WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States:

“Last year, I voted against confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to a federal appeals court because I had serious doubts about her record and judicial philosophy. After seeing her closely examined this week by the Senate Judiciary Committee, I stand by my original concerns.

“Judge Jackson has consistently evaded basic questions from Senators about her views of the law, the role of a judge, and her record. I was especially disappointed that she failed to disavow the idea of court packing, which radical left-wing groups have advocated as a means of imposing their will on the country.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today gave final approval to the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2022, legislation which will fund federal agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, provide an extra $29 billion above and beyond the President’s budget request for national defense, and dedicate $14 billion to efforts to combat Russia’s continued attack on Ukraine and threat to U.S. interests in Europe. The legislation, which was passed on a broad bipartisan basis, also includes many provisions for Mississippi projects that Wicker supported.

“After months of delays, the Senate has passed a funding agreement that will not only provide for the basic operation of our government but also send a message of strength to America’s adversaries,” Wicker said. “With an extra $29 billion set aside for national defense above the President’s budget request and a dedicated fund of $14 billion to support our efforts to combat Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Europe, there is no question that the U.S. military will continue to stand strong into the next year.

“Conservatives fought to preserve important pro-life provisions like the Hyde Amendment in this year’s funding agreement and won, despite Democrat’s attempts to remove these bipartisan provisions.

“This legislation will also make a major impact on Mississippi, providing additional resources for existing health care, education, economic development, infrastructure, and agriculture programs. I was also glad to advocate personally for many deserving projects in Mississippi that will now receive the support they need to move forward.”

Among other provisions, the legislation supports:

• Countering Russian Aggression in Europe – $14 billion in emergency funding is included for humanitarian, security, and economic assistance for Ukraine and Central European partners following the Russian invasion.
• Providing for the national defense – The $782 billion for defense funding represents a $29 billion increase over the president’s budget request and includes:
  • 2.7 percent military service member pay raise
  • $26.7 billion to procure 13 Navy ships, $4.1 billion above the FY22 request.
  • Boosting economic development – The legislation includes significant increases for the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, and advanced research and development projects across the federal government.
  • Enhancing our nation’s infrastructure – The legislation builds upon the success of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to continue funding for infrastructure projects, including bridge replacement and rehabilitation, ports, rail, airports, broadband, water and wastewater.
  • Improving health care programs and research – The legislation provides additional resources for health care programs, including Community Health Centers, telehealth, cancer screening, and rare disease research.

The legislation also supports many projects important to Mississippi that Wicker endorsed, including:

• $370 million for Mississippi River and Tributaries projects.
• $99 million for the National Security Cutter Program.
• $61.25 million to rehabilitate Sections of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
• $34.5 million for 10 MW Generation Plant and Feeder Level Microgrid System at Camp Shelby.
• $15.5 million for Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) at Camp Shelby.
• $11.1 million for Electrical Distribution Infrastructure Undergrounding Hardening Project at Camp Shelby.
• $9.3 million for Fire Crash and Rescue Station at Thompson Field in Jackson
• $4 million for two projects at the University of Mississippi to test graphene materials and improve weather monitoring.
• $7 million for two projects at the University of Southern Mississippi to test graphene materials and operate an ocean sensor calibration laboratory.
• $7 million for the Yazoo Backwater Area.
• $4 million for the City of Jackson to make repairs and improvements to the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant.
• $12.7 million for Mississippi hospital and medical facilities to purchase equipment and improve facilities.
• $16.64 million for Mississippi infrastructure and facility improvements, including Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Laurel Hattiesburg Regional Airport, Star Landing Road in DeSoto County, Beatline Parkway in Long Beach, Bozeman-Reunion Crossing Interchanges in Madison, East Brandon Bypass in Rankin County, Gateway Harbor in Long Beach, Rust College, Mississippi Water and Wastewater Workforce and Public Safety Training Center, and Greenville Federal Courthouse in Greenville.
• $743,000 to launch the Mississippi Small Business Tech Commercialization Center.
• $500,000 for literacy and education projects at Coahoma Community College and Cleveland School District.

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement on President Joseph R. Biden’s selection of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court:

“The confirmation of a justice to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court is a solemn responsibility that deserves the full engagement of the U.S. Senate.

“Less than a year ago, I voted against Judge Jackson’s confirmation to the D.C. Circuit because of her left-wing, activist judicial philosophy. That said, I expect the Senate will accord her all the courtesy and respect that was not shown to Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Miguel Estrada, and Janice Rogers Brown.

“I look forward to meeting with Judge Jackson in the near future.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) received an A+ grade on the Susan B. Anthony List National Pro-life Scorecard for his work supporting legislation to protect the unborn. This list is a tool for holding members of Congress accountable for their legislative records on abortion and highlighting leadership in the fight to protect unborn children and their mothers.

“I am proud to be recognized by the Susan B. Anthony List for my efforts to protect the unborn,” Wicker said. “I will continue to be an advocate for pro-life legislation to support the most vulnerable members of our society.”

The SBA scorecard acknowledges Wicker “has stood up against extremist nominees of the pro-abortion Biden-Harris administration, against pro-abortion action both in the administration and through legislation advanced by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.”

“Sen. Wicker has voted consistently to defend the lives of the unborn and infants,” the scorecard continues. “This includes stopping hard-earned tax dollars from paying for abortion, whether domestically or internationally, and protecting health care provider rights for those who refuse to engage in brutal abortions.”

201 representatives and 48 senators received an A+ grade.