Remarks
Senate Continues Bipartisan Efforts to Address the Opioid Epidemic, Help Families Impacted by Drug Abuse
'There are steps we can take today to help families impacted by drug abuse - and keep more families from ever going through it to begin with. That's why I'm proud to join my colleague, the Senior Senator from Iowa, in introducing the Protecting Families Affected by Substance Abuse Act, which would reauthorize grants to help children in foster care, or at risk of being placed there, because of their parent's drug habits…there are a number of other important pieces of related legislation he… Continue Reading
02.24.16
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the Selma Foot Soldiers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Leaders of the U.S. House and Senate held a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony today honoring the Selma Foot Soldiers of the 1965 Voting Rights Marches. The following are U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's remarks delivered during the ceremony, which took place in Emancipation Hall, in the U.S. Capitol: "From time to time we come together in retrospect, on the historic grounds of the Capitol, to show continuing gratitude to individuals whose actions helped shape our… Continue Reading
02.24.16
President Must Follow Laws He Signed Prohibiting Transfer of Gitmo Terrorists to U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the President's announcement on the secure terrorist-detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: "President Obama has left the American people to wait many years for a serious plan - one that poses no additional risk to our nation or our armed forces, for instance - in pursuit of his desire to close the secure detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. "Americans have been w… Continue Reading
02.23.16
McConnell Asks Senate to Consider VP Biden’s Words on Supreme Court Vacancy
'Will we allow the people to continue deciding who will nominate the next justice, or will we empower a lame-duck president to make that decision on his way out the door instead?' WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding "The Biden Rules" for a Supreme Court vacancy: "The signs of the season are all around us. "Volunteers are knocking. "Caucusers are caucusing. "Voters are voting. "Countless ballots have b… Continue Reading
02.23.16
Bipartisan Prohibition Remains Against President Sending Guantanamo Terrorists to U.S.
'Today we received the descriptions of where the President would like to detain terrorists within the United States…his Attorney General recently confirmed that it is illegal to transfer any of these terrorists into the U.S…We will review President Obama's plan but since it includes bringing dangerous terrorists to facilities in U.S. communities, he knows that the bipartisan will of Congress has already been expressed against that proposal.' WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority… Continue Reading
02.22.16
The American People Should Have a Voice in the Selection of the Next Supreme Court Justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Supreme Court's vacancy: "I recently joined my good friend from Iowa, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, in writing an opinion piece. "We expressed our joint view that the death of Justice Scalia represented a significant loss for our country and that, while finding the right person to take the seat he occupied will clearly be a monumental task, it's one we thi… Continue Reading
02.22.16
McConnell Delivers Tribute Honoring the Life of Justice Scalia
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor today honoring United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: "I'd like to say a few words about a towering figure of the Supreme Court who will be missed by many. "Antonin Scalia was one of a kind. "In the evenings he loved nothing more than a night at the opera house. During the day he often starred in an opus of his own. "For most watchers of the court, even many of Scalia's most ardent … Continue Reading
02.11.16
America Must Address Growing Foreign Policy Threats, Challenges and Prepare the Nation’s Defenses Now
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the passage of the bipartisan North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act and addressing America's foreign policy challenges: "Yesterday the Senate joined together to overwhelmingly pass bipartisan legislation that will further isolate North Korea in response to its policy of aggression. "It was necessary, because our nation faces a daunting array of threats and ch… Continue Reading
02.11.16
McConnell Urges Senate to Pass Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Protect Families, Students, Small Business from Taxes on Their Internet Access
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today prior to the Senate vote on the bipartisan Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act and Customs conference report: "The Internet is a resource used daily by Americans of all ages, across our country. "Students use it to research school projects and papers. "Entrepreneurs use it to help run their businesses and come up with new ideas. "Families use it to manage their busy schedules and … Continue Reading
02.10.16
Senate Should Pass Bipartisan North Korea Sanctions Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act: "Today, the Senate has an opportunity to pass bipartisan legislation that would add to our nation's ability to hold North Korea accountable for its growing aggression. "North Korea threatens regional stability and our own national security. "It threatens allies in the region, especially South Korea and Ja… Continue Reading
02.10.16
SCOTUS Order Latest Sign President Obama’s Anti-Coal Regs Are Illegal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today on the U.S. Supreme Court's stay of President Obama's so-called "Clean" Power Plan: "A few years ago the Obama Administration rolled out a massive regulatory scheme they dubbed a 'Clean' Power Plan-an odd choice, given that it wouldn't have a meaningful impact on global emissions or the health of our planet. "Here's what those massive regulations likely would do though. "Ship Midd… Continue Reading
02.09.16
Senate to Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Protect Families from Taxes on Their Internet Access
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act and Customs conference report: "I think many Americans would agree with this statement: The Internet should remain open and free - politicians should certainly not try to tax it. "Congress passed a temporary ban on Internet taxes in 1998. It was an important, bipartisan win for the American people. Congress has since voted… Continue Reading
02.09.16
McConnell Welcomes Sec. Burwell for Zika Briefing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today prior to a bipartisan briefing he requested by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the Zika virus: "Just this morning, local health departments confirmed two cases of the Zika virus in two states bordering Kentucky - Indiana and Ohio. "Americans want a better understanding of the Administration's efforts to fight this virus and its spread. "Americans want to know what t… Continue Reading
02.09.16
McConnell Urges Senate to Pass Bipartisan North Korea Sanctions Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act: "The regime in North Korea presents serious threats - to regional stability, to the security of Americans, to the safety of our allies, and to the wellbeing of North Koreans themselves. "Pyongyang regularly threatens neighbors like South Korea and Japan. "It routinely engages in cyberwarfare. "It repeatedly commits gr… Continue Reading
02.09.16
McConnell Honors Departing Ambassador to Burma, Welcomes Incoming Nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor today honoring Derek Mitchell for his service as the Ambassador to Burma. This afternoon, the Senate will vote to confirm Scot Alan Marciel to be the new U.S. Ambassador to the Union of Burma. "Our Ambassador to Burma, Derek Mitchell, has staunchly pursued America's interests in an important post. He's helped guide our relationship with Burma through an historic transition to elected government.… Continue Reading
02.08.16
McConnell Expects Administration’s Zika Briefing to Provide Answers on Plans to Protect Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Sec. Burwell's upcoming Zika virus briefing: "I recently asked Secretary Burwell to come to the Senate to brief committee chairs, ranking members, and leaders in both parties on the Administration's response to the Zika virus. I appreciate her team working with us to schedule that briefing for tomorrow. "Here are two key areas where we'll want to get a better understand… Continue Reading
02.08.16
McConnell Urges Senate to Move Bipartisan Energy Legislation Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act: "The Energy Policy Modernization Act is the product of a year's worth of constructive and collaborative work. "In the Energy Committee, it passed overwhelmingly with the support of both parties. "Here on the floor, it's been subject to an open amendment process with input from both parties. "More than 30 amendments from … Continue Reading
02.04.16
McConnell Honors the Life of Marlow Cook
From 1968 to 1970, Mitch McConnell was the chief legislative assistant to Senator Cook in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor today honoring the life of former Kentucky U.S. Senator Marlow Cook upon his passing Thursday, February 04, 2016. Prepared remarks follow: "It is with sincere regret that I rise to mark the passing of Kentucky's former Senator, Marlow W. Cook. "Senator Cook served in this chamber for only … Continue Reading
02.04.16
McConnell Urges Senate Democrats to Advance Broad, Bipartisan Energy Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act: "The Energy Committee worked hard over the past year to develop the broad, bipartisan energy legislation before us. "Members in both parties focused on areas of common ground, worked across the aisle, and developed legislation that ultimately earned the support of more than 80% of their colleagues, Republicans and Democrat… Continue Reading
02.04.16
McConnell Congratulates the USO on 75th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today commemorating the 75th anniversary of the USO: "When Americans hear 'USO,' they often think of Bob Hope. There's no question that he helped lift the spirits of countless men and women in uniform. But the USO impacts military personnel in a number of other important ways too - something it's been doing for decades. "75 years in fact, to the day. "I think every colleague will join… Continue Reading
