Agriculture is Mississippi's number one industry, directly or indirectly employing more than 17% of our workforce. Farmers are under tremendous pressure to raise crops, while being saddled with skyrocketing fertilizer and fuel prices. Additionally, burdensome rules and regulations do nothing more than make life difficult on the family farm. Recently, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing to discuss our concerns and to receive testimony from Tom Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture. To watch an excerpt from the hearing, please click on the link.

In July 1943, Union County native J.D. Roberts entered the U.S. Army. Six days after D-Day, he and fellow members of Company B, 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division landed at Normandy on Omaha Beach. 

In the days to follow, the division engaged with enemy forces in France and Germany. One of their fiercest battles was fought in Mortain, France. In October 1944, Roberts was struck by German mortar and rifle rounds, inflicting injuries which are problematic to this day. For his service, he received numerous awards, including the Purple Heart. In 2020, President Donald Trump ordered the Army to award the Presidential Unit Citation to the 30th Infantry Division for the outstanding heroism displayed at the Battle of Mortain. Recently, Roberts' distinguished service in France was recognized during a ceremony held in New Albany. Consul General of France Anne-Laure Desjonqueres presented him with the French Legion of Honor award - the highest distinction that can be bestowed upon a foreign citizen.

The 2024 U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition is officially underway! We look forward to highlighting the talented young people from Mississippi's First Congressional District. For more information, please send an email to [email protected] or click on the link.