Mississippi

State Senators:

Rodger Wicker (R)

Term Start: December 31, 2007

Full Name: Rodger Fredrick Wicker
Date of Birth: July 5, 1951
Birthplace: Pontotoc, Mississippi, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Roger Wicker was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, and grew up in a family with a strong tradition of public service. His father was a judge, and his mother was a teacher. Wicker attended Pontotoc High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Mississippi in 1973. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1975.

Personal Life: Roger Wicker is married to Gayle Long Wicker, and they have three children. The family resides in Tupelo, Mississippi. Wicker is known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through effective and principled legislation.

Early Career: After completing his education, Wicker served as an officer in the United States Air Force from 1976 to 1980, including a stint in the Air Force Reserve until 2004, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He began his political career as a staff member for U.S. Representative Trent Lott and later served as a judge advocate general (JAG) officer at Columbus Air Force Base.

Political Career:

Mississippi State Senate: Elected in 1987, served until 1994
U.S. House of Representatives: In 1994, Wicker was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Mississippi’s 1st congressional district. He served seven terms from 1995 to 2007. During his time in the House, Wicker focused on issues such as national defense, healthcare, and economic development. He was a member of the House Appropriations Committee and worked on securing funding for various projects in Mississippi.
U.S. Senate: In 2007, Wicker was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour to fill the seat vacated by Trent Lott. He won a special election in 2008 to complete the term and was subsequently re-elected in 2012 and 2018. As a senator, Wicker has focused on national defense, transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and economic policies. He has been a strong advocate for military service members and veterans.

Committees:

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Cochairman)
Committee on Armed Services (Ranking)
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Rules and Administration
Select Committee on Intelligence

Legislative Achievements:

Defense and National Security: Strong advocate for national defense, supporting increased military spending and modernization of the armed forces. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, he has focused on enhancing military readiness and cybersecurity.
Commerce and Transportation: Worked on legislation to improve the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including aviation and rail systems. Supports innovation in science and technology sectors.
Healthcare: Advocates for healthcare reforms that include protecting rural healthcare access and promoting medical research. Opposes the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but supports measures to reduce healthcare costs.
Veterans’ Affairs: Strong supporter of veterans’ benefits, working on legislation to improve healthcare and support services for veterans.
Environmental Policy: Advocates for responsible environmental stewardship, supporting conservation efforts while balancing economic interests. Has a mixed record on environmental regulations, often prioritizing economic growth and energy independence.

Senator Wicker is known for his strong advocacy for national defense, healthcare reform, and veterans’ affairs. His legislative efforts focus on improving the nation’s infrastructure, promoting innovation, and supporting economic growth while balancing environmental stewardship. Wicker’s long tenure in public service reflects his commitment to representing the interests of Mississippi and addressing critical national issues.

Committees

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. This is a U.S. government agency that monitors and promotes the following in Europe and surrounding areas: Human Rights, Democracy, Military Security, Economic Cooperation, and Humanitarian Issues. The commission includes members from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and executive branch, and it conducts various activities to inform U.S. policy and ensure adherence to international agreements.

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Rules and Administration: Committee ensures that the Senate functions smoothly and efficiently by overseeing its rules, administration, elections, and public access.

Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.

Voting patterns

Senator Wicker has a voting record that reflects his conservative stance on various issues, particularly in areas such as national security, economic policies, environmental regulation, and healthcare.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security and Defense: Wicker has been a strong advocate for robust national defense policies. He voted in favor of several defense-related bills, including the “Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act” (H.R. 7888) and the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure adequate funding and resources for the military and intelligence agencies.
Economic Policies: Wicker supports economic measures aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and promoting business growth. He voted for resolutions disapproving certain rules from the Securities and Exchange Commission (H.J.Res. 109) and the Department of the Treasury (S.J.Res. 57), reflecting his preference for less federal oversight of the financial sector.
Environmental Issues: Wicker has a low score from environmental groups, such as the League of Conservation Voters, due to his votes against environmental regulations. He voted for bills that disapprove of certain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, including S.J.Res. 58 and S.4072, which aimed to block energy conservation standards and other environmental protections.
Healthcare: Wicker has opposed several measures aimed at expanding healthcare access. For instance, he voted against the “Right to Contraception Act” (S.4381), which sought to ensure nationwide access to contraception services.
Labor and Employment: Wicker has supported legislation to limit the power of labor unions and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. He voted for H.J.Res. 98, disapproving a rule by the National Labor Relations Board regarding joint employer status.
Public Health and Safety: Wicker has voted for measures related to public health infrastructure and safety, including the “Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act” (H.R. 3935), to support the aviation industry’s growth and safety standards.

Senator Roger Wicker’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing tax cuts, limited government spending, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence.

Full Name: Cindy Hyde-Smith
Date of Birth: May 10, 1959
Birthplace: Brookhaven, Mississippi, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Cindy Hyde-Smith was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and raised in a farming family. She attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and later graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981. Her upbringing on a farm and her early education helped shape her interests and values, particularly those related to agriculture and rural development.

Personal Life: Cindy Hyde-Smith is married to Michael Smith, and they have one daughter. The family resides in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Hyde-Smith is known for her commitment to her constituents and her efforts to represent Mississippi’s agricultural and rural communities effectively.

Early Career: Hyde-Smith began her career in the public sector by working as a cattle farmer and for various agricultural organizations. Her deep roots in agriculture influenced her political career and policy focuses. Before entering state politics, she also worked in the private sector, gaining experience in small business operations and community service.

Cindy Hyde-Smith (R)

Term Start: April 9, 2018

Political Career:

Mississippi State Senate: Hyde-Smith’s political career began in the Mississippi State Senate, where she served from 2000 to 2012 as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party in 2010. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. Her legislative work earned her recognition and respect within the state.
Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce: In 2011, Hyde-Smith was elected as Mississippi’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She served from 2012 until her appointment to the U.S. Senate in 2018. As commissioner, she promoted the state’s agricultural products, supported farmers, and worked to expand market opportunities for Mississippi’s agricultural sector.
U.S. Senate: In March 2018, Hyde-Smith was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, following the resignation of Senator Thad Cochran. She won a special election in November 2018 to complete Cochran’s term and was re-elected in 2020. As a senator, Hyde-Smith has focused on issues such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and veterans’ affairs.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Rules and Administration
Joint Committee on the Library

Legislative Achievements:

Agriculture: As a former Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Hyde-Smith is a strong advocate for farmers and rural communities. She has worked on legislation to support agricultural research, expand market opportunities for farmers, and improve rural infrastructure.
Healthcare: Focuses on improving rural healthcare access and services. Hyde-Smith supports efforts to address the opioid crisis and has advocated for funding to enhance mental health services.
Defense and Veterans’ Affairs: Supports a strong national defense and has voted for increased defense spending. Advocates for veterans’ benefits and services, emphasizing the need to improve healthcare and job training for veterans.
Economic Development: Advocates for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development in Mississippi. Supports tax cuts and regulatory reforms aimed at stimulating the economy.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is known for her strong advocacy for agriculture, rural healthcare, national defense, and economic development. Her background in farming and experience in state government have shaped her legislative priorities. Hyde-Smith’s commitment to supporting rural communities and veterans highlights her focus on addressing the needs of her constituents in Mississippi.

Committees

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Rules and Administration: Committee ensures that the Senate functions smoothly and efficiently by overseeing its rules, administration, elections, and public access.

Joint Committee on the Library: Committee oversees various functions and operations related to the Library of Congress, the principal research arm of the legislative branch.

Voting patterns

Senator Hyde-Smith has a voting record that aligns with her conservative values, focusing on national security, economic policies, and social issues.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security and Defense: Hyde-Smith supports robust national defense policies. She voted for the “Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act” (H.R.7888) and various defense appropriations bills to ensure adequate funding for the military and intelligence agencies.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Hyde-Smith has opposed measures to expand reproductive rights. She voted against the “Right to Contraception Act” (S.4381) and the “Right to IVF Act” (S.4445), reflecting her pro-life stance.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: She supports reducing regulatory burdens and promoting economic growth. Hyde-Smith voted for resolutions disapproving certain rules from the Securities and Exchange Commission (H.J.Res.109) and the Department of the Treasury (S.J.Res.57) .
Environmental Issues: Hyde-Smith has a low score from environmental groups, indicating her opposition to stringent environmental regulations. She voted for resolutions to block certain EPA rules, such as S.J.Res.58 and S.4072.
Labor and Employment: She has supported legislation limiting the power of labor unions. Hyde-Smith voted for H.J.Res.98, disapproving a rule by the National Labor Relations Board regarding joint employer status.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s voting record reflects her commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. Her stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence.