WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today gave final approval to the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2022, legislation which will fund federal agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, provide an extra $29 billion above and beyond the President’s budget request for national defense, and dedicate $14 billion to efforts to combat Russia’s continued attack on Ukraine and threat to U.S. interests in Europe. The legislation, which was passed on a broad bipartisan basis, also includes many provisions for Mississippi projects that Wicker supported.

“After months of delays, the Senate has passed a funding agreement that will not only provide for the basic operation of our government but also send a message of strength to America’s adversaries,” Wicker said. “With an extra $29 billion set aside for national defense above the President’s budget request and a dedicated fund of $14 billion to support our efforts to combat Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Europe, there is no question that the U.S. military will continue to stand strong into the next year.

“Conservatives fought to preserve important pro-life provisions like the Hyde Amendment in this year’s funding agreement and won, despite Democrat’s attempts to remove these bipartisan provisions.

“This legislation will also make a major impact on Mississippi, providing additional resources for existing health care, education, economic development, infrastructure, and agriculture programs. I was also glad to advocate personally for many deserving projects in Mississippi that will now receive the support they need to move forward.”

Among other provisions, the legislation supports:

• Countering Russian Aggression in Europe – $14 billion in emergency funding is included for humanitarian, security, and economic assistance for Ukraine and Central European partners following the Russian invasion.
• Providing for the national defense – The $782 billion for defense funding represents a $29 billion increase over the president’s budget request and includes:
  • 2.7 percent military service member pay raise
  • $26.7 billion to procure 13 Navy ships, $4.1 billion above the FY22 request.
  • Boosting economic development – The legislation includes significant increases for the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, and advanced research and development projects across the federal government.
  • Enhancing our nation’s infrastructure – The legislation builds upon the success of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to continue funding for infrastructure projects, including bridge replacement and rehabilitation, ports, rail, airports, broadband, water and wastewater.
  • Improving health care programs and research – The legislation provides additional resources for health care programs, including Community Health Centers, telehealth, cancer screening, and rare disease research.

The legislation also supports many projects important to Mississippi that Wicker endorsed, including:

• $370 million for Mississippi River and Tributaries projects.
• $99 million for the National Security Cutter Program.
• $61.25 million to rehabilitate Sections of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
• $34.5 million for 10 MW Generation Plant and Feeder Level Microgrid System at Camp Shelby.
• $15.5 million for Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) at Camp Shelby.
• $11.1 million for Electrical Distribution Infrastructure Undergrounding Hardening Project at Camp Shelby.
• $9.3 million for Fire Crash and Rescue Station at Thompson Field in Jackson
• $4 million for two projects at the University of Mississippi to test graphene materials and improve weather monitoring.
• $7 million for two projects at the University of Southern Mississippi to test graphene materials and operate an ocean sensor calibration laboratory.
• $7 million for the Yazoo Backwater Area.
• $4 million for the City of Jackson to make repairs and improvements to the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant.
• $12.7 million for Mississippi hospital and medical facilities to purchase equipment and improve facilities.
• $16.64 million for Mississippi infrastructure and facility improvements, including Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Laurel Hattiesburg Regional Airport, Star Landing Road in DeSoto County, Beatline Parkway in Long Beach, Bozeman-Reunion Crossing Interchanges in Madison, East Brandon Bypass in Rankin County, Gateway Harbor in Long Beach, Rust College, Mississippi Water and Wastewater Workforce and Public Safety Training Center, and Greenville Federal Courthouse in Greenville.
• $743,000 to launch the Mississippi Small Business Tech Commercialization Center.
• $500,000 for literacy and education projects at Coahoma Community College and Cleveland School District.