Cindy Hyde-Smith

Governor Phil Bryant of Mississippi appointed Cindy Hyde-Smith to the United States Senate on March 21, 2018. She became the first woman from Mississippi to serve in either chamber of Congress. Hyde-Smith was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Senator Thad Cochran, who resigned due to health issues. Her appointment was notable both for its significance in Mississippi politics and for shaping Hyde-Smith's future political career, setting the stage for her to run in the special election later in 2018.

On November 27, 2018, Cindy Hyde-Smith won the special runoff election to serve the remaining two years of Senator Thad Cochran's term. She defeated Democratic challenger Mike Espy in a contentious race. Her victory cemented her position in the Senate following her appointment earlier in the year. The election drew national attention, partly due to controversial remarks made by Hyde-Smith during the campaign, which included comments that were interpreted by many as racially insensitive. Despite this, she secured her seat with significant support from the Republican establishment.

On May 10, 2019, President Donald Trump signed Cindy Hyde-Smith's first legislation into law. The bill designated a post office in Fairview, Mississippi, as the 'Lance Corporal Roy Dewitt Brunson Post Office Building.' This marked a significant legislative milestone for Senator Hyde-Smith, demonstrating her ability to sponsor and advance legislation. The law was a testament to her efforts to honor veterans and service members from Mississippi, highlighting her focus on issues relevant to her constituents.

In May 2020, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith played a significant role in advocating for farmers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She was influential in securing funding and support for agriculture, stressing the importance of ensuring that farmers receive necessary aid. Her efforts were focused on making sure that the agriculture sector in Mississippi, which is vital to the state's economy, remained stable during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Hyde-Smith's actions were part of a broader congressional effort to mitigate the pandemic's impact on essential industries.

On January 6, 2021, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith was among several senators who voted to object to the certification of the Electoral College results from the 2020 presidential election. Her vote was in response to unfounded allegations of widespread voter fraud, which had been promoted by then-President Donald Trump and his supporters. The objection came amid the backdrop of the storming of the U.S. Capitol by rioters attempting to overturn the election results. Hyde-Smith's action was controversial and part of broader political and constitutional debates following the election.

On March 11, 2021, Cindy Hyde-Smith voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill championed by President Joe Biden. Hyde-Smith, along with all Republican senators, opposed the package on the grounds of its cost and certain provisions they viewed as unrelated to pandemic relief. Despite her opposition, the legislation was passed in both the Senate and House. The vote was significant as it highlighted the deep partisan divide in Congress over how best to address the economic challenges presented by the pandemic.

On November 19, 2021, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith voted against the Build Back Better Act, a cornerstone piece of legislation introduced by the Biden administration aimed at expanding the social safety net and addressing climate change. Hyde-Smith expressed concerns about the bill's spending, asserting that it could lead to increased national debt and inflation. Her vote against the bill was consistent with her fiscal conservatism and reflected broader Republican opposition to what they perceived as excessive government expenditure.

In February 2022, Cindy Hyde-Smith voiced her opposition to federal COVID-19 mandates, including vaccine and mask mandates. She argued that such mandates infringed upon individual liberties and states' rights. Hyde-Smith, along with other Republican senators, supported measures to overturn or limit the scope of federal mandates, citing the need for personal choice and local control over public health measures. Her stance was part of the ongoing national debate over the balance between public health guidance and individual freedoms during the pandemic.

On March 16, 2023, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the National Service Act, aimed at boosting voluntary service opportunities across the United States. The legislation proposed the creation of new programs to engage young Americans in service projects that address national challenges, such as disaster recovery and public health. Hyde-Smith's initiative was aligned with her commitment to fostering civic responsibility and community engagement. The act emphasized bipartisan cooperation in its pursuit to cultivate a culture of service among Americans.

On September 29, 2023, Cindy Hyde-Smith was among the senators who opposed a bill that sought to prevent a government shutdown. The stopgap funding measure was intended to avert a federal shutdown by extending government funding. Hyde-Smith's opposition was based on disagreements over the bill's provisions and the lack of certain policy priorities. Her stance highlighted the ongoing budgetary and political challenges faced by Congress, as well as her commitment to certain fiscal principles. The event underscored the broader partisan conflicts in addressing budgetary issues.