U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has highlighted the benefits for Mississippi in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the Senate with an 82-15 vote as part of a three-bill funding package (HR.6938). The bill now awaits President Trump’s consideration.
Hyde-Smith, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the CJS bill will support law enforcement, economic development, scientific research, and other national priorities. “As part of this Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill, I’ve worked with my colleagues to support public safety on national and local levels. At the same time, we’ve funded critical scientific and technological fields which involve NASA’s presence in Mississippi and our research universities,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased it is set to be signed into law.”
Among the items included for Mississippi are funds for projects led by Mississippi State University, Ole Miss, the University of Southern Mississippi, and other schools through appropriations for agencies such as the National Science Foundation and NASA.
The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration will continue its work promoting exports from small- and medium-sized businesses while protecting U.S. companies from unfair competition. Hyde-Smith supported language to protect sensitive U.S. agricultural intellectual property from forced export by adversaries and secured funding for programs like Electronic Logbook to help Gulf shrimp fishermen comply with NOAA reporting rules.
The bill maintains funding for NASA Rocket Propulsion Testing at Stennis Space Center and supports programs involving the University of Mississippi such as NASA’s Space Grant Program and EPSCOR initiative.
The legislation also fully funds the Justice Department’s Crime Victims Fund to support services for victims of crime including domestic abuse and child abuse cases. Funding continues for drug courts and Regional Information Sharing Systems relevant to Mississippi.
If enacted, this three-bill package would mean Congress has passed six out of twelve annual appropriations bills for FY2026. HR.6938 allocates $10 billion less than if these agencies were funded under a continuing resolution. Congress faces a January 30 deadline to address remaining appropriations before current funding expires.
According to her official website, Senator Hyde-Smith serves constituents across Mississippi with priorities that include education, health care, veterans’ support, agriculture, rural communities, jobs, infrastructure and public safety. Her office maintains locations in Washington D.C., Ridgeland, Gulfport and Oxford across the state. She holds committee assignments on Appropriations; Agriculture; Nutrition & Forestry; Energy & Natural Resources; Rules & Administration and influences policy through these roles.
Hyde-Smith became the first woman elected to represent Mississippi in Congress after her appointment in 2018 followed by election to a full term in 2020 marking a historic milestone.
