Mississippi Controls National Defense Spending | Hattiesburg News

Mississippi’s top senators are wielding unprecedented power over national defense — with Roger Wicker chairing the Senate Armed Services Committee and Cindy Hyde-Smith leading the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, they control both authorization and funding for every major military program. This dual authority lets Mississippi steer billions toward shipbuilding, aerospace, and local bases — directly boosting jobs at companies like Huntington Ingalls. It’s a legacy built on decades of influence, from John Stennis to Trent Lott, but also a reminder that this power can vanish overnight — as seen when Thad Cochran’s Coast Guard cutter funding was canceled after his departure. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9974ee76e7e03d20