Congressman Steven M. Palazzo is proud to serve the people of South Mississippi's 4th Congressional District,which includes Mississippi's Gulf Coast and Pine Belt regions.As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, current member of the Mississippi National Guard,and former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, Congressman Palazzo has a record of service that began long before he was first sworn into office on January 5, 2011.
Steven currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee, where he sits on two subcommittees: the Commerce, Justice, Science subcommittee, and the Homeland Security Subcommittee. His committee is responsible for allocating every dollar of federal discretionary spending.
The Fourth Congressional District of Mississippi has an extensive military history from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, which has been used since 1941 to train our Air Force, to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center which is the largest state-owned training site in America that is nestled in the Pine Belt. Just west of Biloxi, Gulfport is home to the Naval Construction Training Center, Combat Readiness Training Center, and the National Guard AVCRAD unit. The Gulf Coast also has two U.S. Coast Guard facilities. Having grown up in Gulfport, Steven was able to see and experience the commitment and sacrifice it takes to defend the nation.
In 1988, I enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and was proud to serve with the 3rd Force Recon in the Persian Gulf War spending time in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In 1997, I enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard where I still serve today. Most recently, I spent a year supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Mobilization Center Camp Shelby. I've also had several opportunities to visit our soldiers serving overseas during his time in Congress.
In the 116th Congress, as Chairman of the National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus, I introduced the Support Our National Guard Act, which provides transitional health care benefits to National Guard servicemembers who have aided the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic under Title 32 502(f). This legislation was included in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which was signed into law on January 1, 2021.
I believe the protection of America’s interests at home and abroad is my primary Constitutional responsibility. When I entered Congress, I was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee. I assisted in passing several National Defense Authorization Acts and procure funding for ships to be made in Pascagoula at the Huntington Ingalls shipbuilding facility and other shipbuilding companies along the Gulf Coast. In my current position on the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve been a vocal advocate for ensuring strong federal investments are made in South Mississippi.
Having served in the military and having a multitude of military installments located throughout South Mississippi, my first obligation is to continue to uphold the United States Constitution to ensure we provide for a strong national defense.
I believe the people of South Mississippi sent me to Congress to change the culture in Washington so that we can get our country and our economy back on track. Americans want a government that lives by its means, promotes a healthy business climate for a flourishing economy, and that works together to get the job done. That is my goal for every vote I take.
I know the challenges that come with starting and running a small business, and I know what it means to meet a payroll and read a balance sheet. I believe that the federal government should spend more time looking for ways to strengthen small businesses rather than ways they can be regulated or taxed. Small businesses are a critical part of our economy, both locally and at the national level.
Please know that as your Congressman, I remain dedicated to changing the culture in Washington, and bringing high quality jobs to Mississippi.
America's competitiveness in a global economy depends on our ability to educate our next generation workforce. I believe we must promote common-sense policies that encourage both student and teacher participation in the educational process.
Since the 1970’s, the federal government has led a top-down effort to improve our education system. Education spending per student has doubled, and the student-to-teacher ratio has dropped from 22.6 to 15.5. Despite these changes; however, graduation rates have remained stagnant at 70 percent, and the education system has seen little improvement.
Parents, teachers, and local school boards should lead the efforts to improve the education of our children, not the federal government. Education is best left in the hands of those that know the specific needs of each student. Congress should adopt responsible legislation that will empower the states to play a more active role in a child’s education.
Pro-Education Policies:
Pro-Education Legislation:
An energy independent United States of America is one of my top priorities in Congress. Our country must cut back on its reliance on foreign oil, and to do this, we must increase the domestic production of energy, including oil, natural gas, and clean coal.
Green energy technologies may have promise in the future, but they are still being developed and remain costly. I do not believe in picking winners and losers in the marketplace by providing millions of taxpayer dollars to unproven industries. Now-bankrupt companies like Solyndra have shown that handing out taxpayer funds for these technologies is both unwise and ultimately, unsuccessful.
By increasing domestic production of energy, we can lower our dependence on Middle Eastern oil and create high-paying American jobs.
Furthermore, we need to stop over-regulating our energy producers. Federal agencies run by unelected bureaucrats have placed burdensome regulations on the American energy sector, and they are drafting more by the minute. I am committed to using Congress’s “power of the purse” to fight these regulations.
As a lifelong Mississippian, I understand the importance of faith, family and traditional values. These basic principles are what made this country great, and what makes South Mississippi such a wonderful place to live and raise a family. These principles guide many decisions I make in Washington as I represent the Fourth Congressional District. I am committed to protecting life, the sanctity of marriage, and our Mississippi values.
I believe that all children have the right to life, beginning at conception. I have been endorsed by the Mississippi Right to Life in each previous office I have held.
I also believe in the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman, and the federal government should not be allowed to mandate or regulate the values set by individual states. I am deeply concerned that the Supreme Court has superseded both the Constitution and the will of millions of religiously guided citizens by giving ultimate say over marriage to the federal government instead of to the states where it belongs.
In today's increasingly unstable world, I believe it is more important than ever to stand by our allies and to protect U.S. interests at home and abroad.
That is why I stand by Israel as one of our strongest democratic allies in the Middle East. I have cosponsored legislation affirming Israel's right to self-defense against nuclear threats from Iran and other aggressors.
I have also sponsored cybersecurity legislation that would protect U.S. assets from other nations who might attempt to hack government resources or steal from U.S. businesses.
I support policies that:
I have been a staunch advocate to repair a failing healthcare system. My goal remains to restore a health system that is affordable. Not only have I advocated to repeal Obamacare during my tenure in Congress, but I will continue to support legislation that helps provide relief to many Mississippians.
For the voiceless
I believe in defending the rights of the unborn and being a voice to the voiceless. During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation called “Every Child is a Blessing”. This bill stops “wrongful birth” cases where individuals sue on the grounds that they would have never had a child had they realized the child would be disabled. No child should be subjected to hearing they should have never been born.
I've also voted in favor of defunding Planned Parenthood – the nation’s leader in aborting children. As I support and promote pro-life policies, I believe that life begins at conception, which is why the legislation that I've cosponsored reflects those same values.
Competitive Relief
In the 115th Congress, I cosponsored HR 314 the Health Care Choice Act of 2017, that would allow health insurance to be sold across state lines. I've heard time and time again, from many of my constituents, that insurance should be available across state lines, and I completely agreed. In order to create inner state competition, Americans should have the option and choice to find an insurance policy that works for them and their family.
Local Relief
I have met with and discussed the multitude of issues that local South Mississippi clinics, hospitals, and doctors are currently facing. After hearing the crippling effect that Obamacare had on our local healthcare system and additional concerns stemming from COVID-19, I have been focused on supporting Mississippi's health care needs no matter the challenges we face. I believe our frontline health workers have been given a daunting task but it's one I know they can handle. In Congress, I want proudly advocate and support Mississippi's needs and challenges in our pursuit of quality and affordable care.
Here is some additional legislation that I cosponsored in the 116th Congress
I have been working for years to secure our border and was pleased to finally work with a president who was committed to securing our border and protecting Americans. Simply put, I understand border security is national security. For this and many other reasons, I am honored to serve on the House Appropriations Committee Homeland Security Subcommittee, the subcommittee tasked with funding the Department of Homeland Security and additional border security and immigration measures.
In recent years, Congress passed several important pieces of legislation to strengthen and further enforce our immigration laws including, H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and H.R. 3004, Kate's Law. Together these bills ensure that taxpayer’s dollars are not being used to subsidize “sanctuary cities”, and increase prison sentences for immigrants convicted of illegally re-entering the U.S. following deportation.
Securing our borders and deterring individuals from entering our country illegally are both imperative steps in ensuring American citizens are safe and secure.
I believe that it’s extremely important that we provide the infrastructure support needed to ensure the continued success of our roads, bridges, ports, waterways, and rail. These are means vital to the ongoing prosperity of transportation and commerce in our state and our country. That is why maintaining and improving our infrastructure remains at the top of Congress’ priorities.
I look forward to working with with my colleagues in Congress to pass an infrastructure bill to be signed into law. Some of my top infrastructure priorities include:
I also support public-private partnerships as well in order to maximize resources and ensure our country is connected by a safe and efficient transportation network. While this remains our federal responsibility it can also be carried out by the help of our non-federal partners. In 2021 we must work to provide financially responsible investment in our nation’s infrastructure.
What Is the Right to Refuse?
The Right to Refuse is H.J. Res. 28, a constitutional amendment that would effectively reverse the health care mandate tax. A simple amendment, it states: “Congress shall make no law that imposes a tax on a failure to purchase goods or services.”
The significance of the Right to Refuse Amendment is that it would also permanently prevent Congress from passing legislation that forces Americans to choose between the purchase of goods and services or tax penalties.
I introduced this bill because I believe the government has no business taking your hard-earned money just because you don’t spend it the way Washington wants.
I believe Americans should have the Right to Refuse.
Do you believe in the Right to Refuse? Become a Citizen CoSponsor today!
What Others Are Saying About Right to Refuse:
Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist: "There are 20 new or higher taxes in Obamacare, none worse than the penalty tax provisions. Your amendment will prevent any further damage to taxpayers' freedoms."
CATO Constitutional Law Scholar Ilya Shapiro: "Short and sweet and, with the mandate-tax set to take effect this next January, now is the time to act to prevent about 11 million mostly middle-class Americans from getting hit."
Center for Individual Freedom: "...If passed and ratified, [Right to Refuse] will prevent Congress from taxing individuals and businesses as punishment simply for failing to purchase goods and services. ... CFIF wholeheartedly endorses H.J. Res. 28 – the “Right to Refuse” Amendment – and urges every Member of Congress to co-sponsor and pass it without delay."
Having presided as the Chairman of the Space Subcommittee for five years, I understand what it means for America to lead the world in space exploration.
With the Stennis Space Center, the nation’s premier rocket engine testing center, stationed on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, South Mississippi has the unique opportunity to help launch Americans into outer space. Ensuring that today’s generation lays a solid foundation for the upcoming generation of space explorers is essential to guaranteeing that America leads the world in modern space initiatives.
“American leadership in space depends on our ability to put people and sound policy ahead of politics.” –Congressman Steven Palazzo
During my time as Chairman of the Space Subcommittee, I worked endlessly to introduce legislation to reauthorize NASA. Under my leadership, the NASA reauthorization passed the house twice. Unfortunately, it still took several years for a reauthorizing bill to pass through both Chambers of Congress and reach the President’s desk. After years of endless efforts to reauthorize NASA, I joined President Trump in March of 2017 as he signed the NASA reauthorization bill into law.
I also helped ensure the National Space Council, which helps create a guide map for NASA initiatives, re-established in 2017. It is my hope that the importance of American dominance in space is a shared understanding between Congress and the White House.
With my position on the House Appropriation’s Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, I remain committed to passing legislation that will help advance our space program to new heights.
As a lifelong hunter, fisherman, and general sportsman, I am a strong and vocal defender of our Second Amendment rights. During the first session of the 115th Congress the House passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act which prevents law-abiding citizens who legally carry a gun with them, from being penalized for the patchwork of varying state laws. As a lifetime member of the NRA I promise that I will continue making sure your constitutional rights will never be infringed. I will continue working with the president and my colleagues in Congress to make sure we pass common-sense solutions.
Along with preserving the 2nd Amendment, I believe we must defend our right to recreational fishing and hunting. In May of 2017, NOAA attempted to make the Red Snapper season a mere 3 days long. Knowing the shoddy reporting of data directly influenced this decision, I helped lead the effort in highlighting this issue to the administration. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, turned our request for an extended season into a reality and announced an additional 39 days to the season. I will continue to work with the administration to ensure that federal bureaucrats don’t regulate our right to hunt and fish.
On December 19, 2017 Congress passed the Republican tax reform bill. This marks a historic and vital legislative victory for this Congress, our President, and our country. It had been 31 years since our tax code has been reformed.
For decades we’ve seen businesses leave this country, and take American jobs with them. Since my first day in Congress I have called for a tax code that is flatter and fairer, that benefits both small businesses and the middle class. American families and individuals have felt the impact of an outdated and broken tax code directly in their wallets, and that is about to change for the better. We made it our goal last year to provide relief to American families, individuals, and businesses, and we held true to that promise.
Seven years in the making, we’ve waited to send common-sense, conservative legislation to a President that will do the right thing for the American people and sign it into law. President Trump has proven to be a true leader in the face of this daunting task. Many doubted that we could get tax reform passed, but in one year's time we proved by taking on and successfully achieving one of the biggest legislative accomplishments, that we can work together and get the job done for the American people.
Some of the key provisions contained in the bill include:
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides much needed reforms that will restore American competitiveness, better serve small businesses, and allow hardworking Americans to keep more of their money.
South Mississippi is home to many roads, waterways, rail lines, and airports that are critical to our economic development and comfortable daily living. I work hard as your Representative in Congress to ensure that investments in infrastructure for my district and our state are maintained. Transportation assets are important to Mississippians' quality of life, and I want our state to remain competitive in this vital sector.
We need reliable and accessible roads for work commutes, but also for emergency evacuation routes during natural disasters such as hurricanes. Freight rail investments and our ports systems serve our manufacturing and agriculture industries for moving goods throughout the state and nation.
As Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommitee, I also work with aviation transportation interests, including oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). I was proud to serve as a conferee during the 2012 passage of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act.
As a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and a member of the Mississippi National Guard, one of my top priorities is ensuring South Mississippi veterans receive the best service possible.
I have been dedicated to improving services and care for our nation’s veterans through my role in Congress, both as a veteran and a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
I was proud to introduce the Coast Guard Retirement Parity Act and see it signed into law, protecting the retirement benefits of Coast Guard veterans. Unlike other U.S. Armed Forces branches, under previous law, Coast Guard retirement benefits required annual funding from Congress through the House Appropriations Committee. Because of the reliance on this funding mechanism, if the federal government shut down due to. budget disagreements, Coast Guard servicemembers and retirees would go without pay. My legislation rightfully protects these retirement benefits. I firmly believe that any veteran who has honorably served this nation should never wonder if they'll receive the benefits they earned.
As we continue the 117th Congress, I will continue to do all I can for my fellow veterans. The United States owe a debt of gratitude to our men and women in uniform and their families. Anything but the best for them is unacceptable, and I remain committed to keeping our promises.
Pro Veterans Legislation:
H.R. 2954: National Guard and Reserves Retirement Pay Parity Act
H.R. 5957: K2 Veterans Toxic Exposure Accountability Act of 2020
H.R. 4305: PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
H.R. 3495: Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act
H.R. 299: Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
H.R. 95: Homeless Veteran Families Act
The Every Child is a Blessing Act of 2014 Preventing Discrimination; Protecting Life For years, disability advocates have worked to educate the public and reverse harmful stereotypes. Yet a disturbing trend of “wrongful birth” lawsuits has subjected...
| Palazzo hosts a press conference with FEMA Administrator David Miller and local leaders in August 2013. |
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has undergone significant changes in the last year, and as a result of these modifications, flood insurance premiums are increasing for some policyholders.
I also want to inform you about what I’m doing in Congress to ensure flood insurance remains available and affordable for homeowners and businesses in Mississippi. Some of the current rate increases are far too severe. As many on the Gulf Coast continue to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Isaac, these rate increases could further challenge our full economic recovery.