Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) expressed disappointment with the final FY24 Homeland Security funding measure, stating that it missed the mark on addressing public safety and disaster mitigation projects in Mississippi. Despite her support for the bill, Hyde-Smith highlighted the resistance faced from the Biden administration in strengthening border security and immigration enforcement.

Hyde-Smith, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, emphasized the need for a shift in focus towards stronger border security within the Biden administration. She noted, “I am committed to working to see that the increased funding we’ve agreed on is used to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement.”

The Senator also pointed out her satisfaction with certain provisions in the bill, such as the increase in helicopter procurement for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, particularly highlighting that these aircraft are produced in Mississippi. Additionally, the funding allocation for saferooms in Mississippi communities was acknowledged as a positive outcome.

The final FY24 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill includes increased funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aiming to enhance border security measures. It also allocates resources to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in various illicit activities.

Of significance to Mississippi, the funding agreement provides $20.3 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and supports initiatives for the U.S. Coast Guard, including offshore patrol cutters, icebreakers, and a pay raise for Coast Guard military personnel.

The overall bill adheres to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, focusing on capping discretionary funding and implementing reforms to reduce the budget deficit over the next decade.