This week the Supreme Court ruled in a 7-2 decision that the Bladensburg Peace Cross, which sits on public land in Maryland, was not in violation of the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. 

The Peace Cross has stood tall for nearly 100 years to honor the life and service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. It serves as a memorial for the families and loved ones of those servicemembers. It's located on public land and came under attack by the American Humanist Association who said the memorial was unconstitutional. 

When the Supreme Court agreed to review the case, I joined my fellow Congressional colleagues in signing an amicus brief in support of preserving the memorial. Had the court ruled against the preservation of the cross, every cross-shaped memorial throughout the country would have been thrown into limbo. 

I am glad to see the Supreme Court make this decision and that the Peace Cross will remain. This is not only a historical landmark, but it a memorial meant to last ages and honor those who died for our freedoms we enjoy today. 

In South Mississippi
This week the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Dr. John C. Fleming visited south Mississippi to announce grants for George County and Hattiesburg. 

The grant for George County equaled $1.4 million for the George County Board of Supervisors to make critical infrastructure improvements to the George County Industrial Park. The improved industrial site will accommodate local business needs, including the development of a wood pellet plant that will produce over 3 million metric tons of pellets annually, primarily for export to the United Kingdom and Europe. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 90 jobs.

This grant will support the continued development of George County’s Industrial Park by investing in infrastructure to increase wood pellet production and bringing jobs to Mississippi. The wood pellet plant represents a long term commitment to both the community and economy of the region. I am glad to know the President and his Administration also remain committed to revitalizing American manufacturing and growing our state’s economy.

The grant for Hattiesburg totaled $1.7 million to rehabilitate and improve Lamar Boulevard so that it better drains in the event of potential flood events and can support increased commercial traffic volume. The investment, to be matched with $455,968 in local funds, is expected to help create or save more than 400 jobs and spur $23 million in private investment.

This grant will benefit Hattiesburg in many ways, including the creation and protection of more than 400 jobs and the investment of $23 million into the local economy. Mitigating flooding by proactively investing in drains along Lamar Boulevard is crucial in supporting long-term commercial growth for the area.

Pictures of the Week
I met with the Maj. Gen. Richard G. Kaiser, President of the Mississippi River Commission and commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mississippi Valley Division in my Washington office.

We discussed the downstream impacts of the Bonnet Carré Spillway into the Mississippi Sound. I am diligently working to address the ongoing influx of freshwater into the sound. The Mississippi Gulf Coast deserves to be heard in decisions that drastically impact our ecosystems.

I enjoyed meeting with students from across south Mississippi who are participating in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Program. We discussed ways to be a better leader and a variety of national issues. It was good to see some familiar faces who attended my Youth Leadership Summit last year. Looking forward to following this talented group of students as they continue pursuing their dreams.

As always, I'd like to remind you to connect with me on social media so you can receive frequent updates on the work I am doing in Congress through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

In your service,

Steven