Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has endorsed the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill, which diverges from President Biden’s budget request to enhance Mississippi's contributions to national security. The Senate Appropriations Committee, on which Hyde-Smith serves, unanimously approved the measure, increasing funding for the U.S. Department of Defense by over $18 billion beyond the president’s proposal.

“Our defense bill recognizes that the threats and challenges to our nation, our interests, and our allies continue to grow by the day. We back up those concerns with significant new funding not sought by President Biden so that our defense leaders have the resources they require to protect us,” Hyde-Smith stated. “We produced a strong bill that will allow Mississippi shipbuilders, manufacturers, and innovators to do more for the cause of defending the United States. I look forward to the Senate taking up, debating, and passing this important bill.”

The FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill includes several key provisions for Mississippi:

- **Shipbuilding**: The bill allocates $37 billion to bolster U.S. shipbuilding capabilities.

- **Critical Components**: Funding is provided for essential components for ground and air equipment manufactured in Mississippi.

- **Research, Development, and Innovation**: The state’s universities and companies receive support for their contributions in cybersecurity solutions and aerospace technologies.

- **National Guard Counter-Drug School**: Funding continues for one of five National Guard Counter Drug Schoolhouses located in Mississippi.

- **Hurricane Hunters**: The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base will continue operations under this bill.

Additionally, service members will benefit from a 4.5 percent pay raise and junior enlisted service members from a 5.5 percent increase. The United Service Organization is allocated $24 million.

The bill also focuses on deterring adversaries such as China while supporting allies like Israel and Taiwan with dedicated funds.

The full Senate will consider this appropriations bill in fall 2024. It adheres to discretionary funding caps established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

This approval is part of broader efforts by the Senate Appropriations Committee which has now advanced 11 out of 12 annual spending bills for FY2025.