Remarks
McConnell Urges Cooperation on Trade Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor calling for cooperation on the bipartisan trade legislation: "I'm very happy the Senate has decided to take another step forward on this very important initiative, not only of the President but of the Majority Party as well. I thank the folks on the other side who are also similarly inclined. "And let me just make it clear that Senator Hatch and Senator Wyden have done a terrific job o… Continue Reading
05.20.15
McConnell Praises House Passage of Human Trafficking Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act: "Yesterday's House passage of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act represents a vital ray of hope for the countless victims of modern slavery who need our help. Victims groups and advocates tell us that this human-rights legislation would provide 'unprecedented support to domestic victims of trafficking.' They urged Congress to… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Trade Promotion Bill Will Help Spur Better Jobs, Higher Wages and a Stronger Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor urging cooperation on bipartisan trade legislation: "Yesterday, Senator Warner, a Democrat, and Senator Ernst, a Republican, joined me in hosting a press conference with small-business owners on the benefits of trade for entrepreneurs. "I thank them both for coming. I thank Senator Warner in particular for helping to lead his party on the issue. "We were joined by small-business owners … Continue Reading
05.20.15
McConnell Calls For Bipartisan Cooperation, Additional Trade Amendments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding bipartisan trade legislation: "We have been working in good faith over the last several days to set up debate and votes on amendments from both sides of the aisle. "We've had some success. The bill managers, Sens. Hatch and Wyden worked together on the votes we've had, and so far have worked to get an additional seven amendments pending. "Sadly, there has been an objection f… Continue Reading
05.19.15
Approval of Trade Promotion Authority Is a Vote for American Workers, Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding a bipartisan 21st century American trade agenda: "Today we'll continue our work on the trade legislation before us. "I know Senators on both sides are eager to offer amendments to it. Yesterday was a good start. We voted on a few amendments, and we got a half-dozen more pending. But we need to keep the ball moving. So let me again encourage members of both parties to offer tho… Continue Reading
05.18.15
Senate Agenda This Week to Focus on Trade, FISA and Highway Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor outlining the week ahead: "Thursday's vote to open this debate on trade was important for our country. It brought Middle Class families one step closer to the increased American exports and American trade jobs our economy needs. "It took a lot of work to get us this far. It's going to take a lot more to bring these American jobs over the finish line. "Cooperation from both sides of th… Continue Reading
05.14.15
McConnell Honors Nation’s Law Enforcement Officers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor celebrating National Police Week 2015: "This week we welcome thousands of law-enforcement officers for National Police Week 2015. It's a time to pay tribute to all the men and women who serve in Federal, State, and local law enforcement across America. And it's a good time for those of us who benefit from the shield of protection that they provide-and that's all of us-to express our gra… Continue Reading
05.14.15
Keeping Poison Pills Out of Trade Bill a Positive Step For Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding 21st century American trade agenda: "I was glad to see our Democrat friends accept our path forward on trade yesterday. "Under our plan, the Senate will avoid the poison pills that had been floated in favor of the very type of bipartisan approach we've been advocating for all along. It follows regular order. It allows Senators to express themselves without endangering more Ame… Continue Reading
05.14.15
Obamacare is Hurting Kentucky Hospitals
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the broken promises of Obamacare and the impact on Kentucky families and hospitals: "It's good to see forward momentum on trade. It's good for the American people. "But there are other issues that both parties should want to address too: like the broken promises of Obamacare. "It would be nice to see more bipartisan support there. I hope we will. "Because we all know that O… Continue Reading
05.13.15
Senate Democrats Accept Leader McConnell’s Bipartisan Path Forward on Trade
'The plan I'm about to offer will follow the regular order on the trade bill, while also allowing Senators the opportunity to take votes on the customs and preferences bills - in a way that will not imperil the increased American exports and American trade jobs we need. We would then turn to the trade bill with TPA and TAA as the base bill, and open the floor to amendments as I've suggested all week. It's reasonable.' WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the foll… Continue Reading
05.13.15
McConnell Comments on Amtrak Derailment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Amtrak derailment: "Many of us awoke to terrible news this morning. We're still awaiting more information about what happened near Philadelphia. But we know this tragedy will touch the lives of many. The Senate sends its condolences to the victims, those who were injured, and their families and loved ones. We also reaffirm our gratitude to our nation's first responde… Continue Reading
05.13.15
Path Forward on Bipartisan Trade Bill ‘Still on the Table,’ Says McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today urging Senate Democrats to stop blocking a bipartisan discussion on a 21st century American trade agenda: "It was quite something to watch President Obama's party vote to filibuster his top domestic legislative priority yesterday. "It left pretty much everyone scratching their heads. "The Democrat Leader made clear yesterday that he was not interested in debating the 'merits of th… Continue Reading
05.12.15
McConnell: Door Remains Open for a Path Forward on Bipartisan Trade Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Senate Democrats filibuster of a bipartisan trade bill: "What we just saw here is pretty shocking. "There are always limits to what can be accomplished when the American people choose divided government. "But it doesn't mean Washington shouldn't work toward bipartisan solutions that make sense for our country. "Trade offers a perfect opportunity to do just that. "We on… Continue Reading
05.12.15
McConnell Urges Senate to Begin Debate on Bipartisan Trade Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor urging Senators to start debate on a 21st Century American trade agenda: "The Senate will have the opportunity this afternoon to open the legislative process for a broad, 21st Century American trade agenda. "Let me remind Senators that the vote we're taking today is not a vote to approve or disprove of Trade Promotion Authority. In fact, the bill we'd be voting to proceed to is simply … Continue Reading
05.11.15
McConnell Discusses Senate Getting Back to Work, Previews Trade and Iran Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding an active Senate: "I took a trip up to Boston this weekend to address the Kennedy Institute. It was a unique experience. "I was there - in a full-scale representation of the Senate chamber - to discuss how the real Senate is beginning to get back to work. "I explained how committees are working again, so Senators can have more of a stake in the legislative process. "I expla… Continue Reading
05.07.15
Tribute to Don Ritchie, Senate Historian
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today celebrating the career of Don Ritchie: "I'd like to bid a fond farewell to one of the smartest guys around here, Don Ritchie, who will be leaving us later this month. "He's been the Senate's Historian since 2009. "Don's only the second one we've ever had. His immediate - and only - predecessor, Richard Baker, hired him when the Senate Historical Office came into being in the mi… Continue Reading
05.07.15
Passage of Bipartisan Trade Bill Would Enhance U.S. Economic Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act: "On the topic of aggressive campaigns in pursuit of expansion and intimidation, there are several other countries that come to mind around the world. "China, for one. "China is determined to dominate its neighbors. "China wants to diminish American influence in the Pacific. "And China wants to substitu… Continue Reading
05.07.15
Passage of Iran Bill Would Give Congress a Chance to Review Iran Nuke Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today emphasizing the importance of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: "It's good to see that the Senate will soon be passing another important piece of bipartisan legislation. "The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act offers the best chance for our constituents, through the Congress they elect, to weigh in on the White House's negotiations with Iran. "And make no mistake, they need to… Continue Reading
05.06.15
McConnell Calls for Senate Passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor calling for Senators to pass the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: "The Senate is now nearing completion of the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. This is 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. "It would require that any agreement reached with… Continue Reading
05.06.15
Bipartisan Trade Bill a Boon to American Farmers, Manufacturers, Small Business Owners
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act: "Once we do pass the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, the Senate will take up another measure designed to hold the Administration accountable: the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act. "This bipartisan bill is about a lot more than just expanding Congress' oversight authority th… Continue Reading
