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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: TWO-THIRDS OF FUNDING BILL GOES TO NATIONAL SECURITY, LAW
ENFORCEMENT
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Shortly before Christmas, Congress passed major legislation to keep the
government open through fiscal year 2023. Separate appropriations bills to fund
government departments should have been passed months ago but were prevented
from coming to the floor by the Democratic leadership. Although many Americans
were surprised at the bill’s seemingly quick passage, in reality the bill was
the product of months of negotiations between members of both parties. The
final package reflected the hard work of Republican negotiators – in both the
House and Senate – resulting in significant wins for conservatives and full
funding for our nation’s military.



Ending Uncertainty for Our Military



With Republicans expected to lead the House, some have asked why we did not
pass a short-term funding bill to get us into 2023 and allow Republicans to
negotiate a new package. Perhaps the biggest reason is that our military cannot
afford the continued uncertainty of short-term funding. We are now in the most
dangerous period since the Cold War, with China and Russia growing more
aggressive, and our military is not prepared to prevent a war in the Pacific.
Because of Democrat delays, the Pentagon had already been running on a
short-term “continuing resolution” (or CR) since September, keeping the
military focused on last year’s priorities. This stopgap measure wasted tens of
billions of taxpayer dollars and kept the military from moving forward on vital
construction projects and equipment purchases. Passing yet another CR would
have continued to waste money and weaken our military. As a member of the Armed
Services Committee, and as a veteran myself, I have always resisted short-term
funding measures and was determined to give our troops the support they need to
keep us safe.



From the very start of our negotiations, Republicans insisted on giving the
military $45 billion over President Biden’s weak budget request while funding
only half of his domestic spending increases. We were successful in achieving
both goals. As a result, the legislation provides a well-deserved pay raise to
our troops, a 40 percent increase for military housing, a 22 percent increase
for VA medical care, and significant resources to expand our naval fleet. Taken
together, these investments could be decisive in ensuring no adversary
challenges us in a conflict.



Democrats predictably tried to ram through several left-wing priorities, such
as restrictions on oil drilling and our Second Amendment rights. Thankfully,
Republicans blocked these proposals. We also preserved the Hyde Amendment,
ensuring that taxpayer dollars will not go toward abortion. In all, more than
two-thirds of this government funding bill will go to support our national
defense, homeland security, and law enforcement.



Major Boost for Mississippi Projects



Mississippi will benefit from the significant infrastructure funding in this
legislation. In response to the Jackson water crisis, I urged negotiators to
include over $600 million in emergency funding for the city’s water
infrastructure, along with other vital water projects across our state.
Congress provided this critical funding. The legislation will also invest in
Mississippi roads, bridges, ports, rural broadband, hospitals, and schools. And
Mississippi universities will receive grants to conduct groundbreaking research
into energy development and advanced materials.



With Republicans set to control the House, conservatives are making plans to
force Democrats to take up appropriations bills in a more timely manner this
year. I am eager to help restore regular order and finally put a stop to
end-of-year brinkmanship.



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Thank you for your support,

Senator Roger Wicker






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