Remarks
Majority Leader McConnell Welcomes 116th Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the opening of the 116th Congress: "As we begin the 116th Congress, I'm glad to be welcoming back my friends and returning colleagues to what I hope will be a productive session. Before we get to work, I'd like to note the arrival of our eight newest members who were just sworn in. "The Senate welcomed Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Mike Braun of Indiana, Kevin Cramer … Continue Reading
01.02.19
House Democrats’ Proposal Ignores the Needs of Border Security, Won’t Pass Senate, McConnell Says
WASHINGTON, D.C- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to secure our border and fund the government: "First, I'd like to wish my colleagues a happy New Year. It's a time for new beginnings. Tomorrow will kick off the 116th Congress. Of course, there's urgent business that the new House and the new Senate will need to tackle immediately. "Democrats will have to get serious about border security so that a government f… Continue Reading
12.22.18
Securing Our Nation's Borders Must Be A Priority
WASHINGTON, D.C- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to secure our border and fund the government: "I have on a red sweater this morning in the hopes that Christmas is not too far away for all of us, including the Members of Congress. With that in mind, let me give everyone an update on where we are. "Yesterday, the Democratic Leader and I reached a procedural agreement to create space for the ongoing negotiations… Continue Reading
12.21.18
Senate Proceeds with Funding, Border Security Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to secure our border and fund the government: "My colleagues, here's where we are. It's now clear that Republicans have enough votes to proceed to the pending legislation on government funding, disaster relief, and border security. Within the Republican conference, there is strong support for the president's reasonable request for more resources to tackle the … Continue Reading
12.21.18
McConnell: Let’s Secure Our Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to secure our border and fund the government: "Yesterday, the House passed an amended version of the continuing resolution to sustain government funding and sent it here for our consideration. In addition to giving the entire federal government the necessary resources to operate into the New Year, this legislation also provides much-needed investments in disas… Continue Reading
12.19.18
McConnell Thanks Cornyn For His Service As Republican Whip
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding friend and colleague, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX): "Now I'm down to my very last end-of-year tribute to a member of this body. I offer this one with the very greatest reluctance. This one isn't occasioned by any retirement. Fortunately for all of us, Senator John Cornyn isn't going anywhere. He'll be right here with us when the 116th Congress convenes in January. But he… Continue Reading
12.19.18
Majority Leader McConnell Thanks Speaker Paul Ryan
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding friend and colleague, Speaker Paul Ryan: "From time to time, each of us has indulged in the jokes and finger-pointing that sustain a friendly rivalry between the House and Senate -- the founders' metaphorical teacup and saucer. And make no mistake: I am thankful every day that so many former representatives see the light and come to join us in the upper chamber. But fo… Continue Reading
12.19.18
Senate to Consider Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Senate consideration of the government funding bill and the need to secure our border: "First, for the information of all senators: Later this morning, we'll introduce a continuing resolution that will ensure continuous funding for the federal government. The measure will provide the resources necessary to continue normal operations through February 8th. "Let's review… Continue Reading
12.18.18
Leader McConnell Thanks General John Kelly
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding White House Chief of Staff, General John Kelly: "Bidding farewell to our departing colleagues is never easy. Neither is seeing off a number of other colleagues, beyond the Senate, with whom we've had the privilege of working closely. For the past two years, America has been treated to a brilliant example of public service on one of its highest possible stages. First as… Continue Reading
12.18.18
Leader McConnell Pays Tribute to Senator Jon Kyl
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the retirement of friend and colleague, Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ): "To the untrained eye, it might seem that I've completed my thanks and farewells to all my Republican colleagues who will depart at the end of this Congress. But I would be remiss if I did not also mention the junior Senator from Arizona - our good friend, Jon Kyl. When Senator Kyl bid farewell to this bo… Continue Reading
12.17.18
Senate Continues Work on Remaining Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the remaining business to be completed in the Senate before the end of the year: "In recent days, I've spoken about the Senate's agenda for the remainder of the 115th Congress. As was the case at this time last week, there are important items that have yet to be addressed. But thanks to the bipartisan progress we made last week, we are significantly closer to the finish… Continue Reading
12.17.18
Leader McConnell Statement on Senator Lamar Alexander
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Senator Lamar Alexander's announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2020: "I'd like to say a few words following today's announcement from our dear friend, the senior senator from Tennessee. The great state of Tennessee has been generous to the U.S. Senate over the years. A number of the state's Senators from both parties have enriched this institution through e… Continue Reading
12.13.18
Leader McConnell Pays Tribute to Senator Jeff Flake
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the retirement of friend and colleague, Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ): "I'd like close by paying tribute to another member of this body whose retirement from the Senate is fast approaching. This particular Senator, in his own words, grew up 'on a dry, dusty ranch in northern Arizona.' You might be surprised at that description if you'd known only the name of his… Continue Reading
12.13.18
Farm Bill Headed To President’s Desk For Signature
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the Farm Bill and the inclusion of a pro-hemp provision: "Yesterday afternoon, the House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing the Farm Bill Conference Report. Now it's on its way to the president's desk. The boost this bill delivers couldn't come soon enough. It's no secret that these are tough times for farm country. Falling prices and volatile ma… Continue Reading
12.13.18
An Already Productive Congress Adds More Accomplishments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding this week's accomplishments so far and the remaining business to be completed in the Senate before the end of the year: "The Senate began this week with a long list of important, unfinished business. And make no mistake: that list remains lengthy. It will require the continued, good-faith efforts of members on both sides of the aisle to keep up the progress. … Continue Reading
12.12.18
Leader McConnell Pays Tribute to Senator Orrin Hatch
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the retirement of friend and colleague, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT): "It is my bittersweet job this morning to pay tribute to an historic Senate career that will conclude at the end of this Congress. Senator Orrin Hatch has faithfully represented the people of Utah in this body for the last 42 years. That makes him dean of our Republican conference and, of co… Continue Reading
12.12.18
McConnell Supports Responsible Corker Resolution, Opposes Sanders-Lee
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor a Yemen resolution introduced by Senators Sanders and Lee and an alternative resolution from Chairman Corker: "Later on, the Senate may consider a resolution by the junior senators from Utah and Vermont that pertains to the situation in Yemen. In effect, these members want to end the limited American assistance to the Saudi-led coalition that is supporting the UN-reco… Continue Reading
12.12.18
McConnell Hemp Provision Will Soon Become Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the Farm Bill's pro-hemp provision and the Senate's remaining business for the year: "The end of the year is fast approaching. There are a number of important items left on the Senate's agenda and little time to address them. We will clear more of the president's well-qualified executive branch and judicial nominees from the calendar. We will consider update… Continue Reading
12.11.18
Protecting the Private Information of American Citizens from the IRS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate regarding an attempt by Senate Democrats to undo an important Treasury Department privacy reform: "The Senate will soon vote on an attempt by some of our Democratic colleagues to unwind an important privacy reform the Treasury Department enacted earlier this year. We need to stand up for privacy, stand up for the First Amendment, and reject the Democrats' resolution. The qu… Continue Reading
12.11.18
McConnell Hemp Provision Clears Another Hurdle; Final Vote Expected Soon
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate regarding the Farm Bill and the inclusion of a pro-hemp provision: "As I mentioned a moment ago, one key piece of our unfinished business is the Farm Bill. Last night I used my very own hemp pen to sign the conference report, clearing the way for the House and the Senate to pass the legislation and send it to the president's desk. And I'm proud that the bill includes my pro… Continue Reading
