Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud to serve not only as an unapologetic Arab-American woman in Congress but to represent one of the largest Arab-American communities in our country. That is why I am introducing a resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month. This month, we must recognize the rich history, culture, and achievements of Arab Americans all across our country. I know it has been an incredibly difficult time for many of our families, especially those with loved ones in Lebanon and Palestine.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatD+24D shift +4$498K raised
Bennie Thompson
Representative · Mississippi · Democrat
Bennie Thompson
Medicare for All · Palestinian Rights · Police Accountability · Immigrant Rights
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, this week marks 3 years of the war in Sudan, and our country has done little to nothing to actually stop it. Tens of thousands of Sudanese have been killed, and 14 million are displaced in what has become the world's largest displacement crisis. Mr. Speaker, the Rapid Support Forces, RSF, have engaged in a claim of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Darfur and armed with American weapons provided to them by the United Arab Emirates, and it is shameful. It is shameful that many of my colleagues continue to look away.
No matter how Republicans try to spin it, the SAVE Act is voter suppression. This isn't about election security, Mr. Speaker. It is about election takeover. President Trump and Republicans know that their policies are deeply unpopular with the American people. So what are they doing? They are trying to rig the elections. They want to force Americans to produce a passport or birth certificate just to register to vote. They know full well that only about half of Americans have a passport. They know it costs money. They know it takes time. That is the point.
Mr. Speaker, DTE Energy is out of control. They are requesting another outrageous rate hike, just days after State regulators approved another $242 million increase, an increase of 4.6 percent per customer. These are our residents getting their utility costs increased. Our families can't afford higher rates with more power outages that wipe out groceries, spoil our medicines in our refrigerator, and leave our neighbors without critical medical services, all because DTE in Michigan would rather spend money on campaign contributions than invest in reliability.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that right now the housing crisis is real for so many of our families across the country, and I know many of us in this Chamber, especially those on the left, have always said housing is a human right. To address this crisis, we know that we need action at every level of government, but many local communities need additional assistance and capacity. That is why I am so incredibly grateful that the House passed the Housing Our Communities Act, part of the Housing for the 21st Century Act legislative package.
Biography
Bennie Thompson began his public service as a civil rights advocate and local mayor in Mississippi, bringing firsthand experience with rural and underserved communities to his legislative work. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 2nd District in 1993, Thompson has prioritized disaster preparedness, voting rights, and public health. As the longtime Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, he authored major legislation strengthening emergency response systems and led high-profile investigations into domestic security threats. Thompson’s leadership reflects a commitment to accountable government and safeguarding his constituents’ access to essential services.
Education
- M.S. in Educational Administration, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS1972
- B.A. in Political Science, Tougaloo College, Jackson, MS1968
Professional History
U.S. Representative
1993-PresentRepresenting Mississippi's 2nd district
Member, Hinds County Board of Supervisors
1980–93Mayor, City of Bolton
1973–79Member, Bolton Board of Aldermen
1969–73Teacher
Policy Focus
Government Operations and Politics26%
Emergency Management18%
Crime and Law Enforcement13%
Congress13%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Bennie Thompson's record in Congress.
Homeland Security Leadership
Chaired the House Homeland Security Committee, overseeing key legislation on national security and emergency preparedness.
January 6th Investigation
Served as Chairman of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Disaster Recovery Funding
Secured federal disaster relief funding for Mississippi communities affected by hurricanes and flooding.
Rural Health Care Access
Advocated for and helped obtain federal grants to improve rural health care services in Mississippi.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Homeland SecurityRanking Member
Rep. Bennie Thompson FAQ
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