Remarks
Partial Government Shutdown Prolonged by Democrats’ Refusal to Negotiate
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: "All week, I've been outlining the humanitarian and security crisis at our nation's southern border. I've discussed the threats from the inflow of drugs and criminal aliens. I've shared career border security experts' strong support for physical barriers. And I've cited the empirical data that actually backs up the… Continue Reading
01.09.19
Democrat Inconsistency on Border Security Funding Continues
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: "Last night President Trump delivered his first address to the nation from the Oval Office. In the midst of this partial government shutdown, the president offered a reminder of just what's at stake: The security of our nation's southern border. By now, on Day 19 of Senate Democrats' latest experiment in 'absentee … Continue Reading
01.08.19
McConnell Urges Democratic Colleagues to Get Past Harmful Political Games, Get Serious About Negotiating With the President
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: "Democrat intransigence has made sure that a quarter of the federal government has been shut down for more than two weeks. Now they're threatening to shut down the Senate, too. They've gotten the government to shut down for two weeks, now they want to shut the Senate down. They're threatening to shut down efforts t… Continue Reading
01.08.19
Middle East Policy Legislation Would Help Protect Allies, Strengthen Israel Relationship
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the S. 1 foreign policy legislation that he introduced with Senators Rubio, Risch and Gardner: "For years, America's vital interests in the Middle East have been jeopardized by regional chaos. The security of our ally Israel continues to be challenged by the long reach of the Iranian regime and its affiliates. In Syria, the Assad regime has made its own nation a gravey… Continue Reading
01.04.19
Senate to Take Up Middle East Policy Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the S. 1 foreign policy legislation that he introduced with Senators Rubio, Risch and Gardner: "Yesterday, the senior Senator from Florida introduced a package of four bills that pertain to U.S. policy in the Middle East. I am a proud co-sponsor of this legislation, along with Senators Risch and Gardner. It speaks directly to some critical American interests in the Mid… Continue Reading
01.04.19
‘The Situation at Our Border Demands Our Attention’
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: "Later today, I will again join President Trump, the Democratic Leader, the new Speaker of the House, and our other congressional colleagues at the White House. The meeting represents the latest in the president's ongoing efforts to persuade Democrats that appropriate funding for border security is a better outcome… Continue Reading
01.03.19
McConnell: The American People Need Democrats and Republicans to Work Together
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: "So, as we begin this new Congress together, one fact is abundantly clear: the American people need Democrats and Republicans to work together. Today illustrates that very point. Last November, voters expanded our Republican majority here in the Senate -- but ensured that 60 votes will only be attainable by workin… Continue Reading
01.03.19
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