Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi has voiced her support for the final approval of a defense spending bill that will fund military work in Mississippi. The bill, part of the FY2024 Defense Appropriations Bill, received approval from the Senate and now awaits the President's signature to become law.

Hyde-Smith, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, highlighted the importance of the bill in enhancing national security and supporting defense-related work in Mississippi. She emphasized the significance of the increased resources allocated to the Defense Department, surpassing the levels initially requested by the President.

In her statement, Hyde-Smith underlined the benefits of the defense bill for Mississippi, stating, “The defense bill makes significant investment in shipbuilding, equipment, and research and development into cutting-edge technologies to benefit our military capabilities including unmanned vehicles.” She expressed pride in Mississippi's contributions to national security and the essential resources provided to the military through this bill.

The bill allocates $824.4 billion in defense funding, with a substantial $33.7 billion increase for U.S. Navy shipbuilding. Notably, the appropriations bill will fund six more ships than outlined in the President's budget, further strengthening the Navy's capabilities.

Specifically for Mississippi, the bill includes funding for Navy Shipbuilding, Army Procurement, Civil Air Patrol, and research involving Mississippi universities and defense firms. Additionally, the bill fully funds a 5.2 percent pay raise for servicemembers, the largest increase in 40 years, and provides support for defense communities and military infrastructure.

Furthermore, the bill allocates $1.2 billion for counter-drug programs, including interdiction, and $335 million for the National Guard to aid in combatting illegal drug trafficking.

The FY2024 Defense Appropriations Bill aligns with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, adhering to capped discretionary funding and implementing reforms aimed at reducing the budget deficit significantly over the next decade.