Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced on March 5 that he will resign from the Senate on April 1, citing ongoing health challenges. Mr. Cochran first won election to the Senate in 1978, serving almost seven terms. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) is next in line to lead the powerful funding committee and will most likely not face challenges from other Republicans. It is unclear if the subcommittee chairmanships will change as a result of Senator Cochran’s retirement. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant will select a temporary replacement to fill Mr. Cochran’s seat until the special election in November. Read Senator Cochran’s statement at: http://bit.ly/2FoSqMf