Wicker Previews Republican Priorities

The American people have just voted for change. They elected a new party to the White House and U.S. Senate, which both went to Republicans. As the returns came in, it became clear that a majority of voters wanted an alternative to the past four years. Folks are eager to leave behind higher prices, a porous southwest border, and American weakness in our increasingly dangerous world.

Ending Economic and Border Chaos at Home

President Donald Trump became the first president since Grover Cleveland to be elected to non-consecutive terms. His remarkable comeback is a sign that Americans have suffered enough under Bidenomics and the president's lax border policies. With Republicans in control of the Senate and the White House, we have a chance to return to the strong economy and border security of the first Trump administration.

Until COVID-19 struck, Americans were enjoying a bustling economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 deserves a share of the credit for that prosperity. Congress worked with President Trump to reduce taxes on businesses and individuals. Families kept more of their money, and companies were able to invest in their employees, research, and operations. Several provisions of this landmark law are set to expire next year, but this month's election results will make it easier for us to renew them.

The change in government will also help us get a handle on the southwest border. The Biden administration has sat by while the situation has spiraled into a humanitarian and security crisis. The American people have given national leaders a mandate to enforce the law and stop the flow of illegal immigration and drugs.

Deterring Dictators Abroad

In the new Congress, I will become the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the first Mississippian to take that gavel since John C. Stennis held the position from 1969 to 1981. I look forward to continuing my yearslong effort to rebuild our dwindling military resources. Doing so would deter our adversaries from moving against us and our friends in Israel, Europe, and the Pacific.

Voters rejected the Biden administration's timidity on the world stage. For four years, the president asked for cuts to the military's budget and distracted the Pentagon with a left-wing social agenda. Meanwhile, our enemies have become more aggressive, and they have helped one another cause chaos around the world. Our commander-in-chief has failed to stand up to them. We must show resolve against these dictators, beginning to douse the fires that President Biden has allowed to burn.

A Victory for Consensus

These changes will begin taking place in January. It is worth mentioning one thing that will not change: Republicans will keep the Senate filibuster in place. That rule requires sixty votes to end debate on legislation, and it forces lawmakers to work toward consensus. Democrats have threatened to end the filibuster to pass radical abortion policies. I suspect my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will find this Senate tradition reassuring next year, when neither party has a sixty-vote majority.

It is the honor of my lifetime to represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to continue serving my state, and I do not take this privilege for granted. As Congress resumes its work in Washington, I am eager to facilitate our state's economic growth and our country's national security now and for years to come.