Protecting Family Values

I believe my values are shared with most Mississippians. As a Southern Baptist, I am a strong supporter of Christian family values.  I do not support gay marriage and believe in the traditional definition of marriage. 

Miss. Senators Sponsor Pro-Life Legislation to Save Human Embryos

Bill Would Promote Research Using Ethically-Obtained Adult Stem Cells

July 30, 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., reintroduced the Patients First Act, which would promote stem cell research without the creation, use, destruction, or discarding of human embryos. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss.

“We do not have to choose between promoting stem cell research and respecting life,” Wicker said. “The Patients First Act would encourage the use of adult stem cells for medical purposes. All Americans can support this ethical and effective alternative to embryonic stem cell research.”

“Ethical science that respects the dignity of life is always the best science. Advances in stem cell research can be achieved without relying on the destruction of human embryos,” Hyde-Smith said. “This legislation establishes scientifically-sound policies that protect the sanctity of life while promoting promising stem cell research on better treatments and cures for many diseases. I commend Senator Wicker’s leadership on this bill.”

The Patients First Act would:

  • Promote the creation of pluripotent stem cell lines without the creation of human embryos, or the destruction or discarding of, or risk of injury, to human embryos;
  • Intensify stem cell research that may result in an improved understanding of, or treatments for, diseases and other adverse health conditions;
  • Promote research and human clinical trials using stem cells that are ethically obtained and show evidence of providing clinical benefit for human patients;
  • Direct the National Institutes of Health to prioritize stem cell research that has the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefits given currently available evidence;
  • Reverse President Obama’s Executive Order 13505, which gave the Department of Health and Human services the authority to use embryonic stem cells in research; and
  • Codify the Dickey-Wicker Amendment prohibiting the use of federal funds for human embryonic stem cell research.

The legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Steve Daines, R-S.D., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., and James Lankford, R-Okla.

 

Wicker Works To Prevent Children’s Deaths in Hot Cars

New Bill Would Keep Minors Safe

July 29, 2019

For many drivers, our most precious cargo is often in the backseat: a child. Every caregiver knows the extra precautions they take when driving with a youngster. But the greatest danger can sometimes happen when the trip is over, the car is parked, and the child is accidentally left behind.  

Last year, 52 children died in parked vehicles because they were alone, the temperature rose, and they suffered a heatstroke. Babies and toddlers are more sensitive to heat than adults because their bodies cannot regulate temperature changes as effectively. Since 1998, more than 800 minors have died in exactly this type of scenario, sometimes in weather as cool as 60 degrees. These tragedies can happen to any family, particularly during heat waves like the one parts of our country recently experienced.  

These deaths are terrible, but preventable. Education plays an important role in reduction, but technology is also part of the answer. Earlier this month, the Senate Commerce Committee, which I chair, took up this issue by approving a bill I sponsored called the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in Rear Seats Act of 2019, or the HOT CARS Act.

The HOT CARS Act

The HOT CARS Act takes key lessons from public awareness campaigns, private practice, and vehicle safety legislation to tackle this matter head on. It would direct states to conduct educational initiatives about prevention and instruct the U.S. Department of Transportation to require alert systems in new passenger vehicles. An alert, taking one second of a driver’s time, could save dozens of young lives every year.

These kinds of reminders assist drivers and keep people safe every day already, such as when they forget to buckle up, leave a door open, or drive on underinflated tires. People make small mistakes like these all the time, and it is helpful when technologies catch them. Such a warning for unattended children would make it less likely a small mistake turns into a fatal accident. This relatively affordable equipment would save lives.

Working With Industry

Some auto manufacturers are already taking measures to install these systems to protect children. For example, certain new car models monitor when the rear door is opened and closed before and after a vehicle is in motion. The driver is notified if the door is not re-opened after the trip. Other versions detect movement in the back seat. I have been encouraged by the voluntary actions businesses have taken to fix this problem, and Congress and the auto industry are working together to implement solutions.

There are also easy steps caregivers can take to prevent children’s deaths in hot cars. These are as simple as always checking the backseat, locking empty cars so that children do not climb inside and become trapped, leaving a toy in the front seat to remind drivers of the child, and putting a purse, cellphone, or wallet in the backseat. They can also work with their daycare to set up notifications when children are not dropped off and remember to be good neighbors by calling 911when a child is spotted alone and unable to get out of a vehicle.

But, as hard as everyone may try, no one is perfect. These precautions are not foolproof. The HOT CARS Act would empower drivers by providing the extra tools they need in their vehicles to keep their most precious cargo safe.

Wicker Warns Against the Dangers of Leaving Unattended Passengers in Hot Cars

July 18, 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today warned against the dangers of leaving unattended children in hot cars and provided tips and resources on how to prevent these tragedies.

“Since 1998, there have been more than 800 children who have died from heat stroke after being left in hot cars,” said Wicker. “This tragedy repeats itself every year, particularly during heat waves like the one we are experiencing. To prevent these heartbreaking situations, I urge Mississippians to take precautions, whether it is leaving your purse or cell phone in the backseat or having your childcare facility call you if the child has not been dropped off by a certain time. I would also urge my colleagues to pass the HOT CARS Act, which would require all new passenger vehicles to be equipped with a child safety alert system, and get this important legislation to the President’s desk before the end of the summer.”

Tips to Prevent Leaving a Child in an Unattended Vehicle:

  • Never leave your child alone in the car for any period of time.
  • Make it a habit of leaving your cell phone, briefcase, or purse in the backseat close to your child’s car seat.
  • When you leave your car, be sure to lock it so your children do not climb inside and become trapped.
  • Check the backseat every time you leave your car.
  • If you see a child left in a car, call 911 immediately.

For more resources on how to prevent hot car deaths, click here.

Wicker is the author of the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in the Rear Seat (HOT CARS) Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a final rule within two years requiring new passenger vehicles to be equipped with a visual and auditory alert system to remind caregivers to check the rear seat. The bill would also direct states to use a portion of their highway safety program funds to educate the public on the risks of leaving a child or unattended passenger in a vehicle, and require DOT to undertake a third-party study on retrofitting existing passenger motor vehicles. Earlier this month, the Commerce Committee approved the HOT CARS Act by voice vote.

For the full bill, click here.

Wicker, Hyde-Smith Support Confirmation of Judge Sul Ozerden at Senate Hearing

Gulfport Native is President Trump’s Nominee for the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

July 17, 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today recommended confirmation of U.S. District Court Judge Sul Ozerden of Mississippi to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Wicker and Hyde-Smith introduced Ozerden at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing Wednesday. President Trump nominated Ozerden in June.

In his remarks to the committee, Wicker pointed to the wide breadth of experiences Judge Ozerden will draw upon as a jurist.

“The son of an immigrant, Judge Ozerden was an Eagle Scout, a distinguished combat veteran, a leader in his church and community, and has been a federal district court judge for the last 12 years. Judge Ozerden has my strong support and that of Senator Hyde-Smith,” Wicker said. “His judicial and academic achievements alone qualify him for this position. But his good character, experience as a Navy fighter pilot, and record of volunteerism and community involvement also are exemplary.” 

Hyde-Smith highlighted Ozerden’s experience and good reputation built on “his prudence, fair-mindedness, leadership, and knowledge of the law.”

“Judge Ozerden has impeccable credentials, and it is clear he is very well qualified—by ability, education, and experience—to serve as an appellate judge,” Hyde-Smith said. “Judge Ozerden is a man who is admired by all who come to know him and is a widely respected person of great integrity. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will be enhanced by his presence.  I am proud of the recommendation Senator Wicker, the late Senator Cochran, and President Trump have made to the Senate, and I urge the Judiciary Committee to approve this nomination.”

The Senate confirmed Ozerden to his current position unanimously in 2007. On the U.S. District Court, he has authored more than 1,000 judicial opinions and has previously sat by designation on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The judge earned his law degree from Stanford Law School and an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University. He is a native of Gulfport.

Ozerden is also a retired commissioned officer and pilot with the U.S. Navy. He flew missions in Iraq and Somalia.

A seat on the Fifth Circuit of U.S. Court of Appeals opened when Judge Grady Jolly took senior status in October 2017. The Fifth Circuit covers the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

The Senate Judiciary Committee must approve the Ozerden nomination before the full Senate can vote to confirm him.

Wicker Celebrates Judicial Confirmation Milestone

More Great Nominations to Come

May 13, 2019

The future of the courts was one of the most important issues of the 2016 presidential election. There was a good reason for that. Justice Scalia’s sudden death in February of that year reminded everyone of the high stakes in electing a president with the power to choose judges with lifetime appointments.

Candidate Donald Trump understood this. He took the welcome step of releasing a list of his potential nominees for the Supreme Court before any votes were cast. As President, he has followed through by nominating Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the highest court in the land, along with a slate of other well-qualified picks for lower courts.

The Senate is making good on the hopes of the American people and promises of President Trump, confirming its 100th judicial nominee at the end of April. This milestone shows that we have kept our word to voters.

More nominations are coming and, thanks to a recent Senate rules change, future candidates will face a streamlined confirmation process.

Overcoming Historic Obstruction

This accomplishment has come despite attempts to halt its progress. Nominees are thoroughly vetted by the White House and by the Senate. They meet with senators individually to discuss their views and qualifications well before they come up for votes in committees or on the floor. Members have many chances to voice their concerns, but the Senate only has so much time as a whole body to consider each candidate.

Democrats used a procedural rule calling for 30 hours of debate a record 128 times during President Trump’s first two years in office. By contrast, Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama faced this same hurdle only 24 times combined in their first two years. Most of the president’s nominees are not controversial, and many Democratic senators end up voting for them after they leave the procedural limbo.

The Commerce Committee, which I chair, has also been affected by these stalling tactics. Ronald Batory – a man with four decades of experience in the railroad industry and an excellent reputation – saw the rules abused to delay his nomination by more than 200 days. When Mr. Batory finally did come up for a vote, he was confirmed unanimously. The lengthy debate time was never used for debate, only delay. He should have been on the job and improving rail safety months before. This same maneuver slowed scores of other judicial and executive branch confirmations, kept the government from doing its job, and discouraged qualified Americans from entering public service.

The Senate is Doing its Part

The Republican-led Senate is ending this unacceptable obstruction by improving how our chamber operates. Now, two hours of debate time are provided for most nominations. We have already seen positive results, with additional well-qualified candidates taking offices every day, and most confirmations done with big majorities. Future nominees can get to work without going through what Mr. Batory experienced.

This is welcome news for our country. As Alexander Hamilton observed in Federalist No. 68, “The true test of a good government is its aptitude and tendency to produce a good administration.”

We cannot have good government without producing a fully-staffed administration. President Trump’s upcoming nominees will be responsive to citizens’ needs once they take their posts, and a judiciary manned by these candidates will be qualified, fair-minded, impartial, and interpret the law according to its original meaning.

Wicker Concerned by Apparent Discrimination Against Pro-Life Film

Unplanned Shows a Path Forward

April 15, 2019

Few critics expected the new film Unplanned to rise to the top of the box office charts. But the true story of Abby Johnson, a Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life advocate, has done just that. This success comes in spite of critical and commercial obstacles.

Unplanned finished fourth at the box office in its opening week because of the power of Mrs. Johnson’s story. Like many pro-choice Americans, she held her view out of a desire to help women with unwanted pregnancies. But when confronted by Planned Parenthood’s practices, the brutality of abortion, and her realization that life begins at conception, she changed her mind. She now fights to end abortion.

The movie’s success coincides with troubling news that media companies may be undermining the film’s marketing efforts. Many television networks apparently refused to run ads promoting Unplanned; the movie’s Twitter account was suspended; and followers were removed from its social media lists without their knowledge.

As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I take reports of media bias seriously. As I wrote in a letter to television networks, “Amid myriad claims of media platforms silencing conservative voices, I am deeply troubled by these reports.” If these platforms are discriminating against pro-life content, then the public has a right to know.

A Persuasive Message That Needs to be Heard

The pro-life movement’s goals will take time to achieve, but public opinion is moving in the cause’s favor. There are also positive state-level developments, including Mississippi’s recent success banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be heard. President Trump has taken welcome action by expanding the Mexico City policy prohibiting foreign aid to abortion providers. And a strengthening grassroots coalition heard in the halls of Congress gives me confidence that there is progress.

The success of Unplanned bolsters that confidence. It is a story about how one person changed course and now works to help others change theirs. Pro-life advocates should continue to be in the persuasion business so that there will be more stories like Mrs. Johnson’s. 

Sonograms and Science are Helping

Persuasion and scientific advancements like sonograms revealing fetal hands, feet, and the miracle of human life have grown the pro-life movement since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Polls indicate that the millennial generation – which came of age holding pictures of its brothers, sisters, and now children in the womb – is more pro-life than the previous generation.

I remember witnessing my first March for Life as a young staffer for then-Congressman Trent Lott in 1981. It has grown since and become one of the largest annual events in the capital. Hundreds of marchers from Mississippi join every year.

This grassroots movement has sparked real action on Capitol Hill. The Senate confirms pro-life judges to the bench and annually passes the Hyde Amendment, barring the use of federal funds to pay for abortions in the United States. The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act” would make the Hyde Amendment permanent, and I will continue to fight for its passage. However, the fact that only three Democratic senators voted for the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” shows how extreme pro-abortion activists have become.

Mrs. Johnson’s work and the young faces of a growing anti-abortion movement are powerful answers to those on the other side who prevent these bills from becoming laws. Changing hearts and minds is the ultimate answer for those of us who want to protect life.

Wicker Breaks Down the ‘Green New Deal’

Socialist-Inspired Proposal Would Bankrupt America

March 4, 2019

The “Green New Deal” is perhaps the most expensive and economically disastrous legislation ever proposed.  The socialist-inspired plan aims to remake America’s economy and society through a radical new approach to energy, infrastructure, and the role of government.  New research from the American Action Forum estimates the proposal would cost taxpayers up to $93 trillion - more than four times the annual value of all economic activity in the United States. 

Put another way, the Green New Deal proposes to spend more money than the entire recorded spending of the federal government since the Constitution went into effect in 1789.

Proponents of the deal say that the legislation would be paid for by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans.  However, the math does not work.  At a cost of about $650,000 per American household, nearly 90 percent of all American assets, wealth, and property would need to be exchanged to pay this hefty price tag.

An Unrealistic and Unachievable Proposal

The Green New Deal requires such an enormous cost because it would mandate goals that are unrealistic and unachievable - not to mention bad policy.  The plan calls for a switch to 100 percent renewable fuels within a decade.  Wind and solar power currently account for only eight percent of America’s energy and only three percent of energy generated in Mississippi. 

Eliminating the use of America’s abundant and affordable coal, oil, and gas resources would not only devastate these industries and the communities they support but also burden all Americans with extremely high energy bills.  The plan includes the elimination of gas-powered vehicles, including airplanes, and requires a costly expansion of emissions-free public transportation systems.  This would require the replacement of 99 percent of all vehicles - a tremendous waste of resources - and would isolate those in rural states like Mississippi.

The Green New Deal also contradicts the reality of America’s current energy revolution.  Over the past decade, new drilling techniques and technology have transformed our country into a net-exporter of energy.  Lower energy costs have helped fuel our economic resurgence.

Socialism’s False Promises

The demands of the Green New Deal go well beyond energy.  The plan also would guarantee housing, health care, high-wage jobs, food, and paid vacations for all Americans, including those “unwilling to work.”  From the Soviet Union to Venezuela, the failures of socialism are proof that government control cannot produce economic prosperity.

It would be easy to dismiss the Green New Deal as an absurd proposal, yet many are taking it seriously.  The resolution has the support of 90 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 12 members of the U.S. Senate.  Several candidates for President of the United States also have voiced their approval.

The push for a Green New Deal makes even less sense given the success of Republican policies in jump starting our economy with lower taxes and fewer unnecessary regulations.  Our economy grew at a rate of nearly three percent last year.  More Americans are working than ever before and wages are growing.  As our quality of life continues to improve and new opportunities abound for our people, the last thing we need is a Green New Deal.

Wicker, Hyde-Smith Praise Approval of Black History Month Resolution

Measure Celebrates African American Achievements, Cites Notable Mississippians

February 28, 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today praised approval of a Black History Month resolution honoring the achievements of African Americans, including notable leaders from Mississippi.

The Senate resolution, approved by unanimous consent Wednesday night, cites the history of African Americans and their significant contributions to advancing education, politics, arts, sports, literature, science, technology, and the Armed Services.

“This resolution honors the important contributions of black Americans to our nation’s history and culture,” Wicker said. “I am especially mindful of the notable Mississippians who were included in this resolution. Their effect upon our nation will always be a part of our state’s legacy.”

“Mississippians are proud of the achievements of so many African Americans from our state, who have influenced not just our country but the world,” said Hyde-Smith, who cosponsored the resolution.  “I’m pleased the Senate has passed this resolution recognizing Black History Month, joining in a national commemoration of the past while looking forward to new accomplishments.”

The Senate resolution incorporates the names of notable African Americans from Mississippi including Medgar Evers, B.B. King, Dr. Aaron Shirley, Walter Payton, U.S. Senator Blanche K. Bruce, U.S. Senator Hiram Revels, Holt Collier, and Mamie Till, the mother of Emmett Till.

The Black History Month resolution states in part that “the contributions of African Americans from all walks of life throughout the history of the United States reflect the greatness of the United States,” and that the Senate “acknowledges the significance of Black History Month as an important opportunity to commemorate the tremendous contributions of African Americans to the history of the United States.”

The resolution is available here.

Wicker Votes for “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act”

Miss. Senator Supports Senate Effort to Protect Infants Who Survive Abortion Attempts

February 25, 2019

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for S. 311, the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” The legislation would protect newborn infants who survive abortion attempts by requiring health care practitioners to provide life-supporting care and admit the infant to a hospital. The bill failed to achieve the 60 votes required to advance in the Senate.

“This legislation would provide important protections for infants who survive unsuccessful abortion procedures,” Wicker said. “I am disappointed my colleagues could not agree that all newborn children deserve support and care.”

The legislation would require health care practitioners to exercise the same degree of professional skill and care to protect an infant born after an abortion attempt as would be offered to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. It also would require that the living child be immediately transported and admitted to a hospital after appropriate care has been given.

Current federal law does not criminalize the denial of care to a newborn child who survives an abortion. Nearly half of all states do not have laws requiring physicians to provide medical care to infants after botched abortions.

Wicker is an original cosponsor of the legislation, which was introduced by U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, R-Neb.

Wicker, Hyde-Smith Announce $37.6 Million for Mississippi Head Start Programs

January 23, 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today announced the award of $37.6 million in federal grant funding for Head Start programs in Mississippi, including $30.3 million in new funding for Early Head Start programs in Benton, Marshall, DeSoto, Noxubee, Grenada, Lowndes, and Tunica counties.

“The expansion of Early Head Start in these seven counties will provide support for young children at a critical stage in their development,” Wicker said. “I supported the Institute of Community Services’ application for this funding. They have a long track record of providing comprehensive support services to Mississippi families in need.”

“This type of investment in early education can help children be better students. Head Start programs across the state have been instrumental in improving children’s physical, social, and intellectual development.  I’m pleased the Department of Health and Human Services is directing this significant funding to support Mississippi youths,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Head Start program.

Head Start programs provide a range of services to low-income families to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of their children. Early Head Start programs are designed to address a similar range of developmental needs, but are designed for infants and toddlers up to the age of three.

All 82 counties in Mississippi are served by Head Start programs, which are administered by different grantees. Click here to learn more about Head Start programs in Mississippi.