Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, representing Mississippi, expressed satisfaction with the final passage of the appropriations bill aimed at making investments in the state's water systems, wastewater infrastructure, and cultural projects. Hyde-Smith highlighted the significance of the bill in addressing projects that were initially neglected or underfunded by the President's budget, specifically emphasizing wastewater improvement projects across Mississippi.

In a statement, Senator Hyde-Smith stated, “For Mississippi, I’m pleased that this bill will provide funding for important projects that the President’s budget either excluded or underfunded, especially wastewater improvement projects throughout the state.”

Furthermore, Hyde-Smith emphasized the positive outcomes of the negotiations involved in the Interior appropriations measure, noting that the process led to improved policies with targeted spending cuts exceeding $1.5 billion. She also highlighted the rejection of Biden administration policies hindering American oil and gas production, including significant reductions in EPA funding and regulatory programs.

“Overall, the negotiations to reach an agreement on the Interior appropriations measure resulted in better policy with targeted spending cuts totaling more than $1.5 billion and rejecting Biden administration policies to impede American oil and gas production.  We cut EPA by nearly 10 percent, including burdensome regulatory programs,” Senator Hyde-Smith remarked.

The FY2024 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill aligns with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which set limits on discretionary funding and implemented reforms to reduce the budget deficit by approximately $1.5 trillion over the next decade. The bill encompasses various provisions that cater to Mississippi's interests and overall aims to enhance the state's infrastructure and environmental projects.