[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E211-E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JASMINE BARNES, CPA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Ms. Jasmine Barnes, CPA, a financial strategist, senior audit leader, 
and civic servant whose work exemplifies integrity, accountability, and 
service to the public good. With more than a decade of experience 
across public accounting, financial institutions, and state government, 
Ms. Barnes has earned distinction for translating complex financial 
data into actionable insight that strengthens governance and protects 
taxpayer resources.
  Ms. Barnes currently serves as Deputy Director of Internal Audit at 
the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where she oversees 
federally funded transportation programs, indirect cost compliance, 
overhead rate reviews, and multimodal project closeouts. Her leadership 
ensures cost allowability under federal regulations, reinforces audit 
integrity, and safeguards public funding across complex state and 
federal initiatives. She has completed hundreds of compliance reviews 
and routinely analyzes legislative measures impacting transportation 
finance and audit oversight.
  In addition to her public service, Ms. Barnes is the Founder and 
Principal of J Barnes CPA, PLLC, where she advises individuals, 
businesses, and nonprofit organizations on tax resolution, compliance 
strategy, and financial systems improvement. Through negotiated 
settlements and proactive planning, she has secured more than $110,000 
in cumulative client savings while helping organizations build 
sustainable, compliant financial operations.
  Previously, Ms. Barnes held senior audit roles at Trustmark Bank and 
HORNE LLP, where she led internal, external, and compliance audits, 
conducted risk assessments, and strengthened regulatory preparedness 
across financial institutions while mentoring emerging professionals.
  In 2025, Ms. Barnes entered the political arena, securing the 
Democratic nomination for Jackson City Council, Ward 1, on a five-
pillar platform centered on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, 
public safety, economic development, and recreation. Her campaign 
marked a historic milestone for Ward 1 and highlighted her commitment 
to principled, solutions-oriented leadership.
  Ms. Barnes is a 2024 Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 
honoree and a recipient of the 2025 American Association of State 
Highway and Transportation Officials Dave G. Campbell Quality Award. 
She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and is currently 
pursuing her Executive MBA at Millsaps College.
  Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Barnes remains deeply 
committed to mentorship, financial literacy, and educational 
engagement. She is a proud parent to her two sons, Kingston and Atlas, 
and believes that policy, professionalism, and purpose must work 
together to build stronger communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ms. Jasmine Barnes, CPA, for 
her exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the people of 
Mississippi. Her work reflects the high standard of public stewardship 
our communities deserve.

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