Over the past few weeks, I have looked back, remarking on the good news coming out of Mississippi. As we turn the page on 2025, I am looking toward the future. The U.S. Senate is poised to have a busy 2026. This will be the final year of the 119th Congress, and we will debate legislation regarding housing, healthcare, national defense, and more.

The midterm elections in November will determine whether Republicans maintain a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Amid those uncertainties, my priorities remain the same: continuing America’s national defense rebuild and advocating for Mississippi’s growth.

Continuing America’s Defense Rebuild

We can look back on 2025 as a watershed year in the modernization of the U.S. military. Congress passed two major national security laws that will change the course of our defensive capabilities. As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I led the process for both pieces of legislation.

On July 4th, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts. The law is most famous for its tax cuts, but it contains major national defense provisions. The legislation made a downpayment on numerous weapons systems. In December, Congress passed, and the president signed, the National Defense Authorization Act. We built on the investments of the summer and reformed the Pentagon’s process for acquiring ships, aircraft, and weapons.

These efforts were necessary first steps to kick-start our military rebuild. In 2026, I plan to pass the next phase of defense investments and to implement the acquisition reforms that will make this rebuild possible. The tyrants in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea will take any American weakness as an invitation to be aggressive. We must achieve the kind of military strength that can deter these foes from moving against us. 

Extending Mississippi’s Successes

I am working to protect our nation from threats abroad so that we can enjoy peace and prosperity at home. As always, I will advocate for legislation that helps Mississippi stay competitive in today’s economy.

Companies are already choosing to relocate to Mississippi, drawn by our business-friendly laws, low cost of living, and family values environment. I will keep doing what I can to make our state even more attractive. Across the state, I am working with local officials to improve transportation networks, water systems, and energy capabilities. In December, I introduced a bill called the Success for BEAD Act, which would help more Mississippians receive internet connectivity. I will continue pushing for greater access to telehealth and other policies that benefit rural communities. 

America’s Next 250 Years

In 2026, we will all pause to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding. As we commemorate this milestone, Americans face rising threats abroad, division at home, and fears for the future. Dictators are working to upset the global balance of power, raising questions about the United States’ role in the world. Families, churches, and communities wrestle with disagreements. Parents worry about the effect artificial intelligence will have on their children’s education and job prospects.

Looking back on our history can provide both comfort and guidance. Our Founding Fathers set up a system of government so ingenious that it withstood centuries of change. The story of our country is one of resilience. Government by the people, the separation of powers, and the rule of law have guided us this far. I am confident they will carry us ahead into the next 250 years.