Remarks
Currently showing results related to National Security
McConnell Delivers Address on China to Mark Tiananmen Square Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing: "Today marks the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing. "Because of China's censorship and disinformation, we still do not know how many brave Chinese people were killed by their own government on June 4th, 1989. Conservative estimates say hundreds. Others say thousands.… Continue Reading
06.03.20
“The Foreign Actors Who Seek to Harm the United States Have Not Let Up While We Attend to Other Problems”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Afghanistan: "Make no mistake: The foreign actors who seek to harm the United States have not let up while we attend to other problems. "For example, in Afghanistan, despite agreeing just months ago to engage in further peace negotiations with the Afghan government and sever its ties with al-Qaeda, the Taliban has instead continued its violent campaign again… Continue Reading
05.21.20
McConnell on Successful Slowing of COVID-19: The American People Have Won “An Important Battle”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding COVID-19: "All month, the Senate has been on the job, attending to the needs of our nation. "We have legislated. We've confirmed nominees. We've held major hearings and conducted oversight on the historic response to COVID-19. "Now, yesterday, we learned that our Senate action will continue to contrast with our absentee neighbors across the rotunda. "While… Continue Reading
05.20.20
McConnell: House Democrats Playing With “Perpetual Impeachment” While the Senate Fights the Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding House Democrats' perpetual impeachment and the CARES Act: "Week after week, this Capitol has been a study in contrasts. Call it a tale of two chambers. "Over here in the United States Senate, the lights are on, the doors are open, and we are working for the American people. "All month, we've been in session - passing national-security legislation, confirmin… Continue Reading
05.19.20
McConnell on Continued Action on Improper Investigations: The American People Deserve Answers and We Intend to Get Them
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding government accountability: "The coronavirus pandemic continues to challenge our nation, and the Senate is here working for the American people. "Our committees have called in experts like Dr. Fauci and leaders like Chairman Powell to discuss the CARES Act and the path toward re-opening. We are tracking the effects of the largest rescue package ever and we a… Continue Reading
05.18.20
McConnell: Essential Workers Are Showing Up for Our Country And The Senate Is Showing Up for Them
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the week's business: "The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hold our nation on high alert. "More than 1.4 million Americans have been infected. More than 80,000 lives have been tragically lost. And the livelihoods of tens of millions of working families have been turned upside down in what seems like the blink of an eye. "Our nation's healthcare system has not… Continue Reading
05.13.20
McConnell: Our Enemies and Competitors Are Not Standing Down During this Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the need to renew key authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): "The Senate has work of our own to do this week to ensure the safety and security of our nation. "In addition to fighting this historic pandemic, it is also our job to keep sight of the other threats to national security that are still evolving, independent of COVID-19.… Continue Reading
05.11.20
McConnell: The Senate Will Continue to Perform Our Own Essential Responsibilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the week's business: "The Senate is back for a second week in session and we have more important work to do for the American people. "While our nation fights the coronavirus pandemic, many of our fellow Americans have been taking new safety precautions but continuing to show up to perform essential work. "Because of delivery drivers and grocery clerks, fami… Continue Reading
03.16.20
McConnell on FISA: The Senate Should Not Wait to Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding FISA: "Late last night, several critical authorities that law enforcement uses to keep Americans safe lapsed into expiration. "Barring Senate action, these important tools, which help protect the homeland from terrorists and counter foreign intelligence activities on U.S. soil, will remain offline. "Fortunately, in the weeks leading up to this deadline, the… Continue Reading
03.12.20
McConnell Calls for Immediate Passage of Important National Security Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020: "Yesterday, the House of Representatives did come together around a bipartisan agreement to renew some critical national security tools. "The USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020 will reauthorize key authorities granted to intelligence and national security professionals under the Foreign Intelligence Surveilla… Continue Reading
03.11.20
McConnell on Election Security: We Must Stay Vigilant
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding election security: 'Yesterday, both the House and the Senate were briefed by top intelligence community officials on the state of ongoing efforts to protect the security of American elections. 'I was glad that so many members took advantage of the chance to hear directly from the experts. This issue is very important. And it is bad for our democracy that som… Continue Reading
03.10.20
“Let’s Focus on Fighting Foreign Interference, Not Fighting Each Other”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding election security: 'This afternoon, all senators will have the opportunity to attend a briefing on election security from administration experts who tackle the issue every day. 'The FBI director, the acting Secretary of Homeland Security, General Nakasone of the NSA and Cybercommand, the Director of Counterintelligence at the DNI, and a number of other senio… Continue Reading
11.14.19
Election Security Defenses Are Stronger, Crucial Work Continues
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding election security: "Last Tuesday was Election Day in dozens of states and localities, including my home state of Kentucky. But there was one important aspect of Election Day that didn't get much attention: Unlike in 2016, last week's elections were not marred to the same extent by foreign interference from our nation's adversaries. And neither were the 2018 m… Continue Reading
11.13.19
McConnell Comments on Turkish President’s Visit to the White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding national security: "Today, President Trump will host the leader of Turkey at the White House. "Although I have expressed concerns about granting President Erdogan such an honor in light of his recent actions, I hope the meeting produces better behavior from this important NATO ally. "We recognize Turkey's legitimate national security concerns about the d… Continue Reading
10.31.19
While Democrats Focus on Impeachment, Republicans Focus on Funding Our Troops
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the need to fund our armed forces and the House impeachment inquiry resolution: "Later today we're going to vote on something that should not be controversial: Funding for our national defense. For supporting servicemembers and their families. For sustaining America's global leadership and strategic edge. "This vital priority is not something that can take a… Continue Reading
10.23.19
House Democrat Proposal is Designed to Reduce Free Speech in America
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding H.R. 4617: "Later today, I understand the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 4617 - the latest installment in Speaker Pelosi's campaign to expand government's control over Americans' political speech. "It's a transparent attack on the First Amendment that has united an unlikely band of opponents across the political spectrum. Everybody from hardcore … Continue Reading
10.15.19
McConnell on Turkish Escalation: ‘This Violence Needs To End’
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the situation in Syria: "I know I speak for many of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle in expressing my grave concern at the events that have unfolded in Syria in recent days. "Turkey is our NATO ally. Yes, it hosts millions of Syrian refugees and has legitimate security concerns about the situation in Syria. But Turkey's escalation of hostilities with… Continue Reading
09.11.19
McConnell Thanks Ambassador John Bolton for Service as National Security Advisor
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor thanking Ambassador John Bolton for his service as National Security Advisor: "As he departs the position of National Security Advisor, I want to thank Ambassador John Bolton for his many years of valuable service to our country. Personally, I have always appreciated John's candid and clear advice. He possesses something crucial - the ability to understand the world the way… Continue Reading
07.22.19
Mark Esper: A Well-Prepared Nominee for a Post of Vital Importance
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper: "The Senate's first order of business this week will be confirming a thoroughly well-prepared nominee to a post of vital national importance. Later today, we'll vote to advance the nomination of Dr. Mark Esper to serve Secretary of Defense. Tomorrow, we'll vote on his confirmation. "When Dr. Esper was nomin… Continue Reading
07.17.19
Secretary of Defense Nominee Mark Esper: A Man of Honor and Integrity
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper: "Yesterday, our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee heard testimony from Dr. Mark Esper, the Senate-confirmed Secretary of the Army and President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense. They examined his extensive record of military and public service and discussed the variety of challenges the… Continue Reading
