WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today visited Jim Hill High School in Jackson. Wicker met with cadets and instructors of the school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).

Inspired by the success of the JROTC program in the Jackson Public School system, Wicker introduced the “JROTC Opportunities for Transformational Change Act,” or “JROTC Act,” in May of this year. The bill was passed and signed into law in August, authorizing funding for 100 additional JROTC units and making reforms to help schools in rural and underserved areas participate.

“I enjoyed meeting with the JROTC cadets and instructors at Jim Hill High School and hearing firsthand how this program has benefited not only these students, but also the entire community,” Wicker said. “I am proud to be the author of the JROTC Act, which will expand this successful program to more schools, particularly in the areas where it will have the greatest impact.”

Following Wicker’s lead, Congress increased funding for JROTC by nearly $10 million in the FY19 Defense Appropriations bill signed by President Trump in late September. This funding will support about 150 new JROTC units across the country.