Two highly contagious viruses are posing a serious threat to farm-raised catfish, and Mississippi’s $196 million catfish industry cannot afford to wait. @SenatorWicker and I joined our colleagues in urging the USDA to act now to prevent these viruses from reaching U.S. waters and devastating one of our most important agricultural industries.

I’m pushing for additional FY27 funding for two critical projects in Mississippi – the Yazoo Backwater Pumps and Arkabutla Dam repairs. Yesterday, @USACEHQ confirmed both projects can put more dollars to work. Failure is not an option, and I will keep fighting to ensure these projects are done right. Details: hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-sm…

America grows the best cotton in the world, so let’s wear it! I was thrilled to hear @SecRollins say she’s with us on the Buying American Cotton Act. BACA would create tax credits to incentivize American companies to use American-grown cotton, keeping jobs here, strengthening rural communities, and putting American farmers first. Over 80 industry groups, farm bureaus, and major retailers are already on board. Let’s get it done! Details: hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-sm…

Had a great meeting with leaders from the National Cotton Council to discuss my legislation, the Buying American Cotton Act. American farmers grow the finest cotton in the world, and it’s time our policies reflect that. My bill would create real incentives for American companies to source domestically, keeping dollars in our economy and supporting the hardworking people who produce cotton in Mississippi and across the Cotton Belt. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we advance this legislation.

Farmers in Mississippi and across the country are being squeezed by skyrocketing labor costs and economic headwinds. I cosponsored @SenTedBuddNC's FARM Stability Act to lock in the Trump administration’s H-2A wage reforms that create a more predictable wage formula and a fair, two-tiered scale for workers. Our producers deserve greater certainty to plan, grow, and keep feeding, clothing, and fueling America. More details: hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-sm…

The plan put forward by my colleagues Chairman @JohnBoozman and @SenJohnHoeven is a significant proposal that would provide strong support for producers in Mississippi and across the country. Congress should act to get this much needed assistance across the finish line for our producers.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to help advance three more FY26 appropriations bills – Energy and Water Development, Interior and Environment, and Commerce-Justice-Science – now headed to President Trump for signature. These bills reflect months of responsible, bipartisan work to make important investments in Mississippi’s water and wastewater systems, public safety, scientific research, offshore energy oversight, and critical Army Corps projects like the Yazoo Backwater Pumps and Arkabutla Lake dam repairs. With six of the 12 annual appropriations bills approved, Congress is moving funding forward in a fiscally responsible way that saves $10 billion compared to another continuing resolution. I appreciate the hard work my colleagues and I put in to actively shape and deliver these results for Mississippi and the nation. Learn more about what’s in each of the bills in this package: Energy and Water Development: hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-sm… Interior: hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-sm… Commerce, Justice, and Science: hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-sm…

Mr. Bob Dunlap lived a life defined by quiet generosity and a deep love for the people and places of Mississippi. Through his hard work and leadership, he strengthened his hometown, opened doors to education and second chances, nurtured young people, cared for the vulnerable, and invested in the land so future generations could thrive. He never sought recognition, yet his impact and legacy of kindness is woven into countless lives and communities across the state. Mississippi is undeniably a better place because Mr. Bob was in it. He will be deeply missed.