Congressman John Rutherford and I learned more about the Air and Marine Operations’ boat interdiction efforts during a recent visit to the Southwest Border. The men and women who operate these vessels work every day to stop cartels from using our waterways to smuggle illegal aliens and narcotics into the country.

I am proud to receive a 100% rating on my American Energy Alliance scorecard. I will continue to support policies that encourage affordable, reliable, and abundant energy for Mississippians.

This week, I toured the Cyber Crime Division of the Attorney General’s Office and saw firsthand the incredible job they are doing. This unit combines the skills, resources, and knowledge of our state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies to prevent fraud and to hold bad actors accountable. Thank you, Attorney General Fitch, for the work you and your agency do to protect Mississippians and to prosecute those who break our laws.

I am honored to receive the Dean’s List recognition from the NSSF: The Firearm Industry Trade Association, which requires a 100% voting and co-sponsorship record on Second Amendment policies. Supporting the right to bear arms and protecting hunting and shooting sports will continue to be a priority for my office and me.

I am thankful for the opportunity to present a flag to Colonel Cregg Puckett, who is the past Head Chaplain of the Mississippi Army National Guard. Colonel Puckett retired from the National Guard with over 36 years of service. Thank you, Colonel Puckett, for your service to our nation and your service to the men and women of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the bravery of the millions of individuals who have faced cancer and the strides we have made toward treatment and a cure. My prayers are with those who are in the fight with this deadly disease.

Fun Fact Friday: As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, I want to highlight some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Harrison V was born in 1726 in Virginia. He attended the College of William and Mary, where he met Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Benjamin later moved home to carry out operations on the plantation in place of his father who died unexpectedly. He was elected to the House of Burgesses in 1749, serving as Speaker on various occasions, until it was dissolved in 1774. He was selected to read Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence to the assembled delegates on July 1 and served as Chairman of the Whole during the debate over independence on July 2. After America won independence, Benjamin Harrison was elected Governor of Virginia and helped shape the Bill of Rights.

Harold Cross on my staff attended the Friends of Mississippi Veterans Clay Shoot. He met with retired Adjutant General Leon Collins, NFL Official Sarah Thomas, Jack Winstead, and Paul Holley. I am always thankful for opportunities for my office and me to support our Veterans.

I want to congratulate my friend Bo Luckey on his appointment as Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Bo has decades of law enforcement service and has served as the Chief of Capitol Police since 2022. Bo will do an amazing job leading the men and women of DPS.

Under President Trump, Republicans have been working to expose fraud across our nation. I am honored to sign Vice President JD Vance’s Anti-Fraud Pledge.

It is always great to be at the Mississippi State Fair. This year, I was honored to join Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson serving biscuits at the Biscuit Booth. It was great to see friends and constituents at the Mississippi Fair, and nothing beats a delicious homemade biscuit.

Thank you to the Meridian Police Department for inviting me to tour the Real Time Crime Center in Meridian. I appreciate the opportunity to see how this technology is used to enhance law enforcement and make our communities safer.

Thank you to the Mississippi Young Bankers for inviting me to speak at today’s Emerging Leaders Conference. Our conversation focused on my role in Congress and how young leaders can engage in the public policy process.

I was honored to attend the dedication of Brandon’s new fire truck and also the announcement for the new Crossgates Fire Station that will serve the residents of our community. I want to thank Mayor Butch Lee, the Board of Aldermen, and the men and women of the Brandon Fire Department for their dedication to protecting and serving the people of Rankin County.

My District Director, Brady Stewart, and Legislative Assistant, Nick Hall, enjoyed visiting with fellow Mississippians at the Madison Primos. I appreciate the Beat 3 Coffee Club for keeping my staff and me updated on all that is going on throughout our community.

The progress we have made to secure the border cannot be taken for granted. As the country looks toward November, Americans will decide to either continue down a path of strong border security enforcement or return to the failed policies of the previous administration that wreaked havoc on communities across the nation. Read more on my thoughts and the current state of our nation’s border security: newsweek.com/america-isnt-pu…