdda-47f5-85c7-82a9e9b6f969,Senator Wicker Statement on Continuing Resolution’s Damage to National Defense,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown and give lawmakers until March 2025 to reach an agreement on a long-term funding plan. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-votes-authorize-fed-support-water-projects-miss,HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO AUTHORIZE FED. SUPPORT FOR WATER PROJECTS IN MISS.,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"U.S. Senate Sends Water Resources Development Act to White House WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) late Wednesday voted for final passage of water infrastructure legislation that authorizes federal resources for improving waterways, flood control, ports, and other projects in Mississippi. The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S.4367 or WRDA) authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout the country including navigational improvements, flood control, ecosystem restoration and clean water infrastructure. The bill, passed 97-1, is now cleared to be signed into law. “This legislation is important to the well-being of Mississippi and the entire nation. Army Corps of Engineers activities in Mississippi are directly linked to the well-being of our citizens and the state’s economy,” Hyde-Smith said. “I will remain committed to working to secure the funding to fulfill these authorized projects in Mississippi.” Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which funds the Army Corps of Engineers and programs authorized in WRDA. (Related: FY2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill) Hyde-Smith supported the inclusion of provisions that enable the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies to work with state and local officials to improve flood control, inland ports, wastewater infrastructure, conservation, and coastal resilience. In addition to multiple other projects across the state, Mississippi projects authorized in the bill that will now be signed into law are: City of Byram – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement. City of Madison – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement. City of Pearl – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement. Diamondhead – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure and drainage systems. Hancock County – $7.0 million environmental infrastructure authorization, including water and wastewater infrastructure (including stormwater management), drainage systems, and water quality enhancement. Mississippi State University – Authorization to conduct academic research, in coordination with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) on technology to be used in water resources development infrastructure, analyses of the environment before and after a natural disaster, and geospatial data collection.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/senate-passes-hyde-smith-kaine-bill-protect-historic-american-battlefields-cleared-become-law,"SENATE PASSES HYDE-SMITH, KAINE BILL TO PROTECT HISTORIC AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS, CLEARED TO BECOME LAW",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Bipartisan Measure Would Strengthen Successful NPS American Battlefield Protection Program WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) today successfully secured Senate passage of their American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to improve the protection of America’s historic battlefields. The Senate passed the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act by unanimous consent as part of a lands package, clearing it to be signed into law. The legislation updates the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), a successful National Park Service (NPS) program that promotes the preservation of significant historic battlefields and sites of armed conflict across the United States. ABPP has helped preserve more than 35,000 acres of historic land in 20 states, including Mississippi and Virginia. “Mississippi is home to some of our nation’s most significant and historic battlefields, and this legislation will make it easier to protect these hallowed grounds for future generations,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. “Senator Kaine and I recognized that the American Battlefield Protection Program could be more applied to protect the sites where so many pivotal moments of American history took place. I look forward to this legislation becoming law.” “From Yorktown to Appomattox to the Pentagon, you can’t map America’s military history without Virginia,” said Kaine. “I’m glad to have worked with Senator Hyde-Smith to secure the Senate passage of our legislation to bolster the American Battlefield Protection Program because preserving these sites is crucial to ensuring that Americans can visit them and learn about our country’s history. I urge President Biden to sign it.” The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, which also passed in the House of Representatives, would: Permit nonprofits and tribes to apply directly for ABPP grants. Currently, only state and local governments are eligible to apply for ABPP funding. Ensure Battlefield Restoration Grant funding is available for all battlefields. ABPP administers four grant programs: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Land Acquisition, Battlefield Restoration, and Battlefield Interpretation. Current law only allows land preserved by a Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant to be eligible for a Restoration Grant, which provides funds to return Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War landscapes back to day-of battle conditions in order to enhance the visitor experience. This provision would remove this requirement and allow properties that were not acquired by a Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant to be eligible for Restoration Grant funding. This would mean the Vicksburg National Military Park, Corinth Battlefield Unit, and other state- and nonprofit-owned battlefield parks in Mississippi could be eligible for Restoration Grant funding. Clarify eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAG). Current law allows battlefields and sites associated with the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 to be eligible for ABPP funding. This change would clarify that only battlefields are eligible. Create a process for expanding and updating historic battlefield boundaries. Currently, only lands identified in NPS maps are eligible for ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition funding, and any updates to these maps must be approved by Congress. This means that if there is new archaeology or research that shows the historic extent of a battlefield is different from original NPS maps, the land cannot be preserved under ABPP. The bill creates a better process for expanding and updating the historic boundaries of battlefields to make it easier for certain sites to receive ABPP funding. U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) cosponsored the Senate legislation. U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.) cosponsored the House companion measure. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/mississippi-will-benefit-from-water-infrastructure-bill-becoming-law,Mississippi Will Benefit From Water Infrastructure Bill Becoming Law,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Legislation to improve Mississippi’s waterways, ports, river systems, dredging, and flood protection projects passed the U.S. Senate and is expected to become law. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., used his unique position on the Committee on Environment and Public Works to secure priorities for Mississippi in the legislation, the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Senator Wicker released the following statement: “Water resources are essential to Mississippi,” Senator Wicker said. “This bill gives us additional tools to provide clean drinking water, wastewater, and flood control solutions for communities across the country. I will keep using my position on the Environment and Public Works Committee to deliver results for Mississippi’s communities.” Among other policies that are going to benefit Mississippi, WRDA will:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-announces-pentagon-reform-and-innovation-proposal,Senator Wicker Announces Pentagon Reform and Innovation Proposal,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released his proposal to change fundamentally the way the Department of Defense (DOD) does business by getting better weapons to our troops faster and maximizing taxpayer dollars. Senator Wicker’s plan, titled “Restoring Freedom’s Forge: American Innovation Unleashed,” outlines critical reforms that DOD and Congress could enact to pull defense budgeting and acquisition into the 21st century. The recommendations encompass five key subject areas: cutting red tape, unleashing innovation, increasing competition, enabling decisive action, and modernizing the budget process. The report is also accompanied by comprehensive legislation – S. 5618, the FORGED Act (Fostering Reform and Government Efficiency in Defense) – which puts many of the recommendations in the report into practice. This new proposal complements the report Senator Wicker issued earlier this year, “21st Century Peace Through Strength: A Generational Investment in the U.S. Military.” Among many other recommendations, “Peace Through Strength” principally calls for an immediate investment in the DOD to maintain deterrence against China. “The Department of Defense has been doing business the same way for far too long, which has heavily damaged both taxpayer confidence and American national security. We are entering a moment where major reform is possible. My legislation offers an opportunity to maximize the use of public dollars to buy second-to-none weapons systems, adopt new technology faster, and boost competition within the defense industry. I have started a national conversation about making a generational investment. Now we need to discuss how we can spend smarter,” Senator Wicker said. Read the full bill text of the FORGED Act here. Listed below are some of the key recommendations of the report and legislation in each major area. Read the report in full here. Repeal hundreds of unnecessary provisions from Title 10 to relieve officials of busy work: remove restrictions, delegate approvals, and create a five-year sunset on reporting requirements. Flip the contracting paradigm to require commercial procedures making DOD a better customer: strengthen rapid acquisition pathways, make commercial contracting the default, and relieve nontraditional defense contractors of numerous non-commercial requirements. Dramatically accelerate qualification and test procedures to improve multiple sourcing and competition: create a program for multiple sourcing, remove barriers to reverse engineering, and streamline qualification and test procedures. Reduce layers of bureaucracy by integrating authorities into empowered Program Executive Officers: upgrade program executive offers to integrate requirements, funding, and acquisition, and democratize joint decision-making processes. Restructure the budget and enable an agile funding process to transition technologies more rapidly into production: restructure the budget, consolidate budget line items, increase reprogramming authorities, and establish funding transparency. Senator Wicker is the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-applauds-final-senate-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-act,Senator Wicker Applauds Final Senate Passage of National Defense Authorization Act,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to celebrate the final U.S. Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In his remarks, Senator Wicker praised the efforts of his many Senate colleagues and SASC staff to achieve a 64th straight year of the NDAA’s passage. Senator Wicker spoke about many of the positive qualities in this year’s bill which include boosting recruitment, modernizing major defense programs, and improving deterrence. Senator Wicker also noted the defense spending topline debate should carry through into next year. Read Senator Wicker’s remarks as delivered below or watch them here. Thank you very much, Mr. President. The Senate will soon consider the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The NDAA is among the most important bills Congress considers each year. It’s our primary way of fulfilling our most solemn obligation: our constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. Congress has come together to pass the NDAA each year for more than six decades – 63 years, to be precise. Today, we continue our streak of earned success. In our best moments, we've worked out the NDAA in an open and above-board process. Here, I must say that I am frustrated with the Majority Leader's decision to thwart that regular order this year. He did not bring the bill to the floor, thus denying Americans the opportunity to witness their elected representatives make decisions in the open on critical national security issues. Still, we continued in the spirit of honesty and collegiality. The numbers bear that out. The Armed Services Committee considered nearly 3,000 requests submitted by all Senators. We considered 618 amendments at markup, adopting 327 of those amendments. We then processed over 90 amendments during the informal conference process. These statistics tell the story of the hard work and professionalism that characterized the construction of this bill. Mr. President, we are currently experiencing the most dangerous national security moment since World War II. One need only scroll through the headlines summarizing this year's world events. Congress needed to respond in kind at every possible opportunity. We should be sending a signal of peace through strength, of strong deterrence. Accordingly, the Senate Armed Services Committee took an honest look at growing capability and aggression by our adversaries. We decided that this year was the time to change our course and move our military toward the generational defense investment it deserves. That vital committee action included an upgrade of $25 billion for our missile defense, shipbuilding, and counter-drone technology, among other modernization programs – $25 billion. This should have been part of the bill – today. Regrettably, we missed an opportunity to strengthen the President-elect's hand as he takes office in a precarious world situation. I hope and expect we will see bipartisan support for much needed investment early in 2025. And yet as I note what's missing from the bill, I'm happy to recognize the immense accomplishments that members have included in the the NDAA. We secured a significant 14.5 percent pay raise for our junior enlisted servicemembers as, well as a 4.5 percent increase for all other servicemembers. We made investments in junior ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) and recruitment capabilities, both of which will help solve the military's manpower crisis. This bill stops the Department of Defense (DOD) from paying for puberty blockers and hormone therapies for children. We blocked the teaching of critical race theory in military programming, and we froze diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring at the DOD. In fact, we defunded DEI. The NDAA authorizes critical investments across the board. We accelerated ongoing nuclear deterrence efforts. We moved forward in shipbuilding programs for our destroyers and submarines. Finally, we learned from the wars going on around us today. Using real world experience, we found ways to strengthen security assistance for frontline allies in the Pacific, the Middle East, and in Europe. So, let me say again, this is a good bill. It's a piece of legislation in which I take pride. As always, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to advance our national security. And as I speak of gratitude, I want to extend special thanks to my friend, Chairman Jack Reed. I also want to thank his team on the Armed Services Committee, ably led by Staff Director Liz King. I thank my Republican and Democratic colleagues on the committee as well. Each made important contributions to the bill. This is especially true of our subcommittee chairs and ranking members, and I will recognize those on my side of the aisle: Senator Tom Cotton, ranking member of Airland. Senator Deb Fischer, ranking member of Strategic Forces. Senator Mike Rounds, ranking member of Cybersecurity. Senator Joni Ernst, ranking member of Emerging threats and Capabilities. Senator Rick Scott, ranking member of Personnel. Senator Kevin Cramer, ranking member of Seapower. And Senator Dan Sullivan, ranking member of Readiness. I also want to thank my Armed Services Committee staff. These patriotic individuals burned the midnight oil for months, literally. They delivered a product that this body can be proud of – one that does much to advance American interests. The American people would be astounded to see how hard and how long these staff members work. And I can hardly mention my staff without thanking my intrepid staff director, John Keast. John and his superb team know how to get the job done. And I want to recognize John Keast and his staff by name. They are: Rick Berger, Brendan Gavin, James Mazol, Greg Lilly, Adam Barker, Zach Barnett, Kristina Belcourt, Jack Beyrer, Cody Emerson, Isaac Jalkanen, Kevin Kim, Eric Lofgren, Katie Magnus, Jonathan Moore, Sean O’Keefe, Brad Patout, Katie Romaine, Eric Trager, Adam Trull, and Olivia Trusty. This year's NDAA will further the cause of our national defense, but it cannot do all that we need. This will be the final vote on this bill. It has passed the House, we have invoked cloture, and this vote will send this bill to the President. Let this piece of legislation be an exhortation that Congress can no longer leave the job of national defense half-finished. We have no choice but to move ahead – and to move ahead early next year – with a generational investment in our military.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-s-bill-to-modernize-vicksburg-military-park-advances,Senator Wicker’s Bill to Modernize Vicksburg Military Park Advances,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., to upgrade the Vicksburg Military Park, passed the U.S. Senate. Vicksburg Military Park preserves the site of the Battle of Vicksburg, which is known for being a key turning point in the Civil War. The battlefield is the most visited historical attraction in Mississippi with more than half a million annual visitors. The park includes over 1,300 monuments and markers, 20 miles of original and reconstructed trenches, the Vicksburg National Cemetery, and more. However, the park has outdated structures, such as the visitor center, that were built nearly seventy years ago. The bill, Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act, would transfer the necessary land from the National Park Service to the State of Mississippi to build a new state-of-the-art interactive interpretive center on the park’s grounds. Senator Wicker released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-slams-latest-biden-harris-salvo-against-american-energy,HYDE-SMITH SLAMS LATEST BIDEN-HARRIS SALVO AGAINST AMERICAN ENERGY,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Senator Calls for Restoration of Domestic Energy Security After Release of LNG Report WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today criticized the latest salvo by the outgoing Biden-Harris administration against U.S. energy production, a skewed study on American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The U.S. Department of Energy study released Tuesday was conducted as part of the administration’s efforts to pause or stop the export of LNG, much of which is shipped through the Gulf of Mexico. Hyde-Smith has vehemently opposed this policy as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “The Biden administration’s reckless energy policies compromise our national security, drive up costs for hardworking Americans, and fuel global emissions. Instead of championing all American energy, which is cleaner and safer than the foreign imports we rely on, this administration continues to undermine our domestic industry and disregard the welfare of American families,” Hyde-Smith said. “The release of this LNG export study is just the latest example of their misguided energy agenda that puts our national security at risk while making energy unaffordable across the nation. It’s time for this destructive trend to end. I am committed to once again restoring American energy security and independence under President Trump’s leadership,” she said. In July, Hyde-Smith supported committee passage of the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2025 (S.4753), a bill which would have mandated increased offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, permanently ended the Biden administration’s so-called pause on LNG exports, and expedite judicial reviews of federal energy and mineral project authorizations. Efforts to reach a compromise to clear this legislation before the end of the 118th Congress collapsed earlier this week.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-votes-defense-policy-bill-1,HYDE-SMITH VOTES FOR DEFENSE POLICY BILL,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today supported final Senate passage of a massive defense policy bill that includes legislation she introduced to ensure that students, who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, will be guaranteed readmission to their schools following a deployment. The overall FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (HR.5009) establishes policies and sets funding guidelines for the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill that will actually allocate funds for Department of Defense (DOD) activities. The bill now goes to the White House to be signed into law. “The NDAA is crucial because it adjusts policy and funding recommendations to meet current and future requirements to strengthen our national security. This measure is far from perfect given the current administration and congressional makeup, but it does include key policy changes to support servicemembers and their families while ending misguided ‘woke’ policies,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Other notable provisions in the FY2025 NDAA include: Authorizes a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted troops and increased access to child care for service members, in addition to a 4.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for all other service members Eliminates funding for DEI programs and the Countering Extremism Working Group Prohibits TRICARE, the military healthcare provider, from covering transgender services for the minor dependents of service members Reforms DOD procurement policies and improves oversight Authorizes expanded shipbuilding and aircraft capabilities Extends support for Israel while expanding “tough-on-China” policies",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/congress-annual-defense-bill-one-step-closer-to-law-with-senator-wicker-priorities-included,Congress’ Annual Defense Bill One Step Closer to Law With Senator Wicker Priorities Included,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate just passed Congress’ annual defense bill, the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation includes numerous Mississippi priorities. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., serves as the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), affording him a unique position to advocate for Mississippi’s national defense capabilities. It is expected that Senator Wicker’s colleagues will elect him SASC chairman in early January 2025. Senator Wicker released the following statement: “The wins in this bill demonstrate clearly that Mississippi’s military bases and defense industry are important contributors to national security. American service members across the world are safer because of the national security work done by Mississippians: whether it be through ships built at our shipyards, weapons, equipment, and ammunition from our manufacturers, or research conducted at our universities,” Senator Wicker said. When the NDAA bill text was released, Senator Wicker also said: “However, the failure to include a topline increase is a tremendous loss for our national defense…I remain resolved to continue the national conversation I have started about our defense needs, and I will amplify this discussion should I become Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my Congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it.” Among many of Senator Wicker’s priorities, a few key elements of the bill could ensure Mississippi receives additional investments in artificial intelligence, unmanned weapons systems, special operations activities, naval fleet construction, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and national security research. The legislation contains several of Senator Wicker’s top national defense priorities: Authorizes funding to support a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers (E1-E4) and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other military members. Increases the number of required Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) units nationwide; expands eligibility criteria for schools to host JROTC. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to adhere to the industry standard of investing four percent of a facility's plant replacement value into annual sustainment by 2030, which will drastically increase facility sustainment funding to shrink the $180 billion repair backlog. Prohibits DOD from paying for puberty-blockers and other drugs that could sterilize children for the purposes of treating gender dysphoria. Freezes hiring at DOD for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work for one year. Prohibits DOD personnel from promoting critical race theory (CRT), or training CRT. Defunds $50+ million for DOD DEI programming to put toward counter-narcotics. Authorizes the Trump administration with $300 million in security assistance funds to support Taiwan’s defense reform and civil resilience efforts. Permanently authorizes the Office of Strategic Capital to make loans to innovative defense companies and drastically improves DOD economic warfare coordination. Creates a counter unmanned aerial systems (CUAS) task force, CUAS exercises, and sets up reporting requirements to confront UAS military base overflight. Establishes a single senior Pentagon official for nuclear deterrence policies and programs. Authorizes $322 million for the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile and provides additional flexibility to expedite development of the weapon. Kills the Navy’s bad idea to force a $750 million landing ship on the Marine Corps, instead requiring a $250 million ship. Cuts F-35 funding and holds defense contractors accountable for F-35 delays, requiring a full-scale remediation plan for future development and deliveries. Authorizes $47.5 million for continued U.S.-Israel collaborative research on emerging technologies and adds $30 million for U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling program. Halts the retirement of the capable F-15E fleet, directly involved in defense of Israel. Maintains crucial advanced fighter capacity by keeping the F-15 and F-22 fleets whole. Procures a 3rd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a 2nd Virginia-class attack sub in FY25. Accelerates the delivery of Landing Ship Medium for the Marine Corps. Drastically improves Navy focus on unmanned surface and subsurface vessels. Stops plans to turn DOD into the “climate-change” enforcer, refocusing efforts on building tactical capabilities and countering China. The legislation also included many provisions beneficial to Mississippi: North Mississippi $10,000,000 to enable proof-of-concept work for an autonomous AI data fusion C2 capability for uncrewed systems, which could be completed in Starkville. $7,000,000 to enable testing and evaluation of a maneuverable 155mm projectile with a range of 100-150km, which would see approximately half of requested funds spent on fabrication of rounds in Tupelo. $10,000,000 to sustain and upgrade the Lakota helicopters, which are manufactured in Columbus. $1,000,000 to kick start production of ROC-X loitering munitions by Stark Aerospace, which will be manufactured in Columbus. $1,000,000 to help develop methods for reducing platform noise in Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, which will be completed in Tupelo. $3,000,000 to integrate and assemble the Distributed Gain 300kw Laser Weapon System, which will support work in Tupelo. $1,000,000 to support enhanced sensing capabilities in shallow-water environments, which supports work in Tupelo. Central Mississippi $10,000,000 to procure 16 additional Type 1 All Terrain cranes in order to prevent a break in production, which supports 39 jobs in Louisville and creates 10 additional jobs. $2,000,000 to support the use of gasification technology to take agricultural byproducts and plastic waste and convert to electricity in mobile, distributable sites, which would provide opportunities and training to Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Tougaloo College students in conjunction with the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg. $15,000,000 to support a program that creates unclassified, high-resolution three-dimensional terrain data required by US Combatant Commands, which would support work in Ridgeland and Long Beach. $1,000,000 to support the extension and enhancement of the existing ERDC modeling and simulation physics-based environment to facilitate future uses of defense weapon systems. $2,500,000 to develop engineered repair materials for paved and unpaved roadways in different climates, which would be supported in Richland and researched in Vicksburg. $6,700,000 to accelerate the planning and design of a corrosion control hangar at Key Field in Meridian for the 186th Air Refueling Wing. $1,000,000 to update the fuel hydrant system at Key Field in Meridian for the 186th Air Refueling Wing. $5,600,000 to support planning and design of a Maintenance Hangar at Key Field for the 186th Air Refueling Wing. $1,900,000 to support the planning and design of a base supply warehouse at Key Field for the 186th Air Refueling Wing. Gulf Coast $25,000,000 to complete construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower at Keesler Air Force Base, which is used by the 403rd Weather Reconnaissance Wing. $60,000,000 to provide economic adjustments to support the Navajo class towing, salvage, and rescue ships, many of which are built in Pascagoula. $10,000,000 for the development of low-cost, rapidly deployable maritime sensors with supportive report language, which will be spent in Gulfport. This funding could support a partnership between Mississippi’s defense industry and the University of Southern Mississippi. $10,000,000 to support new coating for submarine hulls, which would maintain four jobs and create four new jobs in Gulfport. If successful, full-scale production could lead to hundreds of jobs. $9,000,000 to allow for the purchase of additional autonomous dual surface and underwater vehicles for Navy experimentation and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, supporting work in Gulfport. The bill also included language to designate an appropriate program sponsor to support future acquisition of these vessels. $6,000,000 to establish an operational center providing real-time cyber operation security to small businesses, which would be located in Biloxi. $7,000,000 to address cost hike and workforce reduction concerns caused by the cuts in the procurement rate of CCA’s, which could support work in Gulfport. $8,000,000 to sustain the High Performance Computing Modernization Program’s efforts, personnel, and facilities, supporting defense applications across various scientific disciplines, enhancing weapons system development, which affects 21 employees in Mississippi. $2,000,000 for advanced composite materials for wet submarines, which supports ongoing work in Gulfport.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-meets-with-epa-administrator-nominee-former-representative-lee-zeldin,"Senator Wicker Meets with EPA Administrator Nominee, Former Representative Lee Zeldin",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), met with President-elect Trump’s nominee to be the next Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Former Representative Lee Zeldin. “Former Representative Lee Zeldin is a great choice for this position. He will bring important change to the EPA while also playing a pivotal role in reversing harmful Biden administration rulemaking, addressing federal permitting issues at the agency, and protecting our nation’s environment,” Senator Wicker said. “I look forward to working with him through my position on the EPW Committee.” Former Representative Lee Zeldin is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, where he sat on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-meets-with-fbi-director-nominee-kash-patel,"Senator Wicker Meets with FBI Director Nominee, Kash Patel",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., met with President-elect Trump’s nominee to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel. “I had a great meeting with Kash Patel. His experience working in different government agencies provides him with a unique opportunity to restore trust in the bureau,” Senator Wicker said. “I look forward to seeing him use that experience to keep America safe.” Kash Patel is a lawyer and former federal prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice. He served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller and as senior advisor to the acting Director of National Intelligence during President Trump’s first term in office.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/press-reports-indicate-that-border-wall-materials-are-again-being-auctioned-senator-wicker-wants-answers,"Press Reports Indicate That Border Wall Materials Are Again Being Auctioned, Senator Wicker Wants Answers",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Press reports emerged Thursday indicating that the Biden administration is hauling off unused border panels in Nogales, Tucson, and Three Points border zones, potentially in direct contravention of Senator Roger Wicker’s, R-Miss., FINISH IT Act which became law last year in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. Specifically, the FINISH IT Act forced the Department of Defense (DoD) to allow millions of dollars of unused border wall panels already owned by the U.S. government to be used to extend the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Senator Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement: “The Biden-Harris administration has been so hostile to border security that it threw millions of dollars at the storage of border wall materials, rather than using them to secure the border. Worse, after Senate Armed Services Republicans exposed the wasteful costs for this thoughtless program, we discovered these materials were auctioned off at massive discounts online,” Senator Wicker said. “My bill required much of the claimed remaining materials to secure the southern border. However, rather than leaving unclaimed materials for the Trump administration to use, it appears that the Biden administration has continued to auction off the remaining materials at a tremendous fiscal loss. This is an outrageous waste of taxpayer money, and now more will have to be spent to acquire new materials for completing the wall and finally securing our border, as President Trump has vowed to do.” The FINISH IT Act followed an investigation by Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans that revealed the DoD is spending $47 million per year, or $130,000 per day, to store the panels at various locations across the Southwest. The legislation requires the federal government to deploy the materials or transfer them to state governments who will use them for wall construction. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=632,"Ezell, Carter Introduce the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program to Support Small Communities",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS4) and Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA2) introduced the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act to increase technical assistance to organizations assisting small communities who are trying to increase business through The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA) grant program. ""The Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program will invest in the operational and technical capacity of business district organizations, strengthening these support systems to promote job growth, build local wealth, and improve the quality of life for underserved communities and entrepreneurs in South Mississippi,"" Ezell said. ""By providing critical technical assistance and helping these organizations access and utilize the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s RNTA grant program, we are ensuring that small communities have the resources they need to create stronger, more competitive business districts and drive long-term economic success."" “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and this bill is an innovative way to grow capacity in our business districts and create more equitable economic opportunities and outcomes in Louisiana and nationwide,” Carter said. “This bill would increase needed resources for many organizations in my district that conduct critical, on-the-ground work to uplift small, local businesses.” ""By strengthening existing place-making efforts and serving as a catalyst for economic growth and development by creating a sense of place and pride for the community, the Downtown Hattiesburg Association is improving the quality of life in Hattiesburg. Added resources for capacity and technical assistance to expand our work will increase our impact. We are grateful for Rep. Ezell's support to make that vision a reality."" - Marlo Dorsey, Board Member, Mississippi Main Street Association and Hattiesburg Downtown Association “As an organization dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and supporting our community’s downtown district, Main Street Pascagoula is incredibly thankful for Representative Mike Ezell’s support of the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. We are confident that this Program will prove tremendously impactful for our community and other districts engaged in revitalization efforts, and we look forward to what the future holds.” – Susannah Northrop, Director, Main Street Pascagoula ""The Mississippi Main Street Association is thankful for Representative Ezell's leadership of this legislation. As Mississippi’s leading organization for preservation-based community and economic development, we are excited about the potential of this funding to strengthen our network of organizations committed to supporting our downtowns and small businesses."" - Jim Miller, Executive Director, Mississippi Main Street Association ""Broad Community Connections is committed to creating a flourishing community, connected by its people, its businesses and its culture. To reach this vision, capacity building resources and technical assistance are vital. We applaud the introduction of the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program and are grateful for Rep. Carter's co-sponsorship of this important legislation."" - Dasjon S. Jordan, Executive Director, Broad Community Connections (New Orleans) ""We applaud Representatives Ezell and Carter for introducing the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. This program will provide critical resources to locally based, non-profit organizations that support small business ownership and economic revitalization in urban neighborhoods and rural communities across the country."" - Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President for Policy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) ""Main Street America is pleased to support the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. We thank Representatives Ezell and Carter for recognizing the critical role that business district organizations, such as Main Street programs, play in creating thriving local economies."" - Erin Barnes, President and CEO, Main Street America ""Small businesses are vital contributors to the health, vitality, and identity of neighborhoods. But they are also highly vulnerable to closure and displacement, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. This bill will help to provide businesses across the country with the assistance that they need to thrive. It will help disadvantaged business owners build greater wealth and long-term stability, and ensure that the communities they serve get the goods and services they need and deserve.""- Willow Lung-Amam, Ph.D., Director, Small Business Anti-Displacement Network “Picayune Main Street’s mission is to preserve the historic character and integrity of our community’s downtown commercial and residential district, as well as to enhance the culture and quality of life through active community involvement. While we have seen successes, the additional support enabled through the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program would equip our organization to take this mission to new heights, facilitating small business growth, job creation, and enhanced quality of place for our community.” – Reba Beebe, Director, Picayune Main Street, Inc. ""Sankofa Community Development Corporation is excited about the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program to offer opportunities to strengthen economic development initiatives. We initiated the Lower Ninth Ward Main Street project in alliance with a network of organizations, community stakeholders, and local businesses. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on the growth of small businesses and revitalization of our historic commercial corridor."" - Rashida Ferdinand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sankofa Community Development Corporation Background: Currently, grants under RNTA are not used for capacity building assistance and pass-through funds to local entities. Additionally, there is no EDA resource dedicated to business district organizations or business districts who are already assisting these entities. The Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act is expected to benefit small businesses and underserved communities by providing them with the expertise necessary to apply for RNTA grants. These grants will enable communities to fund projects that boost local economies, foster innovation, and strengthen their overall business infrastructure. Read the full bill, here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7548,"Kelly Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winner December 12, 2024 | Posted in Press Releases Tags: Economy / Jobs WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. Jasmaan Banipal, a student at the Mississippi School for Math and Science, created an app called MSAGRI. His winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building with winners from across the… Read more »",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,MS,Trent Kelly,K000388,trentkelly.house.gov,trentkelly,https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. Jasmaan Banipal, a student at the Mississippi School for Math and Science, created an app called MSAGRI. His winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building with winners from across the United States. Inspired by the importance of the agriculture industry in Mississippi, Banipal developed MSAGRI with the goal of supporting local farmers in making informed decisions that could improve their operations. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual event that encourages students to learn coding and computer science, using their creativity to solve real-world problems and inspiring them to pursue careers in the field. To learn more about the challenge or how to compete next year, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us.",1,2026-04-07T14:16:54Z,2026-04-07T14:20:46Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/senate-approves-hyde-smith-resolution-honoring-patrick-gottsch-advocate-rural-america,"SENATE APPROVES HYDE-SMITH RESOLUTION HONORING PATRICK GOTTSCH, ADVOCATE FOR RURAL AMERICA",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith Measure Pays Tribute to Gottsch, the RFD-TV Founder Who Passed Away This Year WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today secured Senate passage of her resolution honoring the life and legacy of Patrick Gottsch, the founder of radio and television outlets that promoted the values of rural America and agricultural issues. Hyde-Smith used a rare live unanimous consent request to gain approval of S.Res.733, which the Senator introduced in June following Gottsch’s passing on May 18, 2024. “This resolution honors the life and legacy of my dear friend Patrick Gottsch. Patrick was a strong friend and ally of Rural America, and it is only appropriate that the Senate commemorate his life,” Hyde-Smith said. “Along with so many other rural Americans, I miss Patrick every day. It is an honor to remember Patrick by advocating for and promoting the rural way of life in the Senate.” S.Res.733 was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). In a June floor speech, Hyde-Smith praised Gottsch for giving “rural America a voice."" ""In an increasingly urbanized world, Patrick reminded us of the value of rural America. He advocated for the 2 percent of Americans who feed the other 98 percent,” Hyde-Smith said. The following is the text of S.Res.733: RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Patrick Gottsch. Whereas Patrick Gene Gottsch was born on June 3, 1953, in Elkhorn, Nebraska; Whereas Mr. Gottsch was raised on his family’s farm and cattle operation, which instilled in him the values of rural America; Whereas Mr. Gottsch obtained a wide array of career experiences that enabled him to be a trailblazer in the rural and agricultural programming space; Whereas Mr. Gottsch worked as a commodity broker on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, in the home satellite dish industry, and as Director of Sales for the Superior Livestock Auction in the Fort Worth Stockyards; Whereas Mr. Gottsch launched Rural Free Delivery Television (RFD–TV) in 2002; Whereas Mr. Gottsch was the founder and president of Rural Media Group, Inc., which, in addition to RFD–TV, grew to consist of RFD–TV The Magazine, RFD HD, RURAL TV, RURAL RADIO, and The Cowboy Channel; Whereas millions of individuals in the United States have benefitted from Mr. Gottsch’s innovative approach to educating the populace on rural and agricultural issues through the use of television and other mediums; and Whereas Mr. Gottsch’s work to represent farmers, ranchers, and rural America through television was unprecedented and has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of individuals in the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) honors the life and legacy of Patrick Gottsch, particularly the devotion of Mr. Gottsch— (A) to rural America; (B) to espousing the values of rural America through agricultural and rural programming; and (C) to advocating for a greater understanding of the importance of rural America to the economy, culture, and progress of the nation; (2) extends its gratitude to Mr. Gottsch for a life well-lived, and will continue to remember his legacy; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of Mr. Gottsch. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senators-wicker-schatz-lead-group-of-100-lawmakers-in-calling-for-extension-of-telehealth-expansion,"Senators Wicker, Schatz Lead Group of 100 Lawmakers in Calling for Extension of Telehealth Expansion",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawai‘i, led a bipartisan and bicameral group of 100 lawmakers in calling for the extension of expanded Medicare coverage of telehealth services to be included in a year-end appropriations package. Provisions from the Wicker-Schatz legislation, the CONNECT for Health Act, were included in previous COVID-19 relief legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, and to expand the types of health care providers eligible to provide telehealth. Medicare beneficiaries have come to rely on expanded access, which have also been proven beneficial to patients. But these provisions will expire at the end of the year, unless congressional leaders act to extend those measures or make them permanent. The full text of the letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries: Expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth services is set to expire on December 31, 2024. As you work to advance a year-end appropriations package, we urge you to extend coverage as much as possible so that all Medicare beneficiaries retain access to these services. Telehealth plays a critical role in health care delivery – a fact that Congress has recognized by expanding coverage during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. Most recently, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Congress enacted a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth services coverage. Committees of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives have recently recognized the need to protect patients’ access to telehealth services by voting to advance an additional two-year extension on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. We ask you to prioritize provisions that remove geographic restrictions on telehealth services and permit the home and other clinically appropriate settings as originating sites. Congress should also expand the authority for practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services. Rural and underserved communities rely on telehealth services, and Congress should recognize federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics as telehealth distant site providers. Additionally, Congress should allow the use of telehealth in the recertification of hospice care. Finally, telehealth has transformed mental and behavioral health care, now accounting for 40 percent of telehealth services provided under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Therefore, Congress should permanently repeal the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health services. It should also reject similar policies that create barriers to care.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=630,"Ezell Votes to Increase Troop Pay, Bolster National Security Defense",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included three legislative provisions authored by Ezell: “I am proud to support the advancement of this year’s national defense bill. This is a crucial first step in providing essential support for our brave servicemembers and their families as global threats continue to grow,” said Ezell. “The FY2025 NDAA makes important progress in strengthening U.S. military defenses, which must remain the strongest in the world to deter any potential attacks on the United States and our allies. South Mississippi plays a vital role in ensuring this strength, and I will continue to stand with our American troops and their unwavering commitment to defending our nation.” Ezell included legislative priorities in FY2025 NDAA: The Streamlining Law Enforcement Information Sharing Act, which examines how information is streamlined between state, local, and federal agencies, the FAST PASS Act, which studies ways to deliver protective health care equipment more effectively during an emergency, and the Serve Act, which protects the academic future of student service members in the National Guard and Reserve serving on short-term mobilizations. Background: The annual defense legislation sets priorities and policies for the U.S. armed services. The FY2025 NDAA includes provisions to increase pay for U.S. servicemembers, improves military readiness to ensure our warfighters are prepared for whatever lies ahead, continues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our southwest and maritime borders, and much more. This year's NDAA includes: Authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers, supports investments in shipyard infrastructure and industrial base, and fully supports deployment of National Guard troops to augment Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-britt-turn-focus-coast-guard-joint-force-work-combat-drug-human-trafficking-southern,"HYDE-SMITH, BRITT TURN FOCUS ON COAST GUARD & JOINT FORCE WORK TO COMBAT DRUG, HUMAN TRAFFICKING ON SOUTHERN MARITIME BORDER",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"The Senators, Both Homeland Security Appropriators, Recently Visited Key West with USCG Commandant PHOTO: Senator Hyde-Smith, Senator Britt, and USCG Commandant Fagan with members of the USCG Sector Key West. (Photo Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard) WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently traveled to the U.S Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Key West and the headquarters of the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) to learn more about the crucial role of agencies in combatting illicit narcotics, illegal migration, and human trafficking. Hyde-Smith and Britt serve on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, with Britt serving as ranking member of the panel that funds the USCG. The lawmakers were joined by Admiral Linda Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard. “Most Americans are eager to see a much-needed increased focus on border security. As we prepare for the new Congress, I look forward to working with Coast Guard leadership and the new administration to reinforce our commitment to being a nation of laws, with national security as a top priority.” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I appreciated the opportunity to visit with our brave service men and women as they uphold our laws and save lives.” “The U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to protecting our maritime borders is nothing short of heroic, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet with many of the courageous Americans who patrol our seas and defend our shores. I will continue to make it a top priority in the new Congress to ensure the U.S. Coast Guard has the resources and support needed to keep our homeland safe and to strengthen our national security,” said Senator Britt. “I am grateful for Senator Hyde-Smith’s continued leadership and partnership as we work to advance solutions to combat drug and human trafficking.” During their official visit to Florida, Hyde-Smith and Britt learned about the increasing challenges faced by the USCG Sector Key West and JIATF-S, including: Maritime smuggling accounts for a significant number of attempted crossings, with the joint task force interdicting an increasing number of individuals in recent years. Maritime border attempts and interdictions increased dramatically under the current administration from around 3,000 in FY2021 to more than 12,000 in both FY2022 and FY2023. The national security threat posed by vessels departing from nations experiencing significant social upheaval is significant and provides potential malign actors with a route that can be very difficult to monitor. The humanitarian crisis generated by maritime migration is also challenging, as many illegal migrants utilize nearly derelict vessels to attempt open-ocean travel, often requiring U.S. Coast Guard rescue in conjunction with interdiction. Transnational criminal organizations utilize maritime routes to transport narcotics at sea in an effort to evade law enforcement. JIATF-S is a driving force to combat the impacts of illicit narcotics at home and abroad by coordinating U.S. agencies alongside partner nations to combat these threats to regional stability. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-demands-action-help-farmers-avert-repeat-80s-era-farm-crisis,"HYDE-SMITH DEMANDS ACTION TO HELP FARMERS, AVERT REPEAT OF 80s-ERA FARM CRISIS",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith Warns Not Helping Farmers with Both Disaster & Market Assistance Will Cost Taxpayers, Country Billions More in the Future VIDEO CLIP: Senator Hyde-Smith Outlines Dire Farm Country Situation, Risks of Inaction. FULL SPEECH VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Encourages Senate and House Negotiators to Reach Agreement that Includes Market Assistance for Farmers. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today demanded congressional negotiators to agree to provide both natural disaster and market loss assistance for farmers across the country or risk worsening a crisis that will cost taxpayers billions of dollars more in the future. Efforts by Hyde-Smith and others to secure economic assistance to counter impending market disaster in rural America has received some pushback as work continues on Capitol Hill to reach an agreement on year-end legislation to avoid a government shutdown, replenish emergency response funds, and extend the 2018 farm bill. “Our farm economy is headed in a dark and scary direction. I hope all of my colleagues here in the Senate and on the other side of the Capitol recognize that,” Hyde-Smith said in a floor speech. “It is time for Congress to deliver meaningful assistance to our agricultural producers. They have been devastated by unprecedented market conditions and natural disasters over the last two years, and they need help recovering from both – not one or the other.” Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, continued to argue that market-related disasters deserve federal attention as much as damages caused by recent natural disasters. “The economic landscape for farmers is looking more like the farm crisis of the 1980s every day. That’s pretty scary. There’s not a farm crisis looming – it’s already underway – but it’s not too late to keep it from snowballing out of control if Congress acts,” Hyde-Smith said. “What caused the crisis? Inflation, high interest rates and production costs, low farm income, depressed crop prices, declining exports, and inadequate federal price support policy.” Mississippi producers expect losses ranging from $65 to more than $300 per acre for every covered commodity for the 2024 crop year, while market losses by producers nationally are estimated to be $31 billion this crop year. These losses are compounded by a U.S. trade deficit expected to reach a record $45 billion in FY2025. Hyde-Smith said Farm Bureau organizations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as major agricultural organizations have sent letters to Congress seeking market loss assistance to benefit troubled producers nationwide in addition to natural disaster assistance. “If Congress fails to recognize the importance of providing market loss help and only focuses on natural disaster, my fear is that: 1) Farmers and farm groups across the country are going to be very angry that Congress decided to address only half the problem while ignoring every farmer across the country impacted by record input costs and depressed prices; and 2) we’re going to have a farm crisis in this country worse than the 1980s crisis,” Hyde-Smith stressed. “I will leave my colleagues with this question: Are we going to learn from lessons of the past and take appropriate action? Or, take the path of least resistance today, and be required to pay hundreds of billions on the back end, after it is too late?” Hyde-Smith asked. Read Hyde-Smith’s speech, as prepared for delivery, here or below: Madam President, our farm economy is headed in a dark and scary direction. I hope all of my colleagues here in the Senate and on the other side of the Capitol recognize that. It is time for Congress to deliver meaningful assistance to our agricultural producers. They have been devastated by unprecedented market conditions and natural disasters over the last two years, and they need help recovering from both – not one or the other. I rise today to urge my colleagues to take action and to support those who support you. The economic landscape for farmers is looking more like the farm crisis of the 1980s every day. That’s pretty scary. There’s not a farm crisis looming – it’s already underway – but it’s not too late to keep it from snowballing out of control if Congress acts. It was one of the worst economic disasters since the great depression, decimated rural America, and took years for many communities to recover from – some never did. What caused the crisis? Inflation, high interest rates and production costs, low farm income, depressed crop prices, declining exports, and inadequate federal price support policy. Does that sound familiar? U.S. farm income has dropped $41 billion over the last two years – the worst decline we’ve ever seen. Our trade deficit is expected to reach a record high of $45.5 billion for fiscal year 2025. Input costs and interest rates are close to an all-time high. Commodity prices are low, and the federal farm safety net is not providing any support because the Price Loss Coverage program reference prices haven’t been updated since the 2014 Farm Bill. These are unprecedented market conditions. Believe me, I know. To break this down in greater detail, market losses suffered by producers for the 2024 crop year alone are estimated at $31 billion – $31 BILLION, with a B! Madam President, I have a breakdown of the market losses by state and commodity, that I ask be submitted into the Record. [Document] Every single state in the U.S. suffered market losses this crop year. The Office of Management and Budget recently submitted a disaster supplemental request to Congress asking for $21 billion in ad hoc support for producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and/or 2024. And I certainly support that, because many producers across the country deserve it. However, OMB’s request failed to mention anything pertaining to market losses. How can we ignore $31 billion in market losses this year alone and expect to keep U.S. agriculture afloat? We shouldn’t, and we can’t. Farmers need market loss assistance too. We need an additional $15 billion for market losses. The House and Senate Agriculture Committees have been working on a proposal that would cover market losses, on top of natural disaster losses. It’s estimated to cost about $15 billion. Congress should support that – whether through supplemental appropriations or a farm bill extension – in addition to what has been proposed for natural disasters. Producers should be eligible for both. State Farm Bureaus from all 50 states have sent letters to Congress asking for both market and disaster assistance – both, not one or the other. Further, every major agricultural organization across the country — American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice, and Western Peanut Growers Association— have endorsed marker legislation introduced in the House focused on market losses. If Congress fails to recognize the importance of providing market loss help and only focuses on natural disaster, my fear is that: 1) Farmers and farm groups across the country are going to be very angry that Congress decided to address only half the problem while ignoring every farmer across the country impacted by record input costs and depressed prices; and 2) we’re going to have a farm crisis in this country worse than the 1980s crisis. I will leave my colleagues with this question: Are we going to learn from lessons of the past and take appropriate action? Or, take the path of least resistance today, and be required to pay hundreds of billions on the back end, after it is too late? Madam President, I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-meets-with-secretary-of-energy-nominee-chris-wright,"Senator Wicker Meets With Secretary of Energy Nominee, Chris Wright",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today met with President-elect Trump’s nominee to be the next Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright. “I had a great meeting with Chris Wright, and I believe our energy and national security goals are closely aligned. He is a proven innovator and successful businessman that will bring a new perspective to the Department of Energy,” Senator Wicker said. “I am confident that he will be a champion for domestic energy producers, prioritize American-made energy, and ensure the National Nuclear Security Administration has the resources and support needed to modernize our nation’s nuclear deterrent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-meets-with-va-secretary-nominee-former-representative-doug-collins,"Senator Wicker Meets With VA Secretary Nominee, Former Representative Doug Collins",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., met with President-elect Trump’s nominee to be the next secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Former Representative Doug Collins. “Mismanagement of the VA has prevented the department from adequately caring for our veterans. Former Representative Collins knows first-hand how important the VA’s work can be and is the right person to get them back on track,” Senator Wicker said. “I am confident that he will be a strong advocate for our veterans and their families.” Former Representative Doug Collins served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. He is currently a colonel in the Air Force Reserve.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-statement-on-meeting-with-howard-lutnick,Senator Wicker Statement on Meeting With Howard Lutnick,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, met with President-elect Trump’s Secretary of Commerce nominee, Howard Lutnick. “Howard Lutnick is a successful businessman who will bring positive change to the Department of Commerce. During our meeting, we discussed the historic economic investments that Mississippi is experiencing and how our state could build upon these efforts working together with the Trump administration,” Senator Wicker said. “I believe he will do a great job driving economic development and growth in our country, and I look forward to working with him through my position on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=629,"Ezell, Hoyle Applaud Passage of POWER Act in the House",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9541, the Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience (POWER) Act, legislation authored by U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS4) and Val Hoyle (D-OR4). This bill would provide more tools for public power utilities to invest in long-term hazard mitigation and grid resilience solutions while rebuilding infrastructure after a major disaster. ""Public power utilities play a critical role in ensuring our communities have reliable, resilient electricity, especially after a major disaster. With the passage of this bill in the U.S. House, we are providing our Mississippi communities with the tools and resources they need to invest in long-term hazard mitigation and strengthen grid resilience. To put it plainly, this legislation will help save lives and aid with restoring critical services swiftly. I’m proud to have co-led this important legislation to safeguard our energy systems and ensure they can withstand future challenges,"" Ezell said. “As weather events become increasingly severe and common, we must do more to better prepare for the next disaster,” Hoyle said. “My bill gives electric utilities more tools to rebuild for resilience after a major disaster, reducing the risk of future power outages that harm public safety and local economies. I’d like to thank Representative Ezell for his partnership, and I will work with my Senate colleagues to get this bill signed into law.” Under current law, utilities that receive federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to restore electric service after a major disaster are ineligible for additional federal funding for resilience improvements. The POWER Act streamlines mitigation efforts through modifying eligibility for public utilities. ""The POWER Act reduces the painful choice between immediate response and long-term investments, allowing communities to restore power as quickly as possible, while also taking steps to mitigate against hazards in the future. The POWER Act is good for the economy, good for local communities, and good for public power customers,"" said Scott Corwin, President & CEO of the American Public Power Association. “In the wake of natural disasters, electric cooperatives have long sought the ability to rebuild damaged or destroyed infrastructure so that it is stronger and more resilient than ever before. The POWER Act helps our members achieve this goal by giving them access to Public Assistance funding to implement cost-effective hazard mitigation strategies during the disaster recovery process,” said National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson. “This legislation is critically important as co-ops build back in the wake of major hurricanes in the southeast and ongoing wildfires in the west. We thank Reps. Hoyle and Ezell for championing this important bill.” ""The POWER Act is a game-changer for protecting our nation’s lifeline infrastructure,” said Dr. Natalie Enclade, Executive Director, BuildStrong America. ""By enabling electrical utilities to incorporate cost-effective hazard mitigation into their disaster recovery efforts, this legislation ensures power restoration efforts are not just reactive but forward-thinking. Strengthening critical systems like our electrical grid through hazard mitigation helps reduce future risks, safeguard communities, and promote long-term resilience."" The POWER Act helps to ensure that public power utilities are able to make necessary improvements that don’t just restore the affected infrastructure but improve it. By making it easier to access long-term hazard mitigation funding, localities can ensure that disaster recovery is more effective and efficient. The bill now goes to the United States Senate for consideration. If passed, it goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Read the full text of the bill, here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-statement-on-ndaa-topline-negotiations/4e82a979-044a-4ad5-92c0-92edbed64c1f,Senator Wicker Statement on NDAA Topline Negotiations,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This weekend, the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) version prepared for final passage in the House and Senate was released. The bill does not include U.S. Senator Roger Wicker’s, R-Miss., proposed and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)-passed measure to increase the topline of the defense budget by more than $25 billion. Senator Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the SASC, released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-remembers-late-jeanne-luckey-senate-tribute,HYDE-SMITH REMEMBERS THE LATE JEANNE LUCKEY IN SENATE TRIBUTE,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Pays Tribute to the Late Jeanne Luckey of the Mississippi Gulf Coast WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Wednesday delivered a tribute to the late Jeanne Luckey of Biloxi in a speech to the U.S. Senate. Luckey, who passed away on Nov. 7, 2024, was a leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, statewide, and nationally. Hyde-Smith’s remarks, which also appear in the Congressional Record, are available below: Madam President, I rise today with a deep sense of respect, admiration, and sadness to honor the remarkable life of Jeanne Luckey. Her legacy of service, strength, and compassion will leave a lasting impact on Mississippi, our nation, and beyond. A proud daughter of Biloxi, Mississippi, Jeanne was a woman of extraordinary character – dedicated to her family, her community, and her country. She was a tireless leader and key figure in Mississippi’s Republican Party, serving in the roles such as president of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, co-chair of the state Republican Party, and Republican National Committeewoman. Her voice and influence over the decades shaped the party at the state and national levels, and her work touched the lives of countless individuals across our state. She faced extraordinary challenges with unmatched grace. Even after a car accident left her in a wheelchair just days after Hurricane Katrina reshaped the coast of Mississippi, Jeanne didn’t stop. She kept working. She continued her work with an unwavering commitment to the values she held dear, always finding a way to move forward. Jeanne’s influence went far beyond politics. Jeanne cared deeply about education and the people of Mississippi. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Institutions of Higher Learning, she worked tirelessly to make Mississippi’s universities stronger and more inclusive, especially for those with disabilities. Always focused on serving others, her contributions will be felt for generations. What truly defined Jeanne was her strength of character. She was a woman who made others better. Her husband, Alwyn, said it best: “She made me a better person than I otherwise would have been.” Those of us who had the privilege of knowing her can attest to that. Her wisdom, her kindness, and her ability to bring people together left a permanent mark on everyone she met. Jeanne leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. My heart goes out to her husband Alwyn, their two daughters, Laurel and Taylor, and her grandchildren, Cornelius and Toxie Ray. Mississippi has lost an amazing woman and a true leader. But Jeanne's spirit, her passion for life, and her commitment to making our state and country a better place will endure. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-sign-bicameral-letter-targeting-federal-funding-awarded-abortion-providers,MISS. LAWMAKERS SIGN BICAMERAL LETTER TARGETING FEDERAL FUNDING AWARDED TO ABORTION PROVIDERS,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith, Guest & Ezell Seek Updated GAO Investigation Covering 2022-2024 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Pro-Life Caucus Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) recently signed a bicameral letter requesting an updated Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation and report on the level of federal funding awarded to abortion providers over the past three years. The Mississippi lawmakers are among 31 Senators and 81 Representatives who made the request to the GAO seeking updated data on federal taxpayer dollars from fiscal years 2022-2024 for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, International Planned Parenthood Federation, Federally Qualified Health Centers, MSI Reproductive Choices, and four domestic abortion providers. “Proper oversight of public funds and programs is crucial for determining the value of the goods and services provided to and funded by American taxpayers. The information sought in this inquiry is instrumental for policymakers and the public alike,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is our hope that this report will provide greater insight as Congress considers funding levels and provides increased transparency and openness for our constituencies and the general public,” the lawmakers continued. The GAO has prepared several congressionally requested reports on federal funding for these organizations over the years. According to its most recent report, the GAO found that abortion industry siphoned off nearly $2 billion in federal taxpayer dollars between fiscal years 2019-2021—despite long-standing congressional restrictions that prohibit the use of federal funding to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.) led the letter, which can be read here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-meets-with-secdef-nominee-pete-hegseth-discusses-trump-administration-national-defense-goals,"Senator Wicker Meets with SECDEF Nominee Pete Hegseth, Discusses Trump Administration National Defense Goals",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with President Trump’s nominee to serve as the next Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. During the meeting, the two exchanged views on a range of critical national defense topics, including the military challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, continued instability in Europe, and the growing threats of adversaries such as China, North Korea, and Iran. Senator Wicker expressed his view – informed by the studied analysis of many defense experts – that the United States faces the most dangerous national security moment since World War II. He also raised the shared Trump-Wicker ‘peace-through-strength’ strategy as a way to confront this moment. Senator Wicker and Hegseth also discussed his nomination.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-meets-with-u-s-ambassador-to-the-united-nations-nominee-congresswoman-elise-stefanik,"Senator Wicker Meets With U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nominee, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., met with President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “I am confident that Congresswoman Stefanik will be a terrific Ambassador to the UN. I have known her for years to be a proven leader, talented communicator, and fearless advocate for American interests. Her work in the U.S. House of Representatives also shows that she understands the importance of delivering peace through strength,” Senator Wicker said. “I have absolute confidence in her ability to carry out the United States’ priorities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/americans-don-t-have-access-to-reliable-internet-senator-wicker-offers-legislative-solutions,"Americans Don’t Have Access to Reliable Internet, Senator Wicker Offers Legislative Solutions",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Millions of Americans still lack reliable broadband connection. A key issue is that over 100 separate broadband initiatives are currently managed across 15 different federal agencies. This has led to inefficiencies and wasted resources. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., published an op-ed in Roll Call explaining how his bill, the PLAN for Broadband Act, would help solve these problems and close the digital divide. Senator Wicker highlights a recent broadband groundbreaking ceremony he attended and how more success stories like this one could be possible. Senator Wicker is a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, having previously served as Chairman and Ranking Member. Read the full op-ed here or below. December 4, 2024 Senator Roger Wicker Thanks to Congress’ work on the infrastructure law, America has the funding to make internet coverage nationwide. Where broadband goes, economic growth and educational opportunity follow. But despite the federal governments’ efforts, including decades of work and billions of dollars, too many Americans still lack reliable connection, an unacceptable fact in today’s digital world. The problem boils down to bureaucratic disorganization. Today, over 100 separate initiatives, managed by 15 individual federal agencies, have been deployed to address the digital urban-rural divide. This fragmented approach has led to inefficiencies and wasted resources. To help solve this, I have introduced legislation that would coordinate these efforts and bring communities online faster. My bill, the PLAN for Broadband Act, would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a national strategy to synchronize those broadband initiatives. By harmonizing these programs, we can efficiently allocate resources to the communities that need them most, and at a higher speed and a lower price tag. In May 2022, I commissioned a non-partisan Government Accountability Office report to analyze the current maze of programs. It seemed clear to me that broadband funds could be used more effectively. Indeed, the report found local officials have struggled to navigate the complexity of broadband grant applications. They encounter a confusing variety of program requirements, timelines, approval processes, and other metrics. One county in Minnesota provides a particularly bad example of this problem. There, multiple providers received funds from different agencies under different broadband programs – all for the same project. It could all be avoided with a coherent strategy. Federal agencies have created some safeguards against duplication, but the programs are so complex that these measures often fall short. In many cases, Congress will have to clarify confusing statutory language. I am eager for the administration to provide lawmakers with a list of these instances so we can work to remedy them quickly. As we work toward a national plan, we can draw encouragement from progress we have already seen. Consider my home state, Mississippi. The NTIA recently approved the state’s plan to administer $1.2 billion in grants from the infrastructure law, which I negotiated as a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee. The decision brings us one step closer to unlocking these funds. Ultimately, they will lead to broadband infrastructure and increased internet adoption across the state. In August, I visited a city that stands to benefit from efforts like these. Mound Bayou, Mississippi, celebrated its first-ever high-speed broadband installation. Because of that project, hundreds of individuals and multiple businesses will benefit from connection to this vital resource.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-guest-hosts-staff-retreat-meridian-his-washington-dc-and,"Congressman Guest Hosts Staff Retreat in Meridian for his Washington, D.C., and Mississippi Staff",2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,MS,Michael Guest,G000591,guest.house.gov,guest,https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Meridian, MS - Congressman Michael Guest and his staff hosted a staff development retreat in Meridian on Wednesday, November 6th. Staff from his Mississippi and Washington, D.C., offices were in the Queen City to learn more about Meridian and Lauderdale County priorities. While in Meridian, the team met with the Riley Foundation, Mississippi State University administration, leadership of the 185th Aviation Brigade and 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi National Guard, leadership of Naval Air Station Meridian, Mayor Jimmie Smith, and other community leaders. Congressman Guest’s highest military priority is to bring the KC-46 aircraft to Meridian. Earlier in the week, the staff was traveling across Mississippi’s Third Congressional District to Starkville, Brandon, Magee, Brookhaven, Tylertown, and Meridian. The goals of these sessions were to meet with community leaders and discuss local priorities and the federal appropriations process. “I am honored to have dedicated staff who love Mississippi and work hard every day to make Mississippi a great place to live, worship, and raise a family. I am honored to represent Meridian, Lauderdale County, and the entire Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Making my staff and myself available in our communities will continue to be a high priority,” said Congressman Guest. Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District. Currently serving his third term, Congressman Guest serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Ethics. He is also a member of the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security. ###",1,2026-05-28T06:29:45Z,2026-05-28T06:31:18Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-honors-us-servicemembers-2024-veterans-day,HYDE-SMITH HONORS U.S. SERVICEMEMBERS ON 2024 VETERANS DAY,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement on Veterans Day, honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and encouraging Mississippians to deepen their engagement with them: “On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor and reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our nation. Their courage, strength, and commitment to protecting our freedom are the foundation of the liberties we hold dear as Americans. “Mississippi’s veterans and their families have made countless contributions to the defense of our nation, and it is our solemn duty to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve. As a grateful nation for their sacrifices, we must continue to remember, honor, and engage with our veterans in every way possible – not just today, but every day.” Hyde-Smith also encouraged Mississippians to participate in National Warrior Call Day on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, to actively engage with veterans and servicemembers in an effort to curb the mental health risks many servicemembers face after defending our nation. Hyde-Smith is an original cosponsor of the National Warrior Call Day Resolution (S.Res.838), which the Senate passed in September. “Reaching out, listening, and letting our heroes know they are valued and not forgotten can make a profound difference,” said Hyde-Smith. Hyde-Smith also reiterated her commitment to assisting Mississippi veterans with accessing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs resources. Veterans facing difficulties with VA services are encouraged to reach out to her office for assistance. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/11/news-release-senators-wicker-risch-and-colleagues-press-biden-harris-administration-to-reverse-policy-toward-state-of-qatar,"Senators Wicker, Risch, and Colleagues Press Biden-Harris Administration to Reverse Policy Toward State of Qatar",2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), led 12 of their colleagues on a letter to multiple federal agencies with requests, including that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of State: Immediately freeze the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar. Extradite several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar and elsewhere, including Khaled Meshal whom the Department of Justice has already indicted, and Khalil Al-Hayya. Ask Qatar to end its hospitality of Hamas’ senior leadership, as Hamas has exploited its safe haven in Qatar to confer with Iranian officials and reject reasonable negotiations in international media. “The defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it,” the senators wrote. “We urge you to act expediently so that this Iranian-backed terrorist organization is finally held responsible for the horrific terrorist massacre of October 7, 2023, and the war that it deliberately unleashed across the region.” The letter – which was addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Antony Blinken – was led by Senators Wicker and Risch. Senators Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Tim Scott, R-S.C., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Rick Scott, R-Fla., Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. co-signed the letter. Read the full letter here or below. Dear Secretary Blinken and Attorney General Garland, The Israel Defense Forces’ killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar presents a critical opportunity for the United States to compel Hamas’ surrender. This would end the war that Hamas started with its brutal terrorist massacre on October 7, 2023, in which it killed nearly 1200 people, including 46 Americans, and took 250 hostages, including twelve Americans. We therefore urge you to act quickly against Hamas’ remaining leadership, so that the organization is destroyed and defeated. First, we urge you to reverse the Biden-Harris administration’s policy toward the State of Qatar, whereby the administration has permitted Qatar to facilitate negotiations by hosting Hamas’ leadership. Hamas’ Doha-based leaders have exploited this arrangement, and used the relative freedom that Qatar has afforded them to oppose ceasefire negotiations in international media, host Iranian officials at Hamas’ Doha headquarters, and travel abroad. Qatari officials have said repeatedly that they would change their policy towards Hamas if the Biden-Harris administration asked it to do so, and we believe that it is long past time the administration ask Qatar to freeze Hamas leaders’ assets, shut their access to international media, end their ability to host foreign visitors, and prevent them from traveling abroad. Second, we urge you to seek the extradition to the United States of Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, who currently resides in Qatar. The Department of Justice unsealed indictments pertaining to multiple Hamas leaders, including Mr. Meshal, on September 3, 2024, and he should face justice for his leadership of a terrorist group that has American blood and hostages on its hands. Third, we urge you to seek indictments for Hamas’ other senior officials abroad, foremost among them Khalil Al-Hayya, who resides in Qatar. According to The New York Times, during the year prior to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 terrorist massacre, Mr. Al-Hayya sought Iranian and Hezbollah support for Hamas’ brutal attack, with the goal of assaulting Israel on multiple fronts.2 Mr. Al-Hayya should no longer be permitted to live risk-free in Doha. He should be indicted immediately for his role in killing Americans and taking Americans hostage, and then extradited to the United States to face justice. The defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it. We urge you to act expediently so this Iranian-backed terrorist organization is finally held responsible for the horrific terrorist massacre of October 7, 2023 and the war that it deliberately unleashed across the region.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/11/senator-wicker-announces-new-chief-of-staff,Senator Wicker Announces New Chief of Staff,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced that his long-time chief of staff, Michelle Barlow Richardson, will leave government service to accept a new opportunity in the private sector. Richardson first joined Wicker’s staff in 1997 as a Legislative Correspondent and then Executive Assistant. After a two-year stint with the Mississippi State University Foundation, she returned to Team Wicker in 2001. She was promoted to Chief of Staff in 2006. “I have been blessed for more than two decades by having Michelle Barlow Richardson in my corner fighting for Mississippi,” Senator Wicker said. “Her leadership, attention to detail, and ability to solve problems have been indispensable in the success of our team and allowed us to achieve legislative wins that benefited all Americans. Beyond her many accomplishments, Michelle is best known to me and her colleagues for strong friendship and deep devotion. Gayle and I will miss her daily presence in the office. It is with deep gratitude and affection that we wish her the best of luck in the next phase of her career.” Senator Wicker’s Legislative Director since 2022, Beth Spivey, will be promoted to Chief of Staff. Spivey is a native of Brandon and a graduate of the University of Mississippi. She has worked in the private sector and government including as an aide to Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss., and as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for Legislative Affairs during the first Donald J. Trump Administration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/11/senator-wicker-celebrates-groundbreaking-of-new-power-plant-in-washington-county,Senator Wicker Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Power Plant in Washington County,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"GREENVILLE – Today, Entergy Mississippi held a groundbreaking ceremony for their first new natural gas power station in 50 years. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., issued the following statement: ""I applaud Entergy Mississippi for continuing to invest in our state. The power plant will bring more jobs, growth, and economic opportunity to Greenville and the surrounding communities,” Senator Wicker said. “Today is a great day for the Delta and our state.” The new natural gas power plant will be the first combined-cycle combustion turbine power station that Entergy Mississippi has built from the ground up. The facility’s advanced and efficient technology will produce more electricity from the same amount of fuel, ensuring that our state has reliable energy for years to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-185-million-federal-grant-funding-mississippi,Congressman Thompson Announces $1.85 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Mississippi Department of Public Safety,2024-11-05,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded the Mississippi Department of Public Safety $1,853,862 through the 2024 Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program provides critical funding to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing and preventing crime across the state. Through this grant, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will enhance its efforts to improve community safety, strengthen public trust, and ensure equity and fairness within the justice system. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) plays a key role in supporting national efforts to prevent and reduce crime. With a broad mission that includes providing grants, training, technical assistance, and other essential resources, OJP strengthens the capacity of local communities and states. Its program offices include the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-307243-grant-support-small-farm,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $307,243 Grant to Support Small Farm Sustainability and Food Access in the Mississippi Delta",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS. — Congressman Bennie Thompson is pleased to announce a grant award of $307,243 to In Her Shoes, Inc., located in Webb, Mississippi, through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), to support the Advancing Small Farm Sustainability in the Mississippi Delta project. This initiative aims to bolster small farm business sustainability and increase access to fresh produce in low-income, rural communities across the Mississippi Delta. With an additional matching contribution of $76,810.75, the total project funding amounts to $384,053.75. “This grant provides critical support to local farmers and expands access to fresh, locally grown produce for rural Mississippi communities,” said Congressman Thompson. “Through this project, In Her Shoes, Inc. will help small farms integrate into new markets, strengthen the regional food supply, and build a more resilient agricultural economy in the Delta.” The project will offer training, technical assistance, and market integration support for over 30 locally owned small farms. By developing a mobile produce market and enhancing partnerships with programs like the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, the project aims to create new channels for local growers and boost food access for Delta residents. The project’s goals are to expand opportunities for small farms, strengthen local food systems, and ensure that fresh food is accessible to all Mississippi Delta communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-675-million-us-department-transportation,Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $67.5 Million U.S. Department of Transportation Grant for Central Mississippi Bridge Improvements,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS. — Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a significant federal grant to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) through the Bridge Investment Program. This $67,512,520 investment, disbursed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will support the Central Bridge Bundle project in Lauderdale, Madison, and Newton Counties, Mississippi. The Central Bridge Bundle project aims to replace 13 outdated and structurally compromised bridges that connect rural Mississippi to major urban areas, including Jackson, the state capital. These bridges—many constructed as early as 1928—do not meet current safety or geometric design standards and, with narrow lanes and weight restrictions, pose a safety risk to both freight and commuter traffic. “This critical funding will allow us to replace aging bridge infrastructure in central Mississippi, ensuring the safety and connectivity of our communities,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson. “By investing in safe and reliable transportation routes, we are not only supporting the economic vitality of our rural and urban areas but also securing safe passage for our citizens and supporting the efficient movement of goods.” MDOT’s plan to bundle these 13 bridges into a single project will allow for streamlined construction, with a single contractor overseeing the replacement of all structures. The new bridges will feature prestressed concrete beam designs with two 12-foot lanes and 6-foot-wide shoulders, providing a safer and more efficient roadway for Mississippi drivers. The project will address load-posted structures and significantly improve traffic flow and safety in central Mississippi. It represents a broader commitment by MDOT to revitalize critical infrastructure across the state, ultimately enhancing connections between rural and urban communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-over-21-million-federal-funding,Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $2.1 Million in Federal Funding for Mississippi Maternal and Child Health Services,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $2.1 Million in Federal Funding for Mississippi Maternal and Child Health Services,1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-thompson-announces-33029800-mississippi-help-households,"Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $33,029,800 for Mississippi to Help Households with Home Energy Costs",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Bolton, MS) Today, Congressman Bennie Thompson announced that Mississippi was awarded $33,029,800 in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered through the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this funding will help individuals and families with low incomes pay their home heating costs this winter, and with cooling bills in the summer. LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and during disasters and extreme weather to mitigate energy emergencies. Today’s funding release approximately $3.7 billion of federal Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) regular block grant funding to LIHEAP grant recipients. This funding is provided under the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, includes $100.108 million for FY25. One hundred million of these funds became available through the president’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Appropriations Act (IIJA), (Public Law 117-58) and the remaining $108,197 became available from unobligated FY23 IIJA funds that were returned to HHS for redistribution. “LIHEAP is crucial to protecting the safety and health of households across Mississippi,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson. “The funding released today will help ensure that families and individuals have the support they need to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This assistance is a lifeline for so many in our community, helping to ease the financial burden of energy costs and improve overall quality of life.” Maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and providing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that our neighbors can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes. Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. Not sure whether you qualify? Households can easily identify if they may be eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-commends-dr-darsey-s-appointment-to-federal-board,Senator Wicker Commends Dr. Darsey’s Appointment to Federal Board,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., commended the appointment of Dr. Damon Darsey to the FirstNet Authority Board of Directors. Senator Wicker recommended Dr. Darsey to the Acting Associate Administrator of the Office of Public Safety Communications at the U.S. Department of Commerce and Secretary Gina Raimondo. The Board of Directors provides oversight of FirstNet, which is a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network designed to connect first responders across departments for large-scale disasters. The board is also responsible for providing FirstNet with overall policy direction and strategic guidance. “Dr. Darsey has been a leader in public safety for Mississippi. For years, he has been engaged in the policy, development, technical, and political challenges around deploying a dedicated public safety network. His experience as the Medical Director for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is a valuable asset to the board’s composition. I am confident he will continue to be an advocate for our communities and first responders,” Senator Wicker said. Since 2010, Dr. Darsey has been the principal investigator of nearly $36 million of grants focusing on the clinical and academic interest of improving the communications, care, and coordination of first responders and in-field medical care.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-statement-on-georgia-s-parliamentary-election,Senator Wicker Statement on Georgia’s Parliamentary Election,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Following Georgia’s election results, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., issued this statement: “This past Saturday, the people of Georgia went to the polls to exercise their democratic right to choose their next government. Instead of a dignified, transparent, and lawful process, what they got was a farce. The people of Georgia’s democratic choice was undermined by rampant violations, including intimidation, violence, vote buying, and results that diverged sharply from credible independent pre-election and exit polling as well as trends from prior elections. “We share Georgian President Zourabichvili's belief that these elections were neither free nor fair and do not reflect the will of the people. Unfortunately, the Moscow-backed Georgian Dream party seems to think that alongside Russia and its authoritarian axis, they can wait out the United States and Georgia’s democratic allies. They are wrong. “The manipulation of this election is not only a blow to Georgia's fragile democracy but, if allowed to stand, an end to the country's longstanding Euro-Atlantic aspirations—and possibly its very sovereignty. This is electoral fraud, and its illegitimate result must be confronted with clarity and resolve. As long as Georgian Dream clings to power through undemocratic means and under the tutelage of violent authoritarians, they will reap the contempt and isolation they so richly deserve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-hopeful-house-will-take-senate-passed-prison-contraband-bill,HYDE-SMITH HOPEFUL HOUSE WILL TAKE UP SENATE-PASSED PRISON CONTRABAND BILL,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Hyde-Smith Cosponsored Bipartisan Measure to Crack Down on Contraband in Federal Prisons WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed her hope Congress will complete work on Senate-passed bipartisan legislation she cosponsored to crack down on contraband and organized crime in federal prisons. The Senate recently approved and referred the bipartisan Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act (S.5284) to the House of Representatives. It would upgrade the charge of smuggling a contraband cellphone into a federal prison from a misdemeanor offense to a felony crime as a means of cracking down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons. “Cell phones smuggled into prisons as contraband create a threat to everyone – including other prisoners, outside civilians, and especially those who are responsible for the prison’s safety. I am excited to see the passage of this important bill that will allow for more appropriate punishments for this dangerous felony offense,” said Hyde-Smith, who also introduced her own prison contraband bill earlier this year. The penalty in Mississippi for introducing or possessing contraband cell phones in state prison is punishable by up to a 15-year prison term. Current federal law caps punishment for this same offense in federal prisons at no more than one year. S.5284 would change the penalty to be punishable by up to five years in prison. S.5284 is named in honor of Lt. Osvaldo Albarati, the Bureau of Prisons correctional officer who was murdered in 2013 after completing his shift at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Five men who later pleaded guilty to the crime admitted they targeted Albarati as a direct result of continuous seizures of contraband, including cell phones. The inmate who placed the hit on Albarati did so using a contraband cell phone. “My family and I are extremely pleased with S.5284 passing the Senate. We look forward to continued support from the House as this bill will assist in protecting families in the future from experiencing what my family has had to endure,” said Helen Albarati, widow of Lt. Albarati. S.5284 was introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz issued a statement applauding Senate passage of the bill and encouraging House action on the measure. In February, Hyde-Smith introduced the END CELLS (Eliminate Non-approved Devices and Contraband Electronics Limiting Links to Society) Act (S.3780), which would make it unlawful for anyone to provide or attempt to provide a federal, state or local prisoner with a wireless communications device and further make it unlawful for a prisoner to possess such a device while incarcerated. The Hyde-Smith legislation would also impose additional criminal and civil penalties of up to $50,000 for each violation involving prisoners using contraband cell phones and for those individuals who provide the smuggled devices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-announces-170-million-for-bridge-and-rail-line-projects-across-mississippi,Senator Wicker Announces $170 Million For Bridge and Rail Line Projects Across Mississippi,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $111,432,520 to replace 13 bridges and rehabilitate another and $59,525,044 to support rail projects to improve railroads. Funding for both the bridge and rail projects stems from the infrastructure bill that Senator Wicker helped negotiate as the then highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Bridge Projects: Senator Wicker prioritized rural corridors in his letters of support for Bridge Investment Program Grants. The grant program modernizes and enhances infrastructure, bolstering the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over bridges. Mississippi will benefit from $43,920,000 that will go toward rehabilitating the Coahoma County Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River (Highway 49) from Helena, Arkansas, into Lula, Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Transportation received $67,512,520 to replace 13 bridge structures in central Mississippi: five bridges in Newton County constructed in 1929 and 1930, five bridges in Madison County constructed between 1929 and 1939, and three bridges in Lauderdale County constructed in 1928 and 1929. Senator Wicker statement on the bridge funding: “Mississippi’s economy and people should not be traveling on nearly century-old bridges. This bill provides the investment our state has needed to make the necessary repairs or replacements,” Senator Wicker said. “I am pleased that the bill I helped negotiate keeps bringing solutions to Mississippi.” Rail Lines: Improved rail lines will help deliver freight on time and increase economic development in the state. Senator Wicker has been a strong supporter of these lines, previously writing letters of support for the grants. Specifically, the funds are dedicated as: $18,247,915 to expand service capacity and capabilities along the approximately 200-mile Grenada Railroad, improve road crossing conditions and safety, and harden the infrastructure to support growing freight demands in the region. The grant funding will allow the railroad to rehabilitate twenty-seven at-grade road crossings, add signals to improve safety in the surrounding communities, and eliminate six hundred rail joints. In addition, the project would increase the physical capacity of the Canadian National­ Grenada Railroad interchange in Canton, Mississippi, to facilitate rail service for multiple new industries and add siding capacity to reduce the number of blocked crossings. $2,942,412 to improve the efficiency and capacity of the Lowndes County Port’s existing tenants and operators, provide rail access to additional port properties, and subsequently induce a freight modal shift from trucks to rail and barge for the port. $7,734,717 to create new rail connections to shippers and improve the safety and performance of rail shipments along the Natchez Railway. This is the only east-west rail line serving rural Southwest Mississippi. $30,600,000 for Final Design and Construction to improve track conditions on eight Patriot railroads across the southeast. The project will focus on replacing rail, ties, and switches. Senator Wicker statement on the rail funding: “I was glad to support these projects. They will help create jobs, keep freight deliveries on time, and boost economic development. These rail lines will help keep Mississippi moving.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7467,"Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act of 2024 (FARM Act) October 25, 2024 | Posted in Press Releases Tags: Agriculture Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) is proud to announce the introduction of the bipartisan Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act of 2024 (FARM Act), vital legislation designed to provide much-needed support to America’s farmers. The FARM Act provides assistance to farmers when their revenue falls below the cost of production due to circumstances beyond their… Read more »",2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,MS,Trent Kelly,K000388,trentkelly.house.gov,trentkelly,https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) is proud to announce the introduction of the bipartisan Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act of 2024 (FARM Act), vital legislation designed to provide much-needed support to America’s farmers. The FARM Act provides assistance to farmers when their revenue falls below the cost of production due to circumstances beyond their control. Congressman Kelly emphasizes that this bill will help keep farms in operation during this challenging time. “Farmers have been hit with circumstances outside of their control, such as natural disasters, inflation pressures, and drought, which have crippled their ability to obtain financing from credit and banking institutions. The FARM Act will bridge the gap, providing relief so that our farmers can continue to do their best—feed the nation,"" said Congressman Kelly. With support from major agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice, and Western Peanut Growers Association, the FARM Act offers assistance for farmers growing a wide range of crops, including barley, corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and many others. This legislation is a lifeline for farmers struggling to meet rising costs and navigate a difficult market. As Congress debates longer-term solutions in the 2025 Farm Bill, the FARM Act delivers immediate help to the farming community. Original co-sponsors include: Sanford Bishop (GA), Julia Letlow (LA), Rick Allen (GA), Michael Guest (MS), Mike Rogers (AL), Barry Moore (AL), Austin Scott (GA), Don Bacon (NE), Rick Crawford (AR), Jerry Carl (AL), John Rose (TN), Vicente Gonzalez (TX), Greg Murphy (NC), Jake Ellzey (TX), Troy Nehls (TX), Dale Strong (AL), Brad Finstad (MN), David Rouzer (NC), Robert Aderholt (AL), Chuck Fleischmann (TN), Michelle Fischbach (MN), Mike Ezell (MS), Troy Balderson (OH), Tony Gonzales (TX), Henry Cuellar (TX), Michael McCaul (TX), Monica De La Cruz (TX), Clay Higgins (LA), Mike Collins (GA), Pat Fallon (TX), Pete Sessions (TX), Ronny Jackson (TX), David Kustoff (TN), Randy Feenstra (IA), John Carter (TX), Frank Lucas (OK), August Pfluger (TX), Gary Palmer (AL), Juan Ciscomani (AZ), Buddy Carter (GA), Brian Babin (TX), Jim Baird (IN), Randy Weber (TX), Lance Gooden (TX), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA), Marc Veasey (TX), Nathaniel Moran (TX), and Michael Rulli (OH). Contact: For more information or to co-sponsor the FARM Act, please contact Semaj Redd at semaj.redd@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-04-07T14:16:54Z,2026-04-07T14:20:45Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/over-33-million-awarded-to-mississippi-for-jackson-s-water-infrastructure-upgrades,Over $33 Million Awarded to Mississippi for Jackson’s Water Infrastructure Upgrades,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"JACKSON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency awarded over $33 million to Mississippi for Jackson’s water infrastructure upgrades. “This funding will continue to help Jackson improve its drinking and wastewater systems. I am pleased with the work being done by the third-party manager. We will continue to support our state’s capital city in its pursuit to bring improved infrastructure to the citizens of Jackson,” Senator Wicker said. The funding stems from the infrastructure bill that Senator Wicker helped negotiate as the then highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Senator Wicker has long supported federal efforts to improve Jackson’s water infrastructure. Specifically, the funds are dedicated as:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=570,Ezell and Wicker Announce $1 Million Grant for Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Infrastructure Improvements,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced a $1,000,000 grant to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to replace and install a passenger boarding bridge that has reached the end of its useful life. This crucial funding will enhance the airport's infrastructure, improving both efficiency and safety for travelers. ""The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is a strong partner in the economic vitality of South Mississippi,"" Ezell said. ""This grant will allow the airport to continue serving South Mississippians and those traveling to our community, ensuring a more efficient and safer travel experience as we enhance the infrastructure that supports our growing community."" “When people travel through our airports, whether for travel, leisure, or business, they should have a pleasant experience. This new passenger jet bridge will help ensure this outcome happens in Gulfport,” Senator Wicker said. “Supporting Mississippi’s airport infrastructure will continue to be one of my top priorities as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.” “On behalf of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, we greatly appreciate the support of the Congressional delegation in providing funding for infrastructure improvements to enhance the overall flying experience for those traveling to and from South Mississippi,” said Clay Williams, Executive Director, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is centrally located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Mississippi, and is the second largest airport in the state. The airport is approximately two miles from Interstate 10 and the Port of Gulfport, and it welcomes nearly 800,000 travelers each year. This grant will help ensure the airport continues to meet the demands of increasing travel while providing a seamless experience for passengers. Background on Ezell's work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee: Ezell has prioritized initiatives that support regional airports, recognizing their role in local economies. His work on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has focused on advocating for increased funding for maintenance and improvements at airports like Gulfport-Biloxi. Ezell has been a strong proponent of safety measures in transportation. He believes that investments in airport infrastructure, such as the replacement of outdated boarding bridges, are essential to ensuring safe travel for all passengers. Understanding the importance of timely infrastructure upgrades, Ezell has worked to streamline the processes for federal funding, making it easier for local airports to access the resources they need for essential improvements. Ezell’s efforts on the committee include advocating for infrastructure that stimulates economic growth. By investing in airport upgrades, he is helping to enhance connectivity, attract tourism, and support local businesses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-statement-on-gulf-coast-passenger-service-grant-approval,Senator Wicker Statement on Gulf Coast Passenger Service Grant Approval,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, an agreement was reached among stakeholders on the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant which will provide crucial funding to restore passenger rail service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The $178,435,333 grant was previously awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has used his position as Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to restore the return of passenger rail to the Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. While serving as chairman, he helped negotiate the infrastructure bill which is the origin of the CRISI Grant. Senator Wicker released the following statement: “I appreciate the partnership shared by local and state government officials and the freight rail companies, CSX, and Norfolk Southern. This service will provide economic opportunities to the Gulf Coast Region and provide an alternative way to move people safely. Years of hard work and cooperation have brought us to this important moment,” Senator Wicker said. Scheduled to resume in 2025, the services are expected to provide economic growth opportunities, boost tourism, and reduce traffic on our roadways. Two trains will run roundtrip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-to-president-biden-make-final-push-for-ukraine-before-leaving-office,Senator Wicker to President Biden: Make Final Push for Ukraine Before Leaving Office,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, is demanding that President Biden exercise his responsibilities as commander-in-chief and give Ukraine the weapons it needs to make a “substantial difference” on the battlefield in the last 90 days of his term. Senator Wicker specifically called on the president to provision Ukraine with weaponry at a much faster rate, deliver more vehicles, missiles, drones and counter-drone equipment, and increase defense industrial base cooperation between the United States and Ukraine, among other recommendations. The senator sent these detailed requests, along with more than five others, as a part of a detailed plan to enable Ukrainian success prior to the next presidential term starting. These demands follow repeated, unsuccessful engagements with the White House since August. In the letter, Senator Wicker notes that he sent a classified letter to President Biden with suggestions on how to improve the military assistance program for Ukraine, and he later followed up with a September phone call to the president regarding the letter. Senator Wicker has also shared these ideas with senior national security officials but has yet to see them yield any significant results. “I am frustrated – and mystified – that your administration has accomplished so little in the last three months regarding the war in Ukraine. You seem poised to leave the next president a weak hand,” Senator Wicker wrote. For two years, Senator Wicker has led Senate Republicans in pushing President Biden to implement a more effective strategy for Ukrainian victory. In September, Senator Wicker criticized President Biden’s intention to drag out his use of Presidential Drawdown Authority. Senator Wicker has also repeatedly published a detailed timeline of many instances when President Biden failed to deliver support to Ukraine at a speed where they could make a difference on the battlefield. In a 2023 floor speech, Senator Wicker laid out his first principles as it comes to supporting Ukraine: “more, better, faster.” Read the full October 18, 2024 letter here or below. October 17, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, In early August, I sent you a classified letter, which identified steps you could take to support Ukraine more aggressively. The letter contained detailed recommendations, including policy changes and suggestions to improve military assistance delivery and defense industrial base cooperation. My goal was to highlight ways that your administration could use its remaining six months in office wisely – to put Ukraine in the most advantageous position possible for your successor, whomever the American people choose. I followed up with you in a phone conversation in mid-September, and I have attended meetings with senior national security officials. I am frustrated – and mystified – that your administration has accomplished so little in the last three months regarding the war in Ukraine. You seem poised to leave the next president a weak hand. Nonetheless, I maintain that a focused effort – directed by you – could make a substantial difference over your final 90 days as president. Toward that end, I have included a list of 10 recommendations. Recommendation 1: Increase the pace of weapons transfers to Ukraine. The current pace of Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) usage would drag on through calendar year 2025. This is true despite the agreement between Congress and your administration that the authority granted in the National Security Supplemental would last through calendar year 2024. That tempo led your administration to seek a $5.5 billion extension of this authority last month. The Secretaries of State and Defense exercised this authority to prevent its expiration, but your administration has said that the pace of deliveries will not change. Ukraine will continue to receive only about $400 million in military equipment per month for the next 14 months. I am troubled that your administration is using U.S. military readiness as an excuse to “manage” the conflict in Ukraine. Officials are making decisions about strategic and military risk, but they are not consulting Congress. You should direct the Secretary of Defense to provide you a plan that would deliver the remaining $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to Ukraine immediately. Deliver more vehicles. Ukraine needs many more heavy vehicles, such as M1A1 Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, to form the core of combined-arms brigades. Ukraine also faces a significant shortfall of general protected vehicles (such as up-armored HMMWVs, ambulances, and MRAPs) to protect troops from Russian drones and artillery. The U.S. Army and Marine Corps possess ample stocks of these vehicles. Our industrial base can easily replace those that are transferred. Additionally, there is no near-term need for massive stockpiles of vehicles given the degraded state of Russian ground forces. Deliver more ATACMS. Ukraine has used U.S.-provided ATACMS responsibly and effectively, but it needs more. We have a sufficient inventory of serviceable long-range ATACMS. A significant number of these should go to Ukraine. Although there may be division within your administration on this recommendation, I urge you to push the Army and the combatant commands to aid Ukraine’s largely successful deep strike campaign. Deliver more drones and counter unmanned aerial systems. U.S. attack drone and counter-UAS production can increase. The industrial base is expanding rapidly and has multiple solution options in each of these areas. Ukraine is quite receptive to using unproven systems. Recommendation 2: Allow greater flexibility on restrictions for U.S.-provided munitions. One of Ukraine’s key asymmetric advantages against Russia is its ability to target high-value Russian military targets and to do so rapidly. Your administration has hamstrung this crucial advantage. You should immediately revise any policies that limit the use of U.S.-provided munitions, including ATACMS, to strike military targets inside Russia. Any restrictions should be placed on the types of targets, rather than on the distance from a border that Russia does not even recognize. Numerous allies and partners already allow their long-range munitions to be used for deep strikes. Recommendation 3: Increase the cap of U.S. government non-military personnel allowed in-country. You should direct Secretary Blinken to allow more State Department, Defense Department, and other government agency personnel inside Ukraine. The current number of personnel cannot manage a military aid effort in the tens of billions of dollars while conducting planning for future improvements in the Ukrainian industrial base and economy. As a result, anything beyond the day-to-day management is not getting done. Current staff is overworked, and more U.S. government personnel are required to manage security assistance and to conduct accountability and oversight work. Numerous allies already have a much more risk-tolerant government presence in Ukraine. Recommendation 4: Establish a regulated presence of U.S. military contractors inside Ukraine. You should allow a limited number of U.S. military contractors to operate in Ukraine – under strict conditions – to increase Ukraine’s ability to maintain its equipment. The current approach is too slow, as we remotely perform maintenance or move Ukrainian equipment to Poland for up-keep. The presence of U.S. contractors in-country would also help to mentor Ukrainian personnel to increase their self-sufficiency. U.S. contractors are well-prepared to execute such a mission. They have extensive experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. British, French, and Czech personnel are already in-country, or will soon be, to conduct similar missions. Recommendation 5: Expand training for Ukrainian land forces. The United States should maximize the use of all available training capacity located in the European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility, and it should build up Ukrainian brigades capable of combined arms warfare. Currently, improved Ukrainian recruitment is outpacing Ukrainian and allied training. EUCOM almost certainly has the ability to train even more troops per month than it does now, which would help cover the number of troops that Ukraine does not have the capacity to train. Recommendation 6: Deliver more shareable, commercially-derived intelligence. The administration should use processes already in place to increase the delivery of available unclassified information to Ukraine, including disposition of Russian forces and location data. The National Reconnaissance Office has contract vehicles in place for commercial satellite services (such as RF data) that are instrumental in providing Ukraine with services for tipping and cueing (i.e., targeting) of Russian radars, air assets, defense systems, and other threats. Recommendation 7: Dramatically expand the Pentagon industrial base policy workforce. U.S. industrial base expansion and industrial base integration with Europe is not happening fast enough because we lack the personnel to plan and execute these activities. You should direct the Secretary of Defense, in the next 15 days, to reassign at least 100 capable and motivated DOD civil servants, moving them into these offices and asking Congress for new hiring authorities and supplemental money to pay for this expansion. The short-staffed office that runs the Defense Production Act illustrates the need. Only a handful of people staff that organization, which is tasked with finding ways to rebuild our supplier base for solid rocket motors, missile casings, and more. DOD industrial base offices can also help allies and partners expand their own production, such as the Storm Shadow and SCALP lines in the UK and France, respectively. These U.S. offices include: Joint Production Acceleration Cell Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International and Industry Engagement Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (DPA & ICAM/IBAS) Recommendation 8: Rapidly accelerate contracting timelines. I understand that many large contracts for Ukraine, especially those funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, are still taking a year or more on average. This is unacceptable. Section 1244 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA, as well as additional contracting authorities, grant broad flexibilities to the Department of Defense. By written instruction, you should formally direct the Secretary of Defense and the service acquisition executives to require all contracting officers to leverage – to the maximum extent possible – those contracting flexibilities. The Army has used section 1244 for the new 155mm artillery ammunition factory in Mesquite, Texas, and doing so brought it online two years faster than expected. Recommendation 9: Hold monthly high-level defense industrial base meetings. You should direct the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Commerce to host monthly high-level defense industrial base meetings with Ukraine, key NATO allies, and defense industry officials. You should prioritize coproduction with Ukraine so it can better meet its own needs. Recommendation 10: Deliver more DPICMs. In addition to ATACMS, Ukraine also has used Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICMs) effectively and responsibly. The U.S. inventory includes hundreds of thousands of serviceable 155mm DPICMs rounds. Each 155mm DPICMs round has the effect of 3–5 high explosive artillery projectiles. You possess the authority to send Ukraine $250 million of DPICMs today. There is simply no way to offset the artillery advantage of the Russians without using DPICMs. Sincerely, Roger F. Wicker Ranking Member",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-funding-major-improvements-i-20i-55,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Funding for Major Improvements to the I-20/I-55 Freight Corridor in Mississippi,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Jackson, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been awarded federal funding for critical improvements to the I-20/I-55 Freight Corridor in Jackson, Mississippi. The funding, allocated through the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program (NSMFHP) for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, will ensure the modernization and safety of a vital transportation network that serves both the state and the nation. MDOT was allocated $51,609,270 for Fiscal Year 2025 and $35,039,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. The project will focus on updating seven bridge structures to meet modern design standards, repairing an additional 19 bridges, and resurfacing approximately 32 miles of interstate and highway along the I-20 Corridor. In addition, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment will be deployed, enhancing traffic management, communication, and safety for freight movement and commuters alike. “This funding represents a significant investment in Mississippi’s infrastructure, ensuring that our highways and bridges remain safe, efficient, and capable of supporting both local and national commerce,” said Congressman Thompson. The I-20/I-55 Freight Corridor is a critical route for the movement of goods, connecting Mississippi to major markets across the southeastern United States. By modernizing these key structures and improving the roadway, the project will reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety, and create a more reliable transportation network for freight carriers and travelers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-recognizes-us-department-educations-fiscal-year,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Recognizes U.S. Department of Education’s Fiscal Year 2024 Grant Award to the University of Mississippi Medical Center,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a Fiscal Year 2024 grant to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) under the Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program. This program, aimed at addressing the growing need for mental health professionals in schools, is designed to increase the number of school-based mental health service providers in high-need districts. The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been awarded $968,684 under the program’s Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.184X. This funding will support UMMC's efforts to train and place additional mental health service providers in Mississippi schools, ensuring that students have greater access to vital mental health resources. The Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program seeks to expand the pipeline of trained mental health service providers and increase their presence in high-need schools to improve students' overall well-being and academic success.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=563,Ezell Presents Congressional Award Gold Medal to Petal Native,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) presented Colt Bergman with a Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest Congressional honor for America's youth. Bergman completed 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a 5-day, 4-night trip over the span of 24 months to complete the Congressional Award program. ""The Congressional Award program is the highest honor Congress gives to young Americans, recognizing their commitment to personal development, physical fitness, and community service,"" Ezell said. ""Through hard work and perseverance, Colt has earned this award, proudly representing Mississippi. The Congressional Award encourages participants to set and achieve challenging goals, building valuable skills and a spirit of volunteerism. I am proud to support the program and congratulate Colt on his outstanding achievement. Together, let’s continue to support our future leaders who make a positive impact in their communities and beyond!"" Additional background on the Congressional Award: The United States Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 (Public Law 96-114) to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The original bill was sponsored by Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Congressman James Howard of New Jersey. The Congressional Award provides a structure for young Americans to learn the value of service, personal development, fitness, and citizenship through character-forming experiences that shape tomorrow’s leaders and our country’s future. The Congressional Award program is promoted throughout America by Members of Congress who share this unique opportunity with their constituents, providing today’s youth with the tools they need to thrive as adults.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-encourages-participation-upcoming-national-warrior-call-day-aid-us-veterans,HYDE-SMITH ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN UPCOMING ‘NATIONAL WARRIOR CALL DAY’ TO AID U.S. VETERANS & SERVICEMEMBERS,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Senator Cosponsored Bipartisan, Senate-Passed Resolution Aimed at Fostering Connections & Combatting Rising Suicide Rates WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today encouraged Mississippians to take the next month to prepare for “National Warrior Call Day,” November 17, 2024, to actively engage with veterans and active servicemembers in an effort to curb the mental health risks many servicemembers face after defending our nation. Hyde-Smith is an original cosponsor of the National Warrior Call Day Resolution (S.Res.838), which the Senate approved late last month. “As Americans, it’s our patriotic duty to honor and stand by those who stood for us. The National Warrior Call Day resolution is a powerful reminder that that we all have a role to play in supporting veterans and those in the Armed Forces. Reaching out, listening, and letting our heroes know they are valued and not forgotten can make a profound difference,” Hyde-Smith said. The resolution underscores the alarming rise in suicide rates among veterans and military personnel, and calls for outreach to these individuals to help combat feelings of isolation that may prevent them from seeking help, potentially leading to self-harm. It also highlights the need for increased research into the connection between traumatic brain injuries and the mental health challenges faced by our servicemembers. The resolution was introduced by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) to promote National Warrior Call Day and reinforce the nation’s commitment to support those who have served our nation. “We have a responsibility to support the brave men and women who have served this nation that extends well beyond their time in the line of duty,” said Shaheen. “Our bipartisan resolution designates a National Warrior Call Day to help strengthen relationships between veterans and civilians and better keep lines of communication open in order to share resources and provide support.” “Americans can never fully pay back those who serve in defense of America. We can, however, make sure that active military members and veterans have access to the support they need after serving to lead active and healthy lives. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness on the importance of building relationships with those who defend our freedom,” Cotton said. Information regarding suicide prevention among veterans can be found here, and among active duty service members here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-announces-nearly-130-million-to-improve-mississippi-infrastructure,Senator Wicker Announces Nearly $130 Million to Improve Mississippi Infrastructure,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"MISSISSIPPI – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., announced $127,296,812 to improve freight corridors in Jackson and on the Gulf Coast. The funding stems from the infrastructure bill that Senator Wicker helped negotiate as the then highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The funding will upgrade SR 67 to a Superstreet Corridor on the Gulf Coast. It will also resurface approximately 32 linear miles and update bridge structures along the Interstate 20/ Interstate 55 Freight Corridor in Jackson. “Infrastructure investments make Mississippi an even better place to live, work, and visit. These improvements will help attract more people and economic development to the Gulf Coast and Jackson area,” Senator Wicker said. “Supporting infrastructure will continue to be one of my top priorities in Congress.” Senator Wicker sent letters of support to the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for these projects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-statement-on-the-elimination-of-yahya-sinwar,Senator Wicker Statement on the Elimination of Yahya Sinwar,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to reports that the Israel Defense Force eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza: “Iran and its proxies should take note that in a matter of weeks, Israel has decapitated the senior leadership of Hezbollah and Hamas. The world is a safer place because Israel has proven what strong action against global terrorism should look like,” Senator Wicker said. “Every time the Biden-Harris administration attempts to place conditions on Israel’s self-defense, they are weakening Israeli and American responses to terrorism. The only way that this war will end is with Israel’s victory and the defeat of Iran’s terrorist proxies. Israel’s removal of the architect of this war represents another key step toward eliminating these threats.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-nearly-9-million-usda-investment-support-urban,Congressman Thompson Announces Nearly $9 Million USDA Investment to Support Urban Agricultural Producers,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie Thompson is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing nearly $9 million in funding to local organizations across the country to provide outreach, education, and technical assistance to urban agricultural producers in ten U.S. cities. This investment is part of a partnership between USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the organization To Improve Mississippi Economics (T.I.M.E.) to administer an urban farm outreach program. The program will offer subawards to community groups working with producers in cities where FSA has established Urban County Committees. This initiative is part of a broader $40 million investment made possible through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, aimed at supporting urban agriculture and strengthening local food systems. The Widget Business Training Company of Jackson, Mississippi is the only organization from the MS Second Congressional District to receive a subaward. This organization will play a crucial role in assisting urban agricultural producers by providing necessary resources, knowledge, and connections to strengthen urban farming initiatives. This program underscores the USDA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable access to federal programs and enhancing food security across urban communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/enator-wicker-discusses-defense-spending-shipbuilding-china-vp-harris-and-israel-on-the-hugh-hewitt-show,"Senator Wicker Discusses Defense Spending, Shipbuilding, China, VP Harris, and Israel on “The Hugh Hewitt Show”",2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined “The Hugh Hewitt Show” program and discussed several national defense topics, including the October 7th Anniversary, China’s shocking growth in naval shipbuilding, and the Biden-Harris administration’s weak record on China. The interview follows Senator Wicker’s October 7th Anniversary statement which was released on Monday. Read selected excerpts from the interview below, or watch the full segment here. On a Harris presidency & China policy: “If it’s any indication of how her party has done with their leader in the U.S. Senate, yes, it’s very much a concern [how Harris would do with China]. Every time we’ve wanted to spend a few extra dollars – a few percentage points of our huge economy – to defend ourselves, the Democrats say: “well, we won’t do that unless we can increase domestic spending, too.” So, it’s been like pulling teeth getting a few extra ships built.” On shipbuilding: “China has 200 times the Navy shipbuilding capacity we do. When you talk about [how] we need to increase the number of fighter jets, or submarines, or ships, some people say: “well, we don’t even have the industrial capacity. We don’t have enough manufacturing plants.” And of course, the answer to that is: let’s get some. We’re going to have to increase our national defense to keep us out of a war. The idea is to keep the peace by being so strong that nobody will take a chance on us. On a future DOD budget: “What we need to do – and what I’ve advocated – and what military experts past and present are saying is that we need to go back to Ronald Reagan’s ‘peace through strength.’ And that does involve about five percent of our economy used to get us ready to defend ourselves in a war…if we spend five percent of our gross domestic product on defending America, we can save hundreds of billions and trillions of dollars by staying out of a war…the last time our Senate Republicans met with President Trump, he was very clear that he shared our determination to increase our Navy and get it back up to the point where we’re able to protect America and deter somebody from attacking us. So that was very much an encouraging statement from President Trump.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-statement-on-october-7th-anniversary,Senator Wicker Statement on October 7th Anniversary,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement: “A year ago, innocent Israelis and Americans were kidnapped, brutally raped, and murdered. Today, we demand the release of the hostages and remember the victims,” Senator Wicker said. “Make no mistake: Iran and its proxies have no stated purpose other than the destruction of the Jewish state and they publicly regard the United States as the ‘Great Satan.’ The slogan ‘From the River to the Sea’ is not mere words. This is a call for genocide, pure and simple.” “Israel invited none of this aggression. How Israel decides to protect its people and its democracy is their decision to make. As they go on offense, we stand by our most steadfast ally in the region. The civilized world should stand together for a swift, sustained, and victorious response.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-department-defense-grants-jackson,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Department of Defense Grants to Jackson State University Under HBCU/MI Program,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $50.1 million in grants to 98 university researchers under the Fiscal Year 2024 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program. Jackson State University (JSU) in Mississippi has been awarded two grants, totaling $512,870, for research and educational advancements in critical scientific fields: INSTITUTIONINSTRUMENTATION PROPOSALAMOUNTJackson State UniversityAcquisition of an Advanced Potentiostat for Research and Training in Jackson State University$115,006Jackson State UniversityOptical Laser Lithography Fabrication System and Local Multiferroelectric Properties of Van Der Waals Materials and their Heterostructure$397,864",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-doj-award-our-house-inc-sexual-assault,CONGRESSMAN BENNIE G. THOMPSON ANNOUNCES DOJ AWARD TO OUR HOUSE INC. FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES PROGRAM,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded Our House Inc., based in Greenville, Mississippi, a federal grant of $382,500 under the Fiscal Year 2024 Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program. The award, made through the OVW’s Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program), will be utilized to enhance culturally specific services for survivors of sexual assault in the region. The SAS Culturally Specific Program was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 and is the first federal funding stream solely dedicated to direct intervention and assistance for victims of sexual assault. The program supports services such as advocacy, crisis intervention, court and medical accompaniment, and referrals for adult, youth, and child survivors. It also aims to address the unique challenges faced by victims from culturally specific communities, such as linguistic and cultural barriers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-federal-fema-grant-award-mississippi,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Federal FEMA Grant Award to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for Emergency Protective Measures,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $7,047,053.82 in federal funding to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This grant is part of FEMA’s ongoing support following FEMA-DR-4697-MS, which was declared on March 26, 2023, due to severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes. This federal funding, authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, will assist MEMA in covering emergency protective measures necessary to safeguard public health and safety during these disasters. With a total project cost of $9,396,071.75, the federal government will cover 75% of the expenses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-national-park-service-lower,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces National Park Service Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI) Grants for Mississippi Projects,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), has awarded $186,756 in Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI) grants. These funds will support 11 projects aimed at preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Delta Region across seven states, including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. This year, several key projects in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District have been selected for LMDI funding, including: 100 Years Later: A Centennial Look at the Continuing Impact of the 1927 Flood on the Lower Mississippi Delta — A multi-state project including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which examines the lasting effects of the 1927 flood on the region. The Clinton Riot Historical Site — A project focused on preserving and highlighting the historical significance of the Clinton Riot in Mississippi. Unita Blackwell Houses’ Collection Conservation — A project dedicated to the conservation of collections related to the life and legacy of Unita Blackwell, a civil rights leader and the first Black woman to serve as mayor in Mississippi.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/former-january-6-committee-chairman-thompson-releases-statement-release,Former January 6 Committee Chairman Thompson Releases Statement on Release of Special Counsel’s Brief,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), former Chairman of the Bipartisan Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, released the below statement on the redacted release of the Special Counsel’s immunity brief for the case United States v. Trump: “The Special Counsel’s latest brief makes it clear that not only is Donald Trump not immune from prosecution for his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, but his actions were even more contemptible and depraved than previously known. It is the clearest picture yet of the case against Trump. This is critical information for the American people to know, and I am thankful it was publicly released. Those who undermine the rule of law and clearly have no qualms about trying to do so again must be held accountable. The very fabric of our democracy is at stake.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-grassley-continue-push-help-rural-hospitals-through-demonstration-program,"HYDE-SMITH, GRASSLEY CONTINUE PUSH TO HELP RURAL HOSPITALS THROUGH DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Senators Issue Letter Pressing Full Use of Successful CMS Program for Stressed Rural Hospitals WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) continue to push the Biden administration to fully utilize a federal program that has been described as a lifeline for some struggling rural hospitals. In a joint letter, Hyde-Smith and Grassley this week pressed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its refusal to use the budget-neutral Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD), despite the program’s proven efficacy for participating rural hospitals and qualifying facilities’ interest in joining. “Current law allows up to 30 hospitals to participate in the RCHD, but for the past several years CMS has underutilized the program leaving as many as eight spots vacant. While there is interest from additional rural hospitals to participate, your agency has not taken action to add eligible hospitals. In fact, CMS told us that there would be too much interest among rural hospitals,” the Senators wrote CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “The most recent performance data suggests that new RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins, although those gains were not large enough to impact their total profit margins. This signals that the RCHD program offers a shot in the arm for financially-challenged rural hospitals to keep their doors open and provide health care services,” the Senators wrote. “The RCHD program is supporting rural hospitals and it should be fully utilized. If CMS has the tools to help one rural hospital, then you should be doing something about it,” they concluded. The letter also cited commitments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to work with the lawmakers to enroll more at-risk rural hospitals in RCHD, including at an April appropriations subcommittee hearing. Congress established the RCHD program in 2003 and reauthorized it three times to sustain a program that uses alternative payment models for rural hospitals facing financial constraints with the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System. CMS last solicited program applications in 2017. The Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Highland Community Hospital in Picayune, Marion General Hospital in Columbia are RCHD facilities where innovation models are being tested. Click here to read a copy of the Senators’ letter to CMS. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-wicker-statement-on-iranian-missile-attack-on-israel,Senator Wicker Statement on Iranian Missile Attack on Israel,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to reports of Iranian forces firing a missile salvo at Israeli sovereign territory: “Iran and its terrorist proxies – Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis – will never stop their campaign to eliminate Israel from the map. The Ayatollah's regime must be eliminated,” Senator Wicker said. “Jews, Arabs, and Iranians all deserve to live side by side in a peaceful neighborhood.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-department-justice-grants-enhance-services,"Congressman Thompson Announces Department of Justice Grants to Enhance Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking",2024-09-30,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce two significant awards from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support culturally specific services and technical assistance for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Mississippi. The first award of $400,000 has been granted to Carter's Compassionate Transitional & Supportive Housing in Jackson, Mississippi. This funding will support the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program. Carter's Compassionate Transitional & Supportive Housing will provide culturally specific services, addressing the needs of Black/African American victims in the Jackson metropolitan area. Key services include trauma-informed care, life skills classes, financial counseling, holistic healing activities, and more, to ensure safety, economic stability, and healing for survivors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-12235000-cdfi-program-and-naca-program-awards,"Congressman Thompson Announces $12,235,000 in CDFI Program and NACA Program Awards for Mississippi's Second Congressional District",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) has awarded $408.2 million in Financial Assistance (FA) to 357 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) nationwide through the fiscal year 2024 (FY 2024) funding round. These funds will support financial services and products aimed at improving access to financial resources for low-income and underserved communities across the country. In Mississippi’s Second Congressional District, several local institutions have been selected to receive awards under the CDFI Program. This program provides 44critical funding that helps expand economic opportunity for residents and small businesses in underserved areas. The FY 2024 funding round was made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Public Law 117-328) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-47). Award Recipients in the Mississippi Second Congressional District:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-key-field-officially-running-kc-46-selection,ICYMI: Key Field is Officially in the Running for KC-46 Selection,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,MS,Michael Guest,G000591,guest.house.gov,guest,https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S Air Force notified Mississippi’s Congressional Delegation that Key Field in Meridian is officially in the running to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. The nation-wide candidate field has been narrowed to seven, in what is called a “down-selection.” Mississippi’s Congressional Delegation has worked for years to make sure Key Field, an Air National Guard Base, is seen as a strong candidate for the selection. “The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Meridian is a leader in aerial refueling, and I am pleased that Key Field Air National Guard Base is one of seven sites that is advancing in the KC-46A basing decision process,” said Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03). “I am grateful for the unity of our entire Mississippi Congressional Delegation—Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, and Mike Ezell—as well as the support of our State and local leadership for this effort. I appreciate the Air Force’s consideration of Key Field and look forward to the opportunity to showcase the 186th ARW’s capabilities as we move into the next phase of this decision.” “Making it this far in the down-selection process is an accomplishment. If Key Field is ultimately chosen, it would cement and extend the base’s role in our country’s national security infrastructure for decades to come,” U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said. “For the Meridian community, this would be a significant investment. It would bring more service members and families, as well as direct and indirect jobs, to the area. This is one of my top priorities.” “We welcome this positive development for the future of Key Field and Lauderdale County. As the process moves forward, we will continue to forcefully make the case that Key Field will be the best place for this important mission,” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., said. Key factors that have made Key Field a potential home for the KC-46s, a military refueling and strategic transport plane: Key Field is already home to KC-135 planes, which are air refueling tankers that provide rapid global mobility and combat support to the U.S. Department of Defense. The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), which hosts over 1,200 officers and airmen, operates these planes out of Key Field. The KC-46s would replace the aging KC-135 tankers currently in service at Key Field. The 186th ARW is one of the few military installations that can handle the new plane without needing to make major changes to a base. The airfield is in a prime location in the vicinity of refueling tracks over the Southeastern United States and the Gulf of Mexico, enabling rapid servicing of Air Force and joint service aircraft fleets, including strategic communications aircraft. The Meridian community already has infrastructure and support services in place that will benefit next generation air refueling capabilities.",1,2026-05-28T06:29:45Z,2026-05-28T06:31:18Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-signs-bill-protect-seniors-access-health-care,HYDE-SMITH SIGNS ONTO BILL TO PROTECT SENIORS’ ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Physician Fee Stabilization Act is Bipartisan Effort to Reform Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Benefit Rural States WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week cosponsored a bipartisan effort to update and reform the Medicare physician fee schedule in order to assure seniors’ access to health care services, particularly for those living in rural states like Mississippi. The Physician Fee Stabilization Act (S.4935) aims to address declining Medicare physician reimbursements by increasing a 32-year-old budget neutrality threshold to essentially keep pace with inflation. Declining Medicare physician reimbursement disproportionately affects small, independent, and rural practices. “Improving rural healthcare has been a priority for me since I was elected. Unfortunately, that job is made harder because some doctors are becoming reluctant to accept Medicare patients because the federal reimbursement rates aren’t keeping up with inflation and are often subject to cuts,” Hyde-Smith said. “The Physician Fee Stabilization Act is a practical way to stabilize fee structures and finally update a Medicare formula that hasn’t been changed since 1992.” S.4935 would ensure greater flexibility in determining pricing adjustments for Medicare services without triggering harmful annual payment cuts to Medicare-serving physicians. The bill also includes provisions that authorize an increase in the budget neutrality threshold every five years to ensure future physician compensation payments with the Medicare Economic Index. “Medicare patients must have access to quality health services. Ensuring physicians are fairly compensated for their work will help deliver stability to providers so they continue to meet the needs of their communities. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan solution that enhances Medicare’s sustainability,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), who introduced the bill. The Mississippi State Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and American Academy of Family Physicians are among the many health organizations that support the Physician Fee Stabilization Act. Additional cosponsors include Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Labor, Health and Humans Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee and has worked to advance health issues throughout her tenure in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-statement-on-biden-harris-administration-troop-withdrawals-from-iraq,Senator Wicker Statement on Biden-Harris Administration Troop Withdrawals from Iraq,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces from the counter-ISIS mission in Iraq: “I am deeply troubled that the Biden-Harris administration could repeat a chaotic and deadly withdrawal in yet another country. This mistake could lead the way to a resurgence in terrorist activity and enable a complete Iranian takeover of Iraq, just as happened with President Obama’s withdrawal in 2011,” Senator Wicker said. “The decision – which comes after repeated, unabating, and lethal attacks on our servicemembers – is nothing short of American retreat, and it is a disservice to the thousands of U.S. soldiers who fought and died defending American interests.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-doj-grants-totaling-over-15-million,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces DOJ Grants Totaling Over $1.5 Million to Mississippi Department of Public Safety,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded two significant grants to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) to improve public safety and juvenile justice reform across the state. The grants, totaling more than $1.5 million, are part of ongoing federal efforts to support state-level justice initiatives and protect communities. $250,000 SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act (AWA) Implementation Grant Program The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will use these funds for two major initiatives: Conduct a Statewide Training Symposium for sheriff’s offices and other law enforcement personnel responsible for sex offender registration, notification, and monitoring. Implement an IT-Based Solution to enhance the accuracy of sex offender registration by identifying and validating missing or erroneous data. $1,323,817 OJJDP FY24 Juvenile Justice System Reform and Reinvestment Initiative Grant The Mississippi Juvenile Justice System Reform project aims to improve juvenile justice policies and practices by: Building a comprehensive evaluation framework with system partners to assess diversion programs and cost savings from reduced incarceration. Incorporating feedback from youth and families via satisfaction surveys to guide decision-making and reform efforts. Developing a Steering Committee to produce a final report with recommendations for the state legislature on enhancing juvenile justice programming, including greater investment in diversion and delinquency prevention.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/miss-lawmakers-key-field-officially-running-kc-46-selection,MISS. LAWMAKERS: KEY FIELD IS OFFICIALLY IN THE RUNNING FOR KC-46 SELECTION,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Cindy Hyde-Smith,H001079,www.hydesmith.senate.gov,hydesmith,https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom,scraper,"Miss. Facility Among Seven Possible Locations for Mission as Candidate Field Narrows WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S Air Force today notified the Mississippi congressional delegation that Key Field in Meridian is officially in the running to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. The nation-wide candidate field has been narrowed to seven, in what is called a “down-selection.” The Mississippi congressional delegation has worked for years to make sure Key Field, an Air National Guard Base, is seen as a strong candidate for the selection. “Making it this far in the down-selection process is an accomplishment. If Key Field is ultimately chosen, it would cement and extend the base’s role in our country’s national security infrastructure for decades to come,” U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said. “For the Meridian community, this would be a significant investment. It would bring more service members and families, as well as direct and indirect jobs, to the area. This is one of my top priorities.” “We welcome this positive development for the future of Key Field and Lauderdale County. As the process moves forward, we will continue to forcefully make the case that Key Field will be the best place for this important mission,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). “The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Meridian is a leader in aerial refueling, and I am pleased that Key Field Air National Guard Base is one of seven sites that is advancing in the KC-46A basing decision process,” said U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.). “I am grateful for the unity of our entire Mississippi Congressional Delegation—Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, and Mike Ezell—as well as the support of our State and local leadership for this effort. I appreciate the Air Force’s consideration of Key Field and look forward to the opportunity to showcase the 186th ARW’s capabilities as we move into the next phase of this decision.” Important factors that make Key Field a potential home for the KC-46s, a military refueling and strategic transport plane: Key Field is already home to KC-135 planes, which are air refueling tankers that provide rapid global mobility and combat support to the U.S. Department of Defense. The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), which hosts more than 1,200 officers and airmen, operates these planes out of Key Field. The KC-46s would replace the aging KC-135 tankers currently in service at Key Field. The 186th ARW is one of the few military installations that can handle the new plane without needing to make major changes to a base. The airfield is in a prime location in the vicinity of refueling tracks over the Southeastern United States and the Gulf of Mexico, enabling rapid servicing of Air Force and joint service aircraft fleets, including strategic communications aircraft. The Meridian community already has infrastructure and support services in place that will benefit next generation air refueling capabilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/key-field-is-officially-in-the-running-for-kc-46-selection,Key Field is Officially in the Running for KC-46 Selection,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S Air Force notified Mississippi’s Congressional Delegation that Key Field in Meridian is officially in the running to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. The nation-wide candidate field has been narrowed to seven, in what is called a “down-selection.” Mississippi’s Congressional Delegation has worked for years to make sure Key Field, an Air National Guard Base, is seen as a strong candidate for the selection. “Making it this far in the down-selection process is an accomplishment. If Key Field is ultimately chosen, it would cement and extend the base’s role in our country’s national security infrastructure for decades to come,” U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said. “For the Meridian community, this would be a significant investment. It would bring more service members and families, as well as direct and indirect jobs, to the area. This is one of my top priorities.” ""We welcome this positive development for the future of Key Field and Lauderdale County. As the process moves forward, we will continue to forcefully make the case that Key Field will be the best place for this important mission,"" Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., said. “The 186th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Meridian is a leader in aerial refueling, and I am pleased that Key Field Air National Guard Base is one of seven sites that is advancing in the KC-46A basing decision process,” said Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03). “I am grateful for the unity of our entire Mississippi Congressional Delegation—Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, and Mike Ezell—as well as the support of our State and local leadership for this effort. I appreciate the Air Force’s consideration of Key Field and look forward to the opportunity to showcase the 186th ARW’s capabilities as we move into the next phase of this decision.” Key factors that have made Key Field a potential home for the KC-46s, a military refueling and strategic transport plane:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senators-wicker-and-hyde-smith-honor-james-earl-jones,Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith Honor James Earl Jones,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Last night, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution that honors the late actor James Earl Jones, who passed away in early September. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., led the effort. “Mississippi has lost a beloved son, and the world has lost an extraordinary talent. From Arkabutla to immortality, James Earl Jones, R.I.P. We'll remember your voice and your heart,” Senator Wicker said. “From the Mississippi Delta to the world stage, James Earl Jones’s extraordinary voice and commanding presence inspired generations. His contributions to the arts, culture, and humanities will undoubtedly stand the test of time. May his legacy always remind us of the strength, resilience, and power that comes from our Mississippi roots,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Gary Peters, D-Mich., also cosponsored the resolution. Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi and was widely known for his roles in The Lion King, Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/congress-passes-temporary-government-funding-legislation-senator-wicker-highlights-why-this-is-the-wrong-approach,"Congress Passes Temporary Government Funding Legislation, Senator Wicker Highlights Why This is the Wrong Approach",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Tonight, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown and temporarily extend funding until December 20, 2024. This gives lawmakers more time to reach an agreement on a long-term funding plan. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement expressing why CRs pose a threat to our national security: “A CR maintains last year’s priorities and does not provide for needed investments in our troops and military. Even worse, the Biden-Harris administration has provided inadequate support to Pentagon modernization efforts while inflation soars and our adversaries have grown their militaries and have become more aggressive,” Senator Wicker said. “I am glad we avoided a shutdown, but this is not the right path forward. We cannot continue to ask our service members to do more with less.” Fortunately, the CR ensures that fundamental pro-life provisions like the Hyde Amendment are still in effect. The Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions, has been attached to appropriations bills for nearly four decades.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-raises-alarm-over-damaged-navy-oiler-in-arabian-sea,Senator Wicker Raises Alarm Over Damaged Navy Oiler in Arabian Sea,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to press reports that the Navy’s fleet oiler USNS Big Horn was damaged off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea: “I am troubled about reports that the Navy’s sole fleet oiler in the CENTCOM region has been rendered temporarily inoperable. If we cannot fuel our ships, our capabilities will be greatly diminished,” Senator Wicker. “The Big Horn’s problems also speak to a larger challenge – we are woefully in need of a larger logistics fleet, which is the lifeline for our global military presence. I hope this incident serves as a wake-up call that it is high time to fix our shipbuilding industrial base and support our merchant mariners.” Senator Wicker posed the following questions to the Department of Defense: Where did the Big Horn take damage? What is the initial damage assessment for the Big Horn? What was the cause of the damage (weather, navigator error, etc.)? Can the Big Horn operate under its own power? What is the estimated time required for the repair of the vessel? Is there another vessel able to fill the capability gap? If so, when will it be in the area? Does the administration support additional executable funding for fleet oilers in the FY25 appropriations process? Senator Wicker noted the following facts related to shortfalls in the U.S. Navy’s logistics fleet:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-statement-on-president-biden-planning-to-use-presidential-drawdown-authority-for-ukraine,Senator Wicker Statement on President Biden Planning to Use Presidential Drawdown Authority for Ukraine,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following comment in response to reports that the Biden-Harris administration intends to notify Congress that they will tap into the nearly $6 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for Ukraine. The authority to transfer weapons to Ukraine would expire October 1, 2024, unless Congress approves an extension.The administration does not plan to accelerate the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, meaning this nearly $6 billion package will be parceled out through the end of calendar year 2025 at current rates. “It is unfortunately typical of this administration to wait until the last possible moment to announce full use of the PDA. Brave Ukrainians are fighting and dying defending their country so that Americans and Europeans won’t have to. President Biden needs to expedite the actual transfer immediately. They need weapons, not words,” Senator Wicker said. Congress granted President Biden extensive use of drawdown authority for two reasons: It enables him as commander-in-chief to deliver weaponry at a much faster rate to Ukraine than most other tools, and it would help the United States fortify its defense industrial base for the long term with replenishment funding. Senator Wicker also highlighted the following facts:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-205643-national-endowment-arts-nea,"Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $205,643 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants to Support Mississippi Arts Projects",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is proud to announce that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded two grants totaling $205,643 to arts initiatives in Mississippi under the ArtsHERE program. These grants, aimed at strengthening arts organizations and fostering cultural enrichment, will support projects in Natchez and Clarksdale. The Gloster Arts Project in Natchez has been awarded $75,643 to fund its REFRESH & REWIND initiative. This five-year strategic plan is guided by consultant recommendations and community feedback, with the goal of ensuring long-term impact. Key components include forming a new board of directors, creating a staff and volunteer training program, and building partnerships with local organizations. The Gloster Arts Project is dedicated to providing arts education and opportunities for youth, fostering cultural enrichment and community development through the arts. The Griot Arts Inc. in Clarksdale will receive $130,000 to support its capacity-building strategy. This initiative is designed to enhance organizational effectiveness by deepening community engagement, improving financial sustainability, and refining operational skills. Griot Arts empowers youth and the community through arts, education, and workforce development programs, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for learning and personal growth.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-400000-department-justice-grant,"Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $400,000 Department of Justice Grant to Coahoma Community College to Combat Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on Campus",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that Coahoma Community College has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This grant, part of the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program, will support the college’s ongoing efforts to address and prevent these crimes on campus. The funding will help Coahoma Community College, in collaboration with Family Crisis Services of Northwest MS and the Coahoma County Sheriff Department, develop a multidisciplinary approach to enhance victim services, provide prevention education, and improve safety on campus.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-over-79-million-us-department-health,Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Over $7.9 Million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grant Awards to Support Healthcare Initiatives in Mississippi,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded significant grant funding to healthcare organizations and programs within Mississippi’s Second Congressional District. These grants aim to improve maternal care coordination and opioid treatment programs across the state. The following awards have been announced: G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc.: Awarded $450,000 under the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program to enhance maternal care services in the Delta region. Delta Health Center, Inc.: Awarded $450,000 under the Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program to provide critical maternal health coordination services. Mississippi State Department of Mental Health: Awarded $7,099,537 for Opioid Programs to support treatment and prevention programs addressing the opioid crisis in Mississippi.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bennie-g-thompson-announces-two-doj-grant-awards-totaling-588054,"Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Two DOJ Grant Awards Totaling $588,054 to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded two grants to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) totaling $588,054 to support critical initiatives aimed at improving the state's medical examiner system and enhancing criminal history records. The first grant, under the BJA FY24 Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program, awards $95,054 to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office. This funding will be used to hire a part-time Quality Assurance Project Coordinator, who will assist the two MSME locations in developing and implementing a comprehensive quality assurance program. This is an important step toward the MSME's application for IACME accreditation, which will help recruit forensic pathology professionals, support fellowship programs, and improve services in underserved communities across Mississippi. The coordinator will also enhance the accreditation efforts of Mississippi’s County Medical Examiner Investigators.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-usda-grant-238843-mississippi-department-human,"Congressman Thompson Announces USDA Grant of $238,843 to Mississippi Department of Human Services for SNAP Fraud Prevention",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to ten state agencies, including $238,843 to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, to enhance fraud prevention efforts within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The grant will help Mississippi implement a proactive, data-driven approach to prevent, detect, and deter fraud, allowing for quicker identification and prioritization of potential cases for evaluation. The funds will be used to support projects that align with the principles of the SNAP Fraud Framework, a comprehensive toolkit designed to strengthen fraud prevention and investigative techniques in state SNAP programs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-statement-on-amphibious-multi-ship-buy-signing,Senator Wicker Statement on Amphibious Multi-Ship Buy Signing,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement following the formal announcement that the Department of the Navy has contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., to build one America-class and three San Antonio-class amphibious warships through fiscal year 2029: “It is terrific that the Navy has made official what many of us have known for years: the future of American seapower flows through the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I am pleased that a new tranche of amphibious warships will be built by my home state’s skilled shipbuilders,” Senator Wicker said. “I am hopeful that the Department of Defense uses cost-saving multi-ship procurement model for other critical defense programs in the future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=548,Ezell Receives NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award,2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after being named a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s largest small business organization: ""Fighting for pro-small business legislation remains a key issue for me in Congress,"" Ezell said. ""I’m honored to be named a “Guardian of Small Business” in recognition of my efforts to help the job creators on Main Street. The health of small businesses directly correlates to the health of our nation's economy. I will always fight to protect Main Street businesses across South Mississippi and our country."" “The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” NFIB President Brad Close said. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, labor shortages, and tax pressures at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-michael-guest-introduction-early-migration-alert-program-emap-act,Congressman Michael Guest on the Introduction of the Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) Act,2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,MS,Michael Guest,G000591,guest.house.gov,guest,https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael Guest, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced the Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) Act to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify state and local law enforcement agencies and government authorities of an impending release of migrants into their jurisdictions. “The Biden – Harris Administration has been releasing migrants into local communities without warning. The lack of communication can overwhelm law enforcement agents and public servants. As we continue to deal with a crisis on our border, an alert system like the one EMAP would establish is imperative,” said Congressman Guest. The EMAP Act would fill the communication gap by requiring ICE and CBP to develop an alert system where State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial government authorities can receive information regarding the impending release of migrants. EMAP is designed to protect the identities of such persons and to alleviate privacy concerns from state and local government officials. Early notification to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial municipalities would assist local communities in preparing for the arrival of migrants. The EMAP Act would require ICE and CBP to create an email subscription system to alert authorities and provide information regarding the impending release of migrants into local communities, including the: Number of migrants to be released Number of migrants with known criminal histories Initial destination of the migrants Final destinations and where they intend to settle The legislation would require ICE and CBP to give municipalities at least a 24-hour notice before releasing an alien into the United States. Given that migrants in ICE custody are released by court order, ICE does not have the ability to control when and where migrants are released. However, ICE and CBP are best positioned to provide advance notice to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial municipalities. EMAP allows better communication across local, state, territorial, and federal officials. “Ensuring the safety and security of our communities starts with better coordination and transparency,” Ezell said. “The Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) will provide real-time information sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively. This bill will equip law enforcement with timely and comprehensive data, enabling them to proactively address public safety concerns and ensure better coordination in responding to illegal immigration activity. I’m proud to join Reps. Guest, D’Esposito, and Higgins on this vital legislation to help address the border crisis that continues to plague every state – not just border states.” “The Biden-Harris administration’s self-inflicted border crisis has left every state vulnerable,” said Congressman Higgins. “Over the course of the past four years, every state has become a border state. This invasion has put unnecessary strains on state and local law enforcement across the nation. This common-sense legislation establishes better communication channels for ICE and CBP to alert state and local law enforcement of the impending arrival of illegal aliens. I’m honored to join my colleague Congressman Guest on this critical legislation.” “Because of the Biden-Harris Administration, every state is a border state,” Guest continued. “The strain of the border crisis is felt across America in local towns and cities that are often unprepared for an influx of migrants in their communities. The strain has been felt in my district in Mississippi, and I’ve talked to both federal, state, and local lawmakers across the country who have seen the same problems in their communities. We cannot allow this to continue. This legislation would establish better communication channels between local and federal officials so that communities across our nation know who is coming and when they will arrive.”",1,2026-05-19T06:31:01Z,2026-05-19T06:32:40Z https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=538,Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Advances Ezell Priorities,2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,MS,Mike Ezell,E000235,ezell.house.gov,ezell,https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the House Transporation and Infrastructure Committee concluded a full committee markup where members voted to pass a number of bipartisan bills, including legislation led by Congressman Ezell, to strengthen critical infrastructure, hold fraudulent actors in the transportation sector accountable, to make the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work efficiently, and more. Congressman Ezell released the following statement at the conclusion of today's markup: ""As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud that we’ve worked together to pass several bipartisan bills that will truly make a difference in the lives of Americans,"" Ezell said. ""These measures are designed to strengthen our critical infrastructure, hold fraudulent actors in the transportation sector accountable, and shore up the security of all Federal buildings and facilities. I'm proud to have helped lead these efforts through the Committee, and I look forward to ensuring that they cross the finish line for South Mississippians. These pieces of legislation reflect our shared commitment to delivering real, lasting solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and reliability for all Americans."" BACKGROUND The Transporation and Infrastructure Committee voted to send a number of bills to the House Floor for further consideration, including: H.R. 8505, the Household Good Shipping Consumer Protection Act, (sponsored by Congresswoman Norton (DC-At-Large), co-led by Congressman Ezell (MS-04)), which would clarify that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has the tools to protect consumers from fraud perpetrated by residential moving companies in the interstate transportation of household goods. H.R. 9541, the Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience (POWER) Act of 2024, (sponsored by Congresswoman Hoyle (OR-04), co-led by Congressman Ezell (MS-04)), which would provide more eligibility and flexibility for public power utilities to invest in long-term hazard mitigation and grid resilience solutions, strengthening critical infrastructure before and after natural disaster strikes. H.R. 9037, the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act, (sponsored by Congressman Carter (LA-2), co-led by Congressman Ezell (MS-04)), which would address the longstanding workforce challenges that FEMA has experienced in recent years. H.R. 8530, the Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024, (sponsored by Congressman Ezell (MS-04), which would improve the security of Federal buildings by ensuring Federal agencies take into consideration recommendations made by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) on actions needed to better secure their buildings and facilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-crs-are-disastrous-for-national-security-schumer-should-immediately-pass-defense-appropriations-bill,"Senator Wicker: CRs Are Disastrous for National Security, Schumer Should Immediately Pass Defense Appropriations Bill",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, today in a U.S. Senate floor speech called on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to immediately pass the U.S. Senate’s defense appropriations bill. Failing to do so, Senator Wicker said, would mean election year politics are Senator Schumer’s priority instead of bolstering our national security. Senator Wicker took the opportunity to remind his colleagues of the important support the appropriations bill – as well as the National Defense Authorization Act – would provide toward improving military preparedness as the Axis of Aggressors increases its ability to challenge the United States. Senator Wicker added that Senator Schumer’s dereliction of these bills would compel Congress to pass a continuing resolution, which would keep defense investment levels flat rather than meeting the moment. Read the remarks as delivered below or watch them here. Thank you, Mr. President. I want to join my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, in expressing regret that we don't have the important national security business of this Congress before the Senate right now. And clearly, it's important to do a nomination and a confirmation every few days, and the election is approaching, and of course, there's some show votes. And I think, probably, my side of the aisle has engaged in that sort of thing in years past. But it is such a shame that we face this ‘Axis of Aggressors’ like we've never faced in 50 years, and every national security official – whether a retired four-star, or someone who's no longer in service, but giving us good advice – come – they come – before us, and they say we have never had such a threat from China, from Russia, which is engaged in a shooting war right now, having invaded the sovereign space of a next-door neighbor, from Iran, which is directing the three, at least the three, terrorist groups that are raining so much havoc on Israel, and then a very unstable leadership in North Korea. This ‘Axis of Aggressors’ is signaling that they don't fear an invasion of Taiwan in three short years – they've said it publicly. And while all of that is going on, our leadership – the distinguished majority leader from New York – has not let us bring the appropriation bill to the floor, [he] has not let us bring the authorization bill, which we must pass. We must pass both of these bills every year, the two essential bills that cannot go without being taken care of every fiscal year. And I will say to you, Mr. President, to my colleagues, and to others that are paying attention, this has been bipartisan. Absolutely, Senator Murray is correct. She's unhappy about this, too. But I point the finger to the one person on the face of the Earth that can actually bring a bill to the floor, and that's the majority leader. Senator Reed, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and I have been putting together a manager's package for this year's National Security [Defense] Authorization Act. It would have been much better had we brought the bill to the floor and had 100 amendments winnowed down and worked back and forth together, as we should be doing, to have open vote[s], so the people of the United States could see how senators from Maine to Mississippi, and to the West Coast to the East, stand on important issues affecting the United States military, but we have not been able to do that. But we are working together – Senator Reed and I – on a plan and we've worked on nearly 100 variations to the legislation that was passed months and months ago by the Armed Services Committee to resolve issues of local and state interest, issues involving how quickly we can get our industrial base going to meet the need that, frankly, we're not meeting at the present time, and to get ahead of the game so we can prevent war. So we can have enough strength to have the Reagan-esque ‘peace through strength’ that we enjoyed in the 80s and early 90s. The appropriation bills are just as important, if not more important than the authorization bills. They contain funding increases we need to prevent our Air Force from shrinking. We know that the Chinese Navy is expanding enormously, and our Navy is shrinking – literally shrinking, Mr. President. So, it's regrettable. Here we are we, [a] week-and-a-half to go, before we must break for the election. And the distinguished Majority Leader Senator Schumer has not brought any of this legislation before the full Senate – bills that have been ready since July. And so – and also – I want to commend my colleague from Maine, the distinguished Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, for accommodating the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. We had – I had – prepared today to come down here and support Senator Collins in an effort to have a unanimous consent request to bring the bill to the floor. I mean, what else are we doing? Look at us. But in a matter of comity, and to continue the great working relationship that these two senior senators have had, Senator Collins refrained from that. And so, we're not asking for unanimous consent and requiring someone from the other side to come and object to that. And we'll continue to work. But what is absolutely sure is that the fiscal year will begin in just a few days, and the appropriation for what we need to do at the Pentagon – what new things we need to do – will not be passed. And we will be stuck with last year's priorities. And as a result, at a time when we need to be putting more resources into national security and sending new directions based on the new facts and the new challenges that are out there, at that time, we'll actually be wasting money of the taxpayers by having priorities still extended for another three months – hopefully, it's only three months – rather than putting the resources there that the experts tell us, and that we that we have learned are necessary for the next fiscal year. So, if my colleague from Maine would like to speak on my time, I'll be glad to yield to her. But if not, I'm prepared to yield the floor. And [I] just regret so, so profoundly that our leadership has not allowed us to do the work that the taxpayers expect us to do.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-177-million-grant-awarded-mississippi-state,Congressman Thompson Announces $1.77 Million Grant Awarded to Mississippi State Department of Health to Combat Violence Against Women,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded a grant of $1,776,048 to the Mississippi State Department of Health. This grant is part of the Fiscal Year 2024 STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Formula Grant Program, which provides critical funding to address and combat violence against women. The STOP Formula Grant Program was authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and reauthorized by subsequent legislation. It encourages partnerships between law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim services organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The goal of the program is to develop and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women while improving and expanding victim services, including community-based and culturally specific services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-us-department-health-and-human-services-grants,Congressman Thompson Announces U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grants to Yalobusha General Hospital and North Sunflower Medical Center,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two significant grants to recipients within Mississippi's Second Congressional District. The grants, totaling $1,625,000, are part of the Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending program aimed at supporting construction and development in healthcare facilities. The grant details are as follows: Yalobusha General Hospital has been awarded $591,000 for Community Project Funding to enhance healthcare services for the local community. North Sunflower Medical Center has received an award of $1,034,000 under the Community Project Funding initiative aimed at improving healthcare and services for residents. These investments in healthcare facilities underscore the federal government's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare services in rural and underserved communities. The funding will support critical construction projects, enabling these hospitals to better serve the health needs of their respective areas.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-leads-armed-services-republicans-in-confirmation-hearing-for-top-transportation-command-u-s-forces-korea-officials,"Senator Wicker Leads Armed Services Republicans in Confirmation Hearing for Top Transportation Command, U.S. Forces Korea Officials",2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, led his colleagues in a confirmation hearing examining the nominees for top posts at U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Lieutenant General Randall Reed, nominee for commander of TRANSCOM, and Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson, nominee for commander of USFK, testified before the committee. In his opening remarks, Senator Wicker highlighted the challenges in delivering logistics within a contested environment for TRANSCOM, especially as it comes to the Western Pacific. Senator Wicker noted that TRANSCOM has not requested even a single unfunded requirement for three consecutive years, suggesting that the command may not be adequately resourced to deal with urgent challenges. Senator Wicker also took stock of the growing set of threats coming from North Korea, to include nuclear weapons development, the buildup of cruise missiles, and the export of certain munitions from North Korea to Russia and Iran. These actions, Senator Wicker argued, should prompt USFK to explore new ways of deterring Kim Jong Un and reduce his involvement with the “Axis of Aggressors” – potentially through more cooperation with South Korea. Read the remarks as delivered below or watch them here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, the committee is considering nominees for two crucial commands. Lieutenant General Reed, you've been nominated to be Commander, United States Transportation Command. If confirmed, you'll be responsible for executing TRANSCOM’s mission of providing logistical support to combatant commanders around the globe. In your current role as Deputy Commander of Air Mobility Command, you have seen firsthand how logistics are often the determining factor in a fight. We once considered logistics to be a minor factor in operational planning, but now we know better. We understand that logistics are essential to our ability to deter and defeat our adversaries. There is one way to ensure that those logistics capabilities are ready when needed, and that is by properly resourcing the Department. We need our senior military leaders to tell us the hard truths about what they need, even when doing so contradicts the President's budget. And you and I spoke about this when we met person-to-person. That transparency is so important that we made the Unfunded Priority Lists a statutory obligation. This will be your statutory obligation. I'm very troubled, as I told you, that TRANSCOM has not requested a single unfunded requirement for the last three fiscal years. Lieutenant General Reed, if confirmed, I would look to you to begin performing that task – [we’re] not asking you to make anything up. We're just asking you to tell us what we need on contested logistics, particularly in the western Pacific. We need you to tell us what you need to get up to speed. Now, Lieutenant General Brunson, you've been nominated to be Commander of US Forces Korea. My uncle served in Korea. Two generations later, my son has served in Korea. Our alliance with the Republic of Korea dates back to the early days of the Cold War and the Korean War, when the Communist threat from the Soviet bloc and China turned into a hot war on the Korean Peninsula. Our bond with the Republic of Korea remains, even as the threat environment changes. The danger from North Korea continues to increase with each passing day. Kim Jong Un has been developing and building more nuclear weapons, cruise missiles, and other capabilities – all of which pose an increasing threat to the United States and our allies. Moreover, we've seen troubling evidence that North Korean-made weapons have been used against innocent Ukrainians and Israelis. To ensure that we maintain stability on the Peninsula, we need to start thinking about what capabilities the United States and South Korea need. We should also explore ways to reduce Kim Jong Un's ability to arm the ‘Axis of Aggressors.’ General Brunson, I look forward to hearing your thoughts about these troubling trends and how we can mitigate them. Particularly, I look forward to hearing you discuss an issue that the chair raised a few moments ago about what lessons both our friends and our adversaries in the region are learning from what's going on in Ukraine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-reunites-with-vladimir-kara-murza-at-the-u-s-capitol,Senator Wicker Reunites with Vladimir Kara-Murza at the U.S. Capitol,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., reunited today with Vladimir Kara-Murza at the U.S. Capitol. Kara-Murza, a permanent resident of the United States, was released last month as part of the historic prisoner exchange with Russia. He was arrested by Russia in April 2022 for condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine and speaking out against Vladimir Putin. “Vladimir Kara-Murza has been a good friend of mine for years, and I am so glad he is home. He has been a constant advocate for free speech, and welcoming him to the Capitol today, the heart of our democracy, made it even more special. I am thinking of those who have died, including Nemtsov, Navalny, Magnitsky, and many others who will never be reunited with their families, friends, and loved ones. There are many still wrongfully held by Russia. Vladimir will not stop calling for their release, and I will join him in using my voice to help bring them home,” Senator Wicker said. At today’s event, Senator Wicker joined Senator Cardin, D-Md., and other colleagues in welcoming Kara-Murza back to the United States and highlighting the work that remains to free those who are still wrongfully detained in Russia. Previously, Senator Wicker led lawmakers in requests calling for the Biden administration to label Kara-Murza as “unlawfully and wrongfully detained.” The designation would have prioritized Kara-Murza’s case at the State Department and unlocked new tools for negotiators to expedite his release.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-statement-on-aukus-third-anniversary,Senator Wicker Statement on AUKUS Third Anniversary,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the third anniversary of the U.S.-U.K.-Australia trilateral defense agreement known as “AUKUS”: “Producing 1.2 attack submarines per year is grossly insufficient. We are not where we need to be,” Senator Wicker said. “We have reached an inflection point where we can no longer do business as usual when it comes to shipbuilding. The future of AUKUS depends on the U.S. accelerating attack submarine production and maintenance using every available tool.” Earlier this year, after months of pushing the Biden-Harris administration, Senator Wicker helped to secure $3.3 billion in Submarine Industrial Base funding within the National Security Supplemental.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/senator-wicker-statement-on-nuclear-shipbuilding-contract-reform-proposal,Senator Wicker Statement on Nuclear Shipbuilding Contract Reform Proposal,2024-09-16,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to press reports about a new nuclear shipbuilding contracts reform proposal known as Shipyard Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS), under consideration across the federal government: “The SAWS plan would provide the workforce support necessary to increase ship production rates – all without requiring additional appropriation. While not a silver bullet, this proposal stands to improve the way the Navy does business on critical defense programs,” Senator Wicker said. Senator Wicker also highlighted the following potential benefits of SAWS. The plan would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/9/wicker-hyde-smith-highlight-miss-literacy-progress-as-senate-passes-national-resolution/a22e69eb-0af5-4211-9312-0217df7a9546,"Wicker, Hyde-Smith Highlight Miss. Literacy Progress as Senate Passes National Resolution",2024-09-16,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,MS,Roger F. Wicker,W000437,www.wicker.senate.gov,wicker,https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today applauded unanimous Senate passage of a resolution that designates September 2024 as “National Literacy Month” and encourages greater strides to improve literacy for K-12 students nationwide. Wicker and Hyde-Smith cosponsored the resolution and used it to highlight Mississippi’s role as a national leader in literary progress and the “Mississippi Miracle,” in which fourth grade reading test scores in Mississippi have skyrocketed over the past decade. Some states, such as Mississippi, have boosted state National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores to record highs using an evidence-based reading strategy known as the “science of reading.” “Literacy lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning, and Mississippi has become a national model for improving these skills,” Senator Wicker said. “This resolution is an important way to recognize the value of student literacy and the strides we have made in reading programs in Mississippi. I look forward to other states following our lead and experiencing the ‘Mississippi Miracle’ for themselves.” “While the educational progress made in Mississippi schools is commendable, we must also acknowledge that there’s more to do to improve literacy and reading proficiency among all Mississippians,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “This bipartisan resolution highlights the fact that our personal lives, as well as the wellbeing of our nation, rely on a strong, literate American population.” Nationally, a 2022 NAEP report card indicated two-thirds of fourth and eighth graders are unable to read proficiently. Another 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy estimated that low levels of adult literacy could be costing America as much as $2.2 trillion a year. The National Parents Union, Ed Trust, and Educators for Excellence endorsed the Senate support the resolution, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and HELP Ranking Member Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announces-us-department-health-and-human-services-awards,Congressman Thompson Announces U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards to Support Maternal and Child Health Services and Drug-Free Communities Coalition,2024-09-13,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,MS,Bennie G. Thompson,T000193,benniethompson.house.gov,benniethompson,https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BOLTON, MS – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson announces two significant awards granted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support critical programs in Mississippi. The awards are aimed at enhancing maternal and child health services and fostering drug-free communities. The Mississippi State Department of Health has been awarded $2,443,906 under the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program (B04). This funding will support essential programs that promote the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children across the state, ensuring improved access to medical care, preventive services, and health education.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z