VIDEO: U.S. Congressman Visits The Friendly City

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Mississippi’s senior U.S. Representative is in Columbus this week.

Congressman Bennie Thompson is the featured speaker at an educational leadership conference.

Thompson was born and raised in Mississippi. He’s served in the House of Representatives since 1993.  Prior to that, he served on the city and county levels of government in his home state.

“I’ve been an alderman, mayor, county supervisor, and now I’m a member of Congress,” said Congressman Thompson.

The congressman represents Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, which also happens to be the only majority-black district in the state.

“Mississippi have almost 40% of the population,” said Thompson. “I’m the only African-American in the state and the only Democrat. I look forward to one day where we can have more democratic representation in the state.”

Thompson has seen the state make significant strides to get to where it stands now, but he knows there’s more work to be done.

“I can tell you that we really have some challenges ahead of us,” he said.

Thompson said being the lone democrat from Missisisppi in Congress is tough and puts him on the other side of the aisle with the current administration.

“The Trump budget is going to cut many of the programs,” the congressman explained. “USDA, that’s rural water services, that’s the snap program, that’s the free and reduced meal program. Our education program is going to be cut about 13 percent. That’s a big cut for a state like Mississippi.”

However trying to find ways to fix those issues here in the state isn’t his only concern.

Thompson said he’s also worried about the direction the country is going in now that President Donald Trump has taken office.

“I’m concerned,” he expressed. “I’m concerned what I know about what’s happening in Syria. I’m concerned about what’s happening in Russia. And I’m just concerned that we are not acting as a world leader should be acting. I’m concerned. I’m concerned what I know about what’s happening in Syria. I’m concerned about what’s happening in Russia. And I’m just concerned that we are not acting as a world leader should be acting.”

Thompson said he’s disappointed with the president’s actions, and believes it could put the country on the verge of another conflict.

“We should be setting the example for the rest of the world,” said Thompson. “We shouldn’t be throwing bombs on the contrary because we don’t like what they’re doing there I sovereign nation.”

Thompson is also a ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security.