Roger Wicker
RToday, our delegation is returning home after meeting with several foreign leaders, including President Zelensky in Ukraine. After years of war and atrocities unleashed by Putin, the Ukrainian people remain dedicated to the defense of their homeland. Their cause is one that impacts every free nation, and their ability to innovate rapidly on the battlefield is inspiring. We will carry these insights back to Washington as we continue working toward an enduring, just peace.
For 251 years, the men and women of the U.S. Navy have defended our nation with honor, courage, and commitment. Mississippi is home to generations of Sailors who have served our nation with distinction, and to shipbuilders who helped build the world’s greatest maritime force. Happy birthday, @USNavy!
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On this third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, we remember the victims of Hamas’ atrocities. We must never forget the innocent Israeli and American men, women, and children who were massacred and kidnapped three years ago today. America remembers. We will remain steadfast in our support for our Israeli allies.
Last year’s defense reconciliation bill included a historic investment in Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels — a program that did not exist at the time. A year later, three shipbuilders will each build 10 vessels, growing the fleet. This is a great day for American naval power, driven by an innovative American industrial base.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., this week honored Sara and Nic Pendleton and Thomas Dent as honorees for the 2026 “Angels in Adoption” award. Senator Wicker nominated the Pendletons while Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., nominated Mr. Dent. This recognition honors years of foster parent service and dedicated advocacy for underprivileged children. “Sara, Nic, and Thomas represent the best of Mississippi. They have selflessly devoted their lives to providing loving and nurturing environments for children in need of a home. These honorees have unquestionably changed many lives for the better. It is the least we can do to recognize them for this outstanding work,” said Senator Wicker. Sara and Nic Pendleton, of Biloxi, Mississippi, have opened their homes to more than 25 Mississippi children in foster care. The Pendletons have oriented their home to children with health challenges, providing these children with outstanding medical care and emotional stability. The couple has raised one biological child and adopted five more. Outside of their parental work, the Pendletons are also fierce advocates for the needs of fellow caregivers and of children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with special needs. Thomas Dent, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, has spent years supporting Mississippi children who need care in both professional and personal settings. For over five years, Mr. Dent worked in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services as the Director of Faith-Based and Volunteer Services and as Foster Parent Liaison. He is also an adoptive father and a former foster parent. For Mr. Dent, his commitment to supporting others is driven by his deeply rooted Christian faith. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which sponsors the “Angels in Adoption” program, is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. ###
Every year, thousands of veterans take their own lives at a disproportionately high rate. Losing even one of our heroes to suicide is one too many. My colleagues and I passed a resolution to raise awareness to this issue and encourage continued support. If you or a loved one is hurting, the VA offers many resources for veterans seeking help. Visit https://t.co/rhxRPxkeuH or call 988 to speak with a professional.
Congratulations to Itawamba Community College choir for being chosen to perform at the White House this Christmas season! These talented students will spread Christmas cheer and make Mississippi proud. https://t.co/X3enCtifHD
Sara, Nic, and Thomas represent the best of Mississippi. They have selflessly devoted their lives to providing loving and nurturing environments for children in need of a home. https://t.co/EXdN8FbmdN https://t.co/hcg728kHhg
Congratulations to the U.S. Navy on the F/A-XX sixth-generation strike fighter selection, and to Boeing for investing in American air superiority. This next-generation fighter will give our warfighters a significant advantage over our adversaries for years to come. I look forward to seeing the success of this critical weapons system in our fleet.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today praised President Trump’s nomination of G. Todd Butler of Mississippi to serve as judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Wicker and Hyde-Smith committed to working toward his confirmation. Mr. Butler would succeed Judge Leslie H. Southwick, who has elected to take senior status. “Todd Butler is an excellent pick for the federal bench. He believes in interpreting the law as it is written, pursuant to the text and original meaning of the Constitution—exactly the quality that should characterize a jurist. Mr. Butler is a credit to his home state of Mississippi. We look forward to his swift confirmation.” ###
Todd Butler is an excellent pick for the federal bench. He believes in interpreting the law as it is written, pursuant to the text and original meaning of the Constitution—exactly the quality that should characterize a jurist. Mr. Butler is a credit to his home state of Mississippi. @SenHydeSmith and I look forward to his swift confirmation.
It is always a pleasure catching up with @OliviaTrustyFCC. She is doing such a fantastic job protecting and modernizing American communication networks. https://t.co/H3LOx4MpUz
The United States must win the AI race. This will take close coordination with industry, neighborhoods, and local leaders. Mississippi families and taxpayers should not be left funding data center construction. Today, I voted to advance the Ratepayer Protection Act. The bill would set standards that states can consider to make data center owners responsible for any extra energy costs. The bill passed the House of Representatives 417 to 3, but nearly every Senate Democrat voted no. They blocked a widely supported solution, opting to put partisan politics over Americans’ pocketbooks.
Terrific news for Mississippi State University! The university was selected among four other new Distinguished Military Colleges to establish a Corps of Cadets tradition within their student body. This creates new opportunities for students to earn a commission as an officer in our military and builds leadership skills students will carry with them for life. https://t.co/sxOQxzR8Bk
Today, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, which keeps taxpayer dollars from funding abortion. Hyde is one of Congress’ most significant pro-life achievements, but it must be reapproved every year. We must make Hyde permanent—promoting a culture of life by forever keeping public funds out of abortion procedures. My legislation, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, would do just that.
When fishermen unlawfully catch red snapper from the Gulf, Mississippi fishermen and consumers pay the price. To protect our marine economy, the Senate passed the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act. This legislation will support law enforcement officials as they combat illegal fishing, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Ambassador Yui Tah-ray, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States. During their meeting, the two discussed U.S. security commitments to Taiwan and the rise of Chinese aggression against Indo-Pacific allies. Chairman Wicker issued the following statement after their meeting: “I was pleased to meet with Ambassador Yui Tah-ray from Taiwan. We had a productive discussion regarding the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership amid the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party. “In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which remains the law of the land. This legislation committed the U.S. to make available defense articles and services in sufficient quantity to ensure Taiwan’s ability to defend itself from Chinese aggression. As members of Congress, we have a duty to make sure this law is adhered to and that decisions about the defense needs of Taiwan are based on our joint assessment of military necessity. “During the Reagan administration, the U.S. made a set of diplomatic pledges regarding security cooperation with Taiwan, known as the Six Assurances. President Reagan made clear that we would not consult with the Chinese Communist Party on arms sales to Taiwan. The fortieth president was right when he made that promise then, and we would be wise to uphold that precedent now. “In recent years, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has engaged in a massive military buildup and is increasingly using its growing power aggressively to coerce our allies in the Pacific, including Japan, the Philippines, and especially Taiwan. “In response—and in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act—Congress has authorized and appropriated a surge in resources to provide Taiwan with enhanced training, security assistance, and arms sales. These authorities must be used for the purposes that Congress intended. “The Taiwanese people have chosen democracy as their form of government and have built a dynamic and advanced economy as a result.” ###
Washington – Today, the U.S. Air Force notified Congress that Key Field in Meridian has been selected as one of four preferred locations to be the future home of the new KC-46 aircraft. In response, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., along with U.S. Congressmen Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., welcomed this announcement and made the following statement. “We applaud the U.S. Air Force for selecting Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, as a finalist to host the KC-46 refueling aircraft. “Key Field is the home of the 186th Air Refueling Wing, hosting more than 1,000 Airmen and Air Force personnel servicing the KC-135. The 186th is the primary National Guard tanker unit devoted to U.S. military operations in the Middle East—a vital mission for a consequential region of the world. “Meridian presents a strategic location for the KC-46 and is the prime candidate to undertake this mission. The city sits near important refueling tracks, and Mississippi’s vast open spaces enable large-scale exercises. This allows the 186th not only to service fleets flying along local routes but also to support the global refueling mission. Over the past few years, Key Field leadership has invested in the infrastructure upgrades that facilitate this mission. The City of Meridian also has a long record of welcoming service members and meeting the unique needs of military families. “As the Air Force moves into its final evaluations, we will keep making the case that Key Field is the right home for the next generation of air refueling.” Background on the Mississippi Delegation’s Key Field Engagement: The Mississippi delegation has consistently made the case that Key Field is well equipped to host the KC-46 aircraft. This month, the Mississippi delegation sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink in support of Meridian. Over the past few years, Mississippi’s federal officials have supported additional efforts to modernize Key Field infrastructure, paving the way for the installation to continue its contributions toward America’s national security posture. ###
Mississippians, bookmark https://t.co/7ik2e31idf, a new website built to help you access federal government services. In 2026, it should be easy to find information from your government. @POTUS is making that possible. This site launched today and will continue to improve. It will streamline the maze of agency websites—reducing paperwork, cutting down wait times, and getting information in your hands faster.
I enjoyed sitting down with Dr. Joe Paul, President of @SouthernMiss. The university makes Mississippi proud—offering exceptional opportunities for students and for job creation operating on the front lines of cutting-edge research. Southern Miss to the Top! https://t.co/p4rfYxFJgZ
DeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success. By improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State. https://t.co/mbLj1uMeRm
Putin claims he is on a mission to “liberate” Ukraine, but he has spent months starving civilians in the Ukrainian territories he occupies. If this is how he treats women and children under his charge, what can we expect for others he hopes to “liberate”? https://t.co/ub1bk8afAT
Mississippi community colleges train students to pursue meaningful, high-paying careers. Earlier this year, I voted to approve the federal funding behind this initiative in order to expand these offerings across our state. Because of our highly skilled workforce, companies are growing and wages are rising all over Mississippi. https://t.co/GzTZ4kItcL
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated a $44 million federal award to improve roadways and traffic systems in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Senator Wicker worked with DeSoto County officials and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to secure this competitive grant. The award flows from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, which was funded in the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senator Wicker helped negotiate the legislation as the senior Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “DeSoto County has posted impressive growth numbers for years, and this roadway funding is an investment in its continued success,” said Senator Wicker. “By improving infrastructure, we attract job creators, facilitate tourism, and boost local businesses. I will continue working with local and state leaders to bring federal support to projects all over the Magnolia State.” “This $44 million INFRA grant will help MDOT move a critical capacity project forward, making travel safer and reducing congestion along an important freight corridor. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for our state’s roads and infrastructure,” said Brad White, Executive Director, MDOT. About the $44 million roadway improvement grant: The funding will help expand a corridor of I-55/I-69 in DeSoto County that runs from Church Road to one mile north of SR 302. Today, the corridor is four lanes. It will be expanded into a ten-lane thoroughfare by adding three travel lanes in each direction and modifying the interchanges at Church Road and SR 302, specifically by adding ramp lanes, turning lanes, and lengthened acceleration and deceleration lanes. ###