Remarks
McConnell: A Privilege to Welcome the Pope to the Capitol
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier today welcomed Pope Francis to the U.S. Capitol. Following His Holiness' address during a Joint Meeting of Congress, Senator McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor: "I know I speak for the entire Senate when I say it was a privilege to welcome the Pope to the Capitol this morning. For the thousands who gathered on the Capitol lawn, it was an experience they're unlikely to ever forget. "A quiet nod. A soft … Continue Reading
09.24.15
McConnell: Funding Bill Would Fund Government and Protect Women’s Health
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Continuing Resolution (CR) that would fund the government while protecting women's health: "It's no surprise that members of the Senate have differences on issues. That's normal. Healthy even. "But even if our Democratic colleagues may not agree with us on every issue, let us agree that the scandal surrounding Planned Parenthood is deeply unsettling. Let us agree that it … Continue Reading
09.22.15
Senate CR Would Fund Government, Not Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Continuing Resolution (CR) that would fund the government while protecting women's health: "I was struck by some things the Democratic Leader said this morning about funding the government. "First he said it was not Democrats' responsibility to work toward sensible solutions because, quote, 'We've helped in any way we can, we've not held up anything procedurally.' "That … Continue Reading
09.22.15
McConnell Calls For End to Democrat Filibuster of Defense Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding defense appropriations: "Almost exactly a year ago, President Obama addressed the nation and declared his resolve to 'degrade' and 'destroy' ISIL. I'll speak more on that in just a moment, but there were two lines in that speech of particular relevance to the vote we're about to take: "'As Commander-in-Chief, my highest priority is the security of the American people,' he said… Continue Reading
09.22.15
McConnell: Pass the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act: "Ask a family to show you the first picture of their child these days, and you're likely to get a black-and-white image with delicate fingers and tiny toes. "Maybe it's their precious Christine. Maybe it's their little guy Brett. But one thing's for sure: that baby is their child. "Scientific advances like the sonogram are helping … Continue Reading
09.21.15
McConnell Urges Support for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor previewing the week ahead: "I know many Americans are looking ahead to the visit of Pope Francis this week with great interest. Thousands will gather on the Capitol grounds for the chance to hear him speak. I think I can speak for every colleague when I say the Senate welcomes him warmly. We look forward to his visit. "So it's obviously going to be a busy week here in the Senate. That'… Continue Reading
09.17.15
Senate Vote Today Would Link Sanctions Relief to Change in Iranian Behavior
'The Administration failed to negotiate to ensure the release of American citizens being held in Iranian custody. The Administration failed to negotiate to ensure Iran's recognition of Israel's right to exist. But we can do something to link the freedom American citizens being held in Iranian custody and the recognition of Israel to sanctions relief - something that the Administration should have done. We can say it has to be corrected before sanctions are lifted, and billions more flow into Ira… Continue Reading
09.15.15
McConnell Amendment Would Link Lifting Sanctions to Iran’s Recognition of Israel, Release of American Prisoners
'I will file on an amendment that would prevent the President from lifting sanctions until Iran meets two simple benchmarks: It must formally recognize Israel's right to exist, and it must release the American citizens being held in Iranian custody.' WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today outlining what is next in the Senate regarding the President's deal with Iran: "This evening, Senate Democrats will have one more… Continue Reading
09.15.15
McConnell Urges Senate Democrats Not to Block Vote to Stop Iran Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the President's deal with Iran: "As the Senate continues debating President Obama's deal with Iran today, I think it's appropriate to consider a quote from President Obama himself: 'I believe Congress owes the American people a final up or down vote,' he said. 'We need courage. You know, in the end, this debate is about far more than politics.' "When it comes to the Iran deal… Continue Reading
09.10.15
Despite Bipartisan Opposition, Senate Democrats Filibuster to Protect President’s Iran Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Democrats' filibuster of the resolution of disapproval: "The issue before us is of immense consequence to our country. The American people are entitled to a real voice, and to know where their elected Senators stand. "Until recently, this was a principle members of both parties appeared to endorse. "In fact, not a single Democrat voted against the Iran Nuclear Agreement … Continue Reading
09.10.15
McConnell Urges Senate Democrats Not to Block a Vote on President’s Iran Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today urging Senate Democrats to allow a vote on the President's deal with Iran: "Just a few short months ago, Senators of both parties came together to pass a bipartisan bill based on an important principle: that the American people, through the Congress they elect, deserve a say on one of the most important issues of our time. "We rallied around that principle, voting 98-1 to ensure … Continue Reading
09.09.15
McConnell Lays Out Case Against President’s Iran Nuclear Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the President's deal with Iran: "Before the Senate is a resolution that would disapprove of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed to by the United States, China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran. "I've long said that the Senate should assess this deal by employing a simple standard: Will i… Continue Reading
09.09.15
McConnell Calls for Serious Debate on President’s Deal with Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Senate debate of the President's deal with Iran: "This afternoon, the Senate will engage in a debate of immense importance to our country. "I again ask every Senator to reflect upon its gravity. "At its heart, this is about more than just the short-term prospects of one agreement, or the long-term legacy of one president, or the narrow interests of one political party. "Wr… Continue Reading
09.08.15
Senate Begins Debate on President Obama’s Iranian Nuclear Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the President's deal with Iran: "Today we will begin consideration of the resolution to disapprove the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated by China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the United States, which seeks to constrain Iran's nuclear weapons program. "I will ask all Senators to be present in the ch… Continue Reading
08.05.15
McConnell Urges Senate to Open Debate on Bipartisan Cybersecurity Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the bipartisan cybersecurity bill: "A cyberattack can feel like a very personal attack on your privacy. "A criminal with your medical records, your credit cards, and your Social Security number… "A stranger with emails from your boss, texts to your friend, and pictures of your kids… "It's personally violating. It's financially crippling. It can be just plain cree… Continue Reading
08.05.15
Given Widespread Bipartisan Concern, America Deserves a Serious Debate on the Iran Nuclear Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Senate debate of the President's Iran deal: "As the Administration's agreement with Iran comes under greater scrutiny, there is growing bipartisan concern. It's widespread and it's well-founded. "The leading House Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee recently said the deal 'troubled' him because 'it doesn't prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, it just postpones it.… Continue Reading
08.04.15
McConnell Offers Path Forward on Cyber Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor offering a UC agreement on the cybersecurity bill: "Our government was recently struck by a devastating cyberattack that's been described as 'one of the worst breaches in U.S. history.' It was a major blow to the privacy of millions of Americans. "We know that the private sector is vulnerable to attack too. "The House has already passed two White House-backed cybersecurity bills to he… Continue Reading
08.04.15
McConnell Calls for ‘Thorough, Thoughtful and Respectful’ Senate Debate on Iran Nuclear Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor outlining the September debate on the President's Iran Deal: "This September, the Senate will formally weigh in on the nuclear deal struck between the White House and Iran. We'll take a vote and answer a simple but powerful question: Will the agreement actually make America and its allies safer? "When we do, the Senate- as an institution- will be put to the test. "The first test will … Continue Reading
08.04.15
Bipartisan Cybersecurity Bill Would Help Public, Private Sectors Defeat Cyberattacks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor urging cooperation on the bipartisan Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act: "I recently shared an AP news story with my colleagues. I think it's worth sharing again. "Here's the headline: 'Federal Agencies Are Wide Open to Hackers, Cyberspies.' "Let me read just a little of what it says. The federal government, which holds secrets and sensitive information ranging from nuclear bluepr… Continue Reading
08.03.15
Senate Bill Would Fund Women’s Health, Not Scandal-Plagued Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding legislation that would redirect federal Planned Parenthood funds: "The revelations we've seen from Planned Parenthood are deeply disturbing. "They raise real fundamental questions about what kind of society we want to be. "I thank Senators Ernst, Paul, Lankford, and a number of others for accepting my invitation to lead the effort on the Senate's response. The legislation they… Continue Reading
