{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"KY\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-statement-on-sanctions-against-russia", "McConnell Statement on Sanctions Against Russia", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.16\n\t\t\t McConnell Statement on Sanctions Against Russia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The Russians are not our friends. And clearly the Obama administration has not yet dissuaded them from attempting to breach our cybersecurity systems, or harass our diplomats in Moscow.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t LOUISVILLE, KY  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the announcement of sanctions against Russia:\r\nFor eight years the foreign policy of the Obama administration has rested upon an effort to drawdown America's conventional military capabilities, commitments and forward presence, and increased reliance upon international organizations and rhetoric. The inevitable consequence of this withdrawal from the globe has been an effort by dissatisfied powers such as Russia, Iran and China to expand their respectivespheres of influence.  Countries unfriendly to the United States have employed cyberattacks, coercion, relied on proxy forces and have harassed American ships and aircraft.\r\nThe Obama administration for eight years attempted to reset relations with Russia and sat passively while Russia expanded its sphere of influence, intervened in Crimea, eastern Ukraine, Syria and attempted to bully the Baltic countries. Aggressive behavior short of a military attack upon our country will only stop when it is deterred.\r\nThe Russians are not our friends. And clearly the Obama administration has not yet dissuaded them from attempting to breach our cybersecurity systems, or harass our diplomats in Moscow.\r\nSanctions against the Russian intelligence services are a good initial step, however late in coming. As the next Congress reviews Russian actions against networks associated with the U.S. election, we must also work to ensure that any attack against the United States is met with an overwhelming response.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-statement-on-united-states-action-at-united-nations-security-council-meeting", "McConnell Statement on United States Action at United Nations Security Council Meeting", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.16\n\t\t\t McConnell Statement on United States Action at United Nations Security Council Meeting \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t It is highly regrettable that one of President Obama's last actions in office was again to abandon our ally Israel.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t LOUISVILLE, KY  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the United States abstention at today's United Nations Security Council vote to condemn Israeli Settlements:\r\nToday the United States carried the responsibility to veto any resolution before the United Nations that sought to isolate Israel within the international community, or to illogically destroy any semblance of a peace process by encouraging the Palestinians to forego direct negotiations. \r\nThe past eight years of the Obama administration have been replete with actions that have abandoned our allies and turned away from our commitments. Today's decision taken by the President to abstain from this vote--to fail to act on behalf of an ally represents a failure of leadership and judgment. It is highly regrettable that one of President Obama's last actions in office was again to abandon our ally Israel.In the weeks ahead I am committed to working with the new administration and my colleagues in Congress to reassure our ally Israel that America's commitment to the two state solution--achieved in a manner which protects Israel's vital national security interest--is unswerving.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tIsrael\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-airs-spending-grievances-special-festivus-edition-waste-report/", "Dr. Rand Paul Airs Spending Grievances with Special \u2018Festivus\u2019 Edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released a special \u201cFestivus: Airing of Grievances for 2016\u201d edition of \u201cThe Waste Report,\u201d an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government.\n\nIn its second year, Dr. Paul\u2019s Festivus edition features 37 examples of wasteful spending, misplaced priorities, and bad management in the federal government that have cost taxpayers nearly two billion dollars.\n\nHighlights include: over $300,000 on TVs that sat waiting on a renovation project and turned out to be the wrong kind, $594,000 to subsidize Washington, D.C.-area concerts against the National Park Service\u2019s wishes, $1,250,000 to produce a superhero cartoon in Pakistan, and $6,000,000 to renovate a Fort Belvoir cafeteria that closed permanently months later.\n\nNot to mention sea monsters, shady land deals, dating, and selfies. . . you can find all this and more in Dr. Paul\u2019s special Festivus \u201cWaste Report\u201d HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/article/national-interest-op-ed-congress-must-reclaim-its-war-making-powers", "National Interest Op-Ed: Congress Must Reclaim Its War-Making Powers", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "National Interest Op-Ed: Congress Must Reclaim Its War-Making Powers \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nWednesday, December 21, 2016\n\t\nTHE GREATEST security challenge facing the next president is the national debt. The United States owes nearly $20 trillion, not counting the nearly $50 trillion entitlement debt. The time approaches when America will no longer be able to manage its debt and fund national defense.\r\nThe debt continues to explode because Congress ignores the limitations of the Constitution. The federal government was intended to be limited to specific, enumerated powers, and yet, today\u2019s federal government reaches its meddling hand far afield from the Founders\u2019 intent. To minimize new debt and manage existing debt, officials will have to resurrect the separation-of-powers doctrine. Only by separating power from the president will spending be contained. Power that is not constitutionally given to the president should be taken back by Congress, the states and, ultimately, the people.\r\nThe greatest and most ominous of government\u2019s power is the ability to go to war. The Founders extensively debated and then concluded that on issues of war, Congress would be required to give its authority. Neoconservatives and their disciples, elected and academic, feel the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war is no longer applicable. Under President Obama\u2019s tenure, the United States has gone to war in Libya, Syria and Iraq, and engaged in military activities in Yemen without congressional authority. In each instance, the case can be made that unilateral presidential intervention led to less stability, and less security for the United States.\r\nMilitary interventions are expensive. The money the United States spends on interventions could otherwise be used for weapons of deterrence or upkeep of its decaying nuclear arsenal.\r\nRestoring the constitutional mandate that war needs to be authorized by Congress would go a long way to ensuring that a full-throated debate occurs before troops are placed in harm\u2019s way.\r\nThe Trump administration can take the lead here, but nothing prevents Congress from engaging in what is maybe its most important constitutional role: war authorization. Congress should be resolute and either pass an appropriate authorization or disapproval for current U.S. interventions while simultaneously repealing the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force.\r\nThe ease with which Congress allows the president to engage in several \u201chotspots\u201d around the world tends to make these regions less safe. Members don\u2019t want to appear soft on terrorism or unsupportive of the military. It is easier for them to politicize the ineptitude of an administration\u2019s strategy than to exert proper oversight.\r\nTime after time, the United States has intervened around the world without congressional approval. In Libya, the overthrow of Muammar el-Qaddafi resulted in chaos, leaving an inept Libyan government and large swathes of territory under ISIS control.\r\nYemen is another engagement in which Congress has had little to no input. The military and advisory support given to Saudi Arabia fosters future jihadists that want to destroy America. The United States is providing air refueling support; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and U.S. military hardware to Riyadh. In the summer of 2016, a fifteen-year-old boy was killed by a U.S. cluster bomb. In October, Saudi forces repeatedly bombed a funeral in Yemen, in which 140 people were killed and as many as five hundred injured.\r\nThe Yemeni crisis has been going on for almost two years with no signs of abatement. Houthi rebels have already tried to attack the United States by launching two separate missile attacks on the USS Mason. Let\u2019s not forget the USS Cole bombing, which also occurred in Yemen. Another unfortunate attack on a U.S. vessel or other American personnel will predictably incite calls for more intervention. Lawmakers must see the writing on the wall. When a president sends U.S. troops on an operation not supported by Congress, often America becomes stuck in a stalemate. War without congressional debate seems to be a recipe for war without rhyme, reason or any concept of victory.\r\nIn September, a few members and I attempted to insert congressional prerogative in matters of national security. Congress took a vote on stopping the sale of 153 Abrams tanks to Saudi Arabia. Over seventy senators voted to allow the sale. Ironically, these same senators voted overwhelmingly, the same day, to allow 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government for its possible role in the 2001 bombings. Although we lost the vote in the Senate, President Obama eventually decided to suspend the sale of U.S. air-dropped munitions. In this instance, loud voices in Congress did change a foreign-policy outcome.\r\nThe implications of not adhering to constitutionally established roles have huge consequences for U.S. foreign policy. Strategic, operational and tactical considerations by a president and military leaders are of immense consequence. All of these powers are derived from the Constitution. If the Constitution isn\u2019t adhered to as the Founding Fathers intended, the nation and American credibility abroad suffer.\r\nhttp://nationalinterest.org/feature/congress-must-reclaim-its-war-making-powers-18804", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/press/dr-rand-paul-airs-spending-grievances-with-special-festivus-edition-of-the-waste-report", "Dr. Rand Paul Airs Spending Grievances with Special ‘Festivus’ Edition of ‘The Waste Report’", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.16\n\t\t\t Dr. Rand Paul Airs Spending Grievances with Special \u2018Festivus\u2019 Edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released a special \u201cFestivus: Airing of Grievances for 2016\u201d edition of \u201cThe Waste Report,\u201d an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within\u00a0the U.S. government.\r\nIn its second year, Dr. Paul\u2019s Festivus edition features 37 examples of wasteful spending, misplaced priorities, and bad management in the federal government that have cost taxpayers nearly two billion dollars. \u00a0\r\nHighlights include: over $300,000 on TVs that sat waiting on a renovation project and turned out to be the wrong kind, $594,000 to subsidize Washington, D.C.-area concerts against the National Park Service\u2019s wishes, $1,250,000 to produce a superhero cartoon in Pakistan, and $6,000,000 to renovate a Fort Belvoir cafeteria that closed permanently months later.\r\nNot to mention sea monsters, shady land deals, dating, and selfies. . . you can find all this and more in Dr. Paul\u2019s special Festivus \u201cWaste Report\u201d\u00a0HERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7E11C8F-2111-4F6B-93FA-2F2417A4A4D1", "Rogers, Stivers Celebrate New Dismas Charities Manchester Re-Entry Center", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers joined local officials in Manchester for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Dismas Charities Manchester Re-Entry Center located on Muddy Gap Road. The new half-way house will create 22 new jobs in Clay County. Dismas Charities was recently awarded a competitive federal contract with the Manchester Federal Correctional Institution to help individuals transition back into society. The Manchester Re-Entry Center will provide in-house services to 27 men and women from the Eastern District of Kentucky and 14 home confinement residents. \"This new facility is a sign that great things are on the horizon for the City of Hope,\"said Congressman Rogers. \"When Dismas Charities was looking for a community to call home in Eastern Kentucky, the City of Manchester demonstrated they were ready for a facility of this magnitude, and willing to help folks who have been given a second-chance in life.\" The annual payroll and benefits for employees will equal an estimated $700,000, plus Dismas Charities has budgeted approximately $500,000 annually for local goods and services. \"Not only does Dismas Charities provide critical services for individuals who are starting a new chapter in their lives, but this organization has taken a leap of faith by investing in our community and creating much needed jobs right here in Clay County,\"said Senator Stivers. Dismas Charities was founded in 1964 and operates 33 programs in 13 states. The Manchester facility is designed to provide services for 40 residents, but has the capacity to expand for 48 residents. The facility will establish a local Community Advisory Board to assist in program planning. \"In the last two years, 81 residents in our Louisville and Lexington programs have come from Manchester and surrounding communities,\"said Ray Weiss, President/CEO of Dismas Charities. \"Had this center existed, these 81 men and women, as well as their families, would have been able to re-unite more easily without the barriers of distance and transportation.\" Dismas Charities develops individual programs for each resident to reduce recidivism. The program will help residents prepare for and obtain employment, reunite families, develop financial literacy and responsibility, parenting, substance abuse and mental health. Dismas Charities has invest $2.8 million in land acquisition, development, construction and furnishings for the Manchester facility that is scheduled to open February 1, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8A3FD98A-E22E-4965-9B6D-685A43FD576B", "Obama Regulation Set to Hurt Coal Country", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the release of the President\u2019s Final Stream Protection Rule:\r\n\r\n\u201cThe president\u2019s eight-year war on coal has wrecked the lifeblood of the economy and the livelihoods of coal country workers and their families. And this desperate, last-minute attempt to cement that effort against American energy and American jobs is just the latest example.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis costly regulation, along with others that are already having a devastating impact, are part of the Administration\u2019s plan to demolish these coal communities right now and long after the president has left office. I will continue to do all I can to fight back against the Obama Administration\u2019s repeated and gratuitous attacks on our coal miners whose only crime is working hard to maintain a reliable source of energy and provide for their families. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to provide relief to our coal communities and assist those who have been hit with unemployment and poverty as a result of the War on Coal.\r\n\r\n\u201cWhen the new Congress convenes next month, I will also introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn this egregious regulation and work with my colleagues to use every tool available to turn back this regulatory assault on coal country.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/article/breitbart-op-ed-lets-cut-taxes-now", "Breitbart Op-Ed: Let's Cut Taxes Now!", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Breitbart Op-Ed: Let's Cut Taxes Now! \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\nI'm just old enough to remember when Republicans used to be for tax cuts. Oh sure, many of them will make noises about lowering some taxes, but too often they are caught up in the trap of so-called \"revenue neutral tax reform.\" This is especially true of Congressional leaders.\r\nWe owe it to the American people and to our party to go big and be bold again. We owe it to them to stop the coma-inducing Washington talk that never seems to shrink government or deficits.\r\nI like to tell people, no one has ever knocked on a door or made a phone call because they were excited about \u2018revenue neutral\u2019 tax reform. By its very nature it means that some people will pay less, but some people will pay more and government will still be the same enormous beast it was before we started the process.\r\nThat\u2019s not good enough!\r\nOne of the things I liked about Donald Trump\u2019s campaign was that he ran on a big, bold tax plan, that cut taxes for every American, and it was NOT revenue neutral. The government would get less money and every American would keep more.\r\nThat\u2019s the kind of plan I ran on, too, and it\u2019s the kind of plan we in Congress should quickly rally behind as we start our new session and the new Administration.\u00a0\r\nWe have tried it before. In fact, the most successful Republican Presidents (and a few Democrats) led off their agendas with tax cuts, to send money back and to try to get government to live with a little less.\u00a0\r\nPresident Reagan famously led with a massive tax cut that stimulated the economy for years, leading to 4-7 percent growth through most of his term. The administration and Congress failed to get spending under control, a lesson we need to remember.\u00a0 But their tax cut and pro-growth agenda led to a boom, and millions of new jobs.\r\nPresident Bush did a more modest but still significant tax cut in his first year. Both growth and job creation jump started.\u00a0\r\nNow it\u2019s time to help President-elect Trump do the same. I met recently with his nominee for Treasury Secretary, and I\u2019m confident he and President-elect Trump understand the need to cut taxes for everyone and to jump start growth again. The difference between 1-2 percent and 3-4 percent growth is enormous, including millions of good jobs.\r\nLet\u2019s not give in to Washington and its stagnated ways. Let\u2019s follow the lead of Presidents Reagan and Bush and help President Trump begin his administration with tax cuts for everyone, and less money in Washington.\r\nhttp://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/19/senator-rand-paul-lets-cut-taxes-now/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/obama-regulation-set-to-hurt-coal-country-", "Obama Regulation Set to Hurt Coal Country", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Obama Regulation Set to Hurt Coal Country  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t When the new Congress convenes next month, I will also introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn this egregious regulation and work with my colleagues to use every tool available to turn back this regulatory assault on coal country.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t LOUISVILLE, KY  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the release of the President's Final Stream Protection Rule:\r\nThe president's eight-year war on coal has wrecked the lifeblood of the economy and the livelihoods of coal country workers and their families. And this desperate, last-minute attempt to cement that effort against American energy and American jobs is just the latest example.\r\n\r\nThis costly regulation, along with others that are already having a devastating impact, are part of the Administration's plan to demolish these coal communities right now and long after the president has left office. I will continue to do all I can to fight back against the Obama Administration's repeated and gratuitous attacks on our coal miners whose only crime is working hard to maintain a reliable source of energy and provide for their families. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to provide relief to our coal communities and assist those who have been hit with unemployment and poverty as a result of the War on Coal.\r\n\r\nWhen the new Congress convenes next month, I will also introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn this egregious regulation and work with my colleagues to use every tool available to turn back this regulatory assault on coal country.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCoal\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-paul-murphy-franken-lee-applaud-decision-halt-some-military-arms-sales-saudi-arabia-call/", "Paul, Murphy, Franken, Lee Applaud Decision to Halt Some Military Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, Call for Further Actions", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "Bipartisan group of senators has voiced concerns over U.S. participation in Saudi Arabia\u2019s military actions in Yemen\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Al Franken (D-MN), and Mike Lee (R-UT) applauded a decision by the White House to halt some military arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but urged further action to end military support for a war marked by humanitarian abuses. Saudi Arabia has led a military campaign in Yemen with devastating humanitarian consequences and a security vacuum that has empowered U.S. terrorist enemies, al Qaeda, and ISIS. Senators Paul, Murphy, Franken, and Lee have been outspoken about their concerns that U.S. participation in Saudi Arabia\u2019s military actions in Yemen threatens our own national security interests.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see the administration respond to growing pressure over its arms sales to Saudi Arabia,\u201d said Sen. Paul. \u201cHalting this $350 million sale is a positive start, but it is only a drop in the bucket of the administration\u2019s total support. Until President Obama ends his unilateral, unconstitutional involvement in this regional war, our voices will only get louder.\u201d\n\nSen. Murphy said, \u201cHalting these weapons sales to the Saudis is the right call. But if we are concerned about U.S.-supplied bombs being dropped on civilians, we should also stop refueling the Saudi planes that are flying those missions. Both the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi-Saleh alliance have been responsible for killing innocent civilians and denying vitally needed humanitarian aid. Any further assistance \u2013 including weapons deliveries already in the pipeline \u2013 should be conditioned on prioritizing civilian protection and a willingness to compromise in political negotiations to end the war.\u201d\n\n\u201cThousands of civilians have been killed or wounded in the U.S.-backed war in Yemen,\u201d said Sen. Franken. \u201cThis is a tragedy that we cannot continue to support. I\u2019m hopeful that this decision begins to send the message that the United States is not going to turn a blind eye to Saudi Arabia\u2019s indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children. This is an important step, one that we called for in Congress, but we need to keep pressing for more action.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile this announcement may signal that the administration is finally beginning to understand the contradictions of their policy towards Yemen, our military is still involved in a war without authorization from Congress with no justifiable strategy,\u201d Sen. Lee said. \u201cFrom day-one Congress should begin to engage the incoming administration on reviewing the international entanglements in which our country has become involved.\u201d\n\nIn September, Senators Paul, Murphy, Franken, and Lee introduced a joint resolution of disapproval, S.J.Res 39, to block the $1.15 billion U.S. sale of Abrams tanks and associated major defense articles to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In April, Senators Paul and Murphy introduced a separate joint resolution to increase Congressional oversight of military sales to Saudi Arabia by requiring the President of the United States to formally certify that the Government of Saudi Arabia is demonstrating an ongoing effort to target terrorist groups, minimize harm to civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance before Congress can consider the sale or transfer of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/article/breitbart-op-ed-restore-the-bill-of-rights", "Breitbart Op-Ed: Restore the Bill of Rights", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Breitbart Op-Ed: Restore the Bill of Rights \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nThursday, December 15, 2016\n\t\nTwo hundred and twenty-five years ago today, a young nation made ten additions to its already revolutionary Constitution.\u00a0\r\nThese amendments \u2013 this \u201cBill of Rights\u201d \u2013 said we could speak our minds, worship freely, defend ourselves, be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures, and expect to be treated fairly if accused of a crime.\r\nIn contrast to almost all of the legislation Congress passes today, the Bill of Rights is full of language such as \u201cCongress shall make no law\u201d and \u201cThe right of the people\u2026 shall not be violated,\u201d along with a guarantee that non-delegated powers or those not specifically denied the states \u201care reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.\u201d\u00a0\r\nWith this document, the Founders drew a line in the sand a few inches from the government\u2019s feet.\u00a0\r\nNot all of these 225 years have been kind to the Bill of Rights, though.\u00a0 It\u2019s been challenged, debated, and far too often just ignored.\r\nDon\u2019t be fooled into thinking this would have surprised the Founders.\r\nWe have the Bill of Rights precisely because the Founding Fathers knew government can\u2019t resist stretching its limits.\u00a0 Much like Benjamin Franklin\u2019s reported statement that we had a Republic if we could \u201ckeep it,\u201d the Bill of Rights relies on the people holding government accountable.\u00a0\r\nWhen some in government say \u201cof course we can,\u201d you and I are supposed to use the Bill of Rights to say, \u201cNo, you can\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSome believe government has grown too large to hold down with these chains, that it\u2019s too late to rein it back in.\u00a0 If the Bill of Rights were mere words on paper, perhaps we could afford to indulge that feeling.\u00a0\r\nBut they are not mere words. \u00a0They are principles fundamental to who we are as a people and what we represent as a nation. \u00a0If we stop caring enough to preserve them, we will lose more than a few liberties.\r\nWe will become something else entirely.\u00a0\r\nThat\u2019s one reason we must defend the entire Bill of Rights.\u00a0 If you expect to be able to speak freely, then surveillance that shreds the Fourth Amendment stops being just the other guy\u2019s problem.\u00a0\r\nIf you let the government decide the Second Amendment doesn\u2019t mean what it says, then why should it hold to a strict definition of due process or freedom of the press?\u00a0\r\nWe don\u2019t have the luxury of playing favorites.\u00a0 We have the responsibility of getting it right.\r\nIn a time where so many are divided, this provides us with a clear path forward.\u00a0 We can unite on a Constitution that binds us together by the same standard, and we can demand all politicians stay within those rules to best benefit us all.\u00a0\r\nIf that document needs to be changed, as the Founders expected it would, let\u2019s follow their example by properly amending it, as they did with the ten amendments we celebrate today.\u00a0\r\nThere\u2019s no better time than the present to drop the status quo and adopt this \u201cnew\u201d approach.\u00a0\r\nI am excited for the upcoming opportunities we will have to institute long-overdue reforms, roll back an overzealous and misguided bureaucracy, and return to a government that works for the people instead of the special interests.\u00a0\r\nOn this 225th anniversary, let us rededicate ourselves to the principles and boundaries found in the Bill of Rights, and let us recommit to passing them on honored and intact.\r\nhttp://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/15/rand-paul-restore-the-bill-of-rights/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/press/paul-murphy-franken-lee-applaud-decision-to-halt-some-military-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-call-for-further-actions", "Paul, Murphy, Franken, Lee Applaud Decision to Halt Some Military Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, Call for Further Actions", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Paul, Murphy, Franken, Lee Applaud Decision to Halt Some Military Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, Call for Further Actions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan group of senators has voiced concerns over U.S. participation in Saudi Arabia\u2019s military actions in Yemen\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY),\u00a0Chris Murphy (D-CT),\u00a0Al Franken (D-MN), and\u00a0Mike Lee (R-UT)\u00a0applauded a decision by the White House to halt some military arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but urged further action to end military support for a war marked by humanitarian abuses. Saudi Arabia has led a military campaign in Yemen with devastating humanitarian consequences and a security vacuum that has empowered U.S. terrorist enemies, al Qaeda, and ISIS. Senators Paul, Murphy, Franken, and Lee have been\u00a0outspoken\u00a0about their concerns that U.S. participation in Saudi Arabia\u2019s military actions in Yemen threatens our own national security interests.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see the administration respond to growing pressure over its arms sales to Saudi Arabia,\u201d\u00a0said Sen. Paul. \u201cHalting this $350 million sale is a positive start, but it is only a drop in the bucket of the administration\u2019s total support. Until President Obama ends his unilateral, unconstitutional involvement in this regional war, our voices will only get louder.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSen. Murphy said, \u201cHalting these weapons sales to the Saudis is the right call. But if we are concerned about U.S.-supplied bombs being dropped on civilians, we should also stop refueling the Saudi planes that are flying those missions. Both the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi-Saleh alliance have been responsible for killing innocent civilians and denying vitally needed humanitarian aid. Any further assistance \u2013 including weapons deliveries already in the pipeline \u2013 should be conditioned on prioritizing civilian protection and a willingness to compromise in political negotiations to end the war.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThousands of civilians have been killed or wounded in the U.S.-backed war in Yemen,\u201d said Sen. Franken.\u00a0\u201cThis is a tragedy that we cannot continue to support. I\u2019m hopeful that this decision begins to send the message that the United States is not going to turn a blind eye to Saudi Arabia\u2019s indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children. This is an important step, one that we called for in Congress, but we need to keep pressing for more action.\u201d\r\n\"While this announcement may signal that the administration is finally beginning to understand the contradictions of their policy towards Yemen, our military is still involved in a war without authorization from Congress with no justifiable strategy,\u201d\u00a0Sen.\u00a0Lee said.\u00a0\"From day-one Congress should begin to engage the incoming administration on reviewing the international entanglements in which our country has become involved.\"\r\nIn September, Senators Paul, Murphy, Franken, and Lee introduced a\u00a0joint resolution\u00a0of disapproval, S.J.Res 39, to block the $1.15 billion U.S. sale of Abrams tanks and associated major defense articles to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In April, Senators Paul and Murphy introduced a separate\u00a0joint resolution\u00a0to increase Congressional oversight of military sales to Saudi Arabia by requiring the President of the United States to formally certify that the Government of Saudi Arabia is demonstrating an ongoing effort to target terrorist groups, minimize harm to civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance before Congress can consider the sale or transfer of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CE1E645A-84FA-42A5-9654-1B89B32A7916", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Governor Rick Perry", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Governor Rick Perry as Energy Secretary:\r\n\r\n\u201cPresident-elect Trump has made an outstanding choice with Governor Perry to head the Department of Energy with a focus on more American energy and more American jobs. For the past eight years, our nation\u2019s energy potential has been held back by an administration that put ideology and politics ahead of jobs and our economy. We need someone like Governor Perry to help guide policies that will help strengthen America\u2019s energy and national security. I am specifically interested in working with him on research and development related to coal technology in addition to the restoration and future uses of the Department of Energy site in Paducah.\"\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-governor-rick-perry_", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Governor Rick Perry", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Governor Rick Perry   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Governor Rick Perry as Energy Secretary:\r\nPresident-elect Trump has made an outstanding choice with Governor Perry to head the Department of Energywith a focus on more American energy and more American jobs. For the past eight years, our nation's energy potential has been held back by an administration that put ideology and politics ahead of jobs and our economy. We need someone like Governor Perry to help guide policies that will helpstrengthen America'senergy and national security.I am specifically interested in working with him on research and development related to coal technologyin addition tothe restoration and future uses ofthe Department of Energy site in Paducah.\"\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=BB543E98-A835-4C04-93D9-539535552E84", "Protecting Health Care Benefits for Kentuckys Miner Retirees", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of the unfortunate legacies of the Obama Administration has been its zeal for overregulation, which has played a major role in closing coal mines and killing coal jobs across the nation. The impact on Kentucky coal country has been particularly devastating. To make matters worse, President Obama\u2019s \u201cWar on Coal\u201d has enjoyed the overwhelming support of Senate Democrats. Because of this economic dislocation in coal country, I have heard directly from numerous Kentucky United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) retirees and their families who are worried about the future of their retirement benefits. During a recent meeting with them in my office, we discussed numerous challenges facing the coal industry. But the most pressing issue to these Kentuckians was the impending loss of their health care retirement benefits at the end of this year. Because of the health risks sometimes associated with mining, robust health benefits are vital to coal miner retirees.In the last eight years of the Obama administration, a number of coal companies have declared bankruptcy and coal employment has declined, further draining UMWA retirement plans. These harsh realities show the effects of President Obama\u2019s War on Coal. Without an end of the year solution, health retirement benefits were at risk for approximately 3,000 UMWA retirees across Kentucky.With my support, Congress has previously intervened twice to save health benefits for union coal miner retirees. This time, I appealed directly to Speaker Ryan to include a solution to this health benefits problem in the government funding bill. While it was my preference to include a long-term solution, it was more important to protect the benefits for thousands of my constituents, than to risk any lapse in benefits by fighting for a broader provision.\r\nWithout my intervention, thousands of miner retirees and their dependents would be losing their benefits at the end of this year. With this legislation, miner health benefits extend to the end of April, and I\u2019m going to work with my colleagues to ensure they continue after that. I recognize that the extension of health benefits for this group of retirees will not address all of the challenges facing every Kentucky miner or retiree. But I am proud that it will have an immediate and direct impact for a group in desperate need of help.While some anti-coal groups have questioned my support for the coal miners whose jobs they\u2019ve worked to destroy, I want to make it clear that my support for miners doesn\u2019t hinge on one issue or a single piece of legislation. I have spent my career fighting to protect coal jobs and have been a fierce opponent to the regulatory onslaught we\u2019ve seen from President Obama, supported by many Senate Democrats. As Senate Majority Leader, I\u2019ve been on the front lines of the President\u2019s War on Coal fighting on behalf of our miners, and I look forward to continuing that advocacy and working with the Trump Administration to provide relief to coal communities.I will also work with President-Elect Trump to continue assisting struggling coal communities that have been hit with unemployment and poverty. Over the past several years, I\u2019ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds for more job training, economic development, infrastructure, and reclamation efforts. Last year alone, I helped secure $146 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, with $50 million reserved for communities impacted by coal layoffs. Further, I worked with Congressman Rogers to support an Abandoned Mine Land (AML) pilot program, which provided $30 million to Kentucky in 2016 to reclaim AML sites and spur economic development. Congressman Rogers has introduced similar legislation in the House that has a particular focus on reclamation. I look forward to a continued dialogue with him and members of the delegation to advance ideas that can help struggling regions in Kentucky. For decades, Kentucky coal miners have kept the lights on in our country, and their interests will not be forgotten as long as I am a U.S. Senator.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2055F3C9-3527-4171-BA4C-BF271EE5CE72", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Rex Tillerson", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State:\r\n\u201cRex Tillerson\u2019s decades of experience have been widely recognized for forward-looking strategic planning, managing international partnerships and risk, and focused leadership around the world.\u201cAs president-elect Trump\u2019s choice for nomination as Secretary of State, he will bring these critical skills, knowledge and capabilities into an important role after eight years of the Obama administration\u2019s uncertain leadership.\u201cWe need a full review of our national security policy, and I know Rex will face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority. I look forward to supporting his nomination.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-rex-tillerson", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Rex Tillerson", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Rex Tillerson \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t We need a full review of our national security policy, and I know Rex will face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority. I look forward to supporting his nomination.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t LOUISVILLE, KY  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State:\r\nRex Tillerson's decades of experience have been widely recognized for forward-looking strategic planning, managing international partnerships and risk, and focused leadership around the world.\r\nAs president-elect Trump's choice for nomination as Secretary of State, he will bring these critical skills, knowledge and capabilities into an important role after eight years of the Obama administration's uncertain leadership.\r\nWe need a full review of our national security policy, and I know Rex will face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority. I look forward to supporting his nomination.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Security,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/article/time-op-ed-why-i-will-vote-to-repeal-obamacare", "TIME Op-Ed: Why I Will Vote to Repeal Obamacare", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TIME Op-Ed: Why I Will Vote to Repeal Obamacare \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nMonday, December 12, 2016\n\t\nAs a physician, I know well the problems with\u00a0Obamacare. I don\u2019t think anyone has more disdain for this big government takeover of our healthcare system. It needs to be stopped, and we must replace it with reforms that move us in the opposite direction.\r\nI will vote to repeal Obamacare in January. I believe it is something that the Republican Congress\u00a0must\u00a0do.\r\nHowever, in\u00a0our fervor to repeal Obamacare, conservatives should not forget or abandon the principles that make us conservative in the first place. Quirky, arcane rules allow Congress to repeal Obamacare with a simple majority but only if Congress passes a budget first.\r\nAnyone who follows Congress knows that\u00a0Congress only sometimes passes budgets\u00a0and when they do the budgets, even GOP budgets, it never leads to a balanced budget.\r\nRepublicans, including myself, are giddy to repeal Obamacare but I urge a word of caution. We should not abandon the principles of fiscal conservatism in order to repeal Obamacare.\r\nThe budget that we must pass to repeal Obamacare should be a conservative one, one that balances in the foreseeable future. But many Republicans have lost interest in such fiscal niceties. They argue that it doesn\u2019t matter what is in the budget and that it will never lead to a balanced budget. They argue that the budget is just a bunch of meaningless numbers, just a vehicle to repeal Obamacare.\r\nIf that is true, then why don\u2019t we vote for a budget with spending caps that lead to a balanced budget?\r\nWhen something is within our control, we shouldn\u2019t punt or make excuses. But I\u2019m afraid that\u2019s exactly what\u2019s going to happen with our budget.\r\nFor sure, the\u00a0Republican majority has a mandate to repeal Obamacare\u00a0and stop the government takeover and ruining of our healthcare system. But that can\u2019t be all we are about here, and our first attempt to show who we are is in grave danger.\r\nCongressional leaders are now engaged in a misguided attempt to attach Obamacare repeal to a budget that increases spending, increases debt and does little to nothing to fix our fiscal mess.\r\nThere is no reason for this. Often up here we are told, \u201cWe need the White House to cut spending and debt.\u201d Well, we have that now, along with total control of Congress.\r\nThen the next excuse often is \u201cwe need 60 votes to get anything past a Democrat Senate.\u201d Well, this is the one case that is not true. All budgets require only a simple majority of 51 to pass. Not a single Democrat vote is needed in either the House or the Senate to pass a budget that cuts spending and taxes.\r\nThat means Republicans own this budget, all of it. If it doesn\u2019t cut spending, that\u2019s on the Republican party. If it continues to pile on debt, we own it.\r\nI for one don\u2019t want to be party to that.\r\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m urging my colleagues and leaders to get serious about spending and the size of government, while also repealing Obamacare.\r\nWe don\u2019t need to negotiate with Democrats to do it. We don\u2019t need a single vote, which is good, because we aren\u2019t going to get it.\r\nOur budget should have a plan to balance, preferably in the five-year window that matches out commitment from the Balance Budget Amendment.\r\nBut right now there is no such plan. Republican leaders are mistakenly planning to punt on the budget, thinking they must do so to pass Obamacare repeal. But this is a false choice.\r\nWhat would it take to balance the budget in five years? Simply, freezing spending leads to a balance in less than five years. To balance the budget doesn\u2019t even require any cuts in spending, it simply says let\u2019s pause while our revenues catch up to our expenditures, just like any family would if they found themselves stretched too thin.\r\nUnder my plan, the budget would balance in five. There are others, such as the Heritage Foundation, who propose a seven-year plan. Unfortunately, the budget currently being considered by Republicans never leads to balance, not in a thousand years.\r\nThe larger point is, government must begin to live within its means if we are to keep to the promises we made to the American people this fall.\r\nWhile Obamacare repeal is a laudable goal, and one I share, it cannot be our only goal. We must regain our hold as the fiscally responsible party and put our nation back on track to balanced budgets.\r\nThese budgets don\u2019t have much margin for error. Just three Republican Senators standing up and saying \u201cNO MORE DEBT\u201d can do the trick. It can\u2019t pass without nearly every Republican being for it. So here\u2019s hoping there will be a few more Senators who join me in saying to our leadership, enough. Enough debt. Enough borrowing from our children.\r\nI am taking this stand \u2014 I will not vote for any budget that doesn\u2019t have a plan to balance, regardless of what is attached to it and I\u2019m calling on other conservatives in the Senate to take the same stand. Let\u2019s repeal Obamacare, and let\u2019s do it with a budget that leads us to balance in the near term.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-general-john-kelly", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on General John Kelly", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on General John Kelly \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t 'John Kelly is an inspired choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security.  His leadership, operational experience and expertise in Western Hemisphere operations will position him well to lead his department at a critical time.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate General John Kelly for Secretary of Homeland Security:\r\nJohn Kelly is an inspired choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security. His leadership, operational experience and expertise in Western Hemisphere affairs will position him well to lead his department at a critical time. We continue to confront a sophisticated terrorist threat which seeks to strike us here in the United States. His exemplary record, familiarity with Congress and experience as Commander of Southern Command as a Marine Corps general officer will be valuable as we work to secure our nation's borders.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHomeland Security\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=35E3BC14-7F70-463E-B670-81E8D6AB37CD", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of December 5, 2016", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell\u2019s eNewsletter - - Week of December 5,\u00a02016\r\n  \r\n McConnell-Led Senate Sends Critical Medical Research & Innovation Legislation to the President\u2019s Desk \r\n Kentucky Health Professionals Applaud McConnell\u2019s Efforts \r\n\r\nOn Wednesday the Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan bill that will help Kentuckians by promoting critical investments in research and treatment development and helping cut through unnecessary regulations that could hinder the development of life-saving cures, while also protecting patient safety. The legislation, which passed 94-5, also includes provisions to help enhance mental health programs and fight opioid abuse.\r\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell\u00a0applauded the bill\u2019s passage, saying, \u201cSending this bipartisan legislation to the President\u2019s desk is an important step in helping foster solutions when it comes to heartbreaking illnesses like Alzheimer\u2019s, opioid addiction, mental health disorders and cancer. 21st Century Cures is a medical innovation bill that can have a substantial impact for families across the country and provides funding to help combat the prescription opioid epidemic that\u2019s swept our nation, particularly in Kentucky.\u201d\r\n Senator McConnell delivers Senate floor remarks\u00a0supporting the bipartisan bill  \r\nThe 21st Century Cures bill builds on the significant Senate accomplishments under Republican leadership this Congress and as Senator McConnell said during his floor remarks, \u201cThis is one of the most meaningful bills we\u2019ll pass this year.\u201d\r\nSenator McConnell has heard from a number of health professionals across the state regarding the importance\u00a0of passing 21st Century Cures and the impact this legislation will have on the Commonwealth:\r\nUniversity of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto: \u201cWith Leader McConnell\u2019s support and leadership, the 21st Century Cures/medical innovation bill is one more compelling example of how we will be positioned with the talent of our researchers to improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth.\u201d\r\nKentuckyOne Health: \u201cThis important legislation will help KentuckyOne Health fulfill its mission of providing wellness, healing and hope to all. We would like to thank Senator McConnell for his leadership on behalf of Kentuckians.\u201d\r\nKentucky Hospital Association: \u201cThe Kentucky Hospital Association and our 127 member hospitals, commend and thank Senator McConnell and Congress for the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act.\u201d\r\nBaptist Health: \u201cBaptist Health\u2019s family of acute care hospitals, 250+ outpatient facilities, and 3,000+ employed and affiliated physicians\u2026are grateful for Senator McConnell\u2019s support for swift passage of 21st Century Cures\u2026this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation contains many provisions that will help Baptist Health continue to treat the most vulnerable individuals throughout Kentucky.\u201d\r\nOn Thursday in the U.S. Capitol, Senator McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan hosted an enrollment ceremony with members of the House and Senate. The 21st Century Cures Act was signed by Speaker Ryan and then the legislation was sent to the President for his signature.\r\n\r\n 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor \r\n \u2018I\u00a0ask my Senate colleagues to join me in remembering all those who served and sacrificed so much, and in thanking our men and women in uniform who are stationed around the world this holiday season.\u2019 \r\nOn Wednesday, December 7, 2016, Senator McConnell\u00a0delivered remarks\u00a0on the Senate floor in observance of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.\r\n Click the image below to view the Senator's remarks  \r\n Senator McConnell Remembers John Glenn \r\nOn Thursday,\u00a0Senator McConnell mourned the passing of former Senate colleague, astronaut and veteran, John Glenn:\r\n\u201cOur nation bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century. John Glenn said his childhood was like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but his life was anything but typical. From flying combat missions over Korea and the South Pacific as a Marine Corps aviator to a post-orbit splashdown in the Atlantic, he\u2019d come a long way from small-town Ohio by the time his constituents elected him to serve in a different capacity \u2014 something they would do many times over the course of Senator Glenn\u2019s congressional service. Elaine and I send our condolences to Annie and the rest of the Glenn family.\u201d\r\n Majority Leader McConnell Pays Tribute to Vice President Biden \r\nThis week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader McConnell delivered remarks\u00a0on the Senate floor recognizing Vice President Joe Biden and his years of service in the U.S. Senate, as a Senator from Delaware and as the Vice President of the United States. The Washington Post reported on the Senator's remarks: \"Mitch McConnell Just Gave\u00a0a Seriously Moving Tribute to Joe Biden\"\r\n Click the image below to view the Senator's tribute  \r\nAlso this week, Senator\u00a0McConnell spoke about\u00a0the renaming of the NIH cancer initiative in the 21st Century Cures Act after Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s late son, Beau, who lost his battle with cancer last year.\r\n Senator McConnell Addresses Kentucky Farm Bureau in KY & Welcomes Members to D.C. \r\nSenator McConnell addressed Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) members from across the Commonwealth at KFB\u2019s 97th Annual Meeting on Saturday, December 3rd in Louisville.\r\n\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, Senator McConnell welcomed KFB members to his leadership office in the United States Capitol to discuss important agriculture issues for Kentucky.\r\n\r\n Visiting Washington, D.C. \r\n\r\nEvery week, many Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth visit\u00a0Senator McConnell's\u00a0office in the U.S. Capitol. If you\u2019re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please check out Senator McConnell's\u00a0website\u00a0and visit his office while you are in town. Also, the Senator\u2019s office has information on tours, places to visit and local restaurants to help make your trip to the nation\u2019s capital one to remember.\r\n Keeping Up With Senator McConnell \r\nKeep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell\u2019s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0page and following on Instagram at\u00a0@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell\u2019s Press Office by following on Twitter at\u00a0@McConnellPress.\r\nFor a more behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Instagram.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nGet this newsletter delivered to your inbox by signing up\u00a0HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=34CE2DE2-23B9-43C0-97F6-E66FEFFAD2EB", "Senate Passes Bill that Strengthens Kentuckys Water Infrastructure", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell secured several priorities benefiting Kentucky in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which passed the Senate today. The legislation now goes to the President for his signature.\r\n\r\nSenator McConnell said following passage: \u201cThis bipartisan legislation the Senate passed supports Kentucky\u2019s vital water infrastructure, gives more control to Kentucky communities, and assists with flood protection in the Commonwealth.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe legislation helps enhance river-based recreation and tourism along Kentucky\u2019s Green and Barren Rivers. It allows for better repair and maintenance of the Rochester Dam too, by transferring control from the federal government to the Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission. In this effort, I would like to thank David Phemister and Mike Hensley with the Kentucky Nature Conservancy, as well as members and supporters of the Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission, including Butler County Judge Executive David Fields, Walt Beasley with the Ohio County Water District, Damon Talley, and Gary Larimore with the Kentucky Rural Water Association.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe bill includes another provision \u2014 one I worked on with Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler, City Manager Jeff Pederson, and City Engineer Rick Murphy \u2014 that will better protect residents and businesses in Paducah from flooding.\u201d\r\n\r\nSenator McConnell supported the following provisions which will directly benefit Kentucky:\r\n\r\n\u2022 Transfer of Green and Barren Rivers infrastructure: The bill directs the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to transfer certain inoperable lock and dam infrastructure along the Green and Barren Rivers in Kentucky to state and local entities so they can determine the best use of this infrastructure. The McConnell provision authorizes the disposition of Green River Locks and Dams 3, 4, 5, and 6 and Barren River Lock and Dam 1. The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky and many stakeholders in the Mammoth Cave community have prioritized deauthorizing Dam 6 on the Green River with the goal of eventually removing the infrastructure to restore natural flows and enhance river-based recreation and tourism in the area. Green River Lock and Dam 3, also known as the Rochester Dam, serves as a vital water source for people and businesses in six counties who for years have sought local control of the infrastructure so it can be repaired and better maintained. The provision Senator McConnell secured will provide for the transfer of the Rochester Dam to the Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission.\r\n\r\nWalt Beasley, General Manager of the Ohio County Water District, said: \u201cSenator McConnell understands the vital importance of the Rochester Dam. He and his staff have worked with us and provided guidance throughout this process. Without Senator McConnell\u2019s leadership and his passion for protecting our water supply, the transfer of the Rochester Dam to the Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission would not have been included in the WRDA Bill.\u201d\r\n\r\nMike Hensley, Green River Project Director for the Nature Conservancy, said \u201cWe are grateful to Senator McConnell for his leadership and hard work on the Green and Barren rivers\u2019 locks and dams. Removing this aging infrastructure from federal ownership presents an enormous opportunity to secure water supply, economic, recreation, and conservation wins for the region.\u201d\r\n\r\nButler County Judge/Executive David Fields said: \u201cToday we reached a major milestone on the road to gaining local control of the Rochester Dam. The Rochester Dam is vital to our community\u2019s water supply. There is still much work to be done. We could not have gotten this far, however, without the experienced leadership of Senator McConnell.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u2022 Paducah Flood Protection Infrastructure Authorization Increase: This provision helps people living in Paducah, Kentucky, better protect themselves, their homes, and their businesses from flooding by increasing a federal authorization cap that will allow the City to complete its vital and comprehensive flood protection infrastructure repair project. For years, officials in Paducah have worked with the USACE Louisville district to update and repair the city\u2019s aging floodwall and shoreline infrastructure to better protect its citizens from flooding. In order to complete the project, Congress must raise the project\u2019s authorization cap, which this bill does to an amount over $31 million. This authorization increase will allow the City and the USACE to complete the priority flood protection project with future appropriations.\r\n\r\nPaducah Mayor Gayle Kaler said: \u201cWhen completed, this important flood protection repair project will better protect the citizens and business of Paducah. Senator McConnell doesn\u2019t just understand Paducah\u2019s priorities, he makes them his own and we are very appreciative of his leadership on our behalf.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u2022 State approval for coal combustion residual (or \u201cCoal Ash\u201d) units. This measure gives states the authority to develop their own permitting systems for the recycling and reuse of coal ash in a safe and effective manner that\u2019s in line with current federal requirements. This authority will provide much needed clarity to Kentucky\u2019s utility providers that produce the coal ash as well as the businesses that recycle and reuse the byproduct to manufacture various commonly used and sustainable materials, such as concrete.\r\n\r\nChris Perry, president and CEO of Kentucky Association Electric Cooperatives, said: \u201cOn behalf of the nearly 1.7 million people who are served by Kentucky\u2019s electric cooperatives, we want to thank Senator McConnell for his continued leadership and understanding of how federal regulations affect real people. The coal ash provision resolves an important issue for Kentucky energy providers. By asserting state oversight of coal ash use and disposal, this legislation helps protect Kentucky energy users. Without it, the lack of regulatory clarity exposed utilities to potential litigation which would threaten their ability to cost effectively serve the people at the end of line.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u2022 A provision authored by Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) supporting \u201cfloating cabins\u201d at Lake Cumberland. The provision secured by Rep. Rogers will help support the development and accommodation of floating cabins at Lake Cumberland in an effort to promote new recreational activity and economic development in the region.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=67A06055-78E5-4308-979B-FC897BE14E05", "McConnell: Senate Must Act Now to Protect Health Care Benefits for Miner Retirees", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following comments today on the Senate floor regarding his efforts to protect the health care benefits of coal miner retirees:\r\n\r\n\u201cYesterday the House passed a Continuing Resolution (C.R.) on a very large bipartisan basis with more than three-fourths voting in its favor. Let me repeat that. Three-fourths, a majority of both parties, voted for the legislation needed to keep the government open.\r\n\r\n\u201cNow, while some Senate Democrats may want to delay into a government shutdown, House Democrats overwhelmingly rejected that approach\u2026.And, of course, it includes provisions that will guarantee that retired coal miners in Kentucky and other states won't lose their health benefits at the end of this month.\r\n\r\n\u201cWould I have preferred that provision to be more generous? Of course I would have.\r\n\r\n\u201cMy request to the House was to fund it for a full year. But we'll be back at it in April, and I think it's highly unlikely that we'll take it away.\r\n\r\n\u201cJust as I would have preferred that so many miners' places of employment hadn't been driven into bankruptcy in recent years, which as we all know is due in no small part to President Obama, his policies, and the overwhelming majority of Senate Democrats who support all those policies that have been a huge factor in creating the dilemma that we have in coal country, in Ohio, in Kentucky, in West Virginia.\r\n\r\n\u201cMost of the Senate Democrats support the war on coal.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt's been my intention that the miner health benefits not expire at the end of April next year. As I just said, I'm going to work with my colleagues to prevent that. But this is a good time to take \"Yes\" for an answer.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe should pass the C.R. without delay. Because if we don't pass the C.R., the health benefits will go away at the end of this month. The house is gone. They are through for this session.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C019D6F5-FF63-4002-B4C1-FAB0C0946857", "A Productive 114th Congress", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor:\r\n\r\nThe day after the election, I said that I had two main priorities for this session of the Senate: pass 21st Century Cures and fund the government.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve passed the Cures bill already, and we\u2019ll be voting shortly to keep the government running.\r\n\r\nAnd soon after that vote, we\u2019ll pass the bipartisan water resources bill, which directs assistance to families in Flint and supports important waterways projects in nearly every one of our states. It\u2019s testament to the hard work of so many and Chairman Inhofe in particular.\r\n\r\nThis week we also passed the defense authorization conference report, under the leadership of Chairman McCain, which addresses many of the national security challenges facing our country.\r\n\r\nI\u2019d also like to point out, that the Cures bill, which passed earlier this week, simply would not have happened without Chairman Alexander.\r\n\r\nAnd it\u2019s impossible to overlook the unending, unyielding work of Senator Murkowski on the energy bill too. Or our indispensable Finance Committee Chairman, Senator Hatch, who\u2019s been involved in almost every bill \u2014 from the Doc Fix to Tax Extenders \u2014 that comes through this chamber.\r\n\r\nI\u2019d like to note the great work of the Appropriations Committee, specifically, for its efforts to ensure that individual bills and an omnibus were prepared for consideration. We know they\u2019ve been putting in long hours, especially this week, and for that we are thankful.\r\n\r\nThis Congress, the Senate has passed nearly 300 bills and nearly 200 of those are now law.\r\n\r\nBut what really matters isn\u2019t the number of bills passed, it\u2019s what we can achieve on behalf of the American people. And by that standard, I\u2019m incredibly proud of what we\u2019ve been able to accomplish for our country.\r\n\r\nOver the past week, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to pay tribute to many colleagues who\u2019ve made such a lasting impact on the Senate during their tenure. But as the 114th Congress comes to a close, I\u2019d like to take a moment to recognize another set of individuals whose work makes the business of the Senate possible in the first place.\r\n\r\nIt goes without saying that keeping the Capitol running is a vast undertaking. It requires a passion for service, round-the-clock work, and great sacrifice by everyone employed.\r\n\r\nThe legislative process simply wouldn\u2019t be possible without the dedicated work of so many. On behalf of the Senate, I\u2019d like to acknowledge their efforts and say thank you to the following:\r\n\r\n\u2022 To my leadership team for your wise counsel\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 To our committee chairs and ranking members for so much great work over the past two years\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 To the many, many colleagues in both parties for working so hard to make this Senate a success\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 And to those we\u2019re saying farewell to \u2014 Senators Coats, Boxer, Mikulski, Reid, Vitter, Kirk, and Ayotte \u2014 for your service to the country\u2026\r\n\r\nI say, thank you.\r\n\r\n\u2022 To my Chiefs of Staff, Sharon Soderstrom and Brian McGuire, for their indisputable talent and for leading a team that\u2019s second to none \u2014 every member of which I\u2019d thank individually if I could\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 To the Floor Staff, Laura Dove and Gary Myrick and their teams, for keeping the floor running smoothly and for making it look effortless every time, even though we know it\u2019s anything but\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 To the Parliamentarians and Clerks who sit on the dais whenever the Senate is in session, making sure our operations are smooth and by the book\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 To the Secretary of the Senate and her team for protecting the rich history of this body and for overseeing so many different legislative and administrative operations.\r\n\r\nI say, thank you.\r\n\r\nAnd, off the Senate floor, there are so many more to thank too.\r\n\r\n\u2022 The Capitol Police, for putting themselves in harm\u2019s way to protect everyone who works in, or visits, this institution\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 The Sergeant at Arms staff, for overseeing a dizzying range of efforts \u2014 from setting up rooms and enacting security protocols to preparing for next year\u2019s inauguration\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 The Architect of the Capitol staff, which is always hard at work making this Capitol the best it can be, from the conservation of these illustrious hallways to the extensive restoration of the Capitol Dome\u2026\r\n\r\n\u2022 And the countless others \u2014 the doorkeepers, the legal counsels, the committees and their staff, the pages, and all those I haven\u2019t mentioned \u2014 we appreciate what you do, please know that your service and your dedication does not go unnoticed.\r\n\r\nAnd let me also again recognize the Democratic Leader for his more than three decades of service. As I said yesterday, Harry and I clearly have had differing views on many things throughout the years, but we\u2019ve shared similar responsibilities as the leaders of our respective parties, and I think we can both agree that none of this would have been possible without the support of our staff. I want to recognize Harry\u2019s team, past and present, and thank them for many years of partnership with my office.\r\n\r\nSo we now prepare to turn the page on one Congress, and get ready to write a new story in a different one.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m proud of the work this Republican-led Senate has done the past two years. My colleagues should be proud of their work as well. It\u2019s been incredible to see what we\u2019ve been able to achieve already. We know our work doesn\u2019t end here though, and I know each of us is eager to get started in the 115th Congress.\r\n\r\nBut for now, I want to again thank my colleagues for a productive Congress. And I want to wish each of you happy holidays and a Happy New Year.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-andy-puzder", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Andy Puzder", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Andy Puzder \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Andy Puzder as Secretary of Labor:\r\nAndy's decades of creating jobs across America and dealing with Washington red tape will be a valuable resource as the new administration works to reverse years of slow job growth.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLabor\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=56A40BDC-8049-4417-8CFE-A74774BB0463", "Rogers Applauds House Passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) applauds House passage of the bipartisanWater Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Actto improve critical infrastructure across the country and strengthen the economy. The bill also incorporates the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016, which overwhelmingly passed the House in September. It includes Rogers' amendment to approve \"floating cabins\" on lakes operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Cumberland River Basin, including Lake Cumberland. \"The WIIN Act is a victory for Americans, extending access to clean drinking water in distressed communities, while also providing efficient protection from floods,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The 'floating cabin' amendment will also provide an economic boost for the Lake Cumberland region - streamlining approval for these innovative cabins through the U.S. Coast Guard - and equipping the tourism industry with another tool for lake enthusiasts to enjoy our beautiful region.\" The WIIN Act addresses the needs of America's harbors, locks, dams, flood protection and other water resources infrastructure critical to the Nation's economic growth, health and competitiveness. It provides strong congressional oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and authorizes activities over a two year cycle for responsible flood protection, water resources development and key missions. It includes provisions to improve drinking water infrastructure, water storage and delivery, as well as dam maintenance. The bill also provides each state with flexibility to address the control of coal ash in regard to the Environmental Protection Agency's final rule on coal combustion. The WIIN Act now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. #### RELATED FILES: September 28, 2016  \r\nWatch Congressman Rogers' floorspeech in support of \"floating cabins\" on Lake Cumberland", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7D46552C-62E1-43F9-8685-1CA8C8940D31", "House Passes Short-Term Continuing Resolution to Maintain Government Operations", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today praised passage of a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) (H.R. 2028) to prevent a government shutdown and continue funding for federal programs and services until April 28, 2017. The legislation also contains additional funding for war efforts and disaster relief. This legislation is necessary to continue vital government programs and services, like our national defense. It keeps the lights on in our government, preventing the uncertainty and harm of a government shutdown, Chairman Rogers said. While I firmly believe a continuing resolution is no way to run a railroad, at this point, this is our best  and only  path forward. I commend the House for passing it today, and urge the Senate to send it to the President's desk for his signature as soon as possible. For Chairman Rogers' floor statement on the Short-Term Continuing Resolution,please click here. For the full text of the legislation,please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://massie.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-republican-congressmen-form-the-congressional-second-amendment", "PRESS RELEASE: Republican Congressmen Form the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Thomas Massie", "M001184", "massie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nLorenz.Isidro@mail.house.gov\n(202) 225-3465\nThursday December 8, 2016\u00a0\n Republican Congressmen Form the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus \n\u200b\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, a group of U.S. Representatives, led by Congressman Thomas Massie, launched the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus.\n\u200b\n\u201cThe recent election results present us with a new opportunity to advance pro-gun legislation and reverse the erosion of the Second Amendment that's occurred over the last few decades. I look forward to working with the new President and this determined group of conservatives to promote a pro-gun agenda,\u201d Massie stated.\n\u00a0\n\"Preserving the right to keep and bear arms is essential to maintaining freedom and liberty in our country,\u201d said former Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA), who chaired the caucus from 2009 through 2013. \"I'm honored that Representative Massie will build on the foundation that I established with this caucus.\"\n\u00a0\n\u201cWith so many laws disarming the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society and others who face real threats to their and their family\u2019s safety, it is reassuring to know that the Second Amendment Caucus is there to ensure people\u2019s safety,\u201d said John Lott, economist and author of The War on Guns: Arming Yourself Against Gun Control Lies.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhile many of us lawyers are working to secure pro-gun reforms in the courts, it\u2019s reassuring to know that the Second Amendment Caucus is doing the same in the legislature,\u201d said attorney Alan Gura, who successfully argued McDonald v. City of Chicago and District of Columbia v. Heller before the U.S. Supreme Court.\n\u200b\nThe following congressmen are founding members of the caucus: Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Ken Buck (R-CO), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Justin Amash (R-MI), Jody Hice (R-GA), Dave Brat (R-VA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Scott Perry (R-PA), and James Comer (R-KY). Caucus members will lead efforts in the House of Representatives to pass meaningful firearms legislation and protect Americans against infringements of the Second Amendment.\n\u200b\nIn addition to drafting and sponsoring pro-gun legislation, members of the Second Amendment Caucus will invite firearm experts, constitutional scholars, and pro-gun groups to speak to the caucus.\n\u200b\nEligibility for membership in the Second Amendment Caucus will depend on a U.S. Representative\u2019s voting record and his or her commitment to the caucus\u2019s founding principles.\n\u200b\nThe Second Amendment Caucus, which operated from 2004 through 2008, was originally formed by former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado. In 2009 the caucus was reformed and renamed the Second Amendment Task Force by former Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4F406400-C44A-4D56-934B-E03BA728C528", "Majority Leader McConnell on the Retirement of Harry Reid", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks today on the Senate floor on the retirement of his long-time colleague Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada:\r\n\u201cIt seems that any speech about the Democratic Leader requires a mention of Searchlight, Nevada.\r\n\u201cThere\u2019s a reason why that is.\r\n\u201cYou can\u2019t begin to understand the man until you understand where it all began. \u201cAnd here\u2019s where it began.\r\n\u201cA tiny mining town at the southern tip of Nevada. One teacher. Zero indoor plumbing. Miles of desert. That\u2019s Searchlight \u2014 at least the Searchlight Harry Reid knew when he was growing up.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s the kind of place where you might learn to drive at 13, or spend your summer roping cattle with a cowboy named Sharky. In fact, if your name is Harry Reid, that\u2019s exactly what you did. \u201cHarry grew up in a tiny wooden shack with a tin roof. Hitchhiked more than 40 miles to school. Had a father who toiled in the hard-rock mines.\r\n\u201cIt goes without saying that this was not an easy life. It taught some tough lessons. But Harry had his escapes.\r\n\u201cHe found one in the snap and crackle of his radio. Now, Searchlight didn\u2019t actually have a radio station of its own, but every now and then Harry could pick up a faint signal from California. And during the regular season, it carried his favorite baseball team \u2014 the Indians.\r\n\u201cHe can still rattle off Cleveland\u2019s 1948 roster. Just ask him.\r\n\u201cHarry played some baseball himself. He was the catcher in high school. And, during his sophomore year, Harry\u2019s team was crowned Nevada State Champions. Later \u2014 after a close game on the California coast \u2014 his team won the Nevada-Arizona-California tri-state playoffs too. \u201cHarry still treasures the big white jackets each member of the team received.\r\n\u201cNot because he was the best player on the team \u2014 Harry says he wasn\u2019t \u2014 but because of what that jacket represented: His hard work, his contributions, his worth.\r\n\u201cHarry, like many young men, once dreamed of a life in the majors, of cheering crowds and Commissioners Trophies. \u201cSo did I.\r\n\u201cI wanted to throw fastballs for the Dodgers.\r\n\u201cHarry wanted to play center field at Fenway.\r\n\u201cWe wound up as managers of two unruly franchises instead.\r\n\u201cAs the leaders of our parties, we\u2019re charged with picking the batting order, controlling the pitch selection, and trying our best to manage 100 opening-day starters.\r\n\u201cIt isn\u2019t always easy.\r\n\u201cBaseball, as Harry has often pointed out, provides a nice reprieve from the serious work of the Senate. So, no matter how contentious the issue before us, we try to put politics aside \u2014 at least briefly \u2014 to trade our views on the Nats and Bryce Harper. \u201cHarry is probably looking forward to having even more time to dedicate as a fan of the sport and never having to miss another game because of votes.\r\n\u201cBut if there\u2019s one thing that Harry loves more than baseball, it\u2019s his wife Landra and the family they\u2019ve built together.\r\n\u201cWhen Harry Reid first met Landra Gould, the two of them were in high school \u2014 and Harry was hardly conflicted about his feelings for her. \u2018She looked like she belonged in the movies,\u2019 he recalled, \u2018She was smart [too]. And she\u2019d been places. Out of my league, that\u2019s for sure.\u2019\r\n\u201cBut if there\u2019s one thing we know about Harry, he doesn\u2019t give up easily.\r\n\u201cWasn\u2019t long before the two of them were heading off on their first date. It started as many dates do, with a movie, and ended as no dates do: with Landra push-starting his car. \u201cNow, Harry worried \u2014 as many of us might \u2014 that this could well be their first date and their last date. But then he looked over at Landra. She smiled as she pushed alongside him. It was the kind of smile that said, \u2018who cares about the car, I\u2019m with you.\u2019 It\u2019s a smile that\u2019s stayed with him ever since.\r\n\u201c\u2019There are moments,\u2019 Harry said, \u2018that turn a life\u2026 that stay with you until the last breath, [and] this was one of those moments for me.\u2019\r\n\u201cThe Reids have never been strangers to pushing through challenges.\r\n\u201cThey\u2019ve confronted a lot over nearly six decades of marriage.\r\n\u201cBut hand-in-hand, sweat on the brow, they\u2019ve always moved forward \u2014 together.\r\n\u201cThrough it all, Landra has never stopped smiling, and Harry has never stopped counting every lucky star for Landra.\r\n\u201cHis idea of the perfect night out is still a quiet night in, with her.\r\n\u201cLandra\u2019s his confidante, his high school sweetheart, his best friend.\r\n\u201cShe\u2019s his everything.\r\n\u201cAnd, for a guy who grew up with nothing, that\u2019s something.\r\n\u201cHarry Reid didn\u2019t have an easy childhood. He faced tragedy from a young age. There were times when he just wanted to leave Searchlight and never look back.\r\n\u201cBut these experiences helped shape him too.\r\n\u201cThis is a guy who\u2019s seen it all. He\u2019s been on the wrong side of electoral nailbiters. He\u2019s been on the other side of them too. He even won a primary against someone named \u2018God Almighty.\u2019\r\n\u201cHarry will now retire as the longest serving U.S. Senator from his state, with some three decades of Senate service behind him.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear that Harry and I have two very different worldviews, two different ways of doing things, and two different sets of legislative priorities. \u201cBut, through the years, we\u2019ve come to understand some things about one another, and we\u2019ve endeavored to keep our disagreements professional, rather than personal.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ve also found some common ground through baseball.\r\n\u201cI hardly know what it\u2019s like to serve here without Harry \u2014 he came into office just a couple short years after I did \u2014 but I do know this.\r\n\u201cCome next month, you\u2019ll know where to find him.\r\n\u201cRight next to Landra.\r\n\u201cWriting new chapters.\r\n\u201cMaking new memories.\r\n\u201cContinuing a love story that began, with a smile, more than 50 years ago.\r\n\u201cToday the Senate recognizes the Democratic Leader for his many years of service to Nevada, to the country, and to his party.\r\n\u201cWe wish him and Landra the best as they set off on their next journey.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=63E92460-7214-4AC9-BED8-2A7C47CACEC6", "McConnell Remembers John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement mourning the passing of former Senate colleague, astronaut and veteran, John Glenn:\r\n\u201cToday our nation bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century. John Glenn said his childhood was like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but his life was anything but typical. From flying combat missions over Korea and the South Pacific as a Marine Corps aviator to a post-orbit splashdown in the Atlantic, he\u2019d come a long way from small-town Ohio by the time his constituents elected him to serve in a different capacity \u2014 something they would do many times over the course of Senator Glenn\u2019s congressional service. Elaine and I send our condolences to Annie and the rest of the Glenn family.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6F15C09A-2B9C-442F-B730-007F78A75324", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Scott Pruitt", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate fellow Bluegrass state native and graduate of Kentucky\u2019s Georgetown College, Scott Pruitt as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency:\r\n\u201cThe EPA is the posterchild for agencies in need of immediate reform and Scott has the resume and energy to turn this bureaucracy around. Scott already stood up to the EPA in instances of federal overreach in his and other states, and I\u2019m confident he will work to find reasonable solutions rather than simply working to grow the reach and power of the federal bureaucracy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-scott-pruitt", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Scott Pruitt", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Scott Pruitt \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The EPA is the posterchild for agencies in need of immediate reform and Scott has the resume and energy to turn this bureaucracy around.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate fellow Bluegrass state native and graduate of Kentucky's Georgetown College, Scott Pruitt as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency:\r\nThe EPA is the posterchild for agencies in need of immediate reform and Scott has the resume and energy to turn this bureaucracy around. Scott already stood up to the EPA in instances of federal overreach in his and other states, and I'm confident he will work to find reasonable solutions rather than simply working to grow the reach and power of the federal bureaucracy.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEPA,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-remembers-john-glenn", "McConnell Remembers John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t McConnell Remembers John Glenn \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Today our nation bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement mourning the passing of former Senate colleague, astronaut and veteran, John Glenn:\r\nToday our nation bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century. John Glenn said his childhood was like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but his life was anything but typical. From flying combat missions over Korea and the South Pacific as a Marine Corps aviator to a post-orbit splashdown in the Atlantic, he'd come a long way from small-town Ohio by the time his constituents elected him to serve in a different capacity  something they would do many times over the course of Senator Glenn's congressional service. Elaine and I send our condolences to Annie and the rest of the Glenn family. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHistory,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTributes\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0C0846AE-8A4A-44AA-A925-CEDBE97037EC", "Majority Leader McConnell Pays Tribute to Vice President Biden", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks today on the Senate floor recognizing Vice President Joe Biden and his years of service in the U.S. Senate, as a Senator from Delaware and as the Vice President of the United States:\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s great to see the presiding officer back in the Senate.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s good news for everyone when he\u2019s in that chair.\r\n\u201cGood news for him, because the rest of us have to call him Mr. President.\r\n\u201cGood news for the rest of us, because he has to let someone else talk.\r\n\u201cThe amazing thing is, the man we honor today wasn\u2019t always a talker. He suffered from a debilitating stutter for most of his childhood. He was teased for it. But he was determined to overcome it. So he did. With hard work. With determination. With the support of his family. It\u2019s classic Joe Biden. He\u2019s never stopped talking since.\r\n\u201cHe cites overcoming that stutter as one of the most important lessons in his life.\r\n\u201cIt led him down a path few might have foreseen.\r\n\u201cWinning election to the county council\u2026\r\n\u201cSecuring an improbable victory for the U.S. Senate\u2026\r\n\u201cBecoming our nation\u2019s 47th Vice President\u2026\u201cThe presiding officer would be the first to tell you that he\u2019s been blessed in many ways. He\u2019s also been tested, knocked down, pushed to the edge of what anyone could be expected to bear.\r\n\u201cBut from the grip of unknowable despair came a new man \u2014 a better man: stronger and more compassionate, grateful for every moment, appreciative of what really matters.\r\n\u201cHere in the Senate, he heeded the advice of Mike Mansfield. \u2018Your job here is to find the good things in your colleagues,\u2019 Mansfield told him. \u2018And, Joe, never attack another man\u2019s motive, because you don\u2019t know his motive.\u2019\r\n\u201cLook for the good.\r\n\u201cDon\u2019t attack motives.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s the basis of a simple philosophy \u2014 and a powerful one.\r\n\u201cVice President Biden says he views his competitors as competitors, not enemies, and he\u2019s been able to cultivate many unlikely friendships across the aisle.\r\n\u201cWith Jesse Helms. With Strom Thurmond. With me.\r\n\u201cOver the years, we\u2019ve worked together on issues of mutual interest, like Burma and \u2014 regarding the vote we took just a few moments ago \u2014 21st Century Cures and the Cancer Moonshot.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ve also negotiated in good faith when the country needed bipartisan leadership. We got results that would not have been possible without a negotiating partner like Joe Biden. I don\u2019t always agree with him, but I do trust him implicitly. He doesn\u2019t break his word. He doesn\u2019t waste time telling me why I\u2019m wrong. He gets down to brass tacks and keeps sight of the stakes.\r\n\u201cThere\u2019s a reason \u2018get Joe on the phone\u2019 is shorthand for \u2018time to get serious\u2019 in my office.\r\n\u201cThe vice president is a likeable guy too.\r\n\u201cHe\u2019s got a well-developed sense of humor. He doesn\u2019t take himself too seriously either.\r\n\u201cWhen The Onion ran a mock photo of him washing a Trans-Am in the White House driveway, shirtless, Americans embraced it and so did he.\r\n\u201c\u2019I think it\u2019s hilarious,\u2019 he said. \u2018By the way, I have a Corvette \u2014 a \u201967 Corvette \u2014 not a Trans-Am.\u2019\r\n\u201cSee what I mean?\r\n\u201cJoe Biden may exist in the popular imagination aboard an Amtrak, but this son of a used-car salesman will always be a muscle car guy at heart.\r\n\u201cAnd what a road he has traveled.\r\n\u201cFrom New Castle to the Naval Observatory, from Scranton to the Senate.\r\n\u201cHis journey in this body began by the side of those who loved him.\r\n\u201cHand on the Bible.\r\n\u201cHeart in a knot.\r\n\u201cSwearing the same oath he now administers to others.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a journey that ends now by the side of those who care about him still \u2014 those, like his wife Jill, who understand the full life he\u2019s lived.\r\n\u201cHere\u2019s a man who\u2019s known great joy, who\u2019s been read his last rites, who\u2019s never lost himself along the way.\r\n\u201c\u2019Champ,\u2019 his father used to say, \u2018the measure of a man is not how often he is knocked down, but how quickly he gets up.\u2019\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s Joe Biden right there.\r\n\u201cUnbowed\u2026\r\n\u201cUnbroken\u2026\r\n\u201cUnable to stop talking.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s my privilege to convey the Senate\u2019s warm wishes to the vice president on this Delaware Day as the next steps of his long journey come into view. There are many here who feel this way in both parties.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m reminded of something the presiding officer said when he addressed the University of Louisville several years ago. It was one of the McConnell Center\u2019s most popular lectures ever. And, as I sat behind him, he offered his theory as to why that might be.\r\n\u201c\u2019[I think you\u2019re all here today because] you want to see whether or not a Republican and Democrat really like one another,\u2019 he said.\r\n\u201c\u2019Well,\u2019 he continued, flashing a smile, \u2018I\u2019m here to tell you we do.\u2019\r\n\u201cIt was true then.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s true today.\r\n\u201cSo I hope the presiding officer won\u2019t mind if I conclude with some words directed to the chair.\r\n\u201cYou\u2019ve been a real friend, you\u2019ve been a trusted partner, and it\u2019s been an honor to serve with you.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re all going to miss you.\r\n\u201cGodspeed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=47AF8FD8-63E2-4656-867F-BA0DE7B4340D", "McConnell-Led Senate Sends Critical Medical Research & Innovation Legislation to the Presidents Desk", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised today\u2019s Senate passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan bill that will help Kentuckians by promoting critical investments in research and treatment development and helping cut through unnecessary regulations that could hinder the development of life-saving cures, while also protecting patient safety. The legislation, which passed 94-5, also includes provisions to help enhance mental health programs and fight opioid abuse.\r\nThe 21st Century Cures bill builds on the significant Senate accomplishments under Republican leadership this Congress and as Senator McConnell said during his floor remarks, \u201cThis is one of the most meaningful bills we\u2019ll pass this year.\u201d\r\nSenator McConnell applauded the bill\u2019s passage, saying, \u201cSending this bipartisan legislation to the President\u2019s desk is an important step in helping foster solutions when it comes to heartbreaking illnesses like Alzheimer\u2019s, opioid addiction, mental health disorders and cancer. 21st Century Cures is a medical innovation bill that can have a substantial impact for families across the country and provides funding to help combat the prescription opioid epidemic that\u2019s swept our nation, particularly in Kentucky.\u201d\r\nSenator McConnell has heard from a number of health professionals across the state regarding the importance in passing 21st Century Cures and the impact this legislation will have on the Commonwealth:\r\nUniversity of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto: \u201cWith Leader McConnell\u2019s support and leadership, the 21st Century Cures/medical innovation bill is one more compelling example of how we will be positioned with the talent of our researchers to improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth.\u201d\r\nKentuckyOne President/CEO Ruth Brinkley: \u201cWe applaud passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which will enhance mental health services, address our nation\u2019s opioid abuse crisis, and ensure rural America has access to care. This important legislation will help KentuckyOne Health fulfill its mission of providing wellness, healing and hope to all. We would like to thank Senator McConnell for his leadership on behalf of Kentuckians.\u201d\r\nKentucky Hospital Association President Mike Rust: \u201cOn behalf of the Kentucky Hospital Association and our 127 member hospitals, I would like to commend and thank Senator McConnell and Congress for the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. The legislation overhauls drug development, accelerates new cures and treatments and includes a number of provisions important to Kentucky hospitals and their work to improve patient care. The bill includes important provisions related to hospital outpatient services, rural health care, a much needed socioeconomic adjustment to the readmissions program, relief for long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) and important provisions related to behavioral health and opioid abuse and treatment. KHA appreciates the leadership and support that the Kentucky congressional delegation has shown this year on these issues that are important to patients and the hospitals that serve them.\u201d\r\nBaptist Health CEO Stephen Hanson: \u201cOn behalf of Baptist Health\u2019s family of acute care hospitals, 250+ outpatient facilities, and 3,000+ employed and affiliated physicians who serve\u2026we are grateful for Senator McConnell\u2019s support for swift passage of 21st Century Cures\u2026this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation contains many provisions that will help Baptist Health continue to treat the most vulnerable individuals throughout Kentucky\u2026we look forward to continuing to work with Senator McConnell as we improve the health and wellbeing of all Kentuckians\u2026\u201d\r\nLast week, the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Cures bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation will now be sent to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BFCAD659-36B3-44AA-9AD9-092C823C94A4", "75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today, December 7, 2016, in observance of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor:\r\n\r\n\u201cToday marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a date that FDR rightly predicted \u2018will live in infamy.\u2019\r\n\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a time when we reflect on the meaning of this day \u2014 for our country and our military.\r\n\r\n\u201cA time when we remember all those who sacrificed on our behalf.\r\n\r\n\u201cAnd a time when we recognize the men and women in uniform currently serving to keep our country safer.\r\n\r\n\u201cOne of my greatest honors through the years has been the opportunity I\u2019ve had to meet with distinguished Kentucky veterans as they visit Washington through the honor flight program. I know many of my colleagues feel the same about their experiences with veterans of their states.\r\n\r\n\u201cToday I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in remembering all those who served and sacrificed so much, and in thanking our men and women in uniform who are stationed around the world this holiday season.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DA6A3E7E-01A1-4FD9-B19A-DF74742AEAFE", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on General James Mattis", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee for Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis:\r\n\u201cThe next Commander in Chief will assume office at a time when significant threats to our national security are evident: the efforts and intentions of dissatisfied nations to expand respective regional spheres of influence, such as China, Russia and Iran, and North Korea\u2019s willful efforts to pursue a long range ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon. And fifteen years after September 11, 2001 America remains at war will al Qaeda, its affiliates and ISIL.\r\n\u201cLess evident is the daunting imperative for the next administration to craft a national security strategy which marries objectives to capabilities in pursuit of protecting our vital interests. This necessary task has been further complicated by the Obama administration\u2019s current policies of drawing down America\u2019s conventional forces to irresponsibly low levels.\r\n\u201cThe nation is fortunate that President-elect Trump will nominate retired General James Mattis to meet these tasks, as his preparation for this mission is comprehensive. General Mattis has committed a lifetime to the study of strategy and operations, has led U.S. Central Command, and has commanded forces in Iraq, and Afghanistan. General Mattis is almost uniquely suited to advising the next President in how best to protect our country\u2014at a time when expertise in strategy is a paramount requirement of our next Secretary of Defense.\r\n\u201cEarly next year, the Senate shall consider the requirement in law that the Secretary of Defense not be appointed within seven years of relief from active duty. Civilian control of the military remains a central aspect of our federal republic, and over the course of our nation\u2019s history much has occurred to bring scrutiny to the conduct of military affairs, not least of which is expansion of congressional oversight and the evolution of the all-volunteer force. General Mattis has lived a life of fidelity to our nation and its constitution. I have every confidence that he will continue to do so if confirmed by the Senate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-general-james-mattis", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on General James Mattis", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on General James Mattis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t 'General Mattis has committed a lifetime to the study of strategy and operations, has led U.S.  Central Command, and has commanded forces in Iraq, and Afghanistan.  General Mattis is almost uniquely suited to advising the next President in how best to protect our countryat a time when expertise in strategy is a paramount requirement of our next Secretary of Defense.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump's intended nominee for Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis:\r\nThe next Commander in Chief will assume office at a time when significant threats to our national security are evident: the efforts and intentions of dissatisfied nations to expand respective regional spheres of influence, such as China, Russia and Iran, and North Korea's willful efforts to pursue a long range ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon. And fifteen years after September 11, 2001 America remains at war will al Qaeda, its affiliates and ISIL.\r\nLess evident is the daunting imperative for the next administration to craft a national security strategy which marries objectives to capabilities in pursuit of protecting our vital interests. This necessary task has been further complicated by the Obama administration's current policies of drawing down America's conventional forces to irresponsibly low levels.\r\nThe nation is fortunate that President-elect Trump will nominate retired General James Mattis to meet these tasks, as his preparation for this mission is comprehensive. General Mattis has committed a lifetime to the study of strategy and operations, has led U.S. Central Command, and has commanded forces in Iraq, and Afghanistan. General Mattis is almost uniquely suited to advising the next President in how best to protect our countryat a time when expertise in strategy is a paramount requirement of our nextSecretary of Defense.\r\nEarly next year, the Senate shall consider the requirement in law that the Secretary of Defense not be appointed within seven years of relief from active duty. Civilian control of the military remains a central aspect of our federal republic, and over the course of our nation's history much has occurred to bring scrutiny to the conduct of military affairs, not least of which is expansion of congressional oversight and the evolution of the all-volunteer force. General Mattis has lived a life of fidelity to our nation and its constitution. I have every confidence that he will continue to do so if confirmed by the Senate.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAmerica's Military,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Security\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CD2A98BA-9690-43BD-93CD-3F7C8265EF0C", "Short-Term Continuing Resolution to Maintain Government Operations Released", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers introduced a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) (H.R. 2028) to prevent a government shutdown and continue funding for federal programs and services until April 28, 2017. The legislation also contains funding for emergency disaster relief.\r\nChairman Rogers gave the following statement on the introduction of this CR:\r\nThis Continuing Resolution is the necessary step for an operating and functioning government over the next four months. However, this type of short-term spending absolutely should not be the final answer to funding the federal government for the year. It is imperative that Congress complete its work on the remaining 11 Appropriations bills to ensure the proper and responsible use of tax dollars, to provide necessary resources for important programs and services, and to hold federal agencies accountable to the American people.\r\nThis legislation is just a band aid, but a critical one. It will give the next Congress the time to complete the annual Appropriations process, and in the meantime, take care of immediate national funding needs.\r\nContinuing Resolution Summary:\r\nLength and Level of Funding The CR extends funding for operations for most federal agencies, programs and services until April 28, 2017. It maintains the current budget cap level of $1.07 trillion put into place under the Budget Control Act of 2011.\r\nThe legislation continues policy and funding provisions included in currently enacted fiscal year 2016 Appropriations legislation. It does not include controversial riders, or major changes in existing federal policy.\r\nOverseas Contingency Funding (OCO) The bill contains $5.8 billion for the Department of Defense and $4.3 billion for the State Department/USAID to support military and diplomatic efforts to fight ISIS and terror around the globe, to provide essential resources that will ensure our national security, and to increase the readiness of our troops. Including increases in base discretionary spending, the Defense level in the bill is $8 billion above the rate in the current Continuing Resolution. Funding for the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 Included in the legislation is $872 million in funding for the House-passed 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, which boosts critical medical research, drug approval, and drug abuse efforts. This includes $20 million for the Food and Drug Administration Innovation account, $352 million for the National Institutes of Health Innovation account, and $500 million for states to respond to the opioid abuse crisis. This funding is fully offset.\r\nNatural Disaster Relief The CR contains $4.1 billion in disaster relief funding to address damages caused by recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Matthew, floods, drought, and other severe weather events. This includes:\r\n \r\n$1.8 billion for Community Development Block Grants to states to support recovery and rebuilding efforts for individuals with homes damaged by severe weather events;\r\n$1.025 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers for repairs to flood and coastal storm protection projects and dredging;\r\n$1 billion for the Federal Highway Emergency Relief program to repair damaged highways;\r\n$206.1 million for emergency watershed protection and conservation; and\r\n$74.7 million to repair damaged NASA facilities.\r\n \r\nDrinking Water The CR contains $170 million to address the infrastructure and health needs of those communities affected by contaminated drinking water. This includes grants for infrastructure improvements, lead poisoning prevention care for mothers and children, and a lead exposure registry. This funding is fully offset.\r\nOther Items\r\nThe CR also includes provisions needed to prevent catastrophic, irreversible, or detrimental changes to government programs, to support our national security, and to ensure good government.\r\nSome of these provisions include:\r\n \r\nA provision to provide $45 million, fully offset, for continued health care benefits for certain retired miners under the United Mine Workers Association 1993 Benefit Plan. This is necessary to prevent the loss of health care coverage for these miners and their families, scheduled to expire on December 31, 2016.\r\nA provision allowing funding to be used for the Ohio Class Submarine Replacement program to avoid delays that would increase costs.\r\nA provision allowing funding to be used for Apache Attack Helicopter and Black Hawk Helicopter multiyear procurements to avoid delays that would increase costs.\r\nA provision allowing funding to be used for the KC-46A Tanker program to avoid delays that would increase costs.\r\nA provision allowing funds to be used for critical nuclear weapons activities.\r\nA provision allowing funds to be used to continue Homeland Security operations, including border security, immigration enforcement, aviation security, and the protection of the President-elect.\r\nA provision ensuring the continuation of Federal Aviation Administration air travel operations and safety activities.\r\nA provision preventing an increase in pay for Members of Congress.\r\nA provision allowing additional funding, if needed, for the housing and care of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) after February 1, 2017. Due to the variability in the increased number of children coming into the country, it is possible that additional funds may be needed at that time.\r\nA provision requiring the Department of Transportation to follow the existing 34-hour restart Hours of Service rule for truck drivers to ensure continuity in federal rest regulations, should the report on the rule (mandated in prior Acts) not meet the criteria set by Congress.\r\nA provision allowing funds for NASA's Deep Space Exploration program to avoid delays that would increase long-term costs.\r\nA provision allowing funds for the Joint Polar Satellite System programs, ensuring the continuation of data for weather warnings, including forecasts of severe weather events.\r\nA provision allowing funds to begin operation of a summer nutrition program for low-income children.\r\nA provision allowing funds to make District of Columbia school vouchers available in time for the next academic year.\r\n \r\nFor the full text of the legislation, please visit:http://docs.house.gov/floor/\r\n\r\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=60AA375A-A4B8-421B-9D42-8375A60F1DB3", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Steven Mnuchin", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin:\r\n\u201cIt is time to get serious about the problems families and businesses large and small across the nation face. Whether it is the urgent need for tax reform or wide-ranging regulatory relief, we will need someone like Steven working with both parties in Congress to make it happen. His private sector expertise will be valuable as we begin to tackle these challenges and reverse the last eight years of economic heartache.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9A949708-B691-4D9F-8C4C-8F654511E52E", "21st Century Cures to Bolster Medical Innovation", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2018This legislation promotes critical investments in research and treatment development. It helps cut through unnecessary regulations that could hinder the development of cures, while also protecting safety.\u2019\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Senate\u2019s upcoming final passage of the 21st Century Cures bill:\r\n\r\n\u201cYesterday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to take the next step to pass the 21st Century Cures bill, bipartisan legislation to bolster medical innovation.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis legislation promotes critical investments in research and treatment development.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt helps cut through unnecessary regulations that could hinder the development of cures, while also protecting safety.\r\n\r\n\u201cAnd it builds upon the progress of innovative therapies and regenerative medicine.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis legislation puts patients first. It helps strengthen the kind of research and treatments needed to cure the most devastating diseases. And it includes provisions to help enhance mental health programs and to provide funding to help fight opioid abuse.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from health professionals across my state who\u2019ve expressed the impact this legislation can make, from the Kentucky Hospital Association to the University of Kentucky \u2014 our state\u2019s largest research university.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis bill, UK\u2019s President says, reflects the \u2018growing support from Congress for increased investment in research that addresses the compelling questions of our day.\u2019\r\n\r\n\u201cI am pleased to welcome President Capilouto to the Capitol this morning.\r\n\r\n\u201cCures is one example, he says, of how the university will be better equipped \u2018to improve the lives of those in the Commonwealth.\u2019\r\n\r\n\u201cWe know this bill wouldn\u2019t have been possible without Chairman Alexander\u2019s ceaseless efforts alongside Ranking Member Murray to drive it forward. We thank them both, as well as members like Senator Cornyn, Senator Hatch, and Senator Cassidy, who\u2019ve all endeavored to make this bill the strongest it can be.\r\n\r\n\u201cI also want to recognize my friend, Vice President Biden, who joined us yesterday for his efforts to include his Cancer Moonshot initiative in the package. This is an issue that hits close to home for the Vice President, and he\u2019s been a leading voice in supporting efforts to strengthen cancer research and find a cure.\r\n\r\n\u201cI am pleased that we'll pass this legislation soon so that we can begin to put its provisions to work on behalf of American families.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve spoken with the Speaker on a number of occasions about an issue facing coal miner retirees like those I represent in Kentucky, and have insisted that the CR include a provision to address that issue so these retirees don\u2019t lose their health benefits at the end of the year.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe hope to have a final bill to share with members soon, and we look forward to turning to it as soon as possible after House action.\r\n\r\n\u201cBut I will have more to say on that later.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re also working to wrap up a number of conference reports, including for the defense authorization bill and the water resources development bill.\r\n\r\n\u201cLast night, I took the next step on the defense conference report so that we can pass it this week.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis legislation will provide more of the tools servicemembers need to take on national security challenges, help strengthen our military posture, and support our men and women in uniform with the benefits and pay raises they\u2019ve earned.\r\n\r\n\u201cI hope the Senate will also take the next step soon on the Water Development Resources conference report.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis water resources conference report will invest in our nation\u2019s waterways infrastructure, enhance commerce, and support safe and reliable water sources to prevent future situations like the one we saw in Flint, Michigan. To that point, this bill also includes assistance for families like those in Flint who\u2019ve already been impacted by lead poisoning.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AE8813FD-1717-4268-A521-DA5E1C3518C3", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Wilbur Ross", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2018Turning our economy around will be a team effort and this is another great addition to the talented group of people the President-elect has assembled.\u2019\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump\u2019s intended nominee for Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross:\r\n\r\n\u201cAs our chief business advocate, I know Wilbur will use his decades of experience to put American jobs in the best position possible to flourish at home and American-made products in the best position to flourish abroad. Turning our economy around will be a team effort and this is another great addition to the talented group of people the President-elect has assembled.\"\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D031F772-30A3-4D2C-82FC-B5FA5FEAC14B", "Senator McConnell Working to Secure Health Care Benefits for Coal Miner Retirees", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2018I\u2019ve spoken with the Speaker on a number of occasions about an issue facing coal miner retirees like those I represent in Kentucky. I have insisted that the CR include a provision to address that issue so these retirees don\u2019t lose their health care benefits at the end of the year\u2019\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today issued a statement about his efforts to protect the health care benefits of coal miner retirees. Senator McConnell has been personally speaking with Speaker Paul Ryan about the need for the benefits to be included in the Continuing Resolution (CR), which funds the government through early next year. The provision would provide continued health care benefits, through the length of the CR, to thousands of UMWA coal miner retirees, including approximately 3,000 Kentuckians, whose health care benefits are set to expire at the end of the year.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve spoken with the Speaker on a number of occasions about an issue facing coal miner retirees like those I represent in Kentucky. I have insisted that the CR include a provision to address that issue so these retirees don\u2019t lose their health care benefits at the end of the year.\u201d Senator McConnell said. \u201cI\u2019ve been touched by the stories of the retired mineworkers I\u2019ve met with, and am working hard to ensure they keep the health care benefits they\u2019ve long relied on. Congress has stepped in to protect health care for coal miner retirees in the past, and it\u2019s time to do it again. The Obama Administration\u2019s war on coal combined with challenges within the energy market have led to a dramatic increase in bankruptcies and lost coal jobs, exhausting the health benefits of thousands of coal workers and retirees. Our hope is that Congress will soon be able to provide needed relief to those who have felt the devastation in coal country firsthand by working with the new administration to provide regulatory relief and to level the playing field in the energy markets. I am deeply grateful for the lifetime of hard work coal miners have provided, and while I recognize that this solution will not solve the challenges of every coal miner or retiree in Kentucky, this provision will help address many of the health care needs of thousands of miners who fell victim to the steep downturn in coal production.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe CR is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives and Senate later this week.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/21st-century-cures-to-bolster-medical-innovation-", "21st Century Cures to Bolster Medical Innovation", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.16\n\t\t\t 21st Century Cures to Bolster Medical Innovation  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t This legislation promotes critical investments in research and treatment development.  It helps cut through unnecessary regulations that could hinder the development of cures, while also protecting safety.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Senate's upcoming final vote of the 21st Century Cures bill:\r\nYesterday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to take the next step to pass the21stCentury Curesbill, bipartisan legislation to bolster medical innovation.\r\nThis legislation promotes critical investments in research and treatment development.\r\nIt helps cut through unnecessary regulations that could hinder the development of cures, while also protecting safety.\r\nAnd it builds upon the progress of innovative therapies and regenerative medicine.\r\nThis legislation puts patients first. It helps strengthen the kind of research and treatments needed to cure the most devastating diseases. And it includes provisions to help enhance mental health programs and to provide funding to help fight opioid abuse.\r\nI've heard from health professionals across my state who've expressed the impact this legislation can make, from the Kentucky Hospital Association to the University of Kentucky  our state's largest research university.\r\nThis bill, UK's President says, reflects the growing support from Congress for increased investment in research that addresses the compelling questions of our day.'\r\nI am pleased to welcome President Capilouto to the Capitol this morning.\r\nCures is one example, he says, of how the university will be better equipped to improve the lives of those in the Commonwealth.'\r\nWe know this bill wouldn't have been possible without Chairman Alexander's ceaseless efforts alongside Ranking Member Murray to drive it forward. We thank them both, as well as members like Senator Cornyn, Senator Hatch, and Senator Cassidy, who've all endeavored to make this bill the strongest it can be.\r\nI also want to recognize my friend, Vice President Biden, who joined us yesterday for his efforts to include his Cancer Moonshot initiative in the package. This is an issue that hits close to home for the Vice President, and he's been a leading voice in supporting efforts to strengthen cancer research and find a cure.\r\nI am pleased that we'll pass this legislation soon so that we can begin to put its provisions to work on behalf of American families.\r\nI've spoken with the Speaker on a number of occasions about an issue facing coal miner retirees like those I represent in Kentucky, and have insisted that the CR include a provision to address that issue so these retirees don't lose their health benefits at the end of the year.\r\nWe hope to have a final bill to share with members soon, and we look forward to turning to it as soon as possible after House action.\r\nBut I will have more to say on that later.\r\nWe're also working to wrap up a number of conference reports, including for the defense authorization bill and the water resources development bill.\r\nLast night, I took the next step on thedefenseconference report so that we can pass it this week.\r\nThis legislation will provide more of the tools servicemembers need to take on national security challenges, help strengthen our military posture, and support our men and women in uniform with the benefits and pay raises they've earned.\r\nI hope the Senate will also take the next step soon on theWater Development Resourcesconference report.\r\nThis water resources conference report will invest in our nation's waterways infrastructure, enhance commerce, and support safe and reliable water sources to prevent future situations like the one we saw in Flint, Michigan. To that point, this bill also includes assistance for families like those in Flint who've already been impacted by lead poisoning.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth Care,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCoal,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tInfrastructure,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNDAA,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Security\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-steven-mnuchin", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Steven Mnuchin", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Steven Mnuchin \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t His private sector expertise will be valuable as we begin to tackle these challenges and reverse the last eight years of economic heartache.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump's intended nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin:\r\nIt is time toget serious about the problems families and businesses large and small across the nation face. Whether it is the urgent need for tax reform or wide-ranging regulatory relief, we will need someone like Steven working with both parties inCongress to make it happen. His private sector expertise will be valuable as we begin to tackle these challenges and reverse the last eight years of economic heartache.\"\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEconomy,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-wilbur-ross", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Wilbur Ross", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Wilbur Ross \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Turning our economy around will be a team effort and this is another great addition to the talented group of people the President-elect has assembled.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump's intended nominee for Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross:\r\nAs our chief business advocate, I know Wilbur will use his decades of experience to put American jobs in the best position possible to flourish at home and American-made products in the best position to flourish abroad. Turning our economy around will be a team effort and this is another great addition to the talented group of people the President-elect has assembled.\"\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEconomy,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=34B3D6C5-654D-4741-BC5B-DDF793E4CE21", "Senate Renames Cancer Initiative in 21st Century Cures Bill After Beau Biden", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the renaming of the NIH cancer initiative in the 21st Century Cures Act after Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s late son, Beau, who lost his battle with cancer last year:\r\n\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a rare day when we get to see the Vice President presiding in that chair.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s great to have him here today.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe look forward to welcoming him again later this week too.\r\n\r\n\u201cI know members will have plenty to say about his life and his legacy then.\r\n\r\n\u201cBut today, the Senate would like to specifically acknowledge his efforts to help Americans struggling with cancer.\r\n\r\n\u201cHe\u2019s known the cruel toll this disease can take.\r\n\r\n\u201cBut he hasn\u2019t let it defeat him \u2014 he\u2019s chosen to fight back, he\u2019s taken a leading role, and the Senate will soon pass the 21st Century Cures Act as testament to tremendous efforts like his.\r\n\r\n\u201cI think it fitting to dedicate this bill\u2019s critical cancer initiatives in honor of someone who\u2019d be so proud of the presiding officer today: his son Beau.\r\n\r\n\u201cAnd, in just a moment, that\u2019s exactly what the Senate will do \u2014 renaming the NIH\u2019s cancer initiatives in this bill after Beau Biden.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=75EA5370-5915-4E8E-904E-55484469D00C", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Dr. Ben Carson", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2018I\u2019m confident Dr. Carson\u2019s life-long career of selfless service will be a positive addition to the incoming administration.\u2019\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:\r\n\r\n\u201cWe appreciate Dr. Carson\u2019s willingness to take on such a challenging task at an agency that is in need of reform to better serve all Americans. I\u2019m confident his life-long career of selfless service will be a positive addition to the incoming administration.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=816C3E05-0936-4D47-9FB0-15FD385056F6", "Senate to Vote on 21st Century Cures", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Senate\u2019s upcoming vote on the 21st Century Cures Bill:\r\n\u201cLast week, the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan 21st Century Cures medical innovation bill. Now it\u2019s the Senate\u2019s turn to move this bill forward and send it to the president\u2019s desk for signature.\r\n\u201cThis legislation has earned wide support from both sides of the aisle and is one of the most important bills we\u2019ll pass this year \u2014 it\u2019s not hard to see why.\r\n\u201cIt will encourage investment in biomedical research to help deliver treatments and cures to patients.\r\n\u201cIt will cut through red tape and burdensome regulations while also protecting safety.\r\n\u201cAnd it will build upon progress to support regenerative medicine and other innovative therapies.\r\n\u201cCures also includes provisions to strengthen mental health programs and to provide much-needed resources to help combat the opioid epidemic.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s legislation that can have an impact on each of our states, and on each of our constituents.\r\n\u201cLater today, Senators will take the next step in advancing 21st Century Cures. With continued cooperation, we can pass this bipartisan bill soon.\r\n\u201cThe Cures legislation is just one key area where the Senate has been working to complete its work before the holidays.\r\n\u201cNegotiations are ongoing on the continuing resolution, which we will consider later this week.\r\n\u201cThis week we will also pass the defense authorization conference report, and work continues to finalize other outstanding conference reports including for the water resources development bill and the energy policy modernization bill.\r\n\u201cAs those efforts continue, I want to thank all those who\u2019ve been working around the clock to reach a conclusion on these important issues.\r\n\u201cSo we\u2019ve got a busy week ahead. Let\u2019s keep working together to get it done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-dr-ben-carson", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Dr. Ben Carson", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Dr. Ben Carson \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t I'm confident Dr. Carson's life-long career of selfless service will be a positive addition to the incoming administration.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:\r\nWe appreciate Dr. Carson's willingness to take on such a challenging task at an agency that is in need of reform to better serve all Americans. I'm confident his life-long career of selfless service will be a positive addition to the incoming administration.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-selects-crapo-to-lead-committee-on-committees", "McConnell Selects Crapo to Lead Committee on Committees", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t McConnell Selects Crapo to Lead Committee on Committees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sen. Scott will help lead the committee selection process\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has selected Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) to chair the Senate Republicans' Committee on Committees, the panel responsible for committee assignments for the 115th Congress.This is the seventh consecutive congressional two-year term that Senate leadership has asked Crapo to chair negotiations among his Republican peers in the Senate. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) will be assisting in the committee selection process in the 115th Congress as he did in the 114th Congress.\r\n\"Mike is a trusted advisor and has the respect of his colleagues, McConnell said.He has a proven track record and the entire Republican conference is honored to have him once again leading our negotiations on committee assignments.\r\nThe Committee on Committees negotiates the process of assigning Republican senators to committees.After general elections, Senate party leaders negotiate the ratios on standing committees.Crapo will provide leadership in the negotiations surrounding subsequent committee assignments.\r\nI appreciate Sen. Scott's willingness to help lead this effort as we prepare for the new Congress, McConnell said.\r\nI appreciate the honor and continued trust represented by this appointment. Partnering with Senate Republican Leader McConnell, I look forward to working to ensure my colleagues have the best possible opportunities to make a mark on the important agenda of the 115th Congress. With majorities in both houses of Congress and with a Republican president-elect, we have an improved opportunity to deliver the results that have been demanded by voters, said Crapo.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1669", "Guthrie Votes to Keep America Safe with National Defense Authorization Act", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today voted for the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual bill necessary to set the policies that guide our Armed Forces and reauthorize funding for defense programs. This is the fifty-fifth consecutive NDAA passed by Congress.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWith the continued threat posed by ISIS and radical Islamic terrorists, along with recent aggression by countries like Russia and Iran, our best defense is strongly supporting the brave men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to protecting us,\u201d said Guthrie. \u201cThis NDAA helps to ensure our military\u2019s readiness by providing a much needed increase in training programs and equipment upgrades, and halts the Obama Administration\u2019s dangerous drawdown of troops during a time of growing need. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this crucial bill as soon as possible.\u201d \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe NDAA includes a 2.1% pay raise for troops and does not make any changes to the Basic Allowance for Housing. The bill also takes steps to improve the health care experience for our troops by streamlining the appointment scheduling process, increasing the number of available appointments, and extending the hours of primary care clinics. The bill also prioritizes improving the technology available for our warfighters and builds on past acquisition reforms.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn addition, the NDAA provides specific funding to combat and destroy ISIS and counter Russian aggression in Europe. The bill further fulfills our important commitments to the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense program and prohibits President Obama from closing Guantanamo Bay or transferring prisoners to the United States.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI\u2019m committed to making sure that Fort Knox gets the resources it needs to maintain operations crucial to our national defense and to ensuring that our Armed Forces are prepared for current and future challenges. While more work remains to be done, this bill moves us in the right direction by increasing funding for essential programs, reversing certain Obama policies, and supporting Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East,\u201d said Guthrie.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe National Defense Authorization Act passed the House today by 375 to 34 and now awaits passage by the Senate.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-to-improve-military-readiness", "Barr Votes to Improve Military Readiness", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor of the Conference report to H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017.\u00a0 The NDAA is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense.\u00a0\nThe legislation stops the recent drawdown of the Armed Forces and makes investments to improve military readiness.\u00a0 NDAA authorizes funds to support military operations abroad, includes a 2.1 percent pay increase for our troops, strengthens military health care services, and prohibits the closure of the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay.\n\u201cPassage of this National Defense Authorization Act marks a turning point by improving military readiness and by making the investments we need to keep the American people safe and to fully support our troops at home and abroad,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\u00a0 \u201cThis legislation also gives our troops a well-deserved pay increase and, importantly, blocks President Obama from closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay and from transferring terrorists to the United States.\u201d\nThe NDAA includes increased funding for depots including the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County, Kentucky.\u00a0 The bill also includes a provision supported by Congressman Barr that authorizes the purchase of enhanced body armor. \u00a0The 3M Company in Lexington, Kentucky, with 235 employees, produces much of this body armor to keep our troops safe.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DFD075AE-924E-4C61-9038-59705810F3E5", "Rogers Votes to Improve National Defense and Raise Pay for Troops", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Conference Report to accompany theNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), H.R. 4909, for fiscal year 2017 to enhance national defense operations. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) voted for the legislation which provides the largest pay raise for U.S. troops in six years, improves health care for troops and their families, and strengthens our national defense at home and abroad with an investment of $619 billion. \"The National Defense Authorization Actprovides the tools and resources that our men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces need to defend our nation, while also taking better care of them and their families at home,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The legislation also takes important steps to ensure that the dangerous terrorists detained at Guantanamo Bay never step foot on American soil, while boosting resources to combat Islamic extremists, like ISIS, overseas.\" The NDAA authorizes a $5.8 billion supplemental request for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Europe, as well as $3.2 billion for Readiness Stabilization Funding to stop the drawdown of the military, which is fueling the readiness crisis. The legislation also supports the efforts of our European allies to counter Russian aggression, and funds the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense programs.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=89ED346D-D439-4BBA-9FAD-6DC7D1EC71A1", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of November 28, 2016", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell\u2019s eNewsletter - - Week of November 28,\u00a02016\r\n  \r\n Leader McConnell Honors Chairman Rogers\u2019 Distinguished Committee Service \r\n 'Chairman Rogers is legendary in Congress and back home for his relentless focus on the concerns and priorities of the people of the Fifth District' \r\nEarlier this week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader\u00a0Mitch McConnell delivered\u00a0remarks on the Senate floor\u00a0honoring U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers\u2019 service as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. Congressman Hal Rogers represents\u00a0Kentucky's Fifth District.\u00a0\r\nSenator McConnell paid tribute to Congressman Rogers as his\u00a0term as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee draws to a close at the end of this 114th Congress. Senator McConnell spoke about\u00a0the extraordinary tenure of Chairman Rogers, saying:\r\n\u201cAs chairman, Hal has made oversight of federal spending a top priority, and his Appropriations Committee has held more than 600 hearings to ensure that federal tax dollars were being spent properly.\r\n\u201cUnder his leadership, the Appropriations Committee has gotten results, like reducing wasteful spending by $126 billion in total annual spending cuts since fiscal year 2010.\r\n\u201cHal is only the third Kentuckian to chair the House Appropriations Committee \u2014 the last was Congressman William Natcher, who held the position until 1994 \u2014 and the only Republican chairman from the commonwealth. I know that becoming Appropriations Committee chairman was a great achievement for Hal and something he worked hard to earn.\u201d\r\nSenator McConnell also said, \"I want to thank Chairman Rogers for his steady hand at the helm of the House Appropriations Committee for the last six years and for all he has done for Kentucky. Both Kentucky and the nation are thankful for his service.\"\r\n Click the image below to view the Senator's floor remarks  \r\n McConnell Works with City of Paducah to Strengthen Infrastructure \r\n Senator\u00a0Thanked by\u00a0Mayor for Helping\u00a0Secure Grant for Paducah Floodwall \r\nOn Tuesday, Senator McConnell announced that the City of Paducah was awarded a competitive federal grant from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to help the city rehabilitate a pump station for the Paducah floodwall.\r\nThe local media,\u00a0Paducah Sun and WPSD-TV,\u00a0reported:\r\nMcConnell contacted the Delta Regional Authority on behalf of Paducah, informing the agency that Paducah's floodwall minimizes flood risk for 11,000 acres and more than 25,000 people.\r\n\"This is great news for the city of Paducah and I was happy to assist Mayor Gayle Kaler and local officials on this important project,\" McConnell said. \"This critical funding will enable the city to update its current pump station that is experiencing pumping capacity loss, which if failed, could potentially lead to devastating flooding.\"\r\nPaducah Mayor Gayle Kaler said, \"We would like to thank Senator McConnell for writing a letter to the Delta Regional Authority on behalf of Paducah and McCracken County residents. The protection provided by our floodwall and the pump stations are a top infrastructure priority for The City of Paducah. This DRA grant will be a great help in achieving that goal.\"\r\n Senate to\u00a0Vote\u00a0on Critical Medical Research\u00a0& Innovation Legislation \r\n Working to get bipartisan bill to the President's desk\u00a0as soon as possible \r\nOn Wednesday,\u00a0the House of Representatives\u00a0passed the 21st Century Cures bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, and the Senate is expected to\u00a0vote on the legislation next week.\u00a021st Century Cures\u00a0is a\u00a0medical innovation bill that can have a substantial impact for families across the country. On Thursday, Senator McConnell spoke about the bill on the Senate floor:\r\n\"It supports medical research, including promoting regenerative medicine. It provides real funding to help combat the prescription opioid epidemic that\u2019s swept our nation, particularly places like my home state of Kentucky. And it improves mental health programs, among other bipartisan priorities...Let\u2019s work together to send it to the president\u2019s desk as soon as possible.\"\r\nFollow Senator McConnell's press offices on Twitter at @McConnellPress and @SenateMajLeader to stay up to date on the latest on what is happening with the bipartisan 21st Century Cures bill.\r\n Senate Works to Conclude\u00a0Business of 114th Congress; Looks Forward to 115th \r\nThroughout the week, Senator McConnell spoke on the Senate floor regarding the work remaining\u00a0before the 114th Congress comes to a close. The Senate has a number of issues to wrap up including\u00a0the Water Resources Development Act, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nSenator McConnell hosted a media stakeout in the U.S. Capitol and talked about the Senate, under Republican leadership, making progress in passing bipartisan legislation and getting the Senate back to work for the American people.\r\n\r\nAlso this week, Senator McConnell welcomed back to his office in the U.S. Capitol, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, for a productive meeting discussing issues important in moving America forward in the 115th Congress.\r\n\r\n Visiting Washington, D.C. \r\n\r\nEvery week, many Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth visit\u00a0Senator McConnell's\u00a0office in the U.S. Capitol. If you\u2019re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please check out Senator McConnell's\u00a0website\u00a0and visit his office while you are in town. Also, the Senator\u2019s office has information on tours, places to visit and local restaurants to help make your trip to the nation\u2019s capital one to remember.\r\n Keeping Up With Senator McConnell \r\nKeep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell\u2019s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0page and following on Instagram at\u00a0@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell\u2019s Press Office by following on Twitter at\u00a0@McConnellPress.\r\nFor a more behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Instagram.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nGet this newsletter delivered to your inbox by signing up\u00a0HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EB4DFE8E-2C86-4393-BD30-F311EDACE505", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of November 28, 2016", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell\u2019s eNewsletter - - Week of November 28,\u00a02016\r\n  \r\n Leader McConnell Honors Chairman Rogers\u2019 Distinguished Committee Service \r\n 'Chairman Rogers is legendary in Congress and back home for his relentless focus on the concerns and priorities of the people of the Fifth District' \r\nEarlier this week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader\u00a0Mitch McConnell delivered\u00a0remarks on the Senate floor\u00a0honoring U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers\u2019 service as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. Congressman Hal Rogers represents\u00a0Kentucky's Fifth District.\u00a0\r\nSenator McConnell paid tribute to Congressman Rogers as his\u00a0term as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee draws to a close at the end of this 114th Congress. Senator McConnell spoke about\u00a0the extraordinary tenure of Chairman Rogers, saying:\r\n\u201cAs chairman, Hal has made oversight of federal spending a top priority, and his Appropriations Committee has held more than 600 hearings to ensure that federal tax dollars were being spent properly.\r\n\u201cUnder his leadership, the Appropriations Committee has gotten results, like reducing wasteful spending by $126 billion in total annual spending cuts since fiscal year 2010.\r\n\u201cHal is only the third Kentuckian to chair the House Appropriations Committee \u2014 the last was Congressman William Natcher, who held the position until 1994 \u2014 and the only Republican chairman from the commonwealth. I know that becoming Appropriations Committee chairman was a great achievement for Hal and something he worked hard to earn.\u201d\r\nSenator McConnell also said, \"I want to thank Chairman Rogers for his steady hand at the helm of the House Appropriations Committee for the last six years and for all he has done for Kentucky. Both Kentucky and the nation are thankful for his service.\"\r\n Click the image below to view the Senator's floor remarks  \r\n McConnell Works with City of Paducah to Strengthen Infrastructure \r\n Senator\u00a0Thanked by\u00a0Mayor for Helping\u00a0Secure Grant for Paducah Floodwall \r\nOn Tuesday, Senator McConnell announced that the City of Paducah was awarded a competitive federal grant from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to help the city rehabilitate a pump station for the Paducah floodwall.\r\nThe local media,\u00a0Paducah Sun and WPSD-TV,\u00a0reported:\r\nMcConnell contacted the Delta Regional Authority on behalf of Paducah, informing the agency that Paducah's floodwall minimizes flood risk for 11,000 acres and more than 25,000 people.\r\n\"This is great news for the city of Paducah and I was happy to assist Mayor Gayle Kaler and local officials on this important project,\" McConnell said. \"This critical funding will enable the city to update its current pump station that is experiencing pumping capacity loss, which if failed, could potentially lead to devastating flooding.\"\r\nPaducah Mayor Gayle Kaler said, \"We would like to thank Senator McConnell for writing a letter to the Delta Regional Authority on behalf of Paducah and McCracken County residents. The protection provided by our floodwall and the pump stations are a top infrastructure priority for The City of Paducah. This DRA grant will be a great help in achieving that goal.\"\r\n Senate to\u00a0Vote\u00a0on Critical Medical Research\u00a0& Innovation Legislation \r\n Working to get bipartisan bill to the President's desk\u00a0as soon as possible \r\nOn Wednesday,\u00a0the House of Representatives\u00a0passed the 21st Century Cures bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, and the Senate is expected to\u00a0vote on the legislation next week.\u00a021st Century Cures\u00a0is a\u00a0medical innovation bill that can have a substantial impact for families across the country. On Thursday, Senator McConnell spoke about the bill on the Senate floor:\r\n\"It supports medical research, including promoting regenerative medicine. It provides real funding to help combat the prescription opioid epidemic that\u2019s swept our nation, particularly places like my home state of Kentucky. And it improves mental health programs, among other bipartisan priorities...Let\u2019s work together to send it to the president\u2019s desk as soon as possible.\"\r\nFollow Senator McConnell's press offices on Twitter at @McConnellPress and @SenateMajLeader to stay up to date on the latest on what is happening with the bipartisan 21st Century Cures bill.\r\n Senate Works to Conclude\u00a0Business of 114th Congress; Looks Forward to 115th \r\nThroughout the week, Senator McConnell spoke on the Senate floor regarding the work remaining\u00a0before the 114th Congress comes to a close. The Senate has a number of issues to wrap up including\u00a0the Water Resources Development Act, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nSenator McConnell hosted a media stakeout in the U.S. Capitol and talked about the Senate, under Republican leadership, making progress in passing bipartisan legislation and getting the Senate back to work for the American people.\r\n\r\nAlso this week, Senator McConnell welcomed back to his office in the U.S. Capitol, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, for a productive meeting discussing issues important in moving America forward in the 115th Congress.\r\n\r\n Visiting Washington, D.C. \r\n\r\nEvery week, many Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth visit\u00a0Senator McConnell's\u00a0office in the U.S. Capitol. If you\u2019re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please check out Senator McConnell's\u00a0website\u00a0and visit his office while you are in town. Also, the Senator\u2019s office has information on tours, places to visit and local restaurants to help make your trip to the nation\u2019s capital one to remember.\r\n Keeping Up With Senator McConnell \r\nKeep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell\u2019s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0page and following on Instagram at\u00a0@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell\u2019s Press Office by following on Twitter at\u00a0@McConnellPress.\r\nFor a more behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Instagram.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nGet this newsletter delivered to your inbox by signing up\u00a0HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1668", "Guthrie Selected as Regional Representative to Republican Committee Tasked with Developing Policy", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) has been selected as a regional representative to the House Republican Policy Committee, which serves as an advisory arm to the Republican Conference on legislative proposals before the House.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGuthrie, who currently serves as Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee and as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, will represent Kentucky and other Southern states during the development of key Republican policies during the next Congress.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cOur job in Congress is to develop a commonsense agenda that will have a positive impact on the lives of Americans,\u201d said Guthrie. \u201cIt is an honor to be selected as a Regional Representative to the Republican Policy Committee. The new administration will give Republicans in Congress the chance to see meaningful legislation signed into law, and I am excited to use this opportunity to give Kentucky a greater voice in the creation of policy solutions.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Luke Messer (IN-06), chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, congratulated Guthrie on his new position. \u201cThe Republican Policy Committee is an engine for new ideas and policy solutions to help Congress deliver results for the American people,\u201d Messer said.\u201cCongressman Guthrie is a great addition to the team and a well-respected policy leader.\u00a0 I look forward to his input as we get to work.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3B43AA30-802D-45DE-8C96-EB6FE426ABF6", "Leader McConnell Honors Chairman Rogers Distinguished Service on Approps Committee", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor today honoring U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers\u2019 service as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations:\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to pay tribute to a fellow Kentuckian who has devoted much of his life to public service \u2014 my good friend Congressman Hal Rogers of Kentucky\u2019s Fifth District. Hal, of course, just won reelection in his district with a modest 100 percent of the vote, and I imagine he will serve here in Congress for many years to come. But his term as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is drawing to a close at the end of this 114th Congress, so I thought it fitting to say a few words about the extraordinary tenure of this remarkable man.  \u2003  \u201cHal has served on the Appropriations Committee for more than 30 years and was selected as the 31st chairman six years ago. To mark the end of his chairmanship, family and friends and several special guests assembled a few months back in the House Appropriations Committee hearing room to unveil his official portrait as chairman of the committee. Hal\u2019s portrait hangs alongside those of former chairmen, including some who went on to become speakers of the House, and in the case of James Garfield, President of the United States. Adding his portrait to this distinguished group is the continuation of a century-old tradition, and many of Hal\u2019s House colleagues \u2014 including Speaker Ryan \u2014 were on hand to mark the occasion. It\u2019s a well-deserved tribute to a man I\u2019ve been honored to serve alongside for many years \u2014 and to have known for even longer.\r\n\u201cI first met Hal Rogers several decades ago and later worked with him during the 1971 Kentucky gubernatorial campaign. While the Republican candidate that year, Tom Emberton, did not win the race, it was clear to me after getting to know Hal that he was destined for great things.\r\n\u201cBorn in the small town of Barrier, Kentucky, Hal became first a country lawyer in the town of Somerset and then the commonwealth\u2019s attorney for the region. He was first elected to Congress with the Reagan Revolution in 1980 and is now the dean of Kentucky\u2019s congressional delegation.\r\n\u201cChairman Rogers is legendary in Congress and back home for his relentless focus on the concerns and priorities of the people of the Fifth District.   \u2003  \u201cLong before the issue of opioid abuse dominated national headlines, Hal played an instrumental role in highlighting and preventing the scourge of drug abuse, which has impacted many in Eastern Kentucky.\r\n\u201cHe has helped bring jobs and hope to the people of southeastern Kentucky thanks to projects like PRIDE, which promotes environmental responsibility; Operation UNITE, which helps fight substance abuse; and the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, which encourages economic development and growth. Through the years, Hal spearheaded numerous educational initiatives for all ages: \u2018Forward in the 5th\u2019, Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers, and the Rogers Entrepreneurial-Leadership Institute\u2026just to name a few.  \u2003  \u201cHal helped launch TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky \u2014 in order to boost tourism in the region \u2014 and the Center for Rural Development as a way to help transform the area\u2019s economy. He\u2019s helped secure millions for the Kentucky National Guard \u2014 in which he proudly served \u2014 and the U.S. Forest Service for marijuana eradication efforts. And he recently spearheaded the Shaping Our Appalachian Region, or SOAR, initiative as a way to unite Kentucky\u2019s Appalachian counties around a common vision for attracting jobs and economic development to the region.\r\n\u201cHe\u2019s also supported the Appalachian Regional Commission, pushed back against the Obama Administration\u2019s War on Coal, and has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for a strong national defense. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have worked closely with Hal on these and many other projects on behalf of the Bluegrass State.\r\n\u201cHal\u2019s constituents can also be proud of the work he\u2019s done for our nation in his role as Appropriations chair. Under his leadership, the Appropriations Committee responsibly refocused efforts on regular order, reviewing and approving all 12 annual government spending bills through committee during his tenure.\r\n\u201cAs chairman, Hal has made oversight of federal spending a top priority, and his Appropriations Committee has held more than 600 hearings to ensure that federal tax dollars were being spent properly.\r\n\u201cUnder his leadership, the Appropriations Committee has gotten results, like reducing wasteful spending by $126 billion in total annual spending cuts since fiscal year 2010.\r\n\u201cHal is only the third Kentuckian to chair the House Appropriations Committee \u2014 the last was Congressman William Natcher, who held the position until 1994 \u2014 and the only Republican chairman from the commonwealth. I know that becoming Appropriations Committee chairman was a great achievement for Hal and something he worked hard to earn.\r\n\u201cI\u2019d like to add, just on a personal note, that Hal Rogers is a great friend, and Elaine and I have always enjoyed spending time with him and his wife Cynthia. As the senior Republican in Kentucky politics, he\u2019s been a leader in getting things done for the benefit of the people of his district and of the Commonwealth for nearly four decades.\r\n\u201cYou can see his impact in many places. One can drive across the Hal Rogers Parkway in southeastern Kentucky, or visit one of the many institutions in service to Kentuckians.   \u2003  \u201cHal is beloved in southeastern Kentucky, where he regularly wins reelection with an overwhelming majority of the vote. And Hal loves the people he serves. He is one of them, and he\u2019s proud to champion their causes here in the nation\u2019s capital.\r\n\u201cI want to thank Chairman Rogers for his steady hand at the helm of the House Appropriations Committee for the last six years and for all he has done for Kentucky. Both Kentucky and the nation are thankful for his service. As he turns his considerable energies to other important roles in Congress, I wish him the very best and look forward to partnering with him many more times in the future on behalf of the commonwealth we both love.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1667", "VIDEO: Guthrie Supports 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Vice Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s Health Subcommittee, today applauded the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan legislative package that will accelerate medical innovation as well as update mental health programs and provide funding to help fight opioid abuse.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act will make will make it easier for the right treatments to be delivered to the right patients when they need it,\u201d said Guthrie. \u201cAs Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee, I have had the privilege over the past two years of watching this bill develop from a vague idea into an innovative game-changer. In the past two decades, science has made major medical advancements \u2013 it\u2019s time for our policies to catch up to them. I urge the Senate to pass this important piece of legislation as soon as possible.\u201d \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe 21st Century Cures Act will accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures for patients. It empowers scientists and patients to allow for more research into the 10,000 known diseases. The bill also modernizes the Food and Drug Administration approval process, making it easier for new treatments and drugs to reach patients faster.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe 21st Century Cures Act is fully paid for and provides almost $5 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health, with an emphasis on finding a cure for cancer, precision medicine, and research into treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s. It also provides $1 billion for state grant programs to fight opioid addiction.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tGuthrie was involved in the two year process to develop the bill and championed several provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act.\u00a0 Among those items are provisions authorizing grants for the study of continuous manufacturing of drugs and biologics, implementing electronic visit verification in Medicaid to protect patients and taxpayers, and requiring guidance to be issued by the FDA that clarifies the process for approval of point-of-care diagnostic tests.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe 21st Century Cures Act today passed the House by a vote of 392 to 26. Earlier today, Congressman Guthrie spoke on the House floor to urge colleagues to support the bill. Click hereto watch his remarks and see below for the full text.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMr. Speaker, all of us have families that come to our offices advocating for research or cures for diseases they\u2019ve lost a parent or child from, or they have their child with them that has the disease. They\u2019re just hoping for a move forward. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cBeing on the Health Subcommittee, at least weekly, if not daily, innovators and entrepreneurs come to my office and talk about a new procedure, a new product, or something that\u2019s innovative that will change the lives of these families, and they\u2019re having trouble getting them through the system and getting them approved. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt hurts families, like a family in Elizabethtown that has a son with a degenerative disease and they\u2019re trying to beat the clock because they think there\u2019s some kind of help out there. Or a friend of mine from Bowling Green whose son went through a diabetes trial, and the first time they got any sleep was when their kid was on this trial through the night, and then they call me because they\u2019re crying saying they\u2019re out of the trial and it\u2019ll be a\u00a0 year before they get it. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cTaking our entrepreneurs and our innovators and putting together these cures, it\u2019s not getting their product to market \u2013 it\u2019s changing dynamics of these families, families that are suffering. So our chairman and Ms. DeGette from Colorado put together this effort to move forward and I urge support for this bill because it will change families\u2019 lives.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-for-21st-century-cures-act", "Barr Votes for 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act which includes numerous reforms to expedite the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures.\u00a0 Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be given flexibility to expedite the review and approval of new drugs, medical devices, and treatments.\nThe bill includes legislation Congressman Barr cosponsored, H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act which represents the most significant reforms to the mental health system in more than a decade.\u00a0 The bill also authorizes a substantial investment to fight the opioid and heroin addiction crisis.\n\u201cPassage of this bill will give hope to millions of Americans that we will find effective treatments and cures to diseases more quickly and with less government red tape,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\u00a0 \u201cWe will transform the way that we treat mental health, and we will invest more in the fight against the growing epidemic of drug addiction which is devastating families and communities in Kentucky.\u00a0 I am proud to vote for this landmark legislation which will improve the lives of so many suffering from disease, mental illness, and addiction.\u201d \u00a0\nThe 21st Century Cures Act is expected to be passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Obama.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=24A5EC7C-EF2D-4817-B886-54F0640954E9", "U.S. House approves 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-5) applauds House passage of the bipartisan21st Century Cures Act (Cures), H.R. 6, which will transform the way we discover, develop and deliver new treatments and cures for disease, including new tools to combat the nation's drug abuse epidemic. There are 10,000 known diseases, but we only have cures and treatments for 500 of them. The Cures act includes $4.8 million in new funding for the National Institutes of Health to advance research for projects like the Precision Medicine Initiative, the \"Cancer Moonshot,\" and the BRAIN initiative to enhance our understanding about diseases like Alzheimer's. It also authorizes $1 billion in grants over the next two years for states to fight drug addiction and $500 million for the Food and Drug Administration over the next decade to fast-track approval of critical medications and devices. \"The historic Cures act is a bill of hope for those suffering with life-changing and life-threating diseases,\" said Congressman Rogers, who voted for the legislation. \"It will improve treatment options for those struggling to overcome drug addiction, it will enhance approval for vital therapies, spur development of cures for pediatric diseases, expedite innovative research for cancer and other illnesses, while also reforming mental health care. It will undoubtedly prove to be life-saving legislation for future generations.\" The bill also lifts barriers for Medicare patients who rely on clinics in rural communities, allowing doctors and other medical providers to access more resources and deliver better care for seniors. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, funding for the bill is fully offset ona year-by-year basis, rather than spending now and saving later. The Cures act now heads to the Senate for consideration.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5AEE515A-F299-4218-82DC-9AD4FC4727CA", "McConnell on Remaining Items for this Congress", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding remaining work before the 114th Congress comes to a close:\r\n\u201cThe Senate has a number of issues to wrap up including the conference reports on the Water Resources Development Act, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\n\u201cThe action taken by the Senate yesterday will allow us to have a final vote on the critical Iran Sanctions Extension Act sometime this week.\r\n\u201cLater today the House is set to vote on the 21st Century Cures bill, an important medical research and innovation bill that contains a number of bipartisan priorities.\r\n\u201cOnce their work is complete, the Senate will consider this measure and send it to the president\u2019s desk.\r\n\u201cTalks on the continuing resolution are ongoing, and I\u2019ll have more to say on that in the coming days.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1663", "Guthrie Statement on Nomination of HHS Leaders", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of Chairman Tom Price, M.D. to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Seema Verma to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs premiums rise across the country and families lose their insurance plans, it is clear that Obamacare is broken. The selection of Chairman Tom Price to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows that the President-elect Trump is serious about creating real health care solutions that will help families, not hurt them. As Vice Chair of the Health subcommittee, I applaud this move and look forward to working with the new administration to repair our nation's health care system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1664", "Guthrie Statement on Nomination of Elaine Chao to be Transportation Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today applauded President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s decision to nominate Kentuckian Elaine Chao to be Secretary of Transportation.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWith her long history of dedication to public service, my friend Elaine Chao is the perfect person to lead President-elect Trump\u2019s plans to improve our nation\u2019s infrastructure,\u201d said Guthrie. \u201cHer successful tenures as Deputy Transportation Secretary under President George H.W. Bush and as Labor Secretary under George W. Bush improved job growth and brought much-needed reforms to these departments. Her leadership will be an asset to the administration and our country.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1666", "Guthrie Votes to Support Veterans, Streamline VA Bureaucracy", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today voted for key measures that will help veterans get the benefits and health care they have earned, while making it easier for veterans to navigate the complicated bureaucracy at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cOne of our most important responsibilities as members of Congress is to make good on the promises made to those who have served us in uniform,\u201dsaid Guthrie. \u201cI hear every day from constituents about their experiences trying to get health care and benefits from the VA. Many report that they are satisfied with the service received from their local VA providers, but far too many veterans are still facing the nightmare of ongoing delays and excessive hurdles. Today, Congress voted to make it easier for veterans and their families to navigate the VA\u2019s complicated bureaucracy \u2013 a necessary first step to ensuring that all veterans have access to the services they have earned.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe House passed the following pieces of legislation to help veterans:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016 (H.R. 5458) would make it possible for certain veterans who are eligible for TRICARE benefits to also contribute to Health Savings Accounts.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The No Hero Left Untreated Act (H.R.5600) would require the VA to carry out a one-year-pilot program to increase treatments available to veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, chronic pain, opioid addiction, or who have experienced military sexual trauma.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The WINGMAN Act (H.R.5166) would allow veterans to authorize qualified congressional staffers to access their claims information, cutting out the VA as a middle-man when veterans seek help from their members of Congress.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R.4757 would allow the VA to provide headstones for Medal of Honor recipients who are buried in private cemeteries.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-applauds-nomination-of-elaine-l-chao", "Barr Applauds Nomination of Elaine L. Chao", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) issued the following statement after President-Elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Secretary Elaine L. Chao to head the Department of Transportation in his administration:\n\u201cThere is no one better suited to help President-Elect Trump carry out his goal of modernizing and upgrading America\u2019s failing infrastructure than Secretary Elaine Chao.\u00a0 As a former Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Director of the Peace Corps, President and CEO of the United Way, and Secretary of Labor, Secretary Chao is not only supremely qualified for this role but she has demonstrated that she can lead and reform large organizations and bureaucracies.\u00a0 Secretary Chao\u2019s nomination is also a tremendous honor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky to have one of our own recognized for such an important post.\u201d\n\u201cCongratulations to Secretary Chao and her family, and I look forward to working with her to improve our nation\u2019s and Kentucky\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C103FDEA-A952-42FC-8B9B-4DEB1C1DCC9A", "Rogers Votes to Improve Veterans Care", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-5) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for approvingfive bills aimed at honoring and improving benefits and protections for our nation's military veterans. The bills address a number of concerns for our American heroes, from approving health saving accounts, to honoring Medal of Honor recipients buried in private cemeteries, to improving quality healthcare and incentivizing businesses to employ veterans. \"Veterans of our U.S. Armed Forces deserve the utmost respect and protections that we can provide, and these bills will help fast-track the improved care they need,\" said Congressman Rogers who supported the legislation. \"I'm especially proud of theWINGMAN Act(H.R. 5166), a bill I cosponsored allowing certified congressional staff to review veterans' records, after receiving their permission, to speed up response times. It will allow caseworkers to help Kentucky veterans much faster, along with veterans across the country.\"  Other bills approved are theHIRE Vets Act(H.R. 3286), establishing a HIRE Vets Medallion Program to recognize businesses that employ veterans every year; and theNo Hero Left Untreated Act(H.R. 5600), establishing a one year pilot program to utilize a new form of therapy to treat a limited number of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, opiate addiction or sexual trauma. The House also passed theVeterans TRICARE Act(H.R. 5458)andH.R. 6323to rename a California VA facility in memory of a fallen Korean War hero who was also a prisoner of war. Veterans and their families can obtain assistance from Congressman Rogers and his staff in the Somerset and Hazard, Kentucky offices by calling (800) 632-8588.  \r\n\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3921B376-443E-4963-941C-E705099EA150", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Secretary Elaine L. Chao", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Secretary Elaine L. Chao for Secretary of Transportation:\r\n\u201cI am so proud of Elaine as she continues her accomplished career in public service. I am confident she will do an outstanding job for the nation in this new and important role.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9A16CF3C-EFEC-49F0-8618-735A4B51FEB4", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Dr. Tom Price", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2018Dr. Tom Price will bring practical knowledge as a doctor and a legislator to an agency that needs it now more than ever.\u2019\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Dr. Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, for Secretary of Health and Human Services:\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cDr. Tom Price will bring practical knowledge as a doctor and a legislator to an agency that needs it now more than ever. This will be especially important as Republicans once again deliver on our promise to repeal Obamacare and replace it with patient-centered reforms. Obamacare has failed the American people who have been let down by years of broken promises. Americans deserve better and Dr. Price is the right person to lead the charge.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D7093A8E-6E33-402C-A483-A4172409CDCF", "McConnell Works with City of Paducah to Secure Funding for Flood Wall Project", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that the City of Paducah has been awarded a $400,000 competitive federal grant from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Senator McConnell, who contacted the DRA on behalf of the community, said the grant will be used to help the city rehabilitate a pump station for the Paducah floodwall. Senator McConnell informed the DRA that the floodwall runs through downtown Paducah to protect and minimize the flood risk for 11,000 acres and more than 25,000 of his constituents in the area.\r\n\u201cThis is great news for the City of Paducah and I was happy to assist Mayor Kaler and local officials on this important project,\u201d Senator McConnell said. \u201cThis critical funding will enable the city to update its current pump station that is experiencing pumping capacity loss, which if failed, could potentially lead to devastating flooding in the community.\u201d\r\nPaducah Mayor Gayle Kaler said, \u201cWe would like to thank Senator McConnell for writing a letter to the Delta Regional Authority on behalf of Paducah and McCracken County residents. The protection provided by our floodwall and the pump stations are a top infrastructure priority for The City of Paducah. This DRA grant will be a great help in achieving that goal.\u201d\r\nThe DRA grant for the pump station rehabilitation is a part of a much larger effort by Paducah officials who have worked for years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to update and repair the city\u2019s aging floodwall infrastructure to better protect citizens and businesses. In order to complete the comprehensive repair project, Congress must raise the project\u2019s federal authorization cap. Senator McConnell secured in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016\u2014which passed the Senate in September\u2014an increase in the project\u2019s authorization level to an amount over $31 million. Once enacted, this authorization increase will allow the city and the USACE to complete the priority flood protection project with future appropriations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=DCF43353-73C3-42F8-B1E1-B120128EC3BD", "McConnell on the Extension of the Iran Sanctions Act", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding extending sanctions against Iran:\r\n\u201cIn just a moment Senators will have a chance to pass the Iran sanctions extension bill that recently passed the House overwhelmingly.\r\n\u201cPreserving these sanctions is critical given Iran\u2019s disturbing pattern of aggression and its persistent efforts to expand its sphere of influence across the Middle East.\r\n\u201cThis is all the more important given how the Administration has ignored Iran\u2019s overall efforts to upset the balance of power in the greater Middle East, and how it has been held hostage by Iran\u2019s threats to withdraw from the nuclear agreement.\r\n\u201cThe authorities extended by this bill give us some of the tools needed to impose sanctions if necessary to hold Iran accountable and help keep Americans safer from this threat.\r\n\u201cI expect that next year the new Congress and new Administration will undertake a review of our overall policy toward Iran, and these authorities should remain in place as we address how best to deal with Iranian missile tests, support to Hezbollah and the Syrian regime.\r\n\u201cAs we come to the end of the year and of this Congress, we will continue in our efforts to complete the business before us.\r\n\u201cMembers have been working diligently on their respective conference committees to conclude the outstanding conference reports on the defense authorization bill, the waterways infrastructure and resources bill, and the energy policy modernization bill.\r\n\u201cI look forward to the full Senate taking up those measures as they are available so that we can pass final legislation to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cIn the coming days, the Senate will also consider a critical and bipartisan medical innovation bill, known as 21st Century Cures, as well as a continuing resolution to keep the government funded and carry us into the spring.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-dr-tom-price", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Dr. Tom Price", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Dr. Tom Price \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Dr. Tom Price will bring practical knowledge as a doctor and a legislator to an agency that needs it now more than ever.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Dr. Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, for Secretary of Health and Human Services:\r\nDr. Tom Price will bring practical knowledge as a doctor and a legislator to an agency that needs it now more than ever. This will be especially important as Republicans once again deliver on our promise to repeal Obamacare and replace it with patient-centered reforms. Obamacare has failed the American people who have been let down by years of broken promises. Americans deserve better and Dr. Price is the right person to lead the charge.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth Care\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-secretary-elaine-l-chao", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Secretary Elaine L. Chao", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Secretary Elaine L. Chao \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t I am so proud of Elaine as she continues her accomplished career in public service.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Secretary Elaine L. Chao for Secretary of Transportation.\r\nI am so proud of Elaine as she continues her accomplished career in public service. I am confident she will do an outstanding job for the nation in this new and important role.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tInfrastructure\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EAA1A355-1F52-413C-A082-3D1F45AF7C31", "Senate Begins Wrap-Up of 114th Congress", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Senate\u2019s remaining work in 2016:\r\n\u201cOver the next few weeks, Senators will work to conclude the business of the 114th Congress as we begin looking forward to the 115th.\u201cWe\u2019ve got a lot to do, including approving several conference reports and funding the government.\u201cIt\u2019s good to see the respective committees making important progress on conference reports for the National Defense Authorization Act and the Water Resources Development Act.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ll work with our counterparts in the House to consider each of those in the coming days and to send final bills to the president\u2019s desk for signature.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ll also take up the 21st Century Cures bill, which contains resources to promote medical research \u2014 including advancing regenerative medicine \u2014 among many other important provisions.\u201cSometime soon, we also hope to take up the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which provides underlying authorities necessary to re-impose sanctions, if called for, on the country which has continued to exhibit disturbing and aggressive behavior.\u201cAnd of course, we\u2019ll work to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government.\u201cI would also like to note that my friend from Alaska, Senator Murkowski, is continuing her efforts to advance the Energy Policy Modernization Act, which passed the Senate with large bipartisan support earlier this year. As the chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, she\u2019s been a champion of this critical bill and has never stopped working to move it forward.\r\n\u201cI appreciate her work in that capacity, as well as the many other members who have been leaders on each of the issues I just named. I would encourage colleagues on both sides to continue working together so that we can complete our work soon.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/article/rare-op-ed-trump-should-pick-a-secretary-of-state-who-understands-that-iraq-was-a-debacle", "Rare Op-Ed: Trump should pick a secretary of state who understands that Iraq was a debacle", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rare Op-Ed: Trump should pick a secretary of state who understands that Iraq was a debacle \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nMonday, November 28, 2016\n\t\nDonald Trump should pick someone to be his secretary of state who will advocate for Donald Trump\u2019s views on foreign policy. That sounds simple, but the mix of candidates\u00a0bandied about by the media includes several who\u00a0don\u2019t share the president-elect\u2019s worldview.\r\nTrump has been\u00a0clear and consistent about his opposition to the Iraq War and to regime change. The media never really understood and still largely doesn\u2019t\u00a0understand the significance of Trump\u2019s grasping\u00a0our failures in the Middle East.\r\nThe media, never shy from engaging in the petty, obsessed over when exactly Trump opposed the Iraq War instead of exposing the stark differences between Trump\u2019s worldview and Clinton\u2019s worldview. Clinton\u2019s regret over her support for the Iraq invasion\u00a0seemed more contrived than heartfelt. She certainly never really grasped the historical lesson of Iraq, that regime change often leads to unintended and undesirable outcomes.\r\nIran is stronger and more of a menace because of the Iraq War. Iraq became a vacuum and then a sectarian-divided country closely aligned with Iran. If Clinton ever absorbed this lesson, it was not apparent given her continued advocacy for regime change in Libya and Syria.\r\nRegardless of when Trump first opposed the Iraq War, he without question vocalized his opposition consistently throughout the campaign and drew clear conclusions that regime change often doesn\u2019t make America safer, that nation-building is expensive and frequently\u00a0doesn\u2019t work, and that, in Syria, regime change is\u00a0likely to make ISIS stronger. Clinton never got one iota of the lesson of the Iraq War, and those of us who want war to be the last resort are lucky that she\u00a0will never be president.\r\nTrump needs a secretary of state who supports his domestic agenda as well. He won\u2019t be able to rebuild America if we continue to spend billions rebuilding other countries at the same time. Most Americans get this: there is not enough money to build bridges abroad and rebuild at home.\r\nThe U.S. has spent over $100 billion on infrastructure in Afghanistan, including $80 million on a Clinton disaster of an embassy in Mazar-e Sharif that will never be occupied because the State Department ignored every security restriction and\u00a0built a facility so unsafe that personnel refused to move in. The Obama Pentagon also spent $45 million building a natural gas fueling\u00a0station in Afghanistan, a country that did\u00a0not have a single vehicle that runs\u00a0on natural gas.\r\nDonald Trump needs a secretary of state who understands that we can\u2019t build nations abroad and have enough money to rebuild our own nation. Both Trump\u2019s foreign policy and domestic policy depend on him picking someone who has fully learned the historic lesson of the Iraq War: regime change and nation-building don\u2019t work and cost too much.\r\nTrump should be Trump and pick a secretary of state who will put America first.\r\nhttp://rare.us/story/rand-paul-trump-should-pick-a-secretary-of-state-who-understands-that-iraq-was-a-debacle/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=614187FE-B0CE-4801-8E92-0F4CA6F03DF6", "Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following statement on Cuba and the passing of Fidel Castro:\r\n\u201cWhile Fidel Castro is gone, sadly the oppression that was the hallmark of his era is not. It is my hope that the Cuban regime will use this opportunity to turn the page for the good of the Cuban people and for all those living in the Americas. Freedom and democracy are long overdue in Cuba.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=17C8674E-3EA4-47DB-8293-4E7FDC7B6393", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Betsy DeVos", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE, KY \u2013 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement on President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education:\r\n\u201cI fully support President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary. Betsy has a proven track record of important work to improve the lives of children across the country. She is an outstanding choice to implement the recently passed bipartisan K-12 education reforms that were signed into law and ensure that children, and not politics, remain the focus of education policies during the incoming administration.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-betsy-devos", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Betsy DeVos", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Betsy DeVos \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Betsy has a proven track record of important work to improve the lives of children across the country.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t LOUISVILLE, KY  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education: \r\n\r\nI fully support President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary. Betsy has a proven track record of important work to improve the lives of children across the country. She is an outstanding choice to implement the recently passed bipartisan K-12 education reforms that were signed into law and ensure that children, and not politics, remain the focus of education policies during the incoming administration.\r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEducation,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNominations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thanksgiving-2016", "Thanksgiving 2016", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Thanksgiving 2016 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t 'We ask God to continue to provide for our needs, to watch over our country, and to protect in a special way those whose work in defending our freedoms will keep them far from home this day.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following video message in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday on November 24th:\r\n  \r\nPresident George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving holiday back in 1789.\r\nThis November, Americans will once again come together in celebration of this uniquely American tradition.\r\nOn Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude for the blessings we enjoy, the freedoms we cherish, and the loved ones who enrich our lives.\r\nWe ask God to continue to provide for our needs, to watch over our country, and to protect in a special way those whose work in defending our freedoms will keep them far from home this day.\r\nI hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHistory\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=BBC19EBC-5993-4119-8983-291C2F93FE8C", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of November 14, 2016", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell\u2019s eNewsletter - - Week of November 14,\u00a02016\r\n  \r\n Senator McConnell Unanimously Elected to Serve as Majority Leader for the 115th Congress \r\n McConnell Grateful for Support of Colleagues and American People \r\nEarlier this week, Senator Mitch McConnell was unanimously re-elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Leader for the 115th Congress. Senator McConnell is only the second Kentuckian to lead his party in the U.S. Senate.\u00a0 The other Senator from Kentucky to serve as party leader was Alben Barkley.\r\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader McConnell said, \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to once again have been chosen by my colleagues to continue serving as their leader. I know I speak for each of my Republican colleagues in expressing my gratitude to the American people for entrusting us with this majority. We are eager to work with House Republicans and President-elect Trump to bring the national and economic security our nation is asking for.\u201d\r\n On Wednesday, the Senate GOP\u00a0leadership team for the next Congress hosted a media stakeout in the U.S. Capitol.  \r\nAlso this week, in his office in the U.S. Capitol, Senator Mitch McConnell congratulated and welcomed the newest GOP member of the Senate, Senator-elect Todd Young\u00a0of Indiana.\r\n\r\nOn Friday, Kentucky Today published an editorial regarding Senator McConnell's leadership:\r\n\"Mitch McConnell never loses focus of the fact that Kentuckians sent him to Washington to do a job. He\u2019s proven himself to be a real workhorse in the U.S. Senate. And his re-election this week as Senate majority leader only strengthens his ability to get things done. Over the past three decades, McConnell has accomplished much, including helping to build and enhance the infrastructure needed for the state to prosper. He\u2019s had a hand in every major transportation project in the state since first elected in 1984, whether roads and bridges or river locks and airports.\"\r\nClick HERE for the full Kentucky Today editorial.\r\n\r\n McConnell: Important Work Ahead \r\n 'We still have\u00a0work to do \u2013 and with cooperation from both sides, we\u2019ll get it done.' \r\nThroughout the week, Senator McConnell spoke on the Senate floor\u00a0about the\u00a0remaining agenda items of the current Congress and the next, saying, \u201cIt\u2019s been a busy and exciting week as we\u2019ve welcomed new members, assembled our leadership teams for the 115th Congress, and gotten to work on important issues...So we\u2019ve all got some work to do. Let\u2019s work together to finish up the business of this Congress as we begin looking forward to the next.\u201d\r\n Click the image below to view the Senator's floor remarks.  \r\nFollow Senator McConnell's press offices on Twitter at @McConnellPress and @SenateMajLeader to stay up to date on the latest on what is happening with legislation in the Senate.\r\n McConnell Comments on Surgeon General\u2019s Report on Opioid Epidemic in America \r\n Senators McConnell,\u00a0Markey\u00a0Requested The Report In Bipartisan Effort \r\nOn Thursday, Senator McConnell commented regarding the release of the Surgeon General\u2019s Report: \u201cFacing Addiction in America.\u201d Last year, Senators McConnell and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) called on the Department of Health and Human Services to issue the report. The following excerpt\u00a0is from a WFIE-TV newscast in Owensboro, Ky.:\r\n\"A new government report calls attention to a national public health crisis - drug and alcohol addiction...Now this is the first time a Surgeon General's report has focused on\u00a0drug and alcohol addiction.\u00a0Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was one of the people who called for this report last year...he was pleased to see the report highlight community-based prevention, saying, 'Kentucky has seen a rise of opioid additctions and deaths recently'\u00a0and he\u00a0calls coordinated efforts\u00a0important and effective. Senator McConnell\u00a0also praised the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act passed earlier this year. He says he\u00a0will use his position to work across the aisle to fix this problem.\"\r\nClick HERE to read more from Berea Online News in Madison County, Kentucky.\r\n  McConnell: Election Brought Hope, Renewal, Repudiation of Obama\u2019s Liberal Reign \r\nOn Tuesday, the Lexington Herald-Leader published Senator McConnell's latest column:\r\n\"It\u2019s well known in Washington that President Obama failed to extend outreach in any significant way to most members of Congress, even many in his own party. As the Obama years conclude, it\u2019s clear that was one of his biggest failings.\r\n\"Soon we will have a new president. I look forward to Congress working with President-elect Donald Trump to finally achieve significant reforms, including the repeal of Obamacare, tax relief to stimulate economic growth and jobs, and the rollback of a War on Coal that has left many Kentuckians out of work. And President Trump will appoint to the Supreme Court a justice who, like the late Antonin Scalia, recognizes that the judiciary\u2019s role is to interpret the Constitution, not legislate from the bench.\r\n\"The election of Donald Trump sends a clear message to the establishment in Washington: it\u2019s no longer business as usual. After eight years of a White House committed to a left-wing ideological agenda, Americans voted for something very different.\" \r\nClick HERE to read the Senator's full column.\r\nLast week, Senator McConnell\u00a0hosted President-elect Donald Trump, his wife Melania, and\u00a0Vice President-elect Mike Pence for a meeting in his Capitol office.\r\n\r\nThis week, Senator McConnell welcomed back to his office in the U.S. Capitol, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, for a productive meeting discussing issues important in moving America forward.\r\n Click the image below to view a Facebook\u00a0slide show of their meeting.  \r\n In the Media \r\nFollowing last week's election, Senator McConnell addressed a number\u00a0topics with\u00a0local media in Louisville, Kentucky. Click the image below to view news coverage\u00a0from WDRB-TV.\r\n\r\nThis week, Senator McConnell joined hosts, Greg Dunker on Paducah's WKYX-Radio, Leland Conway on Louisville's 84WHAS-Radio, and Alan Watts\u00a0on Cadiz's WKDZ-Radio, for interviews regarding\u00a0President-elect Trump's victory, goals for his administration, the Supreme Court vacancy, repealing Obamacare.\r\n\r\n\r\n Visiting Washington, D.C. \r\n\r\nEvery week, many Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth visit\u00a0Senator McConnell's\u00a0office in the U.S. Capitol. If you\u2019re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please check out Senator McConnell's\u00a0website\u00a0and visit his office while you are in town. Also, the Senator\u2019s office has information on tours, places to visit and local restaurants to help make your trip to the nation\u2019s capital one to remember.\r\n Keeping Up With Senator McConnell \r\nKeep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell\u2019s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0page and following on Instagram at\u00a0@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell\u2019s Press Office by following on Twitter at\u00a0@McConnellPress.\r\nFor a more behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Instagram.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nGet this newsletter delivered to your inbox by signing up\u00a0HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority-leader-mcconnells-statement-on-senator-jeff-sessions-", "Majority Leader McConnells Statement on Senator Jeff Sessions", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Majority Leader McConnell's Statement on Senator Jeff Sessions  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t I strongly support the President-elect's intention to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions to be the next United States Attorney General. Jeff is principled, forthright, and hardworking. He cares deeply about his country and the Department he will be nominated to lead.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump's intention to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions for United State Attorney General:\r\nI strongly support the President-elect's intention to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions to be the next United States Attorney General. Jeff is principled, forthright, and hardworking. He cares deeply about his country and the Department he will be nominated to lead. As a senator, he has worked tirelessly to safeguard the public and to improve the lives of Americans from all walks of life. Whether it was collaborating with our colleague Senator Durbin to reduce sentencing disparities for certain drug offenses, teaming up with the late Senator Ted Kennedy on landmark legislation to combat sexual assault in prison, or his many other achievements, Jeff has always looked out for the safety, security and freedoms of his constituents and the nation.\r\nI look forward to the Senate's fair and expeditious treatment of our colleague's forthcoming nomination, just as it promptly processed President Obama's first Attorney General nomination, which concluded with a timely up or down vote. \r\nBackground: The Senate will consider nominations in a thorough and timely manner as it does its part to ensure a smooth transition between administrations. Additional details and scheduling announcements regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the committee of jurisdiction.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CE5F86BF-A223-40B9-B7AB-EA06F74E8070", "Rogers' Statement on U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, released the following statement regarding U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. The report is available online at https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov. \"U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health fulfills a promise he made to release the first-ever report of its kind earlier this year at Operation UNITE's National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit. Thanks to UNITE, we are discussing addiction beyond the borders of southern and eastern Kentucky, helping the rest of the country realize this is a national epidemic. \"Everyday, 78 Americans die from an opioid-related overdose, according to the CDC, and we need to do more to save lives. I applaud the Surgeon General for releasing this comprehensive report to address the scope of the problem, including the risks of increased marijuana use nationwide. He highlighted important solutions for addiction prevention, treatment and recovery, so together, we can do a better job of facing addiction.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7B37B909-0536-4071-90E4-289DEBF79E8B", "McConnell: Important Work Ahead", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding remaining agenda items of the current Congress:\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a busy and exciting week as we\u2019ve welcomed new members, assembled our leadership teams for the 115th Congress, and gotten to work on important issues.\r\n\u201cToday we\u2019ll have the opportunity to take up a bill that\u2019s particularly important for Gulf Coast states like Louisiana.\r\n\u201cSenator Cassidy has been a leader on this issue, and I appreciate the work he\u2019s done to bring this measure up for a vote.\r\n\u201cSometime this session we will also take up an extension of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act which passed the House overwhelmingly.\r\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill, which provides the basis for any sanctions which may be re-imposed on Iran, is critical given the belligerent behavior exhibited by Tehran since the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. I expect we\u2019ll pass it on an overwhelming bipartisan basis here too.\r\n\u201cDiscussions are also ongoing about how to fund the government and for how long, as I noted yesterday. I\u2019ll have more to say on this issue as more details are available.\r\n\u201cSo we\u2019ve all got some work to do. Let\u2019s work together to finish up the business of this Congress as we begin looking forward to the next.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8E281146-1ADE-4366-92C9-5247D0EF4DD8", "McConnell Comments on Surgeon Generals Report on Opioid Epidemic in America", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell commented today regarding the release of the Surgeon General\u2019s Report: \u201cFacing Addiction in America.\u201d Last year, Senators McConnell and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) called on the Department of Health and Human Services to issue the report.\r\nCurrently, drug overdoses claim 104 Kentuckians per month and 129 lives across America each day. Kentucky is among one of the hardest-hit states, claiming a record 1,248 lives last year. \u201cWith the alarming rise of opioid-related addictions and deaths in Kentucky and across the country, I was pleased to see this report highlight community-based prevention programs as being highly effective and encourages the importance of coordinated efforts to fight the epidemic,\u201d Senator McConnell said.\r\nThe report finds that medications can be effective in treating opioid abuse, however the number of practicing physicians that offer these medications are lacking. It acknowledges the measures in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) \u2013 passed and signed into law earlier this year \u2013 are important steps in helping fight the opioid epidemic.\r\n\u201cThe implementation of CARA will help tackle the prescription opioid and heroin crisis by increasing prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts at the community and federal levels and it expands treatment by giving prescribing authority to nurse practitioners and physician assistants to administer medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction. In the end, the report confirms that more needs to be done and as Majority Leader, I will continue to work with Senator Markey and others on our bipartisan efforts to fight this tragic epidemic,\u201d Senator McConnell added.A copy of the letter Senators McConnell and Markey sent to HHS can be found HERE. A copy of the Surgeon General\u2019s Report is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=42C75721-9D86-4FB1-8910-BDC54426B00A", "Senate Republican Conference Elects Leadership for 115th Congress", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 This morning the Senate Republican Conference elected its leadership team for the 115th Congress: Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as Senate Republican leader, John Cornyn (R-Texas) as Senate Republican whip, John Thune (R-S.D.) as Senate Republican Conference chairman, John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) as Senate Republican Policy Committee chairman, Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) as Senate Republican Conference vice chairman, and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to once again have been chosen by my colleagues to continue serving as their leader,\u201d said Sen. McConnell. \u201cI know I speak for each of my Republican colleagues in expressing my gratitude to the American people for entrusting us with this majority. We are eager to work with House Republicans and President-elect Trump to bring the national and economic security our nation is asking for.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful for the privilege to again help lead my colleagues and build on the progress we\u2019ve been able to make over the last two years in the Majority,\u201d Sen. Cornyn said. \u201cThe hallmark Texas principles of limited government and individual liberty will continue to guide me as we work with the new Republican Administration to chart a new direction for the country.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m honored my colleagues re-elected me to serve as chair of the Senate Republican Conference,\u201d said Sen. Thune. \u201cThe Republican-led Congress will work with President-elect Trump and our colleagues across the aisle to continue the work we began two years ago to improve Americans\u2019 economic security and protect our nation. We have a lot of work to do, and we look forward to bringing our country together to address the big challenges we face.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to lead a unified Republican Policy Committee. We plan to move quickly to support our conference and to work closely with the new administration,\u201d said Sen. Barrasso. \u201cThere are clearly policy areas that will be high on the list for the new Congress. Jobs, the economy, protecting our homeland and dismantling Obamacare will drive much of the agenda. It is critical during those first 100 days that we get the policy right.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that the American people have returned a Republican majority to the Senate to continue advancing their priorities,\u201d said Sen. Blunt. \u201cNow more than ever, it is critical that we maintain an open and robust dialogue with the American people about the challenges they\u2019re facing and what we\u2019re doing to address them. I thank my colleagues for this opportunity, and look forward to continuing our efforts to expand our digital reach, meet people where they are, and help bring this country together.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am excited about this expanded opportunity to serve Coloradans and make their voice heard on a larger stage. I am honored to have the confidence of the other Republican Senators to take on this leadership role and I won\u2019t let them down,\u201d said Sen. Gardner.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=68BC0C9E-FB59-4243-B3B4-C7CFC881CD0F", "McConnell Grateful for Support of Colleagues and American People", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the 115th Congress:\r\n\u201cThis morning our conference came together to select the Republican leadership team for the 115th Congress.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to have been chosen once again by my colleagues to continue serving as leader.\r\n\u201cI know I speak for every Republican Senator in expressing gratitude to the American people for entrusting us with this majority.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a great responsibility, and one that we do not take lightly.\r\n\u201cI want to recognize Senator Schumer and the new members of his team as well.\r\n\u201cLeading a party, any party, in the Senate is no easy task. Our colleague from New York has got a tough job ahead of him. But he\u2019s pretty tough too. I send him my congratulations.\r\n\u201cRegardless of party though, one thing is clear: We\u2019ve got work to do and I know each of us is eager to get started.\r\n\u201cThat includes Senator-elect Todd Young from Indiana.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve had the opportunity to spend time with him again this week and congratulate him on his impressive victory.\r\n\u201cIt was a hard-fought race and he should be proud of the outstanding campaign he ran.\r\n\u201cOf course my friend Senator Dan Coats leaves behind some pretty big shoes to fill \u2014 and I\u2019ll have more to say about that later \u2014 but I\u2019m confident Senator-elect Young is up to the task.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re all looking forward to him joining us on this side of the Capitol come January.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-sen-rand-paul-msnbc-you-want-your-chief-diplomat-be-diplomat/", "ICYMI: Sen. Rand Paul on MSNBC: \u2018You Want Your Chief Diplomat To Be A Diplomat\u2019", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul joined MSNBC\u2019s \u201cMorning Joe\u201d to continue discussing his opposition to the consideration of former Ambassador John Bolton for Secretary of State. During the interview, he explained the importance of appointing someone with a \u201crealist\u201d point of view on foreign policy, as well as the need for our country\u2019s \u201cchief diplomat to be a diplomat, not a bomb thrower.\u201d\n\nSen. Paul also discussed the potential selection of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to the position.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL ON MSNBC\u2019s \u201cMORNING JOE\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-sen-rand-paul-on-msnbc-you-want-your-chief-diplomat-to-be-a-diplomat", "ICYMI: Sen. Rand Paul on MSNBC: 'You Want Your Chief Diplomat To Be A Diplomat'", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.16\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Sen. Rand Paul on MSNBC: 'You Want Your Chief Diplomat To Be A Diplomat' \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0This morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul joined MSNBC\u2019s \u201cMorning Joe\u201d to continue discussing his opposition to the consideration of former Ambassador John Bolton for Secretary of State. During the interview, he explained the importance of appointing someone with a \u201crealist\u201d point of view on foreign policy, as well as the need for our country\u2019s \u201cchief diplomat to be a diplomat, not a bomb thrower.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSen. Paul also discussed the potential selection of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to the position.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL ON MSNBC\u2019s \u201cMORNING JOE\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=FABB1499-A717-4877-BF0E-AB2B08A559FC", "Election Brought Hope, Renewal, Repudiation of Obamas Liberal Reign", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Printed by the Lexington Herald-Leader \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tThe Herald-Leader\u2019s Jamie Lucke paints a dark picture of America at the conclusion of this year\u2019s presidential campaign. She grimly describes our country as \u201ca nation left tarnished and torn.\u201d But when I examine the results of this election, I don\u2019t see that. Instead, I see democracy at work \u2014 and I see a resounding repudiation of the last eight years of failed liberal policies, many of which were imposed on the American people against their will.\r\nHer op-ed also seems to misunderstand our federal government\u2019s system of shared powers. When Congress is controlled by one party and the White House by another, it takes cooperation from both sides to achieve bipartisan accomplishments.\r\nIt\u2019s been done before, to great success. President Ronald Reagan worked with Democratic leaders in Congress to pass bold tax and Social Security reform. And a Republican Congress worked with President Bill Clinton to pass groundbreaking welfare reform.\r\nIf President Obama had been genuinely interested in achieving historic reforms in a bipartisan manner, he had his chance. The president is in a unique position to help bring his party to the table in cooperation. And he\u2019s the only one who can sign what Congress passes.\r\nBut this president took a different course. His signature piece of legislation, Obamacare, was rammed through on a party-line vote (on Christmas Eve, no less). The same goes for other major legislative efforts of the Obama era, like the economic stimulus and Dodd-Frank. Most were done on a partisan basis. It\u2019s no coincidence that all three have failed or proven disastrous.\r\nAfter appeasing his left flank, President Obama abandoned any efforts to cooperate with Republicans. He spent most of his presidency pursuing an ideological agenda that had no chance of passing, and waging a nonstop campaign against Congress. Now, as he prepares to leave office, it\u2019s clear that strategy didn\u2019t work.\r\nThere were a few important bipartisan accomplishments over the last eight years \u2014 but the president didn\u2019t play a major role in brokering them. I know, because I was there, and I did.\r\nVice President Joe Biden and I held productive negotiations on major legislation: In 2010, we reached a deal to extend the Bush tax relief rates. In 2011, we reached an accord on the Budget Control Act, to help restore America\u2019s fiscal sanity and avoid a government default. And in 2012, we successfully steered the nation away from the \u201cfiscal cliff\u201d by preventing a tax increase and calling for more sensible spending cuts.\r\nThe vice president made for an able negotiating partner \u2014 he was more interested in accomplishing something for the good of the country than in ideological purity. I can\u2019t say the same for the current president. He had little interest in reaching across the aisle to work with Republicans.\r\nIt\u2019s well known in Washington that President Obama failed to extend outreach in any significant way to most members of Congress, even many in his own party. As the Obama years conclude, it\u2019s clear that was one of his biggest failings.\r\nSoon we will have a new president. I look forward to Congress working with President-elect Donald Trump to finally achieve significant reforms, including the repeal of Obamacare, tax relief to stimulate economic growth and jobs, and the rollback of a War on Coal that has left many Kentuckians out of work.\r\nAnd President Trump will appoint to the Supreme Court a justice who, like the late Antonin Scalia, recognizes that the judiciary\u2019s role is to interpret the Constitution, not legislate from the bench.\r\nThe election of Donald Trump sends a clear message to the establishment in Washington: it\u2019s no longer business as usual. After eight years of a White House committed to a left-wing ideological agenda, Americans voted for something very different.\r\nThe people of Kentucky certainly voted for change as well \u2014 overwhelmingly so. It\u2019s sad but not surprising that once again, this newspaper is out of step with its readers.\r\nI meet with constituents across the state, and I know they don\u2019t feel the recent election has left America \u201ctarnished and torn.\u201d They believe that much-needed change in Washington will bring hope and renewal, to our state and our nation. And so do I.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B344B3F6-E3C8-4653-AE2B-E0210F94D999", "McConnell Welcomes Senate Back to Work", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding wrapping up the 114th Congress: \u201dWe\u2019ve had a regularly scheduled election in this country every two years since 1788, right on time. This year\u2019s campaign was long and it was tough. I think everyone\u2019s glad it\u2019s over. I think Americans are ready to come together and move the country forward.\r\n\u201cAs President Obama reminded us, \u2018[We're] all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We're patriots first.\u2019\r\n\u201cAnd now, as he put it, we are all rooting for the president-elect\u2019s success in uniting and leading the country.\r\n\u201cI again want to congratulate President-elect Trump on his victory. I again want to thank the American people for placing their trust in this Senate majority and in the House majority too.\r\n\u201cSpeaker Ryan and I had productive discussions with the president-elect last week. We\u2019re both looking forward to working with him.\r\n\u201cBut first, there is work to be done in the current session of the Senate.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ll welcome some new members \u2014 beginning with orientation this week.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ll bid farewell to some dear colleagues.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ll finish the work that remains before us.\r\n\u201cSo welcome back everyone.\r\n\u201cWe still have some work to do \u2013 and with some cooperation from both sides, we\u2019ll get it done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-sen-rand-paul-discusses-consideration-bolton-giuliani-sec-state/", "ICYMI: Sen. Rand Paul Discusses Consideration of Bolton, Giuliani for Sec. of State", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul appeared on CNN\u2019s \u201cWolf\u201d with Wolf Blitzer to talk about his opposition to the consideration of former Ambassador John Bolton for Secretary of State. Sen. Paul explained why Bolton, a well-known supporter of the Iraq War and regime change, does not represent President-Elect Trump\u2019s promise of change and would be \u201ctotally unfit\u201d to be Secretary of State.\n\nSen. Paul also discussed the potential selection of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to the position.\n\nYou can read Sen. Paul\u2019s op-ed from today on this issue HERE.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL ON CNN\u2019s \u201cWOLF\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:07:19Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/article/rare-op-ed-will-donald-trump-betray-voters-by-hiring-john-bolton", "Rare Op-Ed: Will Donald Trump betray voters by hiring John Bolton?", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rare Op-Ed: Will Donald Trump betray voters by hiring John Bolton? \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nTuesday, November 15, 2016\n\t\nRumors are that Donald Trump might pick John Bolton for Secretary of State. Heaven forbid.\u00a0\r\nOne of the things I occasionally liked about the President-elect was his opposition to the Iraq war and regime change. He not only grasped the mistake of that war early, but also seemed to fully understand how it disrupted the balance of power in the Middle East and even emboldened Iran.\r\nWe liberated Iraq, but today their best friend is Iran, their second greatest ally is Russia, and their third strongest alliance is with Syria. Trump really seems to get the lesson. Hillary Clinton never did.\r\nMost importantly right now, John Bolton never learned and never will.\u00a0\r\nBolton is a longtime member of the failed Washington elite that Trump vowed to oppose, hell-bent on repeating virtually every foreign policy mistake the U.S. has made in the last 15 years \u2014 particularly those Trump promised to avoid as president.\u00a0\r\nJohn Bolton more often stood with Hillary Clinton and against what Donald Trump has advised.\u00a0\r\nNone of this is secret. It\u2019s all out there. Perhaps the incoming administration should take a closer look.\r\nBolton was one of the loudest advocates of overthrowing Saddam Hussein and still stupefyingly insists it was the right call 13 years later. \u201cI still think the decision to overthrow Saddam was correct,\u201d Bolton said just last year.\u00a0\r\nTrump, rightly, believes that decision was a colossal mistake that destabilized the region. \u201cIraq used to be no terrorists,\u201d Trump said in 2015. \u201c(N)ow it\u2019s the Harvard of terrorism.\u201d\r\n\u201cIf you look at Iraq from years ago, I\u2019m not saying he was a nice guy, he was a horrible guy,\u201d Trump said of Saddam Hussein, \u201cbut it was a lot better than it is right now.\u201d\u00a0\r\nTrump has said U.S. intervention in Iraq in 2003 \u201chelped to throw the region into chaos and gave ISIS the space it needs to grow and prosper.\u201d In contrast, Bolton has said explicitly that he wants to repeat Iraq-style regime change in Syrian and Iran.\r\nYou can\u2019t learn from mistakes if you don\u2019t see mistakes.\u00a0\r\nTrump has blamed George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for helping to create ISIS \u2014 but should add John Bolton to that list, who essentially agreed with all three on our regime change debacles.\r\nIn 2011, Bolton bashed Obama \u201cfor his refusal to directly target Gaddafi\u201d and declared, \u201cthere is a strategic interest in toppling Gaddafi\u2026 But Obama missed it.\u201d In fact, Obama actually took Bolton\u2019s advice and bombed the Libyan dictator into the next world. Secretary of State Clinton bragged, \u201cWe came, we saw, he died.\u201d\r\nWhen Trump was asked last year if Libya and the region would be more stable today with Gaddafi in power, he replied \u201c100 percent.\u201d Mr. Trump is 100 percent right.\u00a0\r\nNo man is more out of touch with the situation in the Middle East or more dangerous to our national security than Bolton.\u00a0\r\nAll nuance is lost on the man. The fact that Russia has had a base in Syria for 50 years doesn\u2019t deter Bolton from calling for all out, no holds barred war in Syria. Bolton criticized the current administration for offering only a tepid war. For Bolton, only a hot-blooded war to create democracy across the globe is demanded.\u00a0\r\nWoodrow Wilson would be proud, but the parents of our soldiers should be mortified. War should be the last resort, never the first. War should be understood to be a hell no one wishes for. Dwight Eisenhower understood this when he wrote, \u201cI hate war like only a soldier can, the stupidity, the banality, the futility.\u201d\u00a0\r\nBolton would not understand this because, like many of his generation, he used every privilege to avoid serving himself. Bolton said, with the threat of the Vietnam draft over his head, that \u201che had no desire to die in a Southeast Asian rice paddy.\u201d But he\u2019s seems to be okay with your son or daughter dying wherever his neoconservative impulse leads us: \u201cEven before the Iraq War, John Bolton was a leading brain behind the neoconservatives\u2019 war-and-conquest agenda,\u201d notes The American Conservative\u2019s Jon Utley.\r\nAt a time when Americans thirst for change and new thinking, Bolton is an old hand at failed foreign policy.\u00a0\r\nThe man is a menace.\u00a0\r\nOur Constitution and our founding fathers were explicit war was not to be fought without the permission of Congress. No matter which party occupies the White House, I will not shrink from my constitutional duty to oppose any advocate for war.\r\nThe true statesmen realizes, with reluctance, that war is sometimes necessary but as a country, we should resist any would-be leader who wants to bomb now and think later.\u00a0\r\nPresident-elect Donald Trump campaigned on changing our disastrous foreign policy. To appoint John Bolton would be a major first step toward breaking that promise.\u00a0\r\nhttp://rare.us/story/rand-paul-will-donald-trump-betray-voters-by-hiring-john-bolton/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-sen-rand-paul-discusses-consideration-of-bolton-giuliani-for-sec-of-state", "ICYMI: Sen. Rand Paul Discusses Consideration of Bolton, Giuliani for Sec. of State", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.16\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Sen. Rand Paul Discusses Consideration of Bolton, Giuliani for Sec. of State \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul appeared on CNN\u2019s \u201cWolf\u201d with Wolf Blitzer to talk about his opposition to the consideration of former Ambassador John Bolton for Secretary of State. Sen. Paul explained why Bolton, a well-known supporter of the Iraq War and regime change, does not represent President-Elect Trump\u2019s promise of change and would be \u201ctotally unfit\u201d to be Secretary of State.\r\nSen. Paul also discussed the potential selection of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to the position.\u00a0\r\nYou can read Sen. Paul\u2019s op-ed from today on this issue\u00a0HERE.\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL ON CNN\u2019s \u201cWOLF\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1662", "House Passes Guthrie Bill to Help Local Industry", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act (H.R. 985), a bill introduced by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) to allow the concrete masonry industry to conduct research, education, and promotion regarding their products.  \u00a0  \u201cBecause of the nature of concrete products and the difficulty of transporting them, concrete masonry businesses tend to be small, local, and deeply entwined in their communities,\u201d said Congressman Guthrie, who spoke on the House floor to encourage members to support H.R. 985. \u201cOften, these small businesses do not have the resources needed for research and development of safer and more durable products to use in building construction.\u201d  \u00a0  H.R. 985 will allow the industry to create a commodity check-off program that would allow for nationwide cooperation and accelerated job growth in almost every congressional district. By allowing concrete block producers to pool their resources, manufacturers and the communities they serve will benefit from greater energy efficiency, increased safety, and additional marketing options.  \u00a0  \u201cI want to thank the 247 cosponsors of H.R. 985, and I appreciate the strong bipartisan support from my colleagues for this important bill,\u201d added Congressman Guthrie after the bill passed the House 355-38.  \u00a0  See below for the text of Congressman Guthrie\u2019s remarks on the House floor.  \u00a0  \u201cMr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 985, the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015, which I was proud to co-author with Congresswoman Kathy Castor.  \u00a0  \u201cBecause of the nature of concrete products and the difficulty of transporting them, concrete masonry businesses tend to be small, local, and deeply entwined in their communities \u2013 and virtually every congressional district is home to at least one. These small businesses do not have the resources needed for research and development of safer,more durable products to use in building construction.  \u00a0  \u201cH.R.985 was developed with extensive constituent involvement and is before us today because of the widespread support of the industry in all corners of the country, . We wouldn\u2019t be here today if not for their support and the bipartisan support of our 247 cosponsors.  \u00a0  \u201cTwo dozen similar industries have benefited from similar programs, which allow commodity industries to pool resources for research, education, and promotion of their non-branded products. You may be familiar with the \u201cGot Milk?\u201d and \u201cPork, the Other White Meat\u201d campaigns \u2013 the result of commodity check-off programs. These programs, which are enormously helpful to individual industries, require Congressional approval.  \u00a0  \u201cH.R. 985, however, is different from previous check-off programs. The bill mandates transparency and accountability through many layers of auditing and reporting, as well as giving every producer \u2013 no matter their size \u2013 an equal vote in the referendum.\u00a0 We have incorporated a number of changes to further improve the bill, including an update from CBO that ensures the bill will result in absolutely no cost to taxpayers.  \u00a0  \u201cI urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R.985, which will have a positive impact in every congressional district.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=CF0A3CAC-AFF6-4FD7-8015-C41180228DBF", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of November 7, 2016", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell\u2019s eNewsletter - - Week of November 7,\u00a02016\r\n\r\nVeterans Day\r\n'For every veteran across this great land: Thank you. Thank you for your service.'\r\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks from his\u00a0leadership office in the U.S. Capitol\u00a0in observance of Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th:\r\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s freedoms were earned by the sacrifices of our nation\u2019s veterans. On this Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women, past and present, who have so valiantly served in uniform. \u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m proud to represent the more than 330,000 veterans who live in Kentucky. I have a simple message for them, and for every veteran across this great land: Thank you. Thank you for your service. Today we pay tribute to you. And we pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our country.\u201d\r\nClick the image below to view the Senator's message. \r\nSenator McConnell: 'Change the Course for America'\r\nOn Wednesday, Senator McConnell hosted a news conference in the U.S. Capitol and discussed Donald Trump's presidential victory, Republicans remaining in the majority in the Senate, and other issues important in moving America forward.\r\nClick the image below to view the Senator's press conference. \r\nFollowing his press conference, Senator McConnell joined\u00a0Terry Meiners on Louisville's\u00a084WHAS-Radio and talked about Trump's victory, goals for his administration, the Supreme Court vacancy, repealing Obamacare, and the Kentucky State\u00a0House\u00a0gaining a\u00a0Republican supermajority\u00a0for the first time in nearly 100 years. Click HERE to listen to the interview.\r\nOn Thursday, Senator McConnell\u00a0hosted President-elect Donald Trump, his wife Melania, and\u00a0Vice President-elect Mike Pence for a meeting in his Capitol office.\r\n\r\nVisiting Washington, D.C.\r\n\r\nEvery week, many Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth visit\u00a0Senator McConnell's\u00a0office in the U.S. Capitol. If you\u2019re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please check out Senator McConnell's\u00a0website\u00a0and visit his office while you are in town. Also, the Senator\u2019s office has information on tours, places to visit and local restaurants to help make your trip to the nation\u2019s capital one to remember.\r\nKeeping Up With Senator McConnell\r\nKeep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell\u2019s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0page and following on Instagram at\u00a0@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell\u2019s Press Office by following on Twitter at\u00a0@McConnellPress.\r\nFor a more behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Twitter and\u00a0@SenateMajLdr\u00a0on Instagram.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nGet this newsletter delivered to your inbox by signing up\u00a0HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=50C2A8A3-183C-472B-A693-E93F15B69C4D", "Veterans Day", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks in observance of Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th:\r\n\r\nThe following is a transcript of the Majority Leader\u2019s message:\r\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s freedoms were earned by the sacrifices of our nation\u2019s Veterans. On this Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women, past and present, who have so valiantly served in uniform.\u201cI\u2019m proud to represent the more than 330,000 Veterans who live in Kentucky. I have a simple message for them, and for every veteran across this great land: Thank you. Thank you for your service. Today we pay tribute to you. And we pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-change-the-course-for-america", "McConnell: Change the Course for America", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.16\n\t\t\t McConnell: Change the Course for America' \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t At News Conference Today, Senate Majority Leader Discusses President-Elect Trump and An Agenda to Move America Forward\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spoke about Donald Trump's presidential victory, Republicans remaining in the majority in the Senate, and other issues at a press conference today. The following are excerpts from the press conference:\r\n\r\nON PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP:\r\nI want to particularly congratulate President-elect Trump. I think we can all agree this is a stunning election. And, clearly an indication, the American people would like to try something new and I know the Speaker shares my view that we would like to see the country go in a different direction and intend to work with him to change courses -- to change the course for America.\r\nON FILLING SUPREME COURT VACANCY:\r\nHe will have an opportunity to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. As you know, I said in February of this year, to a hail of controversy, that I thought it best if the American people decided this appointment to the Supreme Court. I thought I was on pretty firm footing and it had been 80 years since a vacancy created in the middle of a presidential election year was confirmed by the Senate. You'd have to go back to 1888 to find the last time a vacancy on the Supreme Court in the middle of a presidential election year was confirmed by the Senate of the opposite party of the President. And, so the American people have spoken and President Trump, will send us a nominee, I assume, early next year.\r\n\r\nON RETAINING THE SENATE MAJORITY: \r\nI'm really proud of the races that we won. If you look across the country, as all of you know, we had a lot of exposure, 24 of us up, only 10 of our Democrat friends. In a day when the American people clearly were expressing themselves for major change in the vote for president, it's noteworthy that only one or maybe two Senate incumbents were defeated. So I think an appropriate way to look at the Senate races, 18 of the Senate candidates actually ran ahead of the presidential candidate, in other races somewhat behind. Kind of a mixed picture.\r\nBut I think in a day when people were voting for change, they didn't decide they wanted to change the Republican Senate, which I am proud of. And of course, many of our members actually had bipartisan accomplishments to run on. It's distinguished, for example, from the previous Congress where Senator Begich from Alaska never been able to allow -- never had been allowed to other an amendment on a -- on a bill in a whole six-year term.\r\nWe opened the Senate up, we gave people an opportunity to express themselves, to offer their ideas. In the case of several of our members, there were important accomplishments for their states that they were able to talk about during the course of the campaign.\r\n\r\nON WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE: \r\nTo more current and national matters, Senator Schumer called yesterday and offered his cooperation. I said that's certainly what I intended to do and we talked again today, and that's still the view of both of us, that we want to work together and see what we can accomplish for the American people not only in the lame-duck, but beginning next year.\r\nON OBAMACARE:\r\nIt was the single worst piece of legislation among many bad pieces of legislation passed in the first two years of the Obama presidency. The sooner we can go in a different direction, the better.\r\nON VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT PENCE: \r\nWell, we all really like Mike Pence. If you've asked any of us who've served with him, everybody likes him. We all thought it was a great choice that President-Elect Trump made in picking him.\r\n\r\nAnd I've mentioned that to Vice President Pence. And I hope he will attend our Tuesday policy lunches when he's in town and kind of be our liaison between the administration and the Senate, much like Vice President Cheney was.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSupreme Court,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBack to Work,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRestoring the Senate\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/veterans-day-2016", "Veterans Day 2016", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.16\n\t\t\t Veterans Day 2016 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t For every veteran across this great land: Thank you. Thank you for your service.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks in observance of Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th:\r\n  \r\nThe following is a transcript of the Majority Leader's message:\r\nAmerica's freedoms were earned by the sacrifices of our nation's Veterans. On this Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women, past and present, who have so valiantly served in uniform.\r\nI'm proud to represent the more than 330,000 Veterans who live in Kentucky. I have a simple message for them, and for every veteran across this great land: Thank you. Thank you for your service. Today we pay tribute to you. And we pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our country.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAmerica's Military,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FB26BA8C-65DB-48C7-81DE-EF12DDAAC364", "McConnell Statement on the  Presidential Election", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today regarding the Presidential election of Donald J. Trump:\r\n\u201cI congratulate President-elect Trump on his historic election. After eight years of the Obama administration, the American people have chosen a new direction for our nation. President-elect Trump has a significant opportunity to bring our nation together.\u201d \"It is my hope and intent that we succeed in the years ahead by working together with our colleagues across the aisle to strengthen our national and economic security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BD518B0E-C32F-4528-9BF5-AE65341A66C9", "Senator McConnell Comments on Kentucky Election Results", "2016-11-08", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement today regarding the elections in Kentucky:\r\n\u201cTonight is a great night for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I want to congratulate my friend and Senate colleague, Rand Paul, for his resounding victory. I congratulate all of my Republican Congressional colleagues for their victories across the state, and I'm pleased to welcome Jamie Comer, the newest member of Kentucky's Congressional Delegation. In a particular way, I want to thank our many talented Kentucky state House and Senate Republican candidates.\r\n\u201cUntil tonight, Kentucky was the last state in the South with at least one legislative chamber under Democratic control. No longer. By winning the state House, and holding onto the state Senate, a Republican state legislature can work with Governor Bevin to truly move our state forward and enact many long-needed, common-sense reforms that will greatly benefit all Kentuckians. This is a historic win that will soon be felt throughout the Bluegrass State.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6AC03395-7CB4-4F44-B471-EF2040196478", "Gov. Matt Bevin and Congressman Hal Rogers Announce $12.5 Million Grant for Development of Appalachian Wildlife Center in Bell County", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Gov. Matt Bevin and U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) has approved a $12.5 million grant for the development of the Appalachian Wildlife Center in Bell County, Ky.\r\nThe money will fund the wildlife center that, when opened to the public in 2019, would contain a museum of natural and regional history, a theater, a hall dedicated to the natural history of elk, bird watching, an astronomy pavilion and a 15-mile, self-guided scenic loop road for wildlife viewing.\r\nThe center will be located on 19 square miles along the Cumberland River and is expected to attract 638,000 annually visitors by the fifth year of operation.\r\nThe grant is part of the $30 million in federal grant money that was made available from the U.S. government's General Fund through the 2016 AML Pilot program for projects in Appalachian counties that have the potential to create long-term economic benefits. To that end, the Appalachian Wildlife Center is projected to generate more than $1 billion in regional economic activity over the first 10 years of operation.\r\nGov. Matt Bevin, who has called the pilot program a tremendous one-time opportunity for leaders in Appalachian counties to help grow a future for Kentuckians in the region, said he is excited by its vision.\r\nThis pilot program provides an exciting opportunity for our leaders in Appalachian counties, said Gov. Bevin. By leveraging some of Kentucky's greatest competitive advantages  magnificent natural beauty, abundant wildlife and a strong sense of history and place  this program will help to create future opportunities for Kentuckians across the region.\r\nU.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, who worked to secure the funds through the FY 2016 Omnibus appropriations bill, has said the AML pilot project will be a double win for Eastern Kentucky by reclaiming and redeveloping abandoned mine land to spur economic development where it's needed the most.\r\nThe new wildlife center will highlight the natural beauty of our region and provide up-close tours of the thriving wildlife now repopulating our mountains, Congressman Rogers said. It will also promote environmental education and economic development in the heart of the coalfields.\"\r\nThe Center is projected to cost $24 million, and will be developed over a five-year period. Revenues from admission fees and on-site spending are projected to make it financially self-sustaining in the second year of operation, while generating funding for scholarship, research and land conservation programs.\r\nWhile fundraising efforts are ongoing, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced this week that the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation was awarded a $1.8 million grant under the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. The money will be used to install water infrastructure at the future site of the wildlife center.\r\nThe AML Pilot project is a joint effort by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Department for Local Government, the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.\r\nMaking the announcement Tuesday with Gov. Bevin and Congressman Rogers were Charles Snavely, Secretary, Energy and Environment Cabinet, Sandy Dunahoo, Commissioner, Department of Local Government, Greg Johnson, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regina Stivers, Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and Dr. Karen Waldrop, Deputy Commissioner, Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.\r\nBesides the wildlife center, OSMRE has given preliminary approval to a $2.5 million grant for a manufacturing training project by the eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Inc. (eKAMI), a $5 million grant for an industrial park project by the city of Pikeville, and a $500,000 grant for Impact Outdoor Adventures in Clay County for adventure tourism.\r\nBesides the four AML Pilot projects tentatively approved by OSMRE, additional information is being gathered on two other projects that have been sent to OSMRE for consideration.\r\nDavid L. Ledford, Chief Executive Officer of the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation, said the ambitious project will need additional funding, through donations from individuals, foundations and businesses.\r\nThe Center will lead the way in developing and demonstrating ecological restoration and sustainable land uses for coal mines throughout Central Appalachia, Ledford said. The visitors it attracts will demonstrate the value of ecotourism and begin to create that new economic paradigm in Kentucky's elk country.\r\nThe pilot program is part of $90 million in funds that has been set aside for one-time grants to Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to return coal sites to productive uses that will bring new jobs to replace the thousands lost during the downturn of the industry.\r\nWe are encouraging community leaders throughout the region to look at options that will have the best chances of bringing dramatic growth and jobs to Appalachia, said the Cabinet for Economic Development's Acting Secretary Erik Dunnigan. For example, several communities may choose to band together to upgrade industrial sites, including providing the necessary infrastructure and possibly spec buildings, so that companies looking to expand in Kentucky can be up and running quickly.\r\nCounties that are eligible for projects include: Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Greenup, Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, McCreary, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe.\r\nApplication forms for project submittals can be found at AMLPILOT or by calling or emailing Mr. Bob Scott, Director, KY Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601. 502-782-6761, BobF.Scott@ky.gov.\r\nWatch press conference video.\r\nDownload photos and graphics from today's event.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 614, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "KY", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 614, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 500, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 114, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "KY", "label": "KY", "count": 614, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 614, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-01,https~3A~2F~2Fhalrogers~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~3FID~3D6AC03395-7CB4-4F44-B471-EF2040196478", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2016&_next=2016-11-01%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fhalrogers~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~3FID~3D6AC03395-7CB4-4F44-B471-EF2040196478&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 171.74203786998987, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}