Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Republican · MS · 25 bills sponsored
USMMA Athletics Act of 2025
# USMMA Athletics Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The USMMA Athletics Act of 2025 would modify regulations and policies affecting athletics at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The bill aims to address specific issues related to the academy's sports programs, though the exact provisions are not detailed in the available information. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact cadets and student-athletes at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as the academy's athletic department and administration. It may also affect the maritime industry indirectly, since USMMA graduates become officers in the merchant marine. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For more specific details about the bill's exact provisions, you would need to consult the full text on Congress.gov.
Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026
# Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would reauthorize the Regional Ocean Partnerships program, which coordinates ocean management and conservation efforts across different U.S. coastal regions. By reauthorizing the program, Congress would continue funding and extend the legal authority for these regional partnerships to operate. The specific details of what changes or improvements the bill makes are not currently available in the summary information. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact coastal states, fishing communities, environmental organizations, and marine conservation efforts. Regional ocean partnerships typically work on issues like fisheries management, marine habitat protection, and coordinating between state and federal agencies in areas like the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 3791) is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. No further action has been taken on the legislation. *Note: Without access to the full bill text, this summary covers the general purpose of reauthorization bills. For specific provisions and details, you would need to review the complete legislation on Congress.gov.*
Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act
# Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act (S 3678) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a new voluntary accreditation system for adoption service providers. Rather than requiring all adoption agencies to meet federal standards, the legislation would allow adoption agencies and services to voluntarily participate in an accreditation program. The bill aims to establish standards and procedures for organizations involved in adoptions, while letting providers choose whether to participate in this accreditation process. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects adoption service providers, adoption agencies, and families involved in adoption processes. It could also impact the adoption system more broadly by potentially creating a tiered system where some agencies are accredited under federal standards while others operate without this certification. **Current Status** S 3678 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. As a voluntary program, the bill would not mandate compliance but would establish the framework for agencies that want to pursue accreditation. Without additional details in publicly available summaries, specific standards the accreditation would require are not outlined here.
SUCCESS for BEAD Act
# SUCCESS for BEAD Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The SUCCESS for BEAD Act (S. 3565) proposes changes to the federal Broadband, Equity, and Access (BEAD) program, which distributes billions in government funding to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. While the specific details aren't provided in the information available, bills under this name typically aim to modify how BEAD grants are allocated or administered—potentially affecting eligibility requirements, funding distribution methods, or reporting standards. **Who It Affects** This bill would impact broadband providers receiving BEAD funding, state and local governments distributing those funds, and communities seeking improved internet access. It could also affect internet service companies competing for federal grants and rural or underserved areas relying on BEAD money to expand connectivity. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and many bills at this stage do not advance further. *Note: More detailed information about specific provisions would require access to the full bill text.*
Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025
# Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025 is proposed legislation that would address access to medical foods and formulas. Medical foods are specially formulated products designed for people with specific medical conditions—such as rare genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, or severe allergies—that require specialized nutrition beyond regular food. While the bill's specific provisions are not detailed in available records, legislation of this type typically aims to improve insurance coverage, reduce out-of-pocket costs, or streamline the approval process for these specialized products. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect patients with serious medical conditions requiring specialized nutrition, their families, and healthcare providers. It could also impact insurance companies, manufacturers of medical foods and formulas, and potentially Medicare/Medicaid programs depending on its specific provisions. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). Further details about specific provisions would become clearer if the bill advances in the legislative process or if committee documents are released.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
# Summary of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 **What It Does:** This bill sets the policies and spending authorizations for the U.S. Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy for the 2026 fiscal year. If passed, it would authorize the military to purchase equipment like aircraft, ships, and missiles; set personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces; approve military construction projects; and establish new policies for emerging defense concerns like biotechnology threats. **Who It Affects:** The bill impacts military personnel (active duty and reserves), defense contractors who manufacture military equipment, the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons facilities, and indirectly all Americans whose national security depends on a functioning military. It also affects communities where military bases and construction projects are located. **Current Status:** The Senate has already passed this bill. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Note that while this bill *authorizes* what the military can spend money on, it doesn't actually provide the funding—that requires separate appropriations legislation. The bill covers a wide range of defense topics, from nuclear safety to military readiness improvements.
Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025
# Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would reauthorize and update the Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS), a federal program that monitors and tracks ocean conditions across U.S. coastal waters. If passed, it would likely extend funding and authority for this system, which collects data on water temperature, currents, waves, and other ocean characteristics using advanced technology and monitoring stations. The reauthorization would allow the program to continue operating and potentially modernize how it gathers and shares ocean information. **Who It Affects and Key Areas** The bill would impact coastal communities, fishing industries, maritime businesses, and weather forecasting agencies that rely on ocean data. It also affects scientists and environmental researchers who use this information. The legislation covers several related areas including marine and coastal resource management, fisheries, navigation safety, weather monitoring, and environmental research. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for congressional oversight of how the system operates and spends its budget. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S 2126, 119th Congress), meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).
Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025
# Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 aims to strengthen U.S. military and diplomatic partnerships with countries along NATO's eastern border—primarily Eastern European nations like Poland, the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), and potentially others in the region. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on increasing military aid, defense cooperation, joint training exercises, and security commitments to reassure these allies about protection against potential threats from Russia. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts Eastern European NATO members and U.S. military personnel stationed or operating in the region. It would also affect U.S. defense spending and foreign policy priorities. Citizens and businesses in allied countries may see increased American military presence or investment in their nations. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the 119th Congress. At this stage, it remains in the preliminary review process before any further action can be taken.
MARA Act of 2025
# MARA Act of 2025 Summary I don't have access to the specific details of S. 2586 (the MARA Act of 2025) beyond the basic information you've provided. To give you an accurate summary of what the bill would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need to review the actual bill text. **What I can tell you:** This bill was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. **To get the information you're looking for**, I'd recommend: - Visiting Congress.gov and searching for "S 2586" to read the full bill text - Checking the bill's summary section on Congress.gov for an official description - Looking at Senator Wicker's website for his explanation of the bill's purpose If you can share the bill text or a summary of its main provisions, I'd be happy to explain it in plain language for a general audience.
Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act
# Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act is a Senate bill aimed at encouraging more Americans to exercise and maintain active lifestyles. While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't fully outlined in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on initiatives such as promoting fitness programs, supporting physical education in schools, or funding community sports and recreation projects. **Who It Affects** This legislation would potentially impact Americans across multiple groups, including school-age children, community members, healthcare providers, and local governments. It may also affect organizations that work on health and fitness initiatives. **Current Status** The bill (S 2303) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi. As of now, it remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For more detailed information about specific provisions and requirements, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
TORNADO Act
# TORNADO Act Summary **What It Does:** The TORNADO Act would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve how it communicates weather warnings to the public. The bill would create a new Risk Communication Office to evaluate whether NOAA's current messaging about hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter storms is clear and effective, then recommend ways to simplify the information. It also calls for research into modernizing NOAA's communication systems and a pilot program focused specifically on tornado warnings. **Key Provisions:** The bill includes several specific directives: establishing the Risk Communication Office, launching a research program to update communication technology, creating a pilot program for tornado communications, and developing a strategic plan for the "Warn-on-Forecast System"—an advanced system designed to provide earlier warnings of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The bill also requires NOAA to evaluate its tornado rating system. **Who It Affects & Current Status:** This bill would impact NOAA, emergency management officials, and the general public who receive weather alerts and warnings. It's currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it hasn't yet advanced to a full vote in either chamber of Congress. The bill was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and focuses on improving public safety through better emergency communications.
Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act
# Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act Summary The Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act (S 1656) is a proposed federal bill focused on supporting recovery and economic development efforts on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Vieques has faced significant environmental and economic challenges stemming from decades of use as a U.S. Navy bombing range, which ended in 2003. The bill aims to address the legacy impacts of that military activity and help the island's community rebuild. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills of this type typically include measures such as environmental cleanup funding, economic development grants, healthcare improvements, or infrastructure investment for affected communities. Residents of Vieques—a relatively small island with approximately 9,000 people—would be the primary beneficiaries. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For a bill to become law, it must pass through committee review, receive Senate approval, go through the House of Representatives, and be signed by the President.
Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2025
# Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2025 aims to provide tax benefits to nurses, though the specific details of those benefits are not publicly available in the bill summary. Based on the title's reference to "tax parity," the legislation likely seeks to equalize tax treatment between nurses and other healthcare professionals or military service members, though the exact provisions would need to be reviewed in the full bill text. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect registered nurses and possibly other nursing professionals working in the United States. Depending on its specific provisions, it could also impact healthcare employers and potentially military or federal healthcare programs. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 1548) remains in committee in the Senate and has not advanced to a vote. It was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the 119th Congress. The bill has not yet become law. *Note: This summary is limited by the minimal information available in the public record. For complete details on the specific tax provisions, the full bill text would need to be reviewed.*
SAFE Act of 2025
# SAFE Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SAFE Act would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to negotiate agreements with other countries *before* animal disease outbreaks occur. These pre-arranged agreements would establish which regions of the U.S. can continue exporting meat and animal products during disease outbreaks, rather than imposing blanket bans on all exports. For example, if a disease outbreak happens in one state, unaffected states could still export their products under these pre-negotiated terms. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects U.S. farmers, ranchers, and meat producers who export livestock and animal products overseas. It also impacts consumers and countries that import American beef, pork, poultry, and dairy. The legislation authorizes three USDA agencies to lead these negotiations, working alongside U.S. trade representatives. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S. 1501) in the 119th Congress, sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill aims to minimize trade disruptions caused by animal disease outbreaks while maintaining food safety standards based on current scientific research.
LOCAL Infrastructure Act
# LOCAL Infrastructure Act (S 1481) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The LOCAL Infrastructure Act is currently in the Senate committee stage and has not yet been publicly detailed in available sources. Based on its title, the bill appears to focus on infrastructure funding or improvements at the local level, though specific provisions are not available for detailed analysis at this time. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the 119th Congress and remains in committee, meaning it has not advanced to a full Senate vote. No companion bill in the House has been identified in the available information. **Note:** Due to limited publicly available details about this bill's specific provisions, I cannot provide a comprehensive summary of its key features or affected parties. For detailed information about what the bill proposes, I'd recommend checking Congress.gov, where the full text and any updates would be available once introduced.
American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025
# American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025 would create a new type of bond that the federal government could issue to raise money specifically for infrastructure projects. These bonds would allow the government to borrow funds from investors (individuals, pension funds, etc.) to finance improvements to roads, bridges, water systems, and other infrastructure. The bill likely includes tax incentives or special features to make these bonds more attractive to investors compared to regular government bonds. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect infrastructure development across the country and could impact state and local governments that rely on federal funding for projects. Investors who purchase bonds would also be affected, as would taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost of government borrowing. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the 119th Congress. The bill has not advanced beyond the initial committee stage. *Note: Limited details are publicly available about specific provisions, so this summary covers the general purpose based on the bill's title and type.*
Engine Testing for Exploration Act
# Engine Testing for Exploration Act (S. 1457) – Summary **What the Bill Does** The Engine Testing for Exploration Act would authorize testing of rocket engines and related equipment needed for space exploration missions. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to streamline the testing process for engines that would power spacecraft and launch vehicles for programs like NASA's exploration initiatives. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect NASA, aerospace contractors, space exploration programs, and facilities where rocket engines are tested. It could also impact communities near testing sites and the broader commercial space industry. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S. 1457, 119th Congress), meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). *Note: The bill summary available provides limited details about specific provisions. For complete information about what the bill authorizes and any funding amounts, you can view the full text on Congress.gov.*
BOOST for Engines Act
# BOOST for Engines Act (S 1479) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The BOOST for Engines Act aims to support the domestic marine engine manufacturing industry. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's title and focus suggest it would provide incentives or protections for U.S. companies that manufacture engines for boats and other marine vessels, potentially through tax benefits, funding, or regulatory measures. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact U.S. marine engine manufacturers and the boating industry. It could also affect boat builders, marine suppliers, and related workers in these sectors. Consumers who purchase boats may be indirectly affected depending on how the bill's provisions influence manufacturing costs and availability. **Current Status:** As of now, S 1479 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. The bill was introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), a senator from a state with significant maritime interests. Without more detailed information about the bill's specific provisions, it's difficult to identify other likely supporters or opposition.
Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act
# Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would establish a new federal commission dedicated to managing and protecting fisheries in the Mississippi River Basin. The commission would serve as an advisory body to coordinate fishing policies, conservation efforts, and research across the multiple states that rely on or border the Mississippi River and its tributaries. By creating a unified organization, the bill aims to address fishery challenges that cross state lines and require coordinated management. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts the 13+ states in the Mississippi River Basin region (including Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and others listed), as well as commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental groups, and the Department of the Interior. Fishermen, fish populations, and communities dependent on river resources would be affected by any policies the commission develops. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 1078) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. It was sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward.
Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2025
# Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2025 would create a federal program to help dentists repay their student loans. The bill aims to address the challenge of dental school debt, which can be substantial, by offering loan repayment assistance to dental professionals. This would work similarly to existing loan forgiveness programs for other healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets dentists and dental school graduates burdened by student loan debt. By making dental careers more financially attractive, the program could indirectly benefit the public by potentially encouraging more people to pursue dentistry and practice in underserved areas. The program would likely be funded through federal resources. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 1080) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process, and specific details about loan repayment amounts or eligibility requirements are not yet publicly available.
PLAN for Broadband Act
# PLAN for Broadband Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The PLAN for Broadband Act would require the federal government to create a coordinated national strategy for broadband development. Currently, multiple federal agencies run separate broadband programs without much coordination. This bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a unified plan, publish it for public feedback, and ensure federal agencies work together more effectively. The bill also aims to speed up the process for companies applying to build broadband infrastructure on federal land by identifying and removing bureaucratic delays. **Key Provisions and Who It Affects:** The bill includes limits on how much federal money can go to support broadband at any single location, particularly for programs that favor certain technologies over others. This affects broadband companies seeking federal funding, federal agencies managing broadband programs, and ultimately rural and underserved communities hoping to gain internet access. By streamlining coordination and reducing approval delays, the bill is intended to help get broadband infrastructure built faster across the country. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 323) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act
# Summary: Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would require Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover advanced genetic cancer tests, including microarray analysis, DNA/RNA sequencing, and whole-exome sequencing. These tests help doctors identify the genetic makeup of a patient's cancer to guide treatment decisions. The bill would also direct the Department of Health and Human Services to create educational programs for doctors and the public about genetic testing and the role of genetic counselors in cancer care. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects cancer patients covered by Medicare (seniors and some disabled individuals), Medicaid (low-income individuals), and CHIP (children and some families). It also impacts healthcare providers, genetic counselors, and insurance programs that would need to cover these tests. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025
# Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would expand federal compensation payments to poultry farmers affected by disease control measures. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture only compensates farmers when their birds are confirmed or suspected to be infected with diseases like avian flu. This bill would broaden that program to also compensate farmers whose poultry are *not infected* but are located in a "control area" established by the government to contain disease spread—particularly the buffer zones surrounding outbreak areas. It would also change how compensation is calculated, basing payments on each farmer's average income from their previous five flocks rather than current formulas. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be poultry growers and egg-layer producers, especially those in areas near disease outbreaks. The bill particularly helps farmers in buffer zones who must reduce operations due to disease control measures but whose birds remain disease-free. Taxpayers would fund these expanded payments through the federal government. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
# Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act - Summary **What It Does:** This bill would limit homeowners' associations and other private organizations from blocking amateur radio operators from installing antennas on their own property. Currently, many HOAs and similar groups have rules that restrict or prohibit antenna installation. Under this bill, such restrictions would be prohibited if they unreasonably delay antenna installation, make it significantly more difficult or expensive, or prevent radio operators from effectively sending and receiving signals. However, the bill would still allow restrictions requiring antennas to be safely maintained and installed according to manufacturer guidelines. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects amateur radio operators (also called "ham radio" enthusiasts) who own property in areas governed by homeowners' associations or similar private land-use restrictions. It also affects HOAs and similar organizations that currently enforce antenna restrictions. The bill assumes amateur radio has value for emergency preparedness and communications during disasters. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No further action has been taken at this time.